Secane's page

Thanks everyone. Now I just have to decide if I want to go with a Dwarf Eagle druid (:P) or go with a Tengu. (Our local group is having an ideal of a "all Tengu" party.) :)

@Hendelbolaf,
I had read the first book of the lotr and part of the 2nd and a little of the hobbit. The funny thing is I prefer the "prequel" book, The Silmarillion more.
The epic-ness and tragedy of The Silmarillion really show the depth of the world Tolkien made.

In any case, I just got all 3 lotr books in paperback for $1 each. Going to read them again soon.

I just want a character that can ride a giant eagle (Roc) in PFS.

I wanted to make a Giant Eagle(lotr) summoner type character for PFS ever since I watched the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit.

My first ideal of a Sky Druid fall threw, when I found out that human's racial heritage feat does not allow race-specific archetypes. (in PFS)

Currently I'm thinking default druid or Eagle shaman (for it more closer to my ideal flavour.)
But The fact that as an Eagle Shaman.... I can't ride a bird (eagle)

Should I just stick with default druid? ToT

Eagle Shaman + Animal Domain + Bonded Companion = Roc AC?

So if I make an Eagle Shaman and take the Animal Domain(feather) does this means that I can get a Roc as a pet at lv 4 (via the animal domain.)

Or am I still limited to just bird (eagle)....?

I'm sticking with the Bar build you gave...... just played #1-43 The Pallid Plague (1-7)... There are SOME THINGS... that you DO NOT want to grapple... :S

My Barbaric Marriage Broker, worshipper of Shelyn, loves her Glaive-guisarme now... reach attack!
Going to buy a MW Kusarigama some where down the line to make use of reach tripping.

Thanks again for all the advice!

Lots of changes... doting this

Arrh!!! Cord of Stubborn Resolve don't work with Str +2 Belt or Anaconda's Coils.... T_T Why did they even make this item.... T_T

My head GM, ruled that bonuses from a Cestus/gauntlet/spiked gauntlet is applicable to Grapples. (Ruling is that you use you hands to grapple and Cestus can be used to deal unarmed attacks, so therefore its bonuses are applicable to the grapple.)
You hands are free when using a Cestus (allowing you to wield or carry items in that hand), so no -4 to grapple.

And as Bruno stated above, I can get it enchanted with Masterwork Transformation (which is PFS legal.)

Dusty Rose Ioun Stone - This is really great! But with this bonuses... a total of +3 to CMD and +2 to CMB, won't this make the Brutal Pugilist totally redundant?
The only true benefit you gain from playing a Brutal Pugilist is the brawling enchantment to armor, higher hp and the fact that you can still beat the crap out of anyone via a great axe or a pole arm. (and Furious!)
Would it better to just go Tetori monk instead??? (Swift action true strike via qigong, feats, inescapable grapple.)

Pauldrons of the Serpent is very nice for me to avoid npcs breaking my grapple, but given that Cloak of Resistance uses the same slot.... which one is more important?

As for Mithral Breastplate, the ruling I got on it is that it is still a medium armor as far as armor enchantments are concern as, only issues like weight is considered light. Elven Chain is considered light in ALL situations, even proficiencies, so I can use that instead... will have to depend on how much gold I have.
Reason to get a some what decent armor is to make use of it to gain grapple via Snapping Turtle style on miss attacks.

Thanks for the reply Brother Bruno.

Going with superstition then.

Since ghost touch makes your weapon (example, Cestus) corporal to incorporeal creatures, why can't it be used for grappling? (Unless grappling assumes you use your whole body and needs like EVERYTHING on you to be ghost touched to grapple an incorporeal creature.

On Weapon: For my Cestus, what enchantments would you recommend for it?

On Armour: Brawling is a must some time down the line. But what should the base armour be? Elven Chainmail? For max armor? And how much should I just focus on things like Ring of Protection? (Or any other examples of AC+ items that add to CMD)

I think I will invest in a reach weapon for Spell Sunder. Hit at range, then move in to grapple. Not as easy as a Tetori's monk's inescapable grapple, but oh well.

