Emerald Spire

Game Master Awenydd83

Hello and welcome to the Emerald Spire discussion chat.

It is going to be a while yet before things kick off, but I went ahead and created the thread so that we can start talking about the game and have a laugh or four along the way.

All of you were chosen specifically for invitations because I have either GM'd for you, played with you, or some combination of the two. I chose you based on your posting, rules knowledge, dedication, and your RP skills.. all of which will be needed for us to make it as far through this tower as we can!

So, lets pal around and get the party composition figured out and/or character creations taken care of. When all that is out of the way, we can talk about getting started. As I said in your invites, I would rather not start on the heels of the holidays, just to have everything come to a screeching halt right as we are kicking off.

A couple of notes based on discussions in PM's:

I will accept any level one character. If you have a chronicle or two already, that should not give you too much advantage and will still allow you to stay with the group throughout.

Keeping the group of characters together is something that I would really highly greatly prefer. When I played through this, we all started with brand new characters and the relationships and RP that built from the continuity was incredible. Seeing as how this is dungeon and nothing but dungeon, there are not very many ways for me to "hook" you guys into the story so RP between the characters is going to be very important to break up the slog of dice roll after dice roll.

Granted, roll high enough on your diplomacy, and the BBEG will gladly sit for a cup of tea and rations instead of a fight to the death.. but more than likely my opportunities to strike up a conversation with you are going to be limited. Therefore, it is going to fall on you as the players to liven things up. (and for the love of god.. think outside of the box!!! That's one reason yall were chosen, is your ability to throw me for a loop!)

That said, I am going to place a higher standard on posts. Posting just a dice roll and "I do xx" will not be accepted. I understand life happens and sometimes its just a matter of getting a post on the boards. However, please do not let this become a habit, and please don't make me address this with you.

Doors. The ultimate showstopper and dungeon killer. Once you get your characters figured out and have an idea on who is going to do what, please work out a Standard Operating Procedure for the many types of "doors" within a dungeon. You're all pretty experienced and know what I mean.. as a group, do you prefer left hand passages or right? Does your character have a set protocol for what you do when "x" happens? This is going to be a long enough process for us without waiting for even a partial consensus at every door or intersection (literally or figuratively).

Now, enough about me.. I would like to hear from you!
There are things that I would like to get some feed back from you on before we get going.

What would you like to see from me? Is there anything that I don't do that you would like for me to do? Is there any quirk or habit of mine that during scenarios are just a bit annoying, but in the coming extended time together may get to the point of driving you batty? Now would be the time to speak up.. good and bad! Let me know what you expect of ME, so that I can offer the best experience possible for you.

I'll start by saying that I'll eventually need to swap out my initial character at some point in, as I've played a couple Emerald Spire levels beyond the first, and thus won't be able to bridge the level gap at some point.

That said, I'll now initiate the "Geek Sudoku" session, as I've heard it called:

I have an Ifrit Oracle - I don't know how satisfied I am with it, or whether I'd like to turn it into, perhaps, a Paladin or Medium.

I've also got a Tiefling Boon I could potentially put to use somehow - possibly as a Paladin or Oracle or something.

I've also got a Dwarf Inquisitor - and yes, he is that kind of Inquisitor: The kind NOBODY EXPECTS! Trouble is, having played him once, I'm not certain if the joke is actually sustainable (I've also got a competing idea for a Half-Elf Gunslinger/Inquisitor based on Atticus Finch, and I wouldn't want to do both).

I've got a Dhampir Spiritualist who'll have 2 XP by the time we start.

I've also got my Samsaran Boon that I'm not yet sure what to do with - perhaps a Medium, perhaps an aspiring Mystic Theurge, who knows?

In addition, we only have four of six invitations accepted at this point. I am hoping I will get some response in the next day or so.

Hello everyone!

Before I get started on doors, new room SoPs and progression down a corridor, I think we should start talking characters.

By my poor math skills, 0 or 1 XP characters should be fine through and through, but 2 XP characters are going to need to look into slow progression a lot sooner or they will be out of tier come Sub-level 10.

