A new Idea for a game

[paddyfool]

While still not having quite fleshed out my character, I've had a go at building his pet/mount PL.  It's the first NPC I've built - do you reckon it looks OK?  (If you didn't notice the link, it's inspired by a certain mechanical beasty from Girl Genius).

(click to show/hide)

Ironhound Prototype (Iprot) (Large Beast Construct Walker/Burrower — 70 XP): TL: 2
Str: 14/+2; Dex: 10/+0; Con: 14/+2; Int: 10/+0; Wis: 12/+1; Cha: 10/+0;
Init: +1=1+0(dex)                     Melee: +3=1+2(str)    Fort: +4=2+2(con)
Health: +6=2+2(con)+2(size) ~ 40/21   Ranged: +1=1+0(dex)   Ref: +2=2+0(dex)
Def: 10=10+1+0(dex)-1(size)           Comp: +2              Will: +3=2+1(wis)
Size: Large (2×1); Reach: 1; Speed: 40 ft. ground, 20 ft. burrow;
Skills: Acrobatics III (Dex) +5 = 5+0; Athletics III (Str) +7 = 5+2; Intimidate III (Wis) +6 = 5+1; Resolve I (Con) +5 = 3+2
Qualities: cagey I, improved stability, menacing threat, superior jumper II, tough I, veteran I.
Attacks: Trample II [1d10/19-20], Bite I [1d10/18-20], Slam I × 2 [1d8/20]

EDIT: Swapped out Always Ready for Veteran I.  TL 1 was just too fragile.  (I'd like to work some DR in there too, but it's a tad expensive, especially as it doesn't really make sense to buy it as armour).

[Catodon]

TL too low?
A) get all the feats you can that add allowed xp
or
B) make the bronze unborn the PC and the pech the PL (even if the pech is in charge)

[paddyfool]

Thanks for the suggestions, Catodon!  They're good ones, but as far as personality, background, and character build work, I'm definitely thinking that Bolio is the big wee boss here.  Also, TL for a PL is the PC's Career Level -4.  The only way to crank it up is with further grades of the Veteran quality, and I'm trying to steer away from overuse of the more powerful qualities (similarly, I avoided charge attack because it stacks too well with Trample + Large + Improved Stability); I want this to be fun and useful to have around, but not outshine any actual PCs.  And squeezing more Basic Combat or Style feats into Bolio means sacrificing things that I don't want to from the build (it would either require being a human with a talent that grants one rather than being a Pech, or going Captain 1 / Soldier 3 rather than the reverse, or postponing Monster Slayer 1).

On the whole, I'm pretty satisfied with the beasty as is, although I may yet tweak it slightly.  Bolio will be up in a few days (the next few look rather busy), but I've a pretty good idea of the build already.

EDIT: Waitaminute, does the PL count as a "non-rogue NPC" so far as Legendary Monsters is concerned?  If so, I may need to nerf him slightly instead (by getting rid of that rank of Veteran for a start).  In any case, I'm thinking drop Tough I, go for the Metal Heritage and Special construction (brass) feats, and a rank of Resolve.  Tough I can wait until the next basic combat feat, hopefully.

[MilitiaJim]

Is there a preferred format for the characters?  I'm plugging in a pdf now.

[paddyfool]

One suggestion for those might be some online spreadsheets that Krensky uses.  Alternatively, we could simply post them here.

[Iprophet]

MilitiaJim, Sorry, I thought I'd posted that already, yeah, the AC is fair game.

You guys can message me with the details of your characters, and I'm not too picky on the format.

[jameswllorimer]

Also, is there any more info on the setting just to flesh out things like interests, studies, languages etc?

[Catodon]

Looks like The Box is going to fit with the rest of the party best. I'll start working on it.

[foproy]

im going with the assassin. this should get interesting.

[paddyfool]

@Iprophet,

Does the TL increase from Legendary Monsters apply to non-rogue Personal Lieutenants (and Animal Companions)?

[Antilles]

Work-in-progress character sheets for my candidates... will work on them as and when I get the time.

(click to show/hide)

Sparky Shortpint (not really...)
Pech Adept
Seer 5

Type: Small biped folk, Reach 1
Speed: 30 ft.

