[PFS] 8-04 Wardens of Sulfur Gulch by GM Upaynao (Inactive)

Game Master Upaynao

Poor Eadie. I can’t believe she called her an idiotic wretch.;)

Of those skills, I only have Knowledge (Arcana) +8

While GM is clarifying, let Kai get the ball rolling with alchemy since I think he has the highest on that.

Kai scans through all the equipment, gaining some measure of understanding of how everything fits together. He is still somewhat vague about the more technological aspects but he starts to gain some understanding of some of the chemicals that fuel the various parts entire ship. "That seems to be some kind of acid that flows down that pipe. Now, if I can redirect the alkaline fluid flowing through those piping to mix, it would not only neutralise them, but also create an exothermic reaction that burns through that component..."

craft(alchemy), inspiration, heroism, technologist: 1d20 + 15 + 1d8 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 15 + (3) + 2 + 5 = 30

"People will often tell you that the secret to understanding unfamiliar magic is not to think - to 'feel,' or 'do,' or 'let it just flow,' or whatever. That's all terrible, terrible advice. DO think. Just don't think with your mouth, as it were. It slows you down and inhibits you exponentially. Actually knowing something is infinitely more important than being able to convince someone else you know, and yet usually much easier. Astonishing most people choose being understood over understanding, when you think about it...."

Automatic success to aid both the Knowledge (Arcana) and Use Magic Device checks, whoever makes them.

Eadie taps panels on the console at random until she hazards across a library capable of projecting moving 3D images of aberrations into the air before the group. *Think* Star Wars holograms

While there is an accompanying audio track in Androffan, Eadie turns the volume down in favor of her own commentary.

“Whoa, check this out! It's a Great Old One rising from the depths of Riddleport Harbor, to engage the entire pirate fleet of Northern Varisia!”

“Man, I hope this is some Night Herald’s mad dream and not a documentary about the end of the world shot by a time-traveller.”

She scrolls down some, and taps the panel again, causing another image to form out of the ether.

“Ooh, I know this one. Frogehemoth! The label suggests this is an extra-terrestrial creature found on a planet called ‘Barry Orr Peeks.’ Or maybe the dude who shot this was called Barry??”

Eadie gives Amestra a there-there pat on the shoulder. “Looks like they have a taste for elf, Amy.”

Aid Knowledge (dungeoneering): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Hmmm, this panel seems similar to the one in the other room, Amestra thinks as she begins carefully adjusting the settings on the strange knurled knobs. Studying it further, she realizes it is somehow related to ... the weather?

As understanding dawns, she looks up at Eadie patting her shoulder and says, "So this panel controls not just the air and vents, but the whole climate of the ship. There's even a 'hydro-ponic-lar' (whatever that is) area for growing food. Isn't that amazing!"

Kn(Nature), Inspiration, Heroism: 1d20 + 1d6 + 15 ⇒ (1) + (4) + 15 = 20

-Posted with Wayfinder

“Sure is!”

Eadie puts an index finger to her lips as she reads through the list of hydroponically grown plants.

“This one’s got a funny name. CAN-abyss. What was it grown for, Amy?”

Untrained Aid Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7

C’mon +3 roleplay bonus!!! ;)

Insidion smirks at Vanzetti's assessment of magic.

"There is not much thinking involved in some magic. The magic of dragons flows through the blood..."

knowledge arcana aid: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Eh...I actually like what Vanzetti said better than what I said, but I'm just trying to get an aid going here.

"Eadie, the label says the CAN-abyss is a "Loosen-o'genic." Maybe it loosens up one's spirit." As she playfully swats Eadie's armored butt, she looks up at her big friend and says with a wink, "Like those Kellid brews did to us back in Xol-nomag's tent."

Then swiftly refocusing on the business at hand, Amestra turns her attention to another set of knobs and switches on the panel. "Insidion and V, thanks for the help. There's quite a bit of magical energy stored here. I fear whatever we unleash will be very powerful indeed."