I plan on using my 9-00 boon, a GM baby with 1 XP and create a Sylph spellslinger. I don't have a whole lot about it thought out yet, but I do think that I might be diverging into sorcerer. In short, expect a blaster/hammer (depending on the terminology/methaphor you are using). Now that is what I'm thinking of now, but I can move onto something else as group composition emerges.

Also, i have been told that the Emerald Spire isn't kind, but then again, the same was said of Thornkeep and it didn't feel that way at all.

In short, expect a blaster/hammer (depending on the terminology/methaphor you are using).

How about we shy away from using MMO-like terminology/mentality at all?

Also, i have been told that the Emerald Spire isn't kind, but then again, the same was said of Thornkeep and it didn't feel that way at all.

Okay, I've been confusing Emerald Spire and Thornkeep a bit (I mean, they both sound like they're green, right?); I'll have to check my Chronicles again, but my "played higher levels before" problem may not be as bad as I thought it was!

Hey all! Real excited to be part of this endeavour, have never really pushed for anything longer term PBP wise than PFS but am keen to give this a shot! 0 experience in emerald spire here.

In terms of character choices, my preferences are towards melee builds in general, but like Upaynao am happy to discuss about synergies and move on to something that make sense as a group.

I'm leaning towards a vanilla fighter, perhaps going down the two handed cleave route, half-orc or human depending on if we or not we want a full party darkvision. I already have him built on paper. My other choice might to go Vanara Rogue.

In terms of game expectations, (withholding the SOP discussion) I believe to make it a bit more fruitful, both GM and players giving each other pushes at the right time. Burn-outs can happen to both GM and player. I don't think this may apply as much to emerald, but for GMs I typically ask them to be as clear as possible in the possible options we as players can do in a situation where it may not be very obvious. Last thing we want is players posting 2-3 days in circles.

Hello everyone. I'm very excited to tromp through the Emerald Spire with you all.

I haven't thought too much about a character concept other than a race with darkvision is high on the priority list.

I do not mind playing a class that has healing. I prefer to be useful in combat, and then heal after the fact as needed rather than the in combat healer if it can be avoided.

I'm really fond of oracles and witches as classes. A shaman at higher levels could be a lot of fun as well. I haven't tried out any of the occult classes much.

I have a samsaran boon as well that I can use if a concept occurs.

I too have a samsaran boon I'm not sure what to do with!

Seems like darkvision is so far a recurring theme based on everyone's character choices. Perhaps even a prerequisite if I may boldly say? Not trying to force it, Just trying to clarify expectations as we move forward.

I've played with a group where everyone had darkvision but me. Made it a little difficult to stealth down dark hallways. It could make for fun RP, but could get frustrating after a while.

Half-orcs can take a racial trait to get acute dark vision with is 90 feet.

I'm excited to look at the various archetypes that have dungeons or underground specializations. I ran across the Deep Walker Ranger archetype.

Upaynao wrote:

In short, expect a blaster/hammer (depending on the terminology/methaphor you are using).

How about we shy away from using MMO-like terminology/mentality at all?

I certainly can avoid using the terminology; furthermore I would like to point out that the arm/hammer/anvil methaphor isn't MMO-ish at all, being brought up by TarkXT in his thread about group balance. Having been in situations where absolutely no though was put into what characters were going into an adventure, I would prefer to at least avoid the consequences thereof. With that said, I am more than happy to move on and avoid speaking of any of those concepts.

With regards to the inquisitor; I think that if you can move past the initial joke and define the character by more than it, it should be fine. Though an Atticus Finch gunslinger/inquisitor might be a better character in the long run.

Do we want darkvision as a thing? I couldn't say. It's certainly one of the first pitfalls one comes across in a Pathfinder's career, soon followed by exotic DR (she's got DR 15/Wedge of Gouda) and flight.

Witches are always solid choices, but I am curious to see a shaman in action.

Those terminologies are pretty foreign to me but that is a good article, and brings some very interesting perspectives into the game.

