Re: [GIANTS] Re: New game starting

[Lee Gonzales]

Another potential class option that may work would be spell blade.
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/3rd-party-classes/adamant-entertainment/spellblade

Cheers,
Lee

On Wed, Oct 3, 2012 at 1:15 PM, Gary Mascenik <gmas...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Ok, applied to group.
>
>
> On Wed, Oct 3, 2012 at 1:11 PM, Lee Gonzales <lee.go...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> A few updates...
>>
>> I asked everyone to take one level in Sorcerer, I could be talked out
>> of this if a person was playing some other naturally gifted
>> spell/magical casting class. Sorcerer Bloodlines that are available
>> are: Arcane, Draconic, Starsoul, Elemental and Maestro.
>>
>> Also go join the https://groups.google.com/d/forum/easy-going-gaming
>> email list if you plan on playing or want to stay updated.
>>
>> Cheers!
>> Lee
>>
>> On Mon, Oct 1, 2012 at 9:43 AM, Lee Gonzales <lee.go...@gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>> >
>> > Folks,
>> > Here are some details for the new game I want to run. It will be in
>> > Pathfinder and we are aiming to have our first session October 13th. The
>> > intent of this game is for people to come and go on a relatively casual
>> > basis, however if you plan on attending a session I would like at least 2
>> > weeks notice either way.
>> >
>> > Here are the details:
>> > Character Starting Scenario
>> >
>> > Your character starts as a minor member of one of the 3 major households
>> > of the Fredriksmire extended clan. Therefore base some of your characters
>> > family story upon the family line you originate from. Your character has
>> > also been blessed with particularly strong family blood, you therefore start
>> > with strong constitution, intelligence, charisma and innate magical
>> > aptitude. Furthermore your above average abilities have been noticed by the
>> > "family" and you each have been drafted into the mandatory family service a
>> > full year earlier than the normal 20 years of age. This is unusual, but not
>> > unheard of. You are to report to Master Arbil for training 30 days from now
>> > in Port Victor outside of Petros. Normally training starts at the first of
>> > the year, your training is starting at an odd time. Many people in your
>> > family note this with concern.
>> >
>> > Clan Fredricksmire Starting Player Template
>> > * Start with either the Half-elf or Human racial package.
>> > * Add the following:
>> > * +2 Int +2 Con +2 Charisma
>> > * Choose 3 levels, but you must start with Sorcerer. Diversity is
>> > important, each person should have solo capability. Also start with above
>> > average gear, don't go crazy, but your family is very wealthy.
>> >
>> > Fredricksmire Game Setting
>> >
>> > Clan Fredricksmire
>> > The clan is an affiliation of trading families all operating under the
>> > Fredricksmire banner. Each family is headed by a single senior Patriarch or
>> > Matriarch depending on the history of that family line. Most members of the
>> > family are active members in the family businesses: trade, banking,
>> > communication or transport. The family has over the years accumulated an
>> > immense amount of wealth and influence. In general family members are above
>> > average in intelligence, charisma and constitution. Many of the family
>> > members pursue Sorcerer, Wizardry and bloody minded Politics.
>> >
>> > Business, survival and the success of the family is always attended to
>> > in exquisite and sometimes painful detail. The memories of the past figure
>> > largely in family activities and the family values of duty, honor, integrity
>> > and fealty are the watch words which govern family life. The "family" as
>> > they call themselves are very pragmatism, almost bordering on moral
>> > flexibility. But they will not traffic in stolen goods, slaves or other
>> > dubious or locally illegal goods or services. Nor will they knowingly cheat,
>> > steal or act in bad faith. Competing viciously, but strategically is
>> > expected.
>> >
>> > Legend has it that the original founder of the family Oleg Fredricksmire
>> > mysteriously came into substantial unexplained wealth, he was already an
>> > accomplished trader and wizard - but this massive influx of wealth is a
>> > source of continued family speculation.
>> >
>> > Today the family continues to enjoy substantial success due to its
>> > wealth, its members above average intelligence, physical fitness and bloody
>> > single-mindeness in maintaining the families strength and capabilities. It
