The Campaign Builder's Guild

[ic]
The town of Rulvsfell (named for its location just south of the Rulvs Falls), a quickly growing traders point on the imperial highway. In the scheme of things it is still a very young settlement, only founded 74 years ago. Rulvsfell belongs to the once sovereign Duchy of Gant. However, the Duke of Gant now answers to Emperor Markus Venhalum. Locally the town is run by a state appointed governor, currently Michael Daril (well known for both his lack of hair and lack of restraint when money is to be had). While functioning as a merchants stopover, the town also enjoys its own import and export business. Rulvsfell has recently become quite famous for its juniper based products, including some of the best Gin in the empire. Furthermore the local river has caught the local eye in the form of freshwater corals and various fish. Overall though, the city is still most prominently known for its lumber harvesting (which has caused some clashes with various druidic sects recently).

Climate-wise the town is somewhat arid but not in a true desert environment. It is bordered to the north by the Great Benam Forest and to the south by the Yellowback Desert. The local area is somewhat similar to the American High Desert of Eastern Oregon. Sagebrush and Juniper trees dot the area, graduating into green pine woods deeper into the Benam Forest. Local wildlife includes wolves, foxes, bears, hawks, salmon, and all other manner of such creatures. While the town itself is quite young, people have been living in the area for several hundred years and have become quite knowledgeable in the best use of the land.

Religion is a bit of a mixed bag. The two primary beliefs are the state sponsored church and the local ancestor worshipers. Due to the cultural background of the area most people believe in a mix of both, praying to both the great Lord Hosts of the church as well as to their forebearers. Less accepted is the practice of Animistic Druidism by several local cults that call the forest home. Sympathy for such groups can be found within Rulvsfell. However, state banning of druidism has driven such support underground.

Attached to religion is the culture. Holidays and festivals are not uncommon and often focus around religious celebrations of harvest, fertility, and family. Local pastimes include archery matches, boating on the Little Bear River (shown on the map), and eating and drinking contests. Song and dance often accompanies such things. While local influence plays a prominent role, the large influx of traveling merchants and adventure seekers has given Rulvsfell a second culture of sorts. Together the blending groups of traditional locals and eager foreigners has contributed to the areas unique development.
[/ic]

[ooc]
The commoner campaign is a look into the lives of several everyday people, trying to make their way in a rugged but promising environment. As it's name suggests the characters involved are of the commoner class (as based on 3.5 DnD rules). Before you begin your characters though there are a few things you need to know.

1. As a commoner campaign this will deal much more heavily on roleplay. That is not to say that there won't be combat, but combat won't be the focus. You might expect to battle wild animals and other NPC classes. The occassional PC class might be seen in such fights but for the most part you are anything but combat optimized. Remember to give yourself a chance. Commoners don't have loads of buy to buy food and shelter with. Later on this might change but for now you need to be able to earn food either through work or living off the land.

2. There are a few naming conventions to follow. Humans, Halflings, and Half-Elves tend towards English sounding names (Jacob, Brittany, Nelson, Brittany, Etc...). Gnome, Elf, and Dwarf names are a bit more foreign but still short and to the point (Brilgam, Drawni, Mordan, Alessin, Joral). Half-Orc names are akin to elves, gnomes, and dwarves. However, they only have first names.

3. For character generation you may be any 3.5 Core race (Human, Half-Elf, Half-Orc, Elf, Halfling, Gnome, Dwarf). Stats are based on a 25 point buy. Just to help you all out below is the point buy chart and a link to the commoners stats. I will be posting information on what equipment you start with soon so stick around for that.

STAT	COST
8	0
9	1
10	2
11	3
12	4
13	5
14	6
15	8
16	10
17	13
18	16

4. Have fun, ask me any questions you need answered. Oh and be gentle, this commoner thing is something totally new for me. Please post your characters below and I will cross you off the list.
[/ooc]

Characters Still Needed:
- limetom

-reserved-

[ooc]Randor Stoneminer, middle-aged dwarven male commoner 1

Stats: Str 14 (+2), Dex 10 (+0), Con 12 (+1), Int 16 (+3), Wis 12 (+1), Cha 7 (-2)
Encumbrance: light 58 lb or less, medium 59-116 lb, heavy 117-175 lb

Age: 167

Physical Appearance: Randor is a calm but oft gruff dwarf with round brown eyes that are like two discs of wood. He is balding, but attempts to maintain a tonsure. His remaining hair is a mix of warm chessnut and patches of white hair. Randor has an overmuscled build due in no small part to his duties as a gravedigger. His skin is cream-colored, often smudged with dirt. He has long, fat fingers and lets the nails grow out. His wardrobe is dapper but often covered in dirt and grime.

