Perils of the Salt Road

[Killian]

Hey everyone this is the intro to a game I am hoping to run starting in mid to late January. Please read all the info and then private message me with the Title Salt Road Campaign with your application. Please read both posts including the questionnaire I will reply with an email address you can send it to.

The Salt Road is the main trading route through the kingdom of Viridor. The kindgom itself comprises of the human lands in the centre of the continent and the barony of the Halfling Lands to the west. Viridor XII is the latest of the heriditary line and has kept the peace his forefathers began with the elven forests of Mythriel in his lands and the dwarven kingdom in their mountain fortress of Fyndor. These primary races live in relative peace and unity and free passage is allowed within their lands to some degree. The orcish warbands of the south have been peaceful of late, some of the older generations amoung the humans remember a army marching through to the middle kingdoms where they were routed by a combined alliance of humans elves and dwarves. Of minor historical note is the king's cavalry force sweeping through and killing the Orc Chieftain's personal sorcerer at the Battle of Saltlick.

The village of Saltlick is a welcome rest stop along the road that transports the goods of the sea and far off lands back to King Viridor and likewise the produce of athe main races pass along to be bartered traded and sometimes stolen. The trade route has always been seen as such, though it is known that many centuries ago a contingent of dwarves set up posts here to facilitate trade but subsequently disappeared. Today the village has grown up aroundthe road and the inhabitants survive by selling their services to passing traders and adventurers

Here are a few details about the game:

Begin at 1st level
All characters begin at first level, I will be using D20 ruleset after it seems more stable than 3.5. The game will be D&D 3.5. Character creation will be as follows:
28 Point Buy
Core PHB Races I will allow subraces such as wild elves but I will not allow Drow. There may be an option to have your race altered at some point in the game
Class
You can use PHB, PHB 2 the Complete series and Races of stone wild destiny etc. including alternate class options from those books No Tome of Battle or Psionics (they make my head hurt and my monsters bleed from the eyes)
Traits/Alignment
As per PHB two please choose two traits for your character. I expect these to be followed or informed if you plan to have them change by events. No evil alignments The questionnaire will help decide your alignment but you must have a nee dto place current circumstances above self interests or at least not stab your friends in the back.

Character
This is a tricky one. I love roleplaying, I love complex characters and I love trials flaws and mannerisms. What causes a drain on the party are characters that clearly cannot work in a group or function properly. I do not want a party comprised entirely of LG paladins but at the same time I do not want a group of hooded silent loners, hyper aggressive barbs that chop heads for sideways glances; or bards that sing too loud when not quaffing their weight in beer. Be sensible, the campaign will have you working with others and pursuing goals as a group so please be aware of this when you make your character.

Setting
I am still coming up with some of this but aside from the italics assume standard PHB (Greyhawk) planar system, magical laws and also deities. I am Using PHB deities as a basis and probably won't be adding more but if you wish to play a religious character and want more info let me know. Your characters will all be residents of Saltlick either born there or long time residents and all of you will be just coming of age for your race.

(For Crusader and any others) The setting is High Fantasy and Adventure. Your characters are not adventurers yet but will quickly become one. You will fight, you will also negotiate or solve puzzles or be swept up in events. There will be dungeons and they will be important but to get there you may need a few real world skills and abilities. Healing magic is well known and life certainly isn't cheap but there are roads back from the brink of death.

I do hope that answers most questions. I am looking for 6 players to game regularly on a Wednesday Evening GMT+0 around 6-7PM every 2 weeks for the foreseeable future. I will also keep 2 people on reserve for when more than one person drops out. Game sessions will probably last between 4-5 hours depending on everyone's committments.

[Killian]

Please note that this questionnaire is mandatory but does not replace a character background, it is to ensure a full and well thought out character that I hope you will enjoy as much as the other players and myself enjoy interacting with them. Also if any the questions make you uncomfortable just state such and move on. I recommend this be copied and apsted in a word processor and done at your leisure, once you submit your request to me in a private message i will give you an email address to post your answers. Also, please paste in body of the email I do not open attachments.

Disclaimer: Though most questions will not, the Relationships, Fighting talk and Life before adventuring sections of this questionnaire may affect your character’s starting alignment. That said, most characters will start somewhere in the neutral area, having had few momentous decisions in their lives. A character with a completed questionnaire will receive a bonus xp upon commencement of the campaign. However, “My character doesn’t really care about X” is an acceptable response to “What is your character’s favourite X?”



