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[D20 CoC] Beyond the Mountains of Madness Campaign - Recruiting Alternate Players
- Thread starter jdeleski
- Start date
Greetings,
I do thank everyone for allowing me to come aboard, and I have posted the bulk of my character in the Rogue Gallery. I still have to add the equipment and a detailed background.
As for father Rucker, his use and knowledge of Mythos is very limited. He had a very minor encounter which only cost him 2 sanity points. Still, this minor encounter was frigtening enough that he sought religion for peace and solitude. The mythos aspect of his character is moreso an explanation of who and why he is what he is, rather than a core aspect of his personality. I think it helps to explain why a well known scientist would leave his passion and studies for the peace and tranquility of the church. He is by no means an expert in the mythos, though he believes the mythos can explain the origin of some of the weird artifacts he has encountered. He is by all means a priest and will conduct himself as one.
Dallas
I do thank everyone for allowing me to come aboard, and I have posted the bulk of my character in the Rogue Gallery. I still have to add the equipment and a detailed background.
As for father Rucker, his use and knowledge of Mythos is very limited. He had a very minor encounter which only cost him 2 sanity points. Still, this minor encounter was frigtening enough that he sought religion for peace and solitude. The mythos aspect of his character is moreso an explanation of who and why he is what he is, rather than a core aspect of his personality. I think it helps to explain why a well known scientist would leave his passion and studies for the peace and tranquility of the church. He is by no means an expert in the mythos, though he believes the mythos can explain the origin of some of the weird artifacts he has encountered. He is by all means a priest and will conduct himself as one.
Dallas
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Jdlelski,
In your game introduction you spoke of allowing psychic feats, but you wanted to keep that aspect of the game to a minimum. I was wondering if spellcasting would also be allowed with the same constraints.
If so I am submitting the following spells for your approval to be contained in Father Rucker's grimoire: Cast Out Devil, Control Weather, Create Gate, Dominate Animal, and Mind Blast.
My perspective of this character is that Father Rucker considers himself a Priest first, who has a considerable understanding of science. He is very secretive about his spellcasting ability and will make every attempt to keep these abilities hidden from the other members of the expedition. In fact, Father Rucker is extremely afraid of using his spellcasting abilities, thus he would only openly use these abilities in the most dire circumstances.
Dallas
In your game introduction you spoke of allowing psychic feats, but you wanted to keep that aspect of the game to a minimum. I was wondering if spellcasting would also be allowed with the same constraints.
If so I am submitting the following spells for your approval to be contained in Father Rucker's grimoire: Cast Out Devil, Control Weather, Create Gate, Dominate Animal, and Mind Blast.
My perspective of this character is that Father Rucker considers himself a Priest first, who has a considerable understanding of science. He is very secretive about his spellcasting ability and will make every attempt to keep these abilities hidden from the other members of the expedition. In fact, Father Rucker is extremely afraid of using his spellcasting abilities, thus he would only openly use these abilities in the most dire circumstances.
Dallas
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The Shaman
First Post
Dallas4lr, I'm sorry, but I'm starting to get a little leery of your character concept.Dallas4lr said:
Too much Mythos knowledge among the investigators takes away from the sense of discovery and associated horror that comes from encountering Mythos creatures and effects for the first time. It seems to me that the whole adventure, at least from where I sit, is about discovery, both geographical and metaphysical (or mythophysical, if you prefer).
Also, it's starting to seem a little forced - he was a scientist who became a priest, but now he wants to go on an expedition to the antarctic? Why? Because of his prior experience with the Mythos. It begins with the assumption that the expedition will encounter Mythos creatures, which strikes me as a bit metagamey.
You've created an interesting character, but it seems to me that his experiences and ability put him in a different league than everyone else, which makes him hard to mesh with the rest of the investigators.
Please explain to me why my concerns are unfounded.
Bobitron
Explorer
I'll agree with Shaman here. The rest of the characters are all ordinary (well, heroic, but ordinary) folks. I think a priest/scientist is a great concept, but adding in spellcasting and knowldege of the things that go bump in the night takes him into a very different place than the rest of us.