STR: 10
DEX: 12
CON: 10
INT: 16
WIS: 16
CHA: 14

Vitality: 36
Wounds: 7

Melee Attack: 3 = 3 + 0

Unarmed Attack: 3 = 3 + 0

• Punch +3, 1d4 lethal, threat 20

Ranged Attack: 4 = 3 + 1

• Sling +5, 1d4+1 subdual, threat 20, 60 ft. x 6, Load 1

Fortitude save: 1 = 1 + 0
Reflex save: 4 = 3 + 1
Will save: 6 = 3 + 3

Defense: 14 = 10 + 2(class) + 1(dex) + 1(small)
DR: 3 = 3 (armor)
Resists: Edged 2

Initiative: 4 = 3(class) + 1(dex)

Action dice: 3d4

Lifestyle: 5

• Panache: 5 (+2 Appearance, 50s income)
• Prudence:  (15% Money saved/earned)

Legend: +3
Reputation: 50
Renown:

Origin Abilities:

• Enlightened Resolve
• Hearty Appetite
• Free Hint
• Heroism
• Practiced Search
• Turning (beasts, most likely)

Class Abilities:

• Will of the Eye
• Path of Mystery
• Weave and Weft I
• Circle of Power II

Skills: Total = Ranks + Attribute Modifier + Misc

• Bluff +10 = 8 + 2
• Crafting +11 = 8 + 3

(4 foci)

• Haggle +10 = 8 + 2
• Impress +10 = 8 + 2
• Notice +11 = 8 + 3
• Prestidigitation +9 = 8 + 1
• Resolve +8 = 8 + 0
• Ride +9 = 8 + 1

(3 foci)

• Search +11 = 8 + 3
• Sense Motive +11 = 8 + 3
• Spellcraft +11 = 8 + 3

Origin Skills: Ride & Sneak
ACP -1

Feats:

• Quick-Finger Folk
• Basic Skill Mastery: Tinker
• Casting Basics
• Spell Conversion: Casting Time

Interests:

• Language: Pech
• Study: Good Continent Histry
• Language: Common
• Study: Magitech
• Study: something magic-related, probably

Proficiencies:

• Hurled
• Unarmed (forte)
• Blunt

Advanced tricks:

• Parry
• Steady Shot

Gear:
Masterwork Mage's Pouch   100s
Backpack                  10s
Superior Pech Sling       3s
Bedroll                   5s
Canteen                   5s
Reinforced Pech Studded Leather 100s
Light Fittings            30s
Firesteel                 8s
Grooming Case             8s
Pipe                      5s
Purse                     5s
Tent                      10s
Umbrella                  5s
Smith's Kit               15s
Scribe's Kit              20s
Paper                     5s
Ink                       2s
Potion of Mana            100s
2xrations                 10s


Spells:
Level 0
Read Magic
Write Magic
Feather Fall
Touch of Light
Level 1
Power Word: Tire
Deep Insight
Command I
Tinker I
Level 2
Living Library I
Tinker II
Locate Object
Status
Level 3
Contruct Assembly I
Tinker III
Energy Sink
Power Word: Distract
Save DC: 14

24 +4 lvl 0 spells

Money in hand: 54s

(click to show/hide)

Stabby McFireball (work in progress)
Saurian Sorcerer
Channeler 5

Type: Medium biped folk, Reach 1
Speed: 30 ft.

STR: 14
DEX: 13
CON: 13
INT: 16
WIS: 12
CHA: 12

Vitality: 50
Wounds: 13

Melee Attack: 7 = 5 + 2

• Superior Saurian Main Gauche +8: 1d6+3 lethal; threat 20; guard +1, hook
• Superior Saurian Dagger +8: 1d6+3 lethal; threat 19-20; bleed, hurl

Unarmed Attack: 7 = 5 + 2

• Punch +8, 1d4 lethal, threat 20

Ranged Attack: 6 = 5 + 1

Fortitude save: 2 = 1 + 1
Reflex save: 4 = 3 + 1
Will save: 4 = 1 + 3

Defense: 15 = 10 + 3(class) + 1(dex) + 1(origin)
DR: 3 = 3(thick hide)/3(armor)
Resists: 2 Edged

Initiative: 6 = 5(class) + 1(dex)