SECTION A: PREFERENCES

1.What is your character’s favourite;
Colour
Food
Time of day
Smell
Alcoholic beverage
Language
Word
Type of plant
Animal
Mineral
Mathematical theorem
Piece of religious dogma or scripture (Greyhawk pantheon, obscure or otherwise)

2. Describe, briefly, your character’s ideal situation in the world.

3. Where does your character see themselves in ten years time currently?

4. Describe, briefly, your character’s ideal house (place of residence)

5. What doesn’t your character like about themselves? What would they change?



SECTION B: HYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS

Describe your character’s likely actions in the following situations.
1.Your character, and three other PCs, are lost in the wilderness and find a ring of three wishes.
2.Your character returns home to find that a powerful wizard is mind-controlling their home town. However, it is now a utopia.
3.Your character and a friend are walking through a seemingly endless desert. You have a single water skin left, and no means of obtaining more.
4.Your character and a friend are in single figure hit points deep in enemy territory, and your only healing is two clw potions that your character holds. (These will get either one of you to half, or both of you to quarter)
5. Your character returns home to find their house is now being used as a pig farm by a man who has a forgery of the deeds.
6. Your character is eating lunch in the forest, and a mangy looking dog, obviously starving, sidles up and starts making eyes at them.
7. Your character finds the remains of a trader’s caravan. All the traders appear to have been killed by wild animals. However, in a box in one of the carts is an exotic looking purple egg as wide as a man’s waist.
8. A local official is demanding that your character go hunt down some outlaws in the local woods. She’s not going to pay you because she thinks you should do it out of the goodness of your hearts, and says so.
9. Your character discovers that a crazy elf has been poisoning the water supply. However, your character also knows that revealing this may heighten racial tension, and innocents may die.
10. Your character finds their way blocked by a door that is radiating strong evil.



SECTION C: RELATIONSHIPS
(A note: anyone wishing to have their character involved with another PC prior to the campaign should discuss it with the player before mentioning it here. That said, I fully endorse love triangles)
Describe your character’s relationship with their parent(s). Do they talk? Do they remember birthdays?
Describe your character’s attitudes towards romance
Describe your character’s attitudes towards sex (If the answer to both 2 & 3 is “not really interested”, or “would rather read a good book”, please proceed to section D)
Describe your character’s attitude towards the opposite sex
Has your character had boyfriends or girlfriends in the past?
If so, how many? How far did they get? How did it end?
What, if anything, does your character perceive as constituting a relationship? Is a girl that they’ve kissed once their girlfriend?
Does your character see marriage as an impending doom, or something that will happen in a hazy, far-off future?
What, if anything, does your character perceive as cheating?
How badly disfigured/polymorphed would a partner have to be before your character ditched them?
Does your character think that all sex with a nonhumanoid is bestiality? What if they are sentient? Polymorphed? A construct? Where do they draw the line?
Describe, in twenty words or less, your character’s ideal romantic partner. Bonus points if in haiku form.



SECTION D: LIFE BEFORE ADVENTURING
Describe, in detail, your character’s bedroom currently
Now, describe your character’s bedroom when no-one else has bothered to clean it in a month
What kind of shoes does your character wear?
What has been the most terrifying moment in your character’s life to date?
As a child, what kind of hi-jinx was your character likely to get up to when left unsupervised?
As an adolescent, what kind of hi-jinx was your character likely to get up to when left unsupervised?
Did your character pay attention in school? What did they do instead of paying attention? Was your character a bully?
Where does your character spend the most time currently?
Did your character ever have any pets? What happened?
Give a brief overview of important events in your character’s life to date. (Those of you with biographies already needn’t answer this)



SECTION E: FIGHTING TALK
Does your character hold a grudge?
What is the longest standing grudge your character has held?
Has your character ever been provoked into, or provoked a fight with someone? When? Who came out worse for wear?
How easily would your character be provoked into violence?
In what circumstances could your character be provoked into violence?
Does your character regard violence as necessary? Obsolete?
If your character wanted to kill another person in their home town, how would they be likely do it?
How would your character express hatred? How would they treat someone that they hated, socially?
How does your character define forgiveness?
What is the most spiteful thing that your character has ever done? Are they ashamed of it, or do they believe it was justified?



