Yeah, that's a problem with a number of APs ... some of the mid-level stuff seems a bit disjointed, as if the writer for the middle books didn't quite know what was going to happen in the end books, so they just created a lot of side quests to level you up that didn't fit in with the overall flow once it was done. Mummy's Mask suffers from that.
I know that I’m chiming in late. But I’m good with either decision. Since we are continuing with Second Darkness, I’m good with whatever you decide to change, Norv.
"Norv?"
Sorry, I mean Spiderbeard. Norv is the GM for a couple other games I’m in.
Indeed. Some of Paizo's APs I find are more fun when they're not being run as written.
I'm fine with whatever direction this campaign goes in. :)
Anyways, levelling up!
Level Up Summary
+7 HP
+1 Reflex Saves
+1 Damage Reduction!
+1 Rage Power: Increased Damage Reduction! 2/- DR (which EVERYONE gets when I start singing)
1 new 3rd-Level Spell: Waffling between Displacement & Glibness
1 new 1st & 3rd-Level Spell Slot!
1 new Feat: Skald's Vigor! (Gain Fast Healing 4 the round after beginning my Raging Song)
Skill Ranks: 6 (4 + 1 + 1 FCB)
--1 Diplomacy
--1 Perception
--3 Knowledge (Local)
--1 Use Magic Device
Background Skills
--1 Perform (Percussion)
--1 Perform (Sing)
Does anyone have a preference for what spell I pick?
After some thought, I've chosen Glibness as my next spell.
Glibness is gonna be suuuper useful.
And yeah, I'll get into details later on but I have a particular pet peeves with the central concepts behind Endless Night and how the plot unfolds. However, the premise of what you're doing is cool and the other group are having a blast.
I think in situations like that I'm way more annoyed than the group is, so I'll translate that here. :D And I can repurpose most of my work anyways.
You got me curious as to what changes you'll make. And what changes you've already made beforehand.
I recall reading that James Jacobs wasn't fond of how the Elves were written in this AP, specifically as the old stereotype of arrogant, racist jackasses. While we dealt with some superiority, it wasn't a cultural elven thing, just a few self-important types. I'm curious if it was an updated AP, or a change you made.
Obviously, don't spoil what's coming up, but I'm curious as to what changes you've made already compared to what's in the books.
That is actually part of how I am playing Variel - he actually is that arrogant, racist jackass, but working with this group (and in particular, Lusk) is forcing him to reevaluate what he's been taught about half-elves and non-elves. ;-)
Going to work on the level up this afternoon. I have two feat choices and a spell choice to make, so I need to spend some time perusing options.
Sadly, "Fly" is not on the Inquisitor list. I may need to get some potions. At higher levels, a lot of the bad guys are going to be in the air, and I need a way to get to them that doesn't rely on Thaddeus preparing it multiple times.
I gotta give you credit. You play Variel with just enough arrogance to be a noteworthy character trait, but it's counteracted by Variel also being classy enough to not be completely insufferable about it. Like, he clearly thinks he's superior, but he has enough decorum not to rant about it constantly and be a pain in the ass.
Then again, it helps that Thaddeus is pretty laid back in general, and it takes a lot to get a rise out of him.
As for 'Fly,' it's always good to have a backup ranged weapon. You may not be good with a bow, but it's still an option. I think the rest of the group should also consider having ranged backup options as well.
Oh, I do have a bow ... no properly bred elf would travel without one! ;-) It's just that he's a melee character, so I'm looking at options. Potions aren't too expensive once we cash out and have some purchasing ability.
Level 9 Inquisitor
Save: +1 Reflex
Hit points: 8 (d8 + 2 CON + 1 FCB)
Skill Points: 7 (6 + 1 INT)
Diplomacy +3, Intimidate +1, Perception +1, Sense Motive +1, Stealth +1
Level 9 Feat: Weapon Focus (whip)
Class Feature:
* Bonus Teamwork Feat: Improved Outflank
* Level 3 spell: Heroism
Familiar: Natural Armor increase by +1
Keanu for the most part it all just rolls off due to his mellowness (and lingering within his own and the Spire’s Thoughts more than interacting with others) and because to the Spire Elves all other Elves are effectively country bumpkins, so anytime anyone acts arrogant his thought is basically “Dawww” :3
Will get to working on level up tomorrow.
WITCH 9
Hit Points: Half+1+Con (+6HP) = 56 HP
Fort: +1 (+7)
Ref: +1 (+5)
Skills: 2(Class) + 4(Int. bonus) + 1(Human) + 1 (Favoured class) = 8
Fly +1 (+8)
Knowledge (Arcana) +1 (+16)
Knowledge (History) +2 (+13)
Perception +1 (+10)
Spellcraft +1 (16)
Survival +1 (13)
Swim +1 (+2)
Spells Per Day: +1 Lv. 2, +1 Lv.
