paizo.com Favorited Posts by Lehmopaizo.com Favorited Posts by Lehmo2024-01-14T10:02:19Z2024-01-14T10:02:19ZRe: Forums: Advice: My Party is too strong I need some helpLehmohttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qqen?My-Party-is-too-strong-I-need-some-help#132014-02-26T19:00:07Z2014-02-26T02:40:30Z<p>If the party is finding the campaign not a challenge;</p>
<p>1. Max all creatures hp - this way you might chew up some of there more valuable resources
<br />
2. Dial back on the magic items - force them to rely on each other than there own possessions
<br />
3. Don't play every encounter to there strengths - it is obvious very strong melee/mobile party. Find a means around that strength.</p>
<p>For solo boss structure
<br />
1. Add obstacles - summon monsters, terrain effects (difficult terrain, water, fire, pits etc), hazards (molds, slimes etc),
<br />
2. Add area effects - light continual toll damage may force them from offence to defense. Eg an energy effect the boss is immune to (red dragon fighting in larva)
<br />
3. Make sure the boss is prepared - buffed and ready. Has a good set of options for defense/offence eg resilient sphere for when fighters get close or globe invulnerability/spell turning for enemy spell-casters
<br />
4. Force saves and often - two failed saves by party members can drastically change the outcome of any battle
<br />
5. Consider using fumbles - extra attacks mean extra chance they could role a 1.
<br />
6. Illusions are a GMs best friend - they lack a strong arcane cater
<br />
7. Change the dynamics for a battle - why wait for the good guys to come to the bad guy stronghold, try changing it up. Eg the PCs fight in a prior room to the throne room, the boss is alerted and starts his/her assault there. He can then ambush/retreat/calling allies etc.</p>
<p>Most important though, if your currently players seem to be satisfied why change a thing. GMs responsibility to set achievable targets in which if completed the party comes out satisfied with the session.</p>If the party is finding the campaign not a challenge;
1. Max all creatures hp - this way you might chew up some of there more valuable resources
2. Dial back on the magic items - force them to rely on each other than there own possessions
3. Don't play every encounter to there strengths - it is obvious very strong melee/mobile party. Find a means around that strength.
For solo boss structure
1. Add obstacles - summon monsters, terrain effects (difficult terrain, water, fire, pits etc),...Lehmo2014-02-26T02:40:30ZRe: Forums: Iron Gods: Nightmares from Beyond - What would you like to see?Lehmohttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2q84m?Nightmares-from-Beyond-What-would-you-like#102014-02-08T10:15:41Z2013-11-03T11:49:33Z<p>Tesla Towers - As there name suggests</p>
<p>Brain rat - rats with psionic potentials</p>
<p>Walking bomb - suicide minions</p>Tesla Towers - As there name suggests
Brain rat - rats with psionic potentials
Walking bomb - suicide minionsLehmo2013-11-03T11:49:33ZRe: Forums: Iron Gods: Numeria AP?Lehmohttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j8m8&page=3?Numeria-AP#1272013-03-26T00:41:45Z2013-01-26T14:17:17Z<p>I like the idea of a Numeria campaign, and are currently running a Numeria version of Kingmaker called Rise of the Artificers (website on obsidian portal). This was entirely due to the PCs choosing a theme for the kingdom for the Adventure Path - choosing a technological based society. Therefore the current party were or are some how involved with the technic league of Numeria. I also adapted the starter feats in the Zeitgeist players guide. Currently I am drawng from a number of sources including;</p>
<p>Zeitgeist (en publishing - magic clashing with technology. Including laying a railway for there kingdom)
<br />
Iron Kingdoms
<br />
Chaostech </p>
<p>I really like the idea of the Numeria technology being similar to that displayed in the chaostech book by Sword and Sorcery, or similar to the art of HR Giger. Alien, foreign and strange, which have different effects on humanoids due to exposure. Chaostech also links current philosophy about information about the crashed ship at Star Mount. I am another advocate for the region and think it is a great area for Paizo writers to develop, continuing to demonstrate the rich cultural differnces of Golarion. So count me in for a Numeria themed adventure. I might discuss it some of my local writer buddies and get up to some mischief myself.</p>I like the idea of a Numeria campaign, and are currently running a Numeria version of Kingmaker called Rise of the Artificers (website on obsidian portal). This was entirely due to the PCs choosing a theme for the kingdom for the Adventure Path - choosing a technological based society. Therefore the current party were or are some how involved with the technic league of Numeria. I also adapted the starter feats in the Zeitgeist players guide. Currently I am drawng from a number of sources...Lehmo2013-01-26T14:17:17ZRe: Forums: Carrion Crown: Post your Carrion Crown Party HereLehmohttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ouwj?Post-your-Carrion-Crown-Party-Here#192012-10-22T15:46:15Z2012-10-17T03:10:32Z<p>Yes I am GM'ing for a large group 8 players. They have had a few deaths but these are most memorial characters.</p>
<p>Tarkus Finley - Male LN Human Inquisitor 8 (Vampire Hunter) of Pharasma.
