Bernal levels up! Epic sound effect
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Level up! 2 -> 3
HP up! 20 -> 28
BAB up! 2 -> 3
Base Fortitude up! 0 -> 1
Base Will up! 0 -> 1
New deed! Shield catch: As long as Bernal has at least 1 point of panache, he gains a +4 bonus to disarm maneuvers made using the buckler.
New class feature! Nimble +1: While wearing light or no armor, Bernal gains a +1 dodge bonus to his AC.
New feat! Taldan Duelist: When fighting with the falcata and buckler, Bernal's shield bonus to AC increases by +1 and he gains a +2 bonus on Acrobatics checks.
Skills up! Acrobatics +1, Diplomacy +1, Intimidate +1, Knowledge (nobility) +1, Perception +1, Perform (dance) +1, Sense Motive +1, Stealth +1
Sorry, didn't get a chance to get the map up yesterday and I will be on my phone only all weekend. I will get it up on Monday.
Occultist level 3
+7 hp (5 +2 Con)
+1 BAB
+1 Reflex
+1 spell/day
+1 mental focus
+1 focus power: Energy Shield (Sp): As a swift action, you can expend 1 point of mental focus to surround yourself with a shield that protects you from energy damage. Whenever you take acid, cold, electricity, or fire damage, the shield absorbs the damage (as protection from energy). The energy shield can absorb up to 5 points of energy damage per occultist level you possess. This shield lasts for 1 minute or until its power is exhausted. Its effect doesn't stack with itself, with protection from energy, or with resist energy. You can activate the energy shield as an immediate action by expending 2 points of mental focus instead of 1. You must be at least 3rd level to select this focus power.
+1 feat: Arcane Armor Training
FCB: +1/6 focus power
+8 skills:
+2 Disable Device
+1 Spellcraft
+1 UMD
+1 Know (arcana, local, planes, religion)
Backgrounds skills:
+1 Linguistics (Draconic)
+1 Know (history)
Level-up:
+7 HP
+1 BAB
+1 Fort
Social Talent: Social Grace (Intimidate) (+4 Intimidate while in Social identity- pairs nicely with my +4 while in Vigilante mode)
Feat: Dazzling Display (Mass Intimidate. Why is this useful? Next level, you'll see.)
Skill ranks (10, FCB): Acrobatics, Intimidate, K (local), Perception, Sense Motive, Sleight of Hand, Stealth, Disguise, Disable Device
Class Feature: Unshakable (add class level to Intimidate DC)
The map is up now. Sorry for the delay!
Let me know what the final plan is. :)
I think Katria, Liam, and Maya were in support of the Bluffing+Pathfinder assault a few minutes later plan, but we haven't had a definitive yea or nay from Bernal or Doritan.
OOC, I would guess the AP probably doesn't say "The assassins kill their prisoners at the first sign of a rescue attempt." Heroic rescues are a thing in stories, and another plan might succeed. It would probably be the smart thing for the enemies to do, and it's what Liam expects IC (or at least thinks there's an unacceptable risk of those being their orders).
If we can free Lady Martella before Pathfinders attacks, or at least be right there in close proximity to her guards, we can ensure her safety.
Do we have any way to signal the Pathfinders, to draw them away if/when we want? (Or can we get any way to do so?) Perhaps we try bluffing and having them simply pull guards when/if we need to...
You could use the silver raven figurine of wondrous power to deliver a message to them when you want them to act.
Using the silver raven figurine of wondrous power sounds great to me. We can probably just send it off once we get in and find Lady Martella.
DM, does the Repository appear to be only one-story tall?
The warehouse stands 40 feet tall, with windows lining the building only near the roof. Two large metal exhaust pipes jut out from the top of the building.
It's likely only one story inside, with a high ceiling to accomodate storage space.
The warehouse stands 40 feet tall, with windows lining the building only near the roof. Two large metal exhaust pipes jut out from the top of the building.
It's likely only one story inside, with a high ceiling to accomodate storage space.
Good to know. Thank you!
The map has been updated.
So I know Maya is sometimes the one to suggest moving forward or to mention opening a door, but I think it would be good to establish some sort of door opening protocol. I imagine Bernal or Doritan would ordinarily be the first ones through a new door and that we would have at least two or three of us inspect them beforehand. I don't want to slow things down unnecessarily, but maybe we can just have a set of Perception rolls and/or Detect Magic done before opening new doors? I think that would prevent a lot of unnecessary injuries.
Wee'll assume Maya's previous natural 1 was a failed Perception check.
That's fine. We can enact the same protocol you had while in the halls beneath the senate.