Greetings,
Let me state first of all, that I have no problems running the character without the spellcasting skill since it appears that it is causing some concern.
In defense of the character I will make the following statements.
1) I may be mistaken, but a -2 sanity loss just doesn't equate to a significant knowledge of the mythos. As I began developing this character I attributed the -2 sanity loss to Dr. Rucker screwing around with the some spells he stumbled upon prior to his conversion to the Priesthood.
2) Are pyshic feats that much different than spellcasting?
3) And believe me I state this respectfully, just because no other characters choose pyshic feats does that neccessarily imply that I am doing something improper if I choose to develope a character with the psychic feat or spellcasting.
4) I am no expert, but I think there maybe an underlying assumption that a character that has the spellcasting ability has to have some what of a background in Cthulhu mythos. I dont think this is the case. Page 125 of the D20 handbook states " A spell is a one time magical effect. Spellcasting characters learn to cast spells by reading special books." What are these special books, do they have to be books detailing the Mythos, is it possible that a special book could just be a spell book with no or very little background on the mythos.
I do agree there are spells that one could not cast without an overt knowledge of the mythos, but I do not believe that I have selected any of those.
5) Stated by Shaman:
"Also, it's starting to seem a little forced - he was a scientist who became a priest, but now he wants to go on an expedition to the antarctic? Why? Because of his prior experience with the Mythos. It begins with the assumption that the expedition will encounter Mythos creatures, which strikes me as a bit metagamey."
Actually I could rephrase that question to fit more then just my character, but I will attempt to answer the questions as it pertains to my character.
From my perspective its not forced, I thought it would be interesting to play the part of a trouble character. My total concept of Dr. Rucker is as follows Dr Rucker recieved a BS in chemistry, followed by a Master of Divinity - He then becam a Roman Catholic priest that was accepted into the Jesuit Order. While pursuing his jesuit training he developed a number of interests which were not well accepted by the church. One of them being spellcasting and the use of spells not inherently being bad, and another being the belief in Darwins theory of evolution. These ideaologies created a rift between him and the church, so he left and pursued a PHD in Chemistry and Paleobiology. As a professor at Miskotonic University he was later asked to examine some relics and fossils which he found to be quite interesting. And he developed an extreme interest in the origins of these items, which lead to cursory exposure to the mythos and the uncovering of some additional spells while conducting this research. He had an unfortunate experience while performing one of these spells, which caused psychosis, fear, nightmares, and alcoholism among other things. In an attempt to regain control of himself he petitioned for re-entry into the church, this has helped him alot but Father Rucker is still a closet alcoholic. Even though Mr. Rucker has had a bad experience in spellcasting and left science for the ministry, does that mean that he cannot have a renewed interest in ascertaining the origin and history of artifacts that he has been exposed to??? Just because this character and I feel that he may gain some understanding of these artifacts in the fossil remains of antartica, doesnt mean that he will, I am just assuming that he might- that doesn't come off as being metagamey or whatever that means, lol, to me. It would just be an erroneous assumption. How many times in real life do we do things based on an erroneous assumption???? There may be no exposure to the mythos in this adventure, and if there is not, does that still make this character unbalanced or unplayable in that circumstance????
I don't see this character background being any less elabororate than the backgrounds of the other characters that are present in the Rogu Gallery, and certainly not forced, just different!!!! This is a troubled man, who is willing to set aside his fears in a attempt to get some answers. Now the questions he may be seeking answers to may be a little different than the others explorers, but they are all seeking answers!!!!
"Too much Mythos knowledge among the investigators takes away from the sense of discovery and associated horror that comes from encountering Mythos creatures and effects for the first time. It seems to me that the whole adventure, at least from where I sit, is about discovery, both geographical and metaphysical (or mythophysical, if you prefer)."
I understand your concern, but Father Rucker does not fit either of the descriptions above. He has not had very much exposure to the mythos just spells, he does understand that their is something else strange going on, but he has no idea of the magnitude nor has he been exposed to Cults, Mythos Creatures or the Old Ones or any of that stuff, just bad spellcasting!
