Why are we worried about people without power points?
Okay. So I did some research on Bestow Power, which Connor just got because of what happened in The Prison of the Elements with running out of psionic power points. If I'm reading the text correctly, someone with Bestow Power can augment the power, giving a "psionic creature" enough power points for them to then use touch-telepathy for Sustenance. Which means, Sustenance-problem solved among our current group, except for Telv.
Just thinking of the party here in a worst-case dungeon scenario. It's in my nature.
Connor's paranoid.
I don't even need to worry about power points for sustenance. I have it in ring form.
Of course I'm assuming that we'd bring rations from the ship when going into a dungeon. And if the monsters aren't all undead, constructs, elementals and the like, then we shouldn't run out of food. It's not evil if your survival depends on it.
Connor's paranoid.
Yes. Yes I am. “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty against Mr. Dicebot.” We almost succeeded by ourselves in the Prison of the Elements if there hadn't been a couple of planes of infinite dirt, rubble, and stone between us and the goal.
Kotsi has Sustenance as a known Power and can prepare it with 1 Round of prep time in an empty slot, so shouldn't be an issue.
Oh, cool. Can't Flann just manifest it on everyone through the Collective, though? It ends up being way cheaper overall (3 base +1 per additional target) then having everyone do it themselves.
Also, disclaimer: I can't make the Psicraft DCs to use someone else's power. Maybe I ought to throw a few ranks into it next level...
Yes.
Flann can manifest Sustenance over the network on 5 people in one go for 8PP now.
Oh, cool. Can't Flann just manifest it on everyone through the Collective, though? It ends up being way cheaper overall (3 base +1 per additional target) then having everyone do it themselves.
Also, disclaimer: I can't make the Psicraft DCs to use someone else's power.
I'm going to craft a crystal mask of psionic craft for others to use. I just reached the ML for it.
Oh nice. I'll still need to put a rank in the skill to be able to use it, but that would be very convenient.
And nuts. "ML 7th", but "Must have 10 ranks in the skill." Which is paradoxical, since you can only have a maximum of ranks in any particular skill equal to your level. So I'll have to wait until 10th...
Still, Crystal Masks of Knowledge (5 ranks needed, ML 3rd) are doable, with cooperative crafting.
Yes.
Flann can manifest Sustenance over the network on 5 people in one go for 8PP now.
Another cheer for Flann! I love teamwork.
... I think if Flann wears that mask he can manifest all the team's known powers by taking 10... Contact is DC 20, and manifesting is DC 15 + spell level, and Flann can take 10 on skills in stressful sittuations...
I should never put a point in psicraft, which I just read is spellcraft, which I have had as a class skill the whole time...
I don't even need to worry about power points for sustenance. I have it in ring form.
Of course I'm assuming that we'd bring rations from the ship when going into a dungeon. And if the monsters aren't all undead, constructs, elementals and the like, then we shouldn't run out of food. It's not evil if your survival depends on it.
Good on the ring. I still don't know why Forge Ring is 7th level. Just like Craft Staff is 11th. They should be 5th and 3rd, really. I'll need more more level for Forge Ring, I can't switch out Leadership with Psychic Reformation, too iffy.
And nuts. "ML 7th", but "Must have 10 ranks in the skill." Which is paradoxical, since you can only have a maximum of ranks in any particular skill equal to your level. So I'll have to wait until 10th...
Still, Crystal Masks of Knowledge (5 ranks needed, ML 3rd) are doable, with cooperative crafting.
Not paradoxical. They are accounting for multiclassing. Because it's just so common for somebody who's splitting their attention between multiple classes to spend feats on crafting. A bit cliché, really.
And nuts. "ML 7th", but "Must have 10 ranks in the skill." Which is paradoxical, since you can only have a maximum of ranks in any particular skill equal to your level. So I'll have to wait until 10th...
Still, Crystal Masks of Knowledge (5 ranks needed, ML 3rd) are doable, with cooperative crafting.
You can add 5 to the DC and ignore a crafting prerequisite (as long as it's not the feat). mdt ruled you can only skip one requirement that way, but that shouldn't be an issue here.
...
I should never put a point in psicraft, which I just read is spellcraft, which I have had as a class skill the whole time...
Make sure you put at least one if you want to use it; it's Trained Only, iirc.
And nuts. "ML 7th", but "Must have 10 ranks in the skill." Which is paradoxical, since you can only have a maximum of ranks in any particular skill equal to your level. So I'll have to wait until 10th...
Still, Crystal Masks of Knowledge (5 ranks needed, ML 3rd) are doable, with cooperative crafting.
You can add 5 to the DC and ignore a crafting prerequisite (as long as it's not the feat). mdt ruled you can only skip one requirement that way, but that shouldn't be an issue here.
