I think the hippocampi and Mother Grund are up. I squeezed in Lark's round 6 (attacking Scuttle) action before KeefX posted.
You're right! I'll post later today. Sorry!
Strategy note:
Going after the crab familiar was only clever while Mother Gund was way up in the air. Now that she's down on the ground just killing her may be our most direct path to just killing her.
All,
I'm in Roanoke this weekend for a funeral.
My checking in will probably be sketchy.
If we need to move forward more rapidly than I'm replying, please feel free to bot Lee & Muffin.
Thanks,
Keith.
I'm sorry you are going to a funeral; my condolences.
We're approaching the end of this chapter. My plan is to get us through the denouement, and then going on a brief hiatus for the holiday.
PS: I'm sorry for being a pushy GM, but are you all just gonna watch the ship go by or, you know, do something to get its attention?
My condolences, KeefX.
We have officially hit the denouement of part 2 of 3 of Plunder and Peril. I'm not going to majorly push the plot forward at this point, but feel free to roleplay as much as you like, with each other and the crew of the ship.
Oh yeah, and
Max HP, and please post a summary of your choices upon leveling. You may wish to review your gear and loot up to this point as well.
We'll take a few days off toward the end of the week, and I can get us started again on part 3 probably around Dec 29-30 (quite possibly sooner but it depends on my own travels and family stuff). If you have your own breaks let me know and we can adjust accordingly.
While you're re-acquainting yourself with the newly-christened (what would be the Golarion term for "Christen" -- Arodened? Caidened?) Besmara's Whim.... here is how the crew have organized themselves in your absence:
Bosun: Yamtisy (who was acting Captain and Master-at-Arms as well in your absence)
Sailing Master: Belina
Master Gunner: Crimson Cogward
Carpenter: Doc Imogene
Healer/Seacaster: Sandara Quinn
Cook: Kroop
Windsinger: Conchobar Shortstone
Head Rigger/Lookout: Xosrov
Watchstanders: Owlbear, Larry, and Barry (also do swab work as needed)
Riggers: Heavy Huldren, Barefoot Samms, Badger Medlar, Maheem, Anatoly
Swabs: Rosie Cusswell, Giffer Tibbs, Jack Scrimshaw, Tilly Brackett, Anezka, Petra
Let me know if there are any changes/reassignments you would like to make. As a reminder, the three of you are Captain, First Mate, and Quartermaster as of the last time you chose jobs. Jobs not filled include Master-at-Arms (the taskmaster), Cabin boy/Steward, and any mates you wish to assign to the officers. I have a vague memory you offered Rosie a different job but I can't remember what it is. You can also specifically assign boarders and repellers but generally everyone is otherwise assumed to have those jobs as needed.
I will have a new crew reference sheet for you, but I'll upload that after you finalize your assignments.
Thren's upgrades:
New maximum hp: 54
All saves increase by one. New totals are: Fort +5, Ref +9, Will +6.
BAB increases by +1, as does CMB and CMD. Brings totals to +4 (+7 with Weapon Finesse), +5 CMB, 18 CMD.
New feat (bonus): Disruptive
Gains one additional 2nd-level spell/day and spell known. New spell known: mirror image.
New bardic performance: bladethirst. Replaces suggestion.
New skill totals under spoiler, includes favored class bonus.
As a side note, Lathiira... as I'm playing an arcane duelist about a level ahead of you on these boards... I am regretting not picking up versatile weapon yet. I am NOT saying take it instead of mirror image as the latter a great spell to have and I think it will serve you well, especially since you will be exposed probably to a fair amount of melee.
I am realizing in play that bladethirst, while a very nifty ability, doesn't allow you to apply any weapon qualities that allow you to bypass DR--until you and/or your weapon is powerful enough that you can raise the weapon to a +3 quality, which is still a little while away. Certainly there are good qualities that bladethirst gives but it is more circumstantial than I first realized.
I don't like throwing a lot of DR bearing monsters around but relying on the modules/APs I don't always have time to redesign a fight to a monster I'd rather run, and some monsters I do want to run just do have DR.
