paizo.com Recent Posts by Asberdies Livespaizo.com Recent Posts by Asberdies Lives2016-09-07T17:23:32Z2016-09-07T17:23:32ZForums: Website Feedback: Pop-Up windows frozen on MacAsberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2rb59?PopUp-windows-frozen-on-Mac#12014-07-26T16:34:22Z2014-07-26T16:34:22Z<p>Hi there. I'm trying to add a new mailing address to my account. In the pop-up window to either select an existing address or add a new one, there is no way to scroll down in the pop-up window. Touchpad scrolling, arrow keys, and field tabbing don't work. I'm using a Macbook Pro and Safari 6.1.5.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>Hi there. I'm trying to add a new mailing address to my account. In the pop-up window to either select an existing address or add a new one, there is no way to scroll down in the pop-up window. Touchpad scrolling, arrow keys, and field tabbing don't work. I'm using a Macbook Pro and Safari 6.1.5.
Thanks!Asberdies Lives2014-07-26T16:34:22ZRe: Forums: Age of Worms Adventure Path: Opening the Wormdoors of The Tabernacle of Worms *Spoilers!*Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k3is?Opening-the-Wormdoors-of-The-Tabernacle-of#82009-11-10T17:54:12Z2009-11-10T17:54:11Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">The Snorting Tip-sniffer wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Summon a swarm of your own, and have the worms leap out the doors over them?</p>
<p>Yeah, I know. It's gonna be messy...LOL </blockquote><p>I am running the Tabernacle now, and am basically ruling that anything that can dispel the magic that holds the doors' structure will reduce the door to a pile of (active) worms, including antimagic field, knock, chime of opening, etc. But I also have ruled that any door reforms in 5 rounds regardless of what affected it (once out of the antimagic field, for example). My players are waltzing through the place using a chime of opening, but all of the doors have reformed behind them, which could problematic for them.The Snorting Tip-sniffer wrote:Summon a swarm of your own, and have the worms leap out the doors over them?
Yeah, I know. It's gonna be messy...LOL
I am running the Tabernacle now, and am basically ruling that anything that can dispel the magic that holds the doors' structure will reduce the door to a pile of (active) worms, including antimagic field, knock, chime of opening, etc. But I also have ruled that any door reforms in 5 rounds regardless of what affected it (once out of the...Asberdies Lives2009-11-10T17:54:11ZRe: Forums: Age of Worms Adventure Path: Brazzamel a tough enough foe?Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jxhs?Brazzamel-a-tough-enough-foe#232009-10-27T04:37:18Z2009-10-27T04:37:18Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Bellona wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Actually, since the Draconomicon was published in November 2003 and the Spell Compendium in December 2005, the Spell Compendium version supercedes the Draconomicon version. (Personally, I regard all non-core books published in 2003 to be on the cusp of 3.0/3.5, as editing/printing schedules would not necessarily have allowed the authors to see the final version of the 3.5 rules.)</p>
<p>The differences are as follows (if anyone's interested). The Spell Compendium version lasts for 1 minute/level (instead of 1 round/level). The Spell Compendium version transforms (i.e., replaces) the natural armour bonus into an equivalent deflection bonus (instead of adding a deflection bonus equal to the Con modifier and decreasing the natural armour bonus by half that value).</p>
<p></blockquote><p>Thanks for the update. The updated version is usable, unlike the Draconomicon version. The whole Charisma modifier thing is pointless. Plus 6 or 7 to deflection, but minus 3 or 4 to natural armor - more trouble than it is worth to even track it.Bellona wrote:Actually, since the Draconomicon was published in November 2003 and the Spell Compendium in December 2005, the Spell Compendium version supercedes the Draconomicon version. (Personally, I regard all non-core books published in 2003 to be on the cusp of 3.0/3.5, as editing/printing schedules would not necessarily have allowed the authors to see the final version of the 3.5 rules.)
The differences are as follows (if anyone's interested). The Spell Compendium version lasts for 1...Asberdies Lives2009-10-27T04:37:18ZRe: Forums: Age of Worms Adventure Path: Brazzamel a tough enough foe?Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jxhs?Brazzamel-a-tough-enough-foe#212009-10-14T22:26:43Z2009-10-14T22:26:42Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Quote:</div><blockquote></p>
<p>I dont have that in the errata or in the Spell Compendium. Where did you get that from?</p>
<p>Edit: I downloaded it(errata) again to make sure I did not have an old version, and its not there. </blockquote><p>I dug up my Draconomicon, and the revised version is in there (Cha bonus as a deflection bonus to AC, but a penalty of half of the Cha bonus to natural AC, or something like that). Not nearly as good as I'd hoped, but what is said above is true - if they don't cast some greater dispels right off the bat, they deserve what they get.Quote:I dont have that in the errata or in the Spell Compendium. Where did you get that from?
Edit: I downloaded it(errata) again to make sure I did not have an old version, and its not there.
I dug up my Draconomicon, and the revised version is in there (Cha bonus as a deflection bonus to AC, but a penalty of half of the Cha bonus to natural AC, or something like that). Not nearly as good as I'd hoped, but what is said above is true - if they don't cast some greater dispels right off the...Asberdies Lives2009-10-14T22:26:42ZRe: Forums: Age of Worms Adventure Path: Brazzamel a tough enough foe?Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jxhs?Brazzamel-a-tough-enough-foe#122009-09-25T02:24:58Z2009-09-25T02:24:58Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">wraithstrike wrote:</div><blockquote> Scintillating scales makes your natural AC bonus into a deflection bonus. </blockquote><p>That is great to know! Well, my players are coming up against Dragotha soon, so evervate won't matter. But this will help against orb spells.
<p>I totally agree with the antimagic field comment above. I used it for a white dragon in a 15th level adventure I slipped into this path, and it was absolutely lethal. The players were in an ice cavern (Glacier Season from Dungeon Magazine) and retreated down a narrow passage when they realized how impotent they had become with this spell cast. Another reminder: don't forget a dragon's burrow speed. I then had the white dragon tear the tunnel apart chasing them, and it was like a scene from a movie. Then, after leading him on a chase for several rounds, they teleported back into his lair, pilfered his treasure for a few rounds, and teleported home before he returned. The best laid plans...</p>wraithstrike wrote:Scintillating scales makes your natural AC bonus into a deflection bonus.
That is great to know! Well, my players are coming up against Dragotha soon, so evervate won't matter. But this will help against orb spells. I totally agree with the antimagic field comment above. I used it for a white dragon in a 15th level adventure I slipped into this path, and it was absolutely lethal. The players were in an ice cavern (Glacier Season from Dungeon Magazine) and retreated down a...Asberdies Lives2009-09-25T02:24:58ZRe: Forums: Age of Worms Adventure Path: Brazzamel a tough enough foe?Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jxhs?Brazzamel-a-tough-enough-foe#72009-09-21T03:08:28Z2009-09-21T03:08:27Z<p>The battle with Braz went downhill (for him) quickly. The party's sorceror won initiative and hit him with an empowered enervate and rolled for 6 levels. Right off the bat the dragon was -6 to hit and lost some prepared spells. 2 rounds (and 2 more enervates) later he was in full retreat. It's tough managing a stat block that big, since I have limited time to prepare, so I'm sure I could have done a little better, but it didn't feel like a DC 23 battle. And I introduced my colossal red dragon mini for the battle, which had the players in awe, and it just ended up being so anticlimactic. Xyzanth was tougher.</p>
<p>I highly recommend death ward.</p>The battle with Braz went downhill (for him) quickly. The party's sorceror won initiative and hit him with an empowered enervate and rolled for 6 levels. Right off the bat the dragon was -6 to hit and lost some prepared spells. 2 rounds (and 2 more enervates) later he was in full retreat. It's tough managing a stat block that big, since I have limited time to prepare, so I'm sure I could have done a little better, but it didn't feel like a DC 23 battle. And I introduced my colossal red dragon...Asberdies Lives2009-09-21T03:08:27ZRe: Forums: Age of Worms Adventure Path: Kyuss miniature???Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2grl1?Kyuss-miniature#382009-07-19T16:15:22Z2009-07-19T16:15:21Z<p>I know this thread is years old, but my group is finally getting close to the end (halfway through the Wormcrawl Fissure now), so I've been looking for a figure for Kyuss. I don't want to hit the pivotal final battle and have to drop a "huge" potted cactus or something on the grid.</p>
<p>Last week at a toy store, I found the "Raven Spawn" figure from the McFarlane Spawn series. It's about the right size, although I'll need to build a 3" x 3" base for it. Definitely looks deathy and cloaky and has a pretty sweet executioner's axe. You lose the whole worm component of Kyuss, which is a really cool characteristic, but short of sculpting something yourself or covering "Raven Spawn" with rotted ham and live maggots, I think it would be hard to find something.</p>I know this thread is years old, but my group is finally getting close to the end (halfway through the Wormcrawl Fissure now), so I've been looking for a figure for Kyuss. I don't want to hit the pivotal final battle and have to drop a "huge" potted cactus or something on the grid.
