MisterLurch's Legacy of Fire

Game Master MisterLurch

@MisterLurch: Zhalet is still just carrying around that fire gem in her bag too. Never did anything with it. What are the options again?

Still watching on a limited basis. Feel free to take over Erizi if you wish...

And the level up!

Bard (Dawnflower Dervish) 1 / Cleric 4

HP: 8+2+1 brings the new total to 54

FORT +1

Feat: Deific Obedience

Skills: +1 Diplomacy, Perception, UMD. Background: +1 K Engineering, Perform (Oratory).

Spells: Lvl 1: +1, Lvl 2: +1

Just a friendly reminder; if we have downtime, Alexander is willing to craft items for you.
You pay the crafting cost. If what you want requires special spells, get me the scrolls and maybe the scribing ink if they're really useful spells.
It's still a bargain compared to direct purchase. ;)

I want to say this again, I am really enjoying this group. Thank you all for helping to make my first PbP GM experience a good one.

@MisterLurch: Zhalet is still just carrying around that fire gem in her bag too. Never did anything with it. What are the options again?

Fire crystals are potent gems that can be used to enhance non-magical items. Such is their affinity for fire magic that when incorporated into the construction of a magic item that relates in some way to fire, they can make the process much faster and less costly.

When used as a focus for casting spells with the fire descriptor, they add +1 damage per die. If the spell does not cause damage, it is cast at +2 caster levels.

If a fire crystal is affixed to a weapon, it gains a non-magical effect identical to the flaming special quality. This does not stack with any similar magical effect.

When used as a component of a magical item, it halves the base price cost of any fire-based part of the item. (i.e. a +3 flaming burst longsword with a fire crystal in the pommel would have the flaming burst portion of the base price calculated at 50%.)

Since I do not want to write an exhaustive list, other items and uses I will adjudicate on a case by case basis.

Looking back it seems that you went with a gem designed to grant fire resistance.

THat's what I was sort of assuming, but since it wasn't mentioned specifically I figured I'd ask. Gonna go with fire resistance since weapons will be less and less important to Zhalet over time.

What do you guys think about making the gems bonded in some way with their owners. I can see this allowing you do perform a ritual to modify the type of gem you have created. I am also considering if this would allow the gem to grow more powerful as you do.

I want to say this again, I am really enjoying this group. Thank you all for helping to make my first PbP GM experience a good one.

Yeah, sorry for being the party pooper here.

In order to achieve maximum enjoyment for everyone, I'm working hard on Rukn's rebuilding and trying to have it ready ASAP. He'll be the same Rukn you all know, just a bit on steroids and less wise. I'll keep all his gear as it is, just change the bow for some melee weapons. Will make an avatar with all the crunch and present it to MisterLurch for approval and, if everything is in order, will transfer it to Rukn's.

This new Rukn will be the melee vanguard, dealing damage and taking hits, providing cover for our ranged/spellcasters and flanking for our squishier melees. But he will have a very similar backstory and personality. Honestly, in fact, I don't think I was playing a LG guy, so a new, less restrictive alignment might fit him better.

Once more, sorry, everyone.

PD: Why didn't I want Solomon to rebuild his character? Well, he had a plan and I don't want anyone to change their plan just because I made mistakes taking my choices. Solomon better keep going his way and Rukn will find a new way that has his own five minutes of glory/screwness ;)

PD: Why didn't I want Solomon to rebuild his character? Well, he had a plan and I don't want anyone to change their plan just because I made mistakes taking my choices. Solomon better keep going his way and Rukn will find a new way that has his own five minutes of glory/screwness ;)

Works for me. I'm still glad we had the conversation. I'm looking forward to seeing Hulk Rukn.

Since I was planning to have Solomon ask Rukn for pointers on archery, maybe we could do a scene where (for some reason) Rukn can't comfortably use a bow anymore (an unlucky hit from a gnoll that messed up his drawing fingers? Or the tendons in his hand? Any kind of loss of fine motor function would work) so Rukn decides to pass his bow to Solomon and become a cranky archery instructor.

Still watching on a limited basis. Feel free to take over Erizi if you wish...

Glad you're still with us even if it's just in voyeur mode. Feel free to come back any time. :)

I don't know about the bow, since it comes from a trait which I'm going to retrain. That is up to MisterLurch, if he approves, I don't mind.

I'm putting this here for approval:

What about becoming a Bloodrager?

I've weighed this option as well, but thought barbarians are way cooler. Also, didn't want to invest too much in Charisma.

