paizo.com Recent Posts by The Shifty Mongoosepaizo.com Recent Posts by The Shifty Mongoose2024-03-25T19:33:17Z2024-03-25T19:33:17ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Adventures: A Fistful of FlowersThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43mml?A-Fistful-of-Flowers#82024-03-03T01:16:49Z2024-03-03T01:06:27Z<p>I like what you've done with her. I gave her a Water-Elemental bloodline, partially so that she could "overwater" them with Hydraulic Push or a water-related Fireball (sucks water out of the ground, and detonates a high-pressure blast!), and partially because being able to boss the water around would give her a lot of power in a flower-reliant place.
<br />
I also gave her the Elaborate Flourish feat instead of Alchemy Crafting.</p>I like what you've done with her. I gave her a Water-Elemental bloodline, partially so that she could "overwater" them with Hydraulic Push or a water-related Fireball (sucks water out of the ground, and detonates a high-pressure blast!), and partially because being able to boss the water around would give her a lot of power in a flower-reliant place.
I also gave her the Elaborate Flourish feat instead of Alchemy Crafting.The Shifty Mongoose2024-03-03T01:06:27ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Second Edition: General Discussion: Paizo Blog: Tian Xia Days: A Single Drop of WaterThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo6siij?Tian-Xia-Days-A-Single-Drop-of-Water#262024-03-04T08:48:00Z2024-03-03T00:53:47Z<p>Something I forgot to add:
<br />
This is also a good look at what it means to be a civilian who never needs to level up in a setting with high-level people running around.</p>Something I forgot to add:
This is also a good look at what it means to be a civilian who never needs to level up in a setting with high-level people running around.The Shifty Mongoose2024-03-03T00:53:47ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Second Edition: General Discussion: Paizo Blog: Mess With the Dragon, Get the Horns!The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo6siio?Mess-With-the-Dragon-Get-the-Horns#192024-03-02T09:46:18Z2024-03-01T22:42:05Z<p>Ooh, this'll be handy for updating the Dragon's Demand to the most current stuff!</p>
<p>That poison breath attack got me looking for something that reduces poison damage. Other than two things that show up in an AP, all you get are things that give you a bonus on saves vs. poison.</p>Ooh, this'll be handy for updating the Dragon's Demand to the most current stuff!
That poison breath attack got me looking for something that reduces poison damage. Other than two things that show up in an AP, all you get are things that give you a bonus on saves vs. poison.The Shifty Mongoose2024-03-01T22:42:05ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Second Edition: General Discussion: Rise of the Runelords 2e Official Release?The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43y2z?Rise-of-the-Runelords-2e-Official-Release#262024-02-29T07:01:12Z2024-02-29T06:57:10Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Cole Deschain wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Jokes aside... I actually think Second Darkness would benefit from a revision more than most of the APs, insofar as it shows its age on the conceptual and setting detail front far more than most APs.</p>
<p>But we like our Directorsaur and want him to get enough sleep, so... </blockquote><p>In-between two APs, I decided a drow the PCs rescued got retconned into having been Sekmin. So the players will probably do some double-takes before they realize what happened.
</p>
That'll have to be done to the whole AP, which might take less work than I estimate. Then again, I don't know how much that'd be.</p>Cole Deschain wrote:Jokes aside... I actually think Second Darkness would benefit from a revision more than most of the APs, insofar as it shows its age on the conceptual and setting detail front far more than most APs.
But we like our Directorsaur and want him to get enough sleep, so...
In-between two APs, I decided a drow the PCs rescued got retconned into having been Sekmin. So the players will probably do some double-takes before they realize what happened.
That'll have to be done to...The Shifty Mongoose2024-02-29T06:57:10ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Second Edition: General Discussion: Paizo Blog: Tian Xia Days: A Single Drop of WaterThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo6siij?Tian-Xia-Days-A-Single-Drop-of-Water#222024-02-29T13:55:06Z2024-02-29T06:53:29Z<p>D'aww, a fun exploration of the setting and relationships-
<br />
Wait, a lot of people are going to get mad at her for ending their city's biggest tourist attraction...</p>D'aww, a fun exploration of the setting and relationships-
Wait, a lot of people are going to get mad at her for ending their city's biggest tourist attraction...The Shifty Mongoose2024-02-29T06:53:29ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Second Edition: General Discussion: Paizo Blog: The emGodsrain Prophecies/em Part ThreeThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo6sii9?The-Godsrain-Prophecies-Part-Three#272024-02-21T21:10:49Z2024-02-21T21:01:52Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">James Jacobs wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">CreepyShutIn wrote:</div><blockquote> "Belief makes a god" is perhaps my least favorite description of divinity. I shall be happy to determine that this was delusion. </blockquote>This has been a core fundamental of the setting from day one (although it took a bit to scrub all of that influence out—certain other TTRPG campaign settings have a lot of influence!), because the idea of a god who has no worshipers active but can still be a god and potentially come back or have secret cults and all that was there from the very start of the Pathfinder Adventure Path in Lissala's story. </blockquote><p>It's fun to explore settings that differentiate themselves from each other. This isn't Discworld, nor is it That Other TTRPG Setting, and I don't mind the reminders of such. Keep 'em coming!James Jacobs wrote:CreepyShutIn wrote: "Belief makes a god" is perhaps my least favorite description of divinity. I shall be happy to determine that this was delusion.
This has been a core fundamental of the setting from day one (although it took a bit to scrub all of that influence out—certain other TTRPG campaign settings have a lot of influence!), because the idea of a god who has no worshipers active but can still be a god and potentially come back or have secret cults and all that was...The Shifty Mongoose2024-02-21T21:01:52ZRe: Forums: Seven Dooms for Sandpoint: Paizo Blog: Meet The DoomvelopersThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo6sii8?Meet-The-Doomvelopers#202024-02-21T21:00:48Z2024-02-21T20:54:33Z<p>I'm about to run Return of the Runelords as possibly my last PF1 AP, and my players are already wondering what it'll be like in Sandpoint.
<br />
Nobody ever cared for/about Mr. Podiker. I never thought of him as villain material, just as a Szcarni-adjacent alchemist with an inflated ego.
<br />
...So that might make any incoming twists about him all the more shocking.</p>I'm about to run Return of the Runelords as possibly my last PF1 AP, and my players are already wondering what it'll be like in Sandpoint.
Nobody ever cared for/about Mr. Podiker. I never thought of him as villain material, just as a Szcarni-adjacent alchemist with an inflated ego.
...So that might make any incoming twists about him all the more shocking.The Shifty Mongoose2024-02-21T20:54:33ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Second Edition: General Discussion: Paizo Blog: Dragons Worth a Fortune!The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo6sii7?Dragons-Worth-a-Fortune#182024-02-17T14:34:36Z2024-02-16T22:14:11Z<p>I like how the setting's going all-in on the concept of, "Magic's an ambient energy you can manipulate with your bare hands and your mind."
<br />
Dragons being so innately magical, they don't need any of the tools mere mortals need to cast spells: they can just intuit everything.</p>
<p>Also, I can imagine half a party being disappointed over finding most of the magic objects in the dragon's hoard drained, with the other half immediately going to skin the dragon and see what they can do with all the gilded scales.</p>I like how the setting's going all-in on the concept of, "Magic's an ambient energy you can manipulate with your bare hands and your mind."
Dragons being so innately magical, they don't need any of the tools mere mortals need to cast spells: they can just intuit everything.
Also, I can imagine half a party being disappointed over finding most of the magic objects in the dragon's hoard drained, with the other half immediately going to skin the dragon and see what they can do with all the...The Shifty Mongoose2024-02-16T22:14:11ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: "Living Gods"??The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43xhq?Living-Gods#52024-01-17T19:00:59Z2024-01-17T18:58:46Z<p>This adds more credence to Razmir having <i>totally</i> passed the Test of the Starstone, they just haven't gotten around to building statues of him yet.</p>This adds more credence to Razmir having totally passed the Test of the Starstone, they just haven't gotten around to building statues of him yet.The Shifty Mongoose2024-01-17T18:58:46ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: Your favorite piece of deity loreThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43xh8?Your-favorite-piece-of-deity-lore#112024-01-17T19:00:59Z2024-01-17T18:56:27Z<p>Religion doesn't work on Golarion the way it works on the Discworld: the power of the god does not relate to the size of the god's religion (plus, some religions are active on more than just Golarion). Dead gods and forgotten gods aren't the same thing.</p>
<p>Still, there are people on Golarion who think it does work this way. Or at least, if they can't kill a deity, the least they can do is kill followers of that deity and profane sacred spaces.</p>
<p>I played one antagonist whose motivation was an incorrect assumption that Iomedae murdered Aroden and took his place. So I looked around here for those bad faith, "Iomedae Is Actually Evil" takes and put them in his mouth. The PCs tried to bait him into fighting them on their terms by praising Iomedae while they were walking around (which mainly just alerted his minions to their presence).</p>Religion doesn't work on Golarion the way it works on the Discworld: the power of the god does not relate to the size of the god's religion (plus, some religions are active on more than just Golarion). Dead gods and forgotten gods aren't the same thing.
Still, there are people on Golarion who think it does work this way. Or at least, if they can't kill a deity, the least they can do is kill followers of that deity and profane sacred spaces.
I played one antagonist whose motivation was an...The Shifty Mongoose2024-01-17T18:56:27ZForums: Return of the Runelords: Fighting MharThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43xg9?Fighting-Mhar#12024-01-15T03:41:23Z2024-01-15T03:40:57Z<p>I'm going to start this AP sometime in the next few months, and my players want to end the trilogy by fighting Mhar.
<br />
They did accidentally end up contributing to the Rise of Mhar in the first AP.
<br />
The problem is, I've never done anything Mythical before, and neither have my players. I have an idea of how to set this up, which I'll tinker with as the AP goes on.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]
<br />
Am I on the right track here?</p>I'm going to start this AP sometime in the next few months, and my players want to end the trilogy by fighting Mhar.
They did accidentally end up contributing to the Rise of Mhar in the first AP.
The problem is, I've never done anything Mythical before, and neither have my players. I have an idea of how to set this up, which I'll tinker with as the AP goes on.
[Spoiler omitted]
Am I on the right track here?The Shifty Mongoose2024-01-15T03:40:57ZRe: Forums/Organized Play: General Discussion: Paizo Blog: An All Ages ExplanationThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo6sihd?An-All-Ages-Explanation#212024-01-12T03:18:48Z2024-01-12T03:15:08Z<p>This makes sense.
<br />
From not being gross at new players to giving more options than one big fight. Players can still instigate a fight, unless they'd rather sneak or negotiate.</p>
<p>It also makes Quests slightly easier to write in a free-form sort of way: here's the setup, here are some of the most likely DCs related to the obstacles, here's a major NPC. What will you do about this?</p>This makes sense.
From not being gross at new players to giving more options than one big fight. Players can still instigate a fight, unless they'd rather sneak or negotiate.
It also makes Quests slightly easier to write in a free-form sort of way: here's the setup, here are some of the most likely DCs related to the obstacles, here's a major NPC. What will you do about this?The Shifty Mongoose2024-01-12T03:15:08ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Adventures: A Fistful of FlowersThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43mml?A-Fistful-of-Flowers#62023-12-27T07:50:57Z2023-12-27T07:47:44Z<p>I know it was last year, but did anyone ever plan out a 5th-level sorcerer to fight the PCs instead? I might want her to do a little pruning, then give up in frustration when the PCs prove to be too uppity for her, or similar.</p>I know it was last year, but did anyone ever plan out a 5th-level sorcerer to fight the PCs instead? I might want her to do a little pruning, then give up in frustration when the PCs prove to be too uppity for her, or similar.The Shifty Mongoose2023-12-27T07:47:44ZRe: Forums: Conversions: How to adapt Don't Strave Together into PF2e?The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43wie?How-to-adapt-Dont-Strave-Together-into-PF2e#62023-12-15T00:40:24Z2023-12-15T00:39:55Z<p>Metrics, I think it'd be better to recreate Don't Starve in Pathfinder, rather than attempt to emulate it exactly.</p>
<p>Instead of giving weapons and armor HP & Hardnes like shields, maybe have Minor Downtime actions, that you can do two or three of at once, and have Maintain Gear be one of them. Building new weapons, fixing Umbrella Hats, and the like.</p>
<p>Similarly, your first Spider/Beefalo hunt should be a group encounter; later, once you've levelled up enough, it can be a solo encounter; then later, it can be a Minor Downtime Action, getting you Food & Clothes Resources based on your Proficiency.</p>
<p>Sorta like how that first fight with a Tallbird is life-threatening if you just have a spear & grass armor, but once you have weapons & armor made from Nightmare Fuel, you may have more food than you can possibly eat.</p>Metrics, I think it'd be better to recreate Don't Starve in Pathfinder, rather than attempt to emulate it exactly.
Instead of giving weapons and armor HP & Hardnes like shields, maybe have Minor Downtime actions, that you can do two or three of at once, and have Maintain Gear be one of them. Building new weapons, fixing Umbrella Hats, and the like.
Similarly, your first Spider/Beefalo hunt should be a group encounter; later, once you've levelled up enough, it can be a solo encounter; then...The Shifty Mongoose2023-12-15T00:39:55ZRe: Forums: Conversions: How to adapt Don't Strave Together into PF2e?The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43wie?How-to-adapt-Dont-Strave-Together-into-PF2e#32023-12-08T02:20:42Z2023-12-08T02:14:35Z<p>I was thinking of doing this at one point.</p>
<p>I'd make it a Hexploration adventure, where Treasure is more resources than money.</p>
<p>One character may have to Subsist for the group until they can set up a base. Once they make a Farm/Kitchenware, then they can make finished meals. There are already examples of Alchemy Food.</p>
<p>Since you don't gain levels in DST, I'd suggest Proficiency Without Level. Weapons breaking also doesn't work well in PF2, so you could go to APB and have magic weapons just be better ones, in a Spear>Spike>Dark Sword>Thulecite Club sort of thing.</p>
<p>I did try to stat out the Deerclops & Moose/Goose in PF1, and have been meaning to try again in the latest edition.</p>
<p>As for what to do, explore the place? Find specific objects? Stick the key in the gate and the heart in the fossil, fight the resulting boss fight, then jump through the gate?</p>
<p>I'd like to try setting this up, and running it for people who've never played DST.</p>I was thinking of doing this at one point.
I'd make it a Hexploration adventure, where Treasure is more resources than money.
