[Closed] Chronicles of Averancia (ACKS: HFH)

Sep 3, 2024 8:59 pm

I like the ACKS, and your gritty low-magic aesthetics is right on. So, I'd like to give it a whirl at proposing a Character.

If acceptable, I'll roll here to see what potential I'm working with and then post back later after a time to design. I need to read up a bit more on the Classes.

I'm admittedly a bit intimidated about taking on the more complex magic-user systems, so I lean towards creating a simple, retro-classic combat oriented hoss. Nobira Champion, Freebooter, Beastmaster in the lead for my preference at the moment - but we'll see.

So, clicking for the rolls now.

--------------

Edit Entry to post results:

1. 15
2. 13
3. 14
4. 15
5. 12
6. 12

So, about normal. No liabilities from exceptionally low scores, but no sky-high hits either.

Last edited September 3, 2024 11:26 pm

Rolls

AS Roll 1 - (4d6)

(5462) = 17

AS Roll 2 - (4d6)

(3614) = 14

AS Roll 3 - (4d6)

(6325) = 16

AS Roll 4 - (4d6)

(5416) = 16

AS Roll 5 - (4d6)

(6511) = 13

AS Roll 6 - (4d6)

(5423) = 14

Sep 4, 2024 1:35 am

If you need to know the numbers, I believe the average result of 4d6-lowest die is 11.5, so those ability scores are definitely in the B, B+ range.

Sep 4, 2024 9:50 am

Shadowknight says:

If you need to know the numbers, I believe the average result of 4d6-lowest die is 11.5, so those ability scores are definitely in the B, B+ range.

Yes. Not bad.
I would like to build a Nobiran Champion character with this chassis.
Will follow up later this week with a picture, character sheet, and proposed brief background.
General concept is a frustrated but driven youth who wishes to overcome his low station as the illegitimate and unclaimed son of a foreign Lord.

Thanks!

Last edited September 4, 2024 9:56 am

Sep 4, 2024 9:58 am

Hey, Jomsviking. Where did your post go? I saw the entry of you "Boy and his dog" roll. Was expecting to see a cool Beastmaster with two 16s.
You deleted the post?

Sep 5, 2024 12:04 am

Jomsviking says:

There was like 20 of them I am posting from mobile, sometimes when I have bad signal it explodes. Best to just clean up the mess and wait til I have a better connection in those cases.

No negatives and a couple positives. Hail the Beastmaster

Hail the Beastmaster.
Let's GO!!

Sep 5, 2024 12:11 am

Aundovald (Level 1 Nobiran Champion). Sometimes referred to locally as Aundovald Ryder.

A native of Averancia, Aundovald grew up in a theater house in his early years, the son of a beautiful but low-caste singer, dancer, musician mother. His father is the rarely visiting foreign knight-turned-aristocrat Arius Lord Tascus from the Old Continent. But Aundovald is an illegitimate son, so has no relationship with his foreign noble father who now lives across the oceans (other than a painful and secret longing to be recognized and accepted by him).

Earning food and lodging first as a farrier, then as a rancher and patrolman for a wealthy landowner, Aundovald departed from his disordered home early in life and made his own way. Now he seeks wealth, influence, and, most of all, glory. He is determined to prove, to himself and everyone else, that he comes from higher stock. He is not a lowly laborer or theater actor, but instead has the blood of heroes in his veins. Aundovald is by his father's line a Nobiran, like the champions of legend, and will prove it so.

Now 17 years old, Aundovald recently heard the call-to-arms letter of Lord Chamberlain Amberstead read aloud. The headstrong young Armiger responds without delay.

Stats:
STR 15
INT 13
WIS 12
DEX 14
CON 15
CHA 12

Last edited September 5, 2024 1:32 am

Sep 5, 2024 1:28 am

Jomsviking says:

There was like 20 of them I am posting from mobile, sometimes when I have bad signal it explodes. Best to just clean up the mess and wait til I have a better connection in those cases.

No negatives and a couple positives. Hail the Beastmaster

Nice rolls there, you even got a +2 modifier (the 16). Looking forward to the character.

Sep 5, 2024 1:29 am

Lash says:

Aundovald (Level 1 Nobiran Champion). Sometimes referred to locally as Aundovald Ryder.

A native of Averancia, Aundovald grew up in a theater house in his early years, the son of a beautiful but low-caste singer, dancer, musician mother. His father is the rarely visiting foreign knight-turned-aristocrat Arius Lord Tascus from the Old Continent. But Aundovald is an illegitimate son, so has no relationship with his foreign noble father who now lives across the oceans (other than a painful and secret longing to be recognized and accepted by him).

Earning food and lodging first as a farrier, then as a rancher and patrolman for a wealthy landowner, Aundovald departed from his disordered home early in life and made his own way. Now he seeks wealth, influence, and, most of all, glory. He is determined to prove, to himself and to other men, that he comes from higher stock. He is not a lowly laborer or theater actor, but instead has the blood of heroes in his veins. Aundovald is by his father's line a Nobiran, like the champions of legend, and will prove it so.

Now 17 years old, Aundovald recently heard the call-to-arms letter of Lord Chamberlain Amberstead read aloud. The headstrong young Armiger responds without delay.

Stats:
STR 15
INT 13
WIS 12
DEX 14
CON 15
CHA 12

I like it. The picture is cool too. (If anyone is skilled in making the character sheets for Gamers Plane, please feel free to make one and share it.)

Sep 5, 2024 1:35 am

Shadowknight says:

...I like it. The picture is cool too. (If anyone is skilled in making the character sheets for Gamers Plane, please feel free to make one and share it.)

I have an ACKS form fillable PDF version that I've been tooling around with here. I've never loaded a Character Sheet here on GP before, but will try it tomorrow when I get another block of time.

Last edited September 5, 2024 9:11 am

Sep 5, 2024 9:13 am

Additional starting rolls.

