Bad Moon over California OOC

[Bobitron]

Bad Moon over California: A Sidewinder: Recoiled one-shot adventure

This is an invitation to a Wild West game using DHR’s excellent Sidewinder: Recoiled rules for D20 Modern. The characters will be troubleshooters hired by a US Marshal to investigate a strange murder in the tiny town of Deepwood. A warning: this adventure will be closely based on the free WOTC adventure, Bad Moon Waning. If you have read it, please do not participate in this adventure. Also, people looking for a historical simulation should look elsewhere; things will happen in this game that would never have happened in the real West. The game will take place in the year 1877, in California. I am only accepting players that own the Sidewinder: Recoiled book.

Character Creation

I’m looking for a total of 6 characters of 8th level. This is a one-shot adventure, so don’t worry about making a really deep background. A paragraph or two is fine. I’m looking for a well rounded party, so I want one character from each of the base classes. Use a 32 point buy, from page 169 of the DMG. Take ¾ of all Grit rolls. You may Take 20 on any purchase rolls. I will allow any advanced classes from the Sidewinder book or the first issue of the Fort Griffin Echo. The adventure will take place in 1877, so be careful what equipment you choose. Your employer, Marshal Dustin Colburn, is looking for a particular group of people to make up his group. Although the adventure will take place in California, Dusty is looking far and wide to fill his party with fine folks, so don’t be afraid to be from elsewhere. Here’s a list of the folks he’s looking for.

1) A cowpoke with good trail sense, maybe an ex-trail boss or line rider. He needs to be good with animals, and great in a brawl.
2) A gunslinger, fast on the draw, and with a wit to match.
3) A bounty hunter, skilled at catching that most elusive prey; the human.
4) An Indian scout, expert tracker and guide, with a good knowledge of Indian folklore.
5) A fast-talker, with a quick mind and a quicker tongue. Someone who can persuade people to our way of thinking, and get the group out of a fight if needed.

Stake your claim to who you would like to play. If someone comes up with a great concept not on Dusty’s shopping list, it’s up to знаток to decide. Please submit your characters here for approval, I will make a Rogue’s Gallery thread once the characters are all sorted.

Strong Hero: Jebidiah "Bear Trap" Williams, played by hobbit killer
Fast Hero: Riley MacDonald, played by Max
Tough Hero: Dakota Turnbow, played by The Shaman
Smart Hero: Marshal Dusty Colburn, played by знаток
Dedicated Hero: Michael Sun-Hand-High, played by Committed Hero
Charismatic Hero: John D'Artois, played by synecdoche

Saddle up!

Rogue's Gallery Thread: http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?p=2029735#post2029735

In Game Thread: http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?p=2029765#post2029765

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

Hmmm I've wanted to play Sidewinder since I got the first book a over a year ago… I’ve since updated to the new book but still no luck with a game.

All that said I hate one shot games and was really wanting something a little bit more historical… Anyhow I can live with out the former but I still despise one-shot games… What are the chances of you continuing on with another adventure if this one really takes off?

I'll take the gunslinger for now. (Its been awhile since I've looked at modern but probaly nearly all fast character levels.)

 

[Bobitron]

All that said I hate one shot games and was really wanting something a little bit more historical… Anyhow I can live with out the former but I still despise one-shot games… What are the chances of you continuing on with another adventure if this one really takes off?

I am using this as a test for the rules and a way to dip my feet into DM'ing a PBP. If it goes well, I will absolutely be interested in running a campaign. If I do so, I'm not certain if it would mean starting fresh with new characters, though, so don't get too attached to your gunslinger. I think I will run it as a historical campaign if it gets to that point.

 

[hobbit_killer]

I would like to get in on this even though I might not make the cut. I have never played PBP but I really would like to play S:R. I would be up for the bounty hunter. Let me know if you get a no show on the others who already expressed interest.

 

[Bobitron]

Let me know if you get a no show on the others who already expressed interest.

You got it! You are the first alternate if the people mentioned above don't check in. Thanks for your interest.

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

If I do so, I'm not certain if it would mean starting fresh with new characters, though, so don't get too attached to your gunslinger.

See that's my big problem... I always get attached to my characters.

I think I will run it as a historical campaign if it gets to that point.

Sweet! The closer to 1866-70 the better I would like to play a civil war vet at a fairly young age...

Anyhow seeing as you have someone else in line, and that any future campaign would be starting anew and not with the same characters as this game I think I’ll give up my seat for now.

(I’ll take first alternate though, if you don’t mind.)

 

[The Shaman]

I'm your huckleberry!

