"Balor's Head" Cad Goleór IRC: Planning

[Seraph]

Balor's Head
A New Cad Goleór IRC Game

Title of Game:    "Balor's Head"
Name of Host:   Seraphine_Harmonium
Game World:   Cad Goleór
System: Pathfinder
Number of Players: ~3-5 (Details below)
Tone/Genre: Sword and Sorcery/Dark Age Celtic

Game Time (What Day/Time): TBA
Game Length (How Long): ~ 1 hour
How to Join?  Submit a character, or choose a sample character below.

Sample Characters
[spoiler=Atann MacEtrin]Name: Atann MacEtrin
Class: Gaestat | Level: 5
Race: Human | Gender: Male

STR: 12 | {+1 pts}
DEX: 14 | {+2 pts}
CON: 14 | {+2 pts}
INT: 8 | {-1 pts}
WIS: 12 | {+1 pts}
CHA: 15 | {+2 pts}

HP Total: 61
Defense Bonus:+8 (+5 Training, +2 Dex, +1 Dodge)
Initiative: +6
Base Attack: +5
Enech: 18

Saving Throws
Fortitude Total: +6  
Reflex Total:+3
Will Total:+2

Weapons
(MW Cold Iron Claymore) - Attack:+7 |Damage:2d6+1 |Crit:19-20x2
(Javelin) - Attack:+7 |Damage:1d6+1 |Crit:20x2
(Longbow) - Attack:+7 |Damage:1d8|Crit:20x3
(Shortsword) - Attack:+6 |Damage:1d6+1 |Crit:19-20x2

Armor
none

Skills
(Acrobatics) - Total:+9 |Ranks:5 |
(Climb) - Total:+9 |Ranks:5
(Know (Nature)) - Total:+8 |Ranks:5 |
(Perception) - Total:+10 |Ranks:5 |
(Ride) - Total:+10 |Ranks:5 |
(Swim) - Total:+9 |Ranks:5 |

Feats
Call of Nature's Fury
Dodge
Improved Initiative
Extra Rage x2

Class Abilities
Geas of Recklessness: A Gaestat must accept a magical oath called a geas not to use any form of bodily protection. This includes armor, shields, clothing, or magic items that provides a direct bonus to a Defense Roll.  This does not include items that grant bonuses to attacks or to stats.  A Gaestat loses all class features except proficiencies if she ever willingly wears restricted protective gear or clothing in combat.
Call of Nature's Fury: The Gaestat gains Call of Nature's Fury as a bonus feat.
Rage: +4 Str, +4 Con, +2 Will saves, -2 Defense while raging.
Superstition: +3 save vs. Magic while raging
Invulnerability (Ex): At 2nd level, the Gaestat gains DR/— equal to half her barbarian level. This damage reduction is doubled against nonlethal damage. This ability replaces uncanny dodge, improved uncanny dodge, and damage reduction.
Naked Courage (Ex): At 3rd level, the Gaestat gains a +1 dodge bonus to Defense rolls and a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against fear when wearing no armor or shields. This bonus increases by +1 for every six levels after 3rd. This ability replaces trap sense.
Renewed Vigor: 1/day while raging heal yourself for 1d8+2 HP

Equipment
-Backpack
-Bedroll
-Horse
-Trail Rations (5 days)
-Waterskin

Atann MacEtrin belongs to a once-proud, but now largely disenfranchised clan.  Their lands were seized in war, and since the family has been struggling to get by, and hold onto their honor.  Though a fighting-man by trade, he is no ordinary soldier.  Trained among the Gaestate, a society of warriors known for charging into battle naked, he knows how to evoke a battle frenzy that will terrify his enemies.  

In his early teens Atann was made protegee to Mida, an experienced warrior who took to sparring with the boy.  They fought without armor or shield, or any cloth, as was their way, clashing with wooden swords, throwing punches, and grappling, when it came to that.  Atann in his adolescence grew very confused between his desires for women, and the excitement of Mida's firm body, whose shape he knew so well.

Atann is attracted to both men and women, and has had liasons and "encounters" with each.  He takes the lead in these situations, especially with women, but he secretly desires to be dominated by a sufficiently powerful woman.

Atann's prized cold-iron claymore came off the body of a fallen enemy he slew in combat with a javelin.  It was the first-born son of Core of Clan Dursten out of Beldangan.  Now members of the clan seek his death as payment for the blood debt.  They seek to return the sword to its original owner, to be buried with him.