@Rukn

Your new build looks pretty good. After book one you are clear to bring it in. I have not done a close math inspection of it, so if I see anything I will point it out later.

I have no problem with you handing your bow off to Solomon.

I am very glad you chose to stick around.

@Everyone

I have asked a couple of questions in recent posts that I will summarize here:

1) Do you have any interest in recruiting a sixth? BTW, heya Erizi. It is good to see that you are still lurking. Should I hold your spot for you?

1a) If we do recruit, what role would you all like to see brought in?

2) What do you think of altering those fire gems from the shrine of Nethys so that they are linked in some way to their creators? At a minimum this would allow you to re-shape them with a ritual to serve a purpose other than their original one, and might include letting them grow stronger as you do.

Also, I would like to get a consensus on resting through the night or proceeding to the church right away.

Also part 2, do you plan to inform Almah of the events in Kelmarane at all?

1) Do you have any interest in recruiting a sixth? BTW, heya Erizi. It is good to see that you are still lurking. Should I hold your spot for you?
I don't mind, it depends on how much you feel we'll need it.

1a) If we do recruit, what role would you all like to see brought in?
Having the recent experience I've had, I'd say I don't mind, since now I know if you pick a melee guy you'll be kind enough to let me or whoever adjust a bit so as not to fill the exact same role (if it happens); we can go different ways, like dps, controller, tank... or so I hope!)

2) What do you think of altering those fire gems from the shrine of Nethys so that they are linked in some way to their creators? At a minimum this would allow you to re-shape them with a ritual to serve a purpose other than their original one, and might include letting them grow stronger as you do.
Oh, that would be awesome. Do you think we could get some knowledge about it through a proper research and Knowledge check?

Also, I would like to get a consensus on resting through the night or proceeding to the church right away.
I'm leaning more towards going ASAP, not giving whoever time to recover or plan for our attack. It is, however, a decision where the spellcasters' opinions should weigh more.

Also part 2, do you plan to inform Almah of the events in Kelmarane at all?
Okay, Rukn had in mind telling her, if only a portion of what happened. Legal alignment and so. Though he didn't like the options given with the Gnolls, he also didn't like the idea of building everything after a lie (which, in the end, is going to be unearthed, and we all know it).
New Rukn, however... We could say he's being scarred by how people betray their beliefs and peinciples to reach their goals, and is now a bit confused... until he reaches the conclusion that some prestablished codes are just artificial, and think that maybe Almah deserves to be paid that way (which doesn't mean he hates her, but...)

Re: Rukn the Barbarian
I've used cheap and basic equopment just as examples. When the time comes, he will arm himself with whatever is at hand in the battlemarket (and I think Almah had some smiths there that could help us? Or she said they were on their way here?).

Also, Rukn's level up:

+11 HP
+0 BAB
+0 All Saves
Gained High Jump
Gained Ki Arrows
Feat: Combat Reflexes (practically useless now, it's Rukn starting to change)
Skills: Acrobatics, Intimidate, Perception, Ride, Stealth, Survival (picked also some skills he's going to use later rather than now)

And that's all.

I'm putting this here for approval:

** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **...

I am not sure if you are married to the whole natural attack thing or not but Lurch did mention that we just got a 'very nice' great axe. I take that to mean that someone really should keep/use it. Kinda like my weird dagger, items like this often have unique qualities that can have an impact on the story line if the players will allow them to. I just wante to bring this to your attention in case you are open to wielding an axe.

1) Do you have any interest in recruiting a sixth?

If you want to, I do not object but I do not feel that we need it if Rukn is switching to a Melee build. If he is not then yes, Kilarra would be the only dedicated melee combatant and not a tank at that so it would be a good idea to get someone in to fill that role.

1a) If we do recruit, what role would you all like to see brought in?

See above

2) What do you think of altering those fire gems from the shrine of Nethys so that they are linked in some way to their creators? At a minimum this would allow you to re-shape them with a ritual to serve a purpose other than their original one, and might include letting them grow stronger as you do.

I really like this idea. While it may be cliche, I have always like the feel of Drizzt's Guenhwyvar and how it is bound to him on a personal level. All too often I feel like magic items are so plug and play and not enough personal connection. For example, in my own life I have a very old buck knife that I have kept for years and years and sharpen etc. I feel very protective of this knife because one day when I was up in a tree cutting the limbs out of it one of the limbs got caught on one of the ropes that was connected to me as it fell. So suddenly I was trying to keep myself from falling out of the tree from the sudden added weight and I had this buck knife on my belt. With one arm I held on and with the other hand I get the knife out of it's holster and cut the rope from me. That knife probably saved my life as I was about 60 feet up. Even though I could buy new, maybe 'better' knives today, I keep it very sharp and almost always wear it whenever I am working.

