Emerald Spire

Game Master Awenydd83

No, I don't plan to have trap spotter (unless I multiclass later). I will be pumping up Perception, Stealth, Disable Device, and Linguistics. Probably won't invest much in Survival.

Initially, the social skills will be lacking, but that's because I will expect versatile performance to replace those. I might still take a rank in each to cover level one. Still looking at options....

If you really want to be a Wayang Bard, have you considered their exclusive Shadow Puppeteer Archetype? That's what mine is (as well as a Dirge Bard), and I like it very much.

Failing that, what other Archetypes would you consider? The Sandman and Archeologist Archetypes both get abilities similar to Roguish Trapfinding, and the Magician might also be good.

Another idea would be to multiclass in Ninja (since Wayangs are an Oriental race, and Ninja benefit from the high Charisma score you'll surely have), and from there aspire to become an Arcane Trickster!

Out of topic, but fun fact. Wayang directly translates into theatre. I'm from the region actually (South East Asia), so I have witness the "Wayang Kulit" or "Shadow Puppet Play" first handed. I can't say it's much more different than most puppet shows.

I did dither for a long time over shadow puppeteer, but decided inspire courage was too much to give up for some not so great features. Archeologist was another I considered, which does make it more rogue like, but ultimately decided against it. Dirge bard would be great for an undead campaign, but didn't feel it necessary here.

I was originally considering ninja, and arcane trickster, but both would take away from the spells. But I haven't ruled out either yet.

I did dither for a long time over shadow puppeteer, but decided inspire courage was too much to give up for some not so great features.

I resemble that remark!

I'm from the region actually (South East Asia), so I have witness the "Wayang Kulit" or "Shadow Puppet Play" first handed. I can't say it's much more different than most puppet shows.

Fun fact, indeed! I have a big, clunky wooden wayang puppet of my own, as it happens!

I was originally considering ninja, and arcane trickster, but both would take away from the spells. But I haven't ruled out either yet.

What about Sandman or Magician? Both very Wayang-appropriate, also! Inspire Courage is certainly useful, but you shouldn't feel any obligation toward it.

PJP: Spells targeting humanoids would not be useless in this dungeon. You will not see any humanoids at first, but once they make their appearance, it will be about even odds to be facing a humanoid your spells will affect.

So far it looks like one front liner and a solid mix of magic users in the second line.

CariMac: Shaman (Restoration)
Galonor the Mighty (Batpony): Half orc fighter
Upaynao: ??
IHIYC: Oracle, Spiritualist, Medium ??
PJP: Wayang bard (enchantments and illusions

I'm in a Ironfang Invasion game on the boards. Our front liners are a Shaman, and a Hunter's Wolf Animal Companion. We do alright. He's definitely strength based shaman which is not where I was going with mine.

Its good to see everyone working together and throwing suggestions around!

Cari: I just have never had any experience with a Shaman, so I don't really know what they can do or where they fit. Of course, it all depends on individual build too, as you stated there.

I am playing in an Ironfang game on here as well, as an oracle. Its a lot of fun.. I built her as a switch hitter, mainly because theres only 4 of us.. Eventually I would like to transition her into more of a second line/healer type, but we will see if that happens. Right now, shes having a ton of fun sticking hobgoblins with her spear!

Eustoma hafling hunter is having a blast shooting at them with her bow, and sending the wolf with the 27 AC into battle in our Ironfang.

@Cari: Be sure to peruse the Shaman Archetype options - they have a solid and diverse selection of ways to break the standard Shaman mold in one way or another.

@Upaynao: Since we're both contemplating Mediums, I'll say, for what it's worth, that I won't play one if you do.

@Cari: Be sure to peruse the Shaman Archetype options - they have a solid and diverse selection of ways to break the standard Shaman mold in one way or another.

Thank you. I'll take a look.

@Cari: Be sure to peruse the Shaman Archetype options - they have a solid and diverse selection of ways to break the standard Shaman mold in one way or another.

@Upaynao: Since we're both contemplating Mediums, I'll say, for what it's worth, that I won't play one if you do.

Don't worry about it. I looked through and realized I didn't like it much at all. If you are used to a better version of such a class, I feel bad for you dealing with this hot mess. At least not here for this group. Instead, allow me to present Gadrielle, once a Gray Maiden, now looking to redeem herself. I'm really undecided on one feat and as always, one of my traits is lackluster. So I'll take any input on those.

Also, this cavalier archetype is really freaking cool, and it gets rid of my pet peeve: the mount.

CariMac: Shaman (Restoration)
Batpony: Half-orc fighter
Upaynao: Cavalier sans the Caval
PJP: mind-twisting Wayang Bard

Well then, that just leaves me (and a 6th, should one show up)!

