Rise of the Runelords by DM Doctor Evil (again)

Game Master DM DoctorEvil

No worries David, enjoy the holidays!

Yes, Merry Christmas all.

Back from Boston. Got an email from my boss at the hospital, and he forgot to schedule for Monday 12/31 which is my normal 1/2 shift, so I'll be back to normal posting starting January 2nd.

Then Happy New Year!

Hi all. Apologies for the delay, more extended than I intended. I am trying to catch up on things, but am trying to read through and evaluate where I can jump back in.

Thanks for your patience!

Welcome back Marcellano! Seems like you're at a good re-entry point as we move into our next adventure.

Yay, Level 10 coming up!

Bard (Wit) 10
+1 BAB
+1 Ref
+1 Will
+11 HP (I did my math wrong in the past, my new HP total is 110 at max HP)
+1 Initiative
Duel Master (irrelevant power relating to verbal duels)
New spells known:
4th: Dimension Door, Greater Invisibility
2nd: Mirror Image
Skills: Bluff, Diplomacy, Disable Device, Perform (comedy), Perception, Stealth, Use Magic Device x2

Cadas levels to cleric 10.

She gains +1 BAB
+1 Fort and Will Saves
+10 hp (95 hp total. Not sure why I think of you as fragile Robin. :))
another 4th and 5th level spell slot - will start packing Blessing of Fervor and Wall of Stone.

3 skill points - perception, sense motive, and Heal

Updating alias now.

Conjurer 5/Cyphermage 5
+1 Fort, Ref, and Will saves
+8 hp (d6+1 CON+1 Toughness) for a total of 76
+10 skill ranks: Fly (req'd, headband), K (Arcana), K (Dungeoneering) K (History), K (Local), K (Planes), K (Engineering), Linguistics (learns Terran), Perception, Spellcraft

Cypher Lore: Extended Scroll: As a swift action, Marcellano can double the duration of any spell he reads from a scroll as if the spell was affected by Extend Spell. He can do this a number of times per day equal to 1/3 his Cyphermage level (1).

One more 4th- and one more 5th-level spell slot; learns Teleport and Dismissal

Will have the level done in the next couple of days. No computer access right now...

Warrior Poet 7//Shadowdancer 3

+1 BAB

12 HP (d10+1con+1FCB)

+6 skill points: Percep, Sense Mot, Stealth, bluff, know dun x2

Challenge 3/day.

Not a terribly interesting level... :)

Corrected a couple of counting errors on the sheet too. My HP is 104 (so less than Robin right now!) Shadowlina is up to 52.

Question for youse guys.

Do you want me to recruit another player? Specifically a warrior type (fighter, paladin, etc).

You seem to be having some difficulty with high hp and ac opponents now and it gets harder, especially in the remaining books.

Up to you, just asking.

-- david

I vote yes.

I wanted a cleric that could fight a little, but Cadas is not a striker and never will be. I can cast Righteous Might and be a fighter for a few rounds but only ones a day or so.

Sure, let's do it!

Would it be possible to just add someone we know from the boards? I don't have anyone in mind yet, but I just think that can be an easy way to fill the gap for one party member.

*Edit* -- I will add that I think both of Adolina's builds have been good.

*Edit 2* -- Bran would be great! I've never had a live conversation via editing posts until now. Also, I would be curious to see how a high-level Swashbuckler holds up. I'm flexible with either the class swap and/or adding a fifth.

I don't mind rebuilding again to something a little more straight-up fighter-y. Shadowlina isn't really getting the job done so the Shadowdancer levels are a bit of a bust.

I'll try a build or two tomorrow - make something with a bit more strength and general smiting...

If the preference is for a fifth I don't mind though!

-----------------
EDIT - thanks for the vote of confidence Robin, but its fair to say neither of Adolina's builds have been high damage, and since she's the frontliner that's a problem!

I'll rebuild as a swashbuckler I think if people don't mind. That way I'll still have some skills, but damage output will be significantly higher! :) (d6/8 + 16 at least!)

Personally I like playing with four but I don't want to stop the group. I also know a lot of people on the forum I could ask. @Robin - what about Bran?