<br />
Tarkus has been brought up by his family to continue there tradition of hunting vampires. His motto "Protect the family, follow the churches bidding, put all undead to rest". Due to unfortunate incident with a vampire Tarkus brother Gyles was turned and sired. Along with his father Kane, the family were working with Lorrimor to create a cure. He now hunts the Whispering way in the hope one day he will find a cure to free his brother from the blood curse/disorder and remove the taint of the dark cultist from the land.</p>
<p>Ostarian the Dark - Male LE Dwarf Wizard 8 (Necromancy, Undead path), does not worship gods because they are fickle. Uses spells like blood transcribe, create treasure map etc. Plays very similar to Dexter off the TV series Dexter, killing out of need. He was bit by a Vampire (Vessnic of the Night Harrows - See Rival Guide) and has a permanent limp. Is always doing shifty stuff away from the party. He has a defy fear of vampires, and is always eating garlic. He intends to steal the Whispering Ways knowledge for himself.</p>
<p>Ulli Gengari - Male CN Human Ranger 8 (Archery path) of Earastil, Warden of Shudderwood. Ulli is in a relationship with Kavalca Sains daughter Yeselda whom is trying to take over as the new packmaster of Shudderwood with the desth of her mother. To do this he is trying to reclaim Kavalcas heart fo his beloved to claim the throne, continuing the ancient old tradition of consuming the heart. As such Ulli is in a game of tribes situation, trying to promote his beloved interest by making the various tribal leaders kneel before her or face eradication. Ulli is using Ecthelions inquisition to further his own agenda.</p>
<p>Ecthelian Talamar - Male LG Halfling Paladin 8 (Oath against Undeath/Lycanthrope - http://pf-eberron.wikidot.com/archetypes:paladin-oath-against-lycanthropy) of Sarenrae. Ecthelion is leading his own personal crusade to clean up Ustalav. Ecthelians sister (Saera) was given to a demon by his father (Epstien) in order to save his mother (Ilyena). Ecthelion killed his two parents because of there deal with the devil and now seeks his sister. Currently Ecthelion has commanded a few loyal Sarenrae worshipers to conduct werewolf trials (similar to that of the witches in medieval times)in Lepidstadt to clean up the Shudderwoods. Natural werewolves are skinned alive and pacified by holy fire. Infected werewolves are healed. Dark cultist are either killed or sent to the tower of conviction to be rehabilitated. The tower is a asylum/prison for evil practitioners of magic.</p>
<p>Viktor Von'Drakh - Male CN Human Alchemist 8 (Clone Master), does not believe in gods rather the new science. Viktor was a member of the most influential Professors from Lepidstadt University. Alongside him was Montigue Crowl, Gordon Krane, Adivion Adrissant, Petros Lorrimor and Alphon Cormarc. After Lorrimor was cast out of the University Viktor took up Lorrimors old position, with the pupil succeeding the master. Viktor is interested in genetic manipulation and is very eccentric. He intends to unlock the secrets of the Whispering Tyrant as professor of the reclamation of rare antiquities. In particular the Carrion Crown. Viktor worst crime thus far was freeing the beast of Lepidstadt during the trial of the beast riots.</p>
<p>Cassielt - Male LG Aasimar Oracle 8 (Possessed, Heavens) of Iomeade. Cassielt fell from the heavens during Lorrimors funeral. Those at the funeral believed it an ill omen as a white star descended to the ground. It was visible to all those of Ravensgro. Cassielt fell well outside the small town. He made his way into Ravensgro and befriended the heroes. Cassielt is possessed by an ancient being that fought against the Whispering Tyrant more then 1000 years ago. It is only recent Cassielt learnt the beings name Sapael. Sapael has been both a curse and a blessing to Cassielt. Sometimes for days he can posses Cassielt whom looses himself. Both Cassielt and Sapael, fight to protect the great seal from being opened and freeing the Tyrant.</p>
<p>Don Blanco/El Guerreroe Murete - Male LN Half-Giant Monk 6 (Tetori)/Psychic Warrior 2 (Brawling Path) of Pharasma. Taught the art of the Luchador and following La Dama De Las Tumbas (Pharasma the Pale Lady). Without his mask he is known as Don Blanco, a kind hearted man whom is friendly. With his mask he becomes El Guerreroe Murete, a famous wrestler with a mammoth following of fans. Murete is followed around by a Carnivarle, whom carry coffins and make praises to the dead (like Mexican festival day of the dead). As a peoples champion, Murete looks to further his own name and legend (which is similar to Zoro). Murete is frequently visit by Baron Samedi, an Emissary of Pharasma that trades in favours and protector of the Luchador mask. Following Samedi's orders Murete is looking to destroy the Whispering way and tyrant once and for all.</p>
<p>Unit 1 - Male LN Warforge (http://pf-eberron.wikidot.com/races:warforged) Machinesmith (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/3rd-party-classes/louis-porter-jr-design/m achinesmith) 8 (Analyser), a creation that is unaware of the gods existence at this time. A piece of left over technology of the late Professor Petros Lorrimor that was decommissioned and not finished. Unit 1 awoke with instructions to protect Kendra and several other of Petros Lorrimors friends euring the arrival of Ecthelion whom possed the last piece of technology that Lorrimor had asked his halfling friend to collect. Unit 1 like shale from dragon age origins, is slowly developing a personality. Unit 1 continues to follow Lorrimors last order which was to protect the late professors friends on there journey.</p>
<p>Stonecrow of the Tuskmountains - Male CN Half Orc Fighter 8 (Two handed fighter) of Gorum. Saved Lorrimors life once and came to pay his respects. On his own personal pilgramage to kill a creature of note to return to his clan and challenge for leadership of it. Unknown to Stonecrow is that his father Ironcrow and his clan the Blood Moons have fallen under a curse of Lucimar of the Whispering Way. The Worg Lich polluted his tribes water supply aznd along with several other tribes now swear fealty to the Whispering Way. Ironcrow is Lucimars righthand man.</p>