6) I by no means expected that all 5 spells that I presented would be granted to Father Rucker, I only presented spells for the GM to review - that would fit with the character (I didnt choose any summonings nor did I choose spells like animate dead). I think if you look at the few spells I did choose they are very much in line with spells that a priest and or cleric might have and fit with this character.
7) As stated I'm happy to be a part of this adventure, I've never read the books nor have I read the module. From my brief exposure and what I've heard of the module its very long, and none of our characters will most likely survive. But if the GM or other players feel that this character is over the top, or that there is no room for psychic feats or spellcasting in this adventure I will gladly make the necessary modifications.
8) I do admit that this character is a little different then others, but my characters generally are. I don't feel like he is forced or over the top.
9) LOL, oh taitzu, and for the record - if things get weird enough to force Father Rucker to take a nip, he certaining will have no problems shooting.
I Do Thank You all for allowing me the chance to present my perspective.
Respectfully
Dallas
Let me state first of all, that I have no problems running the character without the spellcasting skill since it appears that it is causing some concern.
In defense of the character I will make the following statements.
1) I may be mistaken, but a -2 sanity loss just doesn't equate to a significant knowledge of the mythos. As I began developing this character I attributed the -2 sanity loss to Dr. Rucker screwing around with the some spells he stumbled upon prior to his conversion to the Priesthood.
2) Are pyshic feats that much different than spellcasting?
3) And believe me I state this respectfully, just because no other characters choose pyshic feats does that neccessarily imply that I am doing something improper if I choose to develope a character with the psychic feat or spellcasting.
4) I am no expert, but I think there maybe an underlying assumption that a character that has the spellcasting ability has to have some what of a background in Cthulhu mythos. I dont think this is the case. Page 125 of the D20 handbook states " A spell is a one time magical effect. Spellcasting characters learn to cast spells by reading special books." What are these special books, do they have to be books detailing the Mythos, is it possible that a special book could just be a spell book with no or very little background on the mythos.
I do agree there are spells that one could not cast without an overt knowledge of the mythos, but I do not believe that I have selected any of those.
5) Stated by Shaman:
"Also, it's starting to seem a little forced - he was a scientist who became a priest, but now he wants to go on an expedition to the antarctic? Why? Because of his prior experience with the Mythos. It begins with the assumption that the expedition will encounter Mythos creatures, which strikes me as a bit metagamey."
Actually I could rephrase that question to fit more then just my character, but I will attempt to answer the questions as it pertains to my character.
From my perspective its not forced, I thought it would be interesting to play the part of a trouble character. My total concept of Dr. Rucker is as follows Dr Rucker recieved a BS in chemistry, followed by a Master of Divinity - He then becam a Roman Catholic priest that was accepted into the Jesuit Order. While pursuing his jesuit training he developed a number of interests which were not well accepted by the church. One of them being spellcasting and the use of spells not inherently being bad, and another being the belief in Darwins theory of evolution. These ideaologies created a rift between him and the church, so he left and pursued a PHD in Chemistry and Paleobiology. As a professor at Miskotonic University he was later asked to examine some relics and fossils which he found to be quite interesting. And he developed an extreme interest in the origins of these items, which lead to cursory exposure to the mythos and the uncovering of some additional spells while conducting this research. He had an unfortunate experience while performing one of these spells, which caused psychosis, fear, nightmares, and alcoholism among other things. In an attempt to regain control of himself he petitioned for re-entry into the church, this has helped him alot but Father Rucker is still a closet alcoholic. Even though Mr. Rucker has had a bad experience in spellcasting and left science for the ministry, does that mean that he cannot have a renewed interest in ascertaining the origin and history of artifacts that he has been exposed to??? Just because this character and I feel that he may gain some understanding of these artifacts in the fossil remains of antartica, doesnt mean that he will, I am just assuming that he might- that doesn't come off as being metagamey or whatever that means, lol, to me. It would just be an erroneous assumption. How many times in real life do we do things based on an erroneous assumption???? There may be no exposure to the mythos in this adventure, and if there is not, does that still make this character unbalanced or unplayable in that circumstance????