Given that we've got a Shaman, I'm formally ruling out the Oracle and Inquisitor - something leaning psychic/occult/arcane it is!

IHIYC: Dhampir Spiritualist, (Halfing?) Medium, aspiring Arcane Trickster?, or Samsaran aspiring Mystic Theurge

I'm also still considering swapping to my Chaokineticist after this first adventure (since she's 2nd level). Of course, IF I choose to do that, then I might put the Inquisitor back on the table for just the first adventure....

Might I suggest the Spiritualist? Or Samsaran psychic; dunno if they have the same issue with mystic past life you were leery of, but it's a solid option.

Looks good to me, all of you!

I am really debating on adding the sixth at all. The Emerald Spire was actually written for 4 PC's, and suggests even adding monsters for groups of 6 players. Granted, this is not included in the Society Sanctioned area but I don't want it to be too easy either. Should my friend ever decide to join us, I will cross that bridge when we get there.. but as for right now I am happy to start with you five.

Since we have characters about hammered out, lets talk scheduling and posting for a minute.
Looking at the calendar, I would like to start soon but the holidays make that difficult. How does the first week of January sound to yall? I am thinking maybe Wed the 3rd, Friday the 5th at the latest. Would that give yall enough time to recover from your revelries and family duties? Another month wait is not optimal for my preferences, but it does have the advantage of allowing us to have one less thing to worry about with the approaching holidays.

Posting: Most of you should be rather familiar with my posting schedule, but I wanted to call attention to it anyways as it is a bit abnormal. I post prolifically over the weekends, and almost exclusively overnight (US time) which makes me almost completely opposite of the majority of the individuals here on the boards. With my two work schedules, I find it difficult to post most Monday nights, and Tuesdays can be hit or miss. I am trying to improve on my mon-tues posting, but its difficult.
Do any of you have any specific schedules that I should be aware of? (Not asking for hour by hour, rather is there a day of the week or something that I just shouldn't expect anything from you?) Do you have any issues or suggestions for what you would like to see from me as far as posting goes?

Generally people around here say "A post a day through the week" or some such. I am going to edit this to I would like to see at least 5 posts a week minimum.. whatever your week may consist of. If you can do more, then the story will move all that much faster.

I've already got a Psychic; I started a thread asking for a formal ruling/errata vis-a-vis Mystic Past Life as applied to psychic powers.

My Spiritualist is currently in the early-middle of "The Silverhex Chronicles;" I'd be strongly inclined to select her provided we could delay starting long enough for her to become available. She IS a Dhampir, so whatever precise form our Shaman finally takes, s/he/it should be ready and able to heal with negative energy.

ON THE OTHER HAND, as I've said, I have a Wayang Chaokineticist who I'm warming back up to as part of this party; she'd be very good for all this - the snag is that she's already level 2. However, the first level CAN be played by a 2nd level character...as my Investigator is presently doing now. That might be an obstacle right there, though, unless the first level's "evergreen" status also applies to 2nd-level characters. If so, that would be ideal, since we already know I'm going to have to miss out on one later level, while the rest of you will catch up to her after running it.

On the third hand, I could, as I said, run level 1 with one of my aforementioned characters, then switch over to my Chaokineticist afterwards; the only snag with that would be: How much would missing out on the first level and the one later level hamper the "Land Grab" thing?

My typical schedule is akin to yours. On weekdays, I tend to update 1 to 2 times, and for Majority of weekends, I find myself able to post 2 to 3 times a day.

With regards to start date, I have wound down my games to a point that I can definitely commit once a day even during the festive season. I don't plan to start any new games until January, whether it be player or GM. So find myself a bit free do I will be happy to start this if everyone is able.

I don't have any holidays plans until perhaps February.

CariMac: Shaman (Restoration)
Batpony: Half-orc fighter
Upaynao: Cavalier sans the Caval
PJP: mind-twisting Wayang Bard
IHIYC: Dhampir Spiritualist, (Halfing?) Medium, aspiring Arcane Trickster?, or Samsaran aspiring Mystic Theurge

IHIYC: On the third hand, I could, as I said, run level 1 with one of my aforementioned characters, then switch over to my Chaokineticist afterwards; the only snag with that would be: How much would missing out on the first level and the one later level hamper the "Land Grab" thing?

Missing two levels of the dungeon will prevent you from purchasing two of the hexes on the Land Rush chronicles, as you may only purchase (to my current knowledge) one hex per level. In addition, the Land Rush Chronicles are not transferable between characters. Depending on how you plan out the hexes that you purchase, it is still possible to gain most of the benefits of the progression.. but you will have to choose two that you don't pick up.

The evergreen status for this is the same as any other evergreen: Replayable by any level one character, and once as a level 2. If you have already played it as a level 2 character, then it is not allowed to play it again as a level 2.