Sorry for hitting you with a javelin. :(
To be sure, I think that should be our procedure going forward, not just for the Brotherhood's lair. So for future dungeon crawl/mysterious door scenarios, I would suggest they take the lead and have at least a few Perception checks and a Detect Magic made before proceeding. I imagine we'll run into a lot more deadly threats than a thrown javelin before this is all said and done.
And no worries about the javelin. I'm sure it's a common hazard in the life of an adventurer.
I'm off to a relative's wedding this weekend, and likely won't be posting until Sunday/Monday. Please feel free to bot me, as needed.
My wife and I are expecting the birth of our second daughter any time between now and her due date of July 13th. When that occurs, I will likely be incommunicado for a few days. I will also be taking a month off from work, and since I usually do most of my posting from there, my posts will be sporadic and infrequent during that time. Things should get back to normal when I return to work though.
Mazel tov (in advance)!
Congratulations and best wishes! We just had a little one on Sunday (Father's Day in the US). Our second son. We have lots of family to help out which is nice.
As to the game, Liam would really like to start combat now. He'd just throw off his bonds and start inspiring courage. This especially necessary if our opponents are rogues or otherwise good at sneak attacks; we don't want to be flat-footed facing them. Letting them decide to initiate combat could have that be the case. Normally I really dislike OOC strategizing but I think it important as a player here to make sure I don't ruin the game for all of you by jumping into this.
Congratulations, GM! Sounds like an excellent use of time off. And congratulations, Liam!
As I said in the gameplay thread, I’m good to get things started, especially if we’re going to get the jump on them. I wanted to wait and see what others had to say, but if combat is inevitable (as it seems), getting a surprise round sounds good.
Doritan, you're not adjacent to Wyssilka, but you can stab the human cultist in front of you.
Katria said she should be back some time today, so I'll give her a bit to post her surprise round action before posting.
Oops, I forgot Inspire Courage as well. +1 to Attack and Damage for Maya’s rolls. Might actually do a point of damage. lol
I’ll have to get used to getting the bonuses from a non-bard.
By level 5, Liam will often be doing Inspire Courage (+2 competence) and Good Hope (+2 morale), so keeping track of his buffs is going to be important in combat.
Just need Liam's actions for the round!
I find my "quick stats" spoiler really helps me keep track, especially as buffs start getting piled on at higher levels. I can include everything in the effects line and it's easy for me (and the GM) to see.
I use quick stats in a couple other campaigns I'm in. It usually doesn't seem to be worth it for the first couple levels, but at this point, it probably is. We'll certainly have lots of buffs and debuffs going on before everything is said and done.
You guys are rocking this fight. When I ran it for the other table, the enemies made every save and the PCs failed all of their saves, leading to a very rough encounter. :)
Probably helped that we got a surprise round, too! : )
Waiting on Bernal's rolls for the round. I will roll for him if he hasn't posted by tomorrow morning.
Cultists' Gear:
Small mithral shirt, Small mwk rapier, potions of cure light wounds (11), potions of hide from animals (6), smokesticks (12), tindertwigs (30), mwk chain shirts (6), mwk short swords (6), silver unholy symbols of Norgorber (6, 25 gp each), 42 gp, oil of keen edge, healer's kit, Small +1 chain shirt, Small mwk dagger, Small daggers (3), concealing pocket, disguise kit, glass cutter, juggler's kit, wrist sheath, silver unholy symbol of Thamir Gixx (worth 25 gp)
Thanks!
So who wants the belt?
Also, wasn’t there someone we were going to meet the morning after? Is that still valid or did the guy die?
Lastly, is it possible to trade in one of our +1 weapons for a +1 short sword? Full level up coming tonight.
Junior Senator Dou survived the night. You can meet with him, where he will reward you for stopping Malphene from beating him up by giving you a noble's vigilant pillbox.
You can sell the +1 weapon for half price and use the proceeds towards the purchase of another weapon. Also in a few days, the nobles you rescued will send you a reward of 900 gp and a +1 rapier, which you can turn around and sell to help pay for your sword, too.
Liam is leveled up!
+1 Wis (really considered Cha or Str, but went with Wis for the long-term benefit - going from 16 to 17 does nothing for him now)
+6 HP (1d8 = 5, Con +1)
+1 BAB
+1 Fort/Will save
+2 Rounds of Bardic Performance
Spells:
+1 1st (Liberating Command), +1 2nd (Owl's Wisdom)
Skills: +6 (2 base, 1 Int, 1 alternate racial trait, 1 Cunning, 1 FCB)
Sense Motive +1
Bluff +1
Disguise +1
Stealth +1
Diplomacy +1
Heal +1
Background Skills:
Perform (Oratory) +1
Linguistics +1 (Infernal)
Bernal levels up! Epic sound effect
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Level up! 3 -> 4
Charisma up! 15 -> 16
HP up! 28 -> 36
BAB up! 3 -> 4
Base Reflex up! 3 -> 4
New feat! Combat Reflexes: Bernal may make an additional number of Attacks of Opportunities (or parries) per round equal to his Dexterity modifier, currently 4.