Though wild and hard to control, Atann does care for his family honor.  He tries to avoid scandal as best he can, but is admittedly more afraid of being *caught* in a misdeed than the moral fact of it.  [/spoiler]
[spoiler=Brosna nic Sula]Name: Brosna nic Sula
Class: Cleric| Level: 5
Race: Human | Gender: Female

STR: 17 | {+3 pts}
DEX: 12 | {+1 pts}
CON: 14 | {+2 pts}
INT: 13 | {+1 pts}
WIS: 17 | {+3 pts}
CHA: 11 | {+0 pts}

HP Total: 39
Defense Bonus:+11 (+7 Training, +1 Dex, +2 Shield, +1 Shield Focus)
Initiative: +1
Base Attack: +3
Enech:21

Saving Throws
Fortitude Total: +6  
Reflex Total:+2
Will Total:+7

Weapons
(MW Longsword) - Attack:+8 |Damage:1d8+3 |Crit:19-20x2
(Sling) - Attack:+4 |Damage:1d4+3 |Crit:20x2

Armor
(Brigandine) - DR Bonus:+4

Skills
(Heal) - Total:+11 |Ranks:5
(Know (Arcana)) - Total:+12 |Ranks:5 |
(Know (History)) - Total:+9 |Ranks:5 |
(Spellcraft) - Total:+9 |Ranks:5 |  

Feats
Power Attack
Shield Focus
Skill Focus: Knowledge (Arcana)
Weapon Focus: Longsword

Class Abilities
Battle Rage: Touched ally gets bonus to melee damage rolls for 1 round
Channel Energy: Use your holy symbol to heal the living or injure the undead.
Deity's Favored Weapon (Longsword): Proficient in longsword
Spontaneous Casting: Cleric can swap memorized spell for Cure spells
Strength Surge: Touched ally gets bonus to strength skills and strength checks for 1 round.

Equipment
-Adventurer's Kit
-Alchemist's Fire
-Candle x 5
-Flint and Steel
-Wooden Holy Symbol
-Trail Rations (5 days)
-Waterskin

Brosna is much more concerned with the "big picture" than with her own personal honor.  She tries to act with honor when she can, but she is entirely willing to dishonor herself for a goal she sees as the "greater good."  She gets highly frustrated with selfishness and short-sighted in those around her, and is not afraid to tell them off for it.  

She is not without humor, however, and loves games, songs and jokes.  She will laugh, and sometimes tries to "play-the-bard" though she does not have a storyteller's skill.  She is very learned about magical practices, the gods, and the three worlds, though.   She has a tendency to make highly intellectual jokes about the gods that no one else understands.

She hates showing weakness.  She wears armor and a shield to protect herself, and thus better protect her friends,  and ignores any derisive comments about "cowardice."  They do get to her on some level, though, and she has to deal with those feelings periodically.

She is not afraid to wade into combat, and when she does, she only retreats to tend to an injured companion.  Though not concerned with honor, her personal sense of pride will not allow her to retreat if she has strength to fight.

She has a recurring nightmare of a massive, lidless eye watching her in the dark.  She is helpless--petrified--in its presence, and can take no action as she feels it penetrating her soul.

She trusts the high priestess Cillai, Mistress of the Eternal Flame of Brigantia, absolutely.  She keeps the Cill that honors the goddess of fire, smithcraft, and magic, of battle and healing, and sovereignty.  This cill is nestled into the foothills of Cill Bearna, in Samildan.
[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Ferca Dubh "Black Ferca"]Name: Ferca Dubh, "Black Ferca"
Class: Rake (Rogue Archetype) | Level: 5
Race: Human | Gender: Male

STR: 12 | {+1 pts}
DEX: 13 | {+1 pts}
CON: 10 | {0 pts}
INT: 11 | {0 pts}
WIS: 15 | {+2 pts}
CHA: 18 | {+4 pts}

HP Total: 29
Defense Bonus:+6 (+4 Training, +1 Dex, +1 Dodge)
Initiative: +5
Base Attack: +3
Enech: "20" (Achieved by lying.  Should be much lower.  Would crumble if revealed)

Saving Throws
Fortitude Total: +1  
Reflex Total:+5
Will Total:+3  

Weapons
(Shortsword) - Attack:+4 |Damage:1d6+1 |Crit:19-20x2
(Shortbow) - Attack:+4 |Damage:1d6 |Crit:20x3
(Club) - Attack:+4 |Damage:1d6+1|Crit:20x2
(Dagger) - Attack:+4 |Damage:1d6+1 |Crit:19-20x2