Spells: Hold Monster, Teleport. <- Heads up, Spiderbeard.
Feats: Craft Wand
-----
OLD HORN
HP: +3 HP (28 HP)
Natural AC: +1 (+5)
Int: +1 (10)
It won't be long until you're in the thick of things and I can explain what you're not doing. A lot of the AP is the surprise at the weird way the first chapter works.
Also a note on Nolveniss - with the other group he killed two people in the first round. So I'm glad that didn't happen here. o.O
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
I recall you mentioning in the Crimson Throne AP I'm playing that the group I'm in crushed an encounter that forced another group to parley to avoid a TPK.
Correlation is not causation, but....
Seriously, though: End of thr adventure, people. Time to divvy loot. Look in the Treasure table and make your dibs.
I know I want the Bracers of Armour +4. I can even toss my +3 Bracers back in the pile if anybody else wants them.
Right, I actually have a job there. Lemme get the loot sorted so people can pick goodies.
Sorry for not having my level up ready yet. I'll try to get that done as soon as I can. I can take the +3 bracers. Also, it doesn't look like I can really use any of the loot we found.
There's an incredible amount of loot to cash out. Didn't get it last night because you guys haven't done a shopping trip since the start of this chapter and there's a LOT of drow gear. So that's incoming once I'm off work.
Thanks, Spiderbeard. I for one appreciate you pulling it all together because there was so much.
I assume that whatever gear we do not want to keep we will have an opportunity to sell? And then purchase items we need? What limitations will we have on purchasing unusual and/or magical items?
I've been super pressed for time and am at a short retreat tomorrow.
Assume you'll be getting approximately 10k each if not more (looking at the totals from the other group) and there is no purchase limit due to the teleportation merchant gimmick.
Still working on my level up. Just making choices for feats and spells. Sorry for the delay. Also, that is a lot of gold.
Gonna have to think of what I want to spend my 10k on...
Yeah, I'll give that some thought tonight.
So, I'm starting to narrow down my choices in feats and spells. But, I would like some opinions.
For feats, should I take Extend Spell or Bear's Balance?
For spells, I was thinking about taking Protection from Evil for my 1st level spell when I realized that Variel has that spell already. So now I'm torn between Gorum's Armor, Long Arm, and Warding Weapon. For my 2nd level spell, I'm caught between Animal Aspect and Mirror Image. Anyone have any thoughts?
@Mutt: Eeeh, not a fan of Bear's Balance. It seems more of a tradeoff (Enter rage if exposed to a fear effect, but you can't manually turn it off.) so I'd go with Extend Spell, myself. Though that assumes that you can afford the higher level spell slots for such a use. Or, more accurately, you don't have better spells to use those higher level spell slots on. (Main reason I haven't taken any Metamagic feats, myself.)
As for spells? Long Arm. Definitely Long Arm. That'll give you some serious battlefield control capability. Get Attacks of Opportunity from 10 feet away. Or more if you're giant size.
Both Animal Aspect and Mirror Image look useful, though I think Animal Aspect seems a bit more appropriate to your character. It invokes a bit more of a raging barbarian pulling power from the earth, instead of a barbarian just casting spells.
========
I have a request. I decided to take Teleport as my 5th level spell. But I'd like to play out a scene where Thaddeus finally gets the spell right and reveals it to the group in a somewhat comedic fashion. Would anybody be willing to be the straight man, having a serious, perhaps somber scene, before a stringbean hick completely ruins the mood? (My first thought is Fiona and Keanu having a quiet conversation, but I shouldn't godmod, as the online RP'ers say, hence me asking for permission, and opening it up to anybody in the group.)
@Thaddeus: Yeah, Long Arm does look like it will help me out quite a bit. Animal Aspect does offer quite a bit of versatility. I can get a climb speed, a swim speed, throw anything, or bonuses to different skills. But what I'm probably going to be using the Raptor power most of the time. Because there's nothing scarier than a raging Mega-Mutt who can run 60 feet per round and using his long arms to attack everything.
For Feats, I just found Blooded Arcane Strike. I do use Arcane Strike on my attacks. It requires a swift action to use (if I have been taking two swift actions by mistake, then I apologize for that). If I take Blooded Arcane Strike, then that will free up my swift actions.
======
As for your request, I could be the straight man if you want. Mutt being Mutt, I believe he would be a natural straight man. Like during the downtime, he's coming to grips with the end of the Armageddon Echo and the fact that he's nearly died several times throughout the entirety of this adventure. I would be okay with it. But, if anyone has any other suggestions, then I'm okay with that.