<p>Lady Ambriel - Female NG Aasimar Sorcerer 8 (Celestial Bloodline) of Aroden. A student of Lorrimors, Ambriel is obsessed with the rebith of the human god. She personally holds Pharasma responsible for with-holding Arodens soul which she believes is locked in the Pale Ladies Vault of Souls. After spending years of study at Lepidstadt University she is sure that if she can get ahold of a fragment of yhe shield of Aroden she can locate Arodens soul. As such she is tracking down information regarding the Tyrant and his battle. </p>
<p>The Watcher - Male TN Human Bard (Dirge Bard) of Pharasma. Stories speak of a kindred spirit that when it dies it is reborn again of Golarion. Varisians call the being the Watcher. Stories and folk tales all around Ustalav speak of the watcher. But no-one truely knows his motives, except that he is a legendary bard whom traverses the world sharing his tales. Lorrimor met the Watcher on the road and after sharing a story the watcher promissed to play a ballard at the professors funeral. Over the years Lorrimor had compiled allot of information on the legend of the watvher. Using his departed friends knowledge, the watcher is now on the path to discover the true meaning behind his existance.</p>
<p>Anca Willow - Female NE Changling Witch (Grave walker) of Norgorber. A text subject of Lorrimors for many years Anca through her own research believes there are certain doors or boxes that should only be opened when the time is right. Dark secrets whisper to her in her sleep that the world is not ready for the Tyrants rebirth yet and that she is to destroy or hide any information on how to awaken the tyrant. Before the tyrant awakens a door in the dark tapestry must first be found. Anca voices that speak to her when she dreams. For many years Anca was unsure of her heritage (half hag/human) and Lorrimor vonducted his own research on her.</p>Yes I am GM'ing for a large group 8 players. They have had a few deaths but these are most memorial characters.
Tarkus Finley - Male LN Human Inquisitor 8 (Vampire Hunter) of Pharasma.
Tarkus has been brought up by his family to continue there tradition of hunting vampires. His motto "Protect the family, follow the churches bidding, put all undead to rest". Due to unfortunate incident with a vampire Tarkus brother Gyles was turned and sired. Along with his father Kane, the family were...Lehmo2012-10-17T03:10:32ZRe: Forums: Carrion Crown: Adivion AdrissantLehmohttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2mmla&page=6?Adivion-Adrissant#2772019-12-30T15:36:23Z2012-10-13T18:00:44Z<p>I know lots of people talk about Adivion and Lorrimor being friends, I went one further and added Alphon Cormarc. This felt natural as I used Cormarcs research on the storm caller as the means to how Adivion managed to open the maelstrom of undead that usually surrounds Gallowspire. I know the storm at Gallowspire suggests people can pass through it usually, but it was something I added, with Alphon replicated his friends device to open Gallowspire. Adivion felt like to me a man whom would discard his friendships for power using both Alphon and Lorrimor to further his own ambitions. It also made more sense as to why the whispering way used the beast of Lepidstadt to steal the Seasage Effigy when they had a lv10 or lv 17 magnus whom could steal the artifac, as Cormarc knew stuff about Adivion he wished to remain a secret. Furthermore I added all three of the professors had a grudge against Esoteric Order of the Palantine eye. Lorrimor lost his position at the university, as the order destroyed his name and research forcing him into exile at Ravensgro. Alphon his title. Adivion his wealth.</p>
<p>I have also included Adibion as contacting the PCs through a journey book. A journey book is a book that when one scribes in blood it appears in its sister book. This way Adivion has been taunting the PCs from a distance or keeping tabs on them.</p>
<p>I also am using the Night Harrows, a Whispering Way rival adventuring party whom has been monitoring the PCs. I intend to drop them as a battle in the last module. The Night Harrows from the pathfinder rivals guide also like to animate fallen heroes and bend them to ones will, making them chasing the chasers. If you use them, for Adgrief the insane serial killer whom is alchemically invisible if you use Carrion Hill in the adventure path drop info about the insane serial killer as a test subject of the insane asylum. Especially since the boss in the module is also something that causes insanity and is also alchemically invisible.</p>
<p>Vessnic the vamp I will drop hints about in the fifth module.</p>
<p>The harrower is working for Alphon to become the whispering tyrants wife and the mummy to destroy the palantine eye.</p>I know lots of people talk about Adivion and Lorrimor being friends, I went one further and added Alphon Cormarc. This felt natural as I used Cormarcs research on the storm caller as the means to how Adivion managed to open the maelstrom of undead that usually surrounds Gallowspire. I know the storm at Gallowspire suggests people can pass through it usually, but it was something I added, with Alphon replicated his friends device to open Gallowspire. Adivion felt like to me a man whom would...Lehmo2012-10-13T18:00:44ZRe: Forums: Carrion Crown: Broken Moon (GM Reference)Lehmohttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lzx6&page=3?Broken-Moon#1412016-09-10T23:07:43Z2012-10-13T09:59:16Z<p>I like to have an enemy story plot as posts for my adventure log to foreshadow enemies or provide an insight into there motives so PCs get to know there enemy out of game. For Vrood I used the following;</p>
<p>The collapsed sections of the tower completely blocked of the farther passage creating a small aclove for Vrood and his tent. The interior of his tent lined with vivisection tables. Some holding twitching animals pinned to the tables in various grisly surgical inspection. Near each was a small easel holding a stretched canvas of which was a masterfully excuted painting of the various subject matter. </p>
