Author Topic: Roll20 Game: Arcana High (Full)  (Read 24264 times)

Offline Libertad

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Roll20 Game: Arcana High (Full)
« on: August 06, 2014, 01:49:32 AM »
Weekly Schedules

Libertad: East Coast US, unavailable on weekdays before 7 pm.  Saturday Sunday anytime after 4 pm.
Ketaro: West Coast US, unavailable 5am-5pm Monday-Friday.  Sunday anytime, Saturday available if not DMing.
Raineh Daze: United Kingdom, available every day until September
Syrasi: Available Saturdays and Sundays.
Lordxeno06: Wisconsin Central US, Any time but Sunday is preferred.

Sometime this week I'm going to hook up my microphone to my computer, and with that I plan on starting a live game on Roll20.  I don't have a set date, as I'm first asking around for an interest check.

Roll20 has video, voice, and text chat, although none of them are mandatory to play.  Here's my Roll20 profile.

Edit: Since we have more than a few 3.5ers with little to no Pathfinder experience, I'm going to post this Handbook of Changes so you won't have to spend time relearning the game system you already know for little details and changes.


Arcana High is a high fantasy adventure for the Pathfinder Role-Playing Game where the PCs are new students at Highstone Academy, a world-famous magic school. You left your homeland to live for a year here, where a vast collection of magical lore and tutors will help you achieve your best potential! Life at school is far from the drudgery of long hours of scribing and studying text from arcane tombs: Highstone's foundations were converted on top of the ruins of an ancient Goddess, most of which is unexplored to this day. Dark forces with plots most foul seek to take the school's secrets for their own nefarious goals, and it's only a matter of time before you and your friends get wrapped up in this conflict. You will also get the opportunity to join a heroic legacy of defenders of old, and adopt masked guises to go out at night and fight evil. Part school drama, part superhero, part dungeon crawl.

Fresh-faced Recruits: Character Creation


Note: This campaign uses the slow experience track.  Everybody starts at Level 1.

Step One: Determine Character Concept and Backstory
Before rolling for ability scores, I want you to think of what kind of character you want to play. Think of how they ended up magically-talented? Are they a long line of influential mages, or a rare child with the only spark of magic in the family? Are they happy to be at Highstone, or did they part ways with their old lives reluctantly?

Additionally, talk with your fellow players and ask them about their own ideas for characters. Your fellow PCs are going to be spending a lot of time with you throughout their stay here, so you all should come up with a reason why they stick together, even if they don’t know each other until the adventure starts.
Additionally, pick at least two themes. Themes are motivations and complications important to the PC. They can be anything, ranging from a rivalry with a fellow student to being the inheritor of a familial legacy. The GM is encouraged to play upon them themes, and PCs who act in accordance with furthering the goals of their theme earn experience points for good role-playing. The entire party benefits from this experience, so the gaming table has an incentive to help each other out.

Step Two: Determine Ability Scores
I personally prefer the point buy method of ability generation, in that it’s fair and consistent. Arcana High is a High Fantasy type of game, the PCs recruited from the best and brightest young spellcasters across the realms. To that end, I present an alternate method of point buy.
Your key spellcasting ability score starts at 18. Roll 2d6 and add 6 for three other ability scores of your choice. Your remaining two scores are your Knack and your Fault. Your Knack represents a score your PC is gifted in, and is generated by rolling 1d4 and adding 12 to the result. Your Fault represents a personal shortcoming and is generated by rolling 1d4 and adding 8 to the result.

Or you can use 25 point buy as per Epic Fantasy for Pathfinder.

Step Three: Pick your Race
Highstone Academy draws talent from many different nations and cultures. Thanks in part to its diverse staff and anti-discrimination policies, it’s not unusual to even see the rare and so-called “monstrous” races studying in its halls and socializing with peers. All the standard races from the core rulebook are available, as well as the Featured and Uncommon Races from the Advanced Race Guide.
There are also new versions of existing monsters such as harpies and centaurs in Arcana High, without racial hit dice and balanced in accordance with their more standard counterparts.  I will detail them later on once I get the time.

Finally, don’t be afraid to reskin existing races. A short race of dragon-folk with a strong bond with the natural world might be no more than kobolds with the Beast Bond alternate racial trait, but in the campaign setting might be as culturally removed from kobolds as elves are from orcs. Don’t be afraid to mix and match racial traits of similar power levels and Race Point values to get the kind of fantasy concept you want!  Of course, I will have approval to make sure that said results aren't too overpowered or underpowered as an option.

This post is a compilation of LA 0 equivalent races of popular monsters for Pathfinder.  If you have any requests, I'll try making one.

