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[Pathfinder][Worm] Rise of the Runelords

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A story about Taylor Hebert, in Golarion, Fighting an evil ancient Wizard Tyrant.
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    • Stratagemini

    Stratagemini

    Totally a Fire Ferret.
    Location
    Central Park
    Pronouns
    He/Him/They/Them
    What is the Premise?
    A run-through of the Rise of the Runelords Adventure Path, liberally borrowing Characters from the Pathfinder Video-Games by Owlcat Studios, and using Taylor Hebert as the protagonist. I'm going to be taking some liberties with the plot of the AP here and there, and I'm going to try and keep realistic to the characters of everyone involved. Barring something Truly exceptional? Taylor will not be getting back to Brockton Bay before the end of the story.

    Who am I?
    So, I'm a big fan of Pathfinder, both the Tabletop RPG and the CRPGs by Owlcat. I'm a successful GM having actually finished an Adventure path before! I haven't really run a quest before, so this is going to be my first time doing that.

    Who is our protagonist? (Pick one)
    Taylor Hebert, of course... but which Taylor Hebert?

    [][Taylor][Just Stuffed in the Locker]
    -This Taylor is pre-trigger. Last thing she remembers is being covered in filth and trapped in a locker. Then she woke up in Sandpoint at the Swallowtail Festival. On the Balance, she's happy that she's no longer in Brockton Bay and really only wants to return to see her dad.

    [][Taylor][Post-Gold Morning]
    -This Taylor is lacking an arm, and has two holes in her head. She lacks any powers, but she has her experience. She'll wake up healed (but still missing an arm) just in time for the Swallowtail festival. This Taylor has no plans to return to Earth Bet.

    [][Taylor][Warlord]
    -This Taylor is from the end of the Chysalis Arc. One second she was saying goodbye, the next? She was in Sandpoint, but without her powers. She has no idea what happened or why, and she's not at all happy about it. This Taylor has lost everything, and she needs to get back to Brockton bay to save the world. unfortunately, she has side-quests she'll need to go on first if she wants to get back.


    What can our protagonist do? (Pick one, Taylor will be single-classed unless something incredible happens to change this)
    Aside from any skills she picked up from her time (or lack of time) as a cape, Taylor will have a class that she will be leveling up in.

    [][Class][Bard]
    -Taylor isn't known for her musical talent, but... she does have the benefit of exposure to tons of songs that Golarion has never heard yet, and some training in the flute? Playing music should be enough to help her make a living, but... Well, it's not like Taylor hasn't done well with a seemingly offensively weak powerset before?

    [][Class][Cleric]
    -Cleric is given powers by a God or Godlike being. Due to Taylor's interactions with his areas of concern (Infestation and certain insects) Taylor has drawn the attention of the Demon-Lord Deskari. Deskari's domains are: Chaos, Destruction, Evil, and War with subdomains of Blood, Catastrophe, Demon, Tactics. He's a bad boss, and currently plans to invade and murder most of Golarion, so taylor will have to hide the source of her powers. But Taylor has experience with being granted Bug powers by extradimensional entities trying to destroy the world and needing to keep those powers a secret. So this should be just like riding a bike! Right?

    [][Class][Druid]
    -Taylor's lingering connection with insects makes her a perfect Rot Warden Druid. Whether she likes it or not. Who doesn't want to summon clouds of insects and turn into bugs?

    [][Class][Kineticist]
    -Taylor has somehow unlocked a blaster power! now that she's throwing Negative energy and the power of the Void around as a Chaokineticist, combat has never been easier! Just watch out for that burn... wouldn't want to render herself unconscious in a stubborn attempt to get the most out of her power. But... that probably wouldn't happen, right?

    [][Class][Monk]
    -As an (unchained) monk, Taylor will have access to the power of fist, as well as all sorts of Ki Powers. This is a Pretty Wuxia-themed power set, and Taylor is probably Genre savvy enough to appreciate that.

