League of Extraordinary (calling all players ;))

PBP game is Here

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'LEAGUE OF THE EXTRAORDINARIES'

Ok so after a long absence I am re-launching this game. I am NOT sure who is all still interested in this game SO first I am going to call for those still interested, and then I will re-intro the world info.

from this list…
Ferrix –Amon changeling Rogue/Telepath
Keia –Azreal Half-celestial male Paladin/War Mage
Biblton – Fury Warforged Monk/Fighter
taltzu52 – Neville Rathbone human male Ranger/Rogue
ShaggySpellsword – Marcus Calvani human male Cleric (of the Silver Flame)/Urban Ranger 4
Blue_Genie – have to re-look through my thread to see what he was going to do… sorry
MatrexsVigil – Enden human male Artificer/Swashbuckler
Slippshade – Bale Kell human male Hexblade/Sorceror
…to reply if they are still interested. After a couple of days I will re-open it to recruiting.

NOW then basic character creations stuff Re-posting, just in case…
Character Level: 4th (all classes from PHB 3.5, Eberron, Complete Warrior, Divine, Arcane and from the Expanded Psionic Handbook but only from the SRD as that is all I have access to. Also variant classes from the Unearthed Arcana from pg. 47-58 and the variant Specialist Spellcasters from pg. 47-58 are also all allowed).
Skills and Feats changes: All characters get +2 skill points/level (so 8 at first, 2 points after that) and while I am not changing the skill level max, or changing prohibited skills, cross-classes skills only cost 1pt/rank (so a 4th Paladin/Sorcerer could purchase up to 3 ranks of Spot for 3 skill points). Hero Feats are gained each level, with a bonus feat (for 2) at 1st level (so fourth level characters, with no other bonuses would start with 5 heroic feats).
Attribute Buy: 40 points (remember bonus at 4th level). Nothing below 8 or above 18 without racial adjustments though.
Gestalt: two character classes BUT locked. I will allow players to buy prestige class abilities as feats. The prerequisite for the "feat" is the character level needed to acquire the ability through normal minimum class & prestige class advancement i.e. if your character wanted the "Impromptu Sneak Attack 1/day" ability of the Arcane Trickster (a 3rd level prestige class ability), you'd be able to get it with a feat at 8th level. (To get into the Arcane Trickster prestige class you need at minimum 5 levels of wizard to cast 3rd level spells and 3 levels of rogue to get the +2d6 sneak attack, then the 3rd level prestige ability would bring the character level of 8th because of Gestalt)
Racial stuff: all in the base book and Eberron. I also encourage someone to play either an Aasimar, Teifling or Half-Dragon (or even something weirder like a Gnoll or a Werewolf or an Undying). I don’t want LOTS of crazy races BUT I do want/encourage at least 1 (and maybe 2 max).
Wealth: this one I am going to hold up a bit. I think I will only let you start with 500gp to purchase whatever you want (normal gear and equipment, some minor magic) and ALL other gear will be assigned by me depending on your background story and ECL. Otherwise who would ever be able to afford an Air-Gallon naw I think my initial thought is this… Generally I want the players to have their own abilities and they do not need to rely on equipment (as much, but again their could be an minor artifact in the group).
Action Point Expanded from Unearth Arcana pg. 122-124. I don’t think that stuff is open content so I can’t post them here but I think I can post their ‘names’ so here they are… the first ones were SPECIAL ACTIONS: ‘Activate Class Ability’, ‘Boost Defense’, 'Emulate Feat’, 'Extra Attack', 'Spell Boost', 'Spell Recall', 'Stabilize'. Then there are the IMPROVE FEATS: 'Blind-Fight', 'Combat Expertise', 'Dodge', 'Improve Critical', 'Improved Initiative', 'Metamagic Feat', 'Power Attack', 'Spell Penetration' Also I will be giving bonus points during the game.
Reputation from Unearthed Arcana (good ideas)
ECL up to +3 just ignoring up to three ECL, and giving those without any something else (and if you are a lower ECL then get a smaller bonus of stuff). Again want to make this balanced to a points so this is where we could get some kind of ‘power’ or ‘artifact/magic’ This ‘boosted’ would depend on the ECL. If someone wants a half-dragon, then it is +3, but if the highest is only a +1 well then the bonus does not need to be as much. This is also where I could give special abilities (the Changeling with Chameleon powers, the Warforged with artifacts grafted into this body, the perfect thief or warrior with some special abilities like high level thief abilities or multiattack, etc or someone would get a minor artifact).
* As an example, let’s say that one player is going to be a Half-Dragon (+3ECL) and another is playing a Human. I give the Half-Dragon some magic, etc that would be up to a 3rd or 4th level character (an extra 2,200gp to 3,900gp). The human character just wants more magic, so I could either boost him all the way to that of a 7th level character an extra 18,500gp) or it could be partial bonus OR maybe even maybe a spell that has been cast on him with permanency or a permanent tattoo magic worth so much GP, etc. Grant him a particular magic item that is over that basic limit or a ‘leveling’
Hit Points Max at first level, then…
D4 =3
D6=4
D8=6
D10=8
D12=10