With the information and understanding I have so far, I am almost inclined to suggest that you go ahead and play with any level 1 for the first level, then switch to Black Sun for the duration. Some of the hexes in the Land Rush really don't do too much and can be missed with very little overall effect.

With the information and understanding I have so far, I am almost inclined to suggest that you go ahead and play with any level 1 for the first level, then switch to Black Sun for the duration. Some of the hexes in the Land Rush really don't do too much and can be missed with very little overall effect.

Deal.

Adjusting...

CariMac: Shaman (Restoration)
Batpony: Half-orc fighter
Upaynao: Cavalier sans the Caval
PJP: mind-twisting Wayang Bard
IHIYC: Wayang Chaokineticist (with either Dwarf Inquisitor or Halfling Medium stand-in for Level 1)

Having a difficult time deciding myself, I'll leave it up to you: Do I start with my

Halfling Medium (advantages: brings token psychic powers to a party without any, second-to-none versatility, Halfling Jinx, "Lucky Halfling," weird-ass Archetype, charming personality)?

OR

Dwarf Inquisitor (advantages: 1 adventure's worth of improved gear, Inquisition power that could save lives in a clinch, good dungeon-crawling skills, Stonecunning, ruthless efficiency, fanatical devotion, and nice red-and-purple vestments)

@PJP: Please forgive me if I sound like a nudje, but are you certain about being a Wayang if you don't want to be a Shadow Puppeteer? It's just that it would be fun if every single one of us was a different race, rather than there being 2 Wayang. If the chief draw for you is extra spells, you could instead consider being a Half-Elf and take the Human FCB (an extra Bard spell known); it would also help you multiclass into Ninja or whatever (since you were considering that), or you could take the Arcane Training, Kindred-Raised, or Reflexive Improvisation alternative racial features if you wanted to be solely a Bard, and you'd potentially have a higher Charisma in either case.

A Samsaran Speaker of the Past Shaman with the Restoration spirit is catching my imagination.

I'm fond of red and purple, but I'd say bring what you want to the party.

Hey, two wayangs could be fun, as long as that is what everyone wants to play. It could open an opportunity for some individual bonding and RP along the way.

Hey, two wayangs could be fun, as long as that is what everyone wants to play. It could open an opportunity for some individual bonding and RP along the way.

I understand...but so would everyone being different. :)

Just an advance heads up.. I have some traveling to do this coming week from Thursday - Monday. This is likely to throw my posting off so please don't hesitate to bot me if needed. I will post as often as I am able, but am unable to make any promises about regularity.

We'll do our best to bot you!

OK, so I have decided my wayang bard is basically exactly what I want him to be as is, but am reconsidering if he is what I want for this party. My original intention was to try and cover rogue stealth/traps with party buff support. I am sure it can be done, but it isn't really what I ended up with. So I will be using him elsewhere and let IHIYC have at the wayang thing here.

So, my other considerations now are:
Aasimar Evangelic Cleric. This covers the Inspire Courage and a lot more utility/buff spells, with still a bit of personal command and pretty much no stealth - but lots of conjured animals to put in harm's way. Still has darkvision though (which was the original reason with going wayang). Might be too preachy for some. Maybe Luck domain to add some buffs.

Another thought is a gnome pied piper. Probably an Animal Speaker bard, again with the support and conjured critters and some vermin control, maybe still disable device but much less stealth than wayang. Would be much more light-hearted than the other two, and arcane which we seem short on.

I was also trying to think of a net and trident sort of user, maybe an undine bard, to add to the front line, but it looks like we already have melee well covered. So I think one of the other two with some strategic critter placement for flanking might be more helpful.

Some GMs hate lots of critters, though, so chime in GMDD if you are one!

I feel the cleric would add a lot of usefulness to the party. I don't think not having stealth is a big deal since it feels we're not going to be a stealthy bunch to begin with.

Short of being able to spot the traps, I'm more than happy to take the front most line and take one for the team since I think I'll have the highest hp pool.

Edit: I stand corrected, gadrielle has me beat in hp at the moment! But I'm still willing to be the fall guy nonetheless.

That grey maiden initiate feat is really nifty! Makes me wish I had the adventurers guide.

On that note, when it comes to traits, I typically take the safe route and go for those that add +1 to saves.

If we want to open the cheese hose, a wand of summon monster 1 is valid for disabling 50 traps.

So another thing that has been bothering me is whether to wield a falchion or not. Falchions are pretty good but I've already been down that road. I also like the idea of the lucerne hammer. However, having to deal with a reach weapon in tight confines is a double edged sword. I can use it to intercept those people who are going to come at the people in the back, but if I cannot reach what's right in front of me, it's going to stink.

