DM B's PFS PbP Serpent's Skull (Inactive)

Game Master Beckett

I just wanted to create a place for discussion for the High Level play of Serpent's Skull for the existing group.

The initial idea was to play parts 5 and 6, but, because of the possibility of different levels involved, part 4 is also a possibility.

4.) Vaults of Madness Levels: 11-13
5.) The Thousand Fangs Below Levels: 13-15
6.) Sanctum of the Serpent God Levels: 16-18

The game is roughly slated to start early to mid January, due to both he holidays and different players already having commitments.

The current Roster, as far as I'm tracking is:

Chris: Bishop <15 Ranger>
QWERTY: 15 Warpirest
Aarvid: Hugo <15 Cleric/Ranger>
EF: Atum <14 Fighter/Living Monolith> (15?)
Thunderspirit: Oracle
Jeff Chapman: Rogue
Matt Wilson: Wizard

One last thing to keep in mind is that there are possibly 7 players right now. I'm perfectly find with that, but because there tends to be a decrease in the threat level and challenge, others might not like such a full party. I'm not sure, at this point if everyone is even fully interested, or even able to play, but feel free to discuss the table size as well, or any other questions or concerns you may have.

Gameplay thread is open for dotting. Please only dot there at this point, preferably with the character you want to play with.

I'm 100% okay with 7. I also have played a ton of games with everyone here, and I'm confident it'll be awesome.

As of this moment I don't have a character in the 11-13 range. I have Bishop, a level 15 ranger who has a beefy wolf companion, Timber.

I also have a level 17 sorcerer, Castamir, who is a lecherous Andoran loud mouth.

I am good with 7 and Hugo. If we have 7 and most are 15th level on a 13-15 it could make the game faster despite having the extra people

If we go lower tier I have a pair of 12th levels (one very unoptimized)

I'm in the same situation, (with the 11-13 range). But, with the list that everyone had, and the possibility of Seekers in the 13-14 level range, that could potentially put some folks out of the Part 6 16-18 Level range.

I don't mind "eating" a section to help get others in the range we are going for, but at the same time, I didn't really consider that we would still need to make it a legal table.

So, for the moment, lets see if any of the three potential new players even need part 4. No reason to start worrying until there is a need to worry.

I normally prefer not to play at seven player tables, but I know the players here and am willing to make an exception because the players here are awesome and always willing to share the spotlight.

I have two characters at 13. This one, KULIK, would be my preference; he's a ranged Inquisitor. My other option is a not-very-optimized switch hitting trapspringer (also my first-ever Pathfinder PC, with all the associated mistakes that implies, LOL).

I'm typically with you KULIK. I avoid 7 player tables unless they're solid and experienced players who know how to share.

I should also note that I have run Serpent's Skull before, but honestly I wiped that part of my brain to make room for Giantslayer and Shattered Star. I really don't remember much.

This is sort of the issue I anticipated. So, if Kulik played part 4, that would put him at Level 14, and still able to participate in Part 5. Completing that would put him at Level 15, and unable to participate in part 6, unless Kulik has a way to add credit in between.

I'm more interested in looking for solutions than in trying to drop players. But, the other side of the coin is that some of us also do not have any valid characters for the 11-13 range at all.

So, what are some possible solutions?

If we're starting in Mid-January, then I think I have an option: I will be then have an 11th level Unchained Barbarian. I can play him for part IV and switch to Bishop for part V-VI.

I'm fine with that.

I have a lvl 11 fighter, the soon to be lvl 15 warpriest and then Roos at lvl 15 something (not even sure right now).

as far as 7 pax at the table, if you want to stick with no more than 6 I am fine with that and I can be an alternate.

First off: Hi everyone!

Secondly, I'm good with a 7-player table for all the reasons Chris and Thunderspirit mentioned. I'm good with sharing limelight.

I have Rathen (my preference) who is level 13.2. I also have a bard at level 12.2, but he's also archery-focused and... well, Bishop and KULIK have that covered and then some. I don't mind switching from one to the other too if need be.

I would ditto Bishops plan and play one of my 12's for part 4 and switch to Hugo for part 5

I always wondered about the xp for adventure paths sanctioned for PFS
It seems like you have to supplement other scenarios between parts. That seems like it would feel disconnecting. I appreciate the opportunity to play them at high levels but the logistics are definitely tricky

Greetings!
i'm ok with a 7 person table as well. Begus (13.2) is the only character that I have at high level. He's my first PFS toon and I and am excited to get to play him again.