Armor
(Studded Leather) - DR: 3

Skills
(Acrobatics) - Total:+9 |Ranks:5 |
(Bluff) - Total:+16 |Ranks:5 |
(Climb) - Total:+9 |Ranks:5
(Diplomacy) - Total:+13 |Ranks:5 |
(Know (Local)) - Total:+8 |Ranks:5 |
(Perception) - Total:+10 |Ranks:5 |
(Sense Motive) - Total:+10 |Ranks:5 |
(Stealth) - Total:+9 |Ranks:5 |
(Swim) - Total:+9 |Ranks:5 |

Feats
Dodge
Improved Initiative
Point Blank Shot
Skill Focus: Bluff
Weapon Finesse

Class Abilities
Bravado's Blade (Ex): When a rake hits an opponent and deals sneak attack damage, she can forgo 1d6 points of that damage and make a free Intimidate check to demoralize the foe. For every additional 1d6 points of sneak attack damage she forgoes, she receives a +5 circumstance bonus on this check.
Rake's Smile (Ex): At 3rd level, a rake gains a +1 morale bonus on Bluff and Diplomacy checks. This bonus increases by +1 for every 3 levels beyond 3rd.
Sneak attack +3d6: The rogue's attack deals extra damage anytime her target would be denied a Dexterity bonus to Defense, or when the rogue flanks her target.
Evasion: Successful Ref saves for half damage instead deal no damage.
Surprise Attack: Opponents can always be sneak attacked by you on the Surprise round.
Rogue Finesse: Weapon Finesse as a bonus feat.
Uncanny dodge: He cannot be caught flat-footed, nor does she lose her Dex bonus to AC if the attacker is invisible.

Equipment
-Backpack
-Bedroll
-Caltrops
-Grappling Hook
-Rope
-Torch
-Trail Rations (5 days)
-Waterskin

"Look out for yourself."  These are the words "Black Ferca" lives by.  This principle is followed closely in importance by "Never see an alliance outlive its usefulness."  Ferca has one concern: his own well being.  He loves being in the company of others, but not because he likes the people.  He likes playing them, conning them, and using them.  He loves manipulating people by exploiting their weaknesses.  It is a game he enjoys.  

Ferca was raised thinking his family were the only ones he could trust.  Then his twin brother Morga, the only person alive he trusted completely, sold him out to the clanmates of one of their victims who they had killed.  Ferca was brutally wounded, and was disfigured in the attempt.  He only survived by playing dead.  

Black Ferca has many skills, but his chief talent is boasting.  "It doesn't matter if you can't beath them" he once confided, "If they don't dare to try."  To others, though, he makes sure to always come off as cheerful, worth knowing, and deadly beyond words.  His is the language of the body, and the subtle glances that speak more than words.  He almost never says exactly what he means.  

He takes great care in spreading and fostering his reputation as a great adventurer.  He makes sure his name is heard everywhere he goes, and preferably by the most important people there.  He always makes a point of talking about his skills, and what powerful enemies he has defeated.  How much of his stories are true, no one knows but him.
[/spoiler]
None of these sample characters are compulsory.  They are just that: "samples." If you WANT to play as any of these characters, however, feel free to claim one as your own.  First come first served.

Characters Claimed

Premise
The PCs are exceptional folk.  Whether they are nobles filled with wanderlust, or those who do not fit into ordered society, they are people who are outside the usual structure of society.  They may be expendable, they may not be missed, but their special skills sometimes make their services necessary.  They are people who do what others dare not attempt, and for whom madness is an admirable trait.

Character Creation
•   Character Level: 5
•   Stats: Point Buy Method, High Fantasy (20 points)
•   Race: Human only
•   Class: See list of Available Classes

• Bard
• Cleric
• Druid
• Fenian (Ranger)
• Fighter
• Gaestat (Barbarian)
• Ovate (Oracle)
• Rogue
• Witch

House Rules
•   Defense Roll
•   Equipment list
•   Honor Points (called Enech in game)

This will begin some point in the near future.  If you are interested, post the days and times you are available.  I am looking to have about 3 to 5 players for this, but 5 is not a hard limit, and this will be pretty open to player characters dropping in and out from one session to the next.  So if your schedule is a little erratic, you can take a week off, while events move forward.  If you can't make it, you character will either blend into the background, or be said to go off into town to do their own thing for a while.  

On a case by case basis I might CONSIDER non-humans (on non-pureblooded) humans, but characters are human unless otherwise specified.  Characters should have backstories to highlight mentality and motivations.  They should involve at least one other person besides the character in question.  

[HippopotamusDundee]

I'm available Monday through Friday from 6PM EST onwards. And I'd be quite interested in playing Atann MacEtrin, though I may roll up a Druid or Ovate instead.