I was originally thinking about a Fast hero heading toward Rustler - that could work for the cowpoke, though he'd be more stealthy than pugilisitc - but if that role's already filled, then pencil me in for a Tough heading toward Wrangler.

On further reflection, if this is going to be a one-shot instead of a campaign, I'll go with the Tough/Wrangler and save my Fast/Rustler concept for another game. Meet Dakota Turnbow, line rider...

 

[Bobitron]

(I’ll take first alternate though, if you don’t mind.)

OK, you are up for first alternate. I hope this works out well and I'll see you in a future (past) campaign.

 

[Bobitron]

I'm your huckleberry!

Glad to see you could make it, pardner. You get 1,000,000 bonus XP for the first use of a lovely movie quote in the thread.

I added you to the list.

 

[Bobitron]

I would be up for the bounty hunter.

OK, you're up for the spot. What base class would you like to use?

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

OK, you are up for first alternate. I hope this works out well and I'll see you in a future (past) campaign.

Sweet! I appreciate it and I'll be hoping for that campaign.

 

[знаток]

Howdy y'all, just checking in. Looks good so far, I just ask that players consider the class slot you're taking up when you choose one (e.g. the presence of a Fast Hero scout would steal potential from the gunslinger).

 

[The Shaman]

Dakota Turnbow

Well I don't know that I'd call him a "great" brawler, but Dakota has few peers as a rider and wrangler - revised (final?) draft of my character sheet....

Dakota Turnbow
Tough 4/Wrangler 4

STR 10/±0
DEX 14/+2
CON 18/+4 [includes +2 for ability boost at 4th and 8th level]
INT 14/+2
WIS 10/±0
CHA 14/+2

Grit 87

Defense +7 [Tou4 +3 + Wra 4 +2 + Dex +2]
- Touch +7 [Tou4 +3 + Wra 4 +2 + Dex +2]
- Flat-footed +5 [Tou4 +3 + Wra 4 +2]
- Mounted +8 [Tou4 +3 + Wra 4 +2 + Dex +2 + Defensive Riding +1]

Initiative +2
- +3 with Colt Thunderer [+1 equipment bonus for double-action revolver]

BAB +6 [Tou 4 +3 + Wra 4 +3]
- Melee +6 [Tou 4 +3 + Wra 4 +3]
-- Unarmed +8 [Improved Brawl +2] [1d8 non-lethal/Crit. 20 (auto. if flat-footed) + 1d4 Streetfighting damage bonus]
-- Hunting knife +6 [1d4 piercing/Crit. 19-20/Rng. 10-ft./Size T + 1d4 Streetfighting damage bonus]
-- Rifle butt +6 [1d6 bludgeoning/Crit. 20 + 1d4 Streetfighting damage bonus]
-- Pistol whip +6 [1d4 bludgeoning/Crit. 20 + 1d4 Streetfighting damage bonus]
-- Improvised weapon +2 [1 D/1-2 T/1d3 S/1d4 M/1d6 L bludgeoning/Crit.20/Rang. 10-ft. max]
- Ranged +8 [Tou 4 +3 + Wra 4 +3 + Dex +2]
-- Winchester M1873 +8/+10 (beyond first range increment) [mastercraft sights +2] [Dmg. 2d8/Crit. 20/Rng. 70-ft./Rate SS/Mag. 17 int.+1/Size L]
-- Colt Thunderer +9 [mastercraft grips +1] [Dmg. 2d6/Crit. 20/Rng. 30-ft./Rate S/Mag. 6 cyl./Size M]
-- Lasso +8 [Entangle -2 to hit, -4 Dex; DC 20 Escape Artist, DC 22 Str, Hard. 0, Grit 2/Rng. 20-ft. max./Rate 1/Size S]
-- Hunting knife +8 [1d4 piercing/Crit. 19-20/Rng. 10-ft./Size T]
Fortitude +8 [Tou 4 +2 + Wra 4 +2 + Con +4]
Reflex +7 [Tou 4 +1 + Wra 4 +4 + Dex +2]
Will +2 [Tou 4 +1 + Wra 4 +1]

Reputation +1
AP 45
Wealth +10
Allegiances: Ranchers, the Turnbow family, open range

Starting Occupation: Ranch Hand –
Class skills: Handle Animal, Ride
Bonus feat: Animal Affinity
Wealth bonus +1