Rolls

Initial Level 1 HP - (1d8)

(5) = 5

Starting wealth gp (result x 10) - (3d6)

(612) = 9

Sep 5, 2024 10:34 am

Humbly requesting a monk's belt, in the future.
Even though it doesnt exist in ACKS

Sep 5, 2024 3:14 pm

Jomsviking says:

Humbly requesting a monk's belt, in the future.
Even though it doesnt exist in ACKS

Monk's belt is a little too powerful for ACKS campaign. Even the Mystic (the ACKS version of Monk from Player's Companion) doesn't get Monk level unarmed damage. I would allow something like Gloves of the Iron Fist: Your unarmed attacks deal 1d6 damage and you can use your hands to block weapon attacks, gaining +1 AC. But you would need to take the Unarmed Combat proficiency to use it. Also you would be limited to Medium Armor or lower since blocking attacks with your gloved hands requires mobility. This is also a magic item though, so something to earn through adventure or research if you decide to go that route. Edit: Also, you wouldn't be able to use a shield since that kind of gets in the way of the whole "wax on, wax off" thing.

Last edited September 5, 2024 3:37 pm

Sep 5, 2024 8:04 pm

Beastmaster cant use armor or shields so no problem there. It seems to favor hit and fade tactics. Its onlybdefensive ability being stealth.

How do you mechanically handle stealth?

Sep 6, 2024 12:43 am

Jomsviking says:

Beastmaster cant use armor or shields so no problem there. It seems to favor hit and fade tactics. Its onlybdefensive ability being stealth.

How do you mechanically handle stealth?

That's in your class description, but if there are any further questions I would basically treat this like the thief's hide attempts. "Outdoors, beastmasters are difficult to spot, having the ability to seemingly disappear into woods and underbrush with a proficiency throw of 3+ on 1d20. In dungeons, a beastmaster who is motionless and quiet in cover can escape detection with a proficiency throw of 14+ on 1d20." So basically, you'd roll a check for Stealth, 3 or 14, 1d20. (exampled on this post below)

Edit: So, in this example, the outdoor stealth check was successful and the dungeon/cavern stealth check wasn't.

Last edited September 6, 2024 12:45 am

Rolls

Stealth, Outdoors - (3, 1d20)

3 : () + 3 = 3

1d20 : (4) = 4

Stealth, Dungeon/Cavern - (14, 1d20)

14 : () + 14 = 14

1d20 : (6) = 6

Sep 6, 2024 5:45 am

What about in a city? Or is the assumption we are virtuous and wouldn't want to test the response of the law?

"Oh yeah you're Locke the Thief."
"Treasure Hunter!"

In your campaign is the distinction meaningful? That is to say I am trying to have fun, not play medieval justice system simulation "N".

I also would like you to have fun as well. Figure clearly communicating our mutual plan/expectation can only increase our cohesion. I also don't want to play Garret from Thief the Video Game if that is something you find tiresome or boring.

I am considering proficiencies at the moment I am positive I will take Running, am divided on weapon finesse or sniper.

Sep 6, 2024 6:11 am

Jomsviking says:

What about in a city? Or is the assumption we are virtuous and wouldn't want to test the response of the law?

"Oh yeah you're Locke the Thief."
"Treasure Hunter!"

In your campaign is the distinction meaningful? That is to say I am trying to have fun, not play medieval justice system simulation "N".

I also would like you to have fun as well. Figure clearly communicating our mutual plan/expectation can only increase our cohesion. I also don't want to play Garret from Thief the Video Game if that is something you find tiresome or boring.

I am considering proficiencies at the moment I am positive I will take Running, am divided on weapon finesse or sniper.

I would almost assume that if your character favors the wilds that they would prefer not to socialize, so as long as you are outdoors and there is some type of vegetation or natural environment around you, you could use the outdoor hiding check. Being indoors, however, like inside a building, I think could be rather disorienting for your Beastmaster, but if there are large objects around that you could potentially take cover behind, I would rule that as being in a dungeon/cavern setting unless it is very brightly lit. A gallery of statues, yes. A small office or bedroom, no. A warehouse with lots of boxes around, yes. An empty warehouse, no. A cathedral that's well lit, no. A cathedral that's full of shadowy areas, yes. So basically, try to be aware of your surroundings. If you are outdoors with some type of vegetation or other natural landmark nearby, you can use the outdoor hiding check. If you are outdoors on a cobbled street or in an alley between buildings, you cannot use either type of hiding. Although if it is an alley with a lot of boxes or large objects that you could take cover behind, you can use the dungeon/cavern check. If you are indoors in a large area with lots of things to take cover behind (columns, statues, boxes, etc) or which is filled with a lot of shadows, you can use the dungeon/cavern hiding check. If you are indoors in a small area or in an area that is well lit, you can not use either type of hiding ability.

OOC:

I just had a funny vision of you running around like Batman, putting out torches before anyone can see you, and then striking from the shadows. But I imagine that is what the Beastmaster is kind of supposed to look like.

Most of this will be talked about in the discussion threads once I can get enough applicants to start inviting them. We have a lot of rules to kind of rehash and go over before we can get into the storyline proper.

Edit: Also, if it makes things easier, I will definitely mark areas on the battle maps that provide cover if any are present.

Last edited September 6, 2024 6:21 am

Sep 6, 2024 7:03 am

I can already tell we are going to get along great.

Not the Bat, the Raven.

Last edited September 6, 2024 7:06 am

Sep 6, 2024 3:12 pm

Shadowknight says:

If you need to know the numbers, I believe the average result of 4d6-lowest die is 11.5, so those ability scores are definitely in the B, B+ range.

