Yeah, if we want to do something creative like that, it could be fun. :)
We're supposed to rescue a brother at the keep too... guess we'll see how it goes.
There seems to be a disconnect here. The story was always going to involve visiting (or not!) the Zhent's outpost (it's a big part of the original module's plot) and I've been trying to foreshadow this in various ways for the past 2+ years real time.
Now I thought the party was keen to get those magic items from the auction, if you're not then there's no need to drag Azarra away from her parents or to buy those scrolls*.
I get that Azarra and probably the rest of you are not enjoying the plot of late. I'm sorry. I've really tried to support Azarra's character arc but it's fallen flat.
Very demotivating to be honest.
* Surely rich adventurers want to travel in style?
Sorry to be demotivating. I guess I felt we were being artificially rushed... we could have caught up with those guys at the auction if it was really important... them escaping I thought was the end of it.
I feel really frustrated that Cardona keeps being able to do evil, we know he is evil, and we can't stop him. I wish we could do something about that. All the rest seems like sidequest.
However, frustration is a part of stories and of life. We're here... let's play it out and see what happens.
The keep is important. I get that. Going to the keep was supposed to be our next stop... the only reason we didn't do it before is because I had to ask the rest of the group to put their plans on hold because of the whole auction thing. I appreciate you allowing Azarra to rescue her parents, but we don't need to pursue her individual goals from now on, at all. I feel like I have been making all of the decisions, and I want other people to be able to do what they want.
In conclusion, let's move on, and I'll try to be more positive. However, honestly, if you think I am hindering the game, I understand that too, and I would be cool with you finding a replacement if you prefer.
I don't want anyone to leave Azarra, with a bit of luck we're less than 6 months away from the grand finale. Still I do think it would be helpful if the others could try to push the story along a bit. I'd like to hear more about what your characters are thinking and their desires.
I have been perfectly fine with Azarra's side quest! It was important. That is normally my favorite type of plot line; but a Paly is not suited to it...lol.
Fang Dragon; you are awesome sauce!
Post tomorrow after we get back from visiting parents.
Ishta can me to Plan looking for answers, and answers she got. She found out about her past, and discovered Old Cadorna was involved.
So, now that he's back (or so we think), uncovering him and thwarting his plans seems a task fitting and dramatic enough.
Now, going after the items... Yeah, I (the player) got a bit carried away by the idea of getting a fabulous magic bow for Azarra
The hound can sense invisible things and turn invisible itself, so that would be priority target to Ishta. Glad that she's considered dangerous - maybe they'll come for her and let the others act freely. That's why she didn't opt to start the combat with Greater Invisibility.
Ser Armithia would like to ALWAYS keep 1 Deathwatch eye on himself!
What if it said he is undead?
Funny that you mention that.
In my Friday EC game, my Goblin Wizard 14 is about to Craft his Lich's Phylactery to become a Lich!
My first pc to ever do it in 39 years of gaming!
Oh wow that's pretty neat!
BTW I'm going to experiment with keeping a damage log, e.g. this is the output from my spreadsheet for the current combat. Let me know what you think.
Kardas Rasalas
Blue orc
Azarra <----- WE ARE HERE
Ishta Khosiv
Purple,Yellow-dash,Cyan
Ser Armithia-Seendren
White, Black, Red-dash
Spoiler:Kardas Rasalas Shield, Displacement (5 rounds), Monstrous Physique (79 rounds), Vanish (8 rounds)
Blue orc Inspire courage
Azarra
Ishta Khosiv Mirror Image (1)
Purple,Yellow-dash,Cyan Inspire courage, Blur
Ser Armithia-Seendren
White, Black, Red-dash Inspire courage, Blur
Kardas Rasalas Shield, Displacement (4 rounds), Monstrous Physique (78 rounds), Vanish (7 rounds)
Blue orc Inspire courage
Azarra
Ishta Khosiv Mirror Image (1)
Purple,Yellow-dash,Cyan Inspire courage, Blur
Ser Armithia-Seendren
White, Black, Red-dash Inspire courage, Blur
Spoiler:Round: 1
Green orc was hit by Ishta for 66 (total damage taken 66)
Hound was hit by Ishta for 33 (total damage taken 33)Round: 2
Ser Armithia was hit by Blue for 5 (total damage taken 5)
Green orc was hit by Azarra for 7 (total damage taken 73)
Green orc was hit by Azarra for 10 (total damage taken 83)
Ser Armithia was hit by Green for 39 (total damage taken 44)
Green orc was healed by Green for 24 (total damage taken 59)
Ishta was hit by Red for 28 (total damage taken 28)Round: 3
Red Orc was hit by Kardas for 77 (total damage taken 77)
Rec Orc was hit by Kardas for 22 (total damage taken 22)
Kardas was hit by Blue orc for 18 (total damage taken 18)
Hound was hit by Ishta for 57 (total damage taken 90)
Red orc was hit by Ishta for 57 (total damage taken 57)
Green orc was hit by Azarra for 8 (total damage taken 67)
Green orc was hit by Azarra for 9 (total damage taken 76)Round: 4
Black orc was hit by Azarra for 9 (total damage taken 9)
Black orc was hit by Azarra for 11 (total damage taken 20)
Blue orc was hit by Ishta for 15 (total damage taken 15)
Yellow-dash orc was hit by Ishta for 50 (total damage taken 50)
White orc was hit by Ser Armithia for 17 (total damage taken 17)
Ser Armithia was hit by Red-dash for 16 (total damage taken 60)
Azarra was hit by Black orc for 50 (total damage taken 50)
Ser Armithia was healed by Ser Armithia for 6 (total damage taken 54)
Azarra and Ishta Khosiv are up.