Last week at a toy store, I found the "Raven Spawn" figure from the McFarlane Spawn series. It's about the right size, although I'll need to build a 3" x 3" base for it. Definitely looks deathy and cloaky and has...Asberdies Lives2009-07-19T16:15:21ZForums/Gamer Life: General Discussion: Dragon's Lair in 3-D StryofoamAsberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j92r?Dragons-Lair-in-3D-Stryofoam#12012-11-15T21:54:48Z2009-01-31T21:56:37Z<p>In another post on these boards, a user mentioned carving a monster's lair out of Styrofoam using a set of foam cutting tools. My players were coming up on Glacier Season (issue 87), and Christopher West's rendering of the multi-tiered, jagged glacial lair of Acessiwal completely inspired me. I immediately purchased one of the tools and hit the Home Depot for a couple packs of foam sheets.</p>
<p>The session was an amazing success, with the players able to envision the effect of all of the various alcoves, shelves and spires. Afterwards, I stored the fairly large setting in my basement, doing no good to anyone. So I set up some minis, snapped some photos, and posted them in the hopes that someone else might be inspired to have more fun with the game.</p>
<p>Check them out if you get a chance:</p>
<p>http://www.rachelconstantine.com/glacier.html</p>In another post on these boards, a user mentioned carving a monster's lair out of Styrofoam using a set of foam cutting tools. My players were coming up on Glacier Season (issue 87), and Christopher West's rendering of the multi-tiered, jagged glacial lair of Acessiwal completely inspired me. I immediately purchased one of the tools and hit the Home Depot for a couple packs of foam sheets.
The session was an amazing success, with the players able to envision the effect of all of the various...Asberdies Lives2009-01-31T21:56:37ZRe: Forums: Age of Worms Adventure Path: Kings of the Rift -- MiniaturesAsberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j436?Kings-of-the-Rift-Miniatures#32008-12-31T04:01:53Z2008-12-31T04:01:51Z<p>My group should finish this adventure in our next session. The strategy (if you can call it that) that my players employed has resulted in a LOT of bad guys around at once. The map was often covered with every single large, huge and gargantuan mini in my collection (including a half dozen McFarlane toys) to represent the various creatures of the rift. My recommendation is to make flat paper tokens like they used to print in Dungeon. </p>
<p>If you've got cash to blow, I'd say invest in those plastic battle tiers that enable you to place flying / levitating minis at the appropriate height. This adventure definitely tends towards 3 dimensions.</p>My group should finish this adventure in our next session. The strategy (if you can call it that) that my players employed has resulted in a LOT of bad guys around at once. The map was often covered with every single large, huge and gargantuan mini in my collection (including a half dozen McFarlane toys) to represent the various creatures of the rift. My recommendation is to make flat paper tokens like they used to print in Dungeon.
If you've got cash to blow, I'd say invest in those plastic...Asberdies Lives2008-12-31T04:01:51ZRe: Forums/Dungeon Magazine: General Discussion: Acessiwal's lair from Glacier Season in 3-D styrofoamAsberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j2zt?Acessiwals-lair-from-Glacier-Season-in-3D#42008-12-14T15:24:48Z2008-12-14T15:24:07Z<p>Thanks folks. And I see what you mean about becoming over ambitious. I'd really like to build Christopher West's Red Dragon's Lair (Map of Mystery, Dungeon #102). It's huge, the stone is black, and the floor is lava. If I'm smart, I'll stay away. But if I had a few weeks on my hands...</p>Thanks folks. And I see what you mean about becoming over ambitious. I'd really like to build Christopher West's Red Dragon's Lair (Map of Mystery, Dungeon #102). It's huge, the stone is black, and the floor is lava. If I'm smart, I'll stay away. But if I had a few weeks on my hands...Asberdies Lives2008-12-14T15:24:07ZForums/Dungeon Magazine: General Discussion: Acessiwal's lair from Glacier Season in 3-D styrofoamAsberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j2zt?Acessiwals-lair-from-Glacier-Season-in-3D#12012-11-15T20:41:11Z2008-12-13T22:59:06Z<p>In another post on these boards, a user mentioned carving a monster's lair out of Styrofoam using a set of foam cutting tolls. My players were coming up on Glacier Season, and Christopher West's rendering of the multi-tiered, jagged glacial lair of Acessiwal completely inspired me. I immediately purchased one of the tools and hit the Home Depot for a couple packs of foam sheets.</p>
<p>The session was an amazing success, with the players able to envision the effect of all of the various alcoves, shelves and spires. Afterwards, I stored the fairly large setting in my basement, doing no good to anyone (other than getting me to stare with pride, like my child just stuck out the other team's best hitter, every time I go downstairs to grab the vacuum). So I set up some minis, snapped some photos, and posted them in the hopes that someone else might be inspired to have more fun with the game.</p>
<p>Check them out if you get a chance:</p>
<p>http://www.rachelconstantine.com/glacier.html</p>In another post on these boards, a user mentioned carving a monster's lair out of Styrofoam using a set of foam cutting tolls. My players were coming up on Glacier Season, and Christopher West's rendering of the multi-tiered, jagged glacial lair of Acessiwal completely inspired me. I immediately purchased one of the tools and hit the Home Depot for a couple packs of foam sheets.
The session was an amazing success, with the players able to envision the effect of all of the various alcoves,...Asberdies Lives2008-12-13T22:59:06ZRe: Forums: Age of Worms Adventure Path: LoLR Two QuestionsAsberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ifxv?LoLR-Two-Questions#32008-06-29T12:39:46Z2008-06-29T12:39:44Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">drsparnum wrote:</div><blockquote></p>
<p>2. The Roc King</p>
<p>If the party raises the roc king to steal his feather he will only have 26 hp (1 hp/HD, as per the raise dead spell). If my player's go this route, is this the encounter intended for the glorious roc king? </blockquote><p>You are correct, and I totally agree that this situation should be a little more climactic. A party of high-level adventurers with semi-loose morals would raise the roc king, beat his 26 hp into submission, and take the feather.
<p>I can't change the rules for the raise dead spell, but I can make the encounter more climactic by requiring the party to make the same attempt to communicate with / soothe a living, completely healthy colossal roc: the queen.</p>
<p>When the party arrived at the pinnacle, they found the corpse of the roc king surrounded by a score of smaller (medium sized to huge) rocs - his children. When they noticed the party, they began screeching loudly, some taking flight, and one - the largest - hopping towards them with wings wide in a display of protective aggression. The party had 4 rounds to calm the alpha roc before it (and its siblings) attacked, with the creature getting more agitated and aggressive (raising the Diplomacy DC to calm it) each round. If not made at least indifferent, the roc children attack on round 5, mainly trying to grab intruders and drop them off the pinnacle. My players managed to calm them with some combined speak with animals and Diplomacy skills.</p>
<p>On round 6, concerned and enraged by the screeching of her children, the roc queen soars above the pinnacle, casting all in shadow. Here, the Diplomacy rules laid out for the king were used, with modifiers to the Diplomacy DC if the players fought / soothed the children, explained who the king's slayer was, offered proof that the slayer was himself slain (or at least was an enemy), offered to raise the king from the dead, etc. If made indifferent, she calms and orders the players to leave. If friendly, she allows them to raise the king, but does not participate in the encounter and might even attack if the PCs fail to woo the king and attempt to take his feather by force. If made helpful, she attempts to calm the king when he is revived, adding 5 to the PCs diplomacy check.</p>
<p>Then the players needed to win over the king as they did the queen. The only thing I did here is have the king refuse to simply give over the feather. Even if he sympathizes with the plight of the PCs and is made helpful, he is a proud creature, and demands that they best him in combat, meaning they can have the feather if they can take it from him. Once they grab the feather, the battle is over. The king respects their prowess and considers them friends.</p>
<p>Which all kind of sucks when the endgame is reached and the demiplane is destroyed. Poor roc king. And the rocettes.</p>drsparnum wrote:2. The Roc King
If the party raises the roc king to steal his feather he will only have 26 hp (1 hp/HD, as per the raise dead spell). If my player's go this route, is this the encounter intended for the glorious roc king?