Make sure you put at least one if you want to use it; it's Trained Only, iirc....
I should never put a point in psicraft, which I just read is spellcraft, which I have had as a class skill the whole time...
Adding 5 to the DC is not too difficult with a Psicraft of 16, that's why it's my second-highest skill. And after I make the mask, it would add 10 to my crafting skill! That would be a shared item. Still, 5,000 gp for the material is a chunk of change, I'd have to not craft the vest of surgery for Connor/Flann and putting Crystal Light on Connor's psicrystal staff. I might have to wait until we get some more cash.
Make sure you put at least one if you want to use it; it's Trained Only, iirc....
I should never put a point in psicraft, which I just read is spellcraft, which I have had as a class skill the whole time...
I'm still not used to the scale of higher-level play. It feels like cheating. Between the Mythic skills, that mask, and my Network feat, I might be able to manifest Inertial Armor on the whole party for 7PP. I could give 6 of us +5 armor, or 4 of us +6 armor...
Adding 5 to the DC is not too difficult with a Psicraft of 16, that's why it's my second-highest skill. And after I make the mask, it would add 10 to my crafting skill! That would be a shared item. Still, 5,000 gp for the material is a chunk of change, I'd have to not craft the vest of surgery for Connor/Flann and putting Crystal Light on Connor's psicrystal staff. I might have to wait until we get some more cash.
what what what? Heal ability damage with Heal skill?
I'm still not used to the scale of higher-level play. It feels like cheating. Between the Mythic skills, that mask, and my Network feat, I might be able to manifest Inertial Armor on the whole party for 7PP. I could give 6 of us +5 armor, or 4 of us +6 armor...Make sure you put at least one if you want to use it; it's Trained Only, iirc....
I should never put a point in psicraft, which I just read is spellcraft, which I have had as a class skill the whole time...
That's not really a HUGE deal. It saves Connor and Vim a few PP, gives yourself a +1 armor bonus at most, doesn't stack with Kotsi's +2 Chain Shirt (though will be helpful when/if I outgrow the Chain Shirt's max Dex in a few levels) and severely benefits Ishtraxa and Telv (since they don't have an armor bonus already).
It's not pointless, but it's not enormous either. It basically ensures the party has the expected AC for this level's challenges.
Telv, I forgot about that. I can't tell if you're Beast Boy from the Teen Titans in DC Comics, or Odo from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. I'll keep the boots for a future project. For energy resistance, the power is a touch, not "self only", so no problem.
Okay, good deal.
Connor's paranoid.Yes. Yes I am. “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty against Mr. Dicebot.” We almost succeeded by ourselves in the Prison of the Elements if there hadn't been a couple of planes of infinite dirt, rubble, and stone between us and the goal.
You did succeed by yourself. The girl was always the only way to complete the mission (although you could have retreated out of the prison without completing it if you'd chosen to). But you completed all four levels, which was impressive!
I'm still not used to the scale of higher-level play. It feels like cheating. Between the Mythic skills, that mask, and my Network feat, I might be able to manifest Inertial Armor on the whole party for 7PP. I could give 6 of us +5 armor, or 4 of us +6 armor...
We're only 8th level. This still mid levels.
And nuts. "ML 7th", but "Must have 10 ranks in the skill." Which is paradoxical, since you can only have a maximum of ranks in any particular skill equal to your level. So I'll have to wait until 10th...
Still, Crystal Masks of Knowledge (5 ranks needed, ML 3rd) are doable, with cooperative crafting.
That's obviously a copy/paste error from the original psionics stuff from WoTC. Remember, they had 'level + 3' as your maximum ranks in a skill. You should read that as 'must have 7 ranks' instead.
If anyone is not done with their equipment, let me know. Otherwise, if I hear nothing, I'll move us forward Saturday with the next story arc.
Sorry if I'm kind of hit or miss this week. Had a holiday, had sleeping issues over it, got RIF'd first thing Tuesday morning, wife is out of town at a funeral, and finally realized how much I'd grown to hate my job when I felt relief at getting RIF'd rather than being upset. So in a weird place.
Condolences and congratulations.
Sorry if I'm kind of hit or miss this week. Had a holiday, had sleeping issues over it, got RIF'd first thing Tuesday morning, wife is out of town at a funeral, and finally realized how much I'd grown to hate my job when I felt relief at getting RIF'd rather than being upset. So in a weird place.
Ouch! It's not been noticeable on this side at all, mdt. Sorry about your job loss (Reduction in Force?).
That's obviously a copy/paste error from the original psionics stuff from WoTC. Remember, they had 'level + 3' as your maximum ranks in a skill. You should read that as 'must have 7 ranks' instead.