Skills-
Balance +2 [Dex +2], Bluff +2 [Cha +2], Climb ±0, Concentration +4 [Con +4], Craft (structural) +4 [2 ranks + Int +2], Diplomacy +2 [Cha +2], Disguise +2 [Cha +2], Escape Artist +2 [Dex +2], Forgery +2 [Int +2], Gamble ±0, Handle Animal +15 [11 ranks + Cha +2 + Animal Affinity +2]/+ 19 (horses) [Bronco Bustin’ ability +4], Hide +2 [Dex +2], Intimidate +2 [Cha +2], Jump ±0, Knowledge (current events) +2 [Int +2], Knowledge (popular culture) +2 [Int +2], Knowledge (streetwise) +2 [Int +2], Knowledge (all) +2 [Int +2], Listen +3 (3 ranks), Move Silently +2 [Dex +2], Navigate +2 [Int +2], Perform (sing) +7 [5 ranks + Cha +2], Profession +4 [4 ranks], Read/Write Language (English), Research +2 [Int +2], Ride +20 [11 ranks + Dex +2 + Animal Affinity +2 + competence bonus +1 + Bronco Bustin’ ability +4], Search +2 [Int +2], Sense Motive ±0, Speak Language (English, Cheyenne, Lakota, Spanish) [3 ranks], Spot +8 [8 ranks], Survival +8 [8 ranks], Swim ±0, Treat Injury ±0

Feats –
Simple Weapons Proficiency [automatic]
Animal Affinity [Ranch Hand starting occupation bonus feat]
Personal Firearms Proficiency [starting feat]
Defensive Riding [starting feat]
Brawl [Tough bonus feat]
Streetfighting [3rd-level feat]
Knockout Punch [Tough bonus feat]
Improved Brawl [6th-level feat]
Exotic Ranged Weapon Proficiency (lasso) [Wrangler bonus feat]

Talents –
Robust [Tough – Unbreakable Talent Tree]
Stamina [Tough – Unbreakable Talent Tree]

Class Abilities –
Bronco Bustin’ [+4 to Handle Animal and Ride checks for horses]
Bareback Riding [no penalty for riding without tack]
Cool in the Saddle [may take 10 on all Ride checks]

Equipment –
Excellent horse “Lightning” (cowpony – tricks: Riding (Come, Heel, Stay), Loyalty, Defend, Down)
Good horse “Thunder” (trail horse – Riding (Come, Heel, Stay), Work, Loyalty, Fetch)
Dog “Lucky” (tricks: Guarding (Attack, Defend, Down, Guard), Loyalty, Stay)
Winchester M1873 lever-action repeating rifle with custom sights (+2 mastercraft bonus beyond first range increment) in saddle sheath
Colt Thunderer double-action revolver with custom grips (+1 mastercraft bonus) in hip holster
Lassos (2) on saddle
Hunting knife in belt sheath
Saddle, blanket, tack, and bridles (2)
Saddlebags (contents: spare flannel shirts (average quality) (2), spare bandannas (2), spare trousers, spare leather gloves, tin cup, cake of soap, pocket mirror, brush and comb, straight razor, box of matches, gun cleaning kit, rations for one week, box of 22 rounds of .44-40 rifle ammo, box of 4 rounds of .41 pistol ammo)
Bedroll lashed to saddlebags
Canteens (2)
Buffalo robe (rolled, contains rain slicker, cloth overcoat) lashed to spare horse
Rig (silver-gray cowboy hat with horsehair string, cream print flannel shirt (average quality), indigo silk bandanna, brown wool vest, pocket watch and fob, leather gloves, cordovan leather cartridge belt with 50 rounds of .41 cal. cartridges, plain holster, and beaded knife sheath, brown wool trousers, leather batwing chaps, custom tooled leather boots, plain spurs)

Animals –
“Lightning” [Horse (Animal)/Size L/3d8+6 (19)/MDT 15/Init. +1/Spd. 60-ft./Def. 13, touch 14, flat-hooved 12/BAB +2/ Grap. +7/Hoof +2 (1d4+1), full 2 Hooves +2 (1d4+1)/Spc. 10x10-ft./Rch. 5-ft./SQ Low-light vision, scent/All. Dakota Turnbow/Fort. +5, Refl. +4, Will +2/Str 13, Dex 13, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6/Listen +6, Spot +6/CR 1]
“Thunder” [Horse (Animal)/Size L/3d8+6 (19)/MDT 15/Init. +1/Spd. 60-ft./Def. 13, touch 14, flat-hooved 12/BAB +2/ Grap. +7/Hoof +2 (1d4+1), full 2 Hooves +2 (1d4+1)/Spc. 10x10-ft./Rch. 5-ft./SQ Low-light vision, scent/All. Dakota Turnbow/Fort. +5, Refl. +4, Will +2/Str 13, Dex 13, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6/Listen +6, Spot +6/ CR 1]
“Lucky” [Dog (Animal)/Size M/2d8+4 (13)/MDT 15/Init. +2/Spd. 40-ft./Def. 13, touch 12, flat-pawed 11/BAB +1/ Grap. +3/Bite +3 (1d6+3), full Bite +3 (1d6+3)/Spc. 5x5-ft./Rch. 5-ft./SQ Scent/All. Dakota Turnbow/Fort. +5, Refl. +5, Will +1/Str 15, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6/Jump +4, Listen +5, Spot +5, Survival +1, Swim +5/CR 1]

