Blood Under Absalom (Inactive)

Game Master Granta

Sarnoc takes to his spellbooks as soon as we wakes; pouring over the pages, going from book to book to decide what might be required this special day. He eats a couple of pears and an apple, still in good season from southern Galt. Galtan fruit is sweet must be the blood of the land.

You've done excellently so far, so I still have nothing to report to you until Something Happens.

Kallyan woke up after the others, as imaginable. Already fully dressed and with a somewhat sleepy face, the bard carried adorned jewels, a smile, and a small summoned percussion instrument with extravagant colors and a swift sound. He came downstairs knocking it with skill, surrounded by dancing lights and greeting everybody in a very attention calling way.

Oh! My companions! Kallyan salutes you! It's another sunny day for songs and adventure! - he said, with a tone of voice that would make some people question if he wasn't under the effects of pesh or something stronger.

After completing his spell preparation. Sarnoc draws out his Extend Lesser Metamagic Rod and uses it to cast mage armor on himself. He then joins the others; waiting for the rubies to light up.

I prepared a second Mage Armor for Ara -- will cast when we are ready to go.

***OVERSEER ANNOUCEMENT***

Overseer thread

1d100 ⇒ 40

The arrival of the morning brings with it the joys of a glowing Ruby!

That day you are greeted by a black-feathered tengu who introduces herself as your liaison to the Emissary of the Ruby Phoenix. She informs you that all contestants are to meet within a large shipping house near where the Docks meets the sodden district known as the Puddles and provides you with a specific time and directions to the event.

***

Following the directions given to you by your tengu liaison, you arrive just past dusk at the shipping house. Soon enough, a small crowd of would-be contestants begins to gather.

Approaching the entrance you spot a dishevelled, barefooted man dressed in plain sackcloth leaning in the shallow doorway. As you draw nearer, he slowly raises his head to examine the crowd. Then, grinning a toothy smile, he holds out his hand and asks “Any of you happen to find a ruby?”

The crowd excitedly signals their affirmative response and several glowing rubies are thrust into the air, there is an electric vibe flowing through the assembled host and everyone seems very ready for action.

The man nods and pushes the door open. Then he holds out a sack to collect the rubies of those seeking entry. As the various contestants enter, he directs them towards a flight of stairs near the back of the warehouse. These stairs descend into a wide and shadowy basement converted into a crude, make-shift arena illuminated by a ring of greasy-scented torches. The main floor is cleared of all objects save for a dusting of sand and straw that covers the cold stone floor. An assortment of contestants have already arrived, anxiously scanning the room. Almost all in attendance are recognizable from the previous night’s brawl.

From across the arena floor strides Kiang Zhen, the terrifying creature who represents Sifu Xho Nuo. Clapping her massive, clawed hands, she calls for silence, and with a low growl addresses the entire room as she runs her hands over her gruesome golden horns.

“Bringing defeat upon your perceived adversaries is only part of what it takes to walk the path of a truly great warrior. A true master sees beyond his adversaries; he sees the war and not just the battle. Last night, I watched how all of you were quick and eager to fight one another—therefore today... today I shall see how you fight together! Let’s see how well you can keep each other alive!” As she finishes this exuberant and enigmatic statement, smoke flashes erupt throughout the arena, and several dozen hidden trapdoors suddenly spring open, unleashing a horde of otherworldly beasts!

A great ophidian creature with a sharp-featured humanoid head, flanked by a band of horned, clawed, bulging-eyed fiends armed with massive bludgeons, races toward you!

Ajax
___
Pale Oni
___
Ara, Sarnoc, Vrald
___
Dark Oni, Red Oni
___
Shel
___
Naga, Brown Oni
___
Isonda/Scratchings, Kallyan

Perception 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31

"Be alert. Tengu and oni are paying too close attention to us for comfort right now. Guard your flanks!"

perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

"Stay behind me!" calls out Vrald.

Perception: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28

Ajax surveys the combat arena, noting any other trap doors or secret doors, as well as the combatants, before casting Cat's Grace on Ara and commanding her to defend him as he pulls out is bow.