Sorry, statastician nerd intruding. The mean of a single 4d6 drop lowest roll is 12.24. The median is 12. Here is the Tukey five-number summary including mean:

Min.	1st Qu.	Median	Mean	3rd Qu.	Max.
3.00	10.00	12.00	12.24	14.00	18.00

And @Shadowknight, I'm going to purchase those two rulebooks (in PDF) and consider the campaign. The way you described it is definitely intriguing, and there are a couple of campaigns which I joined which seem to have gone defunct :(

Sep 6, 2024 3:43 pm

Ah, thank you for the clarification. Still, with at least half of the rolls 13 or above, I think it was a solid B.

Feel free. I can't guarantee that I will post as often as I have been during the recruitment process in the future, but right now I don't have much else to do, other than work. I was looking at Aryxmaraki's Almanac on DTRPG to see if I wanted to include it in this game (as it is supposed to be completely compatible with the Heroic Fantasy Handbook), but I'm still not sure about it just yet.

Edit: Also, there are SRDs out there for both books if you can find them. I know that ACKS has several SRDs posted around. I could only find one for HFH and it's not complete yet. But I also could recommend going ahead and purchasing them, both to support the work and to see the unique IP made for the ACKS game.

Last edited September 6, 2024 4:09 pm

Sep 6, 2024 6:08 pm

@Shadowknight, looks interesting and doable, but I will need some hand-holding as I have been pretty much exclusively AD&D/D&D until now. I think I'd be interested in playing a Freebooter (Scoundrel or Expeditionary) but that all depends on how the dice roll. I presume you are using Heroic, but not Legendary abilities. Are you requiring them in order or may they be assigned as desired?

Last edited September 6, 2024 6:11 pm

Sep 6, 2024 6:14 pm

I posted the character creation guidelines in the Game Information, but let me know if you can't access that. I am still learning Gamers Plane setup here.

Sep 6, 2024 6:16 pm

Shadowknight says:

I posted the character creation guidelines in the Game Information, but let me know if you can't access that. I am still learning Gamers Plane setup here.

I didn't see the link; my apologies. OK, rolls to follow.

Rolls

Ability Scores - (4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3)

4d6h3 : (2161) = 9

4d6h3 : (5126) = 13

4d6h3 : (1126) = 9

4d6h3 : (4666) = 18

4d6h3 : (1466) = 16

4d6h3 : (5642) = 15

Sep 6, 2024 6:20 pm

Nice rolls. You got an 18! Miracle of miracles... So you could, if you wanted to, be a Chosen. It's one of the rarer classes in the game with the ability to be just about anything you wanted with it. Of course, very few Chosen are neutral in alignment, they usually choose to champion either Law or Chaos, so if you want to stick to something morally neutral (like a Freebooter) that works too.

Sep 6, 2024 6:35 pm

For anyone who is interested, Lash made a beautiful character sheet in Google Docs and you can see it here for emulation and/or inspiration. I'd like to try and make something similar as a character sheet for Gamers Plane, but not 100% certain how to do that.

Sep 6, 2024 6:51 pm

Shadowknight says:

Nice rolls. You got an 18! Miracle of miracles... So you could, if you wanted to, be a Chosen. It's one of the rarer classes in the game with the ability to be just about anything you wanted with it. Of course, very few Chosen are neutral in alignment, they usually choose to champion either Law or Chaos, so if you want to stick to something morally neutral (like a Freebooter) that works too.

I am tempted due to the 18. If you don't mind, I'd like to think about it over the weekend (and read the rule books more closely). I'll get back to you Saturday Night/Sunday Morning if that's OK.

Sep 6, 2024 7:18 pm

Avraham says:

Shadowknight says:

I posted the character creation guidelines in the Game Information, but let me know if you can't access that. I am still learning Gamers Plane setup here.

I didn't see the link; my apologies. OK, rolls to follow.

Outstanding. The dream hit on the 18.
The Chosen One.

Sep 6, 2024 7:32 pm

Shadowknight says:

For anyone who is interested, Lash made a beautiful character sheet in Google Docs and you can see it here for emulation and/or inspiration. I'd like to try and make something similar as a character sheet for Gamers Plane, but not 100% certain how to do that.

Fellows, our humble DM is being kind, but in full disclosure that dope Character Sheet is a ShadowKnight, LLC design that I used as a template for the specialized blend of stats.

I've been tooling around with a GP custom sheet for my character. It's not pretty, but it has all the information in there for visibility on the game boards. I started with a D&D custom sheet from the list and then adjusted.

I'm not good at the coding, and I worked it in a rush - so I hard-entered all my PC information in there directly and dumped all the form-fillable fields and check boxes. Also, I dumped a lot of the sections that this character doesn't need (spellcasting, etc.) Sort of like hammering a square peg through a smaller round hole.

It might be a baseline to start with though, for anyone who is smarter techie and wants to convert it back over to a more universal, form-fillable template. And add other sections for more complicated PCs.
I'll make it findable on the Character Library for now, if anyone wants to see how it manifests on the boards and use as a beginning.
"Aundovald - ACKS Modified"

Last edited September 6, 2024 7:32 pm

Sep 6, 2024 11:07 pm

Throwing my hat in the ring. I'm only a third of the way through the choices and background, but it looks great so far. I'll start in on the character generation in a few hours from now, if there is still space @shadownight

Sep 6, 2024 11:29 pm

There is, but if there are more than four applicants I will have to limit it down to four. But don't despair. If there is enough interest (and I realize that I have enough time) I might be able to do an additional ACKS campaign on here (maybe one on the Old Continent) that sounds interesting. And possibly even make it a chaotic campaign. We'll have to see how things go.

Sep 7, 2024 2:33 am

Stats!

Average Joe. I'll take some time to go over the classes and see what I can make of this.