<p>The horrific pictures would be enough to turn a sane persons stomach. The paintings themselves contained detailed notes about the operations performed upon the specimen and the reactions they had. Elsewhere on the table was some long steel pins, carving tools, a candle, paints and brushes; a tray with ash, hair, bits of cloth, and other scraps of mundane items. Working on his next specimen which jerks as the creatures still attached spinal cord is prodded. Vrood talks to the man bound to the table. The knights cloak was adorned with the Bastoi symbol of the royal guard. "Do you know why I am angry" Vrood said as he continued to prod his victims body to create the perfect model for his next work of art. "I was only eight years old when your counts troops tore through my land. Did you know Neska's troops slaughtered my family, salted my famlies fields and left death and destruction in there wake. I myself was lucky to survive, if it wasn't for me burying myself among the corpses of my brothers and neighbours, I would have also perished". Vrood continues to contort his victims ribcage in such a way that the ribs tensile strength almost began to buckle. The knight on the table could now see his own ribcage. He could also see his organs still beating, housed in alchemical recepticals. "They even made a second trip killing my friend Samantha whom luckily survived her house being burnt to the ground with her inside of it". </p>
<p>Vrood changed his current approached to his flesh muse. He took a step back and made a square with his hands to make sure his model was how he wanted it. Vrood used his thumb to make sure his dimensions were correct. "I only survived when the knights returned by hiding in a trench". Unhappy with his current models position Vrood moved closer to change the arrangement of the mans internal organs, like a normal painter would when assorting a fruit bowl he or she was getting ready to paint. "For years I lived as an orphan. I scavenged what little food I could from the corpses and burnt houses. I fought the rats for food, and found comfort in speaking to the corpses of my fallen friends. Even the soldiers in the trenches could be friendly when I spoke to them. I even built my own little town of bones right here in Feldgrau, the perfect backdrop for what had happened". </p>
<p>Vrood shifted the nights intestinal tract to the side and began to unravel it like a ribbon. "You know many people would say I went a little mad. But when the skulls of my fallen friends and family spoke back to me, I knew I could canvas the perfect vengeance for them. Although, I thought they would have been more mad at me for gnawing off the flesh from there bones in order not to starve to death". Vrood said the last line flicking blood over the knights helm."My fallen friends whispered to me. Vengeance.... vengeance....". Vrood spashed the mans blood around like that of a child with food. </p>
<p>"The skulls... they spoke to me in my dreams and haunted me while I was awake. Samantha told me how to survive. I learnt from her how to hide in trenches or under byroad bridges laying traps to topple passing horses. When riders fell, I took their throats so they could join my kin. Do you know how one survives a wasteland?". Vrood paused for a moment, looking to rekindle his memories. "Do you know how scarce food is in a wasteland that had been salted and burnt?". It was obvious Vrood had lost his chain of thought. He moved back to his canvas and began to paint. "Flesh can be quite an intoxicating palette to taste. You can boil it, crisp it, roast it, steam it, sauce it or season it". Vrood moved over to the knight again, his eyes full of fear. "Do you know what my favourite part is?". He let the sentence hang out for a while to track the mans reactions. "The tongue". Vrood picked up the knights raw tongue off the table and put it in his mouth. He slowly chewed it, savouring each delicious blast of meats tenderness. He began to lick his lips before he gulped down the last of the raw meat. "Now... now, how rude of me, to eat before my work is done. And I still have not told you the rest of my story. Tar-Baphon has always told me in whispers that eating while I work spoils my art". He moved back over to his canvas again.</p>
<p>"One day a rider came to my part of the Furrows. I lay in waiting under a bridge, ready to add her to my extensive collection of art. She stopped in front of my traps. The rider had grey skin, withered like that of a corpse. In a dry throaty whisper she told me come out of hiding." Vrood changed his voice to act out what the woman had told, clearing his throat. "Auren Vrood, she said. The spirits of this place have told me of your beautiful artwork. Worry not, for you have a greater role to play. I revealed myself to her and showed her some of my favourite pictures of artwork." Vrood measured out the knights stomach circumference with circular tubing. "She told me she could teach me how to perfect my craft". Vrood let his nostalgic memories flood back.</p>
<p>"She took me to Virlych, to the omnious town of Redchurch. There she taught me the art of necromancy, which allowed be to perfect my artwork by learning more about anatomy." Vrood resumed painting. "Do you know the best art comes from painting death. The best of which is watching the transition from life to death. There is nothing quite like it as I am sure you will agree. There’s no meaning to a flower unless it blooms. The same can be said about the transition of death. Life only blooms once it ends. Something that I love to capture, so it is not lost to the sands of time. Look at those fools." Vrood points at the knights fallen friends. "They have no appreciation for art. You have to feel art. And true art… is an EXPLOSION!" Vrood taps the end of his paintbrush on the mans ribcage. </p>
<p>"Fine art is the beauty of that single fleeting moment of the soul as it seeks semblance of its life. Yrasa Nine-Eyes, my mentor taught me to appreciate the art of this world that happens on a daily scale. Death. Beyond the pitiful and helpless artworks of those I experimented with in my youth., it has taken me years to perfect my artwork, yet there is somebody even better then me. The Carrion Crown is a piece of artwork that will eclipse all that stands before it. I am just happy I have been a part of it." Vrood adjusts his canvas so it sit more appropriately on its stand. "First was the Wardens soul. I had to crush a mans head to prevent the people of Ravensgro learning to much. Then the effigy, sent to Thrushmoor to be traded to enhance the canvas of the dark cloaks work. Finally, the heart of Kavalca Sain. Yet though my contribution to the picture is only the sketch, more wonders will come from it. The items I gathered are useless without masterful hands working them. Like many others, even Yrasa will confirm this, a true maestro will soon be soon born unto this world. His canvas will become the ultimate artform". </p>