One character may have to Subsist for the group until they can set up a base. Once they make a Farm/Kitchenware, then they can make finished meals. There are already examples of Alchemy Food.
Since you don't gain levels in DST, I'd suggest Proficiency Without Level. Weapons breaking also doesn't work well in PF2, so you could go to APB and have magic weapons just be...The Shifty Mongoose2023-12-08T02:14:35ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: A buffed DazeThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43wre?A-buffed-Daze#22023-12-03T11:13:43Z2023-12-03T06:36:37Z<p>I like the look of this. Also, a cantrip that can make someone off-guard is useful if your allies don't have reliable ways to pull it off.</p>I like the look of this. Also, a cantrip that can make someone off-guard is useful if your allies don't have reliable ways to pull it off.The Shifty Mongoose2023-12-03T06:36:37ZForums: Homebrew and House Rules: Simplified Drug RulesThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43woz?Simplified-Drug-Rules#12023-11-21T04:08:54Z2023-11-21T04:08:39Z<p>Under the current Drug Rules, you have to make two Fort Saves when using one; the first to see if you don't actually use it (though if you want to use it, you'll voluntarily Fail it), and the second to see if you get an Addiction. Addictions work like a disease, with a new Save each week to see if you improve. You can suppress addiction by using whatever drug gave you the addiction, but it might make that addiction worse.</p>
<p>If you're of a high-enough Level or have Legendary Fort Saves, there's nothing stopping you from speedballing one of everything (other than that beneficial First Stage lasting only a minute sometimes), and even if you do fail that save, a cleric can cure that right up.</p>
<p>Now that we have Alchemy Food, I want to rework drugs into basically Alchemy Food With Downsides.
<br />
That way, pesh can stay cheaper than waffles while still having reasons to prefer the waffles over the drug (for one example)</p>
<p><b>The House Rules for Drugs</b>
<br />
<ul>
<br />
<li>If a drug is Ingested or Injury, it needs only 1 Interact Action to use. If a drug is Inhaled, it requires anywhere from 1-10 minutes of Interacting, which can be done alongside other actions. In either case, they can all have predictable onset times in case people all want to use them together. Their usage gets factored into their onset times, as well.
<br />
<li>Fort Saves stay the same, but instead, they're only used if you don't want to use a drug (in case someone slipped you one, or everyone's smoking flayleaf around here and you say no to it).
<br />
<li>At least two effects happen at once, lasting for the drug's Maximum Duration. Usually, one is beneficial while the others are not.
<br />
<li>With a Medicine check against a Moderate DC of the level of the drug's Item Level, someone examining a user can tell if the user is under the effects of a drug, or has used one within the past week. A Critical Failue results in a misdiagnosis.
<br />
<li>For simplicity's sake, you can only ever be under the effects of one drug at a time. Or, if you try to use one while already under the effects of another drug, you get all the Not-Good Effects and none of the Good ones.
<br />
<li>The GM might call your character an addict. NPCs might notice your withdrawl symptoms. You might want to ask the clergy to pray your addiction away. Work this out with the GM and Player.</ul></p>
<p>Here are some example re-worked drugs:</p>
<p><b>Flayleaf</b> (Alchemical, Consumable, Drug, Ingested/Inhaled, Poison) Level 0
<br />
Price: 1 GP. Usage: Held in 1 Hand. Bulk: L. Activate: 1 (Interact)
<br />
Onset: 10 Minutes. Duration: 4 Hours.
<br />
Effects: You treat Saving Throws against pain as 1 degree better, but are also Fatigued.</p>
<p><b>Pesh</b> (Alchemical, Consumable, Drug, Inhaled, Poison) Level 1
<br />
Price: 2 GP. Usage: Held in 1 Hand. Bulk: L. Activate: 10 Minutes (Interact)
<br />
Onset: 10 Minutes. Duration: 6 Hours.
<br />
Effects: 1 Temporary HP/Level; +2 Item Bonus on saves vs. fear; Clumsy 1; Stupefied 1.</p>
<p><b>Zerk</b> (Alchemical, Consumable, Drug, Injury, Poison) Level 4
<br />
Price: 20 GP. Usage: Held in 1 Hand. Bulk: L. Activate: 1 (Interact)
<br />
Onset: 1 Minutes. Duration: 1 Hour.
<br />
Effects: +2 Item Bonus on Perception-based Initiative; +2 to Melee Damage on the first attack you make against someone you haven't yet attacked while high on Zerk (after which you might lose interest); Drained 1.</p>Under the current Drug Rules, you have to make two Fort Saves when using one; the first to see if you don't actually use it (though if you want to use it, you'll voluntarily Fail it), and the second to see if you get an Addiction. Addictions work like a disease, with a new Save each week to see if you improve. You can suppress addiction by using whatever drug gave you the addiction, but it might make that addiction worse.
If you're of a high-enough Level or have Legendary Fort Saves, there's...The Shifty Mongoose2023-11-21T04:08:39ZForums: Shattered Star: The Sihedron Council gets the Neutral EndThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43wmg?The-Sihedron-Council-gets-the-Neutral-End#12023-11-19T19:04:20Z2023-11-17T03:29:10Z<p>After two long years (about a third of which was full of session cancellations), the Sihedron Council managed to rebuild the Shattered Star and show it to the late Emperor one last time.</p>
<p>(Due to adjustments I made to the AP, they also found that the Shattered Star was never actually shattered in the first place - Xin mailed a shard to each of his apprentices, with incomplete information on how to put them together. Instead of working together to finish it, they fought over which one would build it singularly, and worked together to send an assassin after him during a loss of the anti-teleportation ward in his palace.)</p>
<p>Their names:</p>
<p>Gaius Stormshield née Gaius Coruncanius Vettonianus (Chelish human Armiger Fighter/Hellknight)</p>
<p>Vissaa Sewer Dragon, Absalom kobold Starsoul Sorcerer (Absalom's first kobold astronomer!)</p>
<p>Torsten Ironbrew, Chirurgeon Alchemist with a dip in Fighter (The last remaining heir to some of Janderhoff's lost brewing secrets)</p>
<p>Purrcible McCoy, Rahadoumi Amurran Wisdom Witch (who later, after having met the metzlan, decided to learn their ways by tossing his familiar aside and retraining into Oozemorph)</p>
<p>Here is their denoument.</p>
<p>Lockerbie & Liza Jane Brast remained as, y'know, sewer custodians. They made sure to only eat derro crawling up from the Darklands, which kept happening surprisingly often.</p>
<p>The Tower Girls, under leadership of Ayala, helped people out of the flooding and made sure that people got their necessities while their homes were drying out. The reputation of the Sczarni as a whole improved in Magnimar, and the Nailers had to put that in their pipes and smoke it!</p>
<p>The Order of the Nail, their sterling reputation polished further by their organized handling of citizens during the Rise of the Isle of Xin and subsequent repairs, served them well in their other pursuits. Not only shall they bring their hammers down on the remaining cultists of the region, but they shall soon stamp out the lawless Sczarni threat once and for all!</p>
<p>The xulgath of these lands left the loathsome boggards and their hag friend to the Lady's Cape. Forced into letting bugbears offer their idea of help, they still rob river-goers in the south. Some went north, to turn to the World Thunder. The xulgath as a whole face hard times.</p>
<p>Maroux finally got some peace and quiet. Screw all y'all!</p>
<p>Kanya & Herifax lived a fast, carefree life, squandering all the stuff they were given. Eventually Fufu the Lurker ate them, but they were so overdosed, they didn't mind, or notice really.</p>
<p>Despite having received little funding, the most of which had come from Korvosa, Windsong Abbey saw itself rebuilt, with the help of some penitent giants. There is now a chapel - small to a giant - dedicated to both Aegirran, the Sea Dreamer, and Minderhal, the stone giant god of justice. Pilgrims have begun to return to Windsong, including, bemusingly, at least one Groetesian.</p>
<p>Worship of Lisalla, in any organized way, ceased in Varisia. Many former Lisallans, disillusioned or desperate, turned to other faiths. Soralyon, the Mystic Angel, took in some, while others heard Mhar's belching of smoke and molten rock. Others, however, were shown the uncaring light of distant stars, and began to whisper to anyone willing to hear of it, of the benificence of the Crawling Chaos. Their numbers are small, but in the endless length of time, the whole galaxy shall know the power of the Chaotic Evil side!</p>
<p>Shasthaak, rune giant graveknight, returned to the world at large! Having completed his goal of killing Emperor Xin, he set about searching for any remaining presence of his lieges, to inform them of his success!</p>
<p>The Sihedron Council was a brilliant idea from its very beginning, having apparently saved Magnimar twice over. Their former membership of the Pathfinder Society, and their renown throughout the city-state, inspired the people of Magnimar to new heights of literacy, making Magnimar, I daresay, even more highly educated than the backward outpost of Korvosa! They stand vigilant, ready to defend Varisia from dangers of its antiquity. They even managed to recover one of the Seven Swords of Sin, and used it in conjunction with the Sihedron to, well, that's another story.</p>
<p>(Mid-Credits Stinger)
<br />
Ogonthunn took the Platinum Key and with it, the entire Clockwork Army of Emperor Xin. Those mouth-breathers discovered their ruse thanks to one of them having conjured a creature with innate <i>True Seeing</i>, but never discovered their real name. They didn't even have to crush anyone's will to get it. Their resistance to saltwater should make the re-subjugation of the Deep Merfolk go more smoothly. (However, Ogonthuun was left unaware that, by the late Emperor's last decree, the next time a clockwork soldier would wind down would be for good)</p>After two long years (about a third of which was full of session cancellations), the Sihedron Council managed to rebuild the Shattered Star and show it to the late Emperor one last time.
(Due to adjustments I made to the AP, they also found that the Shattered Star was never actually shattered in the first place - Xin mailed a shard to each of his apprentices, with incomplete information on how to put them together. Instead of working together to finish it, they fought over which one would...The Shifty Mongoose2023-11-17T03:29:10ZRe: Forums: Shattered Star: Combining Shattered Star and Pathfinder Society season 4 (SPOILER thread)The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43wb3?Combining-Shattered-Star-and-Pathfinder#62023-11-16T23:41:12Z2023-11-16T23:35:42Z<p>I say do it.
<br />
This is Dungeon Crawl: The Adventure Path, which is both its greatest weakness and strength simultaneously. If your players like exploring ancient complexes, great! If they'll get bored of it, then this'll be the under-rated middle AP. I'm just glad my players enjoyed it to the end, then said they wanted the next one to have other stuff in it.
<br />
I just slipped in a different scenario between chapters: In Wrath's Shadow between the first two (If a PC profanes the temple of Yamasoth in some way, have other qlippoth aim for the DEFILER! later on). Also, you can have Sheila or other Pathfinders mention "some big migration of monsters out of Hollow Mountain" while the PCs were in Chapter 3.
<br />
I had Cultist's Kiss between 2 & 3, while they were stopping in Palin's Cove on the way to Kaer Maga; while they were in the City of Strangers itself, they could look for the Shard or investigate the Feast of Sigils in either order. Then, as soon as they hit level 11 in Chapter 4, they were recalled back to the Lodge to stall Krune until other Pathfinders could successfully booby-trap a Runewell as a backup plan.</p>
<p>You can add some more texture to dungeon crawls simply by having foes surrender. Maidens in Chapter 2 can be looking for a way to Resurrect their late queen, while some of them may believe she's still out there, ready to re-assert control of her city-state from the evil fools who overthrew her.
<br />
The ghouls in Chapter 5 could easily welcome them in and offer to convert them. If the PCs just go directly for the dragon or fight everyone, either way they won't be evil (though converting would probably make them evil).
<br />
Plus, if baddies surrender, they could totally give information on upcoming problems. Yes, PCs don't end up with government positions until the very end, but because your aim in each dungeon is Get The Shard, you don't have to fight everybody to get it.</p>I say do it.
This is Dungeon Crawl: The Adventure Path, which is both its greatest weakness and strength simultaneously. If your players like exploring ancient complexes, great! If they'll get bored of it, then this'll be the under-rated middle AP. I'm just glad my players enjoyed it to the end, then said they wanted the next one to have other stuff in it.
I just slipped in a different scenario between chapters: In Wrath's Shadow between the first two (If a PC profanes the temple of Yamasoth...The Shifty Mongoose2023-11-16T23:35:42ZRe: Forums: Shattered Star: Shattered Star Obituary Thread (Spoilers)The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ouco&page=4?Shattered-Star-Obituary-Thread#1762023-11-16T23:21:13Z2023-11-16T23:13:24Z<p><b>Name</b>: Purrcy McCoy
<br />
<b>Details</b>: Amurran Witch 17
<br />
<b>Adventure</b>: The Dead Heart of Xin
<br />
<b>Catalyst</b>: No Energy Resistance</p>
<p><b>The Details</b>:
<br />
They entered the room where Emperor Xin was killed, and immediately looked through the Flamma Horicalcum.
<br />
They saw the Emperor, old and frightened, telling his almost-finished Clockwork Reliquary to return to its post, then get attacked by a giant who teleported in while the palace's wards were down.</p>
<p>They saw him get hit by the giant's Spark Shower, then the two of them die as Xin threw a hasty <i>Mythical Meteor Storm</i> and a <i>Quickened Empowered Fireball</i> at him, failing both saves against his own spells.
<br />
They lowered the Flamma Horicalcum to see the giant, back again, try to kill Xin who had inhabited the clockwork servant they'd found in the first chapter and had carried around with them the entire rest of the time.</p>
<p>Purrcy didn't get out of the way of either the giant's Spark Shower, nor the Emperor's <i>Meteor Storm</i>. He had the Sihedron thrown to him, though, meaning they couldn't rely on it to bring anyone back during the final fight with the Reliquary.</p>
<p>It was the final PC death of the entire AP.</p>Name: Purrcy McCoy
Details: Amurran Witch 17
Adventure: The Dead Heart of Xin
Catalyst: No Energy Resistance
The Details:
They entered the room where Emperor Xin was killed, and immediately looked through the Flamma Horicalcum.
They saw the Emperor, old and frightened, telling his almost-finished Clockwork Reliquary to return to its post, then get attacked by a giant who teleported in while the palace's wards were down.