Due to my limited experiences with Pathfinder (Just under 2 years), my builds tend to be towards a concept as the primary factor for the build and the "role" as a secondary (Still try to put as much thought as I can here based on what I know).

If I were to make a distinction, my fighter leans more towards hammer, just solely base on the fact the he's primary offence is to hit hard! Two handed strength and power attack tends to hit overly hard from what I know. Definitely am building him to be mobile with the Cleave, Vital Strike, and Gorum's Swordsmanship. Although I can't say much thought is put into point 3 "Can deal at least two kinds of damage in order to bypass defenses (Damage reduction, resistances, certain AC modifiers)."

I most agree on the fact to avoid no thought and want the group balance, I would be more than happy to post my current build thoughts for constructive criticism if that helps.

My favorite feat for fighters is Weapon Versatility I takes care of some of the DR you run into without having to switch weapons.

Well, I'm happy to have broadened your horizons Batpony! However if that's too meta for anyone involved, I'm happy to never bring it up again.
I will point out that I'm not trying to optimize/hyper-optimize/dissect the game and turn it into a number crunching scheme. But I am interested in understanding what I am making and seeing if I am useful; in service to or complementing what you want to make. And while I really want the possibility of death, dismemberment and destruction to be very real and chasing me around like I'm Freddy's next victim, I would prefer, all things being equal, to give my would-be killers as hard a time I can conceive of (which admittedly isn't all that much of a hard time).

I'm not sure what I was trying to illustrate with my last sentence earlier, must be the 5am in me.

I, for one, welcome our new terminology overlords. While for regular PFS I might refrain from that meta discussion, I would prefer it for this case as I've been told emerald can be unforgiving. And I believe that simple distinctions, without over optimization, will help with team synergies. Sounds all in good fun for me.

Perhaps once everybody has locked themselves on a preferred concept we can have that discussion around team roles?

Thats an interesting feat you've found there, CariMac. I like it!

IHIYC: Thats really great news! I hope that it does work out to be thornkeep instead of Emerald Spire. Thornkeep can be especially deadly!

As for the deadliness of the levels.. it depends on a lot of things. Having played through and now read through it, it has some serious TPK potential at some points, and it also offers a number of instances where RP or "alternative" methods can circumvent or mitigate some of the danger. (Read here: Think outside the box!)

Of course, if you traipse down there completely unprepared then you will deserve what you get.. but I can't see that happening from any of you. I look forward to learning and growing through this adventure just as much as I look forward to spending the time with yall.

So far, I still have two invitations out that have not been responded to. If one of those does not respond, I will save the spot for a friend of mine that would like to play. Short of that, do any of you have any suggestions for a 6th?

I played the first three rooms of Emerald Spire at a lottery table a couple years ago at Paizocon. We almost had a TPK outside the entrance before we set foot into the Spire.

Be prepared and work together are what I got from that experience. The second run at the Spire we at least got into the first room.

Definitely excited for the learning experience we'll all get out of this adventure!

As for a possible sixth, I have one in mind. This would be right up Nejustmo's (Rolvark from shades of ice) alley. We both meet up regularly for our Thursday night AP session, and consistently discuss builds and mechanics.

So does anyone have any firm idea as to what they are playing so I can use that as a seed for my plans?

I'm quite firm. Half-orc fighter (No archetype) - greatsword build focused on vital strike and cleave.

I'm going with a shaman who has the life spirit. She can channel at first level.

I just couldn't get the feel for a dual cursed life oracle.

PJP, Tarondor, and Nejustmo are all excellent submissions. I have played with/for all of them.. this is going to be a tough choice.

What we have so far for character ideas:
CariMac: Shaman
Batpony: Half orc fighter
Upaynao: ??
IHIYC: Ifrit Oracle, Dwarf Inquisitor, Dhampir Spiritualist, Or samsaran or Teifling build.

Still waiting to hear from my friend. Some of you may know him from the boards as GM Hawkeye. He has not been very active for a little while.. but that happens when life gets in the way. His decision to join us is pending some life decisions that if they go right will open a lot of time for him. If things can turn around for him to allow better posting, he would be happy to join us.