This is sort of the issue I anticipated. So, if Kulik played part 4, that would put him at Level 14, and still able to participate in Part 5. Completing that would put him at Level 15, and unable to participate in part 6, unless Kulik has a way to add credit in between.

I'm more interested in looking for solutions than in trying to drop players. But, the other side of the coin is that some of us also do not have any valid characters for the 11-13 range at all.

So, what are some possible solutions?

KULIK did Eyes of the Ten (alongside Rathen and Begus, with Chris' Castamir as well), so we all wrapped that at level 13.2; it's absolutely possible that we can get together (via VTT) between parts and add 1 to 3 additional xp. We're all experienced GMs (and two are teachers, so they, at least, can add, LOL). In a perfect world we'd burn a star for, say, Race for the Runecarved Key, but something like Tomb of the Iron Medusa would work, too.

Hey guys!

Still on vacation and haven't read through the thread above yet. Just dotting and confirming my interest.

I should be back in full force on Jan 3 at the latest so I'll join in the conversation then. Thanks everyone!

No worries. I hope everyone is having a good Christmas/Holiday, and I assumed we wouldn't even really start until after New Years. I've begun to slowly read through the Serpent's Skull series.

I figured this coming weekend I'll start cracking down a bit more in my prep. :)

So Atum has 40 XP right now, putting him at 14.1

So he's too high to do Vaults of Madness. I do have several other 12+ characters though if needed.

Otherwise I think I'm set to go for The Thousand Fangs Below. I just need to update Atum's profile with new purchases, which can be done in about 5 minutes once I get back home in a couple days.

Baaldryn has a 7-11 game on Monday that gets him to lvl 12 and then lvl 15 with his Wardens of the Reborn Forge credit.

Sounds good. So currently this is what I'm tracking.

Bishop <15 Ranger> Good for part 5
Baaldryn <15 Warpirest> Good for part 5
Hugo <15 Cleric/Ranger> Good for part 5
Atum <14 Fighter/Living Monolith> Good for part 5
Kulik <13 Inquisitor>
Rathen <13 Rogue>
Begus <13 Wizard>

Unless I missed anything, it looks like we still need to do part 4 with everyone having an appropriate level character for that range, and then four people switching to their other one.

I should also point out that this looks like the best assembled party I've ever seen in PFS
2 Main warrior types
2+ Divine Prime
1 Rogue +1 other stealthy Skill guy
1 Wizard + plenty of Divine backup
2 trackers
1 Golem
practically all the languages in the game

I have a lvl 11 Fighter to throw into the mix for part 4 if we start with that one first.

Sounds good. So currently this is what I'm tracking. Bishop Good for part 5 Baaldryn Good for part 5 Hugo Good for part 5 Atum Good for part 5 Kulik Rathen Begus Unless I missed anything, it looks like we still need to do part 4 with everyone having an appropriate level character for that range, and then four people switching to their other one. I should also point out that this looks like the best assembled party I've ever seen in PFS 2 Main warrior types 2+ Divine Prime 1 Rogue +1 other stealthy Skill guy 1 Wizard + plenty of Divine backup 2 trackers 1 Golem practically all the languages in the game

Not going to lie, it's a good looking party.

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not with an 8 charisma it isnt...

not with an 8 charisma it isnt...

KULIK resemble that remark.

(Okay, his Charisma score is 10, but he's not really bright enough to know the difference.)

So the party for part 5 looks solid.

What are the plans and party mix for part 4, if any? I am assuming these 3..,

Kulik <13 Inquisitor>
Rathen <13 Rogue>
Begus <13 Wizard>

And
Baaldryn alternate <fighter-11>
Atum alternate <several-12>
I have a <battle herald mutt-12> or a <paladin-12>

Anyone else?

Indeed, Bishop isn't exactly Templeton Peck...

Frag, however, more resembles B.A. Baracus.

Last time I played him was apparently a long time ago (Tier 1-5). I'll update his profile ASAP.

So Frag has a few reporting errors, but his physical chronicles are in order. Profile is up to date now.

Well Baaldryn did the Beacons Below scenario yesterday which got him to lvl 12 and thus lvl 15 with Wardens of the Reborn Forge credit. I am in the process of leveling him (either in Warpriest or Crimson Templar Prestige Class if PFS legal) and deciding what to do with newfound wealth.

