GM FurtiveZoog's PFS 05-04 The Stolen Heir (Inactive)

Game Master FurtiveZoog

Yeah, stealth was only potentially going to help so much, though, since you can't hide in plain site and there's nothing to hide in within 300 ft. of the villa.

But, I suppose a lookout isn't going to be actively looking at all times in all directions.

The scenario, oddly, says "Once once the PCs are within 60 feet of the house and it’s clear that they are headed for the crumbling manor," even though it would be obvious a long time before that. Where else could one be going across the blasted terrain?

I am not sure if these would be helpful or not, but remember you can drop prone (gaining a +4 AC versus non-adjacent ranged attacks) as a free action.

Also, remember that a crossbow can be used from a prone position without penalty.

Sometimes it is suggested that a way to approach opponents firing from range is to move forward, drop, stand up, move forward, etc., although it certainly would take you longer to get where you are going. Moving and taking total defense as a SA would seem as good.

(Just thinking...)

Pahh combat in Pathfinder in short: Kill opponents as fast as you can so that they can hurt you less!

I'd cast a defensive buff, if I had it. But alas 1st level Paladins are basically Fighters, only less effective. Prone is an interesting idea, but I think I want to go ahead and risk it. It feels right for the character. That being said, if someone wants to dispense a heal, I would not say no.

Oh, hey, this is off-topic. But a friend of mine wants to DM Reign of Winter in Real Life. Anyone here play it? Any good? I'm thinking of building an Arcane Archer using Fighter/Wizard (Transmuter). Gots to get me some Gravity Bow.

I'm doing it over PbP and so far I -really- like it. But it's still early going as we're only level two. And since I'm playing I haven't read through the thing. So unsure how it is as an entire AP. But the first chapter is solid.

GM, I just realized I forgot to change my spell lineup. I would have taken at least one ear-splitting scream, but I don't see it on my profile. I thought I had changed it, but perhaps it got lost when the forums crashed the other day.

Do you mind if I change it to reflect that now?

Sure, no problem, Jani.

Farg does mooks like Pooh does honey! Although those were some rather nice rolls.

I just started RoW. It feels pretty cool but I can't give any final verdict. From all I hear it's one of the tougher APs good Saves both against Magic and Cold Weather might come in handy. I'd prolly consider Ranger/Wizard cause I think it entails lots of traveling and outdoorsy stuff.

I am just getting ready to start running RoW for my new live group tomorrow night. I will report how it goes, though it does look a little tough with the conditions and the DR of the fey encounters early on.

A cold iron spear costs like 4gp. It makes a decent starter weapon. It can also function as a walking stick. Drop a few hints when your players buy equipment.

Yeah. One thing I do like it is that it is a really unforgiving AP. It's easy to get into near-deadly or deadly situations and the environment is just punishing. We've had a lot of "We have no reason to be alive" moments, and again - early going.

I really don't think that's a bad thing. I've never had a character die in PF and that does take away some of the excitement...

Farg - I'll totally remember that!

Wuut... better keep my jap shut. Actually Farg is very much in danger of that while he kicks ass like a level 4 fighter he takes damage like a level 2 bard all in all not the best of combos.

For PFS it's actually not quite the same dead character means dead character at least at the early levels.

In normal games death just mean roll up something new...

Now to these revolutionaries.

For PFS it's actually not quite the same dead character means dead character at least at the early levels.

In normal games death just mean roll up something new...

Yup, that is definitely true at these levels.

And your second point leads to the biggest problem I have with PFS: If a character dies permanently, you may very well be 'forced out' of a group if you don't have a replacement character. I don't have that many characters, myself, and the top ones are only level 3. If I make it to, say, 8th level with one and then die, I won't have a replacement to bring into that group to keep playing. :-\

I wish, therefore, that the rule was more like, "If a character in PFS dies permanently, you can restart the character as it was two levels lower..." or "...you can make a new character two levels lower with X amount of starting gold...".

But come level 8 you should have the PP to resurrect?

