GM DSP presents Crown's Reach! (Inactive)

Game Master Darksmokepuncher

Welcome and Crongratulations!

I'm really looking foward to getting started, but first I want to give ya'll a bit to polish up your characters and come together as a team. Feel free to ask each other questions about build progression, tactics, and anything else you may think of. I will answer any questions you may have as well.

I started writing this adventure a few years ago but I've never ran it before so please use this space to offer feedback on what you really like and what you'd like to see change.

The game will start when I feel we've made a team out of ya'll! Again, welcome and good luck!

Thanks DSP. I can't wait to play. I thought I might get the ball rolling just talking about Osslend's build broadly real quick.

Osslend is a Cavalier variant called "Houndmaster" and is built to be pretty tank-ish and work well with his hounds. Both he and the hounds took combat feats so that they benefit one another when they are flanking the same enemy. So he's really going to be better at handling a single foe at a time rather than crowd control, though if the crowd is made up of smaller, weaker foes, he and the hounds can do that, too.

His larger hound, Virgil, should be a reasonable tank, while his smaller hound, Raleigh is younger and weaker for now, and will likely hang back more and do more hit and run tactics until he gets stronger.Osslend wields a large, 2-handed flail and should output some decent damage, though he certainly isn't built to be a big punisher.

My hope would be that he will come to recognize new strategies in his companions and I can start to take feats that move in a more cooperative direction, not just ganging up on enemies with the hounds.

Personality interaction with combat: Osslend is pretty level-headed, and while not a strategist (isn't dumb but isn't overly bright either) is wise enough to see patterns where they exist and can focus efforts on bigger threats. The one thing that might derail this is if he sees common-folk put in harm's way. It is in the rules of his cavalier Order that he MUST protect them and it's something he would do anyway, even without the dictum.

Happy to answer questions and curious to hear more about other characters.

Also, though I hate to do this so soon into a game, I should mention that I'll be away this Thursday-Sunday at GenCon in Indianapolis. I will try my best to post from there but am not sure how much time I'll have.

Sorry for any inconvenience. Look forward to playing with all of you.

Yay! Thanks, DSP. This should be good.

Joining in on the role commentary, Maedoc is a Generation sub-spec Evoker, which means that he can make long-lasting energy effects and do a fairly good job of tossing things like potions and the like to the party (thanks to Wind Servant). His oppositions schools are Necromancy and Enchantment, so don't expect any hordes of skeletons or dominated minions following him around.

I built him with both utility and Mage-hunting in mind, and he should do fairly well as a controller and blaster. Out of combat, Detect Expertise should prove handy for hunting down arcanists of varying strips, especially paired with divination spells like Blood Biography (which is really quite awesome, IMO), Detect Thoughts, and Clairaudience/Clairvoyance. His Hawk familiar, Garrick, can also assist in scouting, if need be.

In combat, Disruptive Spell (metamagic which forces enemies to always make a concentration check to cast) can help fight other casters, and he has the usual array of spells that go "boom," as well as Spell Penetration and Spell Focus (Evocation).

I have yet to pick out wands and the like, but I'll wait to see if there are any obvious gaps that need to be filled (or any suggestions from the rest of you). As far as spells known, I believe that I have a good array selected thus far (listed under both the "Spells" spoiler and the "Equipment & Monies" spoiler on my profile), but any suggestions would be welcome. Right now, I'm thinking that some of the Divination spells might be good to have as wands, but we'll see.

Personality in Combat: Except for some anger issues that he's mostly over, Maedoc is a fairly calm and cautious person. He's quite happy to take a supporting role in combat, debuffing and disabling enemies as need be, and taking potshots with a crossbow from time to time. He can bring the big guns if (of course) he's warned in advance. As is reflected in his specialization, he's quite interested in manipulating energy--especially when it comes to creating solid constructs of it.

Good job so far. These are exactly the kind of things you guys should know about each other. Hopefully Kayla, Brynn, and Bryce will join us soon.

I know that Osslend will be gone this weekend and that's fine. I should be able to NPC him if needs be. In the interest of full disclosure, I'll be on vacation for 10 days starting Saturday, but I'll be able to post a few times a day, so no worries there.

I'd like to get the game thread up asap, but i want you all to have a chance to talk about your characters a bit.

If it helps: Your first test seems to be some sort of arena event. It sounds like there may be multiple phases.

Kayla checking in.

Her primary role in the party will that of the healer. She is a standard cleric and her chosen deity is Sarenrae. Her role is combat will be on the back line, tossing out spells or firing her crossbow as needed while always ready to rush to someone if they are need of healing.