Kn(Arcana), Inspiration, Heroism, 2 x Aids: 1d20 + 1d6 + 19 ⇒ (7) + (4) + 19 = 30

-Posted with Wayfinder

So you needed to succeed at three checks and the DC was 15... #PlayersobliteratingDCs

The devices respond to your manipulations, aided by Isirah's careful coaching for Kai. Amestra, meanwhile finds that the pictorials associated with the rudimentary translation she is getting are more than enough to power up certain portions of the device. With a deep hum, the central device lights up, and then stops, the hum decreasing in pitch as the lights fade to dark.

And then, the lighting within the room powers out.

"Heh. Heheh."

Emergency lighting quickly picks up the relay, tinging everyone in the room with a shade of red.

"I don't wanna die, oh please we're crashing I don't wanna die."

"Uhm... That's not supposed to happen... At least not normally..." voices AI Isirah.

"I live... I live... I live... I live..."

The emergency lighting grows brighter, ever so brighter as smoke begins to seep from the container. It breaks open, wrenched in two from the inside.

"I LIVE!"

Explanation for the players on how your diplomacy checks affected Isirah in the discussion tab!

Since I'm not sure if Big Isirah (B.I.) has made any threatening moves, I'll post two different courses of action.

Karl takes a step beyond the door, and

Karl you could sense motive her but this is honestly an easy DC to hit. Thus: Yes, she's about to pound you into dust and empower herself with your tormented souls.

It doesn't seem like the arrows do much damage at all, barely scraping away at her ectoplasmic mass. "I HUNGER FOR YOUR SOULS!!!!!" she cries out as she steps up and the noxious clouds within her billow out.

Everyone needs to give me a Fort Save!

Her amalgamated voice, that of a thousand tortured souls, betrays her insanity. "FEED ME! LET ME BE FREE!!!!" she roars before blowing a cloud of even nastier looking gas in front of her.

Amestra, Eadie, Insidion, please give me a Fortitude and a Will Save

Recharging: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Round 1

Karl
Isirah the amalgam - Damage dealt
Lin Kai
Vanzetti
Insidion
Amestra
Eadie

Fortitude save, Sacrificial Boon: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 note the array of situational modifiers

So what happens?

Stuff! I'll say more when everyone (or almost everyone) has made their save.

Fort: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16
Will: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

Active conditions: +4 vs charm/compulsion, +5 vs sickness/nausea, +2 vs effects that require hearing

“Amy, Kai, Insidion, can you tell what type of weapons will harm her?”

Hardcopy Folio re-roll Fort + GM star: 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 15 + 1 = 18

fort, heroism: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 11 Rerolling that
fort, heroism, gm reroll: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 23
Kai tries hard not to breath in the noxious gas, but he has to breath eventually.

knowledge(planes), heroism, free inspiration: 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (4) + 13 + 2 + (2) = 21 Sigh...

"I'm sorry, Eadie. This is too foreign for me." Kai curses at being stuck in one corner of the room, having too little room to maneuver.

I'll post his actions after seeing the effect of the gas, if any.

Would Karl also be bolded? Also, anyone going to cast haste?

Fort, heroism, Chronicle boon, v poison: 1d20 + 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (8) + (5) + 8 = 21
Will, heroism: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Will +1 more vs Mind Affecting
Kn(Planes), inspiration, hat, heroism, Chronicle boon: 1d20 + 1d6 + 22 ⇒ (4) + (2) + 22 = 28
sorry can't post more, gotta shut off phone for flight. She'll brief everyone on what she knows

-Posted with Wayfinder

Fort Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Let's see what that gets me

I could have sworn I had made a post last night. Anyway, Amestra and Eadie, you need to give me one more Fort save.

Eadie feels the stifling ire accompanying Isirah’s gaze.

Fort: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30

Insidion braces himself for what is to come, but has no clue how to respond to Eadie about what would hurt it.

The voices screaming inside his own mind merge with those of the thousand tortured souls, and the dragon disciple's defenses are down.

fort save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
will save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
knowledge arcana to ID: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

fort save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25 I'm going to go ahead and use a folio reroll on that fort save...will was tempting, but I think I've got some defenses up against some mind stuff right now, anyway.

Doh. Stat block confused me. Insidion, Eadie and Amestra, you also get a Reflex save for half.