SECTION F: COSMETIC DETAILS
Hair colour? Naturally? Otherwise?
Hairline? Hair length?
Eye colour?
What’s their complexion like? Do they sunburn easily?
Height?
Weight? (Take a rough guess)
Build? (Are they broad shouldered? Wide hipped? Busty?)
What does your character wear on a daily basis? (N.b. Your characters are not adventurers at this point, so no answers of chainmail or traveller’s outfit, please) Describe colours, fit, and generally your character’s fashion sense or lack thereof.

[VenomousFiligree]

Count me in! :)


What causes a drain on the party are characters that clearly cannot work in a group or function properly.

Maybe we should discuss our concepts, prior to putting in a lot of effort, to make sure the Party works out?

[Orphite]

I am definitely up for this. I'll get to work on character creation and the questionairre post haste. Here's to a world of fun :)

[Killian]

Thanks that's a good point feel free to discuss your ideas and how they might meld with a group although your characters are from the same village they do not have to know each other personally but will know in passing, and should have the capacity for working together.

[VenomousFiligree]

So I'm possibly thinking of a Half Orc Druid - mistreated as a child he fled the cruelty of the townsfolk and has been living with nature until recently, when he has made his first foray back to Town. I realise a Half Orc may not go down well in the party, so if that's the case he'll be human instead. :)

[Crusader2010]

Count me in if we can do 7PM GMT+0! I had fun the first tryout session (sorry I couldn't make it to the second). I'll start sending you info soon.

[ButtatakiBuddha]

My character Idea is a warlock who got his powers from a treant he encountered when he was lost and dieing in a forest.

[Blahness98]

Count me in as well.. I can always retool Galen a little bit and make him a little more personable. Or I can do a chain fighter. Been hankering to test one of those out. Or a rogue or whatever the party needs of me.

[Orphite]

I was thinking of playing an elven wizard with a major artistic streak. He wants to adventure so he can become powerful enough to create his own magical worlds/objects of untold beauty.

[Crusader2010]

I'm thinking something with animals, but I don't know what yet. Druid is a good choice I guess (but looks 'taken'), maybe ranger or Spirit Shaman (specialising in summoning). I don't know yet.

What I would like is more info about the campaign. I noticed mention of Greyhawk deities, but what about the mood and stuff like that? Is the game High adventure, grim horror, humorous, none of these, all of these, etc? Will characters actually die (permanently) or be infinitely sheltered by a benevolent hand of the DM? Will there be adult content (erotic, gore, etc) Stuff like that.

I'm asking because it would likely influence my character choice. If we play in a Ravenloft horror I wouldn't play a character I would pick for a high adventure game. While the class and race may the same (probably not), the demeanor would change dramatically.

In other words, we're being asked a lot of questions (which is fine) but I would like an equal amount of information about the game so I can make said character. :)

[Orphite]

Also guys I'm a complete and total beginner at D&D (I played it a few times in my teens but I can't remember a thing about it). I'm reading the PH 3.5 like a fiend but any tips/assistance you can give me will be welcomed with open arms. Cheers. :)

[ButtatakiBuddha]

1) Blahness, you should totally go chain fighter. it is Awesome, but make sure you take feats like improved trip and stuff because those become your greatest asset.

2) Crusader, you can still be a druid, I am far from a druid, and it would be cool to not be the only nature freak in the party. Rangers are ok too.

of course, I am not either of you, so you can do what you want, I just wanted to say that chain fighters and druids are great

[Crusader2010]

Actually MurghBpurn was the one thinking of a half-orc druid. But as I mentioned, I'm far from decided. Plenty of time though. Even if he does go for druid, a spirit shaman with spontaneous summoning (Complete Divine) can take the position of animal friend and still fill a different role then the druid. I'd miss out om some neat things though (like an animal companion) but gain other things that are very cool. I have considered a halfling spirit shaman/stormlord in the past I might try out. But again, I'd love a bit more info before I pick anything.

[VenomousFiligree]

No reason why we can't have two Druids!? Must say it's interesting that we might be having a "nature" theme. Might have to tweak my backstory (but then it's not written yet, so not a problem!! :) )

I'm assuming it's "standard" D&D.

If we don't have a Cleric I can concentrate on healing. At the moment I'm thinking off taking the alternative Spontaneous Rejuvenation and Shapeshift class feats.