I don't see this character background being any less elabororate than the backgrounds of the other characters that are present in the Rogu Gallery, and certainly not forced, just different!!!! This is a troubled man, who is willing to set aside his fears in a attempt to get some answers. Now the questions he may be seeking answers to may be a little different than the others explorers, but they are all seeking answers!!!!
"Too much Mythos knowledge among the investigators takes away from the sense of discovery and associated horror that comes from encountering Mythos creatures and effects for the first time. It seems to me that the whole adventure, at least from where I sit, is about discovery, both geographical and metaphysical (or mythophysical, if you prefer)."
I understand your concern, but Father Rucker does not fit either of the descriptions above. He has not had very much exposure to the mythos just spells, he does understand that their is something else strange going on, but he has no idea of the magnitude nor has he been exposed to Cults, Mythos Creatures or the Old Ones or any of that stuff, just bad spellcasting!
6) I by no means expected that all 5 spells that I presented would be granted to Father Rucker, I only presented spells for the GM to review - that would fit with the character (I didnt choose any summonings nor did I choose spells like animate dead). I think if you look at the few spells I did choose they are very much in line with spells that a priest and or cleric might have and fit with this character.
7) As stated I'm happy to be a part of this adventure, I've never read the books nor have I read the module. From my brief exposure and what I've heard of the module its very long, and none of our characters will most likely survive. But if the GM or other players feel that this character is over the top, or that there is no room for psychic feats or spellcasting in this adventure I will gladly make the necessary modifications.
8) I do admit that this character is a little different then others, but my characters generally are. I don't feel like he is forced or over the top.
9) LOL, oh taitzu, and for the record - if things get weird enough to force Father Rucker to take a nip, he certaining will have no problems shooting.
I Do Thank You all for allowing me the chance to present my perspective.
Respectfully
Dallas
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taitzu52
First Post
I will respectfully disagree with The Shaman and say that I DO like the concept of a scientist-priest. The Catholic church has been throwing money at overeducating their best since the Renaissance. Like the rest of our characters, that part seems like a working professional to me.
But the real reason, Dallas, that I think you have hit a wall, is that the combination of supernatural abilities, and ranged weapon skills says something about your position as a player. What it says is that your character is a little to aware of some unspoken dangers that await him. This is moving away from one of the most important rules of a successful horror game. The character seems too much of an RPG character, as opposed to an unsuspecting schmuck, like the rest of us.
Take a step back and flesh out a highly educated and indoctrinated guy who just.....don't mind the cold so much. I think you'll be more on target.
But the real reason, Dallas, that I think you have hit a wall, is that the combination of supernatural abilities, and ranged weapon skills says something about your position as a player. What it says is that your character is a little to aware of some unspoken dangers that await him. This is moving away from one of the most important rules of a successful horror game. The character seems too much of an RPG character, as opposed to an unsuspecting schmuck, like the rest of us.
Take a step back and flesh out a highly educated and indoctrinated guy who just.....don't mind the cold so much. I think you'll be more on target.
The Shaman
First Post
That's not my concern, actually - my character worked for Padre Agostini, an Italian missionary and explorer in South America, so the concept of a scientist-priest isn't an issue for me. In fact, it would be quite familar to Paco.taitzu52 said:
My concern is about the emphasis on Mythos knowledge and magic use - Dallas4lr downplays it in his response, but this is what we were given initially on the character:
His stated motivation for going on the expedition is to further explore the Mythos. It just seems a lot further out there than everyone else's concept, and in my opinion it's not a good fit as presented.Dallas4lr said:
Dallas4lr, semantics aside, your character isn't just 'different' - he has knowledge and abilities that exceed those of the others. To be brutally honest, it seems rather munchkinny to me - Mythos knowledge AND magic AND firearms.
Ultimately it's up to jdeleski, and since he's approved the character, it's a moot point. Let's play.
Taitzu
I agree and disagree, I agree that this character conceptually isnt an ordinary schmuck as you put it,
. But I disagree that the combination of ranged weapons and spell make it so. Also I thought Call of Cthulhu was a RPG - just in the horror genre. Lets examin the other characters and there ability to protect themselves in a scuff.
1)Martin Louis LeBlanc
Male Photojournalist
Run (1st Level)
Weapon Proficiency (Pistols)(3rd Level)
So he will either shoot or Run very fast!!!!