Kayla has spent most of life in the city's temples and does not have a lot of "real world" experience. Therefor she may be tempted to jump up to the front line and draw her scimitar on occasion. She is rather energetic and quite eager to prove herself. I think she is the opposite of Maedoc in personality, he says he is fairly calm and cautious, Kayla has yet to learn caution and is rather excitable.

I look forward to her interactions with her new teammates and to see how she will grow as a person. :)

Hey Kayla. Quick question; how much are you planning on picking up buff spells? I'm thinking of learning or picking up a wand of Bear's Strength (as everyone else seems to be either melee or ranged with high enough strength to melee if need be), but I might hold off if you'll be prepping it regularly.

The game thread is up for those who want to start roleplaying.

Thanks DSP. Hi everyone!

So to continue the theme, here is how I see Bryce working out.

Bryce is a Ranger with the Skirmisher and Urban archetypes to make him fit well in a low-magic campaign. So like all rangers he has full BAB, medium armor, can use bows and swords. Skirmisher swaps out his spell-casting ability for various nifty little tricks. Urban swaps out some wilderness related stuff for rogue-like trapfinding and disable devices abilities. Bryce has got good stealth and perception and will be able to act as the group scout when we need one.

For combat, Bryce is built to be tactically flexible between archery and close combat, putting out respectable damage in either case. His AC isn't up to being a full-time tank, but he can mix it up as a skirmish fighter, or stand back and put arrows in the air. His favored enemies are Humans and Magical Beasts; and he can share his bonuses against those enemies with the rest of the group.

Personality wise, Bryce is driven and focused on end results. He'll do whatever seems necessary to take down an enemy, and isn't worried about honor or fair play. He'll usually look to put down the most dangerous enemy from range, then move in and tidy up. It's a while since he's worked regularly as part of a multi-disciplinary team, but he'll quickly get a sense of people's abilities.

So that's Bryce - think bounty hunter and assassin. Next up some thoughts on how we could best work together.

Okay, just some general thoughts to throw out on how we work together. Probably more questions than answers, but that's what a team is for, eh?

1 - What buffs would Bryce, in an ideal world, have in every fight?
Bless or Aid or Prayer or Heroism
Protection from Evil or Shield of Faith or Magic Circle against Evil
Bear's Endurance
Bull's Strength (if entering melee)
True Strike for first blow of combat
Protection from Arrows
See Invisibility
Blur
Darkvision
Rage
Levitation or Fly
Haste

2 - What tactical aids would Bryce have on the field?
Archer enemies stuck behind a Wall of Wind
Melee enemies stuck in Grease zone
Enemies slowed
Enemies confused
Enemies held

3 - How would we...
Deal with an invisible enemy?
Deal with an enemy who can fly?
Deal with an enemy swarm?
Deal with lots of little flanking, stealthy, sneak attacking enemies?

Food for thought :)

@Maedoc -
Do you mean Bull's Strength or Bear's Endurance? I could probably prep one or the other, but there's no guarentee that I'll always be able to cast before or during combats. You could be out of range or if it's the second combat of the day I could be out of spells already.

...Yay, smart one me! I was thinking of Bull's Strength. I'll pick it up just in case, then.

I'll think over your questions, Bryce. I'm pretty sure the stock Wizard answer to questions like this is "Yeah, there's a spell for that." :P I'll poke around and see if there are any 1st level spells that might handle some of those situations (or, hell, pick up a 2nd level wand as well--maybe use that for Bull's Strength).

Here are some thoughts on how to handle the situations, skewed heavily toward what Maedoc can do;

Deal with an invisible enemy? I have Glitterdust (and I can snag a few scrolls of it), but something a bit more mundane would be handy if we don't expect an invisible enemy in the morning.

Deal with an enemy who can fly? Ear-Piercing scream might help knock enemies down a bit--but only one at a time. I plan on usually having 2 of those prepped because it's so handy. Does a bit of damage and Dazes the enemy; so they should drop unless they can make a hover skill check. Pretty short ranged, though.
Edit: Hmm. I just remembered that my familiar can deliver touch spells. Touch of Gracelessness would be handy as well then, in the right circumstances.

Deal with an enemy swarm? I'll snag some Alchemical weapons. Also, I just looked over the SRD, and apparently swarms take full damage from bludgeoning weapons (well, larger swarms, not insect swarms).

Deal with lots of little flanking, stealthy, sneak attacking enemies? Don't get flanked? More seriously, Color Spray should help, and we could potentially flank them, especially with Osslend's dogs to help out. If all else fails, we can send in the Barbarian.