>> > has been 10 generations since Oleg founded the family business and business
>> > is good. Fredricksmire operations exist in most major and minor cities. A
>> > careful application of magic, muscle and intelligence has established the
>> > family as a trusted and needed element to Empire society. You want your
>> > message fast - send it via Fredrisksmire courier - spices we have them from
>> > everywhere - gems, rare art we have those too. Note: the family tends to
>> > trade in highly sough after and high value portable goods, with a few
>> > families successfully triaging the more difficult and coarser markets of
>> > lumber, food and raw materials.
>> >
>> > Family - Senior Leadership
>> >
>> > *******************************************************************************
>> > Ethan Fredricksmire - Primary Operations in Empire District 5, 3. An
>> > accomplished tactician and strategist Ethan participated in many military
>> > engagements during the clashes with the Firelands 100 years ago.
>> > Specializing in battle field magic and logistics he was a valuable asset as
>> > a commander in the special forces. Wounded in battle he retired early and
>> > took over the leadership of his families substantial holdings and trade
>> > routes throughout District 5 and 6. His wife Elena Fredricksmire (also a
>> > former member of special forces) lead the trading house most engaged in
>> > banking, spices, magical items and drugs. Their sons Michael and Anatoly are
>> > being groomed to replace their parents via several family education programs
>> > (see Fredricksmire education standards under separate brief) - Ethan expects
>> > Anatoly to enroll in the Military College at Port Oakes in 2 years. Both
>> > sons are viewed as fit replacements for eventual leadership. The district 5
>> > Fredricksmires have a relatively small household with several cousins and
>> > less direct family members having positions in local government and family
>> > operations.
>> >
>> > John Fredricksmire - Primary Operations in Empire District 2,6 An
>> > arrogant and hot headed example of the Fredriksmire line, John exemplifies
>> > the notion of controlled chaos. In his youth John explored the arts of
>> > Sorcerery in a number of schools and lands (some say even courting the
>> > disreputable elements of the Firelands). Lacking strong direction the Clan
>> > under his direction has _somehow_ managed to succeed due to the diligence of
>> > his cousin Lucy Fredrisksmire. Lucy being a third cousin and not in line for
>> > eventual inheritance of the clan business has nonetheless filled the void of
>> > formal leadership John's father Albert left upon his death. It is rumored
>> > that Lucy may in fact be Albert's daughter via one of his many dalliances,
>> > but this has never been confirmed. District 2 being exceedingly rich in
>> > lumber, iron ore, coal and other raw materials has seen a large influx of
>> > continuous wealth during the Empires long 500 year period of wars, stability
>> > and growth. A good deal of this wealth has passed through this family.
>> >
>> > Catherine Fredricksmire - Primary Operations - District 1, 3, 7, 5. A
>> > wizard of substantial skill Catherine and her line have been the providers
>> > of reliable message delivery, package service and recently market arbitrage
>> > across the Empire. This position of trust within the Empire has been
>> > incredibly financially and strategically valuable. Catherine's clan is also
>> > responsible for Clan security and intelligence. They also host the yearly
>> > clan convocation and celebration.
>> >
>> > Most of the Clan wealth, influence and power is concentrated in the
>> > hands of the principals described above, they are the direct descendants of
>> > Oleg's children Marciel, Constantine and Elizabeth. Each clan has a distinct
>> > culture and flavor owing to there primary magical specializations, trade
>> > practices and local culture.
>> >
>> > General Clan Notes
>> >
>> > *******************************************************************************
>> > The Fredrismire clan being an original Empire founding signatory have
>> > enjoyed favorable trade status for the last 3 centuries since the empires
>> > founding. At this point their position is extremely solid, they generally
>> > support the Empire, pay their taxes and obey the law.
>> >
>> > --
>> > Lee
>> >
>> > "People, ideas, and hardware in that order!" - John Boyd
>> >
>> > leegonzales.com
>> >
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Lee
>>
>> "People, ideas, and hardware in that order!" - John Boyd
>>
>> leegonzales.com
>
>