House Rule/Errata I will be using (off the top of my head)…
Stabilize at negative Hit Points = to your Constitution score before death.
Spell Penetration adds +2, and Improved Spell Penetration adds +4 to your roll to overcome Spell Resistance.

Must have missed this, it was on the General RPG Board too right?

Yeah, what are you looking for?

And abilities that no one else in the world would have would be awesome!

I vote Gestalt + High Point Buy! I've seen Isida and Creamsteak use nearly identical 46 point buys for Gestalt characters.

What exactly are your thoughts on psionics? I didn't fully understand your comments regarding them.

Kalashstar or Changeling Rogue/Psion all the way baby!
Or a monk/rogue

I like the sounds of this one. I would go with bloodlines and/or other abilities. Gesalt is cool and high point buy is fine, but it seems the the flavor of the game lends itself better to bloodlines and such.

Though I'd be happy with all of them

Psionics would be very cool as well. Maybe gestalt characters with the one side forced to be a psionic class, and with blood line flavor. Pulpy goodness with strange above the normal people or heroes.

Way too cool!

Keia

On a side note . . .

either of you interested in playing in a MnM game that I'm currently running (yes, I'm shamelessly recruiting players - of course only the ones that I love their posting style )

Keia

My votes on things to make the game truly pulpy AND Extraordinary would be thus:

I think Gesalt lower level characters would be more interesting than high level single class characters. Most folks have played PCs at 8th - 10th level before, but probably very few have ever had a chance to play Gesalt. This would be a cool chance to try it out.

I would make stat buy higher (36 or 40 would be cool).

I would give out many more feats. Feats are what truly make characters different and special from each other, so if you give out more feats, characters will become more extraordinary. I'd say give out a feat at EVERY character level with 2 feats at 1st (and this doesn't include the free feats that fighters, wizards, humans, monks etc get as part of their class levels). This probably won't cause too much of a problem because PbP games tend to move along so slowly that it'll be months before a number of your feats every actually come up.

Because there are no prestige classes as you said if the game goes Gesalt, I'd allow players to buy prestige class abilities as feats. The prerequisite for the "feat" is the character level needed to acquire the ability through normal minimum class & prestige class advancement

I.E. if your character wanted the "Impromptu Sneak Attack 1/day" ability of the Arcane Trickster (a 3rd level prestige class ability), you'd be able to get it with a feat at 11th level. (To get into the Arcane Trickster prestige class you need at minimum 5 levels of wizard to cast 3rd level spells and 3 levels of rogue to get the +2d6 sneak attack, then the 3rd level prestige ability would bring the character to 11th level at minimum.)

The reason why I'm include this rule is because there are hundreds of special abilities that are out there that could easily be feats and be fun to use, but which we usually never get a chance to use. I know that I personally would love to some day use the Drunken Master's ability to make up to a 90 degree turn while charging, but I realize the odds of me ever playing a Drunken Master are slim. This game would allow players to grab those special abilities they've always wanted to try out but never got the chance. Since this specific game is supposed to be involving characters a lot more twinked than normal, this allowance would be great fun.

Hi Karl! I am very interested in joining this group if possible.

As for ideas, I think DEFCON's thoughts on additional feats combined with a high point buy, some less-than-standard characters that bend the rules a bit (I would love to play your "perfect thief"), and additional action points would give a great feel. I do have the Midnight books, and the Heroic Paths thing might work well, but I don't have UA yet, so can't comment on its contents. Maybe I will pick it up today.