My turn for answers :)

3 - How would we...
Deal with an invisible enemy?

This depends what spells I have prepped for the day. If we know we might be facing an invisible enemy I can prep Invisibility Purge. I also like AoE type spells if I can at least pinpoint the general area the enemy is in and I can cast Fireball as a Domain spell.

Deal with an enemy who can fly?

I usually prep Soundburst which would be good if the enemy will fall for the 1 round he is stunned for if I get lucky. Dispel magic if he is flying with a spell. Searing Light or Fireball again depending on range and then there is always the trusty ole crossbow.

Deal with an enemy swarm?

Fireball.

Deal with lots of little flanking, stealthy, sneak attacking enemies?

Soundburst to hopefully stun some of them. Burning hands.

Kayla believes in using the sacred flames of Sarenrae to punish the evil and the unredeemable (if that is even a word).

I agree with Maedoc. Osslend's hounds should be perfect for dealing with multiple smaller enemies. Also, their scent ability should deal nicely with invisible enemies as they can track them regardless of sight.

As for flying and swams...not me, I'm afraid. However, distracting the big, bad meanie until everyone else can clear the field and help...I'm your guy.

Ok, Now we're just waiting on Brynn to post and everyone to finalize any purchasing of equipment. When you've bought/tweaked everything you want to, let me know here and we'll get the trial going on the game thread.

Just to give you a better idea of the trial: Its three stages.

1. Protect the "thing" - what/whoever it is, don't let it get hurt.
2. Kill/Capture the "thing" - hopefully obvious.
3. Prove you're the better team by facing off against the other group who wants your job.

After that, if you live 8), you'll be Dragoons and you'll be awesome.

Non-game related question -
What does DSP stand for?

Sorry for lack of posting, all. There's a particular hammock outside my new place that seems to be consuming any free time I may have. :P

It seems you've all got me pegged for exactly what I intend to be: a meat shield. I'll be hitting pretty damned hard, and have a low enough AC that the baddies won't be entirely discouraged to hit me. My primary role is damage-dealing, however. I've been through a number of mercenary groups (GAH! Backstory! Ugh, I'll hopefully have a chance to finish this up after work tonight.), and don't necessarily put everyone else's life above my own, but I'll definitely try my hardest to get in front of the squishies, because who else is there to give me buffs? ;)

For the record, I'm not actually this cocky IRL, just getting in the mindset of Brynn, haha.

In combat, I'll be using the greatsword primarily, the hammer and shield if a physical tank is really needed, and if disarmed, I've got a couple daggers hidden in a pair of spring-loaded wrist sheaths. For hitting unreachable foes, I've got a composite shortbow strapped around my shoulder at all times. I've got a couple bottles of alchemical fire for the swarms, though I mostly have those for a "just in case the casters can't take care of them for me."

The rage power I'll forever adore is No Escape. I've killed off a couple enemies in other campaigns that were supposed to be recurring villains. I plan on using this as much as possible :) My other power is Raging Vitality, but I wouldn't mind input on another power to have this early on in the game, but to be fair, it fits my backstory pretty well.

Out of combat, I never mind being the overnight watchman. Ring of Sustenance keeps me awake 6 more hours a day than most are used to, so all we'll ever need is someone covering a 2-hour window while I'm sleeping, and I can keep watch the rest of the night. At heart, I'm a survivalist-gone-mercenary. When it comes to doing what I want, I'll do what I want, but right now my focus happens to be cash money and possibly a rise to fame. I won't use people to step on to get to these goals, and I won't ever take on the mindset that I can do it alone, but in the end my ego will likely get the best of me.

Gotta head to work, but I'll hopefully have a free minute or two to update while there if not after.

Non-game related question -

What does DSP stand for?

Darksmokepuncher. Its my main messageboard alias, but I thought it'd be too long for people to want to type. So I shortened it 8)

Good call.

Finally purchased some wands and stuff. Below (and on my profile) is a list of magical consumables and spells prepared for tomorrow, and I'll pick up mundance/alchemical items in a bit. Any thoughts on these while I can still change them?

Also, I added a profile section called "Salient Houserules" that has the info on Wands, if you want to copy it for reference, Kayla (as I think it would only be of interest to you).

I'll be consolidating the "Scrolls Purchased to Learn..." section with my spells known after we finish prepping (for easier reference), and might even alphabetize them.

Edit: Also, how closely do you want us to track our carried weight, DSP? Is that a concern for you, or are we fine as long as we don't try and do something ridiculous (like run around with 500 potions and say we have a light load, for instance)?