Last edited September 7, 2024 2:34 am

Rolls

Stats - ((4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3))

(4d6h3 : (2434) = 11

4d6h3 : (3354) = 12

4d6h3 : (5361) = 14

4d6h3 : (4431) = 11

4d6h3 : (5324) = 12

4d6h3) : (3345) = 12

Sep 7, 2024 2:59 am

Better than some other averages! :) Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

Sep 7, 2024 7:09 pm

After a cursory peruse of the handbook classes, I think I know what I want to do. Occultist. Mr. Average Joe has hated that he is never recognized as the natural, benevolent leader and highly intelligent individual that he is. He is naturally drawn towards ventures and activities that have the aire of pomp, prestige, or power. Of course! That is what he deserves.

His class will be occultist, as he has learned that there is a true power to be wielded. But I think he wants to keep that side of himself a secret. On the surface he is a minor noble or merchant of some sort. Of course he would answer the call - he wants the recognition he deserves. He would almost expect to be so loved for his heroism, that he would be granted vast lands or a place by the side of the ruler.

This is just spitballing while on the road. More to come this evening.

Last edited September 7, 2024 7:44 pm

Sep 7, 2024 9:15 pm

Ave Santana Joe Regular

Sep 7, 2024 10:32 pm

Constablebrew says:

After a cursory peruse of the handbook classes, I think I know what I want to do. Occultist. Mr. Average Joe has hated that he is never recognized as the natural, benevolent leader and highly intelligent individual that he is. He is naturally drawn towards ventures and activities that have the aire of pomp, prestige, or power. Of course! That is what he deserves.

His class will be occultist, as he has learned that there is a true power to be wielded. But I think he wants to keep that side of himself a secret. On the surface he is a minor noble or merchant of some sort. Of course he would answer the call - he wants the recognition he deserves. He would almost expect to be so loved for his heroism, that he would be granted vast lands or a place by the side of the ruler.

This is just spitballing while on the road. More to come this evening.

Secret society. Mystery School. Privileged noble exploring esoterica for the sake of power.
Sounds like a great story.

Sep 8, 2024 1:06 am

Constablebrew says:

After a cursory peruse of the handbook classes, I think I know what I want to do. Occultist. Mr. Average Joe has hated that he is never recognized as the natural, benevolent leader and highly intelligent individual that he is. He is naturally drawn towards ventures and activities that have the aire of pomp, prestige, or power. Of course! That is what he deserves.

His class will be occultist, as he has learned that there is a true power to be wielded. But I think he wants to keep that side of himself a secret. On the surface he is a minor noble or merchant of some sort. Of course he would answer the call - he wants the recognition he deserves. He would almost expect to be so loved for his heroism, that he would be granted vast lands or a place by the side of the ruler.

This is just spitballing while on the road. More to come this evening.

I have to admit that even though I was originally limiting this to lawful/neutral characters, I am intrigued by this concept, and as long as there's no direct conflict between the characters due to alignment differences I don't see any problems with it. I can say that the practice of black magics (and even black magic spell-like abilities sometimes) will be corrupting / mutating in the long run; so be very careful with your black powers there. The ceremonial magical instruments you would require would also be Chthonic in nature, so they would also seem "evil" to the good folk of Averancia. But I could see this playing out in some interesting ways. Also, since your character was the first to generate only one ability score with a positive modifier, I was actually thinking of a way to try to balance out your character with some of the other ones. I was going to create a special rule for characters with only a single +1 modifier (or no positive modifiers) that I called (and I kid you not) "A Deal With The Devil", where you can trade 2 Fate Points to increase one of your scores of 9-12 by +2. I haven't completely analyzed this to see if it's game breaking or not. When we start talking about rules from the HFH just to make sure everyone is on the same page, I'll be able to analyze this further.

Edit: Also, let me know if you plan on being a noble from the Old Continent or from Averancia (Town of Redstone). Either is doable. I'd just like to know for lore purposes.

Last edited September 8, 2024 1:51 am

Sep 8, 2024 3:34 am

Pointing out - with the rules outlined for hit points, each of us is superhuman. Commoners having an average of 2hp vs 10-16 hp heroes. Anything that can solo a village is obviously superhuman.

Sep 8, 2024 3:40 am

Possibly. I call the additional hitpoints Conditioning from training. You know how to take a blow (that would kill most people) and survive.

Edit: You could also think of it as a defense against averages. Considering the average amount of damage from a melee weapon attack is 3.5, anyone with 7 hitpoints or less would basically die or be severely wounded in two hits. Or one hit from a two-handed weapon. That would include Player Characters if we stuck with rules as written. So, to solve this and to give player characters a "fighting chance", having additional hitpoints at 1st level seems to be the best way to do this. I think it aids in giving players an epic feel about their character, and I think creates a slightly more permanent motif or vision of the character than OSR rules would normally allow for.

Last edited September 8, 2024 5:34 am

Sep 8, 2024 10:43 am

Shadowknight says:

Possibly. I call the additional hitpoints Conditioning from training. You know how to take a blow (that would kill most people) and survive.

Edit: You could also think of it as a defense against averages. Considering the average amount of damage from a melee weapon attack is 3.5, anyone with 7 hitpoints or less would basically die or be severely wounded in two hits. Or one hit from a two-handed weapon. That would include Player Characters if we stuck with rules as written. So, to solve this and to give player characters a "fighting chance", having additional hitpoints at 1st level seems to be the best way to do this. I think it aids in giving players an epic feel about their character, and I think creates a slightly more permanent motif or vision of the character than OSR rules would normally allow for.

I would be happy without the bonus HP. Let the RNG gods decide who is epic. Knowing we are vulnerable just adds to the dark and gritty feeling.

Similarly, I wouldn't want to take the deal with the devil. RNG hath spoken, and RNG shall be obeyed!

Sep 8, 2024 10:46 am

Shadowknight says:

let me know if you plan on being a noble from the Old Continent or from Averancia (Town of Redstone). Either is doable. I'd just like to know for lore purposes.

The smallest nobility possible, whatever that ends up being, from Redstone.