I can wield both, however since the system does reward specialization, I'm going to have to choose at some point. What are your thoughts?

I have a character that uses a nodachi and like it. Also has 18-20 crit range, and has the added Brace option.

Personally, the reach weapons tend to be a bit too much of a pain.

PJP if you go for a cleric, I might switch out of the Restoration spirit on my Shaman. I could always stick with that spirit, and we'd have lots of healing and restoration.

I can take Disable Device as one of my Shards of the Past. That gets me a +7 disable device. It could be enough.

Clerics come in so many flavors nowadays, I'd take a look at how that evangelist is built before committing one way or the other.

Not sure how I feel about Eastern weapons... Not that they aren't efficient. And not that I'm allergic to a little taste of Tian-Xia in my Inner Sea. But it doesn't quite fit with my idea of a Korvosan fighter. But then again...

I'll sleep on it.

Yah, healing and restoration aren't going to be high on my list. Buffing and summoning are going to be the focus, I think.

I will be taking the combat reflexes and cut from the air feat line. Essentially allowing me to protect myself and adjacent allies from range projectiles, and eventually even ranged spells that require attack rolls using my AoOs, so potentially 3 times a round.

With that said, the idea of Gadrielle with a Lucerne hammer being right in front of Galonor seems nifty. A pretty solid pair that have lots of opportunities for AoO use. We would really be a tough line to get through.

Well, I have mostly built the Evangelist, but it seems rather... boring. I think he is a decent support character, but I am just not sure I want to play him for such a long haul...

I'm going to go back and work on the gnome bard. He seemed more interesting, and while maybe not near as powerful, we have a strong group and I think he will fit in better.

See - this is the problem with not starting for a while - too much time to dither over choices!

See - this is the problem with not starting for a while - too much time to dither over choices!

I know. Do I want to keep the shaman or switch to a witch or something else? I keep telling myself I'm sticking with the shaman and stop messing around with ideas. :)

If yall would like to start early, we can.. I was just worried about the holidays coming up and the effects on all of our posting. I was trying to avoid a situation where we are just getting settled and then the boards go silent with everyone dealing with family.

That said, if yall finalize your characters and say that you are ready, then we will go ahead and get started. Your call!!

CariMac: Shaman (Restoration)
Batpony: Half-orc fighter is Ready!!!!!!
Upaynao: Cavalier sans the Caval
PJP: mind-twisting Gnome Bard?
IHIYC: Wayang Chaokineticist (with either Dwarf Inquisitor or Halfling Medium stand-in for Level 1)

Here is Chinchi - my gnome Pied Piper (with darkvision) who likes rodents and plays the bagpipes for fun and profit. :)

I don't mind waiting til after the holidays, but I am easy either way.

CariMac: Character done
Batpony: Ready
Upaynao: Character done
PJP: Character done, ambivalent
IHIYC: Waiting?

IHIYC: Waiting?

No...that's just what they'll be expecting...

...and NOBODY EXPECTS THE GERYONITE INQUISITION!

Give me a couple days. RL is kicking my butt.

No worries, Upaynao. Whenever yall are set.

IHIYC: Oh lord.. I can't wait to see this one... lmao

Zifan the Graceful is ready for adventure.

I'm ready to start whenever it's convenient for everyone.

Note: I doubt she's all that graceful. We shall see.

Ok, I'm ready to rock. Sort of. I'll be travelling the 18th and 19th, so expect my post rate to go waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay down.

Ok so I am back from my trip, but I received a PM today from one of the original people that I invited in. He answered my PM late, and it got buried in a bunch of other stuff and I never saw it (Or I saw it and meant to respond but forgot about it.. either way). Since it was my fault that he got left out, I have offered him the sixth slot. Lets see what he has to say before we get started.

I've arrived and am ready to rock!

I'm here and ready to roll!

Should we wait until the briefing to make purchases? Or can we go ahead?

Thanks for the invite, GM. Hey, everyone! This is kuey. I'll be glad to play if 6 players is not too many.

I've been toying with two concepts for a while and thus I think I can build them rather fast.
1. Half-orc warpriest of Besmara, dual-wielding kukris, or
2. Dwarven geo kinetic knight, possibly building on combat maneuvers

Both melee frontliners. The first brings some healing support, although that would be another half-orc. :P The second would likely be more tanky. I should be able to get the character sheets ready in a couple of days once I can confirm which to build.

Would we be able to rebuild before hitting level 2, in case we want to make some adjustments?

Hmmm...after the first level, there will already be a Kineticist, though I admit what you're talking about there would be quite different otherwise.

Yeah, that's what I like about kineticists. They can be built in so many ways that they are effectively quite different characters altogether, even if the underlying mechanics are similar.