DM Talomyr, the original plan with Rufus was to eventually go into the Battle Herald Prestige Class, which requires Inspire Courage.
Battle Herald came out before Paizo developed the Skald base class which has Inspired Rage instead of Inspire Courage.
The last Campaign I played Rufus in, the GM ruled that Skald's Inspired Rage class feature could be considered the same as Inspire Courage for the purposes of qualifying for Battle Herald.
What is your opinion?
"It seems we are in agreement then."
With the others consent, Rufus will speak with Mikmek to convince the Kobold to assist in locating safe, concealed camp sites. While doing so, he will also question him to find out as much as he can about both the Mites & the Kobolds.
So, was that eight hp in addition to the four he is now up, Xelani?
The only thing I really have to add to Castor's re-telling is that that seems to have been the beginning of Rufus' obscene luck with Crits. The one major win on our side was him critting a Mite with a dagger as he was desperately trying to get the bodies of our two comrades tied into slings so Castor & our sole surviving comrade could haul them out of the hole because I was not leaving their corpses there for the Mites to do who knows what to...
"My one suggestion would be that we not attempt an assault tomorrow. We will need to plan for multiple possible campsites if we have to make more than one go at this. We cannot afford to risk them simply following us back, or worse yet, determining where we camp & preparing an ambush for us there..."
Turning to Mikmek, Rufus explains to the kobold all his reasoning while assuring the diminutive reptile that they would do all within their power to retrieve the idol.
Basically, Rufus wants us to spend tomorrow scouting out & preparing multiple campsites so that if we don't manage to clear the tree out on our next attempt we can be more confident of having a safe place to rest & recover.
He really is Chaotic, he is just well trained in military campaigning...
Ugh. Sorry I haven't posted for several days. First I had internet issues late last week & then we had a major storm blow through that knocked out power until only this morning. Of course, I wound up working late as well.
I will read through everything & post later, I promise.
"So long as we survive, an engagement of attrition is an option." Rufus replies to Xelani's query. "Not an elegant one, but still..." His expression makes it plain this would not be his first choice.
"Almost undoubtedly," he answers Korinne's musing, "they are hateful little fellows, unloved by nearly all other denizens of these lands. Such vermin are their only boon companions."
Guys, sorry I haven't posted in the last couple days. Thanks to the first big summer heatwave, I got slammed with several after-hours/weekend service calls in a row. I will post to gameplay later tonight, I promise.
Wincing in partial agreement with Korinne's words, Rufus turns to the now freed kobold. "*Draconic gibberish*"Great, for some reason Crome isn't allowing me to cut/paste text...
Oh, it isn't recognizing right-click for some reason...
Draconic:
"We will not find Sharptooth if we die first. Do you know where they have kept your god?"
It is frustrating to have made so much progress, only to turn back; but I can tell you from both personal experience & historical evidence often times the difference between success & failure in actions like this is knowing when to play it safe.
Right now, the biggest argument in Rufus' eyes against retreat isn't how far we've come, but 'can we get far enough away that the Mites are unlikely to follow & attack us while we are defenseless?'
I think that brings me back to a positive hit point total...
As Castor's minor miracles restore Rufus to consciousness if not full health, he rolls upright once more. "Whatever we do, we'd best do it quickly. There are no guarantees they aren't preparing a counter action even now." Nodding his thanks to the half-elf, Rufus makes his way over to the bound Kobold. "Τι απαντάτε εσείς σε; Έχεις καμιά ιδέα πόσα από αυτά τα παράσιτα παραμένουν;"
Draconic:
"What do you answer to? Have you any idea how many of these vermin remain?" He is referring to the Mites, not the centipede. Although if there are more of centipede's, that would be good to know as well.
I just wanted to let everyone know the exchange between all the characters, combined with his own comment regarding every party needing a dick (we have discussed before that Rufus seems to be the dick of this party), sent my son into paroxysms of laughter.
In other news, yes, if you guys can keep him from dying, I would like to continue playing Rufus. If not, I will bring something else in at an appropriate time. I'm thinking I might try out Bloodrager. I have a couple ideas that would probably be thematically appropriate for this.
edit: I think this is where his hp are at thanks to Castor & Xelani. If I am wrong, please let me know.
"Naar beneden vallen, opstaan!" Rufus continues his rant as he swings his blade at the many-legged vermin.
