Mirror, Mirror: The Further Adventures

Game Master Terquem

This is now open for the two sets of characters (Its “A” Dungeon, and Its “A” Dungeon, Too) to introduce themselves to each other.

I will be adding post to this thread to try to get everyone up to speed with the current situation, and once everyone is ready I will close the other games.

This way, this game begins with its own posts, and not a lot of confusing history hanging out of the back end.

A woman sits with a fine glass of wine in one hand, which she casually wields more so than drinks, as she directs a quill to write, merely by pointing, on a stack of papers in front of her. She has a tense chiseled, yet feminine face with a look of deserving and stature about her. Her shaven head reveals strange looking tattoos that continue down her back. She is tall and almost unnaturally thin and wears a cold colored lipstick and dark mascara. A holy symbol represented by a mask dangles from her neck provocatively. Next to her, is an oversized tiger with white fur that seems to have his own stack of papers and a quill in front of him for some reason, though it is hard to suppose why since the tiger is more content resting on his back in the rays of sun coming through the nearby window.

Dotting for now. Intro to follow later when I have more time.

With flaming orange and red hair, a thick beard and bushy eyebrows, Ballar certainly looks like a typical dwarf. But to assume so would be wrong. The flamboyant red cloak he enjoys wearing sports magically embroidered yellow and orange flames along the bottom. Printed on the back are the words, Grande Lucha Libre el Fuego Caliente! Course, these are only visible to those practiced in the arcane. The cloak's hood can be pulled up and over his head. Fitting snugly, it comes with a flap that can be pulled down in front of his face in the shape of a stylized mask with eye holes ringed in yellow flames. Considering his fashion sense, Ballar is not your typical dwarf. While most dwarfs are stern hard cases with no time for enjoying life, much less develop a sense of humor, Ballar is the polar opposite. He knows how to party Cayden style. The crazier, the better.
When not worshiping Cayden Cailean over a good stiff drink, Ballar enjoys MMA. His past vigorous training involved several hits to the head, advanced weapons, head butting, fighting strategy and the rare art of blocking an opponent's attacks with the front, side and back of the head. This experience has left him, well, once you get to know him...

In the past, Ballar's preferred hang outs included Jeffry's Emporium, The Shady Dragon Inn and Kitty Laverne's Boom Boom Club of which he is a VIP member and founding member of Jacqueline's Fabulous Fandom Club.

You smell faintly the scent of ale. Those truly devoted to the art of brewing know it smells similar to one of Heavenly Louise's ales but not one you've ever encounter. As the smell gets stronger you see that it is attached to a man(?) of indeterminate age. You are tempted to say middle age but the pale gray skin is falling off and the hair is fading to grey and falling out all over the place it's hard to tell. He has a staff and robes which scream wizard at you but you're not sure what to scream back. As he walks to a seat you hear a squish with each footstep. The curmudgeonly old man barks out, "Give me your best, strongest ale and keeps it coming." He then swills down three of them in quick succession and mumbles "Weak as water, as usual." He seems disappointed the more he drinks. He then looks at you and says "What are you looking at!" As you begin to open your mouth to speak he yells at you, "No, I am not UNDEAD! They give me the creeps. As I told all the others, it was a three day nap! And no I'm NOT a drunk."

I'm Bud, the wish I could be a drunk, arcanist. I bring some arcane capabilities to the table and I make a mean brew, when I have the time.

Bud and Baller sound like they might be fast friends.

Zae brings pretend divine magic, that is really arcane magic, and a smart tiger when her magic runs out. She can craft impressive wonderous magic items in her spare time.

Ballar looks up from his own pint, the smell of beer in the air quickly capturing his attention. Staring in wonder at the sight, sound and smell of this stranger Ballar is momentarily speechless. But when Bud yells at the patrons the dwarf moves from his table and over to Bud's seat, Ya know, Heaven-lay Louise's speciali'ty was tha Pink Dragon.

Excellent posts, everyone. I'm now just waiting for Imreal to make an appearance and I will set the scene.