K. Planes on Pale Oni: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
K. Planes on Dark Oni: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
K. Planes on Red Oni: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
K. Planes on Brown Oni: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
K. Dungeoneering on Nagai: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17

perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11 Nope - i'm glad you lot are here or Isonda would never see a thing!

The party is over here, Isonda *waves*.... :/

Spot check humor

You had time to cast your blessings. It only makes sense, a 7-9th-level adventuring party isn't going to be herded into an arena and not expect imminent combat.

the oni are all of the same mold, which Knowledge check is 'the real one?': 1d4 ⇒ 4 You're a lucky guy! I consider that good enough to know this.
As for the naga...not so lucky. You probably think it's this guy.

The pale oni spares no time, swinging at Vrald with brutal force!

masterwork greatclub, Power Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
damage: 1d10 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

His club hits Vrald's armor with a sort of low popping sound. It's a testament to the weapon's construction that it doesn't crack in half.

Ajax
___
Pale Oni
___
Ara, Sarnoc, Vrald
___
Dark Oni, Red Oni
___
Shel
___
Naga, Brown Oni
___
Isonda/Scratchings, Kallyan

The kind Oni, having spared Vrald the trouble of moving, gets given a longsword as a thank-you present. Twice.

attack,PA: 1d20 + 16 - 3 ⇒ (8) + 16 - 3 = 21
attack2,PA: 1d20 + 11 - 3 ⇒ (2) + 11 - 3 = 10
damage (iron, magic), PA: 1d8 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 6 = 17
damage2 (iron, magic), PA: 1d8 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 6 = 21

Would have cast Mage Armor on Ara prior to entering the arena.

Since we already know what the Oni's are I'll just roll for the Naga. Is it dungeoneering, I'll roll that if it's Arcana add 5.

Know dungeon stuff: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13 dern

Sarnoc does not recall the creature from his studies, although he thinks he should.

Premikajo Zelo Hitro!

Sarnoc casts Haste on the party.

As Sarnoc goes before Vrald, I'll roll the extra attack, please add +1 to the attacks above for the haste effect
attack: 1d20 + 16 - 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 16 - 3 + 1 = 22
damage: 1d8 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 6 = 16

Don't know if GM is waiting on Ara, but I posted Ara's move OOC, she's been ordered to attack anyone who threatens Ajax

Don't know if GM is waiting on Ara, but I posted Ara's move OOC, she's been ordered to attack anyone who threatens Ajax

A-ha, yes.

An unmistakably irate voice calls from the shadows, barking in some gutteral, yet complex tongue. The googly eyes of the assembled oni suddenly take on an awkward, sheepish cast, and they begin to fall back with remarkable speed.

Ajax
___
Pale Oni -33
___
Ara, Sarnoc, Vrald
___
Shel
___
Naga, Brown Oni
___
Isonda/Scratchings, Kallyan

Ajax tries to determine if the oni mean to withdraw or are up to some subterfuge.

Using Sense Motive if it does not require an action Sense Motive: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 20 Adding FE bonus since these oni have the human subtype

"The snake-like creature is not withdrawing, let's focus on that."

Does Sarnoc understand the tongue? Aklo, Aquan, Azlanti, Celestial, Common, Elven, Giant, Gnome, Ignan, Infernal, Kelish, Osiriani, Sylvan, Terran, Tien, Varisian

Just guess Abyssal.

Perhaps Linguistics to make a guess at what the language is and basic meaning of the message or whatever you will allow GM

Lingustics: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (18) + 17 = 35

There seems to have been an embarrassing mix-up in somebody's plan. These oni, it appears, are but pawns in the Game of Life.

Taking 33 points in the first round is what really scared them off, that's my story and I"m sticking to it.

Acrobatics 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 33

Shel tumbles forward, hoping to deny the snake like creature an AOO against her. She moves close and swings her kukri.

Attack 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 15 + 1 = 18

Damage 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Shel manages to avoid harm, but so does the naga as the knife bounces off her hard, rubbery scales - which begin to crackle mightily with electricity, until it is projected forth in a mighty blast!

lightning bolt: 7d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 3, 4, 6, 1, 6) = 29
Vrald, Isonda, Scratchings, Kallyan, and Sarnoc are all struck, and may make a DC 16 Reflex save for half.