Free action; maintain Raging Song (Inspired Rage) 3/5 rnds, Rufus & all allies who so choose have a +2 morale bonus to Strength and Constitution and a +1 morale bonus on Will saving throws, but also take a –1 penalty to AC. While under the effects of inspired rage, allies other than Rufus cannot use any Charisma-, Dexterity-, or Intelligence-based skills (except Acrobatics, Fly, Intimidate, and Ride) or any ability that requires patience or concentration. (Unlike the barbarian's rage ability, those affected are not fatigued after the song ends.)
Move action; close with the Centipede.
Standard action; Bastardsword attack:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27, Bastardsword crit. confirm:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10; Bastardsword damage:1d10 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 Slashing
I'm double checking to be certain, but it looks as though it is only necessary that allies hear Rufus' Raging Song, not that they be able to understand it...
Therefore, this shall henceforth be my default 'activation phrase' for when he initiates his Raging Song.
"Naar beneden vallen, opstaan!
Naar beneden vallen, opstaan!
Hoewel je zijn gevallen, 'tis niet het teken van een man, alleen dat hij weer staan om de vijand, de angst, de strijd gezicht!" Rufus bellows as froth begins to form at his lips.
Standard action; activate Raging Song (Inspired Rage) 4/5 rnds, he & all allies who so choose now have a +2 morale bonus to Strength and Constitution and a +1 morale bonus on Will saving throws, but also take a –1 penalty to AC. While under the effects of inspired rage, allies other than Rufus cannot use any Charisma-, Dexterity-, or Intelligence-based skills (except Acrobatics, Fly, Intimidate, and Ride) or any ability that requires patience or concentration. (Unlike the barbarian's rage ability, those affected are not fatigued after the song ends.)
Halfing:
"Fall down, stand up!
Fall down, stand up!
Though you have fallen, 'tis not the mark of a man, only that he stand again to face the foe, the fear, the fray!"
Rufus signs to Korinne to attempt her spell against the Mites as he prepares his own response.
"Είμαστε φίλοι. Φυλή σας μας έχει στείλει για να σας βοηθήσουν!"
Go for it, six on four odds is not quite in our favor. Especially considering they have DR against which we don't have the appropriate material...
Draconic:
"We are friends. Your tribe has sent us to aid you!"
I was all set to take part in this scene...
And then I had a very unfulfilling exchange with my ex regarding our son & I'm now in a truly foul mood.
I'll be here, but I'm afraid I'm just going to be taking up space for a time.
Tomorrow should be better.
Nodding in agreement, Rufus proceeds down the passage Castor indicated.
@Rufus: sorry i thought i had placed this in the ooc. the low ceiling is only conferring a -2 to attack. it does not impede you movement. so yeah charging is doable. the low ceiling is through the lair so the attack penalty will affect you in this room.
Yeah, this place is a nightmare for anything taller than a dwarf, I definitely remember that much...
Meta-gaming here, but Rufus would have, (make that should have), argued rather heavily from his recollections that there really isn't a diplomatic option with these guys, particularly not if we are trying to get them to give up something of the kobold's.
If the archers try to take the Mites out, then Rufus will see if he can get himself between the mites & the exit. That way he can try blocking any escape attempt they make, if they make an escape attempt.
In retrospect, Bard is superior to Skald if we have primarily ranged combatants...
Inspire Rage just gives Rage bonus, whereas Inspire Courage gives bonuses that also benefit ranged attackers...
Forgot that he is almost the only melee character in the group, sorry.
I'm guessing the tunnel ceilings are only about 5' high. What about the room ceilings?
Is it possible to charge?
If we are going to treat this as a combat, we should try to keep them from raising an alarm.
"Dark fey, most likely vermin. Those little blue bastards frequently make common cause with such." Rufus answers, "I would be happier if we could have returned to Oleg's to procure some Cold Iron daggers & arrow heads at least, even traveled to Restov if necessary."
"I strongly suspect we may only get one chance at this. They may not number in the hundreds, but enough mites to give an entire tribe of kobolds pause is enough mites to potentially repel and follow us if we try to retreat." Turning to Castor & Korrine, "Hold your spells in reserve for as long as possible, I think."