I am a HUGE fan of Longarm, especially combined with Enlarge Person or other polymorphs that increase your size. I also agree with Animal Aspect being thematic, plus it's versatile since you pick the bonus when you cast it.
I am also happy to participate in your discovery of teleport. Self-important jackasses always need a good pie in the face every now and then. ;-)
I think I finally have my choices. I’ll try to get my update and a post in tomorrow. Sorry for taking a while and holding things up. Now, all I got to do is figure out what to buy.
OKAY.
So uh, there's a lot more money than I first thought but that will depend on if a few key items are claimed.
As of now, you all get 28101.8 without any additional items claimed. From this list, I can tell the following items were picked up:
- shocking greatsword (Lusk)
- circlet of persuasion (Fiona)
- headband of intellect (Thaddeus)
- bracers of armor +4 (Thaddeus)
- handy haversack (everyone - I just assume you want this:
Within are some notable items which have not been claimed:
- Several chain shirts which are +1, +2, adamantine, or mithral.
- Nolveniss' staff, which you identify as the Staff of Dark Flame
- various useful potions and scrolls
- cloak of resistance +2
Please take a look through the spreadsheet. If you want something, hit a 0 under amount and write your name under claimed.
As well, you guys successfully brought back a green dragon corpse for your weird kinks. Mutt, lemme know what you wanna do with it.
Level Up!
Bloodrager 9!
Hit Points: +8! HP now at 89!
Toughness feat gives me +1 hp. HP now at 90!
+5 Skill Ranks (4 + 1 *Skilled*)
--1 Intimidate
--1 Linguistics
--1 Spellcraft
--1 Survival
--1 Perception
Linguistics gives me 1 new language. Choosing Elven.
BAB now at +9/+4!
Reflex now at +3! Will now at +5!
+2 bloodrage rounds! Can bloodrage for 38 rounds!
Favoured Class Bonus: +1 round to bloodrage! Can bloodrage for 39 rounds!
Caster level now at 9th! Concentration now at +11!
New 1st level spell known! Choosing Long Arm!
New 2nd level spell known! Choosing Animal Aspect!
Can now cast 3 1st level spells a day!
Bloodline Feat!
Endurance: You gain a +4 bonus on the following checks and saves: Swim checks made to resist nonlethal damage from exhaustion; Constitution checks made to continue running; Constitution checks made to avoid nonlethal damage from a forced march; Constitution checks made to hold your breath; Constitution checks made to avoid nonlethal damage from starvation or thirst; Fortitude saves made to avoid nonlethal damage from hot or cold environments; and Fortitude saves made to resist damage from suffocation.
You may sleep in light or medium armor without becoming fatigued.
Bonus Feat!
Blooded Arcane Strike: While you are bloodraging, you don’t need to spend a swift action to use your Arcane Strike—it is always in effect. When you use this ability with Vital Strike, Improved Vital Strike, or Greater Vital Strike, the bonus on damage rolls for Arcane Strike is multiplied by the number of times (two, three, or four) you roll damage dice for one of those feats.
I see some things on the list that peak my interest. Give me some time. I'll pick out some stuff and if I'm upgrading, I'll tell you what I'm swapping for.
As for the dragon, I was thinking about using it's body to create equipment or selling it to someone who can use it. I mean, we do have scales and bones to work with.
So, I'm looking at the +1 keen greatsword, the bracers of armor +3 (does this add to my AC or do armor bonuses only use the highest one?), cloak of resistance +2, ring of protection +1, and +2 mithral chain shirt.
Bracers and normal armor provide the same type of bonus so unforutnately don't stack. Which is why the deflection bonus of a ring or nat armor bonus of an amulet are coveted.
Spiderbeard, on line 65 you have three "Whip +1", but you listed their value as 300gp each. Are those actually Masterwork whips, or should they be magical +1 whips worth 2,300gp each?
I'll claim the Cloak of Resistance +2 and toss my current Cloak of Resistance +1 into the pile.
I would suggest keeping the wand of Invisibility. Several of us can use it, and it could come in handy.
I also suggest keeping the potions and scrolls of Cure Moderate and Cure Serious for emergencies.
Nolveniss' spellbook might have spells that Old Horn could eat.
What size was the dragon? I don't know that any of us would really benefit from dragonhide armor, but adding pieces of its hide to each of our kits in some way would be kind of cool in-game even if it doesn't provide a mechanical benefit.
And wow ... nearly 28,000 gold each is a ton of money. I'm glad we don't have to worry about collapsing any economies! ;-)
Before I decide on gear, would the +2 mithral chain shirt be a straight upgrade to my +1 mithral chain shirt?
It should be a straight up additional +1 to your AC.