Well I may rearrange some of my spreadsheet to see if I can afford it after all...
I'm ready to go, mdt, but how much roleplay do I need for the Leadership benefits? Connor's ready to ask for 1 day in Atlantus City at a minimum. Just to contact the McIntyre solicitors and set up the trust fund with the accountant and steward.
I'm still not used to the scale of higher-level play. It feels like cheating. Between the Mythic skills, that mask, and my Network feat, I might be able to manifest Inertial Armor on the whole party for 7PP. I could give 6 of us +5 armor, or 4 of us +6 armor...
How's that work for Connor's Mental Barrier? It's one of those "you can cast even if it's not your turn" to get +4 to dodge AC.
Adding 5 to the DC is not too difficult with a Psicraft of 16, that's why it's my second-highest skill. And after I make the mask, it would add 10 to my crafting skill! That would be a shared item. Still, 5,000 gp for the material is a chunk of change, I'd have to not craft the vest of surgery for Connor/Flann and putting Crystal Light on Connor's psicrystal staff. I might have to wait until we get some more cash.what what what? Heal ability damage with Heal skill?
Yeah, it's nice. I know you got mender's vestments, this was another "healing" addition. I still got the MW vest with griffon's mane. I'll keep it for when we get more cash.
Yep, Reduction in Force.
We got taken over by a new company, and the first thing they did, when it was all done and they'd gotten a good look at the combined company, was RIF a bunch of people.
@Connor - Don't worry about it, you'll get your time.
Yep, Reduction in Force.
We got taken over by a new company, and the first thing they did, when it was all done and they'd gotten a good look at the combined company, was RIF a bunch of people.
Take your time, or throw yourself into distractions, whatever works. We're here to have fun with you, not in spite of you.
How's that work for Connor's Mental Barrier? It's one of those "you can cast even if it's not your turn" to get +4 to dodge AC.
As far as I can tell, Flann can manifest it as his immediate action and give up to 4 PCs +4 dodge AC. (5 PP for the first person, then 3 PP for the additional targets) The bonus still lasts for 1 full round.
Any Personal power could be spread like so much butter and marmalade over rye toast. (and I could do it anyway with 3 skill points in Psicraft)
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I've already had two recruiters call me since Tuesday. :P
Oh, I've been meaning to ask: are 'Class Level', 'Manifester Level', and 'Level' three different things, or two?
Just to let everyone know, I'll be on Kerr Lake, VA/NC border, tomorrow, Friday the 1st of June, pretty much all day. Getting another point of Profession: Sailor again. So I won't be able to post until very late Friday night.
Last month when I went boating I got a terrible sunburn. So the theme for tomorrow is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdGj-FVxOcs
Oh, I've been meaning to ask: are 'Class Level', 'Manifester Level', and 'Level' three different things, or two?
'Level' almost always refers to class level. There are things that specifically refer to character level, but they're relatively uncommon (Leadership is a good example). Class abilities that say 'level' mean your level in that class unless otherwise specified.
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Best of luck, mdt.
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Oh, I've been meaning to ask: are 'Class Level', 'Manifester Level', and 'Level' three different things, or two?
Three.
Character level is your total number of levels in all classes. Currently we are character level 8.
Class level is your level in any given class.
Flann is class level 6 in Vitalist and class level 2 in Marksman.
Manifester level is usually dependent on your class level in a given class that grants manifesting. You are ML 6 by default in Vitalist and ML 2 in Marksman, though really ML 7 Vitalist because trait.
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RE: using other people's powers known:
My read on it says even with the Collective skipping the full round of physical contact, it takes 2 rounds to pull off.
After your Psicraft check to understand the power, it says 'on your next turn' you can manifest the power, and if you don't, you have to start the process again. So that's at least one turn, and then a 'next' turn. Good for buffing out of combat, less useful (but maybe not completely useless?) for immediate actions like Mental Barrier.
If you do use it for Inertial Armor, I believe it's 1pp to manifest normally, 4pp for 'Network Power', and then either:
1 pp per extra target, and/or
2 pp per extra +1 AC.
So at ML 8 you could do:
+4 AC to 4 people for 8 pp
+5 AC to 2 people for 8 pp
+7 AC to 1 yourself for 7 pp (Vim uses this option in his daily routine)
There's the paragraph I was missing! XP Missed the +4PP.
I'll keep the extra turn in mind too.
Once again, that's the sacrifice for inertial armor, force screen, and even mental barrier. You've got to see the attack coming beforehand, since FS is minutes/level and MB is 1 round unless augmented. IA (at our level) is good for nearly all day, but for 7pp, which for some of our characters is 1/3 of our psionic power points. Wearing armor is still an option with that math.
mdt has only pulled a Null Psionics Field on us once, but he has done it.