(!) Btw, I did consider going Tetori Monk (for better saves and CMD), once I realize that 1 level of Inquisitor is all I needed for Diplo.
After some thought, I decided not to. Tetori monk is just so common and "expected" for a grappler build. While a 6-foot tall cross-dresser RAGING is something much more memorable. :D

Help me, Brother Bruno. Your my only hope!

Some follow up questions (for grappling in PFS)

1) Since I am not going Tedori (who is able to suppress magical effects/spells on grapples at lv 9), how should I handle effects like Freedom of Movement? Should I get a Dispel Enchantment on my Cestus?

And will it work on enemies with the constant freedom of movement effect? (The dispel)

2) In the same vein, should I get enchantments like Ghost Touch and Phase Locking? For incorporeal and vs teleporting?

3) I'm thinking of dropping Animal Fury for Superstition and progress up the rage tree for Witch hunter and (most importantly) Spell Sunder. Is this a good or bad ideal?

Hoping to over come Superstition's limitation with a wand of lesser restoration. (which inquisitors can use.)

Edit: Oh and my ability scores should have 2 points more to spend. As an Angel-blood Aasimar, I get +2 to Str and Cha. When I drop Cha to 7(9) I get 4 more points to spend. 2 when onto Int, but how should I spend the other 2? Place them in Str?

Logic tells me it is a single use item.
But I just don't understand why does some wondrous items clearly says 1 use of or each ounce can be use for ...etc.
While others like Salve of Slipperiness does not say how much you are getting/able to use for that 1000gp.

How many times can Salve of Slipperiness (1000gp) be used?

There does not seems to be any limit on number of times it can be used, or amount. Unlike other slotless wondrous items like Sovereign Glue.

Thanks Bruno! I TOTALLY LOVE it! I will be going with this build.

The combat optimization part of me still screams that I should take growth domain. I may end up with a lv of Cleric instead... Conversation AND Growth! :D
Will have to bang my head over this a little. Though, Inquisitor and Conversation do make me a diplo specialize, which does make more sense then trying to do every thing.

I may switch lv 3 and 4 around, just to get in the "act" of a marriage broker faster, but this is totally what I am going for!

THANK YOU!!! :D

*Jaw drops.... wow... THANK YOU Bruno!

Never did see this combo.... it looks really good!

Please, help me get over some issues...

1) The 2 levels of Samurai is not just for the tie up ability, but also the for the resolve ability and diplo.
Since I am going to be running around with pretty low will saves, I thought a more rounded build with the ability to stay on her feet helps. Also Samurai is full BAB so I don't lose out much...

Is this really not a good ideal? Cos... I was thinking of being able to tie up people in 1 turn at lv 4-5... would be kinda of useful... and there are RP considerations (Character is a "Marriage Broker", who wants to get enemy NPCs married... :D .... so tieing them up helps to keep them down, while I drown them out with potential marriage options... *cue evil laugh. )

Also if I am dropping Inquisitor, Samurai gives me Diplomacy without needing to get a trait for it... Marriage Broker... Intimidate and Diplo are both a must. :D

2) Following the above build, won't it be better to take 1 level of Bar at lv 8? And then take a lv of Fighter at lv 9, instead? So I can make use of the extra feat from fighter to take up Final Embrace straight away?

3) I can totally see why you suggest dropping inquisitor levels. Getting Enlarged Person is not too hard with the right items. The Cracked Vibrant Purple Prism Ioun Stone is PERFECT.... you can load True Strikes and even Enlarge Person in a pinch into it for (IF you really need it) situations... Thanks!

4) Finally, you mention that Turtle Style may not be good... so what other style should I switch to instead? And should I swap Snapping Turtle Clutch for say... Dazzling Display instead?

Remember that no matter what your character is. He/she/it is a Pathfinder. It is like a job you signed on for.
You have to do your job or quit it.

Anyone with any advice on this?

I call it a gut punch with a twist.

Animal Fury, for example is a "love bite" aka a hickey.

@ lemeres, thanks! Nice call on Hamatula strike!. Editing now...

I need some advice on my character grapple build for PFS.
Due to RP and ideal reasons, I decided not to go with a monk build. Instead I'm thinking of using the build below.

Currently this is what I come up with.