Sep 8, 2024 2:34 pm

Avraham says:

Shadowknight says:

Nice rolls. You got an 18! Miracle of miracles... So you could, if you wanted to, be a Chosen. It's one of the rarer classes in the game with the ability to be just about anything you wanted with it. Of course, very few Chosen are neutral in alignment, they usually choose to champion either Law or Chaos, so if you want to stick to something morally neutral (like a Freebooter) that works too.

I am tempted due to the 18. If you don't mind, I'd like to think about it over the weekend (and read the rule books more closely). I'll get back to you Saturday Night/Sunday Morning if that's OK.

[statistician]Given the possibility of rolling a chosen, even under heroic, is less than 5.6%*, I think the dice gods require me to pick it.[/statistician] Given this is my first experience with ACKS, I'm going to ask for your help in running it.

[ +- ] *

The way I understand the Chosen is that it starts as a somewhat weaker fighter with the ability to add powers from across the class spectrum. Also, the chosen need not choose the gifts right away, correct? This would allow the character to "develop" as the adventure progresses. So, for the time being, especially as I am new to ACKS, I figure I should start simple and put the highest attributes in STR/CON/DEX. Does that make sense? @Shadowknight and @Lash especially, you both have ACKS experience. May I ask for your guidance and advice, please?

Sep 8, 2024 3:42 pm

Chosen Schematics

1. You start with 3 gifts and gain an additional gift at each additional level. So a max level Chosen (14) would have 16 gifts.
2. Other than that small correction, what you want to do with the character is what determines everything else.
a. You could be a thief-type character.
b. You could be a ceremonial caster. (Roll to Cast)
c. You could be an eldritch caster. (Spellslots)
d. You could focus entirely on combat, but you would need to specify what type.
e. You could be some combination of two or three of these.

Whatever inkling you got when you first decided to become a Chosen, follow that inkling in the imagination and see where it takes you. (Feel free to share if you want, as this can let me know what inspiration you are moving forward with.) If you see yourself as a warrior type, definitely put the highest ability score in Str, Con, or Dex. If you see yourself as a Caster or some supernaturally fated being, put it into Int or Wis. If you see yourself as a war leader, put it into Cha. If you like, I can put together some examples based on your preferred play style.

Last edited September 8, 2024 3:46 pm

Sep 9, 2024 3:51 am

OK. Thanks.

I'd need to know a bit more about the deities, but the character (Human Male Chosen) Ængus/Angus de na Tréada was born to a family of herdsmen who had tended flocks since time immemorial (thus his surname). Young Ængus followed in the family footsteps, and as a lad of nineteen was as far from nobility, politics, or even adventure as possible. Content with watching the flocks, he led a simple, pastoral life with few cares.

Until the day he received a vision/epiphany. While the exact details are hazy to him (allowing for future gifts or missions to be "revealed"), [Deity to be determined] appeared and lamented the ever-growing dangers to Averancia, and stating that there would be a group of "heroes" who would be charged with restoring Truth, Justice, and Prosperity to the Duchy. As such, [Deity to be determined] placed their hands on Ængus's head and proclaimed them "chosen" for this mission, and no other.

Ængus went straight home, kissed his father and mother, and headed in the direction of Averancia as directed by [Deity to be determined] .

Attributes

Attribute	Value	Mod
STR	18	3
INT	9	0
WIS	9	0
DEX	15	1
CON	16	2
CHA	13	1

I'll fill out the rest in some form of character sheet, if that's acceptable, @Shadowknight.

Sep 9, 2024 4:17 am

You can feel free to come up with a deity as I don't really have the whole world information set in stone yet. The Church of Elion is perhaps the most influential among the humans who worship the Holy Father Elion as the Creator of the World. The Elves have two primary deities, associated with the Sun and the Moon and a few lesser deities associated with the stars, which have fairly difficult names to pronounce for humans: Fair approximations that are accepted would be: Sulrora, Elunara, and Luthariel as one of the primary star deities. Some associated with more sylvan beliefs worship the deity Tivarus, but nearly everyone who does so views Tivarus as something different. The Nobirans were descended from deities that departed the world completely but are presumed to still be "watching" the world as their children take up the mantle that they left behind. Dwarves worship the Stone and have rarely attempted to anthropomorphize the pure essence of rock and earth. Thrassians have a few serpent and/or draconic deities, most of which are fairly Chaotic. Zaharans worship demons, some of which have significant names that are recognized across the Zaharan Dominion.

It looks like you're going for a militant build for your Chosen, so I'll put together a few examples of what that might look like, and you can maybe bring something up from there. It's also possible that you were Chosen by one of the messengers of Elion who appear as powerful angelic beings.

Examples to Follow.

Sep 9, 2024 4:42 am

Chosen Examples for Militant Build (not including Proficiencies)

[ +- ] Build One

[ +- ] Build Two

[ +- ] Build Three

[ +- ] Build Four

If you are going for a militant build, I would choose a build that provides both Defensive and Offensive abilities, giving the shepherd the skill and ability to win against monstrous foes.

Last edited September 9, 2024 4:44 am

Sep 9, 2024 4:45 am

Thanks, that helps a lot.

Will you be using Fate points, and if so, how are you allocating the initial pool?

Sep 9, 2024 4:53 am

We will be using Fate points. PCs get fate points equal to 4 plus Wisdom modifier. All of the rules for Fate Points from the HFH are in play. And we will be looking at the rules next once Recruitment is complete, just to make sure they make sense to everyone.

Sep 9, 2024 5:29 am

Great. Rolling for initial HP and starting gold.

Rolls

Initial HP - (1d6)

(3) = 3

Starting Gold - (3d6)

(362) = 11

Sep 9, 2024 6:08 am

@Shadowknight, correct me if I am wrong, but my reading of the rules implies that ranged weapons use the DEX bonus on the attack throw, but still use the STR bonus on the damage roll (compare page 103 with 104). That's how I'm coding the sheet for now.