My apologies; I just lost track.
Most of my characters don't get targeted like he does.
My Casters are usually far far away!
If that is actually the current output of your spreadsheet, then you have the wrong name and some wrong totals for your damage. It says in your post that the "third archer" (guessing this is black) shot at Ishta. If it is just an example, looks good.
However, you might have meant me there, since you never rolled whether to hit Ishta's false images. It also looks like the damage total is 49.
I think the totals are right now (there was some issues I had some mixed capitalisation) I've been through the posts multiple time.
Okay, I suppose that means that the attack was actually directed to me, so I have now deducted the HP.
I always appreciate my DMs recognizing my easter eggess!
EDIT: And that video is why I appreciate your descriptions when he does get hit.
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As you ponder your next moves, you reflect on all you've achieved. You've come a long way from the fresh adventurers who answered Phlan's call.
Welcome to level 9.
Level 9
+8 hp
+1 Fort, +1 Will
+1 Feat (Empower FireballSpell, ahem)
+1 4th level spell cast
+1 2nd, 3rd and 4th level spell prepared
+2 spells known (Slow, Emergency Force Sphere)
+1 Kn: Engineering
+1 Kn: Geography
+1 Kn: Arcana
+1 Spellcraft
+1 Perception
+1 Kn: Religion
+1 Kn: Planes
+1 Kn: Local
+1 Kn: Dungeoneering
Also, Orcish Lineage grants another +1 Natural Armor bonus, immunity to Fear and finally stops giving light sensitivity.
I think that's it. I was torn between Empower Spell and Heighten Spell...
Paladin 6
Ride +2 skill points
Lay on Hands(Su): 3d6 6/6
Mercy (Su): sickened, Fatigued
Channel Positive Energy (Su): 3d6(DC16)
Still choosing a Feat....
Male Gold Elf Oathbound Paladin 6/ Sentinel 3 Init +1;Low-light vision; Perception +14;DeathWatch Eyes Aura of Good (Ex); Detect Evil (Sp) 60'; Aura of Courage (Su)
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 26, touch 12, flat-footed 25( +11 armor, +3 shield, +1 deflection, +1 Dex, +0 natural, +0 dodge, +0 magic)
Fort +14 Ref +9 Will +11
Hp. 105(9d10+15)
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft. / 20'
Melee +1 bastard sword +15 (1d10+14/19-20 x2)
Range
....................
Special Attacks
Smite evil 2/2
Swift Intimidate 1/1
Divine Bond(sp): standard; +1; 1 minutes/ level 1/1
Spells: CL 4 1st: veil of positive energy, lesser restoration
Oath Spells: CL 5 1st—resist energy
-------
SQ
Divine Grace(Su)
Lay on Hands(Su): 3d6 6/6
Divine Health (Ex):
Mercy (Su): sickened, Fatigued
Channel Positive Energy (Su): 3d6(DC16)
Symbolic Weapon (Su)+2
Obedience (Ex)
Knight of Valor (Sp) bless weapon 3/day, bull’s strength 2/day, or magic vestment 1/day CL 9
-------------------
Str 20, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 10 Cha 16
Base Atk +9; CMB +14; CMD 26
Feats Exotic weapon (bastard sword), deific obedience, weapon focus(bastard sword), power attack, dazzling display, Vital Strike
Class Skills
The paladin's class skills are Craft (Int) weapons +5(1 bg), Diplomacy (Cha) +11(1), Handle Animal (Cha)+11(5 bg), Heal (Wis)+6(3 bg), Knowledge (nobility) (Int)+9(1bg), Knowledge (religion) (Int)+8(4), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex)+6(2bg), Sense Motive (Wis)+4(1), and Spellcraft (Int)+9(5). Intimidate (Cha) +16(7), linguistics(Int)+11(8bg), Perception +14(9)
Skill Ranks per Level: 2 + Int modifier.