I did think seriously about versatile weapon. Given our game, I decided I'd rather like to have a bit more defense, but it was a narrow call.
Regarding bladethirst, its strength is in its versatility. Annoying incorporeal undead? Ghost touch. Want more damage? Shocking. Feel like crit-fishing? Keen. And so on. I know it won't help any with DR for a while, and I'm bonded to my current sword anyway. I don't get a choice regarding having it, and I don't mind. I've already been stymied by the DR of the werecrocodiles, more DR is just a fact of life. That's why I want to bump up my rapier's bonus at some point, just to help with that, but right now, we're a little busy questing for treasure :)
Lee's proposed upgrades:
New maximum hp: 39
All saves increase by one. New totals are: Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +7.
BAB increases by +1, as does CMB and CMD. Brings totals to +3 (+6 with Weapon Finesse + being small), +5 CMB, 14 CMD.
Gains one additional 0th and 3rd level spells known
Gains 1/day 2nd level and 4/d 3rd level spells cast.
New 0th level spell known: Mending.
New 3rd level spell known: Fireball.
I'm conflicted between Fireball and Lightning Bolt. Thoughts?
I know we've got more sailing details to work out (and a Heal roll to help Thren's recovery, etc., etc.). I just wanted to get something posted before the end of the day. More tomorrow.
I'd go for fireball. Many of our fights have opponents all over the place, it has great range too. Good opener.
Notes on fireball and lightning bolt:
Both are excellent mass damage dealers. Fireball is the better mass dealer of damage with the larger radius of effect--but by that same token, fireball is HUGE. It affects a very large area, and thus can be impossible, or at least very dangerous, to use in close quarters. Lightning bolt is more precise, but you have to hope your enemies are neatly lined up to get the best effect (the spell does not "bounce" the way it did in 2e).
With both of them, one should note that they are one of few spells (though not the only ones) that actually deals property damage. Most spells, by default, limit the magical energies to the spell's direct effect. These two spells, per their description, will set everything within the AOE on fire. This is especially important to bear in mind when you are thinking about doing it on your ship--or even on someone else's.
Remember I am allowing spells from other sources, so you may wish to take a gander at the spell index when considering your options (you may need to fiddle with the filters to eliminate stuff like the Monster Codex and Mythic Adventures which don't really apply--you're neither a monster nor mythic. Advanced Race Guide is a trap too as most of its spells are limited to a certain race.).
And none of this is to say, don't take those spells--there are very, very, very good reasons to take either one of them and there's a reason they remain favorites by many. Just making sure you are aware of your options.
If Lee adds the merciful metamagic trait to spells, do they still do property damage? I kind of like the idea of cleaning a ship out with a series of Fireballs and then being able to sail it without massive refitting.
I will check out the spell index tonight.
Thanks...
Hmm... I'd say it doesn't damage unattended objects, since I don't think nonlethal damage applies to objects, but combustible objects would still catch fire.
I want to reiterate and emphasize to you folks this is the end of the chapter. To be absolutely clear, there will be nothing mechanically substantive happening between now and when I start chapter 3 at the end of next week. (Also, Threnody will be healed up with no issue by the time you will need to be worrying about throwing dice again.)
This is a time to wrap things up, and have some fun roleplaying with each other and the NPCs.
I am very reluctant to spoil things or burst bubbles, but do note we are on something of a railroad at the moment. You might realize the plot really depends on you successfully chasing Varossa, so--spoiler alert--nothing's going to happen that will really mess that up. There's honestly nothing you need to do except be on your ship to get that to happen. (Now if you decide NOT to chase Varossa and run completely off plot and head in another direction, then I have to adjust accordingly. Also if you do that I will kill you all. ;) )
I struggle to say all this because you are clearly very enthusiastic about jumping onto the chase and using your new magic items and I don't want to crush your enthusiasm. :) At the same time, I want to be sure you are directing your energies and your resources toward where they will truly come in handy.