Step Four: Pick your Class
Arcana High makes the default assumption that the PCs all have magical potential. While a Rogue with Use Magic Device and some clever material component props might be able to pass for a wizard for a limited time, classes are restricted to those which grant spells at 1st level. Alchemists are treated as spellcasters for this purpose. To that end, we leave out Barbarians, Cavaliers, Fighters, Gunslingers, Monks, Paladins, Rangers, and Rogues. To those who despair, do not worry, for there are many common party roles which can still be fulfilled: a Wizard with the Spellslinger archetype makes for a great pistol-packing spellcaster, while a Bard with the Archeologist archetype nicely serves as a Rogue replacement. The Abstract Thief (published by Quasar Knight Enterprises) presents a unique take on the mage-thief concept.

Step Five: Select Skill Points and Feats
PCs are free to choose the skills and feats which best suit their character concept. Due to the sheer magnitude of the number of feats (both 1st and 3rd party) available, there are no restrictions as standard beyond what the GM imposes.

Step Six: Select Equipment
Arcana High PCs began as students, not adventurers. They’re allowed to take some personal possessions with them to Highstone, but spelunking kits, weapons, crowbars, and the like are deemed unsuitable and unnecessary. The school has a Dungeon Exploration class, but any required equipment is provided for assignments.

PCs belonging to a class which requires a spellbook begin play with one. Divine spellcasters requiring a holy symbol begin with one. Classes and archetypes which grant the PC a free armor, shield, or weapon are allowed, but weapons are magically peacebound on school grounds.
All PCs automatically begin with a school uniform, an assortment of require reading material for their classes, 6 jars of ink and 1 quill, 6 pieces of blank parchment, and a backpack. They have 5 gold pieces each worth of pocket money.

Step Seven: Miscellaneous Stuff
Calculate saving throws, combat maneuver bonus and defense, and other finishing details. After these steps, and consulting with the group to make sure your spellcasting apprentices can plausibly work well together, you’re ready to begin the game!

1st and 3rd Party Material I own a lot of 3rd Party Pathfinder books, especially ones made by the big-time companies.

Generally speaking, if you want something for your character concept which is part of a book I own and feel that it's not too gimped/game-breaking, I'll allow it.  If I don't own the book, then I'll allow it under the previous criteria provided that the entry is OGL and can be accessed on the D20 Pathfinder SRD for me to verify.  Feel free to repost any OGL stuff on here or the Roll20 page as well.

Regarding Paizo stuff, I own most of the "core" line but few of the setting books.  Same applies above.

Link to my Roll20 Campaign Page.  Unfortunately you need to be a paid subscriber in order to show the page to others.  So if your interest is confirmed, then either you send me your e-mail (the one you used to sign up for Roll20) or I shoot you a special URL link you click on to gain access.
« Last Edit: August 17, 2014, 08:28:31 PM by Libertad »

Offline StreamOfTheSky

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Re: Recruiting for Roll20 Game: Arcana High
« Reply #1 on: August 06, 2014, 07:00:42 PM »
The campaign page link just says "Not Authorized" when I try to click on it.

Offline Libertad

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Re: Recruiting for Roll20 Game: Arcana High
« Reply #2 on: August 06, 2014, 07:22:23 PM »
Hold on, I'll see what I can do.

Edit: Okay, I can't allow public access to the campaign page unless I become a paid subscriber.

I have two options. One, I can add you as a player by inputting your e-mail address, or I can send you a special link via PM for you to join the game.

All relevant details for the game have been posted in this thread already, so you're missing nothing new.
« Last Edit: August 06, 2014, 07:42:40 PM by Libertad »

Offline StreamOfTheSky

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Re: Recruiting for Roll20 Game: Arcana High
« Reply #3 on: August 06, 2014, 08:37:54 PM »
Well, there's other details I'd consider relevant, though perhaps you intentionally left them out.  Really, the order of character creation you're asking for in general is anathema to how I always do it, and I'm not sure I could ever think of my concept before knowing my stats, especially in a game with rolled stats.

For example, the starting level and if this is a short campaign or planned to go to high levels.  Especially good to know if using a slow xp progression.  Or just how much combat there will be / how important combat abilities are.  Or how you handle HD rolls.

I generally prefer martial characters even though they're weaker than casters, and prefer 3E to PF.  I suppose when I do play PF, I always play a caster because...it's pathfinder and I'm keenly painfully aware of what they've done to the rules, so that ends up not being an issue.

Offline ketaro

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Re: Recruiting for Roll20 Game: Arcana High
« Reply #4 on: August 06, 2014, 09:00:04 PM »
I've never not made a character based on a concept first and foremost. I don't care what the stats end up being after the concept choice is made, I just....roll ( :cool ) with it


Quote
and adopt masked guises to go out at night and fight evil. Part school drama, part superhero, part dungeon crawl.

Sonnava bitch the instant I read this I knew what I must do.