[ButtatakiBuddha]

pj. s;dp. ,u vjstsvyrt ytsoyd str vjst,omh smf vs;,. og yjsy jr;[d smupmr/

[VenomousFiligree]

pj. s;dp. ,u vjstsvyrt ytsoyd str vjst,omh smf vs;,. og yjsy jr;[d smupmr/
:eek: :eek:

[Crusader2010]

No reason why we can't have two Druids!? Must say it's interesting that we might be having a "nature" theme. Might have to tweak my backstory (but then it's not written yet, so not a problem!! :) )

I'm assuming it's "standard" D&D.

If we don't have a Cleric I can concentrate on healing. At the moment I'm thinking off taking the alternative Spontaneous Rejuvenation and Shapeshift class feats.

You might wish to look at Spontaneous Healer (Complete Divine 84) as well if you want to enhance your healing prowess. Spontaneous Rejuv is nice for healing the entire party but it's poor for single target healing. Still, if you don't like summoning animals, this is an excellent replacement.

The Shapeshift alternate class feature looks cool as well. Less bookkeeping involved with all the wild shape animal forms. If I wouldn't lose my animal companion I'd pick it in a heartbeat, even if it is not as powerful as wild shape.

I'm looking at the Halfling druid substitution levels myself (Races of the wild 157). Riding my animal companion in battle sound like a lot of fun, but the Undersized Wild shape looks a bit weak. I'd probably only take the first substitution level.

Two druids ain't that bad indeed since they can fill multiple party roles easily. We could perhaps even be related somehow, like be from the same druidic circle. Certainly worth considering.

Right now I'm envisioning this character as a halfling druid who rides his animal companion. I don't know what route to take from there though. The before mentioned stormlord idea is appealing, but I also might want to go down a route where I sacrifice spellcasting to get a powerful animal friend, like beastmaster, wild plains outrider and halfling outrider. Choices, choices.

[VenomousFiligree]

You might wish to look at Spontaneous Healer (Complete Divine 84) as well if you want to enhance your healing prowess. Spontaneous Rejuv is nice for healing the entire party but it's poor for single target healing. Still, if you don't like summoning animals, this is an excellent replacement.
I'm really only thinking that route if we don't get a healer, much as Spontaneous Healer looks good, he'll have no interest in Religion so wouldn't be able to meet the pre-reqs


The Shapeshift alternate class feature looks cool as well. Less bookkeeping involved with all the wild shape animal forms. If I wouldn't lose my animal companion I'd pick it in a heartbeat, even if it is not as powerful as wild shape.
Yeah it's a hard choice to lose the companion


looking at the Halfling druid substitution levels myself (Races of the wild 157). Riding my animal companion in battle sound like a lot of fun, but the Undersized Wild shape looks a bit weak. I'd probably only take the first substitution level.

Two druids ain't that bad indeed since they can fill multiple party roles easily. We could perhaps even be related somehow, like be from the same druidic circle. Certainly worth considering.

Right now I'm envisioning this character as a halfling druid who rides his animal companion. I don't know what route to take from there though. The before mentioned stormlord idea is appealing, but I also might want to go down a route where I sacrifice spellcasting to get a powerful animal friend, like beastmaster, wild plains outrider and halfling outrider. Choices, choices.
Sounds good to me :)

[Orphite]

Guys do you think an elven wizard is too clliched? As a newb I've never played one before but maybe you're all sick of seeing one more arcane adept with a curious mixture of snobbery and exceptional manners. I'll choose someone else if you want.

[Crusader2010]

Just play what you like. Just be prepared that if yer a snobby elf, the halfling's got a prime target for his pranks. :)

[Orphite]

lol I might tone my inflated sense of intellectual superiority down then. Firstly, I can't take a 'slagging', as we Irish call taking the !$#@ out of someone, and secondly I'd like to be group minded, y'know, a team player. Cheers for the go ahead :)

[VenomousFiligree]

Inter party "banter" makes for some good RP moments, however if two PCs don't get on it can be a bit game breaking sometimes (imo). :)

[Orphite]

Hmm, I think I'll play my wizard as underconfident and shy around people, due to spending most of his life around books. That'll make for a more party-minded character, and I don't think I fancy being an ego week after week. It also suits my wizards desire to do nothing on Earth but create sublimely beautiful works of magical art. He could be the insecure artist archetype.