Also, I promise I didn't line you all up just for that - I didn't remember what their powers were. :P

Ajax
___
Pale Oni -33
___
Ara, Sarnoc, Vrald, Shel
___
Naga
___
Isonda/Scratchings, Kallyan

Knowledge (Dungeon): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Kallyan doesn't seem to know much more about the creature, as he pushes to pay attention to the naga. Nevertheless, the electricity bolt hits him.

Reflex: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

He manages to dodge part of it, and his Aasimar resistance helps - but he's still harmed nevertheless.

9 points of damage

The bard first casts mirror image from his position, trying to increase his defenses. He does so defensively, even though not surrounded by enemies.

1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21 Succeeded
1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Images

Next, he five-foot-steps. Not knowing exactly if his enemies were susceptible to this kind of effect, he tries to fascinate the naga and up to other two enemies that can see and hear him perform his dance steps. He's a fricking celebrity, after all!

Knowledge (Engineering): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32 Succeeded, for Harmonic Sage (self-harmonize)

Will save, DC 22 vs. Fascinate (enchantment (compulsion), mind-affecting). Shining Star allows me to fascinate in combat. If they're fascinated, they can try to break out of fascination on their turns (if they're threatened or attacked), but then the DC becomes a 26 once they fail the first one. Otherwise, just stay there admiring the beauty of my curly grey hair :)

Don't forget Haste gives +1 to reflex saves

Reflex v. DC16: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 1 = 24

Aazzzzurt!

Spread out!

Is the Pale Oni still part of the fight? If so,...

Ajax startled by the lightning, casts Resist Energy against electricity and moves out of the line of fire. Ajax then orders Ara to spring attack the Oni and return to Ajax's side. Able to do so without getting within 15 of the Naga.

Ara bite vs Oni: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (7) + 20 = 27 +13 attack + 4 vs Human + 2 Cat's Grace +1 Haste
Damage: 1d4 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16 +7 base +4 vs human +2 Cat's Grace +1 Whetbone
Trip if bite succeeds: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (14) + 20 = 34

If the Oni is not part of the fight, then Ara will spring attack the Naga. Just subtract 4 on attack and damage, unless it's an evil outsider and then subtract only 2.

ref: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 1 = 22
Vrald deflects the worst of the lightning assault.

Ara downs the pale oni before he can get away!

Isonda Reflex: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 1 = 18

Scratchings Reflex: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 = 10

Isonda dodges most of the lightning, but only because Scratchings takes the main force of the bolt.

She calls on her healing magic mend his wounds as she guides the injured pig to circle round the large creature ready to charge.

Cure Mod: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (8, 7) + 6 = 21

Will save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Kallyan's snake-charming act falls on jaded eyes.

"I much preferred your earlier, less preachy work...."

Ajax, Ara, Sarnoc, Vrald, Shel
___
Naga
___
Isonda/Scratchings, Kallyan

The smell of singed hair still in his nose, Sarnoc decides he should try to be in it for the long hall.

Ne moreš me videti!

With that he vanishes from sight.

Cast invisibility, then 5' step

Vrald any objection to being enlarged?

Don't forget Haste

Shel becomes a whirlwind of blades as she cuts at the snake like creature

Attack with Haste Human bane kukri 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 13 + 1 = 27
Damage 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Attack with Haste plain magical kukri 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 13 + 1 = 32
Damage 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Attack with Haste human bane kukri 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 1 = 21
Damage 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Attack with Haste plain magical kukri 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 1 = 19
Damage 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Extra attack from Haste at full BAB 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 13 + 1 = 28
Damage 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Edit:
Possible crit on second attack 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 13 + 1 = 24
Damage 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Ajax can't help but notice the death by a thousand cuts Shel is attempting.

"Shell, what you need is a flanking partner. I can arrange that..."

Lol, that is exactly what I need!

@Vrald, I think it's your move.

Down come the puppet strings....

Trusting in his armor, Vrald brazenly strides forward...

naga attack of opportunity, sting: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

+1 Adamantine Longsword, Power Attack: 1d20 + 16 - 3 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 16 - 3 + 1 = 31
damage: 1d8 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 6 = 21

...and delivers another mighty blow!