You are correct, and I totally agree that this situation should be a little more climactic. A party of high-level adventurers with semi-loose morals would raise the roc king, beat his 26 hp into submission, and take the feather. I can't change the rules for...Asberdies Lives2008-06-29T12:39:44ZRe: Forums: Age of Worms Adventure Path: Last Resort - Enriching the Island with more background and EncountersAsberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2hqky?Last-Resort-Enriching-the-Island-with-more#52008-03-04T23:03:10Z2008-03-04T23:03:09Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Egocentrix wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Bump! Anyone ?
</p>
the Paladin (late in levels due to 2 raise dead...)
<br />
</blockquote><p>On a side note, I read a pretty good house rule on these boards regarding loss of level from raise dead. Our group doesn't get together nearly enough, and the idea of losing a hard-earned level (and getting set back months in playing time) was always a thorn in my side. The house rule is that anyone raised from the dead effectively has a negative level imposed until they naturally gain their next level. So the best time to die and be raised is just before killing the big boss.
<p>We also instituted Revivify, which I believe made it into 3.5.</p>Egocentrix wrote:Bump! Anyone ?
the Paladin (late in levels due to 2 raise dead...)
On a side note, I read a pretty good house rule on these boards regarding loss of level from raise dead. Our group doesn't get together nearly enough, and the idea of losing a hard-earned level (and getting set back months in playing time) was always a thorn in my side. The house rule is that anyone raised from the dead effectively has a negative level imposed until they naturally gain their next level. So...Asberdies Lives2008-03-04T23:03:09ZRe: Forums: Age of Worms Adventure Path: Last Resort - Enriching the Island with more background and EncountersAsberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2hqky?Last-Resort-Enriching-the-Island-with-more#42008-03-04T19:11:34Z2008-03-04T19:11:31Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Egocentrix wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Bump! Anyone ? </p>
<p>I am not in a hurry, we are just in the middle of <i>AGoW</i>, just started a tie-in with <i>Expedition to the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk</i>, and finished a solo (<i>The Devil's Embrace</i>)for the Paladin (late in levels due to 2 raise dead... a tie-in to the tie-in, because of Iggwilv). Next steps will be RttRoCG and <i>Return of the Eight</i>, before we go to the <i>Spire of Long Shadows</i> (with may be a stop in the Bright Lands...).
<br />
</blockquote><p>My players are actually on Tilagos right now. I'm playing it as written (for the most part), but am adding some flavor in the form of random encounters interacting with other random encounters. This is an island teeming with life, so the plains, forests, hills and skies should be full of creatures on the hunt, herds migrating, monkeys screeching. I added a bunch of non-combat random encounters to both give some flavor (this island is populated primarily with freaks of nature that the druids felt compelled to remove from the "real world") and to give the PCs some creatures with which to interact and gather information.
<p>Upon arriving at the island and after hearing of the trials, the players decided to wind walk across the plains towards the forest, assuming it might be the "Doomshroud" that needed a song silenced. On the journey, they spotted a flight of two-headed giant pterodactyls on the hunt, and saw a grazing herd of dire elk suddenly attacked from below by a gargantuan Tilagos bulette. This served to show the characters the freakish nature of the island's inhabitants, and to highlight some of the unseen dangers. They are 16th level powerhouses that are now afraid to walk on the plains. When they reached the Doomshroud, I beset them with a frantic herd of (harmless) shrieking monkeys, followed by a deathly still, and then had them stalked and attacked by a Tilagos girallon, King Kong style. They made relatively easy work of him, but the experience made the island more "real".</p>
<p>I also changed the titan's gargoyles into something more akin to half-elven, half-bat creatures to fit the purpose of the island (why would have generic gargoyles, albeit advanced ones, been transported here by the druids in the first place?). </p>
<p>This island is an amazing palette for a GM with some time and creativity. Maybe there is some insane, suicidal, noble treant wandering the Doomshroud in search of a fire, and will exchange information about the forest's "song" for a killing flame. Perhaps an adolescent Tarrasque is locked in temporal stasis in a deep cave. This island is essentially a remote prison where the strangest perversions of nature now live (and breed). Make it fun.</p>Egocentrix wrote:Bump! Anyone ?
I am not in a hurry, we are just in the middle of AGoW, just started a tie-in with Expedition to the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk, and finished a solo (The Devil's Embrace)for the Paladin (late in levels due to 2 raise dead... a tie-in to the tie-in, because of Iggwilv). Next steps will be RttRoCG and Return of the Eight, before we go to the Spire of Long Shadows (with may be a stop in the Bright Lands...).
My players are actually on Tilagos right now. I'm...Asberdies Lives2008-03-04T19:11:31ZRe: Forums: Age of Worms Adventure Path: Night Twist thwarted by 2 spells? (tons of spoilers)Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2hvxs?Night-Twist-thwarted-by-2-spells#142008-02-16T03:20:55Z2008-02-16T03:20:54Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Eltanin wrote:</div><blockquote> Also, I don't think that <i>haste</i> will allow you to cast multiple spells in a round which is what you made it sound like you allowed to happen. You can move faster, attack one extra time when making a full attack, and that's about it. </blockquote><p>We're still (mostly) on version 3.0, where <i>haste</i> gives you an extra standard action per round. I imagine that's why they revamped it for 3.5. On the flipside, my <i>hasted</i> bad guys can cast 2 spells per round.Eltanin wrote:Also, I don't think that haste will allow you to cast multiple spells in a round which is what you made it sound like you allowed to happen. You can move faster, attack one extra time when making a full attack, and that's about it.
We're still (mostly) on version 3.0, where haste gives you an extra standard action per round. I imagine that's why they revamped it for 3.5. On the flipside, my hasted bad guys can cast 2 spells per round.Asberdies Lives2008-02-16T03:20:54ZRe: Forums: Age of Worms Adventure Path: Night Twist thwarted by 2 spells? (tons of spoilers)Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2hvxs?Night-Twist-thwarted-by-2-spells#122008-02-13T17:30:27Z2008-02-13T17:30:26Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">CapriciousFate wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Enervations, and all sources of negative levels as well, do stack, however...</p>
<p>Did you take away his spell-like abilities do to enervate? Only actual memorized spells are wiped out due to negative levels. His effective caster level would have been lowered by the enervates, but he wouldn't actually lose the use of those abilities. </blockquote><p>Ah crap. When the first enervation hit for 6 levels, I wiped out the titan's 3 1/day spells and then 3 uses of his 3 3/day spells, determined at random. Had I not done that, the sorceror would probably still be stuck in a maze spell.
<p>Ah well, good to know.</p>CapriciousFate wrote:Enervations, and all sources of negative levels as well, do stack, however...
Did you take away his spell-like abilities do to enervate? Only actual memorized spells are wiped out due to negative levels. His effective caster level would have been lowered by the enervates, but he wouldn't actually lose the use of those abilities.
Ah crap. When the first enervation hit for 6 levels, I wiped out the titan's 3 1/day spells and then 3 uses of his 3 3/day spells, determined...Asberdies Lives2008-02-13T17:30:26ZRe: Forums: Age of Worms Adventure Path: Night Twist thwarted by 2 spells? (tons of spoilers)Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2hvxs?Night-Twist-thwarted-by-2-spells#102008-02-12T22:44:02Z2008-02-12T22:44:01Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Nicolas Logue wrote:</div><blockquote>Do <i>enervations</i> stack? I thought they didn't like <i>rays of enfeeblement</i>. I could be wrong here.</blockquote><p>Well, here's the spell description:
<p><i>You point your finger and utter the incantation, releasing a black ray of crackling negative energy that suppresses the life force of any living creature it strikes. You must make a ranged touch attack to hit. If the attack succeeds, the subject gains 1d4 negative levels.</p>
<p>If the subject has at least as many negative levels as HD, it dies. Each negative level gives a creature a -1 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, ability checks, and effective level (for determining the power, duration, DC, and other details of spells or special abilities).</p>
<p>Additionally, a spellcaster loses one spell or spell slot from his or her highest available level. Negative levels stack.</i></p>
<p>So does that mean that the 1-4 negative levels bestowed by the spell stack with each other, and/or stack with other negative level effects like an energy drain, and/or stack with additional <i>enervation</i> spells? If negative levels stack in general, why would multiple spells not work on the same subject?</p>
<p>That being said, this spell brings solitary bad guys to a screeching halt. The sorcerer cast an empowered <i>enervation</i> in round 1, rolling the maximum 6 negative levels. That put the titan at -6 on most rolls, lowered his caster level to 14th, and wiped out 6 of his highest spell slots, including all 3 of his 1/day juicy ones like <i>maze</i> and <i>meteor swarm</i>. The titan responded with a greater dispel magic so that he could see the sorcerer (who was invisible), and then the sorcerer hit him with 2 more <i>enervations</i> thanks to his <i>haste</i> spell. It added up to a grand total of 11 negative levels, and my titan was nothing other than a tall bag of hit points.</p>
<p>So what are you thoughts? Do you let <i>enervation</i> stack?</p>Nicolas Logue wrote:Do enervations stack? I thought they didn't like rays of enfeeblement. I could be wrong here.