[Orphite]

Inter party "banter" makes for some good RP moments, however if two PCs don't get on it can be a bit game breaking sometimes (imo). :)

I'd like the experience to be close to, I dunno, being trapped in a nightmare dungeon with your closest friends. Yeh there'll be a bit of banter but underneath it there's always a sense of comradery.

[VenomousFiligree]

Yeah it might be worth building in some party friendship before the campaign starts

[Orphite]

The friendship thing sounds like a good idea, although I'm not sure if it fits my character. Socialising doesn't come easy to him, but if you can think of a way he could have a friend but still remain people-inexperienced then I'm for it. If not maybe someone else will take up the idea.

[Orphite]

He's also quite sensitive - perhaps too much so at times. That'll make him kind and thoughtful (ie; good in a group), pain being something he doesn't like dishing out having felt it so much himself.

[VenomousFiligree]

The friendship thing sounds like a good idea, although I'm not sure if it fits my character. Socialising doesn't come easy to him, but if you can think of a way he could have a friend but still remain people-inexperienced then I'm for it. If not maybe someone else will take up the idea.
OK, howabout for the loners (includes my PC too :) ), we assume the characters have had the equivalent of a few gaming sessions under their belt all ready, ie they new each other enough to socialise together even if they aren't warm friends?

Some question for Killian:
Are the lands temperate lands that we're in now and what is the culture similar to (maybe a give a similar real world area)?
And what are the "far off lands" that are traded with like (again maybe a real world example would help)?

[Crusader2010]

As I suggested earlier, we can work out some deeper in-game relations for the whole party. The druids might be part of the same druidic circle and frequent the same grove. The warlock apparently got his powers from a Treant when he was lost and dying in a forest. There's numerous ways the druids can have encountered him. The Ent called them to nurture him back to health or the warlock later visited the druids to learn more about nature (since that's apparently what he got his powers from). Either way over time they can have become friends. The artistic wizard might have come searching for a muse and encountered the druids, who explained him the beauty of the balance of nature.

With a bit of imagination, we can tie everyone into a coherent group. Not all need to be best buddies, but we can at least be mutually respecting acquaintances. And some can be strangers, that's fine. Just share your ideas.

[Blahness98]

Hell everyone knows the town drunk. So there is Galen's in to just about everybody. But if I down play the drunk in him, that may lead to problems. Then again, he is looking at brewing his own alcohol in the future and druids know nature....

So what is the party looking like right now? I have the scythe fighter, sound like 2 druids, a wizard, and a warlock. No real band aid person again? I think druids get heals but they aren't as great as a clerics..

[VenomousFiligree]

I'll have a go at a Cleric as a second choice, if no-one else takes one up, I may go with him...

[Blahness98]

And Orphite,

Like others have said, play what you want. Wizards are fun in general and depending on the spell selection can be awesome. Take for instance my support mage. He was pretty much a buff bot that threw lightning and fireballs when needed. He also was able to make fast transportation for everyone and a secure shelter. That was good fun, but then he got polymorph and turned into a support fighter as a dire lion. Then it was really fun to kill things in melee as a wizard...

[Crusader2010]

Hell everyone knows the town drunk. So there is Galen's in to just about everybody. But if I down play the drunk in him, that may lead to problems. Then again, he is looking at brewing his own alcohol in the future and druids know nature....

So what is the party looking like right now? I have the scythe fighter, sound like 2 druids, a wizard, and a warlock. No real band aid person again? I think druids get heals but they aren't as great as a clerics..

Well, the main problem with a town drunk is that you don't want him around when you need someone to watch your back when a million spiders threaten to eat you, so he gets left home. :p

...same with barbarians stealing all your loot.

[VenomousFiligree]

Well, the main problem with a town drunk is that you don't want him around when you need someone to watch your back when a million spiders threaten to eat you, so he gets left home. :p

...same with barbarians stealing all your loot.
+1 to that! :)

Rather than a cleric, I might go spirit shaman. Maybe a spirit shaman and a druid would provide enough healing..?

[PhilFischer]

When are you guys playing? I might like to sit in and watch.