Skills up! Acrobatics +1, Diplomacy +1, Intimidate +2, Knowledge (nobility) +1, Perception +1, Perform (dance) +1, Sleight of Hand +1
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I'd be happy if Bernal could get the Belt of Dexterity. His attacks, damage, AC, acrobatics, AoOs, practically everything he does in combat and some outside it keys off of his Dexterity, and I believe he's proven himself to be our main frontliner now (especially after that heroic dash past the mushroom; I bet he's going to spin tales about that from today on). Also, picking up what Doritan's putting down, Bernal could really use a +1 falcata, or any masterwork falcata for all that matters.
Go for it Bernal, I think I’m the second Dexterity user, but I still don’t use it for damage.
Katria will continue with occultist, becoming hopefully even more of a skill monkey, with focus on Knowledges and Linguistics (I think this pairs well with Maya, who's not got the traditional bardic knowledge).
I wouldn't mind some help picking my 2nd-level divination spells. Lots of choices that could be very interesting for a spy campaign: residual tracking, blood biography, create treasure map all seem like potentially very useful choices, and also have find traps, locate object and some other more standard choices...
+1 Int
+7 hp
+1 BAB
+1 Fort, Will
+ Shift Focus
+2 2nd level spells/day (+1 for level, +1 for Int)
+3 2nd level spells known: node of blasting (abj), XXX (div), aversion (ench),
+2 mental focus (+1 for 4th level, +1 for Int boost)
FCB: 1/6 focus power (3/6 now)
SKILL INCREASES
+3 “retroactive” (for Int increase)
+1 Know (engineering)
+1 Know (nobility)
+1 Know (nature)
+9 ranks (4 class +1 human +4 Int) +2 background skills
+1 Disguise, Linguistics (Hallit), Spellcraft, UMD, Know (arcana, local, nature, planes, religion)
Background: +1 Appraise, +1 Know (nobility)
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I also tweaked my standard mental focus array. My typical resonant powers now provide +2 to all saves; +1 Perception; +2 to all on all Charisma-based skill checks and ability checks
@Katria: if you want our thoughts on spells, I can offer mine. See Invisibility is crucial the times when it is needed at all, but if you can get your hands on a scroll we should be okay. That way you can take one of the cooler investigative spells like you mentioned. Divination spells that are also on the cleric list at level 2 you can probably skip (like Augury or Find Traps).
Looking at our loot list, any thoughts on any of the following:
* Wand of create food and water (14 charges) -- can hold on to it as party loot? Certainly never hurts to have.
* Sustaining spoon (can sell for 2,700 gp) -- again, doesn't hurt to have, but might be worth more to sell
* 11 masterwork darts (can sell for 1,350 gp, but someone might want some?)
* 5 total daggers (can sell for 5 gp)
* Lantern with continual flame (can sell for 55 gp)
* portable alchemist's lab (can sell for 37.5 gp)
* silver raven figurine (we've used it once, and I think someone should hold on to it; probably doesn't really matter who)
* 6 mwk chain shirts (can sell for 750 gp if no one wants any of them)
* mwk short swords (can sell for 930 gp if no one wants any)
* silver unholy symbols of Norgorber (can sell for 75 gp)
* silver unholy symbol of Thamir Gixx (can sell for 12.5 gp)
We also have the following items that I think we should hold on to:
scroll of breath of life (Liam)
scroll of invisibility (Maya or Katria)
scroll of summon monster II (Maya or Katria)
13 potions of CLW
1 potion of bull's strength (Doritan?)
1 potion of CMW
1 flask of acid
Small mithral shirt AND Small +1 chain shirt (Maya, do you want one, and then we'll sell the other?)
Small mwk rapier (Maya)
6 potions of hide from animals
12 smokesticks
30 tindertwigs
oil of keen edge
healer's kit,
Small mwk dagger (Maya?)
Concealing pocket
Disguise kit
Glass cutter
Juggler's kit
Wrist sheath
42 gp, 25 sp
@Katria: if you want our thoughts on spells, I can offer mine. See Invisibility is crucial the times when it is needed at all, but if you can get your hands on a scroll we should be okay. That way you can take one of the cooler investigative spells like you mentioned. Divination spells that are also on the cleric list at level 2 you can probably skip (like Augury or Find Traps).
I'll also get see invisibility from my resonant powers eventually, though that's personal. We can certainly get a scroll or some such.
Do we want to try to get some sort of wand of magic missiles or something else for Katria to use regularly in combat? I don't mind muddling along too -- using magic when I can, and Dignity's Barb or a sword at other times. It won't be optimized, but it allows plenty of flexibility for her.