Will decide soon between the other three, and if my friend is unable to join us, I will take the second one from that list as well. Do any of you have any specific preferences there?
I have GM'd for Nejustmo on several occasions. Strong poster and good player.
PJP has gamed with me and GM'd for me on numerous occasions. Once again, dedicated poster and great RP. Would like to return the favor for the games he GM'd for me!
Tarondor: Good RP, good posting, have had several discussions and games together. Only thing is that he is currently running an emerald spire game himself. Non PFS, but still.. I am going to say that as much as I like the guy, this limits him quite a bit..

I'd suggest either Yours is Mined, Dien, DebugAMP. I'm going to go with my initial idea: Spellslinger with a secondary focus on Necromancy. The plan is to take a level in Spellslinger and then go on with levels of Sorcerer using the Wildblooded Sage bloodline. I'm going to be behind on spells, and I do not know if that would result in me being more of a damage dealer than someone who supports their party by making the other guys deal with debilitating spells. But it's been touted about on the boards, and I'm curious as to how this pans out. I'll be playing a sylph, and I have a name, but I need to flesh out who this person is.

Any suggestions for the actual build?

Batpony, are you hoping to combine Cleave and Vital strike?

I'd suggest either Yours is Mined, Dien, DebugAMP. I'm going to go with my initial idea: Spellslinger with a secondary focus on Necromancy. The plan is to take a level in Spellslinger and then go on with levels of Sorcerer using the Wildblooded Sage bloodline. I'm going to be behind on spells, and I do not know if that would result in me being more of a damage dealer than someone who supports their party by making the other guys deal with debilitating spells. But it's been touted about on the boards, and I'm curious as to how this pans out. I'll be playing a sylph, and I have a name, but I need to flesh out who this person is.

Why not just stay a Wizard, and away from "Stinky Cheese Man" schemes?

Losing cantrips, especially read/detect magic and the four opposition schools really puts a damper on things. And I want to put my best foot forward for the Emerald Spire.
However, I can sense that you aren't comfortable with the idea. That's fine; I have a small pile of GM credit that has a name and a theme but didn't have a good concept behind it.
Like I said, I'm a team player. But I need to know what the team has: Batpony and CariMac have been nice enough to help me out and give me an idea as to what they want to play. What do you want to play? Your choice helps me understand what is important for our success.

Batpony, are you hoping to combine Cleave and Vital strike?

Yes, I am! now that you mentioned it, I forgot to fit a very important Two handed Weapon Trick Feat Cleaving Smash into the build. Weapon master's handbook is probably my favourite companion to date, and also the first I've ever owned, I try to maximize my use of it.

With regards to the spellslinger, I would be happy to see the build idea come to life. I have very limited experience playing full caster classes (Read: magic has been secondary and typically opted out to make my builds simple for me), so I cannot really give much comment/thoughts on it until I actually see the build idea on paper.

With regards to player choices, all strong players from what I recall, so I'm more than happy with any of them joining into the fray.

Any of the suggested players is fine with me.

I need to work on the build for the shaman. I'm open for suggestions. I'm not much of a power builder.

Zenith Games has a summary of class guides which I find very useful. Mind you some of the guides should be taken with a grain of salt. They are opinions after all. And some just stink.

I tried building one originally but couldn't get something I was really happy with. However, I was trying to do too many things at once, so... I would suggest looking at the spirit specialization variant from Healer's Handbook if you want to go all out and be the best at wound control.

I also happen to like Evil Eye very much. I know Slumber is the king among hexes, but Slumber is really super annoying from the GM side of the screen.

Also, I am now looking at a Samsaran psychic. Ultimately with a heaving necromancy bent, no undead though. Not having darkvision kinda stinks though.

I like Evil Eye a lot myself -2 to several different things is pretty awesome.