Favored class bonus: +1 hp x6
Traits: omen, magical lineage
Drawback: vain (just flavor)
Languages Common, celestial, elven, draconic, fey, undercommon, giant, gnoll, orc, Aquan, aklo
Other Gear
Pathfinders kit
(+2) Full plate
Scale mail
+1 Hvy steel shield
Tool(mw) +2 intimidate (helmet of Helm)
Bastard sword(mw)
Ring of Protection+1
DeathWatch Eyes
Cloak of Resistance +2
Belt Str +4
Ring Of Featherfall
Rod of Extend, lesser 3/3
--------------------
Tracked Resources
Unguent of Timelessness
Elixir of Hiding
Elixir of Swimming
wand of cure light wounds 50/0
Wand of Cure light wounds 50/36
Wand of Sanctify Corpse 50/45
--------------------
Wealth 2cp 14sp 0 gp
Went with Vital Strike.
(I won't have time to level, maybe even until the weekend, but I don't want to delay us. I'll just deal with my existing stats until I have time to catch up.)
Ser Armithia would like: Amulet of natural armour +2, +2 Human bane composite longbow (+3 str).
Wow, nice stuff. Does anyone else want a bow? With the dancing bow, it adapts to any strength, and the ability for it to shoot by itself could help almost anyone. In terms of attack and damage it is worse than what I have already. Who else is able to use a bow?
If no one else can, then either Ser or I could have it as an additional bow, but his primary human bane bow is arguably better, and will be good if we end up fighting humans in Phlan. Ser (or someone) should probably take the bracers as well, since I need the ones that I have to even be able to shoot an orc hornbow.
... I would like the belt of dexterity if possible, but I have a +2 one that I will have to trade out, so I can still give someone that one if you want a dex bonus.
I already have a +2 amulet of natural armor, so everyone else should take an amulet if they don't have one already. (There are two +1 amulets and one +2.)
I'll take the +2 mithral chain shirt (jarring) if no one else wants it, but it only raises my AC by one, so if it does better for anyone else, go for it. (And I have a +1 mithral chain shirt to trade out as well if I do take it.)
I don't have a ring of protection, but I'm also okay if other people need them more. (There are two +1 rings and one +2.)
Nothing of interest for me this time, I'm fine. If anything, an amulet of NA would add a +1 to AC, but I guess that's negligible at this point (they'll hit me anyway).
Maybe I can buy a rod with what we get selling the leftovers.
Ishta, you should definitely take one of the amulets +1, and also a ring of protection (I realized that all the archers have them, so plenty for everyone. You should take the +2 if you want the biggest AC boost, and you can also have my +2 dex belt for another point of AC boost, so that's 4 points of AC total IF you don't have any of those things already.)
And yeah, there should be plenty of leftovers to sell.
I will just take the two items, thank you.
If I remember to Smite; than I get +3 def...lol.
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I already have a +1 ring, and I think the +2 one should really go to Ser or Kardas, as they're attacked way more often than I am. I'll accept your spare belt though :)
The idea about the dancing bow is to sacrifice one round to attack with it and another bow. That was Eratz's trick.
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The big thing about the mithral chainmail is that Kardas can really use the 30ft movement speed, as illustrated by this combat.
On the rings and amulets, it's my general D20 system opinion that the tank ought to be equipped first so I'm fine with any of it going to Armithia. Kardas has a +1 ring and amulet, but has mirror image and displacement to make himself hard to hit.
Sadly, bows and magi don't mix well at all unless you flex into the ranged archetype. Same with two-handed weapons like the curved blade.
Magus get pseudo pounce with bladed dash so ranged usually isn't such a big deal for them. Also there are ways of flying too on their spell list.
Ok and thank you. I will take the Ring +2...lol.
Probably a good call; since I tend to forget I can Smite.