@Adolina - Don't rebuild. I would rather have a fifth character then you have to change a character you like. Lets wait for Marcellano response first...

-- david

Honestly I'm perfectly happy to change. I've always wanted to play a Shadowdancer but they aren't that good unless they're on a rogue chassis or a two-handed fighter! Warrior Poet is better on its own. I have a lot of fun just making the characters and finding out this sort of thing - rebuilding as a swash would just be a new kind of fun! :D

It's a shame Swashbucklers are so funneled into the rapier - I'd love to make one that used a shortspear (a la Assassins Creed Odyssey) but shortspears suck particularly compared to rapiers with a free improved critical, so there's just no point!

Off the cuff: Lvl 10 Swash can do the following.

120HP, +18/+13; d6+18 15-20x2. AC somewhere in the mid to high 20's.

Worth doing? I'm certainly having fun trying the build :)

I am with David and would rather you keep your current cool and effective scout build and bring in a 5th. Too many rebuilds disrupts continuity for me more than bringing in a new person. And we get to meet someone new and give them a chance to play in a great game.

I agree that I'd be happy to have a 5th person and keep Adolina (and Shadowlina!). More people in a PBP is honestly rarely a bad idea (up to a certain limit) as it also means more posts, which especially outside of combat can speed along play nicely.

I think we shouldn't constrain Adolina if she doesn't like her current build--didn't we send her down this path the last time by talking about damage/tanking ability?

Regardless, pretty clear consensus for a 5th player. Adolina and I know a fellow from another joint game that we could ask.

Ask Bran then Robin - you've played with him longer than I have! :)

Sorry, yes, by all means change your build if you WANT to, Adolina! I’m just saying don’t do it on our account.

I'll wait for David to confirm the game plan re fifth player.

If you have someone that can build a warrior type, and you are already comfortable with, that works for me, as then I do not have to do the whole recruitment thing.

The player would come in to the group back in Sandpoint, where you are going next, and it will take a bit of real life time, perhaps three weeks I am guessing to finish off this section and move onto the next Chapter.

-- david

Hey folks! I spoke to Hubaris/Bran, the player who Adolina and I play with. He is more than happy to join a game but wanted to warn us that he's played/ran RotRL before. He would take a backseat to any significant decisionmaking.

In view of that, how do folks feel about proceeding with him?

I have no problem with it - I've played the whole AP but I think I've been spoiler free so far? :)

I have no problem with it either.

I'm fine with that.

I am good with him joining. I have played it too, but its been so long ago this is all new to me. :) Its such an old and classic AP that I think a lot of people have played it.

I think the problem with Shadowdancer is that the shadow seems to be tied to its original, not hugely powerful form. Getting my BAB and half my HP is good but since its left with its original 3HD its really limited for feats etc.

If it counted as having half my HD as well, then that would be better - I'd really like to get Spring Attack on Shadowlina but as is she'll never get another feat. Makes them kinda bad compared to Animal Companions and we know they aren't exactly OP...

Awesome scouts though - flying through wall, etc. And it does require magic to hurt them.

Hello all! The new player here, just pinging into the Discussion so it's easier for me to find the thread and keep up with your posts. Hope we can have a great time and thanks for the invitation! I'll be poking my head in to follow along.

Probably will give a more formal introduction in game, but Rhaskos is a reach Wild Stalker Ranger, and hopefully can help with your frontline woes here.

I think the problem with Shadowdancer is that the shadow seems to be tied to its original, not hugely powerful form. Getting my BAB and half my HP is good but since its left with its original 3HD its really limited for feats etc.

If it counted as having half my HD as well, then that would be better - I'd really like to get Spring Attack on Shadowlina but as is she'll never get another feat. Makes them kinda bad compared to Animal Companions and we know they aren't exactly OP...

There is always the Training Property. Not sure if a Shadow can use an Amulet of Mighty Fists but if you can you can use this to end the chain and add Spring Attack.

That's a thought... DM Papa - what's your ruling on shadows and wearing magic items?

There is a table about what magic items creatures other than humanoids can wear, but my search-fu really stinks today.

I'll let Shadowlina bear the Amulet of Mighty Fists with the Training Property.