Skills:
* +4/6 Appraise (1 rank (cc) + 3 Int + 2 if stone or metal)
* +2 Climb (0 ranks + 2 Str)
* -2 Handle Animal (0 Ranks '" 2 Cha)
* +2 Jump (0 ranks + 2 Str)
* +8 Knowledge (Religion) (2 ranks (cc) + 3 Int + 3 Skill Focus)
* +5 Listen (4 ranks + 1 Wis)
* +5 Profession (Gravedigger) (4 ranks + 1 Wis)
* +0 Ride (0 ranks + 0 Dex)
* +1 Spot (0 ranks + 1 Wis)
* +2 Swim (0 ranks + 2 Str)
* +0 Use Rope (0 ranks + 0 Dex).  
 
Languages: Common, Dwarven, Gnome, Goblin, Undercommon

Feats: Skill Focus (Knowledge (Religion)); free proficiency: Club

Dwarven abilities: Darkvision 60 ft; Stonecunning - +2 on Search checks to notice certain stone features; Stability - +2 to resist being bull rushed or tripped when standing on ground; +2 saves against poison; +2 bonus on saving throws against spells and spell-like abilities; +1 racial bonus on attack rolls agsinst orcs & goblinoids; +4 dodge bonus to Armor Class agsint monsters of giant type; +2 on Appraise checks related to stone or metal; +2 on Craft checks related to stone or metal.

Hit Points: 4+1 = 5; Attack Bonus: +2; AC: 10, touch 10, flat-footed 10; Saves: Fort +1, Ref +0, Will +1

Possessions:
- 1 Bedroll
- 1 Sack
- 1 Peasants Outfit
- 3 Trail Rations
- 1 Club
- 1 Shovel
- 5 Candle
- 0.45 Gold Pieces[/ooc]

[ic]Randor Stoneminer is from the all but extinct Stoneminer clan. The clan had a tradition of serving in the military, a tradition Randor did not escape. Unfortunately, a series of horrid accidents resulted in his clan's demise '" he is the last of the Stoneminers. Partly due to this, Randor has acquired an unusual obsession with death, some would call the two friends. Randor has studdied with shamans and priests, learning the traditions of the major and minor religions of the Kingdom. In a way, Randor has become an ascetic, wandering the land searching for answers to unanswerable questions. Due to his unique knowledge, many peasants have asked for Randor to serve as an armature priest and and preform the various rights of both the old ways and the state religion. Randor has done this for nearly 50 years and is now looking to find companionship in the form of a wife.[/ic]

 It was by no stretch of the imagination that Randor has wandered the land for many decades, searching for companionship and a place to settle. To earn his keep, Randor has served as a roaming gravedigger, offering his services as an amateur priest, well versed in the old ways, as well as the state religion.  [/ic]

Loch Belthadd, human male commoner 1
age:26
stats:str=12,dex=14,con=12,int=14,wis=11,cha=10
languages: common, elven, goblin
skills
craft(basket-weaving)+4;4 ranks
spot+4;4 ranks
survival+2;2 ranks(cc)
use rope+6;4 ranks; 2 dex
listen+4;4 ranks
search+0

Feats= toughness, improved initiative

H.P.=8 attack= shortspear+2(1d6+2)X20. A.C.= 12; touch 12; flat-footed 10. Saves=fort.+1; ref.+2; will+0. Initiative +6

stuff: artisian's outfit(with a lot of patches and added pockets), shortspear, bedroll, sack, 3 trail rations, fishhook, common lamp, 2 pints of oil, 1 sp, artesian tools.
Notes: fights with spear two-handed.

Appearance: Loch is very thin and sickly looking, even though he is healthy. He has no beard, but has shoulder-length black hair. He usually has a disinterested look on his face.
[spoiler=backstory-type things]Loch was an aprentice to a fairly well off basket-weaver in the city-state of (somewhere), at least until the city-state of (somewhere else) declared war. Loch was conscripted into the army of (somewhere), but deserted after (somewhere else) won a decisive victory on the plains of (generic plains name). He became a caravan guard for a few months but was discharged after an incident involving large amounts of ale, a half-orc named Bob, and a merchant's daughter. About four days ago he wandered into Rulvsfell.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Timothy Silver]
Player name: Stargate525
Character Name: Timothy Silver

Class: Commoner | Level: 1
Race: Elf | Gender: Male
Size: Medium | Age: 112 | Alignment: --

STR: 12 | {1 pts}
DEX: 14 | {2 pts}
CON: 10 | {0 pts}
INT: 12 | {1 pts}
WIS: 14 | {2 pts}
CHA: 11 | {0 pts}