Although I have looked a few times at some of those classes, I think I get intimidated by how different they are. I am playing a life Oracle in a Ironfang AP right now, and its not too bad.. but every time I look at the psychics I tend to go cross eyed. I guess that's what comes from 20 years of playing sword and bow rangers.. lol. To be honest, my first ever spell caster was created here on Paizo 3 years ago and has only seen intermittent use (She's just now lvl 5).

I like the idea of witches, and have seen them put to some amazing use, but have not yet seen an shaman in action.

Youpaynao: I will have to wait until I am home to look at that link, but I look forward to reading it. (Damn firewalls at work and their selective borking!)

Zenith Games has a summary of class guides which I find very useful. Mind you some of the guides should be taken with a grain of salt. They are opinions after all. And some just stink.

This is why I've come to hate the very idea of "class guides" - particularly when they're pushed on new players, who should be forming their own fresh views of the game but are all too often prone to lack of self-assuredness, and hence to pressure from self-anointed "authority figures," which all results in new waves of players whose mindsets become more rigid, limited, and intolerant than older players. The MMO thought-mold and insidious derivatives thereof like the "Forge of Combat" cause the same problem. Story of the last 10-or-so years in these games.

This is why I've come to hate the very idea of "class guides" - particularly when they're pushed on new players, who should be forming their own fresh views of the game but are all too often prone to lack of self-assuredness, and hence to pressure from self-anointed "authority figures," which all results in new waves of players whose mindsets become more rigid, limited, and intolerant than older players. The MMO thought-mold and insidious derivatives thereof like the "Forge of Combat" cause the same problem. Story of the last 10-or-so years in these games.

I find the guides helpful to get ideas in the sea of Paizo options. I’m not stuck to them, but getting some kind of guideline of how the class plays and what fest trees might be helpful makes me feel more confident. I’m not looking for the most optional build. I go with what makes sense for my character concept.

For example I’ve been thinking about creating a magus. A guide would be absolutely necessary for me to even get started figuring it out.

I agree with CariMac here.
I work over 80 hrs a week, and seldom have the time to sit and study all the different resources that abound. So when I can, I peruse the synopsis and the guides taking what I need and leaving the rest. There are plenty of players that take these guides with a grain of salt and use them as the spring boards to originality and creativity that they are meant to be.

There will always be people that read one thing and form hard opinions about what they read, but I really don't think that they are in the majority around here, at least not in the society games and forums that I spend my time in. Neither do I think that the majority includes such rigid thought and intolerance. Rather, it has been my experience that the more fluid players tend to be the younger and newer players, whereas some of the older players are the ones that are not only dead set in their views but much more vocal and intolerant in their opinions.

Either way, we are all here to play a game, and those words should be what is kept in mind. PLAY a GAME. No one of any opinion should be chided or denigrated simply for discussing a topic or using a genre of terminology.

Well said! Couldn't agree more.

The guides are useful resources, and I'll admit did help me in understanding the mechanics of the game better with my inexperience at the time. But at the end of the day it comes down to how individuals use them, and how they want to experience the game. As number crunching schemes or a getaway into a fantasy world where your ideas come to life.

I'd like to think we're more of the latter that's why we're in this thread :)

Hello, all! I am coming to the party late, and only skimmed the thread so far, but I would be happy to join this little band of misfits... er, I mean heroes.

I should start with this: I have played a number of levels of this dungeon in the past, but as a Core character (halfling rogue/ranger), but its been a while, and I can't say that I remember much. But if you prefer someone new to the material, I understand and am happy to let another in my place.

As far as a character goes, I will play just about anything. It sounds like we have the front-line and some support already. Maybe I should go skills/knowledge sort of thing?

Hey PjP! Welcome to the party! If you have played it core, then I have no issues with you joining us... my biggest desire was for cohesiveness and continuity. Peruse the conversation at your leisure, and we will get started around the turn of the year.

All: there are a few things unique to the emerald spire I want to discuss, but that will have to wait until I have time in front of the computer.

IHIYC: did you ever figure out what lvls you have played or if they were thornkeep?