The naga rears back...

defensive casting, DC 21: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21

and sends another mighty electrical blast through the party!

lightning bolt vs Vrald, Shel, Ara, and Ajax, DC 16 Reflex save for half: 7d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 6, 4) = 26

Ajax, Ara, Sarnoc, Vrald, Shel
___
Naga (-39)
___
Isonda/Scratchings, Kallyan

Sarnoc takes another 5 foot step, hoping foes wouldn't notice him; then begins casting a spell.

Boste rastejo večje in večje He speaks in a barely audible tone.

Full Round cast - enlarge person

Isonda kicks Scratchings' flank lightly and urges him to charge the naga, her greatsword ready to strike the creature with a powerful blow.

greatsword attack, charge, haste, P.attack(furious focus): 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 2 + 1 = 32

greatsword damage, P.attack(furious focus): 1d10 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 6 = 22

Scratchings attack, charge, haste: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 2 + 1 = 19

Scratchings damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

"Take that you big snakey thing!"

Reflex with Evasion and Haste 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 17 + 1 = 27

Shel nimbly evades the blast, and she steps 5' around to try to set up a flank.

Will someone please move me 10' to the left? I said last round that I'd move 5' and I didn't move myself. Combine that with a 5' this round, and I'll be able to flank next round, if someone else moves up.

After doing so, she cuts loose with her small kukri again.

Attack with Haste Human bane kukri 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 13 + 1 = 18
Damage 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Attack with Haste plain magical kukri 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 1 = 15
Damage 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Attack with Haste human bane kukri 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 1 = 22
Damage 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Attack with Haste plain magical kukri 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5
Damage 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Extra attack from Haste at full BAB 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 13 + 1 = 25
Damage 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

reflex: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 1 = 23

Once again Vrald manages to avoid the worst of the damage.

He then lets loose on the Naga.
full attack, haste, PA: 1d20 + 16 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (7) + 16 + 1 - 3 = 21
iterative attack, haste, PA: 1d20 + 11 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 11 + 1 - 3 = 29
hasted attack, haste, PA: 1d20 + 16 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 16 + 1 - 3 = 34
confirm1: 1d20 + 11 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 1 - 3 = 16
confirm2: 1d20 + 16 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (17) + 16 + 1 - 3 = 31
I'll assume that is three hits, the last one being a crit. If the 21 doesn't hit, ignore the first damage roll

first hit: 1d8 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 6 = 22
second hit: 1d8 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 6 = 22
crit hit: 2d8 + 9 + 6 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (4, 2) + 9 + 6 + 9 + 6 = 36

He lands a series of solid blows.

Reflex Ara (with Evasion): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32
Reflex Ajax: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22 If I save, I take no damage due to RE - Energy

Ara easily dodges the bolt, clearing the blast entirely. Ajax ducks the main bolt and his protective spell insulates him from stray arcs.

I'm going to assume that the possible 130+ points is enough to defeat the Naga...If not, I'll roll some attacks.

Isonda slices!
Shel dices!
Vrald makes Julienne fries!
The naga is now an exotic chopped meat platter!

You now have 2 rounds to do whatever you wish....

Ajax winks at Shel, "For this next round, give me a chance to get Ara in place if the opportunity presents itself."

Vrald winces a little and the smell of charred flesh wafts slightly from his armour.

He looks around the room with a small degree of concern.

"Would any of you have the ability to heal my wounds? While I will face a swordsman without fear, more magic like that could easily wear me down."

Sarnoc completes his spell and Vrald grows to enormous size.

Round 4 cast Shield
Round 5 cast Message on everyone

After 2 rounds of prep, there will be 3 rounds of haste left. Enlarge Person, Shield and Invisibility have 7+ minutes left.

Isonda takes a moment to heal herself.

cure moderate: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (4, 3) + 6 = 13

"I can heal you massive Vrald!" says Isonda as she pats his leg and heals his wounds.

cure serious: 3d8 + 6 ⇒ (2, 3, 8) + 6 = 19

She then guides Scratchings to the edge of the area ready for whatever comes next.

Shel takes a deep breath and nods, ready for whatever happens next.