Hey everyone. I'm just about ready to kick this off. Just wanted to double check before hand.

A.) Who is 100% ready to go?
B.) If so, can I get you to post the following information for Reporting and Chronicle Sheets:
* Player Name
* Character Name (for part 4 only)
* PFS Number
* Faction
* Day Job Roll (or please say No Day Job or other Downtime activity)
* Anything Special I should be aware of in regards to your character/build/playstyle/etc. . .

Something I'm also strongly considering is reflavoring some of the AP a bit more to highlight your Venture-Captain status, and to make this a little more Pathfinder Society friendly, (but NOT changing some of the major plot twists down the road).

I know some of you have run and/or played this before, but still, I'd like to hear if anyone has any issue with this. Additionally, I'm not certain I will, (it might be a lot more of a commitment than I'm actually able to do, but IF so, what are everyone's thoughts?

* Player Name: Jeff Chapman
* Character Name (for part 4 only): Rathen Wyrmblight
* PFS Number: 77280-1
* Faction: Grand Lodge
* Day Job Roll (or please say No Day Job or other Downtime activity): Profession (Gambler): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
* Anything Special I should be aware of in regards to your character/build/playstyle/etc.: Trap Spotter (automatic Percetion check to find a trap if I'm within 10ft. +34 Perception for finding traps). Assault Leader (1/day I can have someone I'm flanking with who misses re-roll their attack). Venture-Captain with a lodge in Varisia (near Sandpoint). This means I'll probably have some helpers if we're ever in Varisia.

As to a potential re-flavouring... I love this idea. I'd not want to add more work for you though, so I'd say do it if you want to do it. After the last few missions this rogue has a bit of a rocky relationship with the Decemvirate. He tends to view the Venture-Captain title as them trying to placate him.

Player Name: GM Aarvid
* Character Name (for part 4 only): Omrax the Paladin-12 or Dora the Battle Herald-12
* PFS Number: 9884-1 or 9884-4
* Faction: TBD
* Day Job Roll: TBD

- I want to see the party mix before committing to one of these two, depending on whether we need more support or melee. Or if someone wants to play their assassin/necromancer, I will leave the paladin at home.

* Player Name qwerty1971
* Character Name (for part 4 only) Jaggar Greycloak
* PFS Number 114768-3
* Faction Grand Lodge
* Day Job Roll Caravan: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17
* Anything Special I should be aware of in regards to your character/build/playstyle/etc. . . he does not like holy warrior goody two shoes types, thieves and people that cant hold their liquor...

* Player Name: Chris Rathunde
* Character Name (for part 4 only): KULIK (likely for other parts too)
* PFS Number: 3601-4
* Faction: Andoran Liberty's Edge
* Day Job Roll: No day job; KULIK is a full-time Pathfinder. Desna's fortune will provide, after all. ;-)
* Anything Special I should be aware of in regards to your character/build/playstyle/etc...: Take 10 on Sense Motive is 35; take 10 on Perception is 34. Uses greater magic weapon each morning on his bow. Otherwise, he's a pretty run-of-the-mill archer Inquisitor.

I love the idea of reflavoring, though I likewise can't ask you to do more work than you've already offered to do.

Also, Begus, Rathen, and I have the beginnings of a still-vague plan to gain one more level before Book 6, so with any luck that'll work out and we can play all three. :-)

Also also, I will update KULIK's Paizo profile as soon as I can.

EndlessForms (Atum) here! I'll switch to this character for Part 4.

* Player Name: EndlessForms (Mike Tuholski)
* Character Name (for part 4 only): Lord Fizzbeard Dragonfiend
* PFS Number: #55162-5
* Faction: Sovereign Court
* Downtime activity: killing dragons! (ie no day job)

I'm 100% ready to go.

* Player Name: Chris Marsh
* Character Name: Frag the Fierce
* PFS Number: 1824-3
* Faction: Sovereign Court
* Day Job Roll: I didn't think APs gave day jobs
* Anything Special: Frag was always designed to be a straight forward barbarian. He had a bunch of GM credit that I had to add. I took a page out of Roakar's book and went the beast totem route. Otherwise no surprises.

I know the series pretty well, and I'm happy with whatever you do to it. I'm really looking forward to it.