Seeing a cloud of noxious gas billow from Big Isirah's mouth, Amestra dives out of the way calling on a bit of her luck to avoid the effects.

Reflex, Heroism: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25
Gonna save the hat bonus for one of her weaker saves

If her save is successful, she'll spend a point of panache to gain Evasion on that save, thereby taking no damage.

"Isirah, can you talk to Her? Calm Her down, perhaps?"
Or at least distract Her while we figure out how to deal with Her.

"Guys, for those who missed it, she's some kind of unique composite of haunted souls and an air elemental. Any thoughts? Anyone encountered "normal" air elementals much before?" she asks, wiggling her fingers in the air as she says "normal."

Amestra then takes a couple seconds to study her opponent a bit more Studied Combat, and draws her rapier as she moves just to the other side of Eadie.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Round #1: AC 26, T 11; S 22, D 12; -1 to Attack rolls

Reflex: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

@GM Upaynao, is it possible to substitute the nat 15 I rolled above, or did you want a Fort, Will, Fort and Reflex from Eadie?

“Massive damage generally works, Amy.”

Eadie draws and drinks a potion of enlarge person, before watching the empty container fly around the room after she’s thrown it away. She also takes a 5’ step.

“Forget flanks and critical hits in vital areas – elementals don't have any.”

I should have asked for a Fort, Reflex, Fort, Will. So I'd let you substitute the 8 your rolled on Reflex for the 16 you rolled on Will based on roll order. Sorry for the mess guys and girls, this is entirely my fault.

Amestra, you get to have a question answered by yours truly. Defenses, Special Attacks, etc...

Those of you who failed the first Fort Save are Vanzetti, Amestra and Karl; You three are Sickened.

Insidion, I would like a Reflex and another Fortitude save. To finish making amends for my mistake, I am open to flipping your roll of 8 on your previous Will save for whatever you roll on your Reflex save.

Everyone, once Eadie and Insidion give me his final save totals I'll reveal the DC and resolve the bad guy's turn. Thank you for your patience! Amestra if you want your Will roll (17) flipped with your Reflex roll (10), just let me know. Again, sorry for the mess.

Round 1

Karl
Isirah the amalgam - Damage dealt
Lin Kai
Vanzetti
Insidion
Amestra
Eadie

V wheezes sharply under his mask, but quickly regains his composure and raises the curtain on his retaliation with one of his hallmark pyrotechnics!

I cast snapdragon fireworks, replicating magnesium (+1 round of duration), ginger extract (+1 to overcome spell resistance), and saltpeter (+1 damage). DC 17 Reflex save for half damage and no dazzling.

firework: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

reflex save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

While sickened, Amestra manages to ape Insidion and outdo him, avoiding all of the cloud which begins to eat away at the tiefling's flesh.

Breath Weapon Damage: 5d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 3, 2, 3) = 16

Insidion's extra Fort: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Rounds Shaken: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Con Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

The half-elven investigator can only watch in horror as Eadie's skin and armor begin to blotch and tarnish, and Insidion inadvertently inhales the gas, making him cough up blood. Focusing back on the creature, she is certain that it is some sort of elemental first, no matter what else she might be. As such, traits typical to elementals are most certainly at play here.

Amestra, you asked AI Isirah a question. The GM can answer that question, symbolizing that "Eureka" moment Amestra might have. But to do that, you must ask your fabulously awesome (and fresh smelling) GM that same question, forgoing any other, more specific answers about Isirah the Horrible's offense, defense or other things. I certainly hope that I answered your question posted in the discussion tab; in case it wasn't clear: Yes, you can infer that she's mostly elemental. How like your garden variety air elemental she is... Is anyone's guess.

Reflex vs Dazzling Firework: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

The firework ends in the creature's face, but she chuckles. "Like that would hurt me... You dissapoint.

Round 1

Karl - Sickened
Isirah the amalgam - Damage dealt
Lin Kai
Vanzetti - Sickened
Insidion 8 Dmg - 1 Con Dmg - Shaken
Amestra - Sickened
Eadie 16 Dmg

Amestra then takes a couple seconds to study her opponent a bit more ( Studied Combat,) and draws her rapier as she moves just to the other side of Eadie.
Reposting from earlier post, these are her actions for Round 1. She used her Immediate/Swift to get Evasion on the successful Reflex Save, so will use her Move to Study, and her Standard to move 10'.