They saw him get hit by the giant's Spark Shower, then the two of them...The Shifty Mongoose2023-11-16T23:13:24ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: Status of the Sihedron in 2EThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43whu?Status-of-the-Sihedron-in-2E#72023-11-10T03:42:57Z2023-11-10T03:40:15Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">qwerty3werty wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Perpdepog wrote:</div><blockquote> How many of the Runelords had predecessors? </blockquote>All except Sorshen and Xanderghul had predecessors. </blockquote><p>To clarify: By "predecessor", I meant Emperor Xin.
<p>Also, I'm happy to hear there are plans being made.</p>qwerty3werty wrote:Perpdepog wrote: How many of the Runelords had predecessors?
All except Sorshen and Xanderghul had predecessors. To clarify: By "predecessor", I meant Emperor Xin. Also, I'm happy to hear there are plans being made.The Shifty Mongoose2023-11-10T03:40:15ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: IF Aroden Didn't Die But Rather, Just VanishedThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43t2l?IF-Aroden-Didnt-Die-But-Rather-Just-Vanished#322023-11-09T06:44:14Z2023-11-09T06:35:47Z<p>Here's the way I think of it, when I'm the GM (though it will never really be relevant):
<br />
Aroden was set to return, to begin his Age of Glory. He just looked ahead a bit into the deterministic future he'd planned out for his people.</p>
<p>He saw himself micro-managing the lives of his worshippers.
<br />
He saw his worshippers praying for guidance on what to eat for every meal.
<br />
He saw people asking him for answers to everything, instead of learning things on their own.
<br />
He saw people turning from him, calling him tyrannical.
<br />
In that moment, he asked himself what made him any better than the ones from whom he'd freed his people, the algollthu?</p>
<p>He went to Pharasma, and asked for advice. She suggested something along the lines of allowing his people to make their own future.
<br />
So, with her help, he entered a sort of Deific Early Retirement. He allowed his herald to Inherit his mantle, and watches in silence.</p>
<p>...He might have gotten a laugh out of watching Tar-Baphon blow himself up by accident.</p>Here's the way I think of it, when I'm the GM (though it will never really be relevant):
Aroden was set to return, to begin his Age of Glory. He just looked ahead a bit into the deterministic future he'd planned out for his people.
He saw himself micro-managing the lives of his worshippers.
He saw his worshippers praying for guidance on what to eat for every meal.
He saw people asking him for answers to everything, instead of learning things on their own.
He saw people turning from him,...The Shifty Mongoose2023-11-09T06:35:47ZForums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: Status of the Sihedron in 2EThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43whu?Status-of-the-Sihedron-in-2E#12023-11-09T06:14:41Z2023-11-09T06:14:16Z<p>I'm not talking about just any symbol of Thassilon; I mean THE Sihedron that had a whole AP to it.
<br />
(Possible spoilery stuff for 1E APs that might just be history now)</p>
<p>I'd guess it'd be either in New Thassilon or Magnimar's Museum of Ages. In either case, I hope Sorshen & Belimarius get a chance to try it out and find out what their predecessor truly had in mind.</p>I'm not talking about just any symbol of Thassilon; I mean THE Sihedron that had a whole AP to it.
(Possible spoilery stuff for 1E APs that might just be history now)
I'd guess it'd be either in New Thassilon or Magnimar's Museum of Ages. In either case, I hope Sorshen & Belimarius get a chance to try it out and find out what their predecessor truly had in mind.The Shifty Mongoose2023-11-09T06:14:16ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Second Edition: General Discussion: Paizo Blog: Witch, Witch, You’re a Remastered WitchThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo6sif5&page=2?Witch-Witch-You-re-a-Remastered-Witch#572023-10-14T11:02:45Z2023-10-14T08:27:35Z<p>I hope some Patrons gain buff auras for familiars, encouraging sending your familiar out, but to hide behind allies and being less of a target.</p>
<p>Also, I just love the idea of witches talking to their familiars to gain understanding of/embody some abstract concept.</p>I hope some Patrons gain buff auras for familiars, encouraging sending your familiar out, but to hide behind allies and being less of a target.
Also, I just love the idea of witches talking to their familiars to gain understanding of/embody some abstract concept.The Shifty Mongoose2023-10-14T08:27:35ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Second Edition: General Discussion: Paizo Blog: War of Immortals Playtest Wrap-up BlogThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo6sif3?War-of-Immortals-Playtest-Wrapup-Blog#302023-10-13T13:00:17Z2023-10-13T00:17:51Z<p>I am excited for this. We get to play Exalted-in-Pathfinder, we get a sort of a Medium rework, and, getting to see Mythicality again, we might get new stats for Baba Jaga or Sorshen.</p>I am excited for this. We get to play Exalted-in-Pathfinder, we get a sort of a Medium rework, and, getting to see Mythicality again, we might get new stats for Baba Jaga or Sorshen.The Shifty Mongoose2023-10-13T00:17:51ZRe: Forums: Shattered Star: Shattered Star Obituary Thread (Spoilers)The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ouco&page=4?Shattered-Star-Obituary-Thread#1752023-09-28T02:29:38Z2023-09-28T02:29:04Z<p><b>Name</b>: Vissaa Sewer Dragon
<br />
<b>Ancestry</b>: Kobold
<br />
<b>Class/Level</b>: Star-Soul Sorcerer 16
<br />
<b>Adventure</b>: The Dead Heart of Xin
<br />
<b>Catalyst</b>: Irony</p>
<p><b>The Details</b>:
<br />
Due to some Shining Children of Thassilon having been rude while getting sent back home, Vissaa was magically insane.
<br />
Instead of the not-fun "Permanent Confusion", I secretly told her player that she was certain her ally, Sir Gaius was insane and would do something horrifically stupid at any moment. If she told anyone, he might attack her.</p>
<p>Later, they found a magic robe held by a statue with a spell on it to make you want whatever it was holding. Everyone thought that was very suspicious, and ignored the statue's offering of the beautiful robe.</p>
<p>Then the writing on the floor started zapping them, and they had to fight it. One of the Floating Runes turned into a <i>Symbol of Pain</i>, giving everyone -4 on Saves as soon as Vissaa was closest to the statue.</p>
<p>She said, "Ow! That's it! Vissaa will stop Metal Man from doing stupid things! Vissaa knows how to do things safe! LIKE THIS!"</p>
<p>She grabbed the Robe of Powerlessness, put it on, fell over, looked at the Symbol it was concealing, and died on the spot.</p>
<p>It was Sir Gaius who flung the Sihedron at her, calling upon its <i>True Resurrection</i> as he did. Vissaa was alive and sane again, but still needed help getting out from under the robe.</p>Name: Vissaa Sewer Dragon
Ancestry: Kobold
Class/Level: Star-Soul Sorcerer 16
Adventure: The Dead Heart of Xin
Catalyst: Irony
The Details:
Due to some Shining Children of Thassilon having been rude while getting sent back home, Vissaa was magically insane.
Instead of the not-fun "Permanent Confusion", I secretly told her player that she was certain her ally, Sir Gaius was insane and would do something horrifically stupid at any moment. If she told anyone, he might attack her.
Later, they...The Shifty Mongoose2023-09-28T02:29:04ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: (mega spoilers) Since devs keep hinting at X's return, how DOES he survive?The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43uvf?-Since-devs-keep-hinting-at-Xs-return-how#72023-08-20T06:51:01Z2023-08-20T06:46:18Z<p>Honestly, I'm hoping for an impostor claiming to be him. It could even be Razmir's new bit.</p>Honestly, I'm hoping for an impostor claiming to be him. It could even be Razmir's new bit.The Shifty Mongoose2023-08-20T06:46:18ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Second Edition: General Discussion: Paizo Blog: Fine-tuning AncestriesThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo6sibg?Finetuning-Ancestries#392023-05-25T05:39:58Z2023-05-24T18:42:34Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">WatersLethe wrote:</div><blockquote> Rock and stone! </blockquote><p>Also, Strike the Earth!WatersLethe wrote:Rock and stone!
Also, Strike the Earth!The Shifty Mongoose2023-05-24T18:42:34ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Second Edition: General Discussion: Paizo Blog: First Look at Pathfinder Remastered CoversThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo6siag&page=2?First-Look-at-Pathfinder-Remastered-Covers#632023-05-06T16:35:08Z2023-04-28T06:27:27Z<p>As much as I like the look of the sketches, I'll most likely want to finally show to my players the sight of Xanderghul, fashionably late, in all his glorious, eye-blasting colour!</p>
<p>Speaking of, I'm torn between him having made contingency plans for his own death, or of such an utter certainty that it would be unnecessary, that he's just rhetorically asking the rulers of the afterlife if they seriously know who he is.</p>As much as I like the look of the sketches, I'll most likely want to finally show to my players the sight of Xanderghul, fashionably late, in all his glorious, eye-blasting colour!
Speaking of, I'm torn between him having made contingency plans for his own death, or of such an utter certainty that it would be unnecessary, that he's just rhetorically asking the rulers of the afterlife if they seriously know who he is.The Shifty Mongoose2023-04-28T06:27:27ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Second Edition: General Discussion: Outright sillinessThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43pvt&page=2?Outright-silliness#592023-03-30T07:31:05Z2023-03-16T23:38:13Z<p>I'm sad that the Gravesoul Armour didn't make it to 2nd Edition. I have a soft spot for useful magic objects that have useless special abilities, or that make you think it worked.</p>I'm sad that the Gravesoul Armour didn't make it to 2nd Edition. I have a soft spot for useful magic objects that have useless special abilities, or that make you think it worked.The Shifty Mongoose2023-03-16T23:38:13ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Adventures: Does any official Adventure include a mimic?The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43rzb?Does-any-official-Adventure-include-a-mimic#42023-03-12T20:47:01Z2023-03-12T20:47:01Z<p>Thanks for the information. It's probably better if they're used sparingly than too often.</p>Thanks for the information. It's probably better if they're used sparingly than too often.The Shifty Mongoose2023-03-12T20:47:01ZForums: Pathfinder Adventures: Does any official Adventure include a mimic?The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43rzb?Does-any-official-Adventure-include-a-mimic#12023-03-10T03:10:00Z2023-03-10T03:10:00Z<p>I thought I saw one chapter of an Adventure Path in 1st Edition that includes a mimic. I might be wrong, in which case I don't know if one has ever been in a store-bought adventure.
<br />
Does anyone know if a mimic ever shows up, off the tops of your heads? Maybe in a PFS scenario? A module I never bought?</p>I thought I saw one chapter of an Adventure Path in 1st Edition that includes a mimic. I might be wrong, in which case I don't know if one has ever been in a store-bought adventure.
Does anyone know if a mimic ever shows up, off the tops of your heads? Maybe in a PFS scenario? A module I never bought?The Shifty Mongoose2023-03-10T03:10:00ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Second Edition: General Discussion: Paizo Blog: Varmints in the VaultsThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo6si8d&page=2?Varmints-in-the-Vaults#582023-02-09T06:59:31Z2023-02-09T06:59:31Z<p>The only nitpick I have with this is that the water from the magic squirt gun would be better off "instantly evaporating" rather than "turning to sand".
<br />
Still, I want one, not to mention that bandolier. That poor ratchatcher should level up from this.</p>The only nitpick I have with this is that the water from the magic squirt gun would be better off "instantly evaporating" rather than "turning to sand".
Still, I want one, not to mention that bandolier. That poor ratchatcher should level up from this.The Shifty Mongoose2023-02-09T06:59:31ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: What do you want from a Lost Omens: Arcadia?The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43pma?What-do-you-want-from-a-Lost-Omens-Arcadia#312023-01-20T18:38:55Z2023-01-18T06:46:12Z<p>I would like to see something about syrinx society. Ever since I first read the bit that said they "made the strix as a servitor race", I imagined syrinx landing on rocks in the Arcadian Ocean, sticking their heads in the water, and shouting at algolthu, "You stole our idea and you're doing it the wrong way!"</p>
<p>Also, I'd like to see more about the geopolitics of the region, and how each nation dealt with/contributed to the fall of Razatlan. It'd get a laugh out of me if the fall of the empire was attributed to small groups of Concerned Citizens who, say, amassed unbelievable power and large groups of followers in months, only to retire in obscurity once the freedom was in the hands of the people.</p>I would like to see something about syrinx society. Ever since I first read the bit that said they "made the strix as a servitor race", I imagined syrinx landing on rocks in the Arcadian Ocean, sticking their heads in the water, and shouting at algolthu, "You stole our idea and you're doing it the wrong way!"
Also, I'd like to see more about the geopolitics of the region, and how each nation dealt with/contributed to the fall of Razatlan. It'd get a laugh out of me if the fall of the empire...The Shifty Mongoose2023-01-18T06:46:12ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Second Edition: General Discussion: What does your Golarion setting look like/what changes have you made to the setting?The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43qfb&page=2?What-does-your-Golarion-setting-look-likewhat#822023-01-18T02:16:21Z2023-01-18T00:13:11Z<p>My Rise group, due to problems all around, got the Bad End.</p>
<p>They still wanted to play Shattered Star and complete the trilogy.</p>
<p>So the search for the Shards began six months after the Rise of Mhar.</p>
<p>So trade has been disrupted and routes had to be redrawn due to the presence of an enormous volcano with legs stumbling around the landscape. I've determined that there is at least one NPC capable of casting 9th-level spells, who basically has to request a Miracle of "Save us from Mhar" on a near-daily basis to keep him away from major cities. (Small villages, however, are in dangerous positions) Also, there has been a rise in World Thunderers (people who worship Mhar) who think they can gain favour by throwing sacrificial victims into Mhar's caldera.</p>
<p>In other news, I looked up some "Worldbuilding With Food" ideas, and determined that potatoes were originally Varisian, but have been exported throughout the world via Absalom. Oparan chefs recently hit upon a dish of fried fish and potatoes!</p>
<p>Also, tomatoes were brought over from Arcadia by Chelish sailors, and now they claim it was always a Chelish fruit. I also claim Golarion has some veggies that can't be found in the real world, but I haven't specified anything about any of them.</p>My Rise group, due to problems all around, got the Bad End.
They still wanted to play Shattered Star and complete the trilogy.
So the search for the Shards began six months after the Rise of Mhar.
So trade has been disrupted and routes had to be redrawn due to the presence of an enormous volcano with legs stumbling around the landscape. I've determined that there is at least one NPC capable of casting 9th-level spells, who basically has to request a Miracle of "Save us from Mhar" on a...The Shifty Mongoose2023-01-18T00:13:11ZRe: Forums/Paizo: General Discussion: Paizo Blog: Paizo Announces System-Neutral Open RPG LicenseThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo6si7v&page=4?Paizo-Announces-SystemNeutral-Open-RPG-License#1842023-01-15T11:53:08Z2023-01-15T07:22:20Z<p>As soon as I first heard of the whole issue, I wondered what Paizo's response would be.