It would be nice if our characters could be similarly connected with certain items without sacrificing the gains of switching to the new shinny loot.

Also, I would like to get a consensus on resting through the night or proceeding to the church right away.

Whoever the creature that dominated Kardwan is, there is little doubt that he/she knows we are here so there is not much to the element of surprise. For this reason I say we should rest and go as prepared as possible. The only exception is if there is a chance of this creature getting away. If there is the possibility that it will be able to slip out then we should go now even though we are not fully rested. Lurch, is there any one like Haleen or any of the other locals that could shed any light on this possibility?

Also part 2, do you plan to inform Almah of the events in Kelmarane at all?

Obviously we do but at present the town has not been fully cleared so I feel it is premature to run out to her and say..."hey we got most of it done, be back when we are finished." That would be a waste of time. Personally, if we are resting then I would advocate to send one of the Lions to give an update. If we need to go clear the church now then the update can wait.

No, the natural attack thing is not my thing. It's just a prerequisite power, and a way of using a reach weapon and still threat adjacent, when I need to. Not a bad plan B, even if the axe is going to be used mainly. I might, though, change my totem selection for a more tanky one (dragon, for extra DR), depending on if we get a new melee or not.

I very much like that approach to magic items, similar to Japanese nemuranai or magic items in a game called Earthdawn, if you've heard about it.

Not resting is not, imho, about surprise - I'm sure he knows that we know. Is more about not letting him prepare (reacquire spells and the like). But I'll go for what you all go.

If New-Rukn wants the axe, he can have it. If not, I'll use it and stick with darts for one more level (until I get empty quiver versatility the axe is definitely better than hitting people with a bow)

I wouldn't mind resting. I'm pretty tapped out on spells and abilities.

I like our current party makeup. If we were going to recruit, I'd prefer it be someone who wants to take over Erizi (I just spoke with Scranford. Between being busy with life and dissatisfied with the Pathfinder system, I don't think he's looking to come back to the game).

Love the idea of adapting the fire gems. I probably won't do it since the effect of mine is perfect for my character, but I can see it being very useful to other characters. I also kinda want to see what happens if Kilarra slaps her fire-gem on her ice-knife.

Solomon isn't super happy with Almah right now. He doesn't trust her so he was going to give her as little info as possible. He won't get cranky if the rest of the party decides to be more forthright though. He just mostly doesn't want to talk to her.

Loot breakdown incoming in the next few hours using the GM's revised sell percentages.

Ok, revised loot breakdown!

Sell items come out to 7101.29 gp
Split 5 ways, that's 1420 gp, 2 sp, and 5 cp each

Gear we are keeping (with my revised suggestions based on people's posts so far)
+1 Keen greataxe Solomon or new-Rukn
+1 dagger Zhalet? Or sell?
a wand of bull’s strength (8 charges) Solomon
4 applications of silversheen Kilarra
3x potion of cure moderate wounds whoever (maybe all to new-Rukn?
potion of expeditious retreat Alexander

ring of feather falling Zhalet
ring of protection +1 Zhalet
Cloak of resistance +1 Anyone (Kilarra has expressed interest)
slippers of spider climbing Kilarra

GM, I'm trying to work out what my total gear value is right now. Do you have an estimate as to how much the fire gems are worth?

I think we should give potions to those not able to autoheal (Alexander, Kilarra and Rukn).

I'm also interested in a Cloak of Resistance, though I can wait for Alexander to craft one if he's so kind. I'll gladly pay for the crafting and buy you a bourbon.

I'll be happy to craft you that cloak, just as soon as we have a few days of downtime. ^_^

1) Do you have any interest in recruiting a sixth?
I'm not opposed to it, if the majority rules we do, but I'm not super-anxious about it, either. We have a pretty strong party, with most roles filled quite nicely -- especially with Rukn's upcoming transformation.

2) What do you think of altering those fire gems from the shrine of Nethys so that they are linked in some way to their creators? At a minimum this would allow you to re-shape them with a ritual to serve a purpose other than their original one, and might include letting them grow stronger as you do.
Sounds pretty nifty to me! :)

Also, I would like to get a consensus on resting through the night or proceeding to the church right away.
Alexander definitely needs rest. He's down to a bare handful of spells against a creature of unknown strength, and Hand of the Apprentice has dwindled to about 2 more uses. When we do this thing, I want all of my spell slots filled -- especially now that I can bring 3rd-level spells to bear and have Haste to share with the party!