Kallyan?

Due to being a Fey foundling, Vrald heals at +2 per dice, so that is actually 25 points. Many thanks.

Vrald looks much, much better.

Ajax uses his wand of gravity bow, then puts it back.

So the first thing I notice in this party is the lack of a particularly potent healer - it looks like you've got most everything else you might want. It's not my job to say what the party composition ought to be, of course, and nearly any should be workable, but some of you might want to think about what your character options are in light of what everyone else has - "geek sudoku," I've heard it called.

Maybe we could... "Exchange" a player with the other tier 8-9 table? To get more heals I mean :s

I believe I've installed the "maps, etc" for all to use - please put your salient information in slide #2.

I like your character concept, by the way, Kallyan. Great use of the Celebrity Archetype.

Maybe we could... "Exchange" a player with the other tier 8-9 table? To get more heals I mean :s

As for this, I'm certainly not opposed, but it's really up to the PCs, so I'm waiting for everyone to show up before acting on anything.

Hey DM, just dotting this thread. I'll get all your required information in...

Checkin in. Yeah, it would be nice to have a divine caster. We should ask if the other table wants to do a trade. I'd be willing to swap tables to facilitate this.

Checkin in. Yeah, it would be nice to have a divine caster.

A Bard, Alchemist, or Witch wouldn't be bad either. They don't have to be a great healer, just decent - and some even claim that all you need is someone who can use healing wands after combat (not that I necessarily agree). A healer would be good for you, but there are many paths.

You've already got a Ranger and Bard at present, so if all else fails, that's not so bad.

That said, if we really want to try a trade, I've already brought the topic up with another 8-9 table. The problem might be, however, that while they have a good healer, there's only one to go around, so it's kind of a '6 of one, VI of the other' situation.

Also: I don't see anybody's information on slide #2 yet - can you all reach it okay?

Maybe I'll just have you put it here. Please give me:

Player moniker
Character name
PFS character ID#
Day Job roll
Faction
Initiative modifier
Perception modifier
Knowledge (Dungeoneering) modifier
If your character were a pie, what type of pie would they be?

I do have a level 7 halfling Nature Oracle (well Oracle 6, Cavalier 1) that i could switch to.

She has a boar mount and tends to hit things with a greatsword but she's always happy to use her spells for healing when needed.

Sorry, I was waiting to see if there would be a trade or not.

Player moniker Gerald
Character name Shel Whispertongue PFS
PFS character ID# 12445-3
Day Job roll None
Faction Sovreign Court
Initiative modifier +9
Perception modifier +15/+18 vs. traps
Knowledge (Dungeoneering) modifier +0
If your character were a pie, what type of pie would they be? Apple

Sorry, I was waiting to see if there would be a trade or not.

Well, Torith's idea sounds good. It's up to you.

Whatever Torith prefers. The oracle does sound great for our group, though.

Player moniker: The Chess
Character name: Renn "Kallyan" Marchyser, the Risen
PFS character ID# 36459-1
Day Job roll: Perform (Percussion) +22
Faction: Scarab Sages
Initiative modifier: +4
Perception modifier: +10
Knowledge (Dungeoneering) modifier: +10

Player moniker: The Chess

Character name: Renn "Kallyan" Marchyser, the Risen
PFS character ID# 36459-1
Day Job roll: Perform (Percussion) +22
Faction: Scarab Sages
Initiative modifier: +4
Perception modifier: +10
Knowledge (Dungeoneering) modifier: +10

1. You kind of need to roll for the Day Job.

2. You don't have a pie-dentity? I was particularly interested in yours....^_-

Oh! I missed the pie-dentity thing :D Hah.

Kallyan would clearly be Cherry. He's everybody's Cherry Pie probably :)

Perform (Percussion): 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (10) + 22 = 32 During the day, at his concert hall

Player moniker: Arrowhawk on Mythweavers
Character name: Ajax Arrowhawk
PFS character ID#: 43870-1
Day Job roll: Depends...
Faction: Liberty's Edge
Initiative modifier: +7 (+11 in Urban, +9 in jungle)
Perception modifier: +15 (+19 Urban/+17 jungle) add +4/+2 vs Humans/Evil Outsidders
Knowledge (Dungeoneering) modifier: +13 (+17 urban)
If your character were a pie, what type of pie would they be? blackberry

Day job will depend on whether I fulfill a Faction mission or not....I think.