Well, here's the spell description: You point your finger and utter the incantation, releasing a black ray of crackling negative energy that suppresses the life force of any living creature it strikes. You must make a ranged touch attack to hit. If the attack succeeds, the subject gains 1d4 negative levels.
If the subject has at least as many negative levels as HD, it dies. Each...Asberdies Lives2008-02-12T22:44:01ZRe: Forums: Age of Worms Adventure Path: Night Twist thwarted by 2 spells? (tons of spoilers)Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2hvxs?Night-Twist-thwarted-by-2-spells#62008-02-12T04:51:06Z2008-02-12T04:51:02Z<p>All good advice and suggestions. I'm definitely not looking to punish the players. I'm not that kind of DM. But I do want the encounters to be fun. They completely dismantled the titan, but only because 4 of the 5 party members beat the titan's initiative, most notably the sorcerer. Had Krathanos gone first, he would have cast maze on the sorcerer and the battle would have been more fun.</p>
<p>Now that I think about it, they did seem to be having fun beating up on the guy. It was me that wasn't having fun. By the time I got a swipe with the gargantuan +3 warhammer, Krathanos's attack bonus had been reduced from +37 to +26, his saving throws were at a -11 penalty, and his good spells were either negated or severely reduced. Enervate is one powerful spell. </p>
<p>But I think you are all correct. If they waltz through 3 or 4 of the trials, they will still have a really tough time with Darl's gang, and I plan on running the dream encounter as well, because it looks ridiculously hard and there is no real danger.</p>
<p>As for the suggestion to have Darl ambush during the battle with the Night Twist, that actually makes sense in terms of the plot. Darl has completed the roc trial, and he can steal the titan's belt from the PC's. But what if the PCs (and not Darl) silence the song of the doomshroud? If Darl kills them after the fact, he still hasn't completed the trial, and actually would be unable to do so. Same deal with the harrowdroth. So maybe it makes sense that Darl would want to land the killing blow on the Night Twist after the PCs soften it up, so that he wins the trial. "Darl" is actually a recurring villain in my campaign, the evil brother of the party's cleric. He's been around since they were 1st level. This ambush would be right in line with his tactics. He has shown up a few times at the end of a mighty battle just to help the PCs finish a bad guy to further his own plot, disappearing in the wake of a sarcastic "thank you". </p>
<p>Brilliant guys! Thanks.</p>All good advice and suggestions. I'm definitely not looking to punish the players. I'm not that kind of DM. But I do want the encounters to be fun. They completely dismantled the titan, but only because 4 of the 5 party members beat the titan's initiative, most notably the sorcerer. Had Krathanos gone first, he would have cast maze on the sorcerer and the battle would have been more fun.
Now that I think about it, they did seem to be having fun beating up on the guy. It was me that wasn't...Asberdies Lives2008-02-12T04:51:02ZForums: Age of Worms Adventure Path: Night Twist thwarted by 2 spells? (tons of spoilers)Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2hvxs?Night-Twist-thwarted-by-2-spells#12012-11-15T19:46:05Z2008-02-11T02:14:30Z<p>So after a relatively easy go of Krathanos after an empowered enervate beat his spell resistance and wiped out his most powerful spells, the players are preparing to "silence the song of the Doomshroud Forest". Here is what I gather about the Twist: if you beat its song, you're in pretty good shape. If you also beat its fear-effect spells, like weird and phantasmal killer, it is essentially powerless given its speed.</p>
<p>The heroes will prepare with a Heroes Feast, which makes them immune to all fear effects. I believe that wipes out nearly all of the Night Twist's fun spells. </p>
<p>They plan on approaching in the midst of a silence spell, figuring this thing's song is not a good thing. They will also most likely have a holy aura in place, making them immune to compulsion / mind-affecting spells, which makes them immune to the song anyway.</p>
<p>Does that sound about right to you folks? Is this battle essentially over before it starts? My only hope is that they don't engage silence or holy aura until they see the enemy, and that will most likely be within the range of its song. But the thing doesn't have an amazing spot check, and as written, it should only sing at night.</p>
<p>Any suggestions?</p>So after a relatively easy go of Krathanos after an empowered enervate beat his spell resistance and wiped out his most powerful spells, the players are preparing to "silence the song of the Doomshroud Forest". Here is what I gather about the Twist: if you beat its song, you're in pretty good shape. If you also beat its fear-effect spells, like weird and phantasmal killer, it is essentially powerless given its speed.
The heroes will prepare with a Heroes Feast, which makes them immune to all...Asberdies Lives2008-02-11T02:14:30ZRe: Forums: Age of Worms Adventure Path: Vercinabex Tor Errors??Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2hujh?Vercinabex-Tor-Errors#42008-01-16T03:24:50Z2008-01-16T03:24:50Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">geekhick wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
Good point. I had overlooked that, but it's only a five-point power attack. Still need a point. I guess it's the same mysterious point that's missing from the ranged attack. </blockquote><p>Maybe it's a 1-point penalty for being totally cuckoo. I love the spell preparation strategy that Vercinabex uses.
<p>Have your players gone through Library of Last Resort?</p>geekhick wrote:Good point. I had overlooked that, but it's only a five-point power attack. Still need a point. I guess it's the same mysterious point that's missing from the ranged attack.
Maybe it's a 1-point penalty for being totally cuckoo. I love the spell preparation strategy that Vercinabex uses. Have your players gone through Library of Last Resort?Asberdies Lives2008-01-16T03:24:50ZRe: Forums: Age of Worms Adventure Path: Vercinabex Tor Errors??Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2hujh?Vercinabex-Tor-Errors#22012-11-15T19:45:24Z2008-01-16T03:10:19Z<p>I don't have the magazine in front of me, but might the stats assume a Power Attack? Is the damage juiced 6 hp?</p>I don't have the magazine in front of me, but might the stats assume a Power Attack? Is the damage juiced 6 hp?Asberdies Lives2008-01-16T03:10:19ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Accessories: Critical Hit Deck - Pushback abuse?Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2heu9?Critical-Hit-Deck-Pushback-abuse#52007-05-22T02:11:47Z2007-05-22T02:11:47Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Cpt_kirstov wrote:</div><blockquote>I'd say reflex save for the flanker and target (relitivly easy and relitivly hard respectivly) any who fail fall prone (the goo 'ole Push hime over the guy kneeling behind him trick) </blockquote><p>Nice!Cpt_kirstov wrote:I'd say reflex save for the flanker and target (relitivly easy and relitivly hard respectivly) any who fail fall prone (the goo 'ole Push hime over the guy kneeling behind him trick)
Nice!Asberdies Lives2007-05-22T02:11:47ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Accessories: Critical Hit Deck - Pushback abuse?Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2heu9?Critical-Hit-Deck-Pushback-abuse#32007-05-21T01:19:30Z2007-05-21T01:19:29Z<p>Sounds good to me. Thanks. Any opinions on what to do if someone is flanking? Allow an AOO then? Push the flanker back as well (Reflex to avoid)? I'm not trying to complicate using the Deck, but these are issues that will come up, and I want them to resolve without any eye-rolling.</p>Sounds good to me. Thanks. Any opinions on what to do if someone is flanking? Allow an AOO then? Push the flanker back as well (Reflex to avoid)? I'm not trying to complicate using the Deck, but these are issues that will come up, and I want them to resolve without any eye-rolling.Asberdies Lives2007-05-21T01:19:29ZForums: Pathfinder Accessories: Critical Hit Deck - Pushback abuse?Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2heu9?Critical-Hit-Deck-Pushback-abuse#12012-11-15T19:33:56Z2007-05-20T04:19:52Z<p>Hey there kids. I just ordered the Critical Hit Deck, which looks like it will be an awesome way to spice up the game. As I read the sample cards online, I started thinking about how my rules lawyers might interpret some of these results. Specifically, the "Knockback" effect, which pushes the target 1-6 squares directly away. </p>
<p>Would this movement provoke attacks of opportunity from other combatants along the path of the creature knocked back? That seems a bit abusive, which goes beyond the intent of using the cards. But I can hear one specific player saying "so if it runs by me, I get an AOO, but if it is knocked by me, making it more defenseless, I get no AOO???"</p>
<p>And what if the target is flanked - would it be knocked through the flanker? Allow the flanker a Reflex save to duck or else he / she is knocked prone?</p>
<p>And what if the target is waaaay bigger than the attacker. Having the party's human barbarian knock Dragotha back 30' might be a little silly. Maybe it should only work against creatures up to one size category bigger?</p>
<p>Just trying to stay one step ahead of my players, so any advice or opinions would be fantastic.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>Hey there kids. I just ordered the Critical Hit Deck, which looks like it will be an awesome way to spice up the game. As I read the sample cards online, I started thinking about how my rules lawyers might interpret some of these results. Specifically, the "Knockback" effect, which pushes the target 1-6 squares directly away.