[Orphite]

And Orphite,

Like others have said, play what you want. Wizards are fun in general and depending on the spell selection can be awesome. Take for instance my support mage. He was pretty much a buff bot that threw lightning and fireballs when needed. He also was able to make fast transportation for everyone and a secure shelter. That was good fun, but then he got polymorph and turned into a support fighter as a dire lion. Then it was really fun to kill things in melee as a wizard...
Thanks a bunch for the go ahead, looks like my reservations about playing a cliched elf-wizard are silenced for good. If that's the same ploymorph that WoW has I'll be having me some A-grade fun.


The artistic wizard might have come searching for a muse and encountered the druids, who explained him the beauty of the balance of nature.

I love this idea. Maybe the druids are from the such-and-such grove in the fabled Such-and-such forest, a wood that is known throughout the lands as being the home of the most beautiful flora and fauna the world possesses. My character just HAD to visit it, being the aesthete he is. In the end he found it so enchanting he decided to live in the nearby town. While in the forest he met the druid/s and had long talks about the beauty of the balance of nature, as you put it. While he is not friends with the druid/s there is definitely a great amount of respect between them: how could my wizard not respect someone who is so keenly attuned to something as beautiful as nature? Me like :)

[VenomousFiligree]

Maybe the druids are from the such-and-such grove in the fabled Such-and-such forest, a wood that is known throughout the lands as being the home of the most beautiful flora and fauna the world possesses.
Well, that might be pushing it a bit! :)

However I'm sure there could be something a fledgling wizard would find of interest in the Grove where we sweep the floor.

ie we are just starting out in life, so probably need to tone down, our expectations! :D

[cyghost]

I'm bringing a monk to the table - not Meander but one of my own making.

Answered all the questions but working on a bio now, so will get that off to our DM some time this year still

:)


When are you guys playing? I might like to sit in and watch.
Early next year sometime, every second Wednesday. No official starting date yet.

[ButtatakiBuddha]

wow, I'm away for a weekend, and I have to read 2 pages. I have a question, are we allowed to use the complete mage? I was thinking of maybe using some of the things from that book. and we are looking pretty mage heavy, would you guys like me to play a bandaid instead?

[gordon_m]

Gerrick the Traveller
Half Orc Cleric

Questionnaire Answered
https://www.gordonmck.co.cc/gerrick.html

[excuse the poor formatting etc]


I had worked on this character concept after discussing the unlikeness of a half-orc cleric. I hadn't realised you guys were thinking along the same lines. If someone else wants to play a cleric, please feel free and I will change Gerrick.

Gordon

[VenomousFiligree]

Gerrick the Traveller
Half Orc Cleric

Questionnaire Answered
https://www.gordonmck.co.cc/gerrick.html

[excuse the poor formatting etc]


I had worked on this character concept after discussing the unlikeness of a half-orc cleric. I hadn't realised you guys were thinking along the same lines. If someone else wants to play a cleric, please feel free and I will change Gerrick.

Gordon
Cool. We have a cleric, and a half orc at that. I'll be playing my Half Orc Druid for sure :)

[gordon_m]

Ah, i played a female half elf cleric in the game so I was going to play that class again. I think i'll have a look at a sorcerer or wizard.

more than one half orc is cool though?

[VenomousFiligree]

My comment was aimed at your PC, we need a cleric!! I had previously mentioned that I might play a cleric if no-one else was.

[gordon_m]

sorry, I'm an idiot! I picked that up totally wrong!

I even went and started another character
https://www.gordonmck.co.cc/largo.html

[ButtatakiBuddha]

that thing is nowhere close to neutral good

[VenomousFiligree]

that thing is nowhere close to neutral good
'tis a bit Scary to be sure! :eek:

[gordon_m]

Quote:
Originally Posted by ButtatakiBuddha
that thing is nowhere close to neutral good
'tis a bit Scary to be sure!

well, halflings are always portrayed as rotund, happy, loveable chaps. I'm all about breaking down stereotypes! :)

Anyway, even the noblest paladin must look fearsome in the midst of a fight to the death.

[Crusader2010]

Anyone know any classes besides druid that can start out with an animal companion a halfling can ride on?

[VenomousFiligree]

Anyone know any classes besides druid that can start out with an animal companion a halfling can ride on?
Go for the Druid!

[VenomousFiligree]

Anyone know any classes besides druid that can start out with an animal companion a halfling can ride on?
This post (https://community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/75882/19871522/The_Handle_Animal_Guide) mentions the Feat - Wild Cohort... (https://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/re/20031118a)

[Crusader2010]

Yea, I probably will.