-- david

Welcome Rhaskos! Excited to play with you, and see a reach frontliner in action.

Also, I'd never heard of the Training property before, that's really cool!

Welcome Rhaskos. Looking forward to you joining. A very interesting build. Should be quite effective.

What point buy did you use to build your character? I think we were 20 point builds and your build looks a little richer than that.

It seems you have better gear than we do. Part of that is being able to choose your gear all at once I know but your gear seems quite a bit better...

Numbers all add up to me. 4 x 14 to start then +2/+2 from human, +2 from levels and +2/+2/+2 from gear.

I'm also counting around 70k of gear, well within the 82 a level 11 PC should have. I think we're (drastically) under wealth rather than him being over!

I have a chart with all the spending and such, though I'm also built a full level above you all for the time being; so there's that to keep in mind as well. Also using Dual Talent helps offset things, I'm used to playing 15 PB so I'm very attached to it.

I don't mind changing anything should it be required (or even dropping gear), it's just a rough outline for now and I'm sure to tinker with it while I check out your encounters.

A few questions and I don't know if I should PM or not, but has there ever been an errata for Rangers who lose Favored Enemy but keep Quarry? Would it work if I took FE as a Feat (such as through Dedicated Adversary or Creature Focus)? I guess the last question for now, does Divine Interference require concentration? That is, can it be used during a Rage?

Ah, Duel Talent likely explains the point buy. Very nice build.

While we are at it, I would appreciate it if everyone would list their magic items, including book price, as well as other wealth. I have had the feeling for a while that you guys are behind the curve in that area, and now seems like the time to give the giants extra treasure.

Also, "wish list" items, keeping it reasonable.

-- david

Cadas has:
+1 Breastplate 1350 gp
+1 Heavy Wooden Shield With Consecrated: 1520 gp
+1 Ring - 2000 gp
+1 Amulet of Natural Armor - 2000 gp

Weapons:
+1 Trident - 2315 gp
Cold Iron Trident - 30 gp
LongSpear - Free
Sling and bullets - free

Other:
+1 Cloak of Resistance 1000 gp
Headband of Mendal Prowess +2 (Wis and Cha) 10,000 go
Belt of Giant Strength +2: 4000 gp
Reaper's Mask - As Skinsaw Mask + Confusion twice a day. 12000 gp
phylactery of positive channeling -11000 gp
Wand of Bless (15 charges) 225

total is 47k, +- 200. But 12k, or about 25% is the mask that is not something she would ever buy. And another 25%Vis the phylactery that she cannot use at the same time as her headband.

Cadas also has the large vicious trident but its not really usable in its current format so she plans to sell it as party loot when the party gets to some place where that is possible.

Wish List:

Better armor
Better Shield
Better weapon
Better cloak
Some potions - Cadas has none.
metamagic rods
Something related to Gozreh, her god

+2 Mithril Katana (10,000gp) [2lbs]
+1 Katana (2050gp) [4lbs]
Masterwork Glaive (310gp) [10lbs]
Bracers of Armor +3 (9000gp)
Masterwork Shortbow (330gp) [3lbs]
60 arrows. (6gp)
Headband of Charisma +2 (4000gp)
Handy Haversack (2000gp) [5lbs]
Ring of Protection +2 (8000gp) [0.1lbs]
Snakeskin Tunic (8000gp) [2lbs]
Cloak of Elvenkind (2500gp) [1lb]
Adolina's Adventuring Kit: backpack, a bedroll, a belt pouch, caltrops, chalk (10), crossbow bolts (140), a flint and steel, a grappling hook, an iron pot, masterwork thieves tools, a mess kit, a mirror, pitons (10), rope, soap, thieves' tools, torches (10), trail rations (5 days), and a waterskin. (150gp) [42lbs]
Gifts from Davian: Shadowmist (heavy combat trained horse), a military saddle, saddlebags, bit and bridle, a month’s worth of feed, and lifetime stabling at the Goblin Squash Stables.

120 gold 26 silver 20 copper
Weight Carried: 27.2lbs (Adventuring kit all in HHS).

Total is: 46,346 not including my loose change.