    [][Class][Rogue]
    -If life has taught Taylor anything, it's that a knife in the back is sometimes the deepest cut of all. As an (unchained) Rogue, Taylor will pick up talents, sneak attack enemies, and learn to trust her danger sense!

    [][Class][Sorceror]
    -Taylor's contact with her shard (as long or brief as it may have been) was enough to infuse her body with power and gift her with an Aberrant Bloodline. Taylor will slowly become something truly alien, resisting spells and weapons alike. Perhaps that is a price worth paying for power?

    Who Is our Ally? (Pick one)

    [][Ally][Jubilost]
    -Jubilost Narthropple is an author and an Alchemist, his quick wit and even quicker throwing arm have served him well as he travels throughout the Inner Sea. He is currently working on a book about Varisia. He has a great store of knowledge about this world that Taylor finds herself in. Chaotic Neutral Male Halfling Alchemist (does not worship any particular god).

    [][Ally][Linzi]
    -A bit bookish, this bard wants to write a book about an epic hero! Taylor has sparked her interest and she'd love to accompany her on her quest, whatever it is. Chaotic Good Female Halfling Bard (worships Shelyn).

    [][Ally][Harrim]
    -Not your Standard Dwarf, Harrim is a man who doesn't drink, doesn't make things, and worships Groetus, the Chaotic Evil god of the end times, the insane, and the inevitable heat death of the universe. Groetus is a pretty hands off god, but through the whispers that worshipers in-tune enough with him hear, his priests know that the end is nigh. He can keep you healed long enough for you to see it. Chaotic Neutral, Male Dwarf Cleric (of Groetus).

    [][Ally][Nok-Nok]
    -Nok-Nok plans to become the greatest hero that any Goblin has ever heard of! he's quick, he's clever, and he knows better than to start reading or writing so that the human paper traps can steal the thoughts from his head! Of course, he occasionally gets himself into some trouble that he might need help getting out from, but that's just how you know he's doing hero stuff right! Chaotic Evil Male Goblin Rogue (worships Lamashtu).

    [][Ally][Laori]
    -Laori Vaus is strangely happy for a worshipper of Zon-Kuthon. Maybe that's why her fellow priests of the Prince of Pain aren't her biggest fans? Still, Laori never lets anything get her down for long! She may not be able to heal you spontaneously, but she knows how to keep people alive way after they start begging for death! Lawful Evil Female Elf Cleric (Of Zon Kuthon)

    [][Ally][Valeros]
    -Valeros hates slavery. Luckily, so does the god he worships, Cayden Cailean. A drunkard and a womanizer, Valeros, like his god, is incredibly lucky, and incredibly good with a blade. In Full Plate and packing steel, Valeros will never let you down in a fight. Elsewhere... well, that depends on what he's being asked to do. Neutral Good Male Human Fighter (Worships Cayden Cailean).

    There is a Moratorium on voting for 2 hours to promote discussion and to ask questions. Voting will be open for 12 Hours after that.
    Please vote for each category. If you are posting spoilers for the adventure path, or things about the characters that you already know from external sources, please use spoilers. Information about the various gods and classes does not need spoilers.
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • Locker Taylor doesn't seem like she would be much fun. Warlord Taylor would be too whiny about going back to Bet to try to save it.

    So Post-Golden Morning Taylor. Sucks that she is missing an arm, but she has the skills to make up for it.

    For class, either Kinteticist or Monk. Missing an arm makes it harder to be a flute playing Bard, and hitting things really hard with Genre savvy skills would be really fun. Or throwing the Void around, and expecting her to not overexert herself. Because that is certainly never a thing that Taylor would ever consider doing.

    For companion, I like the idea of Harrim. Dealing with a Nihist when you have literally gone through the end of the world would be very entertaining.
     
    I have to say, I really like the way you've tied these elements together! Classes to Taylor's background in logical and, most importantly, interesting ways. How the way she perceives this situation differs depending on when she was pulled from her canon storyline. Tying each NPC to Taylor in some way based on their interests.