Level 4 Summary
+7 HP (half+1, Con, FCB)
+1 Charisma
+1 BAB
+1 Reflex Save
+1 Will Save
+2 Rounds of Bardic Performance
Spells:
+2 2nd Level Spells Per Day
+2 2nd Level Spells: Blindness/Deafness & Invisibility
Skills:
Adventuring.
+1 Acrobatics
+1 Diplomacy
+1 Knowledge (arcana)
+1 Knowledge (local)
+1 Sense Motive
+1 Spellcraft
+1 Stealth
Background
+1 Perform (act)
+1 Perform (oratory)
I’ll update my profile and quick stats (as well as post in the gameplay thread) later tonight.
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GM, how do you deal with retraining skills and such? Maya has one pesky point in Bluff that’s useless now that she has Versatile Performance for Perform (act), so I would like to retrain that if possible.
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Thank you for putting that loot list together, Katria! As much as I like the mithral shirt, I’ll have to go with the +1 chain shirt since the AC bonus will be higher. I’ll take the small masterwork dagger as well, I suppose.
As for other loot, if we’re wanting to make many purchases, we might consider selling the silver raven figurine (unless we think we’ll actually use it a lot). It’s worth quite a bit.
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I listed spells above, but I’m definitely open to coordinating with others and adjusting things if it seems warranted. Coordinating skill points also seems prudent.
I feel a bit like Katria, I think, in that Maya isn’t exactly optimized for combat. I think she can provide flanking and such with others though, so hopefully that will be useful (even if she can’t actually do much damage herself).
Thanks, Doritan!
I'll take one of the masterwork chain shirts, I think. The various healing potions I guess we should divide among the party members, though since you usually don't want to use one in combat it doesn't really matter who get what. The potions of hide from animals I can't see a use for right now, but hey, who knows. I'm fine with picking up a wand of magic missile for Katria, though I'd first like to see how much money we can scrounge up and then start our shopping list.
Maya, you can retrain your skill rank without having to pay anything or spend money. I always thought that rule should have been baked into the bard class to begin with.
I'll also claim a masterwork chain shirt, I think (that'll leave me a 10 percent arcane spell failure check when I use them with UMD, but won't affect my personal magic).
If Maya doesn't want the mithral shirt, that's +550 gp. I'll hold off to let other folks make claims before figuring out disbursement.
(And I agree we should just split up the potions of CLW for two apiece, with three of us getting one more, as they're kind of use as needed. Same with the potions of hide from animals.
Do we want to use party funds to buy a wand of CLW?
Level-up:
+7 HP
+1 BAB
+1 Ref, Will
+1 STR
Vigilante Talent: Twisting Fear
Skill ranks (10, FCB): Acrobatics, Intimidate, K (local), Perception, Sense Motive, Sleight of Hand, Stealth, Disguise, Disable Device
Sure, I'll go for the potion. I still use STR for damage, and I'll prioritize DEX for my first belt. It'll be good to have as an option at least.
The MWK short swords don't really interest me- I'd rather go for magic- and I do have the +1 silver dagger I snagged at the party that we can sell or someone can take as they wish. Or, I keep it as backup and then we have an extra plain dagger to sell. Either way works for me. I think we should have a 'party' healing wand- always useful after all- and then we can divvy up the sell price between everyone.
I will take a chain shirt though.
As for combat, I'm decently optimized- I'm obviously more effective with flanking, but I can still deal a decent bit of damage without it with this level's damage boost (plus a magic weapon- bit of an improvement from a non-MWK one), and I also now have an unlimited 2d4 AoE attack (admittedly nonlethal, but still) thanks to Dazzling Display and Twisting Fear. In a few levels, I will hopefully be able to combo a sneak attack into a Dazzling Display, which in turn makes foes flat-footed against my attacks, meaning I can sneak attack them...
Basically, I am fear, I am death. I scare people half to death and stab them the rest of the way ;). Vigilantes are awesome.
(GM, does Hidden Strike count as Sneak Attack for feats and whatnot?)
I would rather not invest in a wand of CLW.
It works well for the PFS kick-in-the-door style, but for this AP we might be better off with 30 scrolls of level 1 utility spells for the same price.
A few of those scrolls could be CLW, but I have channels and spell slots, Maya has spell slots, and we have potions.
Hmmm... That is a fair point. With a cleric in the party, we shouldn't really hurt for healing too much, especially without Undead to eat up Channels. Plus, if this is any indication, we'll have a few days to rest up after major adventures and whatnot.
Hidden strike counts as sneak attack for feats and such, Doritan.
The second book is much more open-ended and sandboxy than the first one, and the encounters are spread out more.