[Seraph]

I'm available Monday through Friday from 6PM EST onwards. And I'd be quite interested in playing Atann MacEtrin, though I may roll up a Druid or Ovate instead.

Feel free to do either.  

A couple things I should also mention about Cad Goleor:

Weapons and Armor
Armor is typically seen as "dishonorable," and "cowardly," though some places are more strict than others.  Similarly, there are social rules regarding the weapons one uses.  Ranged combat is generally looked down on, but is not always dishonorable.  Bows are seen as "hunting" weapons, rather than "war weapons," so using them against other humans will earn you an Enech penalty.  Feel free to use them on monsters, though.  

Magic Items
They will be few and far between.  It is unlikely that any character will have more than one, or two at most.  To help make up for this, where there ARE magic items, I'm going to allow magic items to improve with the characters, so that as characters level, they will not be stuck with underpowered items.  

Relatively common, however, will be magical tattoos.  A character can have multiple of these (each takes up an item slot such as chest, arm, etc.), and they function very similarly to spell scrolls, except they always hold spells that affect the character with the tattoo, and non-caster's don't need a "Use Magic Device" to use them.  These tattoos are created by a cleric, druid, or witch, who possesses the Craft Magic Tattoo feat.

Money
There is no coinage in Cad Goleor. Exchanges are made in goods and services.  Make sure that any wealth is converted into trade goods, or into some other items.

[Kindling]

Definitely interested, but as I said before I don't have a set schedule. Very roughly, I'm far less likely to be available friday to sunday than I am during the week. Also, I'm in the UK, so if you decided to play much past early/mid evening the time difference might cause problems.

As for a character, I'd probably make my own. Fighter seems the most likely choice, but we'll see.

[Seraph]

Definitely interested, but as I said before I don't have a set schedule. Very roughly, I'm far less likely to be available friday to sunday than I am during the week. Also, I'm in the UK, so if you decided to play much past early/mid evening the time difference might cause problems.

As for a character, I'd probably make my own. Fighter seems the most likely choice, but we'll see.

So you'd vote for Mon-Thu and on the earlier side.  And as I mentioned, it's ok if you have to drop in and out from week to week.

[Seraph]

For those making characters, look HERE for figuring out your defense.

[Kindling]

Would a falcata fit the setting? I'm unsure as it's more of a Celtiberian weapon, so I dunno if it would work for the more Irish-Celtic theme of Cad Goleor. They are badass though, and I was thinking of giving my guy one, possibly using the stats for a scimitar? If you're not cool with it though that's fine and I'll go for a more typical spear and shield combo.

EDIT: Oops, just saw that PF actually has stats for a falcata anyway.

EDIT2: Also, can we have any info about our starting location? I feel like I may like to tie my character a bit to the area, rather than having the typical "rootless wanderer" background. Maybe he could serve a local minor noble or something? Or would that get in the way of the sorts of adventures you had in mind?

[Ghostman]

I'm interested in playing some sort of warrior-type. Like Kindling I'd need the games to start early-ish to join in.

[Seraph]

Would a falcata fit the setting? I'm unsure as it's more of a Celtiberian weapon, so I dunno if it would work for the more Irish-Celtic theme of Cad Goleor. They are badass though, and I was thinking of giving my guy one, possibly using the stats for a scimitar? If you're not cool with it though that's fine and I'll go for a more typical spear and shield combo.

EDIT: Oops, just saw that PF actually has stats for a falcata anyway.

Yes, I think a falcata would be fine.  While based more in the "Irish-Celtic" it is not exclusively so. 

[Seraph]

Also, can we have any info about our starting location? I feel like I may like to tie my character a bit to the area, rather than having the typical "rootless wanderer" background. Maybe he could serve a local minor noble or something? Or would that get in the way of the sorts of adventures you had in mind?

Yes, of course!  In fact, having characters tied to the location in some way could prove useful for multiple reasons. 

[ic=Ceann Balor]Welcome to the coastal town of Ceann Balor, where the windswept western shore is guarded by a great stone sentinel.  Meaning "Head of Balor," it is rooted in an ancient legend that the god Lugh slew the Fomorian king, and brought his head here to the site of this town.  A wooden palisade defends the sloping hillside town from attack, and from the dangers of the wild forest to the north.  Though the town is a league inland, the stiff ocean breeze wafts the smell of salt sea over the town, which is speckled with round houses with thatched roofs, their walls of wattle and daub.  Striped canopies, set up craftsmen to draw attention to their trades, surround a large open shelter in the middle of town designed for assemblies. 