<br />
I'm glad to be gaming with my buddy, Orkel. ORCL?
<br />
It was a good move to make the L silent in the acronym.</p>As soon as I first heard of the whole issue, I wondered what Paizo's response would be.
I'm glad to be gaming with my buddy, Orkel. ORCL?
It was a good move to make the L silent in the acronym.The Shifty Mongoose2023-01-15T07:22:20ZRe: Forums: Shattered Star: Shattered Star Obituary Thread (Spoilers)The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ouco&page=4?Shattered-Star-Obituary-Thread#1742022-12-15T01:59:58Z2022-12-15T01:59:58Z<p><b>Name</b> Purrcible McCoy
<br />
<b>Ancestry</b> Garundi Amurran
<br />
<b>Class/Level</b> Witch 12
<br />
<b>Adventure</b> Beyond the <s>Scary</s> Doomsday Door
<br />
<b>Catalyst</b> Poison</p>
<p><b>The Gory Details</b>: The chernobue fell on everyone, paralyzing Sir Gaius and confusing Purrcy, to both players' dismay.
<br />
The confusion was dispelled, but the qlippoth managed to bite Purrcy, who had Fortitude as his worst save.
<br />
They did manage to kill the qlippoth (Torsten the alchemist trying, unsuccessfully, to lure the monster away), but couldn't help their friend and ally to recover from the poison. So they did the next best thing and Torsten gave him a posthumous <i>Breath of Life</i>.
<br />
Right after the qlippoth slime violently expelled itself from Purrcy's every orifice, Torsten described his use of that extract as "Gargling magic cough syrup and spraying it directly into Purrcy's mouth with a Kiss of Life."</p>
<p>We were all grossed out by the whole thing; Purrcy's first words upon recovery were, "Death is preferable! DEATH IS PREFERABLE!!"</p>Name Purrcible McCoy
Ancestry Garundi Amurran
Class/Level Witch 12
Adventure Beyond the Scary Doomsday Door
Catalyst Poison
The Gory Details: The chernobue fell on everyone, paralyzing Sir Gaius and confusing Purrcy, to both players' dismay.
The confusion was dispelled, but the qlippoth managed to bite Purrcy, who had Fortitude as his worst save.
They did manage to kill the qlippoth (Torsten the alchemist trying, unsuccessfully, to lure the monster away), but couldn't help their friend and...The Shifty Mongoose2022-12-15T01:59:58ZRe: Forums: Shattered Star: Shattered Star Obituary Thread (Spoilers)The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ouco&page=4?Shattered-Star-Obituary-Thread#1732022-08-23T01:40:16Z2022-08-23T01:40:16Z<p><b>Name</b>: Sir Gaius Stormshield; Purrcible McCoy
<br />
<b>Ancestry</b>: Chelish Human; Garundi Amurran
<br />
<b>Class/Level</b>: Fighter (Armiger) 5/Hellknight 5; Witch 10
<br />
<b>Adventure</b>: Beyond the <s>Scary</s> Doomsday Door
<br />
<b>Catalyst</b>: 20s on Knowledge checks; 1s on Will saves. Also, Luthask</p>
<p><b>The Gory Details</b>: I'd decided the two generic mummies in the room with Luthask were low-level Pathfinders, furious at how they got jumped by redcaps and undeadified by someone they didn't know, and nobody even bothered to find out what happened to them while the Society's Golden Children could get Resurrected whenever they'd want!
<br />
The PCs got a natural 20 on the Local checks to recall them, as well as another one on noticing the trapdoor. Three of the PCs rolled less than 3 against the mummies' Auras of Despair, and got paralyzed for 3 or 4 rounds each.
<br />
Right after they'd all been Nauseated by the nyogoth, everyone was rightly angry at having been taken out of action twice consecutively. Fortunately, the couatl they'd rescued in an earlier chapter was there to give one of them a <i>Freedom of Movement</i> and blast the mummies with <i>Scorching Rays</i>. He refused to bite the zombie, though.
<br />
Then, Luthask walked up to Purrcy. He'd trusted in his sturdy Will Save to let him get close enough to blast both mummies with a <i>Lightning Bolt</i>, but his normally-strong Will failed him.
<br />
So Luthask hit him with his axe. Of course it was a crit. Of course this killed him. On his next two turns, he stomped up to the paralyzed Sir Gaius, willingly taking AoOs in order to deliver a Coup de Grace. Gaius only had one turn of paralysis left.
<br />
Fortunately, Luthask was dissolved by some kind of alchemist's Holy Beer on the following round, and everyone got on the couatl to fly back to Sandpoint.
<br />
They did, in fact, use Prestige to activate a contingency plan and get their slain fellows Raised. They agreed to head directly back to Windsong Abbey.
<br />
They went through the front door this time, and got a big rock dropped on them. They stopped and healed back up to full right there in the rubble while the redcaps laughed at them, and the alchemist yelled out that they'd have to go back to Sandpoint after EVERY SINGLE THING THAT HAPPENS!!
<br />
...and this is just the upper floors.</p>Name: Sir Gaius Stormshield; Purrcible McCoy
Ancestry: Chelish Human; Garundi Amurran
Class/Level: Fighter (Armiger) 5/Hellknight 5; Witch 10
Adventure: Beyond the Scary Doomsday Door
Catalyst: 20s on Knowledge checks; 1s on Will saves. Also, Luthask
The Gory Details: I'd decided the two generic mummies in the room with Luthask were low-level Pathfinders, furious at how they got jumped by redcaps and undeadified by someone they didn't know, and nobody even bothered to find out what happened...The Shifty Mongoose2022-08-23T01:40:16ZRe: Forums: Shattered Star: Shattered Star Obituary Thread (Spoilers)The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ouco&page=4?Shattered-Star-Obituary-Thread#1722022-08-23T01:28:01Z2022-08-23T01:27:02Z<p><b>Name</b>: Vissa Sewer Dragon
<br />
<b>Ancestry</b>: Kobold
<br />
<b>Class/Level</b>: Star-soul Sorcerer 10
<br />
<b>Adventure</b>: Feast of Sigils
<br />
<b>Catalyst</b>: Everything Going Wrong</p>
<p><b>The Gory Details</b>:
<br />
I'm including some PFS scenarios in this, due to relevance.
<br />
Basically, the kobold with STR 6 took 6 STR damage and fainted. Allies stayed close to her, up against a foe with known AoE attacks. This killed her by accident.
<br />
Also, the antagonist got away.</p>Name: Vissa Sewer Dragon
Ancestry: Kobold
Class/Level: Star-soul Sorcerer 10
Adventure: Feast of Sigils
Catalyst: Everything Going Wrong
The Gory Details:
I'm including some PFS scenarios in this, due to relevance.
Basically, the kobold with STR 6 took 6 STR damage and fainted. Allies stayed close to her, up against a foe with known AoE attacks. This killed her by accident.
Also, the antagonist got away.The Shifty Mongoose2022-08-23T01:27:02ZRe: Forums: Shattered Star: Beyond the Doomsday Door (GM Reference)The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2olvb&page=2?Beyond-the-Doomsday-Door#642022-07-30T19:39:33Z2022-07-30T19:39:33Z<p>My PCs are just heading into this chapter, which I'd foreshadowed at the start of the previous one (mentions of some wierd exodus of monsters from Hollow Mountain).
<br />
I got an idea: what if Adrathanatus was the representative of <i>Aroden</i> instead of Pharasma?</p>
<p>He, like so many other followers of Aroden, was stricken with despair when his god died on the day of his prophecized Second Coming, but when Iomedae inherited his mantle, he over-reacted.</p>
<p>That way, his belief that Iomedae murdered Aroden as part of a coup becomes more personal. I also want to have bits of information revealed slowly to the PCs:</p>
<p>In their initial research, they find out that Windsong has lost some status ever since the Arodenite murdered the Iomedan and stormed out in a violent rampage (he's been somewhat of a bogeyman ever since). If they do enough research, they'll find out the man was an elf.</p>
<p>When they get there, maybe Kob-Kog or Sufestra name-drops Adrathanatus.</p>
<p>Other minions will confirm he follows Yamasoth.</p>
<p>Then, Rickle Peakes will be all like, "Hi, I'm Adrathanatus! Didja know that Iomedae's actually Evil and Yamasoth is actually Good?"</p>
<p>Hopefully, by the time Kandamerus mentions that Adrathanatus built all the constructs in the place, the PCs will fit it all together and shout out something like, "OH NO <i>he</i>'s the guy who went on the murderous rampage here like a hundred years ago!"</p>
<p>This way, his redemption could involve asking him, "Is this what the Last Azlanti would have wanted?"</p>My PCs are just heading into this chapter, which I'd foreshadowed at the start of the previous one (mentions of some wierd exodus of monsters from Hollow Mountain).
I got an idea: what if Adrathanatus was the representative of Aroden instead of Pharasma?
He, like so many other followers of Aroden, was stricken with despair when his god died on the day of his prophecized Second Coming, but when Iomedae inherited his mantle, he over-reacted.
That way, his belief that Iomedae murdered Aroden...The Shifty Mongoose2022-07-30T19:39:33ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: How do you sleep at night? Therapy for adventurers...The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43m2f?How-do-you-sleep-at-night-Therapy-for#132022-05-15T03:12:46Z2022-05-02T06:43:51Z<p>There was a sanitorium in Rise of the Runelords, with part of the horror coming from it having been run by a man who was more interested in studying insanity than caring for its inmates as people. He'd made zombies out of previous patients, but he was the best defense in the area for a plot-related thing that was going on. It left my PCs in a moral dilemma.</p>
<p>Similarly, I had a charcter once who was a LG Cult Master mesmerist, who I played as a magic psychotherapist. He was honest that his False Lay-On-Hands was a special trick he had learned and improved to ignore pain, and that they'd need some real healing or medicine later. The Leadership followers he would get would end up being staff for his eventual praxis, but I left the adventure before it got that far.</p>There was a sanitorium in Rise of the Runelords, with part of the horror coming from it having been run by a man who was more interested in studying insanity than caring for its inmates as people. He'd made zombies out of previous patients, but he was the best defense in the area for a plot-related thing that was going on. It left my PCs in a moral dilemma.
Similarly, I had a charcter once who was a LG Cult Master mesmerist, who I played as a magic psychotherapist. He was honest that his...The Shifty Mongoose2022-05-02T06:43:51ZRe: Forums: Return of the Runelords: Garvok in play thanks to previous campaignsThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43kjz?Garvok-in-play-thanks-to-previous-campaigns#42022-05-02T06:21:44Z2022-05-02T06:21:44Z<p>That might be a good place to put the trip.
<br />
My plan was that, since Baraket was already redeemed into the Blade of Humility, its cut-scene was due to the sudden trauma of what happened to its Runelord. Normally, Humble Baraket's <i>Weird</i> is a spray of illusory gore, causing onlookers to possibly faint from all the carnage.
<br />
Anyway, in Rise, Baraket, Garvok and the others (once they had started to regain awareness) all insisted that their Runelord was alive and the others were dead. In Return, Humble Baraket won't take control of its wielder, but will insist upon staying with them. It needs to tell its Runelord a terrible truth... that he was <i>wrong</i> about something.
<br />
When they meet him in person, Baraket will give him a message through its wielder: that this was not what the Emperor wanted, that the state of Thassilon that gave rise to it and the other Blades of Conviction caused unspeakable harm for generations, that, given the choice, it would gladly have never been forged if it meant the Emperor's Sihedron could have been restored instead, and that there is still time to make amends and show the modern world what Thassilon could be... What Thassilon was <i>supposed</i> to have been!
<br />
Xanderghul lets Baraket speak, waits just long enough for it to count as a dramatic pause, then replies with, "Baraket? <b>Break.</b>"
<br />
Then the sword gives a sob as it shatters into a thousand pieces.
<br />
This not only shows that Xanderghul won't listen, it further sets up the possibility that Sorshen would. I'll totally have other Runelords tell the PCs that Sorshen is even worse than they are and has probably enchanted them already, with the big difference being she's the only one who will admit she did something bad AND want to do something to fix it.</p>That might be a good place to put the trip.
My plan was that, since Baraket was already redeemed into the Blade of Humility, its cut-scene was due to the sudden trauma of what happened to its Runelord. Normally, Humble Baraket's Weird is a spray of illusory gore, causing onlookers to possibly faint from all the carnage.
Anyway, in Rise, Baraket, Garvok and the others (once they had started to regain awareness) all insisted that their Runelord was alive and the others were dead. In Return,...The Shifty Mongoose2022-05-02T06:21:44ZRe: Forums: Return of the Runelords: Garvok in play thanks to previous campaignsThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43kjz?Garvok-in-play-thanks-to-previous-campaigns#22022-03-24T05:47:50Z2022-03-24T05:47:50Z<p>Due to having played through Rise with all the <s>Blades of Conviction</s> Seven Swords of Sin (one per chapter with an extra bit added on), I wanted to add all of them back in Return.</p>
<p>I feel like an opportunity was missed, but I like what they did with the ones they put in the AP.</p>
<p>As for what you're doing in your AP, there are other possibilities. Take it to Runeforge to reforge it into the Blade of Kindness?</p>
<p>Bring it to Alaznist, who commands it to break, or go to someone she designates as her new champion? One who won't try to use it against her?</p>
<p>Personally, I plan to have one of Alaznist's sinspawn carry Garvok; Baraket (which had been reforged as a Blade of Humility) wants to return to Xanderghul and give him a warning he may not want to hear; Sorshen will tell her Sinuous Guisarme that it could learn a thing or two from Arshia, now the Blade of Love; they might even be able to recover Chellan.</p>Due to having played through Rise with all the Blades of Conviction Seven Swords of Sin (one per chapter with an extra bit added on), I wanted to add all of them back in Return.
I feel like an opportunity was missed, but I like what they did with the ones they put in the AP.
As for what you're doing in your AP, there are other possibilities. Take it to Runeforge to reforge it into the Blade of Kindness?