    This is the best quest adaptation of an adventure module I have ever seen. And we haven't even gotten past the first vote!
     
    Don't even have to think ot. This is what I want.

    [X][Ally][Valeros]

    [X][Class][Bard]

    [X][Taylor][Warlord]
     
    I actually kind of dig Warlord Taylor because I feel like she'll be the most put together. Locker Taylor and Post-Gold Taylor have been through major traumatic experiences, locked in a locker with bugs and biohazards and missing an arm and shot in the head, which could lead to a major freak out when she realizes the new situation she's in. While Warlord Taylor is more likely to take everything in cooly, and since she's got experience in hardballing and B-s-ing her way through trouble, I feel like she'll be able to do well in the quest.

    I'm honestly stuck between Sorcerer and Cleric because Taylor with a big power at her disposal is an Epic Taylor.

    The only Companion I like is Loari, cause I feel like she'll be a good contrast to Warlord Taylor, offering some much needed comedic relief to Taylor's gloom.
     
    @Stratagemini
    an important query:
    Besides Val, are there any plans to cross paths with any of the other iconics?
    As for start and class, I myself lean towards post GM and either Drood or Bard, because I feel that the inherent challenges would make for a better story, in the long run.
     
    [][Taylor][Post-Gold Morning]
    [][Class][Kineticist]
    [][Ally][Valeros]

    This is what I'm inclined for. Post-Gold Morning Taylor is in a more interesting mindset then the others, in my opinion, and I like the Kineticist class. Otherwise I'd probably go for the Sorcerer class or the Druid one. Lastly, Valeros... not so set in the ally vote. He seems like he'd be reliable enough, but I'm open to arguments for other characters.
     
    [X][Taylor][Post-Gold Morning]
    [X][Class][Druid]
    [X][Ally][Linzi]
    Taylor's power set would work well with a druid, Post GM because that Taylor after her story ends(and druids can cast regenerate, fixes missing limbs and brain damage) and I can't see Taylor getting along with any demon lord unless they are trying to break away from evil. I chose Linzi to be her moral compass.
    Fixed
     
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    [X] The Tales of the Bard and the Bug
    -[X][Taylor][Post-Gold Morning]
    --[X][Class][Kineticist]
    ---[X][Ally][Linzi]

    I think Linzi as a bard(ie someone who travels and explores the world in which Taylor is a stranger with no knowledge of) and their persuasive nature, wide knowledge, and their general abilities are really good for taylor to have at her back.as for why im not voting for druid which is a close second choice for me is that this is a ttrpg world she can find other ways to get her arm back( like a high level restoration or Regenerate, which could realistically be purchased or bartered for with various treasures and macguffins found while adventuring) or a prosthetic that is even better than her old one.And I just like the kineticist more
    edit Plus most of the other ones are evil or just a handfull to deal with
     
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    [X][Taylor][Warlord]
    -This Taylor is from the end of the Chysalis Arc. One second she was saying goodbye, the next? She was in Sandpoint, but without her powers. She has no idea what happened or why, and she's not at all happy about it. This Taylor has lost everything, and she needs to get back to Brockton bay to save the world. unfortunately, she has side-quests she'll need to go on first if she wants to get back.

    [X][Class][Sorceror]
    -Taylor's contact with her shard (as long or brief as it may have been) was enough to infuse her body with power and gift her with an Aberrant Bloodline. Taylor will slowly become something truly alien, resisting spells and weapons alike. Perhaps that is a price worth paying for power?