Also remind me to put more 200 gp wondrous items in your treasure caches. Wow have you been stoked about the feather token.
Speaking of treasure, Thren we can change your bracers of archery to gloves so you can use the magic sleeves.
Ooo, early Xmas for the bard! Thanks GMDQ!
Lee's level 6 upgrades:
New maximum hp: 39
All saves increase by one. New totals are: Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +7.
BAB increases by +1, as does CMB and CMD. Brings totals to +3 (+6 with Weapon Finesse + being small), +5 CMB, 14 CMD.
Gains one additional 0th and 3rd level spells known
Gains 1/day 2nd level and 4/d 3rd level spells cast.
New 0th level spell known: Mending.
New 3rd level spell known: Fireball.
I decided to go with Fireball. I know it's not the most clever option, but it is very useful.
Also, Muffin and Lee now speak to one another (and have been able to do so since 5th level). To everyone else it is a lot of 'meow meow meow'.
There is always a game where, after you have cast fireball, you are really glad you had fireball and cast it.
Are you all remembering to take favored class bonuses?
I have been inconsistent with Muffin (for which I apologize) but I have tried to make him more coherent as I realized you should have had that ability by now. Now that he's been kissed by a deific avatar, maybe that was the push he needed...
My favored class bonus goes every level into my skill points, but thanks for the reminder.
Upon reflection GMDQ, I think I will go ahead and take your advise regarding versatile weapon. Sometimes the best defense is a good offense.
On another note GMDQ, for future reference, my initiative modifier is +3, not the +2 you have listed in the GM pastes. When I hit 4th, my Dex went to 16 and it increased accordingly.
Whoops! I did not realize that, I am sorry. I'll address that.
I hope I do not steer you wrong. But my arcane duelist, having just taken a nasty AOO to grab a silver weapon to fight a devil, supports your choice.
Hiatus officially begins this afternoon. Lark/thermopyle, have you leveled your character? Please do so.
I'll check in after Christmas and get us going.
I personally think both choices have merit. I've already been in a situation where I couldn't bypass DR. I've also enjoyed mirror image. So both make sense. Seeing as how I don't have debuff, blasting, or crowd control magic, it makes sense to make sure I can hurt the enemy at need. Or, if you prefer, I can be the test-dummy for it :)
I personally think both choices have merit.
So do I!
I'm in Roanoke visiting the family.
I'll check in when I can.
Have a great holiday, everybody.
Home alone for the weekend. Have fun and enjoy your holiday everyone!
I'm back in the dirty MD.
Hopefully everyone had a good holiday.
Welcome back!
Hey folks. I managed to get sick this week (yay, bronchitis for Christmas!), and also just back from travel, so I'm behind (needed to update some materials for the game that I haven't been able to yet). I'll move us on to chapter 3 of Plunder and Peril tomorrow.
thermopyle, if you haven't, please level your character up and post your leveling summary. I'll need your updated stats.
Ah, plagues and disease: gifts that keep on giving. Sorry to hear you're sick, try to rest up some too.
Thanks, am doing slowly better. Hope your holidays have gone well.
The other thing: please finalize your crew assignments so I can make you a new crew roster. :)
I've been doing some rereading of the gameplay thread to review some past events to be sure I get some things right... it's been a fun read. I recommend doing a review especially of the last chapter if you have time. I'm also noticing a lot of OOC commentary getting distracting so I'll try to pull some of my own more often into the discussion thread. Which is not to say don't post OOC commentary -- especially if it's related to gameplay it's better to have it there. More it's some of my own lengthy notes I need to either throw into discussion... or in the case of crankier outbursts, eschew having. ;)
But seriously, do re-read through some stuff if you have time, it's worth it. :)
Ok people, New Year's here, time to stop resting up, we got a pirate vessel to scuttle or something LOL
GMDQ, just to let you know, I did a quick audit of my character sheet and found I oopsed in two places with my skills.
1) I had one skill point too many. I am reducing my Perform (dance) down to +7 accordingly.