Bring it to Alaznist, who commands it to break, or go to someone she designates as her...The Shifty Mongoose2022-03-24T05:47:50ZRe: Forums: Curse of the Crimson Throne: CotCT ObituariesThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ipry&page=6?CotCT-Obituaries#2562022-03-18T00:51:29Z2022-03-18T00:51:29Z<p><b>Name</b>: Chiyaliso "Chili"
<br />
<b>Details</b>: Nagaji Slayer 7
<br />
<b>Adventure</b>: Seven Days to the Grave
<br />
<b>Location</b>: The Urgathoan Temple
<br />
<b>Catalyst</b>: Quad-Crit Weapons</p>
<p>After fighting our way through the Urgathoans, enjoying the simplicity of Good Fighting Evil after all the worries of "how are we going to infiltrate this purported hospice over nothing but suspicion?" Andaisen chopped off Chili's head with her scythe.
<br />
When it turned out That Wasn't Even Her Final Form, the heroes ran off screaming, carrying Chili's head and body so that he could be safely <i>Raised</i>. We knew we wouldn't be able to stop her with our toughest one dead in a single blow, and when we returned the next day, she was gone.</p>
<p>Later...</p>
<p><b>Name</b>: Tenris Chervenki, AKA "Softbrush"
<br />
<b>Details</b>: Foxfolk U-Rogue 8
<br />
<b>Adventure</b>: Escape from Old Korvosa
<br />
<b>Location</b>: The "King's" "Palace"
<br />
<b>Catalyst</b>: Another Lucky Crit</p>
<p>After sneaking through the place and finding nothing dangerous, Softbrush walked through an open doorway and found a bunch of people throwing axes at him, followed by a screaming gnome with a greataxe charging him with a power attack. One axe hit, the Power Attack charge crit, chopping <i>his</i> head off. After getting revified, his first plan was to get his magic armor magically fortified.</p>Name: Chiyaliso "Chili"
Details: Nagaji Slayer 7
Adventure: Seven Days to the Grave
Location: The Urgathoan Temple
Catalyst: Quad-Crit Weapons
After fighting our way through the Urgathoans, enjoying the simplicity of Good Fighting Evil after all the worries of "how are we going to infiltrate this purported hospice over nothing but suspicion?" Andaisen chopped off Chili's head with her scythe.
When it turned out That Wasn't Even Her Final Form, the heroes ran off screaming, carrying Chili's...The Shifty Mongoose2022-03-18T00:51:29ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Second Edition: General Discussion: Paizo Blog: Iconic Encounter: Peril & PortalsThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo6shwj?Iconic-Encounter-Peril-Portals#92021-12-10T01:59:27Z2021-12-10T01:59:27Z<p>A fun and adorable story.
<br />
...Just make sure not to take that gun to Numeria, without expecting getting passive-agressive insults all the time.</p>A fun and adorable story.
...Just make sure not to take that gun to Numeria, without expecting getting passive-agressive insults all the time.The Shifty Mongoose2021-12-10T01:59:27ZRe: Forums: Shattered Star: Shattered Star Obituary Thread (Spoilers)The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ouco&page=4?Shattered-Star-Obituary-Thread#1712021-11-30T03:46:39Z2021-11-30T03:46:39Z<p><b>Name:</b> Vissaa
<br />
<b>Ancestry:</b> Kobold
<br />
<b>Class/Level:</b> Sorcerer 8
<br />
<b>Adventure:</b> PFS Scenario in-between Curse of the Lady's Light & The Asylum Stone (No PFS1 spoilers)
<br />
<b>Catalyst:</b>Closing into close combat as a sorcerer, with help from unwitting allies.</p>
<p><b>The Gory Details:</b>
<br />
They gave the opposition a couple minutes of advance notice. Said opposition also had their backs to a wall. After getting attacked once or twice, the sorcerer cast <i>Improved Invisibility</i> and thought herself untargetable. However, one of the opposition was a sorcerer who had <i>Lightning Bolt</i> and her allies kept moving to either side of her while she converesed with them and called tactics. The sorcerer let fly, hitting her two intended targets as well as the invisible one.
<br />
There was a soft <b>thud</b> as Vissaa hit the ground.
<br />
Then their alchemist tried groping around to heal her, and the Hellknight attacked the sorcerer. Neither of them changed their position.
<br />
So the enemy sorcerer cast the spell again, almost dropping the alchemist and killing the invisible kobold sorcerer. Then the remaining PCs got to surround the sorcerer, who tried to flee and succeeded.
<br />
Then the spell wore off, and Vissaa was visible again. Fortunately, she has the Prestige to get herself raised, and they did accomplish their mission.</p>Name: Vissaa
Ancestry: Kobold
Class/Level: Sorcerer 8
Adventure: PFS Scenario in-between Curse of the Lady's Light & The Asylum Stone (No PFS1 spoilers)
Catalyst:Closing into close combat as a sorcerer, with help from unwitting allies.
The Gory Details:
They gave the opposition a couple minutes of advance notice. Said opposition also had their backs to a wall. After getting attacked once or twice, the sorcerer cast Improved Invisibility and thought herself untargetable. However, one of the...The Shifty Mongoose2021-11-30T03:46:39ZRe: Forums: Shattered Star: The Automatic AbattoirThe Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43ayg?The-Automatic-Abattoir#22021-10-19T03:07:44Z2021-10-19T03:07:44Z<p>I'd have two:
<br />
One of a character who died in the Rise of Mhar, and whose player has since lost all contact with me;
<br />
One of a character who would canonically die in the far future.
<br />
See, I'd set up a homebrew Shadowrun adventure for my players, which had Gnarly himself try to manipulate a way to show up and herald the collapse of cyberpunk civilization far ahead of schedule. The PCs could help put a stop to this, but the players all gave up early on into it.
<br />
So the Crawling Chaos would put an echo of this corpse here because as far as anyone knows, he's destined to wreck a world because there'd be no-one to stop him. Plus, in some unsettling way, he knows that putting this corpse here would maximize dread in some unwitting passersby.
<br />
(One of the players is playing in a module I'm running that also involves worshippers of Gnarly. One of them will point at the PC and claim his god told him to name-drop two random people and declare them dead)</p>I'd have two:
One of a character who died in the Rise of Mhar, and whose player has since lost all contact with me;
One of a character who would canonically die in the far future.
See, I'd set up a homebrew Shadowrun adventure for my players, which had Gnarly himself try to manipulate a way to show up and herald the collapse of cyberpunk civilization far ahead of schedule. The PCs could help put a stop to this, but the players all gave up early on into it.
So the Crawling Chaos would put an...The Shifty Mongoose2021-10-19T03:07:44ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Second Edition: General Discussion: What 2E Books Do You Want?The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43eh9&page=2?What-2E-Books-Do-You-Want#512021-06-22T12:57:06Z2021-06-20T04:26:21Z<p>I'd still like Words of Power in PF2.
<br />
Also, I'd like to see something about Sarusan, whether it's a book, a module, or even a PFS scenario.</p>I'd still like Words of Power in PF2.
Also, I'd like to see something about Sarusan, whether it's a book, a module, or even a PFS scenario.The Shifty Mongoose2021-06-20T04:26:21ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Second Edition: General Discussion: What New Ancestries/Versatile Heritages do you want to see in PF2?The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43dst&page=2?What-New-AncestriesVersatile-Heritages-do-you#622021-05-24T21:20:11Z2021-05-23T19:18:39Z<p>Syrinx haven't come out yet in PF2, and I'd like to see more of them.
<br />
Are there syrinx communities that aren't flight-supremacist? Can the Pathfinder Society make diplomatic contact with them without having to withstand incessant condescension?</p>Syrinx haven't come out yet in PF2, and I'd like to see more of them.
Are there syrinx communities that aren't flight-supremacist? Can the Pathfinder Society make diplomatic contact with them without having to withstand incessant condescension?The Shifty Mongoose2021-05-23T19:18:39ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: Spires of Xin-Shalast (GM Reference)The Shifty Mongoosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2hl5b&page=10?Spires-of-XinShalast#4522021-03-16T12:40:18Z2021-03-16T03:21:49Z<p>No, but it is possible to cast <i>Delayed Blast Fireball</i> set to go off in X rounds. So unless you guess exactly how long the spell will last, either the fireballs go off harmlessly during the Time Stop, or the targets get maybe a round to run away.</p>No, but it is possible to cast Delayed Blast Fireball set to go off in X rounds. So unless you guess exactly how long the spell will last, either the fireballs go off harmlessly during the Time Stop, or the targets get maybe a round to run away.The Shifty Mongoose2021-03-16T03:21:49ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Pathfinder Society Scenario #9-20: Fury of the Final Blade PDFMonty Brannag (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/products/btpy9zk4/discuss?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-920-Fury-of-the-Final-Blade#182020-11-17T13:49:22Z2018-05-17T03:29:08Z<p><b>Oops. I mean, what did ya think was gonna happen?</b></p>Oops. I mean, what did ya think was gonna happen?Monty Brannag (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2018-05-17T03:29:08ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Paizo Blog: The Changing Lore WardenVint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lk6g?The-Changing-Lore-Warden#302017-10-05T05:12:56Z2017-10-05T05:12:56Z<p>As tactful as it is helpful. Thanks for the stopgap, and the explanation.</p>
<p>Now, do I just keep current, or switch to something else? Either way, I'll sleep on it.</p>As tactful as it is helpful. Thanks for the stopgap, and the explanation.
Now, do I just keep current, or switch to something else? Either way, I'll sleep on it.Vint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2017-10-05T05:12:56ZRe: Forums: Advice: Share your best Pathfinder advice in one sentenceAuntie Beth (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u3d5&page=4?Share-your-best-Pathfinder-advice-in-one#1842017-01-29T04:10:31Z2017-01-29T04:10:31Z<p>Everyone should be working toward group enjoyment, while casting out those who refuse to believe in this.</p>Everyone should be working toward group enjoyment, while casting out those who refuse to believe in this.Auntie Beth (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2017-01-29T04:10:31ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Your brief PFS Character BackstoryVint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2tnz0&page=2?Your-brief-PFS-Character-Backstory#842016-05-29T05:08:32Z2016-05-29T04:15:56Z<p><b>"But which? I've heard of many gods about,
<br />
And if you both say 'Razmir' then I'm out."</p>
<p>"...I'm, I'm not a musician. I can barely whistle."</b></p>"But which? I've heard of many gods about,
And if you both say 'Razmir' then I'm out."
"...I'm, I'm not a musician. I can barely whistle."Vint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2016-05-29T04:15:56ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Your brief PFS Character BackstoryVint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2tnz0&page=2?Your-brief-PFS-Character-Backstory#772016-05-20T01:19:30Z2016-05-20T01:19:30Z<p><b>"Nice to meetcha. Vintage Penal, P.F.S. Absalom.</p>
<p>"You can tell there's something odd about this one. Not just the eleven-ish look to his features, those are obvious. Maybe you can see his brown hair has purple roots. Maybe it's the way he nips at his flask of Quadiran coffe. Or maybe it's that he's talking to himself, describing how he thinks you're looking at him.</p>
<p>"Sorry about that. Just practicing. To sum up, I get called on to to improve the Society's reputation, to make sure none of you die, or whenever the Decemvirate wants to hurt me some more. I'm used to it. Well, almost."</b></p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>"Nice to meetcha. Vintage Penal, P.F.S. Absalom.
"You can tell there's something odd about this one. Not just the eleven-ish look to his features, those are obvious. Maybe you can see his brown hair has purple roots. Maybe it's the way he nips at his flask of Quadiran coffe. Or maybe it's that he's talking to himself, describing how he thinks you're looking at him.
"Sorry about that. Just practicing. To sum up, I get called on to to improve the Society's reputation, to make sure none of you...Vint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2016-05-20T01:19:30ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Funniest PFS moments?Vint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pvip&page=8?Funniest-PFS-moments#3592014-08-11T01:34:28Z2014-08-11T01:34:28Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Fromper wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Bigdaddyjug wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Vint Penal wrote:</div><blockquote><p> "Tell you what: if you don't ask me why I detect as Chaotic Evil, I won't ask you why you've been to Hell."</p>
<p>"Agreed. In other news, I hate the Decemvirate."</p>
<p>"Me too." </blockquote>This needs some explanation, methinks. </blockquote>I'm not sure what Vint had in mind exactly, but it is possible for a PFS PC to have an evil aura. A neutral cleric to an evil god will detect as evil. </blockquote><p>First of all, I was the one who'd found myself in Hell (My feet were touching solid tyranny!), and second, I won't spread rumors or jump to any conclusions, but I will say that the way he didn't mind touching ancient gooey magically lazy things that had suspicious deals written all over them might have had something to do with it.Fromper wrote:Bigdaddyjug wrote: Vint Penal wrote:"Tell you what: if you don't ask me why I detect as Chaotic Evil, I won't ask you why you've been to Hell."
"Agreed. In other news, I hate the Decemvirate."
"Me too."
This needs some explanation, methinks. I'm not sure what Vint had in mind exactly, but it is possible for a PFS PC to have an evil aura. A neutral cleric to an evil god will detect as evil. First of all, I was the one who'd found myself in Hell (My feet were touching solid...Vint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2014-08-11T01:34:28ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Funniest PFS moments?Vint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pvip&page=8?Funniest-PFS-moments#3532016-12-10T05:47:34Z2014-08-08T16:24:01Z<p>"Tell you what: if you don't ask me why I detect as Chaotic Evil, I won't ask you why you've been to Hell."</p>
<p>"Agreed. In other news, I hate the Decemvirate."</p>
<p>"Me too."</p>"Tell you what: if you don't ask me why I detect as Chaotic Evil, I won't ask you why you've been to Hell."
"Agreed. In other news, I hate the Decemvirate."
"Me too."Vint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2014-08-08T16:24:01ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Funniest PFS moments?Soivid Tsutzkehmov (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pvip&page=8?Funniest-PFS-moments#3522015-07-20T19:57:07Z2014-08-08T16:22:44Z<p>Context aside, a bunch of Korvosan passersby got to see five people collectively stomping a cow carcass down a manhole while explaining, "It's okay! We're Pathfinders! We know what we're doing here."</p>
<p>If I ever return there, I'll use Prestige to name a friendly aberration as a Local Contact!</p>Context aside, a bunch of Korvosan passersby got to see five people collectively stomping a cow carcass down a manhole while explaining, "It's okay! We're Pathfinders! We know what we're doing here."