HP Total: 4
AC Bonus: 12 | Touch AC: 12 | Flat-footed AC: 10
Initiatie: +2
Base Attack: +0 | Grapple: +0

Saving Throws:
Fortitude Total:0  (Base: 0 + Ability Mod: 0 + Other: - )
Reflex Total:3 (Base: 0 + Ability Mod: 2 + Other: - )
Will Total:1  (Base: 0 + Ability Mod: 2 + Other: - )

Weapons
Dagger - Attack: +1 |Damage: 1d4+1 |Crit: 19-20x2
Shortbow (20) - Attack: +2 |Damage: 1d6 |Crit: 20x3


Armor
Armor - AC Bonus:- |AC Penalty:- |Weight:-


Skills
Climb                   - Total:+1 |Ranks: 0 |Mods: +1
Handle Animal           - Total:+2 |Ranks: 2 |Mods: +0
Jump                    - Total:+1 |Ranks: 0 |Mods: +1
Listen                  - Total:+4 |Ranks: 2 |Mods: +1 +2
Profession (Jeweler)    - Total:+8 |Ranks: 4 |Mods: +1 +3
Profession (Smith)      - Total:+3 |Ranks: 2 |Mods: +1
Ride                    - Total:+3 |Ranks: 1 |Mods: +2
(CC) Search             - Total:+2 |Ranks: 0 |Mods: +2 +2
Spot                    - Total:+5 |Ranks: 1 |Mods: +2 +2
Swim                    - Total:+1 |Ranks: 0 |Mods: +1
Use Rope                - Total:+2 |Ranks: 0 |Mods: +2

(***Skill Name***) - Total:+*** |Ranks:**** |Mods:(List all****)


Racial Abilities
Immunity to sleep and similar
+2 vs. enchantment
LL vision
Weapon Proficiency: Longbow, Rapier, Shortbow


Feats
Skill Focus - +3 Profession (blacksmith) checks


Class Abilities
Free Proficiency - Dagger


Equipment
 -Artisan's Outfit
 -Bedroll
 -Sack
 -3 Days Rations
 -***********


Treasure
Coins: - pp | - gp | 5 sp | - cp
Gems:
Magical Items:
Other:
 -***********


Languages
Common, Elven


Character Background and Description
Tim grew up among humans; his parents having left him as a child. Since his nephew's death, he has been on the road, a grand total of about five years. Although mentally mature for quite some time, he has only reached physical maturity very recently, and is still seen by other elves as ridiculously, almost destructively, independent.

Tim stands 5'2 and weighs roughly five stone. His brown hair is kept short, cut simply and without fuss. He is not often found in anything other than his work uniform' brown pants, (once)white shirt, and leather apron. When not on the road, he can be found in the pub or in the forest, hunting.
[/spoiler]

Looking good, I am still figuring some stuff out but I will get back to you guys. Just note that I might drop the point buy down a little bit. Only other thing I can think to say is that there is no alignment so you don't have to worry about that.

[ooc]
Jean Viea
Class: Commoner | Level 1
Race: Human | Gender: Female
Size: Medium | Age: 20

Stats:
STR 10 (+0; 2 points)
DEX 14 (+2; 6 points)
CON 11 (+0; 3 points)
INT 14 (+2; 6 points)
WIS 11 (+0; 3 points)
CHA 13 (+1; 5 points)

HP: 4
AC: 12 (+2 Dex), touch 12, flat-footed 10.
Initiative: +2 (+2 Dex)
Base Attack: +0, Grapple: +0

Saving Throws:
Fortitude: +2 (+2 Great Fortitude)
Reflex: +2 (+2 Dex)
Will: +0

Attacks:
Sling +2 ranged (1d3; 50 ft.)

Skills:
Craft (Pottery) +6 (4 ranks, +2 Int)
Handle Animal +5 (4 ranks, +1 Cha)
Perform (String Instruments) +6 (2 ranks CC, +1 Cha, +3 Skill Focus)
Profession (Shepherd) +4 (4 ranks)
Ride +6 (4 ranks, +2 Dex)
Listen +0
Spot +0

Feats:
Great Fortitude - +2 on all Fortitude saving throws.
Skill Focus (Perform [String Instruments]) - +3 on all Perform [String Instruments] checks.

Racial Abilities:
Extra feat at first level.
Four extra skill points at first level.
One extra skill point at each additional level.

Class Abilities:
Free Proficiency - Sling.

Equipment:
Bedroll
Sack
Peasant's outfit
3 days worth of food
Sling (n.b. Jean is using stones instead of bullets, which lowers the damage to that of a sling for a small character, and imposes a -1 penalty to attacks.)