Background Information –
Dakota Turnbow was born on 12 December 1852 in Independence, Missouri and moved with his family to Sioux City, Iowa in 1854. His father Fletcher was a horse trader while his mother Elizabeth, a former schoolmarm, took care of Dakota and his older sisters Louise and Isabelle.

From an early age Dakota helped his father with the family business, accompanying him on trips to the frontier forts and the various Indian agencies for whom Fletcher provided horses. By the time he was in his late teens, Dakota’s skill as a rider and wrangler were widely-known, and when he received an offer to help drive a herd from Texas to Montana he couldn’t turn it down. For several years Dakota brought cattle north from the southern prairies during the summer months and worked as a line rider during the winter months. The life of a horse trader was firmly put behind him by the wanderlust he inherited on the prairies.

Dakota is of average height and build – many have underestimated the cowhand’s hardiness due to his unassuming appearance, to their later chagrin, as there are few tougher wranglers in the saddle than he. His hair is the color of corn silk, like his mother and sisters; it’s worn short and he is clean-shaven. Dakota dresses simply, without frills, aside from a pair of fancy tooled leather Mexican cowboy boots picked up in Texas – he is thrifty, preferring to save his small salary and money he makes buying a few head of cattle each year at the beginning of the drive, instead of gambling, drinking, and whoring it away like most of the other cowpokes.

Dakota has a good singing voice, a skill honed over countless starry nights tending the herd on the plains. Like many wranglers, Dakota views townsfolk with amusement, dislikes sodbusters, and despises rustlers, horse thieves, and sheepherders.

With Cool in the Saddle Dakota gets an automatic 30 for any Ride checks...

Edit: Added the APs as directed. I made a few small changes to the character sheet but nothing significant, mostly fleshing out some details - I think this is pretty much final, and I'll post it in the Rogues Gallery thread when it's up.

Hope this is what the good Marshal has in mind...

 

[synecdoche]

I'd love to take the fast-talker, but I don't have my book yet. Amazon says it might not ship until next week.

 

[Max]

Thanks for holding a slot open for me. I tend to play the scout in most games these days, so to try something different I'll take on the fast hero/gunslinger. I'll get a character concept done in a few days, but I anticiapte he will be Fast 4/Gunslinger 4. That may change slightly as I work out the details.

I'll work on the wit, as well.

Max

 

[Bobitron]

Bobitron, how do you want us to calculate Action Points?

Everything looks great, Shaman. In fact, it would be great if everyone can use his post as a template for how each character is submitted, it will make it easier to keep track of things on my side if everyone's looks similar.

Sorry about my slip there, action points should also be 3/4 of maximum, rounding up.

 

[Bobitron]

I'd love to take the fast-talker, but I don't have my book yet. Amazon says it might not ship until next week.

Ahh yes, the dreaded "projected ship date". That's one of the reasons I love buying the pdf's. I would hate to count you out for not having the book yet, so as long as you can get your character up quickly once you get the book, you're in. I assume you will want Charismatic, so I'll give you that slot.

 

[Bobitron]

Well, that leaves Committed Hero and hobbit killer. Killer, you expressed interest in the bounty hunter, so I will pencil you in. You two need to choose if you would rather start as a Strong or Dedicated hero.

Committed, that leaves the Indian scout for you, if you would still like to play.

The first person to reply gets first pick of class. It seems as though Strong = Bounty hunter and Dedicated = Scout, but I don't want to railroad you guys any more than I already have.

 

[synecdoche]

Ahh yes, the dreaded "projected ship date". That's one of the reasons I love buying the pdf's. I would hate to count you out for not having the book yet, so as long as you can get your character up quickly once you get the book, you're in. I assume you will want Charismatic, so I'll give you that slot.

Huzzah, thanks! I'll get my character up the day the book arrives. Charismatic will be lovely, thanks.

 

[Bobitron]

Huzzah, thanks! I'll get my character up the day the book arrives. Charismatic will be lovely, thanks.

Great! I hope to start next weekend (02/12) as long as everyone is ready.