Amestra, you asked AI Isirah a question. The GM can answer that question, symbolizing that "Eureka" moment Amestra might have. But to do that, you must ask your fabulously awesome (and fresh smelling) GM that same question, forgoing any other, more specific answers about Isirah the Horrible's offense, defense or other things.

Yes, please. I will forego other specific questions for a Eureka moment and an understanding of how AI Isirah can assist us, specifically by talking to, pleading with, addressing, calming, or whatever Big Isirah. Given the unique nature of this entity and encounter, I feel like it might be wise to pursue a unique solution.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Much as Kai wishes to down his extract to enlarge to match her size for size, there is just too little space here, and that would prevent him from using his favourite longspear. He spends a quick moment to examine the looming Insirah to some vulnerability, then strikes swiftly with his weapon.

swift action: studied combat

Power Attack, Heroism, Mutagen, Studied Combat
+1 longspear (bless weapon): 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 11 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 3 = 26 dmg: 1d8 + 8 + 6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 6 + 3 + 3 = 25
Sickening Offensive: if damages studied target, target sickened 1 round.

It occurs to Amestra that while Isirah's shade is but a part of the haunt complex now manifesting it's rage, Isirah is the dominant one. In fact, she may be the keystone to the entire aggregate. And with the looks that she was giving the A.I. core, whether she admits to it or not, she is linked to her "better" if incomplete self. Perhaps shoving the tablet in her "face" while appealing to her better nature mightyield some results.

With the AI core in hand, you may attempt a Diplomacy check to disperse the haunted elemental. I'll rule that if you are adjacent to Lin Kai, you can grab the tablet as a move.

Doh! And I'm trapped in the corner!

There's something wrong here... I feel sick to my stomach... I was trained better than that, what's wrong with me?

Just wasting my time, because my turn is so far away xD

Amestra calls out to Kai, "Show Her the tablet. Let the AI talk to Her."

Then she looks about the room to see if there's any way to reach Kai to assist him.

Damn She's huuuge! I really don't think I'm nimble enough to get all the way around the room without getting beaten to an oozing, bubbling pulp.

Does the cylinder to the west completely block access across that side of the room? Is there space to squeeze thru or pass the tablet thru? Not that I'm insinuating that Kai can't make the Diplomacy DC, just trying to think of options.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Thanks, Eadie. If GM allows me to re-do my action in round 1 following Amestra's revelation... Otherwise, this would be my round 2 action.

Kai nods and without hesitation steps forward. "Lady Isirah, I had earlier spoke of helping you to become whole. I see that you have gathered many of the souls of your travel companions, and coalesced into the form that you are now. But your re-formation is still incomplete. You are missing the most important piece." He grabs the tablet displaying the form of good-Isirah and thrust it towards the looming huge gaseous form. "The two of you still remain divided, incomplete. Do you not wish to be whole?"

diplomacy, heroism, free inspiration: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (20) + 15 + 2 + (5) = 42

42, DAMN! That's high for level 7 IMHO xD

Nice! #playersdestroyingDCs?

I believe that might be appropriate again (no meta, but 42 is soooo damn high!)

-Posted with Wayfinder

Well, Amestra's revelation would only have been revealed on her turn which is way after yours Lin Kai. However you can absolutely save that as your round two action. Provided of course, you are still capable of taking that action.

Kai stabs at the creature before groaning as Amestra informs him of what he can do using the AI core. Eadie meanwhile reaches for a potion on her, steps up carefully five feet and drinks it, forgetting that their opponent is rather... Large, and that you cannot drink a potion without taking your eyes off your opponent. Fun fact: the GM is barely able to drink and walk.

*Attack of Opportunity jingle*: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (20) + 20 = 40
Damage: 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) + (4, 2) = 14
*Attack of Opportunity Crit jingle*: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (11) + 20 = 31
Damage: 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) + (5, 2) = 10

Eadie, some of the damage you are taking is negative energy damage, for which I assume you have no special resistances? Also, give me a DC 23 Reflex save or you begin burning from acid burns. Fun fact:The GM also knows how that feels and it's not pleasant.