I am thinking of a long introduction, forgive me, it might be difficult to get through and I might have to make more than one in game post to get it all out there, for an outline I'm looking at

Explaining that the party returns to Du'Orbna
The Party is approached by the Minion, and an offer of the mission is laid out.
The party is transported to the "other world" (Harrispania, in Alodoa) and makes their way to the tavern

Meanwhile - Bud and Imreal, realizing that Ruul and Tofutee have disappeared, leave the tower, and go back to the tavern

The Agent of It'Dupree who originally spoke to Bud and Imreal arrives at the tavern, explains the situation, and as the sun sets, the new party returns to the tower to finally discover what is going on there.

I'll start working on this right now

Since everyone is here from Its "A" Dungeon, I am officially closing that game today

As to treasure and equipment needs, I thought that Ballar, Zae, Keryth, and Niversal managed to collect some gems, and some coins from Bone Hill. I'll take a quick look back at the thread and see if I can figure out how much treasure you have available, and then we can say that you had time to go to Jeffry's Emporium before you left Du'Orbna

I think the party collected this from Bone Hill. You can sell anything that you don’t want to keep for 50% of its value.

3, +1 darts

A +1 light wooden shield

Boots of Elven Kind (with silencers, +5)

Ring of feather falling

Feather token – boat

3 sticks of Incense of meditation

Potion of Gaseous form/invisibility

282 gp, 57 sp, 142 cp

8, 10 gp value stones

Paid 100 gp each by the alchemist

I have the +1 shield already in Ballar's equipment list. Although he's not currently using it, it'll be a handy compliment for melee. Ballar should probably look into a one handed melee weapon.
Niversal should have the boots and darts on his list, Keryth the potion and feather token(?) and I'm not sure what Zae took away from the excursion (was it the ring?). Latest XP: 20,472 XP
Dividing coinage: 70gp (not including what the alchemist gave), 14+5sp, 36cp and 2x10gp gems each. I'll update Ballar's profile to reflect this, amending it after I'm corrected for my usual oversights :P

Ballar looks up from his own pint, the smell of beer in the air quickly capturing his attention. Staring in wonder at the sight, sound and smell of this stranger Ballar is momentarily speechless. But when Bud yells at the patrons the dwarf moves from his table and over to Bud's seat, Ya know, Heaven-lay Louise's speciali'ty was tha Pink Dragon.

Bud looks up from his beer to the dwarf and gasps, "Pink Dragon! Upstart wanna be! It's only been around 100 years. Now the Golden Cloud that was the stuff of the gods. You're too young to have ever tasted that. Not sure why they stopped brewing that 273 years ago though..." he quietly trails off.

I hadn't assumed the ring had been given to Zae but I do see now that the ring was handed to Zae to identify and never taken back so, yes Zae seems to have the ring.

Ya've sampl'd tha Gold'n Cloud! Ballar's eyes go wide with envy, How did ya manage ta find tha? Wha pub were ya at? If ya donna mind my ask'n? With a snap of his fingers, Ballar gains the attention of the barkeep then holds up two fingers indicating another round.

Bud looks at Balar with a look of idignation. "Sampled it?!? I made it. That's what I was making when I had my little accident" he trails off.

As the second round of ales arrives Ballar beams, Ta lass! Plate o'nachos s'well, if ya would! Excited to find a fellow connoisseur and from the sounds of it a brew master at that, Ballar counts his blessings and forgets all about the alchemist up on the hill, Names Ballar Fargrim, worshipp'r o'Cayden, disciple o'Muchacho's MMA an lov'r o'fine brews. The dwarf pushes the second pint of ale across the table Bud's way before raising up his own pint in a toast, Ta Gold'n Cloud, may Cayden grant us anoth'r round!

Niversal is wearing the boots of elven kind

A bald, graceful elf wearing non descript clothing leaning against a wall behind Zae and Ballar seems to simply be there, a tooth pick hanging from his lip and a casual devil may care attitude to his lean.
Sometimes we find ourselves in the worst establishments, Ballar remind me why did we stop here again? You said some word.. Nachos?
As a mug slides off the table and you think you see the elven hand snake out and catch the mug and slip it back unto the table and he says shame to spill your drink

An angel enters.

This is no harp-wielder, designed to waste away eternity playing with the pillows of clouds. The aether-wings that trail this soldier of Law swing as fallen banners from thousand battlefields. His tread is light, but echos the tromp of a thousand marches. 'Tis not hard to imagine that for everything he lays his eyes upon he has already calculated how to kill it...or save it.