--
Lee

"People, ideas, and hardware in that order!" - John Boyd

leegonzales.com

[Lee Gonzales]

A few other points. Sorry this is all stream of consciousness, no time
to clean it up.

Your characters are minor, but well though of, cousins in the
Fredricksmire family. As I hopefully made clear this is a very wealthy
and powerful family. They are primary players in a world spanning
trade empire that is rapidly approaching a golden age of magic and
prosperity. Furthermore the world is currently experiencing a
renaissance of technology, think the beginning of the industrial
revolution, mixed with magic and fantasy. Sort of steam punk but with
more fantasy and not so much... brown.

These characters exemplify the best and brightest of the Fredrisksmire
line - for this reason they are being sent to training for mandatory
family service. Their parents may not want them to go or maybe they
do, up to you.

However they will be well equipped, they will be irritatingly
competent, they may be arrogant or they may be realistic. They will be
well versed in the official history of the world and their families
place in it. But, they will know enough to know that they are really,
really missing a lot of knowledge about how the world really works.

They will also be keenly aware that people die in this training. That
it is damn serious and will set them up for a bright future.

Some people have expressed concern about healing. If your character
can have some ability here, great. If not buy some magic items or
potions to help in this area. Note that your characters are not going
to be adventurers here, they are going to be soldiers or operatives or
whatever term you like.

BUT you must build or plan to build solo-able (totally not a word),
well rounded, capable characters.

They should be able to fight, get beat up, dance a jig, perform a
sonnet and negotiate a trade deal.

OK, now talk to me. Ask questions.

Lee

[Peter Frost]

This sounds really fun. I look forward to it.

Question about character creation:

When equipping ourselves you are saying that we have wealth but don't go overboard. Can you put a GP value to that? I'd like to buy some magic items but I don't know what you consider overboard.

Thanks,

Peter

[Lee Gonzales]

Peter,
Good question. Keep them coming as you build out your character.

Here is what I am imagining. Your characters families are quite
wealthy, they do not possess the unimaginable wealth of the main
Fredricksmire family leadership, but they are very well off.

In our world imagine a 3rd cousin of the modern Rothschild family (see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rothschild_family).

Also, not to put too fine a point on it, your family possesses
connections and insight into the politics and business of the world.
Plus access to the capital necessary to leverage that knowledge into
riches.

What does this mean for you regarding gear? It means first off that
you would have magical gear, but that it would not be super rare or
exceedingly expensive. Keeping in mind these are 3rd level characters,
they have been in the world working for their families and have their
own gear, it is not amazing. But way better than nearly anybody
else's.

Anyway here are some rough guidelines and constraints (keeping in mind
that the family is good with money and does not hand out vast fortunes
to children):
Armor: Elven Chain 5150GP
Weapon: Adamantine Dagger 3002 GP
Misc Potions 1000 GP
Rings: Feather Fall 2,200 GP or Ring of Jumping 2500 GP
Wondrous: Bag of Holding Type 1 2500, Cloak of Resistance +1 1000GP
Non-magical gear: Nearly anything that makes sense up to 1000GP

So lets say gear costing up to 15k, with no single item costing more
than about 5k, nothing rare or particularly unusual.

After you have worked out your character, their backstory and
abilities your parents may gift you with a small token to help you in
your training.

Lee

> --

[Peter Frost]

Thanks Lee!

I like the guidelines. Now, how much money is in my pocket at the start? Do I have 15kgp worth of gear and 5kgp in my pocket? Do I have 15k total to divide up between gear and whatever cash I want to have left over? So I could buy like 10k worth of gear and have 5k in my pocket? 

Thanks,

Peter

[Lee Gonzales]

Mostly gear, these are mostly items given to you by friends or family.

For cash, lets say you have 500GP in gold and gems.

Lee

[Monica Jones]

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone

[Monica Jones]

How are we doing abilities? Point buy or rolling? If point buy, how much?

[Peter Frost]

I believe that you get 25 points!
:-)

--
 
 

[Lee Gonzales]

Point buy. Start with 20 points, plus the previously mentioned stat
bumps (+2 to con, char, int). Note those stat bumps on not on top of
other racial bonuses... those are the racial bonuses. Also worth
repeating, the Fredriksmires are Human or Half-Elf.

Lee

[Lee Gonzales]

Did I say 25? Hrm... really? Thats probably OK. Your enemies will
*ahem* just be that more powerful.

-L

[Lee Gonzales]

Walking through characters with people... a quick guidance change. You
start at 3rd level, one of the 3 levels must be a Sorcerer or other
inherent magic caster.

This should make some characters a bit easier :-)

-Lee

[Monica Jones]

On hit points, are we doing even/odd or rolling?

--

--
Visit my blog at http://www.dirtyhooker.org

Twitter: @Dirty_Hooker

[Lee Gonzales]

average round up

-L

[Lee Gonzales]

Hopefully by now you have all joined the easy-going-gaming email list
as mentioned in a prior email. If not please do so as I will stop mass
emailing everyone after this note.

So... check out this document for some world history:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oNYA3wwLbEN8ZRbOEilRhNZnX5KrB21NwjiXkb5cSLI/edit

We are basing this current game on the last game world we played in
advanced 300 years, so there is already some flavor and context for
some of the players. The document is intended to fill all in on what
has been going on in the world and roughly what is common knowledge.

-Lee