Would this movement provoke attacks of opportunity from other combatants along the path of the creature knocked back? That seems a bit abusive, which goes beyond the...Asberdies Lives2007-05-20T04:19:52ZRe: Forums: Customer Service: Pathfinder Price BreakdwonAsberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2hcll?Pathfinder-Price-Breakdwon#122012-01-13T18:43:29Z2007-04-25T05:16:38Z<p>A few people here are pointing out what we as subscribers will be losing - some cash (compared to the existing products), particular campaign settings, and certain protected monsters. But I need to focus here on what we'll be gaining, which is continually excellent adventures from the best in the business. Imagine the void if this crew just disappears. </p>
<p>I'll still check out the new WoTC content, and will even peruse the rules and make my decision when 4.0 comes out, but there is no way I will voluntarily create a void in my gaming content to save a few bucks or because I'm waxing nostalgic over Greyhawk and the beholder.</p>A few people here are pointing out what we as subscribers will be losing - some cash (compared to the existing products), particular campaign settings, and certain protected monsters. But I need to focus here on what we'll be gaining, which is continually excellent adventures from the best in the business. Imagine the void if this crew just disappears.
I'll still check out the new WoTC content, and will even peruse the rules and make my decision when 4.0 comes out, but there is no way I will...Asberdies Lives2007-04-25T05:16:38ZRe: Forums: Customer Service: DnD Boardgame Bundle-23 Days and counting...Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2h35i?DnD-Boardgame-Bundle23-Days-and-counting#92012-10-24T23:42:17Z2006-12-03T17:58:36Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Phil Lacefield Jr. wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I got a call from the shipper yesterday that said the games were indeed on the dock in Seattle, but they were short one essential piece of paperwork. I sent him the necessary bits, and I havn't heard back if he needs more...and the, the snow struck. As of right now pretty much the entire Puget Sound metro area from border to border is shut down due to ice and snow the likes of which they haven't seen around here in decades. </p>
<p>So, once more, we wait a bit :-) </blockquote><p>Is it still likely that I'll get the bundle before Christmas? It would be shipped to Philadelphia. Thanks.Phil Lacefield Jr. wrote:I got a call from the shipper yesterday that said the games were indeed on the dock in Seattle, but they were short one essential piece of paperwork. I sent him the necessary bits, and I havn't heard back if he needs more...and the, the snow struck. As of right now pretty much the entire Puget Sound metro area from border to border is shut down due to ice and snow the likes of which they haven't seen around here in decades.
So, once more, we wait a bit :-)
Is it...Asberdies Lives2006-12-03T17:58:36ZRe: Forums: Customer Service: DnD Boardgame Bundle-23 Days and counting...Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2h35i?DnD-Boardgame-Bundle23-Days-and-counting#62012-10-24T23:42:17Z2006-11-23T15:29:37Z<p>I saw today that my Board Game Bundle is still marked as "Backordered". Did the games arrive in your warehouse yet?</p>
<p>Happy Thanksgiving!</p>I saw today that my Board Game Bundle is still marked as "Backordered". Did the games arrive in your warehouse yet?
Happy Thanksgiving!Asberdies Lives2006-11-23T15:29:37ZRe: Forums: Age of Worms Adventure Path: Kings of the Rift - Seeking AdviceAsberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2h3hi?Kings-of-the-Rift-Seeking-Advice#82012-01-13T18:27:46Z2006-11-17T05:09:04Z<p>I plan on using my gargantuan black (and blue, when they arrive) dragon minis for several of the bosses, and the colossal red for Brazzemal. I'll be damned if I'll let size rules ruin what will be a phenomenal physical setup of an epic battle against numerous dragons. A year from now, my players won't remember if Brazzemal was colossal or gargantuan, but they will remember the moment I drop that mini on the battlemat for the first time.</p>
<p>And the barbarian in the group would never let them Windwalk past dragons, bless his sweet heart.</p>I plan on using my gargantuan black (and blue, when they arrive) dragon minis for several of the bosses, and the colossal red for Brazzemal. I'll be damned if I'll let size rules ruin what will be a phenomenal physical setup of an epic battle against numerous dragons. A year from now, my players won't remember if Brazzemal was colossal or gargantuan, but they will remember the moment I drop that mini on the battlemat for the first time.
And the barbarian in the group would never let them...Asberdies Lives2006-11-17T05:09:04ZRe: Forums: Customer Service: DnD Boardgame Bundle-23 Days and counting...Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2h35i?DnD-Boardgame-Bundle23-Days-and-counting#42012-10-24T23:42:17Z2006-11-09T16:20:33Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Vic Wertz wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Actually, we just got an update from the shipping company—the ship arrived in Los Angeles last night; assuming it goes smoothly through Customs, we should be getting the games into our warehouse in about 10 days.</p>
<p>-Vic.</blockquote><p>Hi there. If I order one of these sets today, is it reasonable to assume that I'll receive it by Christmas? Are there still unsold units in this shipment?
<p>Thanks!</p>Vic Wertz wrote:Actually, we just got an update from the shipping company—the ship arrived in Los Angeles last night; assuming it goes smoothly through Customs, we should be getting the games into our warehouse in about 10 days.
-Vic.
Hi there. If I order one of these sets today, is it reasonable to assume that I'll receive it by Christmas? Are there still unsold units in this shipment? Thanks!Asberdies Lives2006-11-09T16:20:33ZRe: Forums: Off-Topic Discussions: Help me with a new cure feat...Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2gway?Help-me-with-a-new-cure-feat#102012-01-13T18:12:06Z2006-07-09T04:07:57Z<p>Thanks for all of the input everyone! I think Augment Healing does the trick perfectly. It's a slightly different way of getting to the same result, without using coveted higher spell slots or requiring a Heal check. The cleric in my campaign decided at 1st level that as long as he had an orison that mimicked a Heal check (i.e. cure minor wounds), he wouldn't spend the skill points on Heal.</p>
<p>Good gaming to you all.</p>Thanks for all of the input everyone! I think Augment Healing does the trick perfectly. It's a slightly different way of getting to the same result, without using coveted higher spell slots or requiring a Heal check. The cleric in my campaign decided at 1st level that as long as he had an orison that mimicked a Heal check (i.e. cure minor wounds), he wouldn't spend the skill points on Heal.
Good gaming to you all.Asberdies Lives2006-07-09T04:07:57ZRe: Forums: Off-Topic Discussions: Help me with a new cure feat...Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2gway?Help-me-with-a-new-cure-feat#32012-01-13T18:12:01Z2006-07-07T23:36:48Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Fatespinner wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
Since feats like Maximize Spell and Empower Spell can already be added to healing spells, you might want to consider just allowing clerics to sacrifice higher spell slots to use metamagic healing spells. Sacrificing a prepared 4th level spell for a maximized <i>cure light wounds</i> for example. Unless you're talking about a feat that would allow very low level clerics to do this, in which case my opinion is that such low level characters should not have the ability to amplify their healing abilities significantly yet. </blockquote><p>Cure spells are the one example where metamagic feats go a bit awry, since they are already offered at multiple levels. Why cast a maximized Cure Serious Wounds when you could simply cast Cure Critical Wounds from the same spell slot and get a similar effect? The only cure spell to benefit would be Cure Critical, since there is no higher level Cure spell.