<p>The knights nearly decapitated head rolls to onside. His blinking slows as the darkness of death descends upon him. "Well, it will be picturesque when it is finished. But first I must destroy the fools that seek to prevent my landscape of death. To long have they critiqued my work. And you know what happens to those whom cannot appreciate true art. They are removed from the picture...". The last thing the knight saw was the metallic glint of metal pins before they were shoved through his eye socket.</p>I like to have an enemy story plot as posts for my adventure log to foreshadow enemies or provide an insight into there motives so PCs get to know there enemy out of game. For Vrood I used the following;
The collapsed sections of the tower completely blocked of the farther passage creating a small aclove for Vrood and his tent. The interior of his tent lined with vivisection tables. Some holding twitching animals pinned to the tables in various grisly surgical inspection. Near each was a...Lehmo2012-10-13T09:59:16ZRe: Forums: Carrion Crown: Broken Moon (GM Reference)Lehmohttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lzx6&page=3?Broken-Moon#1392016-09-10T23:01:57Z2012-10-13T09:27:08Z<p>I dropped the heardripper blade from GameMastery Module D1: Crown of the Kobold King, to account for how Vrood removed Kavalca Sains still beating heart as loot on Vrood. It also is offers an option for PCs whom refuse or bypass help from the ghost to extract memories from Vroods mind. It is an alternative way of linking the wake of the watcher into the adventure path. As one of the PCs may accidently activated the blasphemous word activating the divination ability of the blade. It is also a ceremonial dagger used in sacrifices.</p>
<p>Heartripper Blade
<br />
Aura moderate conjuration, divination, and evocation; CL 10th Slot none; Price 11,302 gp; Weight 1 lb.</p>
<p>DESCRIPTION
<br />
This +1 dagger is granted baleful powers when used in bloody sacrifice. Whenever used to deliver a coup de grace, the Heartripper Blade pulls the victim’s still-beating heart free from his body. You may then consume the heart to gain any of the following abilities.</p>
<p>You may eat the heart to gain a simultaneous remove disease, restoration, and cure serious wounds effect. This consumes the heart.</p>
<p>You may utter a command word and cause the heart to burst into flames, after which the Blade becomes a +2 flaming burst dagger for 1 hour. This consumes the heart.</p>
<p>You may speak a blasphemous second command word to cause the heart to boil and smoke. Breathing in the smoke gives you glimpses of the future or far off places and objects, granting you the ability to use divination or scrying. This consumes the heart.</p>
<p>CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
<br />
Craft Magic Arms and Armor; flame blade, keen edge, restoration, scrying; Cost 5,802 gp.</p>I dropped the heardripper blade from GameMastery Module D1: Crown of the Kobold King, to account for how Vrood removed Kavalca Sains still beating heart as loot on Vrood. It also is offers an option for PCs whom refuse or bypass help from the ghost to extract memories from Vroods mind. It is an alternative way of linking the wake of the watcher into the adventure path. As one of the PCs may accidently activated the blasphemous word activating the divination ability of the blade. It is also a...Lehmo2012-10-13T09:27:08ZForums: Carrion Crown: Changing Feldgrau for full scale battleLehmohttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p142?Changing-Feldgrau-for-full-scale-battle#12013-04-01T19:44:18Z2012-10-13T08:31:22Z<p>So rather then running Feldgrau which seemed for my party of 8 PCs would involve the tedious searching of individual buildings of the destroyed town, I jazzed it up with running an open battle between an allied force and the whispering way. There were a number of reasons for this.</p>
<p>1) Broken Moon hints at the werewolf tribes being larger in the module then that of which the PCs meet
<br />
2) The module explains Vrood is in Feldgrau to raise an army to march on Gallowspire.
<br />
3) Over the course of the adventure the PCs should have made influential friends that can help with the battle (eg Vessorriana Hawkren and the ghost prisoners under her influence from Harrowstone, Alphon Cormarc and his construct amalgamations, Ravensgro citizens, Werewolves of Shudderwood from different tribes, Ascanor Lodge influential members, Silver hand - Silivio rangers from Ascanor lodge he leads to hunt werewolves - Lepidstadt university fighting fraternities, druids of the shudderwood, commoners or nobels from Lepidsadt etc)
<br />
4) Pcs are at a level were there reputation is as famous as that of the noblemen who run the different states of Ustalav
<br />
5) The furrows is a legendary old battlefield more then 20 years old. It felt natural to have alarge battle take place there once more.
<br />
6) The Pcs had essentially been chasing Vrood whom is suspected of being the cultist for Lorrimors death and the orchestrator behind the Whidpering Way cultists
<br />
7) The poem for the Carrion Crown has a passage "a hundred slain lie innocent"
<br />
8) I have slowed the module down to allow for wizards to craft items
<br />
9) None of the states claim the furrows as there own land (border disputes).</p>
<p>I dropped the fact the Whispering Way had a large army by Rhakis Szadro after the high throne battle. But this could be done at Ascanor Lodge in Estovions Journal, a premonition about an impending war, a harrowing by Ivanja etc</p>
<p>So basically the PCs had three weeks to muster up an army spearheaded by the werewolves Alternativerly you could use Yharloc (in my adventure he is the leader of the silver hand organisation that hunt down Shudderwood werewolves, Yharloc is from the rule of fear book) or Cilias Graydon if he survived, if the PCs turned the werrwolves down.
<br />
They also were required to create a basic encampment.</p>
<p>There are a number of ways you can run a open war scenario.