I agree with your reluctance regarding the hero/anti-hero, though. It could make things tricky. That being said, I would be happy to try it either way. So long as the companions have a good reason to stick together and work towards common goals, I don't see a problem getting it to work.

I have to confess that I am ignorant about the term "Gestalt" as used here, anyone care to expand on it for me?

I am very interested. Though I must admit, I don't own Unearthed Arcana, but I live for those comics. The hero/anti-hero thing may yet work, if we all keep in mind the flavor of the comics, and if I recall as well, they were mostly being coerced or blackmailed into compliance anyway. Nice idea for party cohesion, huh?

I'll leave the crunch to you guys, and if I don't own the appropriate materials, I'll simply bow out. I'm wondering if there's a sliding scale out there to have an effective character level penelty that boosts some stats and feats. Similar to a racial package, but not really. That will allow for a variety of experience versus crack stats, much like Quartermain vs. Hyde. Making sense?

I'll be watching!

TZ

I just picked up UA and glanced through it. The Gestalt thing could work well. Also, I went back and thumbed through my LEG books, and I am starting to think it could be a bunch of fun to go more on the anti-hero path. Like taitzu mentioned, you would have to find a good method to get the party to need to cooperate, but it might make for a great dynamic.

I think Defcon nailed a really fun way to play. Though I wouldn't mind adding in the Midnight bloodlines idea as well.

Oh and I would definately like to be added to the list of those that would like to join the game. I have been iching to play a Cleric of the Undying Court.

Slip

Hmm lots of these ideas, lots of good stuff. Excuse my rambling as I form these ideas

I am thinking about high attribute buy at least 36 maybe 40. I like the idea of more Feats also, and the whole ‘Get a feat at every level’ and maybe a bonus extra one at 1st level (so humans would start with 3)

I am leaning towards a mix of heroes and anti-heroes. Everyone will have to accept that as player in the game they have work together, no backstabbing or stealing from each other, plotting against them, etc (and if you are playing a anti-hero you have to give me the reason why you have agreed to work for the league, something good and you go to play it out. Something that would make you loyal to your party, maybe not the government)

BUT back to character creation. One suggested I really liked was the whole sliding scale of different unique abilities. Still forming the idea, but the basics would be; each character is 4th or 5th level base WITH something extra (here is where it gets complex). I am debating something like a +4ECL or equivalent… MORE attribute points (or maybe one well above 18), Gestalt or Bloodlines for those who want it (but only to a certain level of ability), a powerful magic item or weapon, more feats, racial package (a half-dragon, a werewolf), or some other unique ability? Something like that… NOW that would take a bit more work… grrr should just run it in M&M hehe just kidding.

Gestalt and/or Bloodlines/Heroic Paths would be pretty easy compared to this way BUT making everyone REALLY unique could be very cool. Maybe want I should do is ‘Choice one of the following packages’ and have a number of packages written up. Only one person can choice each one. So one would be Gestalt, one would be Bloodline, one be a Racial package (half-dragon and/or werewolf), one would be a non-racial template, one would be ‘skill and feat master’ with bonus to both and maybe a few extra attribute points, one with a minor artifact barer, etc

The other way to do this is everyone to give me your ‘basic character’ and then we work to build the characters’ Template (whatever that template be… BUT I want them all to be different and special)

Hmm all good stuff. I think that I have narrowed it down to one of the following two. What would people prefer more (or is there one that would not work)…

1.) Stuff that I am going to use no matter what - Attribute point buy 36-40 points (leaning toward 40). Bonus feats one every level (instead of every 3 levels) and a bonus Feat for all at 1st level (so humans start with 3). Starting level between 4th and 6th level. Not sure about this one yet.

2.) Gestalt (maybe with some Heroic Paths mixed it to really throw everyone off). If I go this route I am strongly tempted to ‘lock’ the two classes BUT if I do that I will go with DEFCON-1’s idea and allow players to buy prestige class abilities as feats. The prerequisite for the "feat" is the character level needed to acquire the ability through normal minimum class & prestige class advancement i.e. if your character wanted the "Impromptu Sneak Attack 1/day" ability of the Arcane Trickster (a 3rd level prestige class ability), you'd be able to get it with a feat at 11th level. (To get into the Arcane Trickster prestige class you need at minimum 5 levels of wizard to cast 3rd level spells and 3 levels of rogue to get the +2d6 sneak attack, then the 3rd level prestige ability would bring the character to 11th level at minimum.)