Ajax Arrowhawk wrote:

Checkin in. Yeah, it would be nice to have a divine caster.

A Bard, Alchemist, or Witch wouldn't be bad either. They don't have to be a great healer, just decent - and some even claim that all you need is someone who can use healing wands after combat (not that I necessarily agree). A healer would be good for you, but there are many paths.

You've already got a Ranger and Bard at present, so if all else fails, that's not so bad.

That said, if we really want to try a trade, I've already brought the topic up with another 8-9 table. The problem might be, however, that while they have a good healer, there's only one to go around, so it's kind of a '6 of one, VI of the other' situation.

Yeah, if you have really good buffing and striking, you often don't need much healing. However, there are times when there is simply no substitute for it and if you have it, your strikers can really lay into dudes and end battles quickly.

OK then. Torith vanishing tricks away and is replaced by my Oracle.

Player moniker: Luthor Volandis
Character name: Isonda
PFS character ID#: 9249-4
Day Job roll: none
Faction: Silver Crusade
Initiative modifier: +2
Perception modifier: +1
Knowledge (Dungeoneering) modifier: N/A
If your character were a pie, what type of pie would they be? Isonda would be an individual banoffee pie with some of that squirty canned cream on top.

Isonda has a boar animal companion called Scratchings.

Thay also both need to level up as they only just got to level 7.

Character Animal Companion name: Scratchings
Initiative modifier: +1
Perception modifier: +6
If your character companion were a pie, what type of pie would they be? An yummy pork pie ;)

Player moniker : B Viggers
Character name : Vrald Sehir
PFS character ID# 100387-7
Day Job roll : He is (now) an aristocrat, and doesn't deign to make such mundane checks
Faction Sovereign Court
Initiative modifier +2
Perception modifier +0
Knowledge (Dungeoneering) modifier +4 (trained)
If your character were a pie, what type of pie would they be?
He is a Beef Steak Pie!

Vrald is also purchasing for himself a noble title (1PP vanity)

Lord Sehir!

Sarnoc, please give me the following info:

Player moniker
Character name
PFS character ID#
Day Job roll
Faction
Initiative modifier
Perception modifier
Knowledge (Dungeoneering) modifier
If your character were a pie, what type of pie would they be?

As you wish!

Player moniker: Chaosorbit
Character name: Sarnoc Blakros
PFS character ID# 90071-
Day Job roll: Blakros Family Member, Know (Nobles): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27
Faction: Dark Archive
Initiative modifier: +5
Perception modifier: +9
Knowledge (Dungeoneering) modifier: +11
If your character were a pie, what type of pie would they be? Pumpkin Chiffon Supreme

Peachy! That's everyone now.

By the way, I'll not be posting until after the 15th, end of a family holiday. There may be a chance for me to post, but no guarantees.

Okay, I'll try and update my character in the next hour or so and get a post in.

Leave it to the bard to spend the prestige awards in a Herald :)

@Isonda and Ajax: If, in future, you wish for any reason for Scratchings/Ara to roll initiative separately from you, just let me know.

How do you like my element-themed map screens (I just uncovered "earth")?

@GM - technically, the rule say companions roll separately. For simplicity sake, I am fine with them using my initiative. I usually move with my companion if we move. In the past, GMs have been fine with that, so let me know if that is acceptable.

Regrading Ara, she has the following Tricks:
Attack (all), Aid, Defend, Down, Break Out, Flee, Flank, Maneuvers (Steal, Disarm), Fetch, Deliver.

Also, did I complete any of the spells?

@GM - technically, the rule say companions roll separately. For simplicity sake, I am fine with them using my initiative. I usually move with my companion if we move. In the past, GMs have been fine with that, so let me know if that is acceptable.

Hmm, given that most DMs roll companions' initiatives with their masters, I didn't realize that. Makes sense of course, though.

Regrading Ara, she has the following Tricks:
Attack (all), Aid, Defend, Down, Break Out, Flee, Flank, Maneuvers (Steal, Disarm), Fetch, Deliver.