That's true... Depends on how much you die, need body recovery, and whether it is by a death effect or not. At least with Gentle Repose a cleric can keep a body fresh for a Raise Dead spell to get to a major city (so saving that +5 penalty on everything for needing it in a small city), so it would only be 16 PP instead of 21, and I suppose income can cover the Restoration.

Unfortunately, each module level that I am going through only gives 4 PP, and we need items, too, so it will be awhile before we have enough PP saved. Hopefully, the group will come through on a Raise Dead spell purchased with the collective gp if someone needs it. (Or, 8 character/module levels for a Resurrection.)

(I was trying to guestimate what the death rate is and such, but there are a lot of unknowns.)

My apologies guys, but i am still trying to figure out my action economy.

Hi all,

What would people like to play after this? (This scenario might be over in a week or two.) Would you want to do another scenario or a module, even? Any ideas on which one (or even which season)?

I've even been thinking about a module, having played the Tier 1-2 part of Thornkeep (it's basically a standard dungeon adventure). It actually took about as long as a scenario and we all went up one full level.

One thing that I don't understand yet about the Tiers on modules, however, is whether a 3rd level character would be able to play in at Tier 1-2 or not. Is anyone going to be 3rd level after this scenario?

Or, who is going to have the most xp after this?

Thanks, Matt

After this Farg will be one step away from level 3. I'd kind of dig a module. Also what about this Dragon's Demand thingy?

After this, Wuliem will be the same as Farg--1 away from 3rd.

I like the idea of a module too.

I am playing in Derek's "Dragon's Demand", so I would have spoilers.

A 3rd level character can play in a tier up or down as long as the character is within the level range of the scenario, i.e. a 1-5, 3-7 or 1-7 scenario. A 1-2 scenario like The Confirmation is not open to level 3 characters.

Hmm. Well, a 3rd then couldn't go on a Tier 1-2 scenario or module section, but fortunately - I just downloaded the Chronicle Sheet - the Dragon's Demand is 1-3. On the downside, I like the Tier 1's and 1-2's modules since they are at least somewhat "replayable". (I have to purchase the darned thing. I wish I could afford to be a subscriber to all of these things and get the free PDF with the hardcopy.)

There are two PFS ways to play a module, though (as I understand each):

1) Straight PFS, using only the PFS-sanctioned content, etc.

2) Campaign mode, using non-PFS characters, allowing the use of any non-PFS content and rules but still getting you all of the same PFS credit and Chronicle sheets, which can then be applied to your PFS characters.

I kind of like the idea of the second mode since, among other things, you could try out all of the non-PFS stuff (like races) that you want. Also, it seems to have all of the same benefits and you could just play a 'mirror image' of your character.

(Ironically, this would actually free up your 'real' PFS character for others scenarios, if you so chose.)

It actually doesn't look like it would work as well straight PFS, since there are only four Chronicle sheets. So, if I am understanding it correctly, you could take a PFS character from 1 to 5 with PFS credit in this scenario, but you really need to be at level 7 for the climactic encounter. So, you would have to find a bunch of sanctioned content and splice it in, probably rather clumsily and so taking away from the story.

I'll talk to Derek and Wuliem and see what they think.

Herman will be level 3 if he survives this encounter(6xp). I am not opposed to a module, and putting Herman on the sidelines or a bit if you like, but am flexible either way.

I was thinking about running a new campaign game myself (I already have several running) and would open it up to any of you if I did so (rather than old-fashioned recruitment which brings in some strange individuals...) If anyone wants to play, any suggestion as to AP? I have several...

Herman, fortunately, either way wouldn't necessary put 'Herman' (him or a clone) on the sidelines.

I am in my first adventure path, Carrion Crown, at the moment.

When were you thinking you might want to start one?

I'm currently playing: Savage Tide (8th), Carrion Crown(1st), Reign of Winter(1st), Legacy of Fire(4th), Serpent's Skull(4th).

Doesn't the pirate campaign (Skulls and Shakles) apply PFS credit to existing character?

Too bad Farg has an INT of 10 guess it would be a bit out of character to unleash vicious political philosophy discussion from his mouth...

I was kinda thinking about running (in this order, but it's flexible): RotRL (which I love running), Legacy of Fire, Reign of Winter, or Serpent Skull. Sounds like Farg is in most of those already.