Race: Aasimar Angelblooded (RP reasons)

Alternate Racial Traits: Scion of Humanity & Truespeaker

Traits: Heirloom Weapon (Cestus) + 2 to Grapple CMB, Bred for War (via adopted)

Lv 12 Class break down:

8 Barbarian (Brutal Pugilist) - Bonues to CMB/CMD and Rage
2 Samurai (Sword Saint, Order of the Penitent) - Able to tied someone up bypassing the pinned action.
1 Fighter (Unarmed Fighter) - Improved Unarmed Strike, needed for Improved Grapple
1 Inquisitor (Spellbreaker, Growth Domain) - Swift action Enlarge Person

Ability Scores (After Racial):

STR: 16 DEX: 14 CON: 14 INT: 10 WIS: 14 CHA: 12

Lv break down (advice needed):
Lv 1: 1 Bar, - Improve Initiative
Lv 2: 1 Bar, 1 Fighter - Improved Unarmed Strike, Snapping Turtle Style
Lv 3: 1 Bar, 1 Fighter, 1 Inquisitor - Improved Grapple <--- Character starts at this lv, due to GM credit.
Lv 4: 1 Bar, 1 Fighter, 1 Inquisitor, 1 Samurai - 1 point into Str
Lv 5: 1 Bar, 1 Fighter, 1 Inquisitor, 2 Samurai - Snapping Turtle Clutch
Lv 6: 2 Bar, 1 Fighter, 1 Inquisitor, 2 Samurai - Strength Surge (Rage Power)
Lv 7: 3 Bar, 1 Fighter, 1 Inquisitor, 2 Samurai - Greater Grapple
Lv 8: 4 Bar, 1 Fighter, 1 Inquisitor, 2 Samurai - Animal Fury (Rage Power), 2 points total into Str
Lv 9: 5 Bar, 1 Fighter, 1 Inquisitor, 2 Samurai - Hamatula Strike
Lv 10: 6 Bar, 1 Fighter, 1 Inquisitor, 2 Samurai - ??? (Rage Power)
Lv 11: 7 Bar, 1 Fighter, 1 Inquisitor, 2 Samurai - Shatter Defenses

Any advice on the above build is appreciated.

Edited: Taking out Dazzling Display tree, for Hamatula Strike

It is kinda of the same here in Singapore. We did ran a bunch of Season 4 during our very first con here in Singapore, but not much during normal weekly games.

Most of the games have been seasons 0-1, a reasonable number of 2-3s and just a few 4s.

Of the season 4s, Wraith's Shadow, needs a mention, as it was ran during the con with 4 players and totally spooked all the players in regards to the difficulty of some season 4 scenarios.
All of the players were using their very first characters and the sudden jump in difficulty, threw everyone off.
(Party did not manage to complete it and a pre-gen character died.)

That said, there are some season 4 scenarios that are very memorable, for all the right reasons. The Blakros Matrimony was ran very nicely during the con. Gave both RP and Combat challenges with a interesting and more importantly, engaging story.

I read that Storm Giants often own large estates, farmlands...etc, employ humans and elves for work and "take charge" and protect their lands. Plus they are CG.

So where in Golarion can you find Storm Giant enclaves?

And how is the relationship between them and the people who work for them?

Aka, how do Storm Giants fit into the world of Golarion? (And her sister planets.)

Are the Builders and the Keepers like 2 different caste of the same species or are they 2 different/related, species?

Wands of etc, CLWs, yes. Rods.... I think no?

Actually, I'm making a monk/bar/inquisitor and maybe unarmed fighter/Cavalier build... that is focused on grappling... I know is very messy.

I was thinking of manoeuvre master for its lv 4 ability to use ki to double roll a grapple. Also manoeuvre master is quite front loaded for an archetype.

Going to post my build question in another thread. Thank you Drakkiel for the answer. Need to think if MM is worth placing levels in it.

Given that Ragathiel has an angelic look, could this means that Dispater (and maybe some other archevils) are once angelish-type beings? Or at least looked like angels?

Do you mean they can only be born from human parents?

Or do you mean they have to be human-type aasimars? (This has been answered by redward and Nebten)

I am trying to make a grapple focus character and is looking to take a couple of levels in Manoeuvres Master.
However, looking at Flurry of Manoeuvres, I am very confused.