I'm going to fight evil by moonlight and win love by daylight!
Never running from a real fight!

*ahem* But yeah, downside I've never used Roll20 (though I have an account) nor have I ever actually made a character with Pathfinder. I've certainly used PF sources, but always through 3.5, and only really use the PFsrd as I don't have the books in any form.
(I also work full-time so I'd be worried about my schedule for a live game)

Upside, ahmergawd I could get soooooooooooooooo into this kind of game and I already am into it sooooo much.

Offline Libertad

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Re: Recruiting for Roll20 Game: Arcana High
« Reply #5 on: August 06, 2014, 09:25:29 PM »
Well, there's other details I'd consider relevant, though perhaps you intentionally left them out.  Really, the order of character creation you're asking for in general is anathema to how I always do it, and I'm not sure I could ever think of my concept before knowing my stats, especially in a game with rolled stats.

For example, the starting level and if this is a short campaign or planned to go to high levels.  Especially good to know if using a slow xp progression.  Or just how much combat there will be / how important combat abilities are.  Or how you handle HD rolls.

I generally prefer martial characters even though they're weaker than casters, and prefer 3E to PF.  I suppose when I do play PF, I always play a caster because...it's pathfinder and I'm keenly painfully aware of what they've done to the rules, so that ends up not being an issue.

We're starting at level 1.

If you want, I'll allow for 25 point buy (Pathfinder style, meaning it's like 32 point buy in 3.5) in lieu of rolling.  For HD rolls, you do 1/2 your max HD roll + Con modifier + 1.  So a Cleric would add 5 + Con modifier.

Regarding combat frequency in the campaign, it's going to be less than a typical dungeon crawl.  That said, you'll gain experience points for handling non-combat encounters, like successfully setting up a cool activity for the school culture festival, helping resolve a friend's dilemma, and stuff based upon your theme.  I was thinking of borrowing from Persona 3's day schedule.  In between super heroics and exploring the school's ruins you will be living life as a student.  Sometimes you might be honing your skills in the school's Dungeon Exploration obstacle courses, trying out for the upcoming Spellflicker tournament (like a magical cross between soccer and laser tag), and getting involved in shenanigans.

So, regarding live games, it's important to keep time zones in mind. I live on the East Coast of the US, with a normal 9-5 job on the weekdays.  Aside from that, my schedule's pretty much free after work and on the weekends given that my other obligations aren't time-centric.
« Last Edit: August 06, 2014, 09:43:05 PM by Libertad »

Offline ketaro

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Re: Recruiting for Roll20 Game: Arcana High
« Reply #6 on: August 06, 2014, 09:46:38 PM »
I got West Coast US & am unavailable 5am-5pm Monday-Friday -_-'
And then have friends over Saturday with real life D&D -_-' (Though so long as I'm not DMing, I could still totally play another game while playing a game and keep up with both games :p)

Sunday is my best day, available anytime all day, Saturdays possible if I'm not DMing, and weekdays difficult but doable if later than 6pm (which unfortunately would be after 9pm for you Libertad...)

But I would really really like to join this game and will stick through character creation and pregame party chatter right up until a definite date can be set :D

Offline Libertad

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Re: Recruiting for Roll20 Game: Arcana High
« Reply #7 on: August 06, 2014, 10:06:42 PM »
Sundays work great for me.

Oh, and if you do go with die rolling before the game, you should use Invisible Castle or some online program which records your results.  Roll20 has its own dice roller which we'll use, but I figure that a few of you want to create your character before the session.
« Last Edit: August 06, 2014, 10:10:55 PM by Libertad »

Offline Syrasi

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Re: Recruiting for Roll20 Game: Arcana High
« Reply #8 on: August 06, 2014, 10:21:13 PM »
Yay I found this forum! I was wondering about the alternative ability score calculator you mentioned in the description: are we using that? And can I just roll dice in the roll20 interface? Will that save them?

Offline Scottbert

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Re: Recruiting for Roll20 Game: Arcana High
« Reply #9 on: August 06, 2014, 10:27:43 PM »
This sounds interesting! But what day would it be? I'm available Tue, Wed, Fri, and Sat.

Also, if you're not going to use Roll20's voice chat feature, you might want to consider Maptool.

Offline Libertad

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Re: Recruiting for Roll20 Game: Arcana High
« Reply #10 on: August 06, 2014, 10:28:46 PM »
Yay I found this forum! I was wondering about the alternative ability score calculator you mentioned in the description: are we using that? And can I just roll dice in the roll20 interface? Will that save them?

The last time I used Roll20, it saved my rolls.  So it should work for you.  Although as the GM I don't know if you can log on without me being there.

This sounds interesting! But what day would it be? I'm available Tue, Wed, Fri, and Sat.

Also, if you're not going to use Roll20's voice chat feature, you might want to consider Maptool.