If anyone else has a preference, just LMK. I also can run Shattered Star, Wrath of the Righteous, Dragon's Demand, or something else from 3.5 or older.

I was not planning on running for PFS credit, but could (I guess, I'm not really sure how that works exactly).

Rise of the Runelords would be awesome been wanting to play that for quite some time. But if you run something else I won't tear you to pieces I promise!

I could be tempted! Currently running Carrion Crown on the baords and ROTRL in person and playing in Reign of Winter. I'd love to play Wrath of the Righteous as a friend of mine is the author and I haven't had the chance to get into it yet. But honestly, its all good.

For PFS credit, you basically run it, as I understand it, just like you would a regular non-PFS game (using whatever rules you choose) and then report it, having the credit apply to PFS characters instead of the 'aliases'. So, each person would need to be a PFS member and have at least one character, but that shouldn't be a problem for a PFS group of people.

The nice part about running it for PFS credit for the players is that they will then have PFS characters of higher levels. Higher level PFS characters can be scarce on the boards and so it can be tough to put together a higher level PFS scenario.

Also, you get GM credit toward PFS stars, although I am not sure exactly how much. I've heard it is two sessions worth for a module section, but I haven't heard about APs.

I would love to run a RotRL campaign!

I was in one, but it has fizzled. We didn't even leave Sand Point yet!

I am game...

I thought PFS capped out at level 13, or something. How could we run an AP for PFS credit?

Don't get me wrong, I'm up for an AP. I'm just curious how it would work.

I thought PFS capped out at level 13, or something. How could we run an AP for PFS credit?

Don't get me wrong, I'm up for an AP. I'm just curious how it would work.

Only part of the AP is sanctioned for PFS credit and you have one of two options: 1) run only the sanctioned encounters (not the whole thing) with PFS characters and apply chron sheets right then to those characters, or 2) run the entire AP with new non-PFS credits and the GM may give you chron sheets to apply credit to your PFS characters as if they ran the scenario.

Running a distinct part of an AP to completion is worth 3 xp and 4 PP per part run. Rise of the Runelords has one section per module book, starting with Thistletop at tier 3-5. Earns about 4800 gold if complete as well.

Oddly, though, there are modules, too, with sanctioned content all the way up to 18th level. You could run a character to 18th level by running a (fairly long) sequence of modules, ending with the Witchwar Legacy.

This is all very confusing to me...

Anyways about the map. My mistake so tough luck...

Sorry about that. I'll try again.

Like most staircases and stairwells, the staircase going up from one floor is superimposed over the staircase going down. They share the same 'footprint', which can make where you are on a map a little more confusing. Two maps might have been better.

There is the door to the staircase going down between space G16 to G17, with a landing at the top of the stairs at G17. (On the ground floor or if there are otherwise no more stairs below then this door typically leads to storage space. At my house it is books and a mini 'wine cellar'. :) ).

So, there is a wall between spaces H16 and where Enderios is standing on the stairs down at H17. The wall, then, would provide cover (as is standard) between someone at G16 and H17.

(It's 12:30 AM here now, though, so I am not sure how much that makes sense.)

It makes sense with the new map you posted. When I posted my initial action you hadn't drawn in the wall yet, or I hadn't updated my map so that's where the confusion arises from.

Farg, Ironically, the stats that they have us use for her (if they should be needed) are as a "neutral good princess".

Oh, and if it something along the way does seem to be my mistake or a bad description, I'll probably retcon a correction. Didn't make much difference this time, though.

Hagan - Sorry about that. It's just the you and Herman look so much alike and all... No, you didn't fall in. Edited to fix it.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny Devito are -- Twins! Coming soon to a theater near you.

If I had to pick one, I think I'd like to play Rise of the Rune Lords. I've given it before in RL. But it would be an interesting experience to play it from the other side of the screen.

Would the idea be to roll up new characters for that? Or use copies of the ones we have now?

So, if we go with RotRL as a campaign, then we can 'free-up' these characters and play new ones from 1st?
And afterward we can apply credit to any of our PFS characters?