Good enough.

Also, did I complete any of the spells?

You mean the spells cast prior to entering the building (more or less)? Yes, you took care of all that just fine.

No, I meant Aspect of the Bear...

Also, does it require an action to pick up a ruby?

FYI, companions are suppose to roll their own init, but familiars and mounts do not. In practice, I'ven noticed most GMs just use the PCs. I always sync my init with my Companion, so I'm fine either way.

No, I meant Aspect of the Bear...

Feather step says it protects against difficult terrain. Given the myriad forms "difficult terrain" takes, there's not much reason to think it can't apply here. Therefore, per your subjunctive casting statement, you cast that, and not aspect of the bear.

Also, does it require an action to pick up a ruby?

Not really, I suppose. It's kind of a "taken as read" sort of thing.

FYI, companions are suppose to roll their own init, but familiars and mounts do not. In practice, I'ven noticed most GMs just use the PCs. I always sync my init with my Companion, so I'm fine either way.

In any case, thanks for the details!

Isonda tends to ride around on Scratchings. I'm happy to go with whatever option you prefer. I tend to have the higher roll delay until the lower roll if rolled separately just to make my life easier :)

You can put border around them by changing the line color and thickness.

Just doing the rounds - all seems to be going along ok :) Cool stuff!

Just doing the rounds - all seems to be going along ok :) Cool stuff!

Glad to hear it!

For the rest of you, in case you were wondering: Yes, the adventure actually makes a contingency SPECIFICALLY for you trying to escape the building using teleportation magic, in the form of a previously-hidden foe with a readied attack.

You're lucky his written tactics weren't the most aggressive - you wouldn't have made it if he'd used his +1 Greataxe!

Better lucky, than good :-)

Hopefully that working didn't break anything in the way things are suppose to play out.

@GM - just a reminder that Ajax and Ara get +4 on init in an urban environment, so Ajax and Ara are both at +11.

I hate it when scenarios fast forward past situations where a character would take an action/cast a spell/search for traps, etc.

As mentioned, Ajax was going buff up just before arriving on location. With GM permission, Ajax would do the following:

1. Wands -> Longstrider on Ajax, Shield Companion (1st level version) on Ara (+1 AC/Saves and half damage goes to Ajax), both last an hour.

2. If Sarnoc is willing, let him use one of Ajax's Pearl's of Power to cast Mage Armor on Ara, but it looks like he remembered the spell twice, so the PoP may not be needed.

3. I double checked my spell list and I forgot to change Aspect of the Bear back to Versatile Weapon. CG and VW are Ajax's default spells, as are Liberating Command and Resist Energy, which I will just keep the same.

@GM - FYI, I think you forgot Ajax's Favored Terrain bonus for urban settings, given we are in a "shipping house". That would put Ara at 25, so I'll have Ajax delay down to her 25 and Ara's action is simply a ready action to attack anyone who approaches in melee.

@GM - FYI, I think you forgot Ajax's Favored Terrain bonus for urban settings, given we are in a "shipping house". That would put Ara at 25, so I'll have Ajax delay down to her 25 and Ara's action is simply a ready action to attack anyone who approaches in melee.

Whoops, yeah, I keep forgetting that; I've yet to play a Ranger myself.

No worries.

Since you roll in the open (which I appreciate), it makes it easy to verify. When I GM, I tell the players that they need to help me make sure I apply the correct rules to their characters. IMO, there are just too many rules and interactions to expect the GM to not get something wrong on occasion..

Anyone else have problems with the forums and the /messageboard top level link?

The right side of the page got weird for a while (as it does sometimes), but I didn't actually have any "problems."

I can't get to the recruitment page.

That would be because I never made one.

Anyone else have problems with the forums and the /messageboard top level link?

The message boards seem broken at the moment

Phew, so it is not just me.

@GM

I noted you moved Ara to where the oni was. Ara has Spring Attack, so she is able to attack and move back to Ajax in the same round. I put her back to the spot that she moved back to.

Right, thank you, spaced on that.

We need to pick up the pace. This is a special, so everyone at every table depends on everyone else. There are tables through two waves already.