The party hasn't started! I take no exception to the fact you've run through a few levels, and am happy to have you in board!

I think a skill/knowledge monkey would be a perfect addition to our little band of misfitted heroes. :)

Hey PJ. Welcome to the party.

Right now, I am thinking a wayang spy - not sure yet between ninja (never played), mindchemist, bard (sometimes fun, but sometimes too cliche), or Investigator (which seems to be one of my favorite classes).

Will be concentrating on knowledge and general skills and stealth, because I have seen too many strong groups lately suffer from not knowing what the heck they are facing. Probably not so much on personal combat, but don't want to be useless either. As a secondary slant, I am thinking some sort of illusion or enchantment focus based on shadows? This almost makes me think bard is best choice. (which is good for knowledge too, but an empiricist investigator works well there too.)

Advice?

Investigators are pretty damn awesome, but your instinct might be on point with a bard.

I do have some knowledge skills covered. Arcana, Planes, Local and Religion are the ones I plan on focusing on.

I've only seen one ninja in my PFS career, and the player quickly retrained out of it (I think he was going for some sort of dark tapestry oracle that sneaks around and touches you to make you see the infinite void and the despair therein. Ok, I might have embellished things but that was the concept and he eventually retrained out of ninja.

Bard's selection of illusion spells isn't half-bad.

When I was futzing around with my character I was contemplating bard, but I can't wrap my head around it. Voice of the Wild seems cool, in spite of what others might say.

Faith-Singer might be interesting, if there is a god whose domain spells would compliment your selection.

Duettist might be worthwhile, as familiars are another set of "hands". Maybe Lingering Performance might lessen the hit to your performances.

Impervious messenger might also be worthwhile. And Lotus Geisha might be interesting.

I plan to max out skill ranks in Survival, and perhaps take some ranks in Climb and Swim.

With regards to the Bard idea:
I've seen some bards be pretty great at supporting through distracting illusions, so I have great respect for people who play that role.
I was taking a look at Eldritch Heritage for my Oracle and it's pretty nifty. Perhaps there's something there for you? Deep Earth, Dreamspun, Maestro seem complimentary.

My apologies.. I have been violently ill the last few days. I am thankfully on the upswing, but this has been no joke!

My thoughts on the Bard: Yea they can be campy and overdone, but in my humble opinion, they are a versatile addition to any group, depending on build and play style. Between the buffs, debuffs, spells, knowledge, and combat options, they can make a solid second line build with many different ways to assist the rest of the team. Just my two cents, but I happen to like them!

Emerald Spire Land Rush chronicles: Emerald Spire has a secondary chronicle that is provided at the players request. This chronicle offers an opportunity to purchase blocks of land within the River Kingdoms for 2 pp. Some of the effects are cumulative, others confer boons, but they are all a decision that you as the player makes. HERE is the text of the secondary chronicle sheet. Whether or not you purchase a plot of land and which plot you purchase will be a choice you make every level that we complete. If you could, make your choices when I ask for day jobs, so that I have time to complete everything accurately and in a timely manner.

So.. Who's working on what?? Please copy and paste this roster from the reply ahead of you, so that the last person to reply will be posting an updated and current list of what everyone is thinking. There's not too much time left before the holiday slow down, and then we will be kicking off!!

CariMac: Shaman
Batpony: Half orc fighter
Upaynao: ??
IHIYC: Ifrit Oracle, Dwarf Inquisitor, Dhampir Spiritualist, Or samsaran or Teifling build.
PJP: Skills or bard ??

So. It appears that the only Emerald Spire level I've already played (aside from level 1, which I've just begun playing as my Investigator) is "The Circle of Vissk-Thar" - so other than that, I'm clear!