2) Bards can't swim. Somehow I added the class skill bonus to Swim. I am correcting this, bringing the bonus down to +7 as well.
Sorry, this is on me. Not sure how I managed the extra skill point, probably from me deciding between different skills and not correcting my math. The class skill bonus is likely from my home character sheet and a misclick.
No worries! Thanks for catching and fixing it.
KeefX, thermopyle, you over your NY eve hangovers yet?
I was having trouble posting to the board the other day, so if you're hitting the same problem I was, please email or text me.
Ah and it turns out thermopyle emailed me last night. They've had some unexpected hurdles and important family obligations, so he'll be checking in later this week. Hopefully KeefX is also just coming out from under family stuff.
I'm sticking with the idea that they both got some serious hangovers, I mean, we're dealing with piratey stuff here :)
My NYE hangover turned out to be some kind of funk in my lungs.
I've been sleeping a lot.
And coughing.
Very exciting.
Ugh, no fun KeefX. To get ready for the New Year, I've avoided respiratory issues. Instead, last Saturday I had stuff going out both ends. Hoping we all get the diseases out of our systems early this year.
I think you got the same crud I did, KeefX. It's been going around rather... well, virulently. Someone else canceled plans on me today for the same issue. I am much better, but I'm still coughing. Hope you will recover quickly--and that you are recovered from your ordeal, Lathiira. That's possibly even worse, at least for how much it takes out of you.
I got through in the course of a day. What made it extra fun was that I wasn't the only one who got it, and at the same time. Oh, and cleaning up afterwards was really, really messy.
Checking in.
Instead of sounding like I'm constantly coughing up a lung I now sound like I'm occasionally coughing up a lung.
Huzzah for improvement.
If you need me, I'll be having a nap.
Sounds like a good plan.
I'm finally back! My apologies for the long, long delay. I'm glad to hear y'all are mostly recovered from various respiratory (and other) ailments. We survived several days where the mercury stayed below zero all day long. I'm ready to picture myself on the warm, sunny deck of Besmara's Whim.
Lark, level 6
Stat line: [HP 52/52 AC 19 T 14 FF 14 | CMD 19 | Fort+3, Ref+8, Will+5 | Init+7 Perc/sight+10/6]
Max HP 52
BAB +4, CMB +5, CMD +19
Fort/Ref/Will 2/5/2
Danger Sense + 2
Rogue Talent, Follow Clues: A rogue with this talent can use Perception to follow tracks as per the Survival skill
Acrobatics +12, Appraise +6, Bluff +12, Climb +9, Craft Carpentry +3, Diplomacy +8, Disable Device +11, Disguise +7, Escape Artist +7, Heal +7, Intimidate +9, Know - Local +6, Know - Dungeon +6, Perception +10/+6, Percep Trapfinding +12, Profession Sailor +12, Sense Motive +10, Sleight of Hand +9, Stealth +12, Swim +11, Use Magic Device +7
Excellent! Welcome back, and glad all are recovering from the goop. Thanks for the level up; all things considered that's probably a good choice for rogue talent!
Let's get under way!
Thanks for the encouragement of my pick for rogue talent. I've been leaning away from the combat talents and I hope that doesn't bite us later. This one felt more natural from what we've been doing lately.
KeefX - fireball may not seem clever, but right now I'm loving the idea of watching you clear the decks on the Magpie Princess!
Regarding Lark's "water spout" comment to Lee, he's talking about Hydraulic Push. If you hit the deck with that would it help douse a fire? I've no idea, but in part Lark just wants to show that he doesn't want to burn up the ship and its crew.
GMDQ - What would Hydraulic Push do for fire?
Spell's description is pretty clear on that: "Hydraulic push extinguishes any normal fires on a creature, object, or in a single 5-foot square which it is targeted against. Magical fires are unaffected."
I would presume fires started by fireball are "normal fires" because it just ignites the combustible object, and then it burns as normal from there. I'm assuming "magical fires" would be like an everburning torch or a druid's flaming sphere.