If I ever return there, I'll use Prestige to name a friendly aberration as a Local Contact!Soivid Tsutzkehmov (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2014-08-08T16:22:44ZRe: Forums: Silver Crusade: Seeking fellow Bards in the CrusadeVint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qo66?Seeking-fellow-Bards-in-the-Crusade#232014-07-30T03:24:06Z2014-07-30T03:24:06Z<p><b>"You read the notice, too?"</b> A short man with dyed-brown hair and vaguely elven-looking features looks up from his jumble of papers spread out on the table in front of him; his tattered hat and cloak hang nearby.</p>
<p><b>"It's sad to say, especially one Pathfinder to another, but it looks like you're too late. Still, if you want a quiet place to practice dancing, here's fine.</p>
<p>"The only dance I've ever done was called the Flat Run,"</b> he adds after a gulp from his coffee, <b>"though I've seen the odd Hemp Fandango. The only reason I don't find your ancient dance traditional is because I never seemed to know any Dawnflowers. Desnans, more usually. Now, it's the other way arond. If you've got any good stories about lightning that knocked you off your feet, I'm all ears."</b></p>"You read the notice, too?" A short man with dyed-brown hair and vaguely elven-looking features looks up from his jumble of papers spread out on the table in front of him; his tattered hat and cloak hang nearby.
"It's sad to say, especially one Pathfinder to another, but it looks like you're too late. Still, if you want a quiet place to practice dancing, here's fine.
"The only dance I've ever done was called the Flat Run," he adds after a gulp from his coffee, "though I've seen the odd Hemp...Vint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2014-07-30T03:24:06ZRe: Forums: Silver Crusade: Silver Crusade Faction Status Report - Year of the Sky KeyVint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2rbeq?Silver-Crusade-Faction-Status-Report-Year-of#172014-07-29T23:17:46Z2014-07-29T23:17:46Z<p>Ms. Zadrian,</p>
<p>It warms my dampened heart to hear that the demonic invaders have been righteously crammed back into their rightful homelands. May Golarion's biggest eyesore close within our lifetime.</p>
<p>In truth, I'd much rather deal with the hundreds of smaller crimes and the redemption of those who thought themselves beyond such than having to placate a spoiled Sovereign and his constructs. At least the undead can be laid low with the proper holiness. With constructs, I'd rather just dig a hole and lure one into it.</p>
<p>Until I next find myself sent back into field work, I will content myself with instructing rookies and repairing the Society's reputation; it may not be the only thing worth redeeming, but it still needs it. From the view of a man who's been betrayed by <s>da</s> <s>blo</s> <i>almost</i> everyone in his life, perhaps, in a faction full of idealists run by a paladin of redemption and sunshine, I'll have better luck.</p>
<p>Hesitantly Yours,</p>
<p>Vint Penal of the <s>Shad</s> Silver Crusade</p>Ms. Zadrian,
It warms my dampened heart to hear that the demonic invaders have been righteously crammed back into their rightful homelands. May Golarion's biggest eyesore close within our lifetime.
In truth, I'd much rather deal with the hundreds of smaller crimes and the redemption of those who thought themselves beyond such than having to placate a spoiled Sovereign and his constructs. At least the undead can be laid low with the proper holiness. With constructs, I'd rather just dig a...Vint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2014-07-29T23:17:46ZRe: Forums: Dark Archive: Dark Archive Faction Status Report - Year of the Sky KeyRorisk Thagnil (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2rbel?Dark-Archive-Faction-Status-Report-Year-of#192014-07-29T22:49:55Z2014-07-29T22:49:55Z<p>I'm sorry to hear about what happened. It must be hard, being a lot less well-off all of a sudden, but you told me yourself how the well-off ruling over the less-well-off is like nature, but with people. I'm glad the <s>Decevmir</s> the Ten were happy to take you in.</p>
<p>I've never been any good at reading or cataloging, but if you need someone to ask people to help, I can do that! If you ever need a pair of hands or two, I'll be happy to help out.</p>
<p>(Do I sign these too, or do I not have to?)</p>I'm sorry to hear about what happened. It must be hard, being a lot less well-off all of a sudden, but you told me yourself how the well-off ruling over the less-well-off is like nature, but with people. I'm glad the Decevmir the Ten were happy to take you in.
I've never been any good at reading or cataloging, but if you need someone to ask people to help, I can do that! If you ever need a pair of hands or two, I'll be happy to help out.
(Do I sign these too, or do I not have to?)Rorisk Thagnil (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2014-07-29T22:49:55ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Paizo Blog: Tell Me About Your "Paladin"Monty Brannag (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lfyl?Tell-Me-About-Your-Paladin#322014-03-18T03:28:38Z2014-03-18T03:28:38Z<p>Yeah, sometimes, when snooty types ask me what it is I do, I just look 'em in the eye and say, "Fighter".</p>
<p>Then, in a fight, insults get thrown, beers get drank, and I raise my voice a little, then the next thing that Aspis wizard knows, he's got one arm around his neck and the other up his nose. Serves 'em right.</p>
<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>Sir Montgomery Brannag is a Brutal Pugilist barbarian with 12 Int who isn't actually barbaric.</span></p>Yeah, sometimes, when snooty types ask me what it is I do, I just look 'em in the eye and say, "Fighter".
Then, in a fight, insults get thrown, beers get drank, and I raise my voice a little, then the next thing that Aspis wizard knows, he's got one arm around his neck and the other up his nose. Serves 'em right.
Sir Montgomery Brannag is a Brutal Pugilist barbarian with 12 Int who isn't actually barbaric.Monty Brannag (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2014-03-18T03:28:38ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Paizo Blog: The Year of the Demon Begins!Soivid Tsutzkehmov (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lf4z?The-Year-of-the-Demon-Begins#382013-08-13T03:21:14Z2013-08-13T03:21:14Z<p>Hm. So after shuffling around in the Blackros Museum and helping out with some of the younger, newer Pathfinders, I've apparently helped broker a deal with Janderhoff. Won't that be nice.</p>
<p>Now, what's all this about demons? Pshaw! Now, I'm no bigot, but they don't belong here, just like us living mortal folk don't belong in the Abyss!</p>Hm. So after shuffling around in the Blackros Museum and helping out with some of the younger, newer Pathfinders, I've apparently helped broker a deal with Janderhoff. Won't that be nice.
Now, what's all this about demons? Pshaw! Now, I'm no bigot, but they don't belong here, just like us living mortal folk don't belong in the Abyss!Soivid Tsutzkehmov (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2013-08-13T03:21:14ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Paizo Blog: Rescue in RiddleportAuntie Beth (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lewk?Rescue-in-Riddleport#182013-06-25T20:48:49Z2013-06-25T20:48:49Z<p>Ah, I'm glad to see that the Society was able to recover its information smoothly, with casualties at a minimum.
<br />
But now our superiors have seen fit to put pirates and slave traders of the Shackles into the Society? The very people who, not moments ago, had threatened to put our priceless information to the torch for the possibility of a few measures of gold?
<br />
What, exactly, is it that makes us better than the Aspis Consortium, whom we've been fighting and bickering with these past few years, and where would I be able to read it? More Pathfinders should be able to take pride in that.</p>Ah, I'm glad to see that the Society was able to recover its information smoothly, with casualties at a minimum.
But now our superiors have seen fit to put pirates and slave traders of the Shackles into the Society? The very people who, not moments ago, had threatened to put our priceless information to the torch for the possibility of a few measures of gold?
What, exactly, is it that makes us better than the Aspis Consortium, whom we've been fighting and bickering with these past few years,...Auntie Beth (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2013-06-25T20:48:49ZRe: Forums: Shadow Lodge: The New Faction ExpoVint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pofz&page=2?The-New-Faction-Expo#542013-04-30T00:50:08Z2013-04-30T00:50:08Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Markel Shinpop wrote:</div><blockquote><p> An elf comes into the room, a cake balanced on one hand as he strokes his beard with the other. He surveys the room, sees the Osirion sign, and puts the cake down near it. </p>
<p>"Eh? What's that? Oh, it is cherry cake with raspberry icing, the scarab is make of chocolate, the sun is a blob of lemon icing." He looks to the others. "Oh!! You want to know what faction to join. I suggest the Osirion faction. Knowledge never hurts, you know. Have you heard of the reward of Groetus?" </p>
<p>•• spoiler omitted •• </blockquote><p>...I'd say I've heard about the reward of Groetus. I heard it was the same as the wrath of Groetus, only delayed until after you'd helped it with its wrath. What does that have to do with Osirion?Markel Shinpop wrote:An elf comes into the room, a cake balanced on one hand as he strokes his beard with the other. He surveys the room, sees the Osirion sign, and puts the cake down near it.
"Eh? What's that? Oh, it is cherry cake with raspberry icing, the scarab is make of chocolate, the sun is a blob of lemon icing." He looks to the others. "Oh!! You want to know what faction to join. I suggest the Osirion faction. Knowledge never hurts, you know. Have you heard of the reward of
...Vint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2013-04-30T00:50:08ZRe: Forums: Lantern Lodge: Lantern Lodge Faction Goals Status ReportDaremo Kic (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pnf8?Lantern-Lodge-Faction-Goals-Status-Report#202013-04-26T17:30:52Z2013-04-26T17:30:52Z<p>...</p>
<p>... ...</p>
<p>...Ellipsis...</p>
<p>Pardon me.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>...
... ...
...Ellipsis...
Pardon me.
[Spoiler omitted]Daremo Kic (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2013-04-26T17:30:52ZRe: Forums: Shadow Lodge: The New Faction ExpoVint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pofz?The-New-Faction-Expo#412013-04-26T16:35:40Z2013-04-26T16:35:40Z<p>I want to swear; to be polite, I won't.
<br />
I joined with Torch since I believed in him, to show the world we aren't like Aspis goons. The Shadow Lodge has people full of vim, breaking down this cult of sin and runes.But where to go when Torch is with the Ten? I like the dark; crusading's not my style. I won't be seen among the Szcarni's men, and Ambrus Valsin won't respect my guile. The Paracountess grates across my nerves, and I'm unsure about democracy; while Taldor's time is far behind the curve, Quadiran wealth is not my cup of tea.</p>
<p>...Sorry. I tend to lapse into verse sometimes. It's how I cope. I guess if Torch isn't replacing a retiring member of the Ten, then I could always become one of those amateur Osirionologists. Caladrel, Face, thank you for your suggestions. Though you must neither have practiced any public speaking, you were persuasive enough for me.</p>I want to swear; to be polite, I won't.
I joined with Torch since I believed in him, to show the world we aren't like Aspis goons. The Shadow Lodge has people full of vim, breaking down this cult of sin and runes.But where to go when Torch is with the Ten? I like the dark; crusading's not my style. I won't be seen among the Szcarni's men, and Ambrus Valsin won't respect my guile. The Paracountess grates across my nerves, and I'm unsure about democracy; while Taldor's time is far behind the...Vint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2013-04-26T16:35:40ZRe: Forums: Grand Lodge: Grand Lodge Faction Goals Status ReportLinda Owens (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pnf7?Grand-Lodge-Faction-Goals-Status-Report#52013-04-15T05:24:30Z2013-04-15T05:24:30Z<p>I agree. Not just to avoid having to deal with an ancient wizard who wants to rule the world, but I saw a Lissalan festival once. Terrible. Just terrible. It made me feel ill.</p>
<p>I will report regularly, but I would not fit in well in Riddleport. As it’s my duty to uncover fraud, I wouldn’t know where to begin.</p>I agree. Not just to avoid having to deal with an ancient wizard who wants to rule the world, but I saw a Lissalan festival once. Terrible. Just terrible. It made me feel ill.
I will report regularly, but I would not fit in well in Riddleport. As it’s my duty to uncover fraud, I wouldn’t know where to begin.Linda Owens (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2013-04-15T05:24:30ZRe: Forums: Taldor: Taldor Faction Goals Status ReportAuntie Beth (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pnfe?Taldor-Faction-Goals-Status-Report#92013-04-11T23:45:30Z2013-04-11T23:45:30Z<p>Now, Krunch, you've been doing so well these past few weeks. Sometimes, when they think you're going to hit them, you don't actually need to hit anyone.</p>
<p>...Though, if you're on a mission and you encounter any of those people with their snake badges, then hitting is just to be expected.</p>Now, Krunch, you've been doing so well these past few weeks. Sometimes, when they think you're going to hit them, you don't actually need to hit anyone.
...Though, if you're on a mission and you encounter any of those people with their snake badges, then hitting is just to be expected.Auntie Beth (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2013-04-11T23:45:30ZRe: Forums: Lantern Lodge: Lantern Lodge Faction Goals Status ReportDaremo Kic (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pnf8?Lantern-Lodge-Faction-Goals-Status-Report#92013-04-11T23:38:07Z2013-04-11T23:38:07Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Master Solail wrote:</div><blockquote></p>
<p>Simply sharing my perceptions aloud with my peers of the lodge, brother. Discussion is key to our prosperity, and examining the discernment of others can be of aid in attaining enlightenment.</p>
<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>Think of the below as a simple forum signature, not a in-character badge or recitation of deeds.</span></p>
<p></blockquote><p>Oohh, thank you, Venture-Captain! I'm proud to find that you've helped me get a bit more enlightened.Master Solail wrote:Simply sharing my perceptions aloud with my peers of the lodge, brother. Discussion is key to our prosperity, and examining the discernment of others can be of aid in attaining enlightenment.
Think of the below as a simple forum signature, not a in-character badge or recitation of deeds.
Oohh, thank you, Venture-Captain! I'm proud to find that you've helped me get a bit more enlightened.Daremo Kic (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2013-04-11T23:38:07ZRe: Forums: Lantern Lodge: Lantern Lodge Faction Goals Status ReportDaremo Kic (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pnf8?Lantern-Lodge-Faction-Goals-Status-Report#62013-04-09T20:33:43Z2013-04-09T20:33:43Z<p>Ha-<b>hah</b>! I won't let you down, Venture-Captain Amara Li, I promise you I will <b>not</b>!</p>
<p>...Uh, Venture-Captain Soleil, are you reading your letter aloud to everyone? You could always just speak, or stick a missive of yours on a cork board at the Lodge like others do.</p>
<p>But yes, send me through the <i>Hao Jin Tapestry</i>, <b>please</b> send me to Varisia, and when I have proven my worth, then you can send me to Minkai where I can finally achieve all those goals of mine!</p>
<p>Though it would feel... dishonourable, killing anyone in their sleep. Especially if they've been sleeping for ten thousand years by magic. Maybe if we can wake him up ourselves, but fight him before he can get his magic ready again? Then, the beautiful might of the Lantern Lodge will <b>beat him to pieces!!</b></p>
<p>...I can't wait!</p>Ha-hah! I won't let you down, Venture-Captain Amara Li, I promise you I will not!