[VenomousFiligree]

This post (https://community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/75882/19871522/The_Handle_Animal_Guide) mentions the Feat - Wild Cohort... (https://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/re/20031118a)
Hmm I could have Shapeshift Class Feat and Wild Cohort... :)

((Edited original post that bumped the thread))

[Crusader2010]

Ooooh, that's awesome.

[Crusader2010]

With the use of that feat I'm now leaning towards spirit shaman, later taking stormlord.

[VenomousFiligree]

So a quick round up of Character concepts so far:

A Half Orc Druid (MurghBpurn)
A Human Warlock his powers from Nature (ButtatakiBuddha)
A Human Fighter - a drunk (Blahness98)
An Elven Wizard - artistic streak (Orphite)
A Halfling Spirit Shaman - rides his animal companion into battle (Crusader2010)
A xxx Monk (cyghost)
A Half Orc Cleric (gordon_m)
A xxx xxx (jcdf)

[Crusader2010]

8 players? oof, that's a lot.

[VenomousFiligree]

8 players? oof, that's a lot.
Indeed, maybe 6 and 2 reserves, which will make 2 people a bit unhappy.... :(

[gordon_m]

how will PCs be chosen?
G

[ButtatakiBuddha]

oh, I'm Human, sorry forgot to say that.

[Killian]

Some question for Killian:
Are the lands temperate lands that we're in now and what is the culture similar to (maybe a give a similar real world area)?
And what are the "far off lands" that are traded with like (again maybe a real world example would help)?


First off guys I am so pleased how much you're all chatting and discussing your concepts it's exactly what I had in mind and so cool! Also how you're linking your characters is a big help on my part if you have bonds already it's rich RP material for you guys plus I don't have to worry constantly about you getting fed up with each other that easily.

Answer to your question MurghBpurn:

The lands are temperate, summers are warm and dry, winters wet and cold with snow not an unkown occurance. Spring and Autumn both are pretty much the same with regular rains and temperatures fluctuating. For a point of reference think southern England or France weather wise.

As for what is traded it is everything from cloths, china, spices and foodstuffs. Slavery is outlawed but a few indentured servants from far off lands are sometimes seen. A series of volcanic island plateaus lie about 8 weeks sail to the east, the largest island is merely a quarter of your mainland continent but they are ruled by a trio of sultans and aside from your own nation's traders they are the main source of imports. They do however rarely venture inland and to see one of their dark skinned kind wandering through the village in silk swathes would certainly draw attention. Eastern spices like cumin paprika and saffron are well known as they are lucrative trades inland. For real world reference best I can place it would be the main continent takes the place of Ancient Greece and the village would lie on the road between Athens and a port that received goods from the Arabian Peninsula.

[VenomousFiligree]

...I don't have to worry constantly about you getting fed up with each other that easily
Pleaassseeee! We're always going to be getting "fed up" with each other at some point!


The lands are temperate, summers are warm and dry, winters wet and cold with snow not an unkown occurance. Spring and Autumn both are pretty much the same with regular rains and temperatures fluctuating. For a point of reference think southern England or France weather wise.
Sounds exactly like I was wanting them to be :)


For real world reference best I can place it would be the main continent takes the place of Ancient Greece and the village would lie on the road between Athens and a port that received goods from the Arabian Peninsula.
Again, similar to what I was envisaging, an Arabian influence!

[jcdf]

I was part of your demo campaign and would be interested in joining in this venture as well. :)

[Killian]

Ok it looks like I got my eight you guys have been awesome with your involvement and whittling it down to six is going to be tough and I will try and see if the two reserves get some regular involvement.

Have received a couple of questionnaires already they are great and hopefully half the intention was also to give you the means to create a character you'll really enjoy playing.

I'm posting a link to a website that is helping to hold down all the information for the campaign, the game world, locations NPCs and such (Thanks Phil for the suggestion). And sending an invite to those with emails I already have. Please note it isn't necessary to post your questionnaire or any character details that you wish to remain private but assume that the other PCs will know the basics about the character you post unless knowing is metagaming ("Oh yeah, you're the lone wandering traveller that faced death many years ago where no one was around to see it!")