Looks like the front line is covered so I will bring Dora for support.

Player Name: GM Aarvid
* Character Name (for part 4 only): Dora the Battle Herald-12
* PFS Number: 9884-4
* Faction: Silver Crusade
* Day Job Roll: Performance : 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

Special: she is a mutt of classes - not very specialized. She rides a large wolf named Rusty.

Ill double check. I could have sworn that (AP Day Jobs) was something that changed in the newest Guide, but now that I think about it, this might be something to do with Pregens instead.

I wanted to apologize to everyone and just let everyone know I'm not abandoning the game. I've gotten hit with some massive inventories this week and the end of last, and have been working very long hours and through the weekend. I tried to get on and post on the weekend, but the site was down, and I didn't get home until very late last night.

I'm exhausted tonight, but I finished up. So, with luck, I'll be able to jump in and get everything rolling tomorrow. Again sorry for the long wait. I'm just about ready to kick this off, I think.

No worries. To quote Thunderspirit, "Real Life Comes First".

Fine with me. I'll actually be traveling Thursday-Monday so it will be hard for me to post this weekend anyways. I might be able to squeeze in a post or two but we're moving and painting so we'll be pretty busy.

Yeah, don't worry. I'm thankful you do your job. I'm doubly thankful for you taking over for a while!

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A concept a friend and I where discussing recently was the idea of creating a PFS PbP CORE group with a rotating DM, with the intent of everyone essentially leveling up at the same time.

One of the issues we have encountered over and over is that it is so difficult to find scenarios (or modules or APs) that everyone can play, and it grows very aggravating. And while this wouldn't completely alleviate the issue, it would help a lot.

A part of the idea was that different players would take turns running games, for the same group, going from level 1 to level 12+, and people taking turns as the DM, but with the group as a whole remaining consistent. Being that, in many ways I think we have the cream of the crop here, you where all the first people I thought of as far as who to send a direct invite.

Would anyone be interested in this?
Let me reiterate, it would be a Core game only, and the idea is that everyone, as much as we are able, play with a single character and rotate through DMing. It's perfectly fine if you can not DM, as long as say 75% of the group is willing to do so.

This would have advantages and disadvantages, like the fact we would all know each other's characters, tricks, and builds pretty well, and would sort of be against one of the themes of PFS (where everyone just sort of shows up with a character).

Soooo.... I'm currently in one of those right now (Endless Forms, Zinou, et al.) We have dedicated characters, rotate GM, and the GM applies credit to that character.

I WOULD be interested in this, but the issue is that since I'm already doing this, I'm burning through CORE scnearios at a very quick pace. (Even moreso as I'm currently doing this with the newbies to this party.)

I should add that the benefits far outweigh the cons. It's a LOT of fun.

Yeah, that's true on the pros-cons equation. Everyone levels at the same rate, they all get the continuity of experiences, and no one person gets GM burnout.

I like this, and am interested. I'm in a bit of a similar situation as Chris though, in that I'm co-GMing with a Core group. We've been doing Season 0 stuff though, so most other things are safe.

i have not done much CORE gaming. The CORE group I am in is run by Fjori but they started in season 0-1. I can throw my name in the hat to GM. I would prefer to not start with season 1 but maybe with season 2, 3, 4 or 5.

We could also make a list of CORE scenarios NOT played/GM'd yet and then make a mission path.

I have only one Core character, so I have not played many, but some of the 3 part series.

I would probably start a second Core pC for this.

Hey guys! Back from my extended weekend travels.

Yep, I'm already doing just what Beckett has proposed in another group with Chris. It's been working great so far but I couldn't take on another group just now. Good luck though!

Hey everyone. I just wanted to give a minor update. Last week was pretty ridiculous at work, and I was really struggling t even think about gaming much.

I know I have a few more long days in the next two weeks, and I've also just finished two tables of another game. My goal is to be ready to kick this off by this weekend (3 more days). Unfortunately most of the mental prepping I was doing was sort of broken by last week's ordeal, so I have to start over a bit and get back in the feel of things. However, I'm still keen on doing this, and am jumping back into reading the AP and prepping. So, like I said, my goal is to start this weekend.

I'm here and ready when you are. As KULIK says, Real Life Comes First (tm).

I'm excited, and the fringe benefit of playing this level is that it's easy to commit a character for a long time.

Good luck!

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