Edit 2: Oops, back checked my math, and I had too much stuff. Removed a Wand of Shield to correct for this.

Some nice thinking coming out here, and definitely good to discuss before DSP starts throwing surprises at us.

Maedoc, that looks like a good list of wands - all things that we might not need every day but will probably use lots of when we do need them.

For reference, Bryce has bought the following consumables:

Oil of Invisibility
Potion of Barkskin +2 (2)
Potion of Blur
Potion of Protection From Arrows 10/magic
Wand of Cure Light Wounds

He will give the wand of CLW to Kayla in character, as he can't use it.

Bryce also has about 2k gold left unspent. Would happily take suggestions on how to spend it and happy to spend it on wands etcfor the rest of the party.

Ok! From this point forward this will be your OOC discussion thread.

The game's afoot:
Follow your spirit, and upon this charge
Cry 'God for Harry, England, and Saint George!'

I guess that I should finish shopping today then, eh?
...Guess whose least favorite part of character creation is item selection ;)

I guess that I should finish shopping today then, eh?

...Guess whose least favorite part of character creation is item selection ;)

It's hard when there are so many options!

Some detailed thoughts about preparing for the trial that don't fit very well in the IC thread...

Maedoc:
Is floating disk likely to help in this scenario?
Would burning disarm be more useful than burning hands against a small group of skilled fighters? Gunslinger ain't much without a gun :)

Kayla:
Doesn't seem like these enemies are evil, so Protection from Evil might not work. Maybe another Command instead?
How likely are PC enemies to use ability draining attacks? (genuine question, I don't know). If not likely, maybe replace lesser restoration?
Searing Light works best against undead - in this trial it wil only do 2d8 damage (everage 9hp). Would Prayer be a better bet, +1 to all of us, -1 to all of them, for 5 rounds?

Glad both of you have dispel magic, as I think they'll come out buffed to the gills :)

Also, heads up that I am heading off snowboarding after work today for the weekend, and will have reduced posting opportunities this weekend. There should be internet access at the lodge, but probably not on the mountain :)

I won't get a chance to finalise Bryce's equipment before Monday. I am happy to start anyway, as I have the core of his gear, and assume that the rest is saved as gold, or as a stash left at home to be collected later, or whatever.

Some detailed thoughts about preparing for the trial that don't fit very well in the IC thread...

Maedoc:
Is floating disk likely to help in this scenario?
Would burning disarm be more useful than burning hands against a small group of skilled fighters? Gunslinger ain't much without a gun :)

Good point about Floating Disc, I had that prepped when I thought that we'd be protecting a person, and that it might be useful for that (moving said person around a bit more, mainly).

As for burning disarm, I have a wand for that ;). However, given our better understanding of things now, I think that I will swap Burning Hands and Floating Disc for 2 Burning Disarms and an Ear Piercing Scream (since they get a nice damage boost from not being the Wand versions).

Question for the DM: How long does the Daze from Ear Piercing Scream (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/e/ear-piercing-scream) last? The text contradicts itself. I'm assuming that it only lasts for 1 round (as it would seem just a bit powerful if it lasted for 1 round/level), but I'd be happy to take advantage of it if you rule that it lasts for longer ;)

Glad that was of some help; I was worried the post was a bit overbearing, but I know in the past I have set up a 'generic list' of spells and then not updated before it was too late.

So a final thoughts from me for today. Or final set of questions really with some proposed answers...

How do you kill an enemy wizard?
Dispel protections, then fill her full of arrows, or get right up in her face and force lots of concentration checks for defensive casting. 2 or three whacks with a big axe will do it if you get close.

How do you kill an enemy gunslinger?
Ranged disarm? Mob them with pets or summons? Ranged weapon duel? Ignore them and heal through the damage while you disassemble their team?

How do you kill an enemy team of paired fighters?
Target the will save (unless they're really paladins or monks). Slow / entangle / grease / charm one of them, then pick the other one off solo.

How do you kill an enemy bard / sorceress / beguiler?
The cleric with the great will save whacks her on the head and sets her on fire. The barbarian stays well well clear :)

The barbarian stays well well clear :)

Hilarious.

Maedoc: Ear piercing scream lasts for 1 round. That is some contradictory text though!

Additionally, we might want to think about defense a bit. If the area is fairly open, then BlackLight might be the way to go. It creates a burst of darkness that the caster (i.e. Maedoc) can still see through. As I mentioned in Maedoc's thoughts, he could also make the scroll invisible for 5 rounds and/or create an illusory version of it for the enemies to try to destroy.