<p>I see your point. This feat is more powerful than the metamagic feats, since it doesn't use up a higher spell slot. Then again, it is specific only to cure spells, not the entire spell gamut.</p>Fatespinner wrote:Since feats like Maximize Spell and Empower Spell can already be added to healing spells, you might want to consider just allowing clerics to sacrifice higher spell slots to use metamagic healing spells. Sacrificing a prepared 4th level spell for a maximized cure light wounds for example. Unless you're talking about a feat that would allow very low level clerics to do this, in which case my opinion is that such low level characters should not have the ability to amplify...Asberdies Lives2006-07-07T23:36:48ZForums: Off-Topic Discussions: Help me with a new cure feat...Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2gway?Help-me-with-a-new-cure-feat#12012-11-15T19:26:12Z2006-07-07T18:17:40Z<p>Based on a house rule thread in here somewhere, I am considering a new feat that only allows results in the upper half of the die spectrum for cure and mass cure spells (i.e. a result of 1-4 would be re-rolled). Realistic prerequisites: cleric, able to spontaneously cast cure spells, healing domain. </p>
<p>Does that seem too powerful for a feat? If so, maybe require the cleric to spend a turn attempt to juice a cure spell, which would limit the number of times per day that it could be used?</p>
<p>Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.</p>Based on a house rule thread in here somewhere, I am considering a new feat that only allows results in the upper half of the die spectrum for cure and mass cure spells (i.e. a result of 1-4 would be re-rolled). Realistic prerequisites: cleric, able to spontaneously cast cure spells, healing domain.
Does that seem too powerful for a feat? If so, maybe require the cleric to spend a turn attempt to juice a cure spell, which would limit the number of times per day that it could be used?
Your...Asberdies Lives2006-07-07T18:17:40ZRe: Forums: Off-Topic Discussions: Excel HelpAsberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2gum5?Excel-Help#22012-11-15T19:26:00Z2006-06-11T03:26:07Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Hangfire wrote:</div><blockquote> I'm looking for some help with an excel file that I'm building to track XP for my group. </blockquote><p>I'm a pretty advanced Excel user, working with it nearly every day for the last 14 years. I'd be glad to help, but it would definitely be easiest if you could e-mail me the file with a specific description of exactly what you need it to do. I'll nail it down in a jiffy.
<p>I also created an Excel file to evenly split the treasure haul from an adventure. In our campaign, found magic items can be sold at half price. If a character wants to keep an item, he must deduct half of its value from his/her total haul. That can get complicated for multiple characters vying for multiple items. I'd be glad to send that to you, if you think it might help your campaign.</p>
<p>E-mail me at csenick@yahoo.com if you are interested.</p>
<p>- Chuck</p>Hangfire wrote:I'm looking for some help with an excel file that I'm building to track XP for my group.
I'm a pretty advanced Excel user, working with it nearly every day for the last 14 years. I'd be glad to help, but it would definitely be easiest if you could e-mail me the file with a specific description of exactly what you need it to do. I'll nail it down in a jiffy. I also created an Excel file to evenly split the treasure haul from an adventure. In our campaign, found magic items can...Asberdies Lives2006-06-11T03:26:07ZRe: Forums: 3.5/d20/OGL: The Anti-Warlock encounterAsberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2gtiy?The-AntiWarlock-encounter#42012-01-13T18:08:52Z2006-05-30T01:47:15Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">hanexs wrote:</div><blockquote> I want to show my players an encounter where the warlock is at the end of the stick. I don't want it to be obvious but I am just looking for something in my campaign to highlight a warlocks weaknesses.</blockquote><p>I'm about to start a campaign as a warlock. I like the idea of the eldritch blast, which can't be countered by a protection from elements spell. Just sit back, avoid melee, and blast away. Eventually incorporate some nifty invocations to keep things exciting. But one thing that worries me is spell resistance or a globe of invulnerability, which could render the blast useless. The warlock seems kinda like a one trick pony, and I don't want to see that trick nullified.
<p>I also realize how important Dexterity is to both AC and ranged eldritch blast attacks. So anything that hurts my dex would scare me, like certain poisons or an anti-dex version of a ray of enfeeblement.</p>hanexs wrote:I want to show my players an encounter where the warlock is at the end of the stick. I don't want it to be obvious but I am just looking for something in my campaign to highlight a warlocks weaknesses.
I'm about to start a campaign as a warlock. I like the idea of the eldritch blast, which can't be countered by a protection from elements spell. Just sit back, avoid melee, and blast away. Eventually incorporate some nifty invocations to keep things exciting. But one thing that...Asberdies Lives2006-05-30T01:47:15ZRe: Forums: Age of Worms Adventure Path: Does it get better?Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ghqt?Does-it-get-better#62012-01-13T17:57:34Z2005-12-02T01:54:58Z<p>I'm with you on this. I've read the AoW adventures as they arrive, and I'm underimpressed with the hooks (Guess what guys, it's time to go yet another another town and ask another scholar to do RESEARCH!!). The adventures themselves aren't grabbing me either, unlike the Shackled City path.</p>
<p>I've enjoyed reading the two Whispering Cairn adventures, but it's like every single room has a pretty tough encounter. I'm from the Gygax camp. My players hate empty rooms. They've literally spent a month of Sundays clearing out the Caves of Chaos and all three lairs in Against the Giants. But the AoW encounters seem particularly tough and rampant.</p>
<p>No offense to Mona. I love the kid and he's doing a great job with the magazine, but I'm not interested in running such a difficult, disjointed campaign. I'd rather get magic missiled. In the BALLS.</p>I'm with you on this. I've read the AoW adventures as they arrive, and I'm underimpressed with the hooks (Guess what guys, it's time to go yet another another town and ask another scholar to do RESEARCH!!). The adventures themselves aren't grabbing me either, unlike the Shackled City path.
I've enjoyed reading the two Whispering Cairn adventures, but it's like every single room has a pretty tough encounter. I'm from the Gygax camp. My players hate empty rooms. They've literally spent a month...Asberdies Lives2005-12-02T01:54:58ZRe: Forums: 3.5/d20/OGL: Original 'insert classic' Vs. Return to 'insert classic' ? Please Advise...Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ggl9?Original-insert-classic-Vs-Return-to-insert#32012-01-13T17:57:09Z2005-11-17T00:26:55Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Tatterdemalion wrote:</div><blockquote> The originals were much better, without exception.</blockquote><p>I agree that "Return to" generally means "Trying to make a quick $10 from", but I really enjoyed Return to Keep on the Borderlands. Minor spoilers follow...
<p>It may seem blasphemous, I know, but Caves of Chaos: The Next Generation is just as interesting (the random format of connected and disconnected caverns, the cave hierarchy) as Gygax's original, and is far more detailed. There are plenty of characters and intrigue at the Keep itself. At the Caves, the wily kobolds are given excellent tactics befitting their cowardice, as opposed to a simple "12 male and 8 non-combatant female kobolds inhabit this room (hp 3)". And a secret, cavernous labyrinth now sprawls beneath the hills, with a fearsome creature stalking its halls.</p>
<p>To be honest, I've DM'd the original about 3 times, and have only read the Return To, but I'd love to run it. If Gygax had written it as the original, there is no doubt in my mind it would be just as classic and fondly remembered, if not moreso.</p>
<p>I'm not sure about updating to 3.5 however. You need far fewer encounters to gain levels in the new rules. With the number of rooms in the Return module, a party could be taken from 1st to 5th. Just remember to adjust monster CRs and treasure accordingly.</p>Tatterdemalion wrote:The originals were much better, without exception.
I agree that "Return to" generally means "Trying to make a quick $10 from", but I really enjoyed Return to Keep on the Borderlands. Minor spoilers follow... It may seem blasphemous, I know, but Caves of Chaos: The Next Generation is just as interesting (the random format of connected and disconnected caverns, the cave hierarchy) as Gygax's original, and is far more detailed. There are plenty of characters and intrigue at...Asberdies Lives2005-11-17T00:26:55ZRe: Forums: 3.5/d20/OGL: Cowering in panic - One for The SageAsberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2gf8y?Cowering-in-panic-One-for-The-Sage#32012-01-13T17:56:36Z2005-10-28T16:23:12Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Ultradan wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I say... Both. When a creature is panicked, he flees. If he can't flee, he cowers. What happens when he cowers? Look under Cowering.</p>
<p>Ultradan
<br />
</blockquote><p>Except that, by the rules, a panicked creature can take a Total Defense action as he "cowers", and a "Cowering" creature can take no action.