As Bud and Ballar recount beverages of a thousand lifetimes, he casually glides next to Zaehyra. "Is it always like this with yours too? If I accuse Bud of being a drunk, he only takes it as a badge of pride," his deep voice rumbles out, the small talk sounding more like a battledrum calling the attack. "I am Imrael, Angel of Confrontation, Vanguard of Propoket the Many. And...it is good to meet you."

Can we open up the gameplay thread for dotting?

Now that everyone has checked in, I will open the game thread tomorrow.

I think we will start with pulling Imreal and Bud out of the tower, bring them back to the village, get the whole group together and then re approach the tower, sort of all over again.

equipment wise A belt of dex +2 would be good which Zae can make rather then paying for... have to think what else I want

Zae has stopped writing at the sight of Bud and Baller fratranizing, and when the Angel of Confrontation, Imrael, so politely introduces himself, she tries hard to hide a mixture of emotions ranging from good to bad. Zae replies to the angel pointing with her wine as subtle as she is with her tone, Bud is very much not one of our own. Let alone mine for that matter. Despite his yelling I think he doth protest too much, though I am unsure which is more impossible of the two. He can't be more undead than he is, but he also can't be any more drunk.

Turning to face Imrael, a stoic look in her soulful eyes, Zaehyra Sillaesa, Priest of Razmir, or at least in title. My feline companion here is Kamastra Inheritor of Written Tongue. Zae pauses for dramatic effect. What can I do for an Angel of Confrontation? Business, wisdom, spellcraft, or pleasant company?

Sorry for the delays on my part. Busy week/end. Will post tomorrow.

Yes I got run over with responsibilities myself - I'll try to catch up today

Yes, can you please send out a PM once you open the Gameplay? kthx. ;p

The angel frowns, in concentration, but also out of habit. "Hmmmm. There are some potions and effects that can rob an undead creature of their wits. I begin to contemplate exposing him to one, or, better, mixing a divine elixir into a potent beverage and giving it to him clandestinely. Perhaps the hour of feeblemindedness will be a sweet balm to him, to at least play the role of a night's quaffing of strong drink."

At her title and profession Imrael pauses. At last his frown lessens, then lessens again until a hint of a smile can be seen. 'Tis as though a deluge of laughter pounds outside his gates, but is turned away only by an iron will, a wry grin left as its corpse. "Hmmph. Razmir. An impressive mortal who acts as the holder of a prize he has not yet won. He would be crushed for his sublime defiance of Law were his antics not so amusing. And if he gains the Prize Immortal before his hourglass expires, then so be it. More has been gained for less.

And you? What do you here? Or do you simply come to laugh at the never-ending antics of one drunk to another?"

I am going to open the game thread now.

ATTENTION

there will be several post I need to make to open the game, please do not post in the game thread until I post back here in this thread telling you I am all done, in case I run into any problems.

Thanks!

I think I got it all posted, sure there might be an error or two (or nine) but it's all up. Please take a moment to get familiar with all that, that, stuff. if you have questions, please ask them here, otherwise,

Good Luck

Can we buy things with the 10000 before we go like a belt of dex +2 (4000) quick runners shirt (1000) cracked pale green prism ioun stone (4000)(+1 competence to attack)

Yes, I suppose

With a heavy sigh Zaehyra takes a dramatic pause to sample the aroma of her wine before tasting it. No one interesting ever chooses pleasant company. Zae sets her glass on the papers she was working on before turning to address the angel in earnest. Only the faithless ever have the gall to ask that question of a Razmiran. Don't get me wrong, its not a surprise. A being born from the mere existence of either order or good in the universe would not or will not understand, though I will be very clear. Were a priest of any faith to claim he is a pretender, openly and honestly; it would be no less than heresy. Even Pharasma destroys her pretenders. Razmir is not the exception, he is the rule, and his sphere of influence reaches farther into the world and the planes than many beings realize. I am faithful to Razmir to the fullest. Everything I do adhere's to his edicts and echos the tenets of his faith. It does not matter what insults, beliefs, or opinions anyone has. Those born into Razmir's faith never simply walk away from it. Only those capable of rivaling a god would dare risk such a ridiculous thing. Zae cracks a sly smile before adding, Though living as a Razmiran further from the throne of the living god is exponentially simpler as far as I'm concerned. All the pretenders back in the capital that are only playing games for power is sickening. Razmir is very forgiving and patient, giving even the sinful every opportunity to repent.