Also part 2, do you plan to inform Almah of the events in Kelmarane at all?
We don't have means to communicate with her at a distance, so I'd say it can wait until we've finished up at the church.

GM, I'm trying to work out what my total gear value is right now. Do you have an estimate as to how much the fire gems are worth?

I would say that it would be the average of a fire resistance 5 enchantment to armor and the value of a +1 weapon enchantment.

The Energy Resistance quality is 18000, but has resistance 10. Resistance 5 would be 9000 based on that.

A +1 weapon quality (flaming) is 6000 more than the base +1 enhancement.

Since it cannot be used by any other creature, I will apply an arbitrary 0.6 multiplier to its market value.

(9000+8000)/2*0.6=5100 market value. Roughly.

Does that make sense?

Whoever the creature that dominated Kardwan is, there is little doubt that he/she knows we are here so there is not much to the element of surprise. For this reason I say we should rest and go as prepared as possible. The only exception is if there is a chance of this creature getting away. If there is the possibility that it will be able to slip out then we should go now even though we are not fully rested. Lurch, is there any one like Haleen or any of the other locals that could shed any light on this possibility?

There is no one who knows anything about the church or any threats or creatures that may be associated with it.

So, The consensus is generally:

No further recruitment is needed, particularly with Rukn's impending role change.

The fire gem bonding/growth seems to be very favorable. I will work on fleshing these ideas out in a way that will, hopefully, be fun, interesting, and still balanced.

You will rest through the night before attempting the church tomorrow.

You plan to wait until the events at the church are resolved before informing Almah of any of the developments within Kelmarane.

@Alexander, do you intend to update Undrella at all?

@Everyone, I will push the plot forward today, or tonight at the latest. Please finalize any actions you wish to take at the battle market.

I'd love to, but I can't exactly cast Sending or Animal messenger. :(

Is there anyone at the market who sells spell scrolls?

Is there anyone at the market who sells spell scrolls?

There is no one that sells scrolls.

Ok, revised loot breakdown!

Sell items come out to 7101.29 gp
Split 5 ways, that's 1420 gp, 2 sp, and 5 cp each

Gear we are keeping (with my revised suggestions based on people's posts so far)
+1 Keen greataxe Solomon or new-Rukn
+1 dagger Zhalet? Or sell?
a wand of bull’s strength (8 charges) Solomon
4 applications of silversheen Kilarra
3x potion of cure moderate wounds whoever (maybe all to new-Rukn?
potion of expeditious retreat Alexander

ring of feather falling Zhalet
ring of protection +1 Zhalet
Cloak of resistance +1 Anyone (Kilarra has expressed interest)
slippers of spider climbing Kilarra

You probably missed it but Kilarra was looking to take the +1 dagger. assuming no one objects that means that Kilarra takes:

+1 dagger
Slippers of Spider Climb
Potion of Cure Moderate wounds x1
Applications of silversheen x4

Given the other items I am taking I think it only fair to give the cloak of protection +1 to Rukn.

I will spend part of the evening talking with Haleen about Kardswan and about why she left without saying anything.

a) Rukn would also like one of those masterwork breastplates, or the masterwork chainmail.

b) If we're sparing Kardswan, we should give him his equipment back, right? 'Cause we're no thieves!

c) If Kardswan doesn't want his equipment, I'll be probably getting his axe, which is quite expensive, so if anyone else wants that cloak, that's fine.

d) All this loot distribution should be best done after we deal with the puppet master, don't you think? More to not clog the story too much, I guess, than any other thing. And also because he might have more things to loot ;)

e) Do you really want the axe, Solomon?

e) Do you really want the axe, Solomon?

I think you should take it. I'm just not sure when you should take it.

So, the options as I see them are-

1) You take the axe now.

2) I take the axe for this level, then pass it to you when we level up next.

My thoughts on option 2 come from your Reach focused build. You'd need Lunge to get the most out of your new build and the axe. That means waiting until 7th level, or dropping Furious Focus now.

If you want to stick with a Reach+Furious Focus, I could use the axe for right now and give it to you when we hit 6th level.

It's up to you.

I'm not focused on a reach build, I just took some archetypical feats. Actually, that build is going to probably change (dragon totem, iron will or hurtful, I still don't know). I'll probably leave Combat Reflexes, though, since who knows if I'll need to use the Longspear (and I could use Enlarge Person potions maybe one day).