Staring at the entry with an expression of resigned contemplation, he adds, "We should stay together, but not too close, I've heard they are almost as fond of traps as Kobolds are. I will lead. Castor, you and Korrine should stay to the center, Xelani, maintain our rear." Focusing on Korrine, "Once we engage, you will have a better idea of what you are capable of than, I, but we might be better aided by your senses & your wits than your spells down there."
Knowledge (Nature):1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19, Mite weaknesses/hazards?
Also, there is a Pathfinder spell that allows you to stay up all night to keep watch, but still consider yourself to have gotten a full night's sleep, even fro the purpose of recovering spells/spell slots. Does anyone happen to recall what it is, level & if it is on the Bard list?
"Knowing what the enemy is saying to each other is almost always useful." Rufus ads, nodding distractedly in agreement with Castor's suggestion.
Actually, knowing the tree was inhabited by dark Fey, Rufus would prefer not to even approach within sight of it unless with the intent to make an immediate assault. Something he doesn't think we are prepared to do today. If possible, he would have asked Nakpik to bring us just out of sight of the tree & then we would make camp for the night.
"Πρόκειται για νε-
Είναι γείτονες, ναι? Έχουμε σιδήρου και μπορούμε να αποκτήσουμε περισσότερο, πιο εύκολα από ό, τι φυλή σας, ενδεχομένως." Rufus replies to the Shaman's interrogative.
Turning once more to the chief, he continues, "Αν και είμαι βέβαιος δικούς σας ανθρώπους θα μπορούσε να αφαιρέσει αυτό...
μόλυνση με το πλήρωμα του χρόνου, αν θα μας επιτρέψει να κάνουμε αυτό για σας, ως ένδειξη σεβασμού μας για τη φυλή σας, ίσως θα αποδείξει την καλή μας θέληση?"
Draconic:
"They are f-
They are neighbors, yes? We have Iron and we can acquire more, more easily than your tribe, possibly."
"While I am certain your own people could remove this...
infestation in the fullness of time, if you would allow us to do this for you, as a sign of our respect for your tribe, perhaps it would prove our goodwill?" The reference to the Mites as neighbors rather than Fey has to do with the superstitions regarding it being bad luck to speak of Fey so casually, particularly when they might hear you. I'm trying to maintain that Rufus has picked up some of those superstitions as actual common sense/survival instinct here in this part of the River Kingdoms.
Of course, in such circumstances, following that statement up with mention of Iron as a means of dealing with them isn't the wisest course of action...
You can't tell Wisdom is his dump stat, can you?
On the subject of Rufus' Bard spells known, what do the rest of you think of this one?
Heroes of the Wild, pg. 31 wrote:
NATURE’S PATHS
School divination; Level bard 1, druid 1, inquisitor 1, ranger 1, shaman 1, witch 1
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, M/DF (a smooth stone)
Range touch
Target one creature
Duration 8 hours (D)
Saving Throw Will negates (harmless); Spell Resistance yes (harmless)
The target instinctively knows the shortest, easiest, and fastest way through the wilderness. For the purpose of determining overland speed, the target treats any trackless terrain as though there were a trail or road, and any terrain with a road or trail as though there were a highway. Up to one creature per caster level traveling with the target can also benefit from the effect. The spell functions only outdoors and does not function in magically altered terrain.
Granted, it won't be that useful for us all until he is either third or fourth level as a Skald, depending on how GMGM interprets the line I emboldened...
I'm guessing the exchange is actually in Draconic, or does the Chief or Nakpik speak enough Taldane that we can understand?
Quickly muttering a translation for the others, Rufus steps forward. "Έχω ακούσει πολλά από τη δύναμη και την ανδρεία τους ανθρώπους σας. Αν υπάρχει κάποιο μικρό τρόπο με τον οποίο εγώ και οι σύντροφοί μου θα μπορούσε να είναι της βοήθειας, παρακαλούμε να μας πείτε τι θα μπορούσε να είναι."
Draconic:
"I have heard much of your people's strength and prowess. If there is some small way in which I and my companions might be of aid, please tell us what it might be."
"Oh s%$%."Yes, that is Rufus response. He then proceeds to translate, quickly, the exchange between the two Kobolds before adding, "We just got suckered into backing a powerplay..."
Shaking his head in rueful admiration for the diminutive reptile's duplicity, Rufus follows.
I thought I remembered something about Mites already this Campaign!
I just couldn't find the post with it in it, so I didn't say anything since it might just be me confusing Campaigns...
As the others affirm their readiness, Rufus nods to Crak to lead them within.