Sep 9, 2024 6:27 am

Also, can my character have a dog (makes sense that a shepherd has a sheep dog) 10gp hunting dog, I reckon?

Attribute	Value	Bonus
STR	18
INT	9
WIS	9
DEX	15
CON	16
CHA	13

Sep 9, 2024 7:12 am

How does the revised saving throws translate from ACKS? ACKS breaks savings throws into five separate groups. Each class has different strengths and weaknesses across the different saving throw groups.

Petrification & Paralysis
Poison & Death
Blast & Breath
Staffs & Wands
Spells

Slumber spell is a Petrification & Paralysis save, while Ensorcellement spell is a save versus Spells. Both have very similar effects and might translate to Will saves in the revised system for this game, removing the saving throw distinction between the two spells. Or maybe it's that P&P saves are Fort saves in the revised system?

I've been reading through the Heroic Fantasy Handbook, digesting the ceremonial magic. I've got a picture in my mind now of what spells I think I want and will be fleshing out proficiencies, equipment, and the rest.

Last edited September 9, 2024 8:09 am

Sep 9, 2024 11:44 am

Blast and Breath is obviously a Reflex save. Petrification, Paralysis, Poison, Death are Fortitude saves, Staves and Wands will be based on their effect (so something that creates a fireball-effect would be a Reflex save; if its a mental effect would be a Will save, and if its some other bodily effectw ould be a Fortitude save). Spells are the same way.

Sep 9, 2024 1:56 pm

Avraham says:

@Shadowknight, correct me if I am wrong, but my reading of the rules implies that ranged weapons use the DEX bonus on the attack throw, but still use the STR bonus on the damage roll (compare page 103 with 104). That's how I'm coding the sheet for now.

This is what happens when there aren't enough editors for large documents, lol. I believe (if I am interpreting the rules correctly), that the Strength modifier for damage is intended only for melee and thrown weapons, not slings or arrows, except those fired from composite bows. I feel like the description of Attack damage is a little bit too generic and ranged damage was not specifically excluded from the Strength modifier when it should have been in the rules. (see Strength entry, p 17) That being said, I'm almost certain a composite bow is supposed to allow the Strength modifier for damage (though it is not explicitly stated anywhere in the rules; this is something that was cleared up a little in the 2nd edition, which is still in development).

However, I also feel like a sling could be used in a more forceful (and thus damaging) manner by a physically strong adventurer. Unlike a bow or crossbow where the strength of the attack is built into the recurve and coil. So for anyone using a sling as a ranged weapon, I would allow Strength modifier to damage for ranged attacks made at short range.

Sep 9, 2024 2:01 pm

Avraham says:

Also, can my character have a dog (makes sense that a shepherd has a sheep dog) 10gp hunting dog, I reckon?

That should be fine, but it won't be as ferocious as Rafn's wolf Silver, and will almost certainly require morale checks if seriously injured.

Last edited September 9, 2024 2:03 pm

Sep 9, 2024 2:55 pm

Shadowknight says:

So for anyone using a sling as a ranged weapon, I would allow Strength modifier to damage for ranged attacks made at short range.

Thank you; built into sheet.

Shadowknight says:

Avraham says:

Also, can my character have a dog (makes sense that a shepherd has a sheep dog) 10gp hunting dog, I reckon?

That should be fine, but it won't be as ferocious as Rafn's wolf Silver, and will almost certainly require morale checks if seriously injured.

Of course. The dog is not meant as an attack dog in the slightest, more something that a simple herdsman would have as a companion on his divine path. He never had many friends so having someone who loves him helps him and reminds him of what is truly important. Also allows opportunities for roleplaying the Animal Husbandry skill (which any shepherd should have) ore naturally. If roleplay permits, maybe I'll use the tracking feature, but I'd play the dog to be sent away from combat unless perhaps Ængus is grievously wounded. Obviously, GM can "assume control" of the dog at any time. BTW, art updated so the character is ready for review. Thank you for all your suggestions!!

Sep 9, 2024 4:19 pm

Okay, that should be our Four Characters, once everyone is done creating/stocking/enspelling them:

Aundovald
The Nobiran Champion

Rafn
The Beastmaster
& Silver

"The Count of Monte Cristo"
The Occultist

Aengus
The Chosen of Elion

Or how I would imagine they might look like if they were in a pixel rpg game anyway. I'm not saying these are what the characters look like, just trying to get a feeling for the flair.

Last edited September 10, 2024 4:49 am

Sep 9, 2024 4:28 pm

Once you have a character profile set up, go ahead and submit them to the game. :) I have posted some things in the game's forums about world building as well. (I do need to add that information about the deities.) I'm not sure if I need to accept your characters in the game for you to have access to the forums, as I am still figuring out Gamers Plane.

Sep 9, 2024 4:43 pm

Shadowknight says:

Once you have a character profile set up, go ahead and submit them to the game. :) I have posted some things in the game's forums about world building as well. (I do need to add that information about the deities.) I'm not sure if I need to accept your characters in the game for you to have access to the forums, as I am still figuring out Gamers Plane.

Don't we need an invitation first?😊

Sep 9, 2024 5:25 pm

Avraham says:

Shadowknight says:

Once you have a character profile set up, go ahead and submit them to the game. :) I have posted some things in the game's forums about world building as well. (I do need to add that information about the deities.) I'm not sure if I need to accept your characters in the game for you to have access to the forums, as I am still figuring out Gamers Plane.

Don't we need an invitation first?😊

That would make sense, wouldn't it. :D Finally figured it out.

vagueGM

Sep 9, 2024 7:03 pm

Shadowknight says:

... Unlike a bow or crossbow where the strength of the attack is built into the recurve and coil. ...

Not that it should affect how you run your game, (RPGs are not meant to simulate reality and as soon as you divide human endeavour into six attributes you end up with wonkiness about what does what:), but, as someone who has shot bows of many types I can tell you that strength is the main component for (almost*) all of them. The harder you can pull the harder the bow can shoot, bows are even measured by their 'weight'.