...Uh, Venture-Captain Soleil, are you reading your letter aloud to everyone? You could always just speak, or stick a missive of yours on a cork board at the Lodge like others do.
But yes, send me through the Hao Jin Tapestry, please send me to Varisia, and when I have proven my worth, then you can send me to Minkai where I can finally achieve all those goals of mine!
Though it would feel... dishonourable,...Daremo Kic (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2013-04-09T20:33:43ZRe: Forums: Sczarni: Sczarni Faction Goals Status ReportSpixe the Stinger (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pnfb?Sczarni-Faction-Goals-Status-Report#42013-04-09T20:20:03Z2013-04-09T20:20:03Z<p>Mother and Father send their regards.</p>
<p>I'm delighted to hear how your enterprises in Varisia have gone!</p>
<p>I spent most of the time while you were away keeping the Pickled Imp in good order, frightening away troublemakers, and such. I was even invited to an instructional session with the Chelish ambassador, but she was apparently arrested or something before I could attend.</p>
<p>I've always loved Varisian clothing; if you've brought back anything new with you, may I see?</p>
<p>Though I could deal with one or two people, maybe four if I had friends with me, I couldn't deal with a whole cult by myself. If I could meet them one at a time, the attention of a careful Calistrian would be sure to convert at least several!</p>
<p>I still haven't done much letter-writing, so I hope this finds your approval.</p>
<p>Eagerly awaiting your return,</p>
<p>Ms. Shirisa Ipiers (Call me "Spixe")</p>Mother and Father send their regards.
I'm delighted to hear how your enterprises in Varisia have gone!
I spent most of the time while you were away keeping the Pickled Imp in good order, frightening away troublemakers, and such. I was even invited to an instructional session with the Chelish ambassador, but she was apparently arrested or something before I could attend.
I've always loved Varisian clothing; if you've brought back anything new with you, may I see?
Though I could deal with...Spixe the Stinger (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2013-04-09T20:20:03ZRe: Forums: Taldor: Taldor Faction Goals Status ReportAuntie Beth (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pnfe?Taldor-Faction-Goals-Status-Report#52013-04-09T20:10:19Z2013-04-09T20:10:19Z<p>To Lady Morilla with pride,</p>
<p>I'm delighted to hear of all the successes in Magnimar, be they yours, the individual Pathfinders, or the Society as a whole. I've just been so busy in Absalom these past few months that I haven't found time to get to Varisia, but I'm actually envious. I love the culture and music of Varisia, possibly because a part of my heritage lies in its people.</p>
<p>It goes without saying that I'd be eager to give one of those hidden ancient wizard-priest-kings a piece of my mind! Philosophizing ways of making peoples' lives worse is no way to build an empire, and anyone who actually wants to practice this sin clearly doesn't know how better to live their lives. I can't help but think that those runelords must have made up their goddess in order to trick them by faith when their ancient magic ran out - "runes, fate and obedience" indeed!</p>
<p>We should be the first to welcome any one of those Runelords to modern Golarion, and - if they're still so set in their sinful ways - give them a long-overdue introduction to Pharasma and Groteus.</p>
<p>Apologetically yours,</p>
<p>Viscountess Elspeth Thisslyn, Witch of the Green Faith</p>To Lady Morilla with pride,
I'm delighted to hear of all the successes in Magnimar, be they yours, the individual Pathfinders, or the Society as a whole. I've just been so busy in Absalom these past few months that I haven't found time to get to Varisia, but I'm actually envious. I love the culture and music of Varisia, possibly because a part of my heritage lies in its people.
It goes without saying that I'd be eager to give one of those hidden ancient wizard-priest-kings a piece of my...Auntie Beth (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2013-04-09T20:10:19ZRe: Forums: Osirion: Osirion Faction Goals Status ReportThalanerus (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pnf9?Osirion-Faction-Goals-Status-Report#32013-04-09T19:48:10Z2013-04-09T19:48:10Z<p>Yes, you have mentioned the curse before. Less than a single year has passed, and still nobody has found a way to help him recover?</p>
<p>Though I have neber set foot in Varisia, and would prefer not to from what I have read of its history, I have been allowed a means of fast travel between Sothis and Absalom. If I find anything relevant, I can have it conveyed between your home and that of the Ruby Prince's within hours.</p>
<p>Perhaps if Dremdhet Salhar could suggest something, perhaps an Ancient Osirion exhibit in the Blackros museum, enough interest could be sent toward your homeland to encourage the Society to declare a "Year of the Scarab" or similar. You have been an inspiration to scholars everywhere; mending your error will be at the forefront of my current research.</p>
<p>Wishing you and the Ruby Prince much hope,</p>
<p>Thalanerus Isilariva</p>Yes, you have mentioned the curse before. Less than a single year has passed, and still nobody has found a way to help him recover?
Though I have neber set foot in Varisia, and would prefer not to from what I have read of its history, I have been allowed a means of fast travel between Sothis and Absalom. If I find anything relevant, I can have it conveyed between your home and that of the Ruby Prince's within hours.
Perhaps if Dremdhet Salhar could suggest something, perhaps an Ancient...Thalanerus (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2013-04-09T19:48:10ZRe: Forums: Shadow Lodge: Shadow Lodge Faction Goals Status ReportVint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pnfc?Shadow-Lodge-Faction-Goals-Status-Report#82013-04-10T02:42:40Z2013-04-09T19:30:50Z<p>To our cunning leader,</p>
<p>I've been doing some research on the Consortium's movements in Magnimar, as well as the Lissalan cult, and I believe the reason they've been so precise in their attempts to stymie us is thanks to some inside information. My suspicions were confirmed the other day, when I'd secured that letter. Note the familiar signature? A successor, an imitator, or some sort of terrible undead traitor? </p>
<p>As for the Lissalans,I don't worry as much. They lack our organized focus, and many of their younger members have been joining out of youthful rebellion. If they really do practice this sin as much as they say - especially Sloth - then we should have plenty of time to plan how to stop them. I'll work with Sheila to get the Lord-Mayor to grant the Society legal support; I plan to make as many arrests as I can, though some of my fellow agents refuse to understand that "under arrest" isn't the same as "helpless target".</p>
<p>A mad cult, preparing to awaken a dormant evil after a millennium or so? I've read this story before, and I remember how it ends.</p>
<p>Always vigilant,</p>
<p>Vint Penal, P.F.S. Magnimar</p>To our cunning leader,
I've been doing some research on the Consortium's movements in Magnimar, as well as the Lissalan cult, and I believe the reason they've been so precise in their attempts to stymie us is thanks to some inside information. My suspicions were confirmed the other day, when I'd secured that letter. Note the familiar signature? A successor, an imitator, or some sort of terrible undead traitor?
As for the Lissalans,I don't worry as much. They lack our organized focus, and...Vint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2013-04-09T19:30:50ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Art of Your PFS Characters!Thalanerus (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2opi3&page=2?Art-of-Your-PFS-Characters#682013-02-16T16:33:26Z2013-02-16T16:33:26Z<p>As I record information with words and not pictures, I am normally more concerned with who people are, than what they look like.</p>
<p>...But portraits are apparently the human fashion of today. Hopefully, by the time of the next one, people will have understood that my boots are not actually that ugly.</p>
<p><a href="http://steampunk-chef.tumblr.com/image/42773915197" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">See for oneself.</a></p>As I record information with words and not pictures, I am normally more concerned with who people are, than what they look like.
...But portraits are apparently the human fashion of today. Hopefully, by the time of the next one, people will have understood that my boots are not actually that ugly.
See for oneself.Thalanerus (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2013-02-16T16:33:26ZRe: Forums: Taldor: A message to all true PathfindersAuntie Beth (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p8fb?A-message-to-all-true-Pathfinders#52012-12-06T20:03:09Z2012-12-06T20:03:09Z<p>A public response to Mr. bin Kaleel</p>
<p>I agree with you when you say the Society is more than just a well-funded gang of murderers and thieves. I also try to set a good example wherever I go, trying to prevent the apologies I end up making anyway. Your idea is indeed refreshing, though I don't believe in using custom-made trinkets to identify the more mature of us. Striving for excellence, and assisting others as they ask, is a goal enough.</p>
<p>I know how you feel, though: a while ago, I was sent on a mission with a large man of... mixed heritage, who largely knew how to swing around a large sword and answered only to "Krunch". He did want it spelled that way, so I'm certain he was literate.</p>
<p>Anyway, as we conversed, it happened that he showed a passion for learning and socializing, but nobody had ever consented to teach him. He came a long way, and once, when we encountered an acient Thuvian riddle (don't ask about the circumstances), he wanted to answer it instead of me. I let him, and he figured it out all by himself!</p>
<p>My point is, while assisting our more... violent associates is a good and noble thing, it doesn't have to be our duty. I'll continue to provide what help I can, and if I meet someone who bemoans single-mindedness in her fellow Field Agents, I'll make sure to mention Aram bin Kaleel.</p>
<p>Blessings upon your goal,
<br />
Viscountess Elspeth Thisslyn</p>A public response to Mr. bin Kaleel
I agree with you when you say the Society is more than just a well-funded gang of murderers and thieves. I also try to set a good example wherever I go, trying to prevent the apologies I end up making anyway. Your idea is indeed refreshing, though I don't believe in using custom-made trinkets to identify the more mature of us. Striving for excellence, and assisting others as they ask, is a goal enough.
I know how you feel, though: a while ago, I was sent...Auntie Beth (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2012-12-06T20:03:09ZRe: Forums: Shadow Lodge: We hear some factions are in trouble...Vint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ojo5?We-hear-some-factions-are-in-trouble#72012-10-14T18:22:39Z2012-10-14T18:22:39Z<p>Misguided, huh? Give that man some more credit. Why do you think he's so focused on the Society's politics before all the other kinds? The way I heard it, he <i>was</i> a good Pathfinder, before all those... issues happened to him. Even though Torch makes sure to tell his contacts everything he's sure they need, ask him questions next time he sees you. It'll show him you don't want to be left clueless.</p>
<p>Something you should learn - Mr. Deun, right? - is that everyone likes to be different from other people, so long as "different" means "better" and not "worse". I'm happy to let other types keep their really obvious secrets. When they find out mine - not letting anyone die if I can help it - they'll think that's all there is to me, and let me keep my other ones.</p>
<p>Oh, and that's kind of you, but I don't drink. I'd just rather talk and listen.</p>Misguided, huh? Give that man some more credit. Why do you think he's so focused on the Society's politics before all the other kinds? The way I heard it, he was a good Pathfinder, before all those... issues happened to him. Even though Torch makes sure to tell his contacts everything he's sure they need, ask him questions next time he sees you. It'll show him you don't want to be left clueless.
Something you should learn - Mr. Deun, right? - is that everyone likes to be different from other...Vint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2012-10-14T18:22:39ZRe: Forums: Taldor: Iconically TaldanAuntie Beth (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2okoh?Iconically-Taldan#162012-09-25T17:11:43Z2012-09-25T17:11:43Z<p>Hm, it seems to me that a big Taldan export is its public speakers. I've always liked its culture, its ideals, but from Absolom to Oppara, everyone seems to try to fiddle with other nations' issues then dealing with their own. "Pride" won't mean much if you don't back it up with a solid effort.</p>
<p>I still have one of those "iconically proud" letters at home. Some older Pathfinders might remember them:
<br />
"Dear Loyal Pawn,
<br />
I'm just writing to tell you that I'm much, much wealtheir than you. Also, would you mind stealing something for me to show off at a party I'll throw next week? Nothing says 'Confident Glory' like ill-gotten trinkets!
<br />
Snootily yours, Baron What's-his-name"</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]
<br />
Folk like that give a bad name to whatever nation they're from, so I always tried to do what I believed in, instead of just talk about it. I think Mr. Quadir was right, with what he said. Let's make sure that later on, people will talk about Taldor and its people now, the way they do about it then.</p>
<p>...Oh, there I go, getting in on the public speaking myself! I just want to say that when I'm not off on a mission, I work at the Baltwin orphanage and cook for the Morilla estate, and just because I like fanciness and good manners, I'm not afraid to do the dishes and laundry.</p>Hm, it seems to me that a big Taldan export is its public speakers. I've always liked its culture, its ideals, but from Absolom to Oppara, everyone seems to try to fiddle with other nations' issues then dealing with their own. "Pride" won't mean much if you don't back it up with a solid effort.
I still have one of those "iconically proud" letters at home. Some older Pathfinders might remember them:
"Dear Loyal Pawn,
I'm just writing to tell you that I'm much, much wealtheir than you. Also,...Auntie Beth (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2012-09-25T17:11:43ZRe: Forums: Andoran: Welcome my Andoran brothers and sisters!Monty Brannag (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2of1a&page=2?Welcome-my-Andoran-brothers-and-sisters#632012-09-25T01:27:41Z2012-09-25T01:27:41Z<p>A rather large, unshaven man with untidy chestnut hair speaks up at the tengu.</p>
<p>"Well, so long as even Chellies're speakin' out against it, it just goes to show what this kind of work can do for you. I mean, you show a bloke what it's like to have his life ruined, and he won't want to wish that on anyone.</p>
<p>"Now, I'm from Tymon, and back there we say 'Slavery Is An Abomination'. People just aren't things, at the base of it. It's sorta why, when I met the Major, I figured we saw eye to eye."</p>
<p>Gulping back a mouthful of stout, he struggles not to belch. "I thought bein' a Pathfinder'd turn my life around, but it was bein' a Steel Falcon that did it. Thanks to those lessons, I've been able to talk my way outta fights, and even end 'em without even drawing steel. Heh, I've still been called, 'Big Dumb Gladiator' by those blokes who forget to stop wavin' their swords and bows durin' discussions! I'd never been the subtle-est one in the group before, and I never would've been if I hadn't met the Major. Here's to the Eagle Nights, their trainin' and Andoren - nah, any freedom!"</p>A rather large, unshaven man with untidy chestnut hair speaks up at the tengu.
"Well, so long as even Chellies're speakin' out against it, it just goes to show what this kind of work can do for you. I mean, you show a bloke what it's like to have his life ruined, and he won't want to wish that on anyone.
"Now, I'm from Tymon, and back there we say 'Slavery Is An Abomination'. People just aren't things, at the base of it. It's sorta why, when I met the Major, I figured we saw eye to eye."