<p>My interpretation is to assume the word "cowers" is just descriptive in the "Panicking" rule. I'd allow the character the Total Defense option.</p>Ultradan wrote:I say... Both. When a creature is panicked, he flees. If he can't flee, he cowers. What happens when he cowers? Look under Cowering.
Ultradan
Except that, by the rules, a panicked creature can take a Total Defense action as he "cowers", and a "Cowering" creature can take no action. My interpretation is to assume the word "cowers" is just descriptive in the "Panicking" rule. I'd allow the character the Total Defense option.Asberdies Lives2005-10-28T16:23:12ZRe: Forums: 3.5/d20/OGL: Help me find Hell!Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2gd1r?Help-me-find-Hell#82012-01-13T17:55:24Z2005-09-22T20:14:05Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Steve Greer wrote:</div><blockquote><p> WoTC's "Lord of the Iron Fortress" is for 15th-level PCs and takes place in Acheron, but can easily be adapted for use in Avernus, or even better, an area outside the main city in Dis.</p>
<p>You could also throw in "Heart of the Iron God" from Dungeon #97 as a super-automotan being prepped for use in a Material Plane invasion from Avernus with a little tweaking.</blockquote><p>I may just have a copy of "Iron Fortress" sitting around. I'll give it another look. I also like the idea of the devil prince using a war between monsters and humans as a means to thin the population for an otherworldly invasion (see my campaign description above if you want more details on the plot), so the "Heart of the Iron God" might be a great idea. I'll read it this weekend.
<p>Thanks again.</p>Steve Greer wrote:WoTC's "Lord of the Iron Fortress" is for 15th-level PCs and takes place in Acheron, but can easily be adapted for use in Avernus, or even better, an area outside the main city in Dis.
You could also throw in "Heart of the Iron God" from Dungeon #97 as a super-automotan being prepped for use in a Material Plane invasion from Avernus with a little tweaking.
I may just have a copy of "Iron Fortress" sitting around. I'll give it another look. I also like the idea of the devil...Asberdies Lives2005-09-22T20:14:05ZRe: Forums: 3.5/d20/OGL: Help me find Hell!Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2gd1r?Help-me-find-Hell#62012-01-13T17:55:22Z2005-09-21T20:12:37Z<p>Thanks for the suggestions guys. I have Legions of Hell, which is 2E and may be a good place to start, but I'm afraid if I have to build the adventure, it will never happen. I could always put them through a converted Fiendish Hall of the Fire Giant King or something, but I was hoping there might be something more genuine out there.</p>
<div class="messageboard-quotee">Archade wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Woo-hoo!</p>
<p>I'm doing the same thing with my party — I'm sending them ultimately to Stygia to face down Levistus!</p>
<p>What Archdevil/Level did you have in mind? There have been all sorts of snippets on Hell in Sandstorm/Frostburn/Stormwrack/Planar Handbook, and Manual of the Planes ... </blockquote><p>Here's the funny part. The party is 12th level now. At 1st level, I planted 2 recurring bad guys, knowing I could develop them into adventures in the future. One was a cleric-gone-wrong and the other a "black-scaled, hulking horror" that led a warband of orcs against one of the character's tribe. That cleric is now an extremely powerful desciple of undeath, and the "horror" is the general of an army of thousands, marching on a metropolis. I specifically left the "horror" vague, not knowing at the time if it would be a dragon, yuan-ti, lizardfolk, etc.
<p>Well my boys are all grown up now, and on the cusp of 13th level. They will lead the armies of good against the armies of evil (an actual battle of thousands using modified mass battle rules from the Miniatures Handbook), hoping to hold the masses long enough for reinforcements from the kingcity to arrive, and ultimately destroy the "horror" that leads the hoarde. In truth, the war is a ruse (as have most of the adventures they've gone on, but they never learn). The powerful-cleric-of-undeath will be magically channeling the mass deaths into a summoning spell to restore a long-dead dragon god to lichdom. The "horror" has taken part in the scheme either as a prelude to a larger scheme requiring the absence of life (if it is a devil) or simply to enjoy the brutal chaos of death (if it is a demon). I haven't decided yet.</p>
<p>I expect the characters will be at 15th-17th level when they finally find and confront the horror on its plane. The whole "make-the-dead-dragon-god-a-lich" thing may be a final straw, and make them finally track down the evil cleric first. I like them to have some control in their path.</p>Thanks for the suggestions guys. I have Legions of Hell, which is 2E and may be a good place to start, but I'm afraid if I have to build the adventure, it will never happen. I could always put them through a converted Fiendish Hall of the Fire Giant King or something, but I was hoping there might be something more genuine out there.
Archade wrote:Woo-hoo!
I'm doing the same thing with my party -- I'm sending them ultimately to Stygia to face down Levistus!
What Archdevil/Level did you have...Asberdies Lives2005-09-21T20:12:37ZForums: 3.5/d20/OGL: Help me find Hell!Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2gd1r?Help-me-find-Hell#12012-11-15T19:20:40Z2005-09-21T18:09:12Z<p>I call upon the combined experience and wisdom of the Paizo board DMs! I'm running a campaign that I'd like to culminate in a Hell setting. The party is preparing for a huge war, and will ultimately track the enemy general (a devil prince leading an army of goblinoids / giants) back to its kingdom. The party will be 15th-16th level at that point, and I want to find an epic (not "Epic") adventure taking them across a plane of Hell and through the prince's stronghold.</p>
<p>I read the thread about everyone's favorite non-WOTC material, and realized how limited I've kept my D&D universe. Have any of you seen or played something (module or accessory) that would fit the bill?</p>I call upon the combined experience and wisdom of the Paizo board DMs! I'm running a campaign that I'd like to culminate in a Hell setting. The party is preparing for a huge war, and will ultimately track the enemy general (a devil prince leading an army of goblinoids / giants) back to its kingdom. The party will be 15th-16th level at that point, and I want to find an epic (not "Epic") adventure taking them across a plane of Hell and through the prince's stronghold.
I read the thread about...Asberdies Lives2005-09-21T18:09:12ZRe: Forums: 3.5/d20/OGL: Most unusual place to have a game--your story?Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2gck2?Most-unusual-place-to-have-a-gameyour-story#252012-01-13T17:55:18Z2005-09-20T00:36:01Z<p>We used to game in the conference room of the office where I worked - on the 34th floor of a 36-floor building, overlooking center city, Philadelphia. We played on Friday nights, from around 9 PM to dawn. There were huge, cushioned chairs and a 20-foot boardroom table. We'd bring a case of beer and 4 or 5 pizzas, and the world outside the "War Room" ceased to exist for those hours, despite the fact that it surrounded us in its full glory.</p>
<p>I remember when I was around 14, fairly new to the game, playing in a tree. The DM sat on one branch, I sat on another, the module (Magic Mirror) sat in a crook, along with books we used for a flat surface. Thankfully the module sucked and we quit before any serious damage was done.</p>We used to game in the conference room of the office where I worked - on the 34th floor of a 36-floor building, overlooking center city, Philadelphia. We played on Friday nights, from around 9 PM to dawn. There were huge, cushioned chairs and a 20-foot boardroom table. We'd bring a case of beer and 4 or 5 pizzas, and the world outside the "War Room" ceased to exist for those hours, despite the fact that it surrounded us in its full glory.