    [X][Ally][Laori]
    -Laori Vaus is strangely happy for a worshipper of Zon-Kuthon. Maybe that's why her fellow priests of the Prince of Pain aren't her biggest fans? Still, Laori never lets anything get her down for long! She may not be able to heal you spontaneously, but she knows how to keep people alive way after they start begging for death! Lawful Evil Female Elf Cleric (Of Zon Kuthon)
     
    [X][Taylor][Warlord]
    I like warlord Taylor the best. Not as pathetic as locker Taylor and not as done as Post-GM.
    [X][Class][Druid]
    BEES!
    [X][Ally][Valeros]
    Randomly picked.
     
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    [X][Ally][Valeros]

    [X][Class][Bard]

    [X][Taylor][Warlord]

    Best pick. Taylor with experience and 2 arms. A reminder of better times and a chance to feel spiritually closer to her mother and a guy who is physically fit to be her meat shield. And he us lucky which should offset her craptastic luck.
     
    [x] Golden Glories
    -[x][Taylor][Post-Gold Morning]
    -This Taylor is lacking an arm, and has two holes in her head. She lacks any powers, but she has her experience. She'll wake up healed (but still missing an arm) just in time for the Swallowtail festival. This Taylor has no plans to return to Earth Bet.
    -[X][Class][Sorceror]
    -Taylor's contact with her shard (as long or brief as it may have been) was enough to infuse her body with power and gift her with an Aberrant Bloodline. Taylor will slowly become something truly alien, resisting spells and weapons alike. Perhaps that is a price worth paying for power?
    -[x][Ally][Jubilost]
    -Jubilost Narthropple is an author and an Alchemist, his quick wit and even quicker throwing arm have served him well as he travels throughout the Inner Sea. He is currently working on a book about Varisia. He has a great store of knowledge about this world that Taylor finds herself in. Chaotic Neutral Male Halfling Alchemist (does not worship any particular god).
     
    [X][Taylor][Post-Gold Morning]
    This would be by far the most interesting version to have running around. Best grasp of politics and dealing with people, but also totally done with everyone too.

    [X][Class][Kineticist]
    Torn between Kineticist or Monk, as anything that gives her bugs at this point just feels like it would be her trying to recreate her past self. This gives her something new that she can min max, no need to worry about extremely limited per day. Great fun, much challenge.

    [X][Ally][Harrim]
    It was either Harrim or Jubilost for me. Harrim just seems to fit the attitude I expect Post-GM Taylor to have better. Also her being able to understand some of his nihilistic rambling is fun.
     
    It was still in force when I indicated how I wanted to vote, thus the empty voteboxes.

    [X][Taylor][Post-Gold Morning]
    [X][Class][Kineticist]
    [X][Class][Sorceror]
    [X][Class][Druid]
    [X][Ally][Valeros]
    [X][Ally][Linzi]
    [X][Ally][Harrim]

    Since approval voting wasn't banned, I'm just gonna vote for the options I like.
     
    Stratagemini said:
    Plans? Not currently no. If I see a place where they'd be a good fit I might add an option or two.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    Thanks. That fits within the parameters of my theoretical best case scenario.

    [X][Taylor][Post-Gold Morning]
    [X][Class][Druid]
    [X][Ally][Linzi]

    EDIT: tally is borked. We may have to switch to planvotes to get a correct count.
     
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    Yeah. It's telling me Valero's has 8 votes so far, which my ability to count disagrees with. I'll double-check the votes after I tally them once voting closes. Not sure what happened.
     
    [X][Taylor][Post-Gold Morning]
    [X][Class][Druid]
    [X][Ally][Linzi]

    i wasn't keen on druid till i read the rot sub type flavoring. sounds neat. a few of the allies are interesting and i recognize a couple of the names. Linzi is I'm assuming from Kingmaker. I think the dynamic of a Taylor who originally wanted to be a hero and has gone through everything that she did and all the regrets it entails teaming up with someone who wants to tell the story of a great hero is pretty interesting. Almost a chance to try again at the whole hero thing and do it properly this time.
     
    [X][Ally][Valeros]

    [X][Class][Locker]

    [X][Taylor][Rogue]

    This'll be my vote. I do hope I'm not too late!
     
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