But enough of my dogma. It is not for your benefit anyway. Zae gives a dismissive glance as if to cast off the subject that someone else brought up. I am here because I am between things. The last missive was completed, and now I am merely searching for future opportunities.

About this whole 10,000 gold pieces and maybe the need to do some shopping

One of the things I am terrible out, is handing out loot (magic items) in accordance with the expectations of most Pathfinder players. I guess it goes back to my roots in OD&D and the way I played back then was, you found what was in the module or gave out random magic items with monster treasures and the player characters simply had to make due with what turned up.

I know that most Pathfinder players tend to build their characters around the availability of certain magic items necessary for some particular build, I get that, I’m not particularly happy about it, but I get it.

So, this game originally (the Its “A” Dungeon games) was built with a “magic mart” which I hope would make most players happy. The only problem was that the game certainly didn’t dole out treasure in accordance the the WBL table.

So having said that, and being not the best DM, I’m not sure how the various characters in this game stack up as far as being on the mark with a reasonable WBL progression. (maybe you’ve got too much, maybe too little). But, be that as it may. I am prepared to let each of the four characters from Its “A” Dungeon, spend up to 10,000 gp on magic items if they really want to do so, before they start actively in this adventure. If that puts them ahead of Bud and Imreal, I’ll try to fix that in some way.

Keep in mind though that as you improve with these selections, I will probably need to “improve” the challenges of Skarda’s Mirror, as best as I can.

I’m sure it will all work out alright

Um, actually, if we might take up the topic, I've found the automatic bonus Progression to be superior to the normal WBL approach. Not only does it lessen the headache of constantly making sure that both gold and merchants are in adequate supply, but it helps PCs get the right bonuses and not miss things (like a bonus to saves. =)

And it only cuts gold in half, so you can still buy things you want, without worrying about covering the basics.

Also, the DM doesn't have to worry as much about juicing combat encounters because someone maxed their entire WBL into combat toys. =)

I'm down for whatever, though I prefer less "swingy" combat and more story type action. It was a nice change of pace from the usual to encounter creatures that were way in over their heads like in that castle with the hobgoblins and goblins. Tricking them into thinking we were castle inspectors was definitely memorable; not uncommon with Terq's style.

Optimized party members requiring ramping up of the fight DCs, I feel, make combats overly one sided. When the fighty character(s) are countered by a specific circumstance, the fights are often nearly fatal and often end the adventuring day. The only thing for the players to do then is to ramp up their game and the situation just escalates exponentially until the party is literally killing 50 rune giants over 4 hours of real time. Then three huge level 11 sphinx clerics charge the rear of the party where the lump is and in one round he dies, but the party cleric hasn't been hit once over the last 18 rounds because his AC is 40+. Memorable yes, but not really in an all good way.

Anyway, if we need to readjust our gear, turn on auto progression, and/or just be careful not to cake walk the module, I'm good either way. I'm still having fun.

I've never had a problem with the loot handed out Terquem, but that's probably because I come from the pre-Magic Mart days and I'll make due with whatever turns up. I am however not a fan of Automatic Bonus Progression as I find it limiting. Find a +5 Vorpal Longsword at 1st level, well it's a masterwork sword now. Of course that goes back to non magic mart thinking. Other than overcoming DR most PCs can take on appropriate level monsters with mundane gear. It might use up more of your resources than its "supposed" to but still doable.

Run gear however you like Terquem and we'll deal with it. I got into A dungeon too knowing loot would be random and I'm fine with that.

If allowed to purchase magic items I tend to balance things out between "optimal" items and flavor items. I truly like finding new and interesting ways to use items as well as gathering a versatile and flexible collection to cover as many contingencies as I can.

I will, as always, go with whatever Terq decides.

Niversal is optimized for combat because I was the only melee combat character besides the tiger for the longest of times. I was considering dipping in nacho libre(fighter) after lv 7 for more feats etc, but with the new additions dont feel as much pressure to hold that end of things up. I am more then happy with how things have gone. I of course like magic goodies, but I can also wait for their arrival and I like do dads that can get me out of a jam.

If allowed to purchase magic items

Yes, under ABP you still get gold to purchase, the amount is just halved, but for any level that's still a considerable amount.

Find a +5 Vorpal Longsword at 1st level, well it's a masterwork sword now.