I remember when I was around 14, fairly new to the...Asberdies Lives2005-09-20T00:36:01ZRe: Forums: Off-Topic Discussions: Explain Your Avatar TitleAsberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2fdmk?Explain-Your-Avatar-Title#382012-01-13T17:52:20Z2005-06-06T14:55:27Z<p>Asberdies was my favorite creature in the entire 1E Against the Giants / Descent into the Depths / Vault of the Drow series (and that's saying something). In case you don't own it or haven't played it, Asberdies is a quiet, secluded, lonesome fellow napping away on a rock ledge in a side-cave of a drow-infested cave network. He doesn't bother anyone, and no one bothers him. Because he's a 20th level wizard lich.</p>
<p>The group I was DMing stumbled into his lair, ignored the scores of Magic Mouths warning them to leave, and initiated one of the handful of epic battles in that campaign. Half of the party was killed, but they destroyed Asberdies.</p>
<p>As the DM, I'm used to my bad guys getting killed, but I had a soft spot for old Asberdies. I remember hearing that "Frodo Lives" became a popular epitaph in the 70's, so my avatar is my own tribute to one of my favorite monsters.</p>Asberdies was my favorite creature in the entire 1E Against the Giants / Descent into the Depths / Vault of the Drow series (and that's saying something). In case you don't own it or haven't played it, Asberdies is a quiet, secluded, lonesome fellow napping away on a rock ledge in a side-cave of a drow-infested cave network. He doesn't bother anyone, and no one bothers him. Because he's a 20th level wizard lich.
The group I was DMing stumbled into his lair, ignored the scores of Magic Mouths...Asberdies Lives2005-06-06T14:55:27ZRe: Forums: Age of Worms Adventure Path: Do APs encourage GM fudging?Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2g5kz?Do-APs-encourage-GM-fudging#102012-01-13T17:52:03Z2005-05-11T22:38:33Z<p>mmm ... fudge</p>mmm ... fudgeAsberdies Lives2005-05-11T22:38:33ZRe: Forums: Age of Worms Adventure Path: Do APs encourage GM fudging?Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2g5kz?Do-APs-encourage-GM-fudging#92012-01-13T17:52:03Z2005-05-11T22:26:26Z<p>As a DM, I run my players through campaigns as opposed to single adventures. Maybe they aren't as cohesive as the Adventure Paths, but they are campaigns nonetheless. As a group of people with jobs and families, we only get to play for about 2 solid days per month, so it can take 2 months to gain a level, and a few years to finish a campaign.</p>
<p>So to answer the question, I absolutely fudge a few things to keep the campaign going. I've never had to blatantly save an entire party, but I've reduced an attack roll, undone a critical hit, or lowered a DC to stop a player from dying at a vital moment due to dumb luck. One of the biggest problems I run into in the game is setting someone back a level (i.e. 2 months) because of a bad roll. I have no problem punishing carelessness, but the last thing I want to do is start another campaign from scratch given how much we've put into this one.</p>
<p>But at least the Adventure Paths, or homebrewed campaigns, allow flexibility. If characters die and need to make up a level before continuing, you can fit a side adventure into the story fairly easily. I DM'd the Dragonlance series once. At relatively low levels, these guys were facing adult dragons with little healing at their disposal. And characters couldn't die permanently due to roles they may play in future modules. That was a truly horrible DM experience - good adventures strung together into an impossible campaign - that required so much fudging that we stopped after the 2nd module.</p>
<p>Fudging - yes. Double-dip chocolate brownie fudging - no way.</p>As a DM, I run my players through campaigns as opposed to single adventures. Maybe they aren't as cohesive as the Adventure Paths, but they are campaigns nonetheless. As a group of people with jobs and families, we only get to play for about 2 solid days per month, so it can take 2 months to gain a level, and a few years to finish a campaign.
So to answer the question, I absolutely fudge a few things to keep the campaign going. I've never had to blatantly save an entire party, but I've...Asberdies Lives2005-05-11T22:26:26ZRe: Forums: Gamer Connection: Philadelphia/New JerseyAsberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2g5dc?PhiladelphiaNew-Jersey#22012-11-15T19:18:50Z2005-05-05T17:33:35Z<p>You know, I wandered through the Moorestown Mall about 6 months ago looking for the Wizards store. It was still listed in the mall directory and everything. I swear I wandered the same 100 foot section of the mall for 20 minutes, wondering what I was missing.</p>
<p>I know of 2 gaming stores. The first (and closest) is a comic book shop in Philly on South Street near 7th (big yellow sign with red letters). They mostly carry comics, but do have some D&D and other RPG books, miniatures and dice. I just bought Sandstorm there, actually.</p>
<p>The 2nd is more game-intensive, and looks like my closet looked when I was a 13-year old full-time geek. But it's on the north side of Northeast Philly, on Bustleton Pike just south of Street Road. I've only been there once, so I don't remember the name.</p>
<p>If you find any other good ones, e-mail me at csenick@yahoo.com. Good luck.</p>You know, I wandered through the Moorestown Mall about 6 months ago looking for the Wizards store. It was still listed in the mall directory and everything. I swear I wandered the same 100 foot section of the mall for 20 minutes, wondering what I was missing.
I know of 2 gaming stores. The first (and closest) is a comic book shop in Philly on South Street near 7th (big yellow sign with red letters). They mostly carry comics, but do have some D&D and other RPG books, miniatures and dice. I...Asberdies Lives2005-05-05T17:33:35ZRe: Forums: Website Feedback: What do y'all think of the store?Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2fxwm?What-do-yall-think-of-the-store#352012-01-13T17:51:39Z2005-03-30T17:13:42Z<p>I just ordered and received some spindle dice and Dundjinni mapping software. The store is easy to peruse, the transaction went smoothly, and I got the package in good time. I love ordering D&D stuff - it's like a mini geek Christmas for me. One suggestion ... the site said my stuff was shipped UPS ground, I believe. If a package is shipped by a trackable method, it would be nice to have a link to track it.</p>
<p>I'm off to eye up some Bone Dice and a plush Ixachyatl.</p>I just ordered and received some spindle dice and Dundjinni mapping software. The store is easy to peruse, the transaction went smoothly, and I got the package in good time. I love ordering D&D stuff - it's like a mini geek Christmas for me. One suggestion ... the site said my stuff was shipped UPS ground, I believe. If a package is shipped by a trackable method, it would be nice to have a link to track it.
I'm off to eye up some Bone Dice and a plush Ixachyatl.Asberdies Lives2005-03-30T17:13:42ZRe: Forums/Dungeon Magazine: General Discussion: the cover of issue 120...Asberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2fzk4?the-cover-of-issue-120#122012-01-13T17:51:29Z2005-03-10T16:07:38Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">seankreynolds wrote:</div><blockquote> Glad you liked the adventure. And you know, who's to say that the cover illo isn't of the stone golem from the temple area...? </blockquote><p>If so, the trog priests should get jobs at a Games Workshop with that kind of painting skill.seankreynolds wrote:Glad you liked the adventure. And you know, who's to say that the cover illo isn't of the stone golem from the temple area...?
If so, the trog priests should get jobs at a Games Workshop with that kind of painting skill.Asberdies Lives2005-03-10T16:07:38ZRe: Forums: 3.5/d20/OGL: Offensive DruidAsberdies Liveshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2g2gt?Offensive-Druid#22012-11-15T19:16:21Z2005-03-08T18:29:06Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">StormDruid wrote:</div><blockquote>In short = How can I turn my druid into a force to be reckoned with? </blockquote><p>Well, in the 3.0+ world, I have only DM'd 2 campaigns, but we did have one druid. The party level was in the 4-6 range, certainly not epic level. Most of our adventures were underground, so a lot of the nature spells were useless. In those situations, she got pretty good at distracting the bad guys so that the others could attack more effectively.
<p>For example, when facing a powerful melee combatant, the rogue would delay and wait for the Druid to cast Summon Nature's Ally on the other side of the enemy. Even if the Ally's attack was ineffective, the rogue could use it to flank the enemy at 30' and get a ranged sneak attack for extra damage.</p>
<p>As an epic level druid, you should probably have a pretty fierce animal companion. Slap a Greater Magic Fang on it and you've got a pretty powerful extra member of the party.</p>
<p>She also made good use of the Summon Swarm spell. It's a low level spell, so a decent SR roll would resist it, and does no real damage, but a spellcaster is unable to cast from within the swarm. She would Ready casting it if an enemy spellcaster began casting. If the enemy fails its SR roll (if any), it can't cast anything from within the swarm.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, a mind flayer ended the druid's career at 7th level, so we never got into any high level spells. She was never a force for causing huge amounts of damage.</p>StormDruid wrote:In short = How can I turn my druid into a force to be reckoned with?
Well, in the 3.0+ world, I have only DM'd 2 campaigns, but we did have one druid. The party level was in the 4-6 range, certainly not epic level. Most of our adventures were underground, so a lot of the nature spells were useless. In those situations, she got pretty good at distracting the bad guys so that the others could attack more effectively. For example, when facing a powerful melee combatant, the...Asberdies Lives2005-03-08T18:29:06Z