As for who to play, these are my dilemmas:

- I'm not fully satisfied with my Ifrit Oracle or Dwarf Inquisitor, for a variety of reasons, and am not ready to commit to them
- I've got a couple other characters already written up (an Oread Warpriest, an Undine Ranger, and a Tiefling Paladin), but they've got the same problem as the above
- I have an interesting idea for a Halfling Medium, but I'm not sure how much I like Mediums (I adore 3.5 Pact Magic, and I feel like the Medium is an insult in comparison), and there's the problem that they're not as good in a fixed-member party
- my Dhampir Spiritualist is presently busy, and may not finish her adventure in time (or perhaps she might)
- I'm really not sure what to do with my Samsaran: I'd like the support of an official verdict before I try applying Mystic Past Life to psychic powers (a textbook "RAI vs RAW" problem, as they call it), and I've already got a character of most every class I'd be inclined to make a Samsaran into. My strongest inclination would be to make an aspiring Mystic Theurge, but that, too, presents a few challenges
- I've got a Kineticist who I might be willing to give another try (again, not sure how much I like them), but she's level 2

That said, I guess I'm leaning more toward Oracle (either the Ifrit or some different idea utilizing my Tiefling), my Spiritualist (if she can make it on time), reconsidering a Medium, or something with my Samsaran (definitely some kind of mage).

I'm still working on the shaman. I haven't decided if I want to use my Samsaran or go with a half orc for the dark vision. I've gone with the restoration spirit, and taken the extra hex feat to get Evil Eye starting out.

CariMac: Shaman (Resoration)
Batpony: Half orc fighter
Upaynao: ??
IHIYC: Ifrit Oracle, Dwarf Inquisitor, Dhampir Spiritualist, Or samsaran or Teifling build.
PJP: Skills or bard ??

Batpony will be Galonor the Mighty from now on.

Half-Orc buddies! Shamelessly saying that I have the Shaman's apprentice racial trait. Well I guess it did not specifically say Half Orc Shaman.

I've pretty much built my character, inclusive of early thoughts on his backstory in my profile. Am raring, ready, and excited to get this started!

CariMac: Shaman (Restoration)
Batpony: Half orc fighter
Upaynao: ??
IHIYC: Oracle, Spiritualist, Medium ??
PJP: Skills or bard ??

OK, I have been playing around a lot, and think I have settled on a wayang bard that is sort of modeled after "The Shadow". Skills will concentrate on stealth and disable device (thanks to a trait), and then knowledge more as the bard bonuses kick in. The favored class bonus for a wayang bard is some bonus illusion spells, so the flavor will be a lot of smokey, mind clouding effects.

For combat, I expect I will start with bardic performance to give everyone a boost, and then work on field control and debuffs for the rest. Some of the spells will probably be wasted in a dungeon (since they target humanoids), so I am looking to ways to help circumvent that.

I am also considering a net and intimidation slant (dazzling display), but I am not sure I'll have the feats for that.

GM - If you don't mind giving a little away, let me know if this concept will be rather useless in this dungeon, cause I have another idea for a more classic bard, and can always save this one for PFS scenarios (which I can see him being very useful in...)

CariMac: Shaman (Restoration)
Galonor the Mighty (Batpony): Half orc fighter
Upaynao: ??
IHIYC: Oracle, Spiritualist, Medium ??
PJP: Wayang bard (enchantments and illusions)

I just realized I have a bunch of boons I have never used, so I could also be a dhampir, an aasimar, a samsaran, a grippli or a suli...

PJP: Spells targeting humanoids would not be useless in this dungeon. You will not see any humanoids at first, but once they make their appearance, it will be about even odds to be facing a humanoid your spells will affect.

So far it looks like one front liner and a solid mix of magic users in the second line.

CariMac: Shaman (Restoration)
Galonor the Mighty (Batpony): Half orc fighter
Upaynao: ??
IHIYC: Oracle, Spiritualist, Medium ??
PJP: Wayang bard (enchantments and illusions

Yeah. Sorry I'm not answering, I need to completely reassess what character I'm playing. On the plus side I have two super solid concepts and builds I can play with now!

I'm not sure what race I'm going with but it'll be either some sort of cavalier archetype without a mount, a medium, a vigilante or a slayer. So someone to help in the front, possibly with some utility.

PJP, are you planning on grabbing some way of getting trap spotter?