I'm not setting a date until I can find one which works for everyone or as many people as possible.  And I'm going to use voice chat, just not video.

Offline Raineh Daze

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Re: Recruiting for Roll20 Game: Arcana High
« Reply #11 on: August 06, 2014, 10:31:16 PM »
My first question: would the soundtrack be Iron Maiden?

(Also: strictly speaking, available everyday; until September, I will really piss people off at US nights if I'm required to verbally contribute)

Offline Libertad

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Re: Recruiting for Roll20 Game: Arcana High
« Reply #12 on: August 06, 2014, 10:33:18 PM »
My first question: would the soundtrack be Iron Maiden?

(Also: strictly speaking, available everyday; until September, I will really piss people off at US nights if I'm required to verbally contribute)

There's a jukebox feature which has a lot of existing and new songs, although copyrighted music tends to be fan-produced or altered so that it's not the exact same thing.

Offline Raineh Daze

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Re: Recruiting for Roll20 Game: Arcana High
« Reply #13 on: August 06, 2014, 10:39:38 PM »
Most interesting.

Well, I've never played a PC with a plethora of meatshields, so probably a druid or summoner. Which will inevitably lead to my playing the meatshield, as I have an intrinsic attraction to whacking things with bigger things, but at least I know my goal(s).

Offline ketaro

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Re: Recruiting for Roll20 Game: Arcana High
« Reply #14 on: August 06, 2014, 10:51:13 PM »
I'm looking at a Psionist of some sort.....

Offline Syrasi

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Re: Recruiting for Roll20 Game: Arcana High
« Reply #15 on: August 06, 2014, 11:00:41 PM »
How many sessions do you estimate this campaign will be? I know a whole bunch of people who want in :) Also on that note: What is the upper limit of PCs?

Offline Libertad

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Re: Recruiting for Roll20 Game: Arcana High
« Reply #16 on: August 06, 2014, 11:10:36 PM »
How many sessions do you estimate this campaign will be? I know a whole bunch of people who want in :) Also on that note: What is the upper limit of PCs?

I realized that high-level Pathfinder (especially with spells) is far from my strong suit, so at the very most we might go up to 10th level.  I was thinking of coming up with an initial adventure, then if there's enough demand to continue the game I'll set up a second adventure or resume where we left off.

Offline Syrasi

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Re: Recruiting for Roll20 Game: Arcana High
« Reply #17 on: August 06, 2014, 11:33:56 PM »
My character's bio and ability scores are set!

I would like my character to be the Gnomish Illusionist Syrasi Tumblebarrow. She is from a long line of master illusion mages, long the most highly-regarded members of their community. She showed immense promise during the early stages of tutelage, and the invitation to attend Arcana High was received as a great honor for her family. But she has a dark secret. Her curiosity about the workings of magic knows no bounds, and she has delved into the secrets of necromancy, a taboo subject in gnomish culture. She has gone to great lengths to keep this secret from her family, but intends to build greatly upon her knowledge at the magic school. She is very friendly and outgoing, and always seeks to make friends with everyone she meets. Despite her phenomenal intellect, she is extremely scatterbrained, and can quickly lose focus if too much is happening at once.

Her themes are:
1- Morbid Curiosity: Syrasi's thirst for knowledge has led her to explore dark corners of knowledge most would consider better left alone. She will jump without hesitation at the chance to learn more about negative energy and its uses.
2- Friendship is Magic: Syrasi absolutely loves making new friends and will always try to befriend everyone she meets, unless they are obviously hostile.
« Last Edit: August 06, 2014, 11:46:52 PM by Syrasi »

Offline Lordxeno06

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Re: Recruiting for Roll20 Game: Arcana High
« Reply #18 on: August 06, 2014, 11:39:43 PM »
Heyo~!

Heard about this from Syrasi, and I took a look at it. It sounds like a really fun Idea/concept and I'd love to get in on it if it's alright with yall.
I wouldn't wanna just jump out randomly and hijack your group, so I just wanted to say "Hai Thar." ;P

I'm used to 3.5 only so I need to read up on pathfinder a little, but I don't see the differences being that much of an issue. Mages of the world UNITE!

Offline Libertad

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Re: Recruiting for Roll20 Game: Arcana High
« Reply #19 on: August 06, 2014, 11:44:33 PM »
Heyo~!

Heard about this from Syrasi, and I took a look at it. It sounds like a really fun Idea/concept and I'd love to get in on it if it's alright with yall.
I wouldn't wanna just jump out randomly and hijack your group, so I just wanted to say "Hai Thar." ;P

I'm used to 3.5 only so I need to read up on pathfinder a little, but I don't see the differences being that much of an issue. Mages of the world UNITE!

Good to see you.  Are you also from Intangibility?