How many grapples can I make at lv 1, using Flurry of Maneuvers as a fullround action?
2 grapples? Or 1 attack and 1 grapple? (With the attack not a Flurry of Blows, but a normal 2/3 bab attack.)

We recently have a similar question on mounts and what are legal sources for mounts. After some debate and a PM to Mr Brock.
The answer is "The three classes (Paladin, Cavalier and Nature Oracle.) are still limited to their respective class abilities. (meaning only horses, camels, pony, wolf, boar and dog mounts.)"

In the case of mounts, the Mammoth Rider or the Cavaliers Archetype Beast Rider are examples of "another legal source" as stated in the PFS FAQ.

The books are all sources/resources, but having a book does not mean all options in the books are legal or accessible to use.

For example, having the Advance Race Guide, does not means you have legal access to make Goblins, Kitsune, Najaji or Sylph characters. In this case, a boon is required to access these races and make them legal to use

So even thought it is stated in the Bestiary that a Roc is a valid Animal Companion. It is not a valid Animal Companion for a Ranger, which is still limited to the the "list" of animal companions on the Ranger class page.
Aka, as a Ranger, you do not have Legal Access to the Roc.

Dhampir: Dhampirs are humanoids with the dhampir subtype.

Dhampirs are not undead.

They just have the dhampir subtype.

Well... Here is Singapore, there are 2-4+ games ran each week for PFS...

It would be logical to run lesser games, but with PFS in Singapore still less then a year old, there is quite a lot of interest for games by players.

Hope a means to address this issue could be part of season 5.

The Weapon Style trait from Lantern Lodge gives you proficiency in a single weapon with the monk quality... in case you where wondering, yes, the Dan Bong has the monk quality...

My char is from the Lantern Lodge!!! Thanks! You just saved me a feat! :)

The Dan Bong is a terrible weapon because RAW it makes you worse at grappling.

If a humanoid who grapples doesn't have both hands free he gets -2 to grapple.
If you are using a Dan Bong you get +2 to grapple. That nets you a -2. Most likely the -4 isn't supposed to apply to tzhe dan bong but RAW it does.

And in addition, as the dan bong's damage is so low you'll never want to use it as an actual weapon.

So in the end you pay a feat for a weapon you will not use that makes you worse at grappling.

Wait, wait.... what?!?!?

Wonder if Obedience will turn up in PFS...

One of my fellow players suggested that maybe the rules could be changed to that players can play each Sub-tier of a scenario once, instead of only each scenario once.
(With each Character still limited to playing each scenario once.)

That would help to expand more options for players.
While still preventing abuse.

@_@!!! totally missed that Xaratherus! Thanks!

*Facepalm myself. :P

Maybe I should post the Heirloom Dan Bong question on another thread?

So what if I'm using a Dan Bong? (Exotic Monk weapon, getting proficeny by dipping into Unarmed fighter.)

Dan Bong
These short, blunt sticks are held in
the hands to enhance unarmed martial
techniques and secured by a cord
looped over the thumb. They provide
the wielder with the ability to lock an
opponent and target pressure points,
granting you a +2 bonus on combat
maneuver checks to grapple.

This weapon helps you with grapple checks. If I get a heirloom version of a Dan Bong, can I pick the +2 to CMB?

(I understand if there is a RAW vs RAI logic loop here.)

@Gauss

Ok. Guess I will get Heirloom Weapon equipment trait (spiked gauntlet) for the +2 to Grapple CMB instead.

Thanks!

Btw, all these traits are legal in PFS.

Sorry for getting the terms mixed up. As Weirdo wrote, I am looking at the Enlightened Warrior Race Trait.

So back to question 2: Does Taking Adopted means you tied up both the Social and Race Traits selection options? (As you can only pick 1 trait from each "category" of traits.)

@Gauss, what you wrote, makes sense, but just wish to get a clarification. Cos I'm thinking of getting the human Bred for War trait to increase my CMB.

Question 1:
So I'm trying to make a Aasimar Barbarian-Monk. I'm using the Angel-Blooded subrace for role-play reasons.