Treasure:
5 SP

Languages:
Common, Dwarven, Elven.

Character Background and Description:
Jean grew up with her parents, herding sheep.  Aside from her mother and father, Jean also has an older brother.  Her whole family took part in tending their flocks, and Jean easily learned how to tend to the animals as well as how to ride horses.  Jean and her mother often took care of domestic work; Jean picked up pottery exceptionally well.  Jean also picked up a local three-stringed instrument, mainly for fun while out watching the flocks.

As she was not the first born in her family, it was clear that she would not inherit her father's flock.  Always having an adventurous streak, she decided that she would travel to one of the local towns to try her luck.

Jean stands around five-and-a-half feet tall, and weights about ten stone.  Her skin is a deep tan, she has straight, light brown hair that goes down to her shoulders, and her eyes are also light brown in color.  She dresses functionally, wearing a simply embroidered, dark green jumper dress with an off-white chemise underneath, as well as a pair of dark green pants, and rugged leather boots.[/ooc]

Okay here are my thoughts. Each of you will get some starter items and a few coins to spend on whatever else you want (on the 3.5 SRD list that is).

Items:
- Bedroll
- Sack
- Peasants Outfit of some sort
- Food for 3 days (dried strips of meat and hard breads)
- A simple weapon that could arguably be found in a commoners hands
(dagger, sickle, club, quarterstaff, sling)
- 5 Silver Coins

If you have any comments on this please let me know, things can be shifted and changed. Other than that I have decided to keep the point buy as is. I was a bit worried about it until I realized that I handle most of my DCs on the fly so I can adjust things as needed.

One final thing, yes you can be a resident of the town. However, everyone starts off on the same footing here. Nobody will recognize or know you. You can explain this off as being a recluse, or not actually living inside the town or anything else. Just remember that you won't know anybody personally and you won't know anybody else by reputation except for nobles and other prominent folk.

The only problem I have with that is that it makes us all itinerant immigrants. Me and the gravedigger will pretty much have to re-tool our entire backstory.  

Quote from: Stargate525The only problem I have with that is that it makes us all itinerant immigrants. Me and the gravedigger will pretty much have to re-tool our entire backstory.  

Yes and I am sorry, I didn't expect you guys to do what you did. Unfortunately if I don't do that I will have to retool my entire setup.

Fair enough.

I changed mine.

Mine is also changed.

Re-edited mine. I like it more! :)

EDIT: I'll go back later tonight or tomorrow and make it more of a paragraph rather than several disjointed sentences.

Looks like everything is coming together. I will give you guys all of tomorrow to fix up your characters and ask questions or put forth ideas (I am totally new to this so I am open to suggestions). It also gives me an excuse to have some time to collect my own thoughts.

On that note, stargate I looked things over again and I might be willing to give you a shortbow plus arrows (the longbow is a bit powerful and I wanted people to start off on a similar footing). I was thinking that since it is finite ammo (which is expensive but we might be able to deal with that) that you could also have the option of a dagger or unarmed proficiency.

If anyone has thoughts or objections to that let me know.

Can I have a Shovel for free? They're expensive  :cry:

EDIT: Did you make a call on the Point Buy?

Quote from: Elemental_ElfCan I have a Shovel for free? They're expensive  :cry:

EDIT: Did you make a call on the Point Buy?

Yea sure you can have a shovel... the DnD prices are a bit weird to be honest and I am thinking that a bit of testing is going to happen before I get a proper idea of how much treasure to dole out.

And yes you guys can keep the 25 point buy, it won't interfere.

Like Flint and Steel, the only reliable firestarting method, going for a gold peice?

And thank ye greatly for the bow.

Well flint and steel does make a little sense, and I think that if you want to start a fire you can use the old fashioned way (being in your situation you would probably have grown up knowing how to do that).

Ok so stargate you get a shortbow and 20 arrows (in a simple leather hunters quiver) plus a dagger or unarmed proficiency

Anyone else have anything they think they really need to make their character work?

Are we literate?

Yes you are literate, don't want to go through that hassle so we'll just hand wave it as reading being much more common in this place.

[ooc]Just wanted to let you all know that I'm flying from Honolulu to Baltimore Friday night/Saturday morning.  Jet lag will follow.

So bear with me a bit. :)[/ooc]

can I have artisian tools?

Quote from: Gnomish Cheetoscan I have artisian tools?

Yea I think that would be ok.

Ok well just a heads up to everyone. I will be starting the campaign tomorrow so keep a lookout for that. Because of limetoms traveling though the first few days will probably just be getting everything oriented.

Start the I.C. thread!!!!!!!

Patience silly (I wake up around noon PST :P). Its up now though.