A composite bow makes this less important as it amplifies the energy put in, allowing weaker people to shoot heavier bows.

(*) Some crossbows were wound up with levers and ratchets, but a strong person can still load a heavier bow, and if you are not strong enough to load it you can't use it more than once (ever:).

Sep 10, 2024 5:18 am

HP roll

Rolls

d4 - (d4)

(4) = 4

Sep 10, 2024 5:24 am

What culture is dominate on Averancia? Is Averancia in proximity to the Auran Empire (the default setting for ACKS)?

Are we using Fate Points?

Last edited September 10, 2024 5:43 am

Sep 10, 2024 2:27 pm

Constablebrew says:

What culture is dominate on Averancia? Is Averancia in proximity to the Auran Empire (the default setting for ACKS)?

Are we using Fate Points?

No it's not the default setting, it's a different setting I've come up with. The other information is in the Game Forums, which you should have gotten an invite to, let me know if it didn't go through.

Humans and halflings are the dominant cultures. The Duchy of Averancia is mostly a late middle age/dark age European style civilization.

Sitara

Sep 22, 2024 5:42 pm

Hey all!

Rolling for Char Gen, here goes nothing!

edit: So after deducting the lowest from each roll we have the following:

10
08
16
12
15
09

Which unfortunately does not meet the min reqs for Nobiran's. :(

Last edited September 22, 2024 5:48 pm

Rolls

Char Gen - (4d6, 4d6, 4d6, 4d6, 4d6, 4d6)

4d6 : (3342) = 12

4d6 : (1152) = 9

4d6 : (4663) = 19

4d6 : (1246) = 13

4d6 : (5634) = 18

4d6 : (3323) = 11

Sep 23, 2024 12:13 am

Yeah, the 8 and 9 hurt a bit.

If you like, you could still play as a Loremaster or Runemaker, or even an Elven Spellsinger if you wanted. An Elven Spellsinger could fill the niche of a Nobiran Wizard, at least a little, though I know the theme is slightly different. Loremaster would be thematically similar, but not as powerful. Its up to you, though.

Last edited September 23, 2024 12:14 am

Sep 23, 2024 4:21 am

8 and 9? Those aren't weak points, those are role play gold points!

Sep 23, 2024 5:27 am

Constablebrew says:

8 and 9? Those aren't weak points, those are role play gold points!

True, but the roller was aiming for a particular class.

Sep 23, 2024 3:28 pm

Nobrian? Maybe take some inspiration from the Black magic corruption list and apply that to the background for an explanation of why they have some low attributes. Such as ennervated to explain low constitution.

Last edited September 23, 2024 3:29 pm

[Open] Chronicles of Averancia

Oct 30, 2024 2:21 am

We have lost a few of our players, it seems, so I am reopening recruitment. We are in need of a caster or magical support class, but if the dice gods decide something else, we can go with that instead.

[Open] Chronicles of Averancia

Oct 30, 2024 2:48 am

The game forums are open for those who want to get a feel for how we’ve progressed. So far it’s heavy on the roleplay 😍😍😍😍😍 but we’re technically only on the first day, so it’s a good time to join!

Kristian

Nov 2, 2024 12:56 am

I don't know the system but would be interested to join ...are there any free resources to check out how it works?

Nov 2, 2024 2:06 am

ACKS does have a few srds out there. And there is an incomplete one for Heroic Fantasy Handbook as well.

Last edited November 2, 2024 2:08 am

Lcythas

Nov 2, 2024 9:21 pm

I'm interested in joining, is the game still open?

Honor_Over_All

Nov 2, 2024 11:35 pm

If you still need more players I’d also be interested. This sounds like a really neat game/system.

Nov 3, 2024 4:14 am

Big shout out to @Honor_Over_All

He is very creative and flexible, enough to even tolerate me and my particular brand of insanity in his own game.

Nov 3, 2024 4:04 pm

Certainly... please note the specific creation rules of the campaign; they are a little different than rules as written. (Roll 4d6, drop lowest, assign in any order); and that of course the different classes will require certain ability scores. Also, (as mentioned in the original recruitment rules), we are only using classes from the Heroic Fantasy Handbook for this campaign. Some of these classes are intended as chaotic characters so I would prefer that you not use them. Lawful and neutral characters would be the preference. I really don't want the player characters trying to kill one another.

My advice is that you go ahead and roll in this thread to see what ability scores you get and then see what type of character you can make from them.

Last edited November 3, 2024 4:05 pm

Honor_Over_All

Nov 3, 2024 6:40 pm

Rolling!

* 11
* 14
* 10
* 16
* 15
* 13

I saw you still need a caster/mage. Looks like I'm 1 point away from being able to choose a Nobiran Wizard. Any chance I can lower one of my scores and reallocate to boost the 10? If not no worries, I'll go with Loremaster

====

The woods and wilds have ever been a home for those seeking ascetic contemplation of the natural world. Athan Brandshot has lived most of his short life deep in the woods of the Outlaw Forest, learning the painstaking skills of woodcraft and magery from his master, the blessed Seraphim Aldheorte. Lessons of life and death, death and rebirth. Contemplating the humble mushroom, the quick-winging songbirds, and deep rings of ancient trees and stones.

This life of contemplation with his master has been a good one. But even the long-lived Nobiran must die eventually, returning their flesh to the earth. So it was with Athan's master, as is the way of all things.

It was not until his master's passing that young Athan realized how much of his security in the forest had been due to this master's powerful magics and protections. The deep forests no longer seem so peaceful and contemplative. Casting the bones, Athan now sees foreboding whispers of darkness, as of shadows flickering just beyond his sight.