EDIT: He already had a Ring +1; so that can go in Party Loot.
How about the bracers? They protect from ranged attacks, so they can be used by non-archers.
(If I get leveled and have extra time this weekend, I'll try figuring out what we can sell (past and present), but not sure I'll have time to get through it.)
They strike me as amazing for Ishta. Other than giving DR5 vs non-magic arrows/bows, they let her True Strike once a day on a ranged attack. I assume that includes ranged touch attacks :)
That, or you, Azarra.
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I guess True Strike 1/day on a Ray of Frost is not really a big deal.
Once we're in civilised lands I'll go shopping XD
Can't use it unless I switch to a worse bow. I have to use my current bracers to have the ability to use an Orc Hornbow.
Azarra level 9
HP +6
Fort Save +1
Bardic performance +2
Additional spells per day:
1st level
3rd level
Additional Spells known:
3rd level
Claim Identity
Skill points (10): bluff, diplomacy, disable device, handle animal, perception, profession, stealth (2), sense motive (2)
(knowledge skills also went up because I forgot to raise bardic knowledge last level)
Oops, forgot the feat, let's see... Manyshot.
Not for nothing; but it would be an Epic quest!
Perhaps, after, we finish the actual story line; we can come back and raze it!
And with only a 100 (ish) personed garrison? We can take it!
Back in the day, my home group (at 8th) sacked a similar Fort; guarded by 100 Ogre Barbarian 4!
Our DM hated us...lol! Although, his DMing style really allow my character building skills to grow!
For now, I prefer Kardas' recommendation for diplomacy. But if that falls apart, then you know... whatever. :)
I feel like there are so many things we haven't been able to do even though we knew they were coming... the whole thing with the Cardona vault was pure frustration, and we DID warn the councilors that he was probably a lich, and that he caused the fall of Phlan the first time, but I feel like it didn't do any good, and they are allowing themselves to be taken down by him anyway. The sickness is probably him poisoning them or something, but of course he sends us off on some pointless quest rather than facing him. The whole thing stinks.
So, if we are going to go off script, let's kill Cardona next time we see him rather than wasting time wiping out this whole place.
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There's a bunch of stuff that happened off screen that you'll learn about soon which should hopefully explain a lot of things. I can only hope the eventual pay off when Cardona gets his comeuppance will be worth it!
I woke up with cold sweats today and I think I caught myself a slight fever. I might be slow for the time being :\ and yep, no cold symptoms, no headaches, none of that, so I hope it's 'just' this.
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Stay well Kardas, hopefully it'll just blow over!
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Seems Auril is mistreating you...
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BTW you probably noticed but my interpretation of the Zhents is the same style of banal evil that corrupt governments and banks have in the real world. They like power and money is power. They don't as a rule eat babies or summon demons but they would happily sell grandma down the river for a profit.
FYI, I am going to be on vacation from this Friday through next week. Feel free to bot me, or have my character get sick and unable to get out of bed, or whatever. :)
So I'm going through my level-up overview right now and I stumbled upon something that makes me facepalm to a degree that might see me hospitalized. Apparently, I completely messed up Kardas's skill list *facepalms*
I'll go through it later today and re-do it from the ground up, but a quick glance already shows a ton of errors. Tl;dr: magus 2, int 2, human 1, background 2 = 7 skills per level, meaning 9*7 = 63 total skill points.
Right now, Kardas's list adds up to 35 total. He should have 56 at 8 *facepalms again* I got no clue how I effed that up so hard.
Perhaps you forgot background skills and one level's worth of updates? :)
Anyway good to get that fixed!
Wow! That is some good information! So, if we did not come here; we may have gone into planning how to directly oust him; and, he is protected.
Nice story arc there!
I like these Zhents; although, he didn't make his Sense Motive either...
It really hurts only having 2+ skill ranks! Although, it does make counting them easier, right Kardas...lol.
PF2e has fixed that issue for certain...lol.
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Not at home now, but I will have a look later. We got a lot of hardware from the orcs.
Pfoe, I fixed Kardas's skills. Apparently I hadn't been too dilligent with adjusting the number of ranks in his skills, but most bonuses were correct. I suppose the blame falls on me and the webpage often undoing your changes 'because why make editing character sheets hassle-free?!'.
I also picked up the Hasted Assault arcana and the Power Attack feat.
Other than the above, I had his HP at 79, but unless I'm mistaken it should be 75: 8 * 8 plus 11 from max hp at level 1.
I think everything is finally in order now.