<br />
The book called "Warpath" has rules for mass combat which has been specifically designed for pathfinder.I recommend this book if you want to run a mass combat scenario.
<br />
The 3.5 book called "Heroes of battle"allows for PCs to be a special forces unit which is essentially a black ops team which takes out enemy strategic locations.
<br />
The D20 books "Fields of blood - the book of war" and "Cry Havoc" are also good sources.</p>
<p>The scenario I developed used the army cards of Warpath and the mass combat rules associated with them. Basically this allows one to mark off casualties, attacks, saves, initiative CMB/CMD checks for armies. Each of the PCs created there own army and recruited someone to lead it. The army was to combat the undead hordes while the PCs attacked strategic locations. It was the PCs job to throw the battle in there favour by attacking or defending strategic locations. The locations I came up with were;</p>
<p>1) Beacon of unrest - a device which was attracting undead to the ruins of Feldgrau, emanating a strange necrotic impulse like that of Gallowspires undead storm (See "dungeons of Golarion" pathfinder chronicles book)</p>
<p>2) Changing pit (from the module "Hungry are the dead" , the book also has Lucimar [a Whispering Way lich and leader of the cult - according to "Fractions of Golarion" book - that the PCs will meet later in the adventure path] history -the pit itself was the same as in Hungry are the dead, where corpses or farmers bodies were being tossed into a large pit and changed into undead by Whispering way Curates.</p>
<p>3) The ziggurat of control - a device allowing the whispering way cultists to control a large army of the undead. I used Drazmorg from the Hungry are the dead module, changing his usual book of "The whispers of the tyrant" to a "book of eternal necromancy" ( see http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/3rd-party-magic-items/3rd-party-artifac ts/3rd-party-minor-artifacts/bastion-press/book-of-eternal-necromancy). I kept the encounter and description the same from the inner seal room from the Hungry are the dead module.</p>
<p>4) Undead catapaults, loaded with screaming skulls, belching skulls and flaming skulls from the Haunting of Harrowstone module. A few whispering way cultist necromancers were in charge of the catapaults. Page 47 Broken Moon</p>
<p>5) Rot giants as the whispering way terror units. They are from the book "Mythic menagerie - Kingdoms of the grave". Pretty much giants that can create skeletons by eating corpses and are immune to non magical missile fire.</p>
<p>6) Enemy Hq, Vrood in his tower. Same as in broken moon</p>
<p>7) The hungry fog, bestiary 3. Protected enemy flag.</p>
<p>8) Defend an allied unit in trouble (random encounter dependent upon how the battle plays out)</p>
<p>9) Stop enemy charge - nerfed grave knights, beastiary 3. Undead cavaliers left over from the Bastoi knights that died in the "War without Rivals", that created the furrows.</p>
<p>10) Surviving an encounter with an overwhelming enemy (3 rounds). The Furrows before the "War without Rivals" use to be called the "Dragonsvet plains", so called for a blue dragon that was killed there. I used the night dragon "Mythic menagerie - Kingdoms of the grave" the whispering way briefly animated.Due to the devestating impact the dragon was having the PCs had to rally routed units and hold out versus the dragon while units reformed themselves. The dragons breath was not used to increased the likelyhood of survival.</p>
<p>The PCs were awarded 25 points for each strategic location they captured/protected. With 100 points changing the battle and causing almost all the enemy units to de-animate and return to the grave.</p>
<p>The fun thing about changing Feldgrau was allowing the Pcs to create an encampment. Recruit an army. Deal with problems in the encampment (eg suspicious behaviour, prisoners captured, preventing a plague from spreading -ghoul fever, choosing a supreme commander for there war council, scounting the enemy using skill checks and terrain [remembering the furrows is nicknamed the man made maze], sustaining morale, making alliances, Pharasman clerics organising soldiers to fill out wills to ensure the soldiers families were looked after in the event of there death, the morbid feel of fighting a loosing battle, battle tactics/strategies for the battle, lack of food/rations due to the food tasting like decay or ash due to the proximity of the furrows and much more). Most of all it escalated the adventure, allowing the PCs to really make use of the friendships they had created. </p>
<p>Reading through Feldgrau it sounds fine to run. But I did not feel it really did justice to Vrood and his scheming plans. Also it was unlikely to provide a challenge to PCs either in roleplay or combat for 8 PCs, even if encounters were doubled. Feldgrau feels more like a dungeon crawl with the numerous minor encounters. But hey that was just me.</p>
<p>I am going to use Adimarus and the demon wolves as an encounter between Broken Moon and Wake of the watcher. Whom comes for Kavalca Sains heart after the battle.</p>
<p>Basically the battle ended up with the PCs destroying the beacon of unrest, the changing pit (enemy supply line), ziggurat of control (disrupt enemy communications). Now the PCs encampment is being besieged by Vrood and what is left over by his army.</p>So rather then running Feldgrau which seemed for my party of 8 PCs would involve the tedious searching of individual buildings of the destroyed town, I jazzed it up with running an open battle between an allied force and the whispering way. There were a number of reasons for this.
1) Broken Moon hints at the werewolf tribes being larger in the module then that of which the PCs meet
2) The module explains Vrood is in Feldgrau to raise an army to march on Gallowspire.