But the forest and wilds are his home. Will always be his home. So when Lord Chamberlain Amberstead issued a call for heroes and champions to aid Averancia, Athan saw his chance. He would go to the summons and, with the aid of other men of stout heart, would make his home safe once more for himself and all who would wander the wild way seeking wisdom and self-knowing.

Physical Description:

Beneath curly, shoulder-length chestnut hair and a fist-length beard is a thin, pleasant face which looks both older and younger than Athans 30 years. Bright hazel eyes and a long thin nose lend themselves to his aura of intelligence. He is weathered but hale, wiry from ascetic striving yet strong of limb.

Wrapped around in a cloak the color of bright spring moss and speckled with the colors of songbirds, he wears simple clothes of buckskin beneath, tucked into supple leather boots. Bone fetishes dangle from strands of his hair and beard, making a faint clattering when he walks. His staff is carved with interweaving patterns of flowering vines.

=====

I’m available every day of the week, but don’t have internet access till after 3pm Eastern time.

Last edited November 4, 2024 8:19 pm

Rolls

Character Creation - (4d6, 4d6, 4d6, 4d6, 4d6, 4d6)

4d6 : (2362) = 13

4d6 : (6533) = 17

4d6 : (4241) = 11

4d6 : (5635) = 19

4d6 : (5255) = 17

4d6 : (4632) = 15

Lcythas

Nov 3, 2024 7:16 pm

Let's see if my luck's decent today.
13,
16,
9,
16,
10,
6

Sadly, not good enough for Nobiran Wizard either, but I can make a fairly decent Ecclesiastic or Runemaker in terms of magical supporting characters if need be.

Last edited November 3, 2024 7:29 pm

Rolls

Character Creation - (4d6)

(2526) = 15

Character Creation - (4d6)

(5615) = 17

Character Creation - (4d6)

(3323) = 11

Character Creation - (4d6)

(2466) = 18

Character Creation - (4d6)

(2441) = 11

Character Creation - (4d6)

(2212) = 7

Nov 3, 2024 7:29 pm

Honor_Over_All says:

Rolling!

* 11
* 14
* 10
* 16
* 15
* 13

I saw you still need a caster/mage. Looks like I'm 1 point away from being able to choose a Nobiran Wizard. Any chance I can lower one of my scores and reallocate to boost the 10? If not no worries, I'll go with Loremaster

Yes, I would allow use of the RAW rule to enhance an ability score by reducing another: "Once a player has selected his character class, he may raise the class's prime requisite ability or abilities if desired by sacrificing points in other abilities. 2 ability points may be sacrificed from an ability to raise a prime requisite ability 1 point. This may be done more than once, but no ability can be lowered below 9, and no ability may be lowered if it is also a prime requisite for the class, even if there are a few points to spare above the minimum required score."

Nov 3, 2024 7:34 pm

Lcythas says:

Let's see if my luck's decent today.
13,
16,
9,
16,
10,
6

Sadly, not good enough for Nobiran Wizard either, but I can make a fairly decent Ecclesiastic or Runemaker in terms of magical supporting characters if need be.

Or possibly an Elven Spellsinger.

Feel free to play with your options and let me know what you would like to do. (This is where imagination and creativity get a bit juicy... :P)

Nov 3, 2024 7:39 pm

Also, everyone, please read the Game Details page if you haven't already, since that details character creation and other special rules fairly well.

mathias0077

Nov 3, 2024 8:12 pm

I will throw my hat in the ring if there is still room.
Looking like a Nobiran Champion/Armiger

Agamir Strongarm is from the Barony of Caledonia. He is being sent to represent Caledonia at the call of Lord Amberstead. The Strongarm clan has a long and loyal history in connection to the Redstone and Anvilstar clans. The Strongarms have always showed up when the call went out. Once a big and powerful clan they have dwindled in size and name over the years. Agamir sees taking up this call as a way to bring his clan's name back to the forefront and earn a place of high respect again.

OOC:

I can post weekdays and weekends. I check my games a couple of times a day.

Last edited November 4, 2024 1:31 am

Rolls

Str, Int, Wis, Dex, Con, Chr - (4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3, 4d6h3)

4d6h3 : (6514) = 15

4d6h3 : (6253) = 14

4d6h3 : (3631) = 12

4d6h3 : (5511) = 11

4d6h3 : (6421) = 12

4d6h3 : (5416) = 15

hp - (1d8+1)

(4) + 1 = 5

starting gold - (3d6)

(556) = 16

Lcythas

Nov 3, 2024 8:41 pm

Ernest Veritate, Beloved of God(Level 1 Ecclesiastic)

A wanderer from the lands outside Averancia, Ernest belongs to a minor religious order called the Temple of the Hallowed Sun, a splinter faith from the much more prevalent Temple of the Winged Sun. The differences in doctrine and verse as so minor that they belong mostly to the realm of the theologian. Indeed, there are many scholars who are dissatisfied with the minor doctrinal disputes alone, and possit that some greater change must exist within the Temple of the Hallowed Sun, for it to have broken off with its mother faith, despite the two having determinedly cordial yet competitive relations with one another, shepherds jockeying to tend to the same flock. As a foundling developed in the cloisters and holy halls of his faith, Ernest is the very picture of faith. He has developed a reputation as a mendicant, wandering the lands on his faith alone, and tending to those in need without reserve or hesitation.

Upon hearing the call from Averancia, Ernest set out immediately for the Duchy. Every plight, physical or otherwise, can always do with the surety of faith and the benedictions of higher power. If he manages to bring the guiding light of the Hallowed Sun to the Duchy, perhaps the Hallowed Sun will win a place in the people's hearts as their main religion, and allow the scattered devotees of the Hallowed Sun someplace to truly call their own. Of course, in the more likely event that he doesn't manage to, martyrdom is just as acceptable to one who walks in the light of their deity.

Stats:
STR 6
INT 13
WIS 16
DEX 10
CON 9
CHA 16

mathias0077

Nov 5, 2024 1:33 am