I'm in a better way than Cadas gear-wise because I got to buy all my gear when I joined.

Basically I just need cash to upgrade the stuff I have. Happy to fill my free slots if I can get useful things but cash for upgrades would be my biggest want.

You forgot to count the masterwork cost of the +1 Katana (2350gp). Easy to do.

Mithril Chain Shirt (6.25 lbs) 1000
Short Sword +1 2315
Longsword (2 lbs) 15
Whip (1 lbs) 1
Buckler (2.5 lbs) 5
Shortbow (1 lb) 30
14 Arrows and Quiver (1.5 lbs)
19 Cold Iron Arrows (1.5 lbs)
Masterwork Backpack (1 lb) 50
Masterwork Thieves' Tools (2 lbs) 100
Sunrod (1 lb)
Flint and Steel (0 lbs)
Bedroll (1.25 lbs)
Waterskin (1 lbs)
2x Trail Rations (2 lbs)
Dogslicer (0.5 lbs)
Goblin Totem (0 lbs)
Goblin Clothing (1.25 lbs)
Traveler's Outfit (1.25 lbs)
Scroll of Minor Image 25
Scroll of See Invisibility 150
Everburning Torch 110
Scroll of Comprehend Languages 25
Wand of Cure Light Wounds (0 lbs)
Wand of Cure Medium Wounds
Medium-size Buckler +1 1155
Medusa's Mask - being used 10000
Stalker's Mask - in reserve 3500
Cloak of Resistance +2 4000
Headband of Alluring Charisma +2 4000
948.28 gp (after paying for barge.)

I don't want to do all the math, but it's about 30,000. Never actually use the Medusa's Mask.

Wish list!
Headband of Charisma
Mnemonic Vestment and an array of useful scrolls
Banner of the Ancient Kings and a longspear
Circlet of Persuasion
Lesser Metamagic rod of Quicken

Welcome, Rhaskos! :)

Items:

Traveler's Outfit (1 gp)
Spellbook (-)
2 scroll cases (2 gp)
Journal (10 gp)
Ink (8 gp)
Inkpen (.1 gp)
Good invisible ink (25 gp)
Parchment (10 sheets) (2 gp)
Dagger (2 gp)
light crossbow (35 gp)
9 bolts (.9 gp)
masterwork backpack (50 gp)
Cap of Light (900 gp)
Spectacles of Understanding (3000 gp)
Bookplate of Recall in spellbook (1000 gp)
wand of identify (13 charges) (750 gp)
wand of magic missile (CL 3, 36 charges) (2,250)
wand of ray of enfeeblement (26 charges) (750 gp)
chime of opening with 5 charges (3000 gp)
headband of vast intellect (fly) +2 (4000 gp)
lesser silent metamagic rod (3000 gp)
ring of protection +1 (2000 gp)
amulet of natural armor +1 (2000 gp)
cloak of resistance +1 (1000 gp)
Caizarlu's spellbook (??)
spellbook with entwined snakes (??)
Mammy Graul's spellbook (??)
ivory-and-jade scroll tube (300 gp)

In scroll case 1: scroll of Identify (x2); scroll of Mount; scroll of command undead (CL 6). In scroll case 2: scroll of resist energy (CL 6), scroll of tongues, scroll of protection from evil (communal) (CL 8), scroll of lightning bolt (CL 9). In scroll case 3: scroll of cone of cold, scroll of hold monster, and scroll of telekinesis.

Total Gold Value: 22,086 gp

Not included in there are the captured spellbooks or the scrolls because most of them I made myself (I can dig back through the thread and try to figure out which exact ones I made if you want). I also counted the wands, which are partially depleted, at their "full" value.

Wishlist:

Pearl(s) of Power
Belt of Dexterity
More metamagic rods, especially quicken (a ways off, I know) and extend.

To all my games:

My wife gave birth to a baby boy yesterday! He came two months early. Mom and baby are well. Expect some delays in the near-term before I can catch up. Please bot me as needed.

Congrats!!!

Congrats Robin (this is for all three four games we share! :P). Glad you and the wife are ok.

Congratulations!! That’s wonderful.