"That is one evil looking tree."* At Korrine's description of Mites as Fey creatures, Rufus expression manages an even grimmer cast.
As the company finally closes with the Sootscale 'mine'/'burrow'/what-have-you, he turns to the others. "We will need to be on our guard. These little buggers are said to be feindishly clever trapsmiths, so pay especial attention to both how we go in and any 'oddities' we might notice. They may be prepared traps to make it that much more difficult to leave if they decide to keep us there. I don't believe this one is being duplicitous, but better to remain cautious."
*Remind Castor or I to regale the rest of you about our last encounter there...
after we deal with it in this game of course.
Sorry I have missed out posting the last few days. I came down with a flu bug Thursday night & have alternated bed-ridden with being violently ill in the bathroom since then. Feeling better now.
Nodding at the other's opinions, Rufus sighs a trifle disappointedly, muttering to himself, "Lord Parsal had gelijk, het is echt veel makkelijker om gewoon ze te verslaan dan het is om te redeneren met hen."
Straightening himself, he addresses 'Crak' once more. "Φυσικά, παρακαλώ επιτρέψτε ανάξια εαυτό μας για να συνοδεύσει το ισχυρό πρωταθλητής, έτσι ώστε να μπορέσουμε να ζητήσω συγγνώμη στον αρχηγό σας στο πρόσωπο."
Halfling:
"Lord Parsal was right, it truly is much easier to just beat them than it is to reason with them."
Draconic:
"Of course, please allow our unworthy selves to escort the mighty champion so that we might apologize to your chief in person."
Looking to the others, Rufus queries, "I'm beginning to fear they will all be like this...
which begs the question of whether or not we can even risk leaving them be. Individually, they are no threat. Unfortunately, I strongly suspect there are enough 'Sootscales' to be a genuine problem if they put their minds to it."
Turning to the others, Rufus queries, "I don't recall, did anyone at the Leveton's say anything about radishes?"
Setting his blade aside, he nods in thanks to Xelani. "I suspect their tribe is called the Sootscale, which may mean something, or it may not."
Oh, Rufus will definitely want to ask it more questions, at least.
Looking down upon the reptilian foe before him, Rufus shakes his head briefly, as though concluding an argument with himself. Without warning, his sheathed blade blurs in a conical arc to impact with a resounding 'crack!' into the kobold champion's ribs.
non-lethal Bastardsword attack:1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 6 - 4 = 22...
Oh dear. GMGM, may I elect not to confirm that crit? An average of 18 to 20 non-lethal damage could still kill him, potentially, unless he really is an heroic representative (I.E. has class levels greater than one) of his species...
Bastardsword damage:1d10 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 non-lethal...
Gulp, I might have just killed him anyway...
Note to self, pick up 'Golden Legion's Stayed Blade' ASAP.
Golden Legion’s Stayed Blade (Champions of Purity, pg 23):
When you’re dealing with large and secretive organizations, a dead enemy is just a corpse, but a captured enemy can be a tool.
Prerequisite: Base attack bonus +3.
Benefit: If you deal an amount of damage to a creature that would slay it outright, you can pull that attack, instead dealing only enough damage to reduce its hit points to –1, and leave it stable.
"Alright, they weren't escalating..." Rufus corrects himself. Drawing his blade, (still sheathed), he points it at the apparent 'leader'. "That's quite enough," he calls out in Draconic, "if you are so strong, you won't be afraid to face me in single combat."
"You win, we leave. I win, you stop bullying us." Korrine notices he has a slight difficulty keeping a straight face at the implication that the kobolds are bullying him.
The sheath is because Rufus is going to take the hit & fight non-lethal.
Of course, if he had stayed Cavalier, he would not have a penalty...
"Σίγουρα τόσο ισχυρός ένας λαός όπως οι ίδιοι δεν έχουν τίποτα να φοβηθούν από εμάς. Είθε να μην μάθουν το όνομα των ανθρώπων που έχουν αφήσει αξίωση σε αυτά τα εδάφη?" Rufus hold his hands placatingly.
Aside, he mutters to the others, "I don't believe they are a threat.
Or rather," he shrugs, "I don't believe they are a threat we cannot counter, if necessary."
Draconic:
"Surely so mighty a people as yourselves have nothing to fear from us. May we not learn the name of the people who have laid claim to these lands?"