The town is the seat of a local petty king, though "king" is a questionable term.  Local warrior-nobles rule their clans, which are prone to fighting.  Clans Forna and Tresteg have lately been at each other's throats.[/ic]

[Seraph]

[note][/note]Some more info about the place, specifically about the two clans mentioned in the above post.

Clan Tresteg

The sigil of Clan Tresteg is the Lion, and the men groom themselves as befits a lion—encouraging their members to grow thick manes of hair which they leave unbound, and allow to cascade over their shoulders and down their back.   They are known for their pride, and their characteristic two-weapon fighting style.  They often show off their wealth, preferring bronze and gold for their ornamentations.  They give patronage to skilled jewelers and metalworkers.   They admire leadership and charisma, and those that are not warriors are frequently bards.

The current king of Ceann Balor, Ecnel, is of Tresteg clan, an honor which they take great pride in, and one that many of them take every opportunity to remind the other clans of.  Ecnel of the Battle Roar, he is called, since mastering a feat of arms known as "the Warrior's Scream." Ecnel's position grants the Tresteg clan a good degree of protection and favor, but also provokes jealousy and resentment from the others.  Though he once won glory and honor on the battlefield, Ecnel has grown somewhat decadent of late, plating his chariot with gold, and wearing expensive silks from across the sea.  He has taken on a new wife, as well.

Favored Classes: Fighter, Bard
Enech: +5
Preferred Weapons: Two-Short Swords
Clan Chieftain: Lachu


Clan Forna

[note][/note]
This clan boasts the Boar as its sigil.  The men of the clan use lime to stiffen their hair, forming it into a "Mohawk" like the crest of the boar.  Their war paint is typically red, and they commonly paint or tattoo tusks on their faces, or grow bristly mustaches.  They foster a reputation for their ferocity in battle.  The weaker, or less warlike, are considered something of an embarrassment, though they respect cunning greatly. They are known for their stubbornness and tenacity.  

Achnaid of Forna Clan is a "lawman" of sorts.  He is one of the few literate warriors in the land, and keeps in his home the Book of the Law, which he consults as needed when there is no Brehon present.  He is also skilled at tracking down lawbreakers, trailing them over the surrounding countryside, and bringing justice to them, often with the sword.  He is respected for his prominent role in the town, but he can be brutal in his handling of criminals, earning him a measure of fear as well.  

Favored Classes: Gaestate (Barbarian), Fighter, Fenian (Ranger)
Enech: +3
Preferred Weapons: Longspear
Clan Chieftain: Briove

[Kindling]

Ooh, cool stuff. Would it be cool to be affiliated with one of the two big clans? If so, my chap might have to be with the Forna, just for the punx :P

Here's a rough character sheet - all seem okay to you?

[ic]Elisedd
Fighter 5

STR 14 +2
DEX 16 +3
CON 14 +2
INT 10
WIS 14 +2
CHA 10

HP 33/33
Defence +13

FORT +6
REF +4
WILL +3

BAB +5
BDB +7
CMB +7
CMD 20

Falcata (normal attack) +9       1d8+4    19-20/x3
Falcata (power attack) +7       1d8+8   19-20/x3

Class abilities:
Bravery
Armour Training
Weapon Training: Heavy blades

Feats:
Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Falcata
Shield Focus
Shield Specialisation
Weapon Focus
Weapon Specialisation
Missile Shield
Power Attack

Skills (ability modifiers included):
Climb 5
Handle Animal 3
Ride 6
Survival 5
Swim 5

Gear:
heavy wooden shield
falcata[/ic]

[Seraph]

Ooh, cool stuff. Would it be cool to be affiliated with one of the two big clans? If so, my chap might have to be with the Forna, just for the punx :P

Here's a rough character sheet - all seem okay to you?

I think so.  You'll need a write-up about the "fluff" side of the character as well, of course, but this all looks to be in order. 

As for Clans, yes, I think it would be alright to be a member of one of the Clans.  It would certainly be useful for getting a character invested in the events, and could lead to some fun roleplaying, especially when interacting with members of other clans.

[Kindling]

You'll need a write-up about the "fluff" side of the character as well, of course, but this all looks to be in order. 

Oh of course, that's the good bit - but it does take more time and effort, and so will be a while longer in manifesting :)

[Seraph]

Oh, and one more thing, Kindling:  Would you mind labeling your Class Abilities/Feats/Skills/etc. sections as such?  Not a big deal, it just makes it easier to see what is what right away. 


How would people feel about Mondays 7 pm Eastern (4 pm Pacific)?  My understanding of people's schedules is a bit hazy, but it SOUNDED like that might fit.  Let me know if that doesn't work.