...Monty Brannag (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2012-09-25T01:27:41ZRe: Forums: Andoran: Andoran Season 4 Faction GoalsMonty Brannag (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2okut?Andoran-Season-4-Faction-Goals#152012-09-25T00:45:07Z2012-09-25T00:45:07Z<p>Uh, 'scuse me, Major sir, an' everyone, but you wrote that you want <b>us</b> to all look for ways to improve the embassy? As in, <b>every</b> Andoren bloke you've got in Magnamar? I mean, yeah, that's very... democratic of you, but though we're all Andoren in spirit - I came from Tymon, m'self... That's one of the River Kingdoms - I'm not sure if all of our different ideas'll work as well together as we do. But what better way to show what people can do with usin' freedom, right?</p>
<p>While I'm out in Varisia, if I buy any huge mirrors, sturdy fireplaces, landscape paintings or big fat pillows for nubile ladies to sit on, I'll send 'em your way!</p>Uh, 'scuse me, Major sir, an' everyone, but you wrote that you want us to all look for ways to improve the embassy? As in, every Andoren bloke you've got in Magnamar? I mean, yeah, that's very... democratic of you, but though we're all Andoren in spirit - I came from Tymon, m'self... That's one of the River Kingdoms - I'm not sure if all of our different ideas'll work as well together as we do. But what better way to show what people can do with usin' freedom, right?
While I'm out in...Monty Brannag (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2012-09-25T00:45:07ZForums: Shadow Lodge: The Magnimar CaseVint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oxgz?The-Magnimar-Case#12012-09-25T00:05:33Z2012-09-25T00:05:33Z<p>All around me for weeks, I've been seeing those fresh-faced rookies gush about how much they love it here in Magnamar. Sure, it's fun to hob-nob with its rich folk, without having to worry about some demon dame looking to pull your soul out through your urethra. When they sent me all the way to Osirion, I got promised I'd never have to come back to this ruined cesspit, and then they pull something like this. Nobody knows and hates the place like I do - I grew up there, so I should know - so what could I do but take the job?
<br />
Officially, I've been writing speeches on behalf of the Society, and helping watch over the Lodge, but twice now I've been sent out to keep those rookies from dying. I know this trash heap of a birthplace like the other sides of my shoulders, let's say, and if I find any lawbreaking Aspis goons or crooks calling themselves Pathfinders, I'll bring 'em in and have 'em locked up tighter than the Rough Beast.
<br />
Also, since I know you're gonna end up reading this, Torch, watch your mailbox. By the time you get that letter full of stuff I won't say in public, Sheila'll have already sent me out to do more of your leftover dirty laundry.</p>All around me for weeks, I've been seeing those fresh-faced rookies gush about how much they love it here in Magnamar. Sure, it's fun to hob-nob with its rich folk, without having to worry about some demon dame looking to pull your soul out through your urethra. When they sent me all the way to Osirion, I got promised I'd never have to come back to this ruined cesspit, and then they pull something like this. Nobody knows and hates the place like I do - I grew up there, so I should know - so...Vint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2012-09-25T00:05:33ZRe: Forums: Rules Questions: What does my burning hands look like?Auntie Beth (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2otec?What-does-my-burning-hands-look-like#32012-09-06T16:56:20Z2012-09-06T16:56:20Z<p>Well, when she does it, is it a spell or a prayer? That might make a difference.</p>
<p>Hm, I recall when I used to do that: I'd carry around a flask of brandy (originally, it was supposed to be part of my healer's kit), then spit it out over a <i>spark</i>. I don't do it anymore, though.</p>Well, when she does it, is it a spell or a prayer? That might make a difference.
Hm, I recall when I used to do that: I'd carry around a flask of brandy (originally, it was supposed to be part of my healer's kit), then spit it out over a spark. I don't do it anymore, though.Auntie Beth (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2012-09-06T16:56:20ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Decemvirate Just Can't Pick 'Em.Vint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oezy?The-Decemvirate-Just-Cant-Pick-Em#92012-07-06T17:40:26Z2012-07-06T17:40:26Z<p>"Hey you, you've got a Wayfinder! We need a guy who can smooth-talk and haggle!"</p>
<p>"Wha? I just like to hit things and drink other things!"</p>
<p>"Close enough, let's go!"</p>"Hey you, you've got a Wayfinder! We need a guy who can smooth-talk and haggle!"
"Wha? I just like to hit things and drink other things!"
"Close enough, let's go!"Vint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2012-07-06T17:40:26ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: The Decemvirate Just Can't Pick 'Em.Vint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oezy?The-Decemvirate-Just-Cant-Pick-Em#72012-07-06T17:34:33Z2012-07-06T17:34:33Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Taorm the Mistmourned wrote:</div><blockquote><p> If I get to hit someone then I'd call it a mission success. Even that one time the Aspis locked me up...</p>
<p>A heavy weapon can get things done just as well as you sing-song types. I didn't hear anyone complaining when I dropped that traitor from the watchtower in the God's Market. Well, alright, the watch complained but I got the job done. </blockquote><p>"Sing-song"? Look, pal, I give public speeches, I keep people alert, and I disarm enemy weapons. I can even do haiku, too.
<p>Yeah, when the only four guys who can show up don't know how to do something important, it'd help if they spend the first bit figuring out how to cover for themselves. If there are other agents around but the berserker <i>really</i> wants in and, say, shoves the priestess or the witch aside, then I'm gonna either have to use up everyone's curesticks or (if nobody has any) just tell 'em not to just yank out all the arrows that're gonna hit 'em.</p>
<p>Oh, as for that haiku, here's one on the house:
<br />
We get the mission/
<br />
I fiddle with my glasses/
<br />
I make a quip... <b>YEAAHH!!!</b></p>Taorm the Mistmourned wrote:If I get to hit someone then I'd call it a mission success. Even that one time the Aspis locked me up...
A heavy weapon can get things done just as well as you sing-song types. I didn't hear anyone complaining when I dropped that traitor from the watchtower in the God's Market. Well, alright, the watch complained but I got the job done.
"Sing-song"? Look, pal, I give public speeches, I keep people alert, and I disarm enemy weapons. I can even do haiku, too. Yeah,...Vint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2012-07-06T17:34:33ZForums: Pathfinder Society: The Decemvirate Just Can't Pick 'Em.Vint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oezy?The-Decemvirate-Just-Cant-Pick-Em#12012-07-09T13:45:37Z2012-07-06T16:39:01Z<p>Say, how many times have you been called up by a venture-captain and got told something like, "Today I need you to check out something strange in Rahadoum, so I sent for the born-again Sarenite and the devil-worshipping Chelishman," or "I've gathered together you four, with your outdoorsiness and knowledge of poison to go to Geb and bring back this book on embalming"?</p>
<p>Yeah, just last week, after getting sent to the one place I hate the most - undergound - to fight people and not place 'em under arrest, I get shipped out to the one place to which I asked never to return: Magnamar. It's still a dump, and they sent me to the dumpiest area in it to find out who'd been killing people. Oh, I found the perp, all right, who got away thanks to my entire team deciding as a group to start thinking with the wrong head. It was all I could do to get 'em aiming in the right direction with their actual weapons.</p>
<p>Oh, and this week, when I got back? Yeah, turned out that the the only four they could send to investigate some thefts and muggings - Torch said don't mention religion, and don't use lethal force - were a big angry guy who looked like an ex-guard of Torch's, a grouchy Dwarf who kept comparing axes with the hybrid guy, a purported Tien princess on the run who didn't even speak Tien, and that sword-swinging Sarenite broad. Two men, one dog, an entire warehouse, and a damaged gazebo later, and they all got beat up by the perp who was on top of the gazebo I guess? When they came around, they all started complaining about how they didn't know what to do, since they didn't get sent along with a smart guy who could, say, use a sleeping spell or make a cloud or something.</p>
<p>How do those guys, with their magic blame-deflecting helmets, decide who takes what mission? Blindfolded darts or rolling dice? Or do they just look for the first four they could find to do the first thing that needs doing?</p>Say, how many times have you been called up by a venture-captain and got told something like, "Today I need you to check out something strange in Rahadoum, so I sent for the born-again Sarenite and the devil-worshipping Chelishman," or "I've gathered together you four, with your outdoorsiness and knowledge of poison to go to Geb and bring back this book on embalming"?
Yeah, just last week, after getting sent to the one place I hate the most - undergound - to fight people and not place 'em...Vint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2012-07-06T16:39:01ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Posts for Better PFS PlayVint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nwcc&page=3?Posts-for-Better-PFS-Play#1272012-06-03T05:23:38Z2012-06-03T05:23:38Z<p>Hang on, then. A couple weeks from now, I'll be heading in to give your teams a lot of help and a little common sense. I've got Careful Teamwork, plenty of different arrows, a handy haversack with anything we might need in it (including some masterwork manacles if I can get the violent dretch-bags to stop using excessive force) and just in case, a swordbreaker dagger.</p>
<p>I'll get to the bottom or whatever mission you hand me, unless you tell me to get to the actual bottom of something. Send me swimming again, instead; I just learned how to do that.</p>Hang on, then. A couple weeks from now, I'll be heading in to give your teams a lot of help and a little common sense. I've got Careful Teamwork, plenty of different arrows, a handy haversack with anything we might need in it (including some masterwork manacles if I can get the violent dretch-bags to stop using excessive force) and just in case, a swordbreaker dagger.
I'll get to the bottom or whatever mission you hand me, unless you tell me to get to the actual bottom of something. Send me...Vint Penal (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2012-06-03T05:23:38ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: An Urgent Message from Ambrus ValsinAuntie Beth (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2o5ar&page=2?An-Urgent-Message-from-Ambrus-Valsin#642012-05-21T17:56:33Z2012-05-21T17:56:33Z<p>Oh, I've heard of the Grand Convocation, but with all the time and money and travel involved, I doubt I'll be able to make it. I wish I could bring along some home cooking, but-</p>
<p>Oh bug- er, that is, it's always saddening to see the beginnings of love spurned. Still, good graces are no substitute for good decisions. Now I think I should be there, if only to cheer the mood and keep violent aberrations from oozing along the city streets.</p>Oh, I've heard of the Grand Convocation, but with all the time and money and travel involved, I doubt I'll be able to make it. I wish I could bring along some home cooking, but-
Oh bug- er, that is, it's always saddening to see the beginnings of love spurned. Still, good graces are no substitute for good decisions. Now I think I should be there, if only to cheer the mood and keep violent aberrations from oozing along the city streets.Auntie Beth (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2012-05-21T17:56:33ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS#3-13 Defenders of Nesting Swallow [SPOILERS]Monty Brannag (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nipv&page=2?PFS313-Defenders-of-Nesting-Swallow-SPOILERS#542012-05-16T19:05:47Z2012-05-16T19:05:47Z<p>Yeah, I remember saving that place. "Let's get down to business and defeat the tengu!" Problem was, every single one got the faction mission that told them to do the thing they were the worst at doing. We just barely got through it - I think a couple of guys didn't make theirs - but it turned out we didn't need it.</p>
<p>See, the group had two wizards and a Musket Master: thanks to webs and illusions, and that other guy blasting his weapon three times at once, I didn't even get to fight any of the first two waves up close. "This is what happens when wizards get to prepare!" one of them said.</p>
<p>Then that giant owlbear came smashing in, and between the musket and me getting enlarged, I think it only got one attack in. I was still big for the bird on the bigger bird, so I just yanked him off his mount and the musket master shot him. That one always seems to crit the bad guy.
<br />
Anyway, the fighting was easy but everything else was hard, probably because we were a group that was mainly good at fighting. At least I got to bring in the harvest all by myself by Day 2!</p>
<p>Oh, and if I didn't make it clear, yes it was fun, and yes I liked it.</p>Yeah, I remember saving that place. "Let's get down to business and defeat the tengu!" Problem was, every single one got the faction mission that told them to do the thing they were the worst at doing. We just barely got through it - I think a couple of guys didn't make theirs - but it turned out we didn't need it.
See, the group had two wizards and a Musket Master: thanks to webs and illusions, and that other guy blasting his weapon three times at once, I didn't even get to fight any of the...Monty Brannag (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2012-05-16T19:05:47ZForums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Non-barbaric BarbariansMonty Brannag (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nfx2?Nonbarbaric-Barbarians#12012-01-13T01:29:15Z2012-01-13T01:29:15Z<p>Look, I’m <b>Censored</b> sick of it. I’ve been in the <b>••••ing</b> Society f’r a while now, and any time someone asks me what I do – I can say “berserker” or “Brutal Pugilist” or “I’m the bloke who guards the spell-users and strangles the <b>Omitted</b> spell-users” – and they just say, “Oh, you’re a <i>Barbarian</i>” like I’m some half-orc half-dwarf <b>NSFW</b> who can’t even spell his own name. Look, just ‘cause I gotta write “Barbarian” <i>somewhere</i> on one of those forms (yeah, I can write. Both languages, too), doesn’t mean I’m <b>Impolite</b> “Barbaric”.</p>
<p>You wanna know how smart I am? 12! That's still above average. While those fancy pantsy geniuses write essays, I can at least get ‘em out when they’re lost in the desert; when that smug wizard’s all like, “<b>Beep</b> Monty, no-one told me I’d have to fly! I’m just ready to set fires!” I’ve already climbed up that thing that needs climbin' and dropped a rope. I can be careful! I can go around without a sword, and that’s not just ‘cause I can hit a guy without one.</p>
<p>Now, y’might say, “But Monty, fist-fighting’s dumb ‘cause you’ll get bigger numbers doing other <b>Comment Removed</b>”, but I’m not just in it for that: I can shut up the blokes who’re smarter than me, or knock out someone when killing everyone’s a bad idea. Besides, my numbers’re plenty big enough already.</p>
<p>Yeah, I’d agree that someone solves problems by losing his temper, he’s not gonna want boring niceties all day. But if you’d rather have a big, dumb, angry beast, just trap a giant <b>Swearing</b> badger!</p>Look, I’m Censored sick of it. I’ve been in the ****ing Society f’r a while now, and any time someone asks me what I do – I can say “berserker” or “Brutal Pugilist” or “I’m the bloke who guards the spell-users and strangles the Omitted spell-users” – and they just say, “Oh, you’re a Barbarian” like I’m some half-orc half-dwarf NSFW who can’t even spell his own name. Look, just ‘cause I gotta write “Barbarian” somewhere on one of those forms (yeah, I can write. Both languages, too), doesn’t...Monty Brannag (alias of The Shifty Mongoose)2012-01-13T01:29:15Z