Anyway here's the link take a look at and tell me what you think. Still a work in progress and I'm taking suggestions for the Druids and forest around Saltlick since several characters are writing strong ties to the wilderness into their characters.

https://www.epicwords.com/campaigns/1162

[ButtatakiBuddha]

looks nice, but a bit plain... could you maybe spice it up a bit with, oh I don't know, some pictures or something? like maybe once we get started we could add in some scenes from the campaign. or whatever, it is your site. great idea though.

[VenomousFiligree]

How would you like the PC's questions and backstory presented on EW, both the Journal and Wiki allow for GM only viewing, the forum does not as far as I can make out? I'm currently working on my questions as a GM only Journal entry. Maybe the "nature" PCs can start a forum thread with their expectations etc.?

[VenomousFiligree]

...maybe spice it up a bit with, oh I don't know, some pictures or something?
I've added an image of Turena's Sacred Grove, we can all help to "spice it up"! :)

[Killian]

pictures are great I got no disk space as such but the site seems ok with pasting pictures into certain sections. Loving the Grove pic. :)

[jcdf]

Here is my character. Unlike the rest yours he will be more detached from from mother nature.


Name: Justin Kindler
Race: Human
Class: Wizard (Invoker)
Alignment: True Neutral

[Killian]

Quick update guys I am heading home for Christmas next week so news will be brief but should have a campaign schedule up by first week of January, looking at Weds 19th for first session initially.

So Character-wise I have 5 places I am confident saying are filled. Going to bump the start time to 7PM GMT+0 to ensure all can make it. If this is a problem please let me know ASAP.

I do not want to foster competition for the remaining places I believe all the interested parties would be excellent players but as a novice DM 8 players is too much. I will say though that I will try to bring in the reserves at every opportunity and of course should anyone be unable to make a week they can jump right in and will also be asked to fill in any vacancies that do appear.

Sending messaged to everyone so they're updated. Also please check out the epic words site dedicated to the campaign.

[VenomousFiligree]

Looking forward to starting :)

[walrusman999]

I am interested in this. Extensive 3.5 background but lacking in FG2. I will put together a character if Killian sends me a pm.

if you will have me. I shall have a character up by Sunday.

I am also DM'ing a group so I appologise if I am late in posting/msging.

Also Killian your idea sounds great. I have some experiance with large groups of members, It is difficult to keep on track while meeting in person to play. I also would like to say that my members have a habit of not following hints/pushes/shoves/railroading so you might want to be prepared for a little bit of outlandish results while playing.

And if possible, I would like to sit in on a few meetings even if I do not play, just to get an idea about how FG works. That would be much appriciated.

[Crusader2010]

Hello Walrusman. I just wanted to give you a heads up that the group is indeed full and already have 2 people on the sidebench, so don't get your hopes up too much. :(

[walrusman999]

Thank you Crusader. I am aware of that. I am hoping to just sit in for a game or two so i can get a better grasp of how FG works. To Play or not makes no difference to me.

If Killan would like me to play shoot me a pm. I can play prettymuch any class, preferances being wiz, sorc, paladin, fighter, rogue, and bard. Or if you would be willing to throw in a bit of controversy i could play a Dread Necromancer, but I believe that is outside your book choices.

[ButtatakiBuddha]

hey Walrusman, I remember your quotes and your pic, did you do (de)motivational posters? I think thats where I remember you from.

[walrusman999]

hey Walrusman, I remember your quotes and your pic, did you do (de)motivational posters? I think thats where I remember you from.

I have never done (de)motivational posters.

The pic is something I made from a conversation my friends and I had.
The vorpal sword was a random realization during school, and the imaginary friends was also from school.

I just though they were cool.

Glad you like them though. :)

[jcdf]

Has any date or time for the game been decided yet?

[VenomousFiligree]

Has any date or time for the game been decided yet?
Last post from Killian:

Quick update guys I am heading home for Christmas next week so news will be brief but should have a campaign schedule up by first week of January, looking at Weds 19th for first session initially.

[jcdf]

So it is not for quite a while yet. Ok. thanks for the reminder MurghBpurn.

[Killian]

First session will be on the 19th at 19:00 GMT, I've got the Epic Words site set up with the calandar since it is being used to store all the gaming world info but if you guys would prefer I can also set up a FG2 calandar.

[Crusader2010]

I like the epicwords one, so no need from my end.

[VenomousFiligree]

What he said ^ :)

[jcdf]

I would like a FGs calander as well please.