2)Fráncisco “Paco” Andreás Guerini
Mountain Guide
Weapon Proficiency (melee weapons) (Offense option bonus)
Str: 16 (+3)
Endurance (1st level)
He can fight very good, and will also get a +4 bonus on any activity that
requires endurance like running or swimming. Endurance is probably a better
feat than run!!!
3)Vittorio Liuzzi
Demolitions* +16
Can throw sticks of dynamite, but thats about it.
Definitely an ordinary character
4)James R. Poole
Cartographer/Surveyor and climbing expert
Weapon Proficiency- Rifle (starting)
Endurance (1st level)
Also Can shot, and Can run for a long time at a +4 bonus
5)Annie Kathleen Mahoney
Female Physician (Surgeon)
Skill Emphasis - Heal (1st level)
Iron Will (1st level)
Endurance (3rd level)
She heals, has increased will saving throws,
And can run a a +4 bonus
6)Camille Claud Bardier
Dex: 18 (+4) (includes +1 ability score increase at 4th level)
Weapon Profficiency (Pistol)
She wont miss a whole lot with her bonuses, and probably won't need to run.
7) Father Rucker
Spellcasting ( spells I get may not help with combat at all !!!!)
Weapons Proficency pistol
Ponit Blank Feat
This character has only one means of protecting himself - thats shooting.
The only spell that I have chosen that could possible change that is mind blast.
But even with mindblast I have no more of an advantage than
James R. Poole
Annie Kathleen Mahoney
Fráncisco “Paco” Andreás Guerini
Martin Louis LeBlanc
And I will always be at a disadvantage when in comes to running, because all of these characters can either run faster or longer than I can. So my only backup to shotting might be spellcasting, and thats only if I had mind blast.
Other spells like create gate or control weather clearly could benefit the party.
Dallas
I agree and disagree, I agree that this character conceptually isnt an ordinary schmuck as you put it,
. But I disagree that the combination of ranged weapons and spell make it so. Also I thought Call of Cthulhu was a RPG - just in the horror genre. Lets examin the other characters and there ability to protect themselves in a scuff.1)Martin Louis LeBlanc
Male Photojournalist
Run (1st Level)
Weapon Proficiency (Pistols)(3rd Level)
So he will either shoot or Run very fast!!!!
2)Fráncisco “Paco” Andreás Guerini
Mountain Guide
Weapon Proficiency (melee weapons) (Offense option bonus)
Str: 16 (+3)
Endurance (1st level)
He can fight very good, and will also get a +4 bonus on any activity that
requires endurance like running or swimming. Endurance is probably a better
feat than run!!!
3)Vittorio Liuzzi
Demolitions* +16
Can throw sticks of dynamite, but thats about it.
Definitely an ordinary character
4)James R. Poole
Cartographer/Surveyor and climbing expert
Weapon Proficiency- Rifle (starting)
Endurance (1st level)
Also Can shot, and Can run for a long time at a +4 bonus
5)Annie Kathleen Mahoney
Female Physician (Surgeon)
Skill Emphasis - Heal (1st level)
Iron Will (1st level)
Endurance (3rd level)
She heals, has increased will saving throws,
And can run a a +4 bonus
6)Camille Claud Bardier
Dex: 18 (+4) (includes +1 ability score increase at 4th level)
Weapon Profficiency (Pistol)
She wont miss a whole lot with her bonuses, and probably won't need to run.
7) Father Rucker
Spellcasting ( spells I get may not help with combat at all !!!!)
Weapons Proficency pistol
Ponit Blank Feat
This character has only one means of protecting himself - thats shooting.
The only spell that I have chosen that could possible change that is mind blast.
But even with mindblast I have no more of an advantage than
James R. Poole
Annie Kathleen Mahoney
Fráncisco “Paco” Andreás Guerini
Martin Louis LeBlanc
And I will always be at a disadvantage when in comes to running, because all of these characters can either run faster or longer than I can. So my only backup to shotting might be spellcasting, and thats only if I had mind blast.
Other spells like create gate or control weather clearly could benefit the party.
Dallas
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