However, to make a Bar-Monk I require the Enlightened Warrior racial trait, that is limited to Agathion-Blooded Aasimars. It allows them to retain monk levels even if NG or N.

As an Aasimar Angel-Blooded , can I use the Adopted social trait, to pick Aasimar Agathion-Blooded as my adopted race and select the Enlightened Warrior racial trait?

Question 2:
Since Adopted is a Social trait, that makes you pick up a another race's trait, can I use my 2nd trait slot to select another racial trait like a human racial trait? (via, Scion of Humanity.)

This is for a PFS character.

Just adding my 2 cents to this, recently I played a game, whose scenario I had played before.

With no faction mission to accomplish and the need to constantly be on the look out for something or someone, I find myself enjoying the game a lot more. :)

So this is the end game for the Lantern Lodge?

Secane wrote:

Well this is bad... Why the Lantern Lodge?

The forums for the Singapore PFS, is called the Lantern Lodge.

Not to mention that a large percentage of our characters are Lantern Lodgers.
Given that LL is Asian themed and Singapore is an Asian country.

:(

These two got cut because they're the least popular factions globally. And I definitely see it in my local groups here in the US. I play with such a wide variety of people that I run into all 10 factions sometimes, but these two are definitely among the least common.

:C

Hope they give Lantern Lodge a good ending. Heard they will become a NPC-faction?

My Alchemist, infuse explosives and shoot it out of a pistol.

Or if that does not work, throw stinking smoke bombs around to flush those enemies out.

Well this is bad... Why the Lantern Lodge?
The forums for the Singapore PFS, is called the Lantern Lodge.

Not to mention that a large percentage of our characters are Lantern Lodgers.
Given that LL is Asian themed and Singapore is an Asian country.

:(

From what I understand, a book is a resource, while classes, boons, archetypes, feats...etc, are sources.

The player is seeing the FAQ wording of "source" as meaning the books, in this case, the Bestiary 2 & 3 and Animal Archive.

Can anyone point to a faq, post, book or link that clearly states what is define as a "source" in PFS?

There seems to be a conflict on the interpretation/understanding of this part of the PFS FAQ on mounts, (the bold sections.)

As a paladin or cavalier, what mount can I have?

As a paladin, your divine bond mount must be at least one size category larger than you starting at 1st level. If you’re a Medium PC, your mount must be Large. If you’re a Small PC, your mount must be at least Medium. You may only select a mount from the listed mounts on page 63 of the Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook unless another source grants access to additional creature choices. As a cavalier, you may select a mount from those listed on page 33 of the Advanced Player's Guide. No additional mounts are legal in Pathfinder Society Organized Play except when granted from another legal source.

So the player and our local VC, both interpreted this as sources like Bestiary 2 & 3 and Animal Archive. Therefore since these books are available for PFS use, the mounts inside are usable by class with a mount.

Can anyone please clarify this?

Ok, let me get it right.

1) There are a lot of mounts available to all classes/players. These are purchased mounts.

2) Class features like Bonded Mount, Paladin's bond and Cavalier's mount, have a small selection of mounts that each class feature give "ACCESS" to.

Unless an archetype or otherwise (like a boon), give ACCESS to more mount options, they are stuck with that list of accessible mounts.

So while he can purchase a mount, like the Giant Chameleon.

The Bonded Mount revelation he is using don't not actually allow him to "access" the Giant Chameleon as a Bonded Mount?

I see.

Let me get this right. Even thought there are more Animal Companions and purchasable mounts available. (Bestiary 2 & 3 and Animal Archive...etc)

The Mounts that you "have access" to via Bounded Mount, Divine Bond (Sp) and Cavalier's mount are limited by their respective class features. Unless! An Archetype like the Beast Rider Cavalier give you access to them.

Am I right in this?

PS: If ANYONE knows a post that clarify this please link me to it.
Or a means to ask a PFS Paizo staff to clarify this.

So, are Paladins and Nature Oracles, only limited to Horses, Camels, pony, wolf, boar and dog?

Cos, I have a player here, running around in an Axebeak and Giant Chameleon.

From what I understand is due to him pointing out that the Bestiary 2 & 3 and Animal Archive, allowing more AC options.