I thought you wanted the bow and be a ranged dps. Do you want the axe and the bow until 6th level?

My apologies, guys, Paizo ate my update twice tonight. I give up because it is late. I will fix it tomorrow.

Are there any loose ends at the battle market besides the gnoll bartender, Haleen, and the shards of the kukri that need to be tied off?

I thought you wanted the bow and be a ranged dps. Do you want the axe and the bow until 6th level?

Basically, my build uses Empty Quiver Versatility to use a bow in melee and at range. That doesn't happen until 6th level.

All the stuff with the darts and a melee weapon was my attempt at a similar mechanical effect that would help me work out the kinks in the character's combat routine while I waited for 6th level.

Right now, I have Empty Quiver Style (but not versatility). So, I could switch to the bow now, or i could stick with darts and a big melee weapon. Both are about the same in terms of effectiveness.

So, if you want the axe, go for it. I saw your build and thought you wanted to be reach-focused. I was worried you'd think you'd be expected to take the axe because you'd be the only one who can use it once I switch to bows.

This whole discussion is basically just you and I second guessing each other's build intentions. :)

So don't worry about it. Take the axe.

This whole discussion is basically just you and I second guessing each other's build intentions.

No, this is about me trying to be at one end of the Ranged-Melee spectrum and you trying to be at both. Which is fine. Keep the axe, the bow and whatever you feel you need.

Well yeah. I'm a switch-hitter. I have been from the beginning. I won't ever be using an axe and a bow together though. That doesn't work.

I don't actually care about the axe. I laid out some options because I wanted feedback and to make my thoughts clear. You seem upset, so I apologize.

Ok, let us be clear:

I just wanted to feel I'm doing something useful for the group. If I'm the ranged character and the switch-hitter does ranged damage like ten times my own, I'm doing something wrong. If I'm doing something wrong, I feel like I'm a dead weight.

So I'm given the choice to redo my PC, and so I do. Unchained Barbarian, which seems to cover his specialty better than Zen Archer covers his, so I don't feel useless, feels a nice choice (but, again, I can be wrong). I'm happy again because I find my niche, a purpose.

But what I find is someone quite reluctant to give away a magic item which, for me, is not important at all. Not the item, just the fact. So that's fine, keep it. I don't want to feel like I'm owing, I can go with any other big weapon (which are sold by some people in the battlemarket, IIRC) or a longspear from the loot (we have like 12 or so). I can go reach or not reach, it's the same for me. All I hope is, when I play new Rukn, not feel like I'm completely overshadowed. That's all. Now you do what you think you've got to do, or what you feel like doing.

The bow? I don't need it, I won't be using it, and we decided I was handing it over to you, so you having it is better than it being unused in my inventory (and, honestly, if we're roleplaying the handing over, it will make more sense now).

Am I upset? Yeah, somehow. You can call me an antisocial. No apologies needed, though. This has gone for too long, we should just play. I want to see if this UBarb works the way I expect it, and I want to know what happens with Undrella and Almah.

I never posted on the various questions, January has been a janky month and I haven't had much free time. I'm with the consensus with them. Zhalet needs time to recover spells, sounds good about the gems, etc.

Lurch: Thanks for the reminder on the gem. Sounds good, I would have gone the resistance route again if I hadn't already.

Nice scene between Solomon and Zhalet, I'm really enjoying it. Also, gz to Solomon for remembering about the shape changer, I had nearly forgotten it mnyself.

Nice scene between Solomon and Zhalet, I'm really enjoying it. Also, gz to Solomon for remembering about the shape changer, I had nearly forgotten it mnyself.

One of the disadvantages of PbP. What would have been a session or two ago in real life was a year ago in PbP.

I will try to work on posting important information in the campaign tab...

I had completely forgotten...! ^^;
This is gonna be interesting.

Who among you remember the dagger you took as loot from that fight and many of the other items from the secret vault inside.

The secret vault where we got the fire gems? To be honest, that section of the game is a little muddy to my memory.

Only vaguely, it was a magical punching dagger right? I remember the gems but the other stuff not so much.

Maybe we should do a full inventory?

That might be best. ^^;

I will do a quick revision of previous pages to refresh my memory.

Ya, I totally forgot about it too but now that I think about it there was a weird punching dagger but the marks it left had 3 puncture wounds instead of one or something like that. Also, we saved the guy and took him to the monastery but I can't remember what happened to him after that.