3) Over the course of the...Lehmo2012-10-13T08:31:22ZForums: Carrion Crown: Carrion Crown: Broken Moon alternative werewolf tribesLehmohttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oowt?Carrion-Crown-Broken-Moon-alternative#12016-02-21T00:05:43Z2012-08-18T14:08:13Z<p>I have read through many other groups whom have run broken moon adventure path whom did not enjoy the werewolf tribes that were used. I diasgreed as thus far I have found most to be fun to play around with. Nevertheless I decided to make some smaller wolf tribes for Shudderwood listed below which are simply just random encounters while in the woods.</p>
<p>Here they are:</p>
<p>Smaller tribes</p>
<p><b> Kumori Pack or Akumas </b>: Tien descendent wolves, the Kumori pack prefer to fight with weapons and recruit large wolves to serve as mounts. They are lead by Akuma. They fight from dire wolves wolfback. The Kumori are very ceremonial.</p>
<p><b> Faded Shadows, Spirit Wolves or Ghosts </b>: Ghost like wolves that can turn ethereal and move through solid objects. The faded shadow are believed to be possessed by spirits of the wood. They rarely are ever seen and only ever attack those that would harm Shudderwood. They are lead by Ghost, a large white wolf. It is believed they can never expand in number due to there only ever being a dozen or so spirits which possess there members. When one dies another is choosen to take there place.</p>
<p><b> Forest Fires or Markovs </b> : Natural blighters, this pack ritually burns down parts of the forest and scavengers those unlucky to escape the fire. There favourite tactic is to circle there victims in a circle of fire and pick off any who make it through the flames. Many believe they may be merging with the demon wolves. They are lead by Markov. </p>
<p><b> Crimson Hollows or Drethnozzrna </b> : Given there powers by anicient rituals to dark gods, the Crimson Hallows are like dark shadows in Shudderwood. Lead by Drethnozzrna, a suspected drow. The Crimsons Hallows use darks magics to rnender there foes blind, relying on there scent to track down and kill their foes. </p>
<p><b> Skull Pack or Set'Ufnar </b> : Guardians of the ancient burial sites or ancient tombs, the Set'Ufnar are approacable and leave obvious warnimgs to those who would tresspass on their religious or protected sites. The Set'Ufnar are respected by all wolf clans as they protect the heritage of all Shudderwoods packs except the renegades who often try to steal from the ancient tombs. They are lead by Set'Ufnar. There grounds are always marked by piled skulls. They use totems of power or magical traps to keep foes out of their lands. Totems are often linked to nearby tribes and sent to get immediate aid when danger approaches. As such the skull pack usually fight in a defensive manner until they can get support from another tribe.</p>
<p><b> The Forsaken or Menzoon </b> : Made up of outcast wolves from other clans. The foresaken are lead by Menzoon. Usually left to scavenge off others the Menzoon scavenge only attacking those foolish enough to travel alone or unarmed.</p>
<p><b> The Moonstone pack or Inogios </b> : The Moonstone pack are tribalisitic. They use only wood and stone for weapons. They are lead by Inogio. They pelt there victims from high above in the trees with stones. They capture younglings (children and claim them as there own), often bestowing them with the gift (lycanthrope).</p>
<p><b> The Nightwalkers or Fasmire </b> : This pack contain a rare form of lupis which makes them deftly ill in direct sunlight and sensitive to forms of light. The Nightwalkers only venture out during the night and live a nocturnal lifestyle. They are lead by Fasmire. They uses there ability to be stealthy to sneak up and drag off unsuspecting victims into the night. </p>
<p><b> Feral bites or Gnaw Marrow </b> : This pack fangs contain a natual poisons that can be devistating, and often hard to cure. The feral bites torment and stalk there prey for long periods of time. Often just biting and running away, staying close enough to there prey to kill any that go for help and continue to poisons there victims with bites until they die. Packleader is "Gnaw Marrow" the sick. </p>
<p><b> Blood Moons or Howlers </b> : Natural frenziers, these werewolves fight until they are literally killed. Blows that would kill most werewolves are simply shook off by them and returned in kind. They are lead by Howler, an old grey wolf with more scars on him then a seasoned figter who has retired. The Blood Moons employ no tactics except for shear brutality, often just power attacking, cleaving or sundering any thing in sight.</p>
<p><b> The Renegades or Symcas </b> : Dirty by nature, the rengades offer no loyalty and nothing is sacred to them. They are lead by an almost ever changing hierarchy. They are more like pirates then wolves, easily turning on each other if an opportunity presents itself. They are currently lead by Symca. The renegades use dirty figthing tactics like throwing dirt in ones eyes or calling shots on there enemies to render them helpless. </p>
<p><b> Jagged Tooths or Ulferics </b> : The jagged tooths have seratted teeth which often cause there Victims to bleed out. The Ulferics resemble vampire more then werewolves in that they live only to taste blood. They are lead by Ulferic. They like to pin there foes and bleed them out, with there strong jaws. </p>
<p><b> Thick Hides or Kensil </b> : Gifted with naturally thick skin, the thick hides are naturally tough. More then one unsuspecting enemies have gotten to close after believing they had killed one only to be torn to shreads. The thick hides are lead by Kensil. The thick hides love to play dead and ambush there enemies, often staging areas of bloodshed or posing as injured or dead villagers to lure there victims in close.</p>
<p><b> Swiftclaws or Wranglers </b> : The swiftclaws are the fadtest of all the wolf clans and the fastest growing in strength of the lesser clans. They have a unatural presence about them that can evoke fear in tbe hardiest of men, making them flee. When there victims run in fear they hunt them down and kill tem. They are lead by Wrangler.</p>