While I have some defensive thoughts for dealing with the scroll, it occurs to me that it might be more efficient to just give it to Garrick and have him hide (assuming that a Hawk can handle it). Then, Maedoc can concentrate on bringing the pain (Potentially with Flaming Sphere followed by disarms, loud screams to daze, glitterdust to blind, Grease etc.).

We could pass the scroll to Garrick on Round 1, Invisibility (swapping Major Image out for it) on him, and away he goes for a few minutes. Meanwhile, have one of the vanishes switched to Silent Image in case we need an illusory scroll.

Damn you, Wizard! So many options, so few actions/round!

Went ahead and swapped out some spells.
Doom for Protect from Evil
Hold Person for Lessor Restore
Daylight for Searing Light

I thought about taking Locate Object, but the spell says you need a clear mental picture to locate a specific item. If I go for a general item, it just gives whatever item of that type is closest.

The barbarian stays well well clear :)

Hey, now. I get a +2 to most will saves while raging :P

Maedoc, checking in.

I'll be around this weekend, but more RP never hurts. Also, I have a working list of mundane items that I'll be adding later today.

Maedoc, checking in.

I'll be around this weekend, but more RP never hurts. Also, I have a working list of mundane items that I'll be adding later today.

Cool, thanks for the update. I'll check it out.

Hearing about the pair of fighters that eviscerate single foes, I'm guessing they may be rogues, taking advantage of sneak damage, or at the very least fighters that rely on flanking bonuses. I'll see if I can't distract them for a round or two, shrugging off the sneak with imp uncanny dodge. Really, all your plans sound pretty damn good so far, so I'll stick to it. Adapting to what is in front of me is what Brynn is all about.

I'm honestly good to RP a bit more or go right into combat, either way you all want it depending on your internet access.

Ok, finally purchased items. How much would you price a nice, well-padded box for alchemical munitions and the like at, DSP?

Probably 5-15 gp depending on how big/ornate it is. Sound reasonable?

Yup, works for me. I'll just call it 15, against the off chance that I need to squeeze more stuff in there. Thanks!

Kayla checking in, I will be around this weekend and able to post.

Hmm. Well Bryce and Osslend are out right now. When one of them surfaces, I'll start and just GMNPC the missing party member. Until then, please feel free to roleplay.

I can't wait to see how ya'll do!

Back! One day of awesome weather and great snow; one day of white-out and no boarding at all. Pretty good all told. The ski-lodge didn't have wifi. What decade is this again!

I'll catch up in thread, then I am ready to go.

DSP - I am considering one of the following three Wondrous Items for the remainder of Bryce's budget.

Ring of Feather Falling (2200GP)
Ring of the Sublime (2000GP)
Scabbard of Vigor (1800GP)

Do any of them give you any concern?

Glad you had fun! Welcome back!

The ring of feather fall is no problem.

Scabbard of vigor is OK as long as you've got a good story behind it. That kind of item would be really rare.

What is the ring of sublime? I cant find it in any of my resources.

Hmm good question. I found the ring of Sublime in herolab's database of items. I'll check its provenance tomorrow. It's basically a guard against magical fear.

I will try to write a story around the scabbard. I like that it is a situational aid to Bryce's secondary role (melee), rather than boosting his archery. Let the creativityness commencify!

I'm here. Sorry for the delay. I don't know why I always think that Gen Con will allow me time for anything other than it. It never does.

I think Osslend is all set. I'm just going to add a ranged weapon to his gear (as I forgot previously) and he'll be good to go, I think.

Welcome back Osslend! I trust your trip was a lot of fun.

Now that everyone is back, I will post the start of the trial in an hour or so.

By the way. Does anyone have a problem with me rolling initiative for the most part? I'll do it this first time cause its easier, but I'll take opinions moving forward. I normally like to treat initiative like this:

Everyone rolls initiative.
Each side of the conflict averages their initiative result.
Rounds happen on team initiative so combat can move a little faster.

Fine with me.

Sorry guys. The map is giving me some troubles. Post will be a bit delayed.

Wow, that's an awesome arena. It's going to take me a while to digest and map out, so I won't manage a first post until after work today.

A few questions though...

As we have rolled initiative I guess we are already in combat rounds?

Is there any obvious sign of the opposition - e.g. a big gate that they might be coming out of?

How visible or exposed are we at our entrance point?

Can Garrick effectively carry such an unwieldy scroll?

Have a rough map sketched out in Excel; waiting to hear if Garrick can carry the scroll (which, in retrospect, I should have checked earlier) before posting. Will probably give the scroll to Garrick, cast "Vanish" on him, and then move into the field, sending Garrick to one of the forests to hide.