I would vote for starting with new characters at 1st unless i am missing something...

Yes, that is my understanding, Wuliem. It would be like you played a pregen and earned credit for your characters.

The only thing you could be 'missing' is if the group wanted to continue with their current party and characters (either directly or as 'clones'), in which case one of the modules that can take 2nd level characters might be the way to go. That's one reason I was thinking of The Dragon's Demand (1-3) or Thornkeep (1-2).

If we started over at first, either with me or Herman/GM Doctor Evil GMing something, then we could potentially keep going as is with these characters. (APs would likely be Herman since I am not familiar with any of them, don't own any, etc., and I will probably still want to do some scenarios. Also, it is a big commitment - even more so than doing it in real-life, IMO.)

I will start a RotRL thread since it's the popular choice. Yes, they will be first level characters and don't necessarily have to be PFS legal, although my rules will make it seem so. I will post the link to the discussion thread here.

It is a big time committment, probably taking longer than the combined amount of the scenario's we've played so far just to finish the first "module" of 6.

If you've played/run in RL, you'll just have to play ignorant well for those parts of the game you remember, separating IC from OOC knowledge as all good RPers must do.

If we still want to run this crew through another mod, scenario, etc I'm game.

I like the idea of Matt continuing with these characters and Herman running RotRL with new ones.

Hey Matt you can play!

If you've played/run in RL, you'll just have to play ignorant well for those parts of the game you remember, separating IC from OOC knowledge as all good RPers must do.

I violently dislike metagaming. And am more than willing to ignore player knowledge. So you don't have to worry about that. When you reduce an RPG to a video game, you're really missing the point. It's the interaction and drama that's important to me.

My initial thoughts on the game are for a Wizard, Sorcerer or Cleric. But I prefer to coordinate with the group before deciding.

Yeah, maybe I'll do something other than cleric, then. I have a enchanter (wizard subtype). Merevelyn essentially made up but unused that I could perhaps use. Still have to find 'the voice' for her, though.

Currently, she has a thrush familiar, although a bonded object may make more sense. She's very strong in Diplomacy, Perception, and Sense Motive. If she can use some Pathfinder materials, she would like to keep her Observant trait from the Grand Lodge.

She already has Varisian (and Goblin), oddly enough, so it would makes sense that she is in Varisia. Other than that, I don't know enough about the campaign to know whether such a specialist fits. Perhaps we could read the player's guide to the series? I just looked it up and it is a free PDF.

I was also really liking my 'elf with Asperger's', Garedon, currently on his first real mission (The Confirmation). I wouldn't mind at all cloning him. He is an elven diviner.

Actually, all the Player's Guides are free to download. It's worth blowing some time to read them. Just bare in mind, that the RotRL PG was written before Pathfinder was it's own system. So if you spot any hinkiness, that might be the cause.

Actually, all the Player's Guides are free to download. It's worth blowing some time to read them. Just bare in mind, that the RotRL PG was written before Pathfinder was it's own system. So if you spot any hinkiness, that might be the cause.

Actually, we are going to play the Anniversary Edition of Rise of the Runelords, so it has been all Pathfindered up from the original. The link for the Anniversary Edition Players guide is here. It's still free, but has been slightly updated to reflect Pathfinder rules vs some "other" system.

The link to the Discussion tab for the new campaign which has the build rules for new characters is now open here. Love to see you over there. If we get 4, it's enough to run the game. If we get everyone, even better!

I will pass on this one, I'm in enough PbPs currently, including your Second Darkness one, DrEvil. I don't want them to take up any more time than they do already. Thanks, though!

-Posted with Wayfinder

As I've been trying to get into a RotR game for some time I'd be keen to join. Not sure what to play however as I have a number of concepts I've been mulling. I'm not really big on primary arcane casters but looks like other folks are interested in playing those already. Once everyone else has stated their intention I'll look into what party roles need filling and what I can come up with.

EDIT: After reading you're intro blurb I think I wanna play a Dwarf. So that would lend itself to Fighter, Ranger, Monk, Cleric, Inquisitor or Druid.