<p><b> The Predators or Hunters </b> : Sadistic and lovers of pain and tortures, the predators love to skin there victims alive while others watch. The predators enjoy taking victims alive to ritualistically torture them. As such, they usually carry clubs or saps to knock enemies out. Those that survive there tortures long enough become members of there clan. They are usually left with permenant mental damage as a result or horribly disfigured. They have psychotic tendencies. They are always lead by the one called Hunter, which is symbolic of whomever leads them.</p>
<p><b> The Mirage or Kuunas </b> : Ancient scholars and traditionalist, the Mirage envoke a covenant of silence that prevents them from talking to other tribes or people. When confronted by an adversary they use magical illusions usually in an attempt to flee. They prefer to remain reclusive to other tribes. The Mirage more like monks then werewolves, enjoy a long time in hybernation and meditation. They are lead by Kuunas.</p>
<p><b> The Gunrunners or Milvines </b> : A splinter group of the silverbacks, tbe gunrunners have taken to new science after raiding merchant wagons containing gun powder headed for Lepidstadt University. Involved with drugs, smuggling and gene therapies the gun runners like to gentically manipulate themselves with mutagens or use black power weapons to kill off enemies. They are lead by Milvine. They recently procured goods from Gorden Winchesters Trade Consortium, raiding one of tne noblemans caravans.</p>
<p>I am still running the campaign after I ran The Haunted forest module as a prelude to shudderwood on what I called Edgewood (Edge of Shudderwood).Obviously it was converted to met the criteria of an 7th level module. This was done because I have 7 players, quite a large group who were falling behind in xp despite me vamping up encounters. If you guys have any other ideas for some werewolf packs post them up :) as they have only reached Ascanor Lodge.</p>I have read through many other groups whom have run broken moon adventure path whom did not enjoy the werewolf tribes that were used. I diasgreed as thus far I have found most to be fun to play around with. Nevertheless I decided to make some smaller wolf tribes for Shudderwood listed below which are simply just random encounters while in the woods.
Here they are:
Smaller tribes
Kumori Pack or Akumas : Tien descendent wolves, the Kumori pack prefer to fight with weapons and recruit large...Lehmo2012-08-18T14:08:13ZForums/Gamer Life: General Discussion: 1001 Stores/shopsLehmohttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nyxu?1001-Storesshops#12014-03-11T00:03:40Z2012-04-19T01:59:26Z<p>Thread designed to aid GM with a quick reference guide for some store ideas. Can include; blacksmiths, pawn shops, food outlets/restaurants, good/resource traders, gun smiths, magical items etc.</p>
<p>Name: Welbies's Traders
<br />
Owner: Welbie Gumble (Gnome)
<br />
Description: A wooden weather board single story shanty with a tin roof. Welbie keeps a pen of geese, which are let out at night to protect the shanty from would be thieves. The geese honk when anybody gets to close. The shanty has a worked rough stone floor. Above the entrance is a large saloon like swinging sign with a lizard wearing a hat as the store emblem. The walls are covered with ropes and adventuring utensils. Various large barrels are scattered about the room. Each barrel contains a wooden stamped sign indicating what is in the barrel. A small wooden desk (bumb height) indicates where goods can be purchased in a corner near the entrance of the room. The entrance has two doors, a saloon like swing door and a lockable wooden blind (suspended over the door by a pulley) which is lowered and clamped into the ground at night.
<br />
Sold: Welbie's trade in all basic adventuring gear, but specializes in rope and mechanisms that use rope (pulleys, clamps, rings etc).
<br />
Slogan: "Welbies, where else"</p>Thread designed to aid GM with a quick reference guide for some store ideas. Can include; blacksmiths, pawn shops, food outlets/restaurants, good/resource traders, gun smiths, magical items etc.
Name: Welbies's Traders
Owner: Welbie Gumble (Gnome)
Description: A wooden weather board single story shanty with a tin roof. Welbie keeps a pen of geese, which are let out at night to protect the shanty from would be thieves. The geese honk when anybody gets to close. The shanty has a worked rough...Lehmo2012-04-19T01:59:26ZRe: Forums/Gamer Life: General Discussion: Best one-liner that made the whole table laugh?Lehmohttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2mahp&page=5?Best-oneliner-that-made-the-whole-table-laugh#2272015-04-16T15:34:57Z2012-04-10T12:50:32Z<p>A party of 7 adventurers sneak up on 2 goblins.</p>
<p>Lance: They are only goblins so I attack
<br />
GM: roll for attack
<br />
Lance: rolls a 1
<br />
GM: potential critical fumble, roll to confirm
<br />
Lance: rolls a 2
<br />
GM: fumble confirmed, draws critical fumble card. You are unconscious for 1d4 rounds, rolls a 3
<br />
Goblin: Coude'gras
<br />
GM: Goblin did 6 dmage, you need a fortitude DC 10 + 6 or you die
<br />
Lance: rolls a 1 and fails fortitude save
<br />
GM: Yes they were only goblins
<br />
lol so much</p>
<p>Soaked in blood from goblins
<br />
Durgar: You smell like the captains old piss bottle he use to keep in his cabin.</p>A party of 7 adventurers sneak up on 2 goblins.
Lance: They are only goblins so I attack
GM: roll for attack
Lance: rolls a 1
GM: potential critical fumble, roll to confirm
Lance: rolls a 2
GM: fumble confirmed, draws critical fumble card. You are unconscious for 1d4 rounds, rolls a 3
Goblin: Coude'gras
GM: Goblin did 6 dmage, you need a fortitude DC 10 + 6 or you die
Lance: rolls a 1 and fails fortitude save
GM: Yes they were only goblins
lol so much
Soaked in blood from goblins
Durgar:...Lehmo2012-04-10T12:50:32Z