Good catch on the whip - corrected. Dragon was size L.
And yeah, this AP is -super- strange on loot because it gives you almost nothing and then you fight an endless group of opponents who all have a few thousand gold of gear on 'em. With the gear being light and frequent trips back to base it stands to reason you'd be grabbing all that stuff and shipping it to Kyonin. I tell you the bottom is going to fall out of the hand crossbow market though.
OK, if those are in fact +1 whips, I'll take one of them. A Calistrian can never have too many whips! :-)
Yep each, captain had a shiny +1 whip.
Still trying to decide what to do with my money. I think for starters I'll upgrade my new whip to "Deadly" (+1 equivalent) so it does lethal damage. I'll also get a +1 adaptive composite shortbow for a long range weapon that gets strength damage.
Not sure what else yet ...
I know we've already been slowed down, but can we have some time to work through this, Spiderbeard? There's a lot of loot to divvy up here, and a lot of potential shopping to do.
Question, Spiderbeard:
- The headband of Vast intellect: Is there a tied skill to it? In Pathfinder, Intellect-boosting items have an associated skill with them. (Accounting for the intelligence boost you get from them) But this is a 3.5 adventure, I believe, so not everything may be updated.
Loot comments:
- Looked over the staff. Sorta useful, but not something I really want to claim. So sell it.
- Can't use the spellbook. Thaddeus can get spells from scrolls, but not from spellbooks.
- Variel, Mutt was interested in the Cloak of Resistance +2 as well. Just mentioning that.
- There are Five Rings of Protection +1 in the pile. Only Variel has one already, so everyone should claim a Ring. (Aside: Mutt, the Platinum Ring Grunyn gave you is nonmagical, and thus doesn't count as a 'ring' slot item.)
Here's all the consumable magic items:
Potions of CLW (8)
Potions of CMW (15)
Potion of CSW
Potion of Haste
Potion of Bear's Endurance
Scroll of Haste
Scrolls of CMW (9)
Scrolls of Web (3)
Scrolls of Clairvoyance (4)
Wand of Invisibility (1 - 25 charges)
Wands of False Life (3) == How many charges?
Wands of Magic Missile (3) == How many charges?
So, scrolls and wands require a person to have the spell on their spell list to use them.
Haste I cannot use, but I see that it can be used by both Skalds and Bloodragers. Though I'm not sure if Mutt is high enough caster level to use it, I think Fiona can put that spell to VERY good use. (Haste is considered one of the best buff spells, and with a very melee-heavy party as this, it'll have one hell of an effect)
I can take the Web scrolls. I've put that spell to use a few times, but if anybody else wants one, let me know. I can cast the spell normally anyways.
Clairvoyance is on both the Witch and Skald lists. Fiona, did you want to take one? Got four to pick from.
That's a lot of False Life wands. Mutt, did you want to take one, give you an extra little pillow of Hit Points? You're the only other class that can reliably use it. (It's on your spell list)
Magic Missile. I was about to take one, but then I remembered that Thaddeus doesn't have Magic Missile on his spell list. Mutt does, amusingly enough. Want a quick and easy ranged attack, Mutt?
And just a reminder that there's a Handy Haversack up for grabs. It has the effect of a miniature Bag of Holding, but you don't provoke AoO drawing from it (What you need is always on top) EDIT: I bought one already, so I don't need it.
So far, I have called dibs on:
Headband of Vast Intelligence +1
Bracers of Armour +4
Ring of Protection +1 (1 out of 5) <- Seriously, everyone should take one that doesn't have one already.
Right. Claiming one +1 protection ring. I'm rather surprised I went this long without one, really.
I'm deciding on upgrading my armour & earthbreaker, I think...
@Thaddeus: I already picked Glibness for my spell.
I'll grab the wand of Invisibility. It could be useful to make my familiar invisible for scouting.
I can also carry the Haversack.
I suggest Thaddeus, Fiona, and Variel each take 3 scrolls of CMW, and we split the 15 potions of CMW evenly among all 5 of us. The potion of CSW can go into the haversack or we can pick someone to carry it.
@Thaddeus: I already picked Glibness for my spell.
I mean you should take the scroll of Haste. Though taking the spell at some point in the future would be a good idea as well.
If no one else is interested in the adamantine chain shirt, I may take it and enchant it. It has one higher ACP, but I'm not really a DEX build anyway, I just like not being slowed by medium armor. It also gives DR 1/-, which isn't a lot but can add up over time. ;-)
I'd be putting the +2 mithral chain shirt into the pot, which coincidentally has the same cash value.
I'm thinking of getting the impact enchantment on my earthbreaker, and upgrading my +1 chainmail to +2 glamered adamantine chainmail.