Action dice: 3d4

Lifestyle: 2

• Panache: 2 (+1 Appearance, 20s income)
• Prudence: 0 (15% Money saved/earned)

Legend: +1
Reputation: 50
Renown:

Origin Abilities:

• Cold-Blooded
• Darkvision I
• Natural Attack: Tail Slap I & Bite I
• Charming
• Paired Skills: Spellcasting -> Intimidate
• Terrifying Look

Class Abilities:

• Will of the Lightning
• Path of Ascendance
• Touch of the Weird I
• Circle of Power II

Skills: Total = Ranks + Attribute Modifier + Misc

• Acrobatics +9 = 8 + 1
• Athletics +10 = 8 + 2
• Bluff +9 = 8 + 1
• Intimidate +9 = 8 + 1
• Notice +9 = 8 + 1
• Prestidigitation +9 = 8 + 1
• Resolve +9 = 8 + 1
• Ride +9 = 8 + 1
• Sneak +9 = 8 + 1
• Spellcasting +11 = 8 + 3

Origin Skills: Ride & Bluff
ACP -0

Feats:

• Draconic Heritage
• Knife Basics
• Two-Weapon Fighting
• Casting Basics

Interests:

• Language: Saurian
• Study: Bad Continent Histry
• Language: Common
• Study: Draconic History
• Study: something magic-related, probably

Proficiencies:

• Unarmed (forte)
• Edged (forte)

Advanced tricks:

• Relentless Attack

Gear:
Drake Fitted Reinforced Studded Leather  240s
Superior Saurian Main Gauche  75s
Dagger  37,5 s
2xrations        10s
Bedroll 5s
Backpack    10s
Firesteel   8s
Climber's Gear   15s
Potion of Vitality 25s
Potion of Healing  50s

Spells:
Level 0
Feather Fall
Polar Ray
Zot!
Telekinesis
Level 1
Burning Hands
Magic Missile
Shield
Fly I, Snap
Control Weather I
Level 2
Scorching Ray
Knock
Mage Armor
Spiritual Weapon
Gust of Wind

Save DC: 12

20 +4 lvl 0 spells

Money in hand: 24,5s

[Doublebond]

I'd be extremely interested in participating in this if there's still room. Feels a bit like I've missed the boat, though. If there isn't any room I'll wait and perhaps you can PM me should space become available. If there is, I should be able to get something to you in around two days (how dreadful that I should have to make an impromptu trip to Kentucky now of all times!).

[Iprophet]

Interests:
Alignments:
Most of you will have the standard alignments as described in the Core book (Elements, Alignments) as shown to your ancestors by the native Elves of the New World.  However, there are still dragon cults hidden among the Steam Kingdoms, and they still worship the Dragons. (If you need the full stat block, just ask)
Dal, the Prisoner
Erizu, the Burning
Gotrede, the Slaver
Mamoth, the Beast
Riridari, the Hidden
S'Huxe, the Emperor
Umi, the Keeper

Languages:
High Draconic: Spoken by the Dragon Kingdom nobles, as well as any slaves unlucky enough to have the 'privilege' to work for them.
Low Draconic: Language of the other Drakes and Saurians, as well as the other slaves.
Hugelsprach: The original language of Dwarves and Pech.
Floresta: The original language of Elves and Rootwalkers.
Temnyazyk: The original language of Orcs and Goblins.
Pulau: The original language of Giants and Ogres.
Rust Common: Steam Kingdoms Trade-speak
Steam-Talk: The Unofficial language of the Steam Kingdoms, original language of humans.

Studies:
Dragon Kingdoms (One for Each Dragon King mentioned above)
Steam Kingdoms (Cities, Frontier, or the Elf Nations to the south)
Ancient History (Pre-Dragon)
Recent History
Military(Steam or Dragon Kingdom)

paddyfool: No, it doesn't apply to PLs or ACs

Doublebond: Six characters is quite a bit, but I will happily keep you informed as to the goings-on and if we need a replacement, you're first on the list.

[paddyfool]

No worries.  On the subject of interests: Are "Drakes" and "Dragons" two different things, and would both of them count as monsters for the Monster Slayer prerequisites?

If no to either of the above, are hydras found in this setting?

[Iprophet]

The answer to all three is yes, but if you find yourself confronting a dragon, you've made a grave error somewhere along the line...