3. Create a dozen or so ‘packages’ that the players could choose from (see below). You would create the basic character (race, classes, etc against starting level between 4th to 6th) and then pick ONE of packages (obviously some packages would require certain classes and races only which would be included in their descriptions). I sort of like this idea a bit ONLY because it would make character even more unique then Gestalt characters.

Some example Eberron-type extraordinaries Packages (just beginning any additional suggestions would be appreciated)…

Genius Inventor from the Arcanix University, whose family was killed by Karnath raiders during the Last War. He then led a one-man war against them from his air-gallon, and continued even after the end of the war two years ago. Recently he was believed to have been killed, but the government of Breland knows he is alive and forcing him to work for them as they have hinted that they ‘should’ inform the Karnath government that he is still alive. (Artificer character class. Should maybe have lesser and maybe major Dragonmarks of House Cannith?? His big bonus might be an air-gallon or some other nifty artifacts and magical items)

The last werewolf (or bear or some other type) on Khorvaire, who is seeking sanctuary from the Inquisition of Thrane. Old and lonely (but very long lived so still looks real young), bitter and hardened by the world. Sometimes he/she must fight their animal instincts and desire to rip the throats out of fools (human. Maybe some levels in Ranger should be required)

Half-dragon (black or red, other colors open also) from Aronnessen. Exiled for his/her non-dragon blood and a brooding and angry person. Might be able to use breath weapon more then once a day (maybe it cost em' a temporary CON point or two to use it more then once). (Maybe has working wings; but only if no one picks the Celestial/Daemon package below)

The only criminal ever to escape from Deathold Island (he/she is such an exceptional human, gaining bonuses to his Attribute points, or maybe across the board having ALL 16’s or maybe - two 18’s, two 16’s and two 14’s or something like that. Also gaining even more bonus to his feats and skills) (human, maybe a level or two in Rogue required)

An intelligent undead character (template) that’s the result of a failed Karnath experiment to create a higher form of undead to command their legions. It developed free will and escaped. Think of sort of a Frankenstein's monster type of character, possibly with fits of barbarian-like rage. (undead qualities, some extra stuff, possibly super-human strength) (human or elf/half-elf, maybe require a level or two of Barbarian)

A man/woman inhabited by two merged spirits (to explain the Gestalt abilities), maybe with some other weird ability (like get two Will saves to resist Charm spells as both personalities would try and fight it off, etc). Maybe only to a certain level, i.e. if I start the game at 5th level, the Gestalt is locked into two classes until then. After that they are normal class advancement (so that multiclassing and prestige classes are opened up). Sometimes confused and argues with him/herself

A man/woman with the blood of the Celestial or Daemon (Bloodline) running in their veils, gifted with a sword from their extra-dimensional parent…maybe with natural wings (angelic or demonic). OR maybe a Aasimar or Tiefling, with some extra abilities and gifts from their bloodline (human or elf/half-elf… maybe half-orc also)

A Warforge experiment with ‘certain’ artifacts grafted into it (think the big robot in Battlecashers; a couple of powerful magical affects already grafted onto his body; example of the Armblade and Crossbow attachment but so advanced that they are hidden and ‘pop-out’ on command when needed etc) (Warforged of course)

A Changeling with the ability not only to shapeshift, but also to change his/her color and shape even more, allowing them chameleon and polymorph like abilities (limited invisibility, many natural weapons as they turn their hands to claws or wall-crawling with spider like fibers on their hands. Faster swimming with webs they could form, bonus to Escape Artist as their bones mold and melt so easily. Maybe bonus movement or jumping with longer legs, etc) (Changeling of course)

...

If I allow Heroic Paths I will have to update them for 3.5 and maybe I will make them up to 10th level only or something. Plus I might add a few more ideas into them (maybe allowing them to be used more then ones a day)

Last notes, I have Unearthed Arcana (hey taitzu52 don’t worry to much about not have the book, we can help ye out), Complete Warrior, Complete Divine and Complete Arcane. I don’t have any of the Book of Exalted Deeds or Veil Darkness I am afraid and so I am leery of lets much in from those books. Again the only classes I really don’t see working out at all are the oriental ones (they would just break certain ‘gene’ stuff for, plus the Samurai is terrible compared to the one in Oriental Adventures).

Thoughts, feedback and suggestions please !