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Null psionics? That's an attack against the players! The higher level you are the longer it takes to figure out all of your stats without the bonuses.
Hey guys sorry so with the short week and from traveling last week as well as my boss taking a new job work has been busier than normal. I have not had a chance to read and catch up yet and wow there is a lot. I will try and get caught up this weekend. Sorry.
Oh, one last fix. I'm putting my sycophant's ring on a cord so that I can slip it off easily if we encounter mind-woogieing foes.
I wonder if we'll encounter illithid Intellect Devourers or Seugathi.
Hey all,
We need to discuss "party treasure", since mdt through Sanita just gave us a chunk of change - 100,000 gp in value. Before another "Volita explosion", don't forget mdt has already put us at Level 8 WBL.
What Connor has typically done in the past is use the Elephant's cargo as party profit. The NPC crew gets a pittance from the delivery, the lion's share is split among the PCs. So before everybody starts dreaming about gold-lined fur capes, remember that 100,000 gp is supposed to buy the Elephant new engines, as well as some ship's weapons, so we can take on Grimjowl, and not have to craft/perform for coins for a year. Maximizing the "spices and fish" Sanita told us to carry is a safer profit. And maybe an ice elemental to keep the fish from rotting. Everybody can have an "allowance" (Connor included), once we reach Iska of Iska, to spend/waste as they see fit.
That being said, mdt has often put us in "side trips" that pay off handsomely, and gotten the PCs plenty of loot (and/or mythic levels). I don't foresee mdt spinning the plot a year ahead in a single post.
This planning and talking of non-combat merchant details might bore a lot of players, but since this is more like the National Guard and not like the active military, my emphasis is on getting my fellow players to agree, and not lose interest. I am not driving the Plot Train here, nor do I intend on keeping anyone from "their" gold pieces. But we might need to purchase a temporary base of operations while the Elephant's engines are replaced, etc. And my strength as a roleplayer includes calculations and spreadsheets from D&D 3.0 (those were the days).
So Connor is not head Conductor on the Plot Train, and if anybody objects to him being party leader/face/treasurer/min-maximizer, well, you can step up. But don't forget the "at cost" crafting Connor offers!
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I'm comfortable with the way things are going, and I'm all aboard the spreadsheet train, too. I played a lot of EVE back in the day (though i'm relatively 'retired' now), if anyone feels the need to question my "excel is fun" bona fides ;)
In Character:
Vim likes his job because:
a) He's good at it, and that makes him happy.
b) He REALLY enjoys the lifestyle he lives (good food, fine wine, no shortage of excitement, and historically anyway, the fancy (not to mention dry and spacious) hotels.
c) He genuinely believes the Clan's work is good work.
This particular mission seems like it'll be heavy on the excitement, and "less heavy" on the finery, but that'll be OK (for now). Connor as Captain and chief-trade-idea-haver seems to fit nicely, and Vim's not particularly worried about "getting rich" as it were, so whatever we do regarding trade goods should be fine. As mentioned previously, Vim's trained (Cover Identity ftw!) in the business side of trading, so he can lend a hand with that as needed.
Out of Character:
I'm not too worried about WBL/loot, since I'm sure it'll all balance out, particularly if you have an vigilant and conscientious GM, and mdt seems to be both.
I greatly appreciate Connor's stopping to check that he's not running away with said Plot Train. I've been in a few pbp games where some folks made lots and lots and lots of decisions for other people w/o asking, and that gets....frustrating. Quite glad to see it's not happening here.
I'm good with it as well. Having other sources of money makes it a little less important to strip every body of all valuables.
It would be nice to set aside a portion for party expenses when we split stuff up - healing items and other general use items.
A google docs spreadsheet would let us all see it.
Thanks, Vim.
Having other sources of money makes it a little less important to strip every body of all valuables.
Yeah, you should have seen us in the Underground City. Scrubbing the walls with bristle-brushes to get the gold flake off. ;) Seriously, the team risked their lives with a Maximized Empowered Fireball Trap on a vault lock in a small room just to see what was inside (It was copper ingots. Connor made enough astral constructs to carry them all, and out we marched to the Seven Dwarves song.).
mdt already has Connor's log on a Google Spreadsheet. Putting "Sanita's Budget" on the next tab would be easy.
Connor's Log updated
Flann is just hoping his mother isn't involved. Otherwise just thrilled spelunking in the chaos outside her reach with folks who stand a chance of survival.
Ooc: just playing to find out what happens.
Posting will like be sporadic and/or short for a bit, primarily because my laptop's keyboard seems to be crapping out on me and dropping inputs constantly. I have to jab the damn thing to get the g, h, d, ", and shift keys to work, among others. =/