Heeheehee. =) If you do find a VL +5 at 1st level...you really think you're gonna hang on to it whether you're doing ABP or WBL? ;) Either it'll get nerfed, or everyone will agree to give it away just so it doesn't kill the campaign then and there. ABP just circumvents that. IMHO. YMMV. XD

To throw down my two coppers, I was quite happy with the randomness of treasure found when I first joined. One of my fondest memories (there are many!) is the first. I found role play was creative and spontaneous webbing from one idea to the next, we usually had what we needed to survive and the way things came around was fun which is more important than material wealth - goodies are just the icing on this cake. So long as everyone is on the same level, making due with what comes around is fine. Being given a free credit card every once in a while is cool too but not necessary if for no apparent reason.
Glancing at Bud's profile, it looks like some of us are already slightly ahead of Bud and Imrael in XP and Ballar certainly looks to be packing more items than his new drinking companion. I think, as we are messing two game threads into one, we should balance things out. Take a minute to comb over our own profiles, submit character wealth (coins + total item value) and bring those who are lacking up to par.
Ballar is happy where he is sitting (currently at approximately 17,179 gp 48 sp), which is right around a 6th level wealth according to RAW...I think.

I am alright with allowing the characters joining Bud and Imreal to spend their 10000 gp payment before starting in this adventure

if everyone is done getting settled, I'm going to have Hana step into the Lugubrious wizard with some critical information

Checking my catalogues, Ballar may be inclined to purchase a belt of giant's strength, a pair of Daredevil boots (cause they're red :P) and...I'm still twittling my fingers on the rest. But I do have an idea or two. What do you think about this Terquem?

Those are great items, of course you can have them

I am out of town for the holiday weekend. Don't hold things on my account please.

I guess we are waiting on Hana to step in then? Ballar has decided to purchase a Ring of Feather Fall, kicking in an extra 100gp from his reserves.

I have a map link posted. It's not a great map, but it, I think, clearly shows the layout of the first floor of the tower

Bud and Imreal have been to areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, and 10

I admit to being a bit lost on the time-line. Have we rested at some point to have recovered our spells prior to entering this place?

I also have had so serious inspiration on what to spend my 10k gp on. A pearl of power 3rd level seems pretty boring. Anyone have any interesting suggestions? Perhaps a huge trove of scrolls?

I admit to being a bit lost on the time-line. Have we rested at some point to have recovered our spells prior to entering this place?

I also have had so serious inspiration on what to spend my 10k gp on. A pearl of power 3rd level seems pretty boring. Anyone have any interesting suggestions? Perhaps a huge trove of scrolls?

I'm have the same issue. Rods of metamagic? Catnip? An intelligent item?

An item that makes your cats attacks magical at some point and soon some form of flight will be important.

In the narative I posted in the game thread I wasn't very clear about time passing while the negotiations were taking place. I mentioned padded chairs but forgot to mention that they are lipkip's reclining chairs, sorry, and I did mention refreshments.

Let us agree that a full 12 hours went by for the four new characters, including a full rest and spell recovery

Ballar reaches into his pack and retrieves a rather well used copy of Seer's Catalogue. Blowing off a patch of dust from the cover the dwarf hands it to Keryth, Take ya time, yah? Several pages have been dog eared indicating items of apparent interest to the dwarf however on the opposite page or close to those are the following items (Which you may or may not find of interest):
Bag of Holding UE p281
Bead of Force (3,000gp) [smaller UE p282[/smaller]
Bracers of Armor +2 (4,000gp)
Bracers of Falcon's Aim (4,000gp) UE p272
Enhanced Crossbow - Dispelling? UE p.140
Snakeskin Tunic (8,000 GP)Ultimate Equipment p222
Haunted Shoes (6,400gp) UE p231
Slippers of Cloudwalking (4,400gp) UE p233
Spellstrike gloves (8,000gp) UE p239
Cloak of the Hedgewizard (2,500gp) UE p264 (A favorite)
Shield Cloak (1,000gp) UE p268 (It could be customized to taste with a few added extras starting on p114)

Don't forget to customize its appearance :) Who says it has to look like it does in RAW? :P

An item that makes your cats attacks magical at some point and soon some form of flight will be important.

Both good points I'll pick up an amulet of mighty fists for the +1 magic on Kamastra