Her faceplate severely dented on her left side and dripping with acid, the fighter nonetheless manages to drink her potion.

I was about to bot Insidion, but Amestra never took her actual actions in all that. Please take your actions ASAP!

Round 1

Karl - Sickened
Isirah the amalgam - Damage dealt - Sickened!!!!
Lin Kai
Vanzetti - Sickened
Insidion 8 Dmg - 1 Con Dmg - Shaken
Amestra - Sickened
Eadie 40 Dmg - Pending DC 23 Reflex

Did Kai's sickening offensive go off? If he damages a studied target, it would be sickened for 1 round, no saves. Would at least reduce some damage to Eadie.

Almost forgot that. Yes, so only 22 points of damage. You are at 38 total taken this fight.

Amestra did take her actions, posted during all the saving throw confusion:

Amestra then takes a couple seconds to study her opponent a bit more ( Studied Combat,) and draws her rapier as she moves just to the other side of Eadie.

Reposting from earlier post, these are her actions for Round 1. She used her Immediate/Swift to get Evasion on the successful Reflex Save, so will use her Move to Study, and her Standard to move 10'. Already updated the map.

Does the cylinder to the west completely block access across that side of the room? Is there space to squeeze thru between it and the wall, or not?

-Posted with Wayfinder

By chance, was any of the damage I took acid, cold, electricity, or fire? I have some resistance to all of them.

Everything inside Insidion wants to lash out at this dangerous haunt, but he doesn't want to destroy any efforts to appease it.

He prepares to attack it if it takes any aggressive action.

I'm just going to ready a magic missile if it attacks us again. If we're trying to get the tablet to talk, I don't want to mess up "negotiations."

Magic Missile: 5d4 ⇒ (2, 4, 4, 4, 4) = 18

Well, considering Kai already damaged it this round... :) Kai's diplo attempt would be in round 2, but not sure how that would work out now.

Yes! All of that breath weapon is acid damage. Apply your resistances as needed!

After some thought, here's how I thin we need to adjudicate this enlarging business. In a F2F game, Eadie's player would probably mention that she would be enlarging and Amestra would probably take a 5-ft step to avoid the situation we're in. So, I'm going to move Amestra's icon 5 feet and scrap that beautiful crit. *snif*

Round 2

Karl - Sickened
Isirah the amalgam - 17 Dmg- Sickened!!!!
Lin Kai
Vanzetti - Sickened
Insidion 8 Dmg - 1 Con Dmg - Shaken - Readying
Amestra - Sickened
Eadie 16 Dmg

i have DR 10 acid...if I took no dmg from that attack, do I avoid any of the other effects?

Noticing his arrows were useless, Karl takes one step back and springs forth his wand of Gravity bow. And uses one charge on himself.
U.M.D. Check DC 20: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

"Let's see if you like this now, evil Isirah"

Free action: 5-foot step. Swift action: Spring loaded sheath for wand. Standard action: UMD check.

Yes, if you took no damage then none of the effects listed affects you. And Amestra, you cannot squeeze behind the device to reach Lin Kai, although I suspect this will be a non-issue by the time you finish reading my post.

The shade laughs as it begins to withdraw away from Eadie, making it's way through the open door and next to Karl. "OH PLEASE, DO SHOW ME!"

Does that trigger Insidion's readied action? Lin, how long is she sickened for?

Round 2

Karl - Sickened
Isirah the amalgam - 17 Dmg- Sickened!!!!
Lin Kai
Vanzetti - Sickened
Insidion Readying
Amestra - Sickened
Eadie 16 Dmg

Just one round. And Kai's 2nd round action is posed above already, with the diplo check and all.

I am here, but am waiting to see what happens with the others' turns, as per the initiative order.

@GM Upaynao, how close does Kai have to be to interact with Big Isirah? She's been an all-seeing, all-hearing kinda thing up until now, yeah?

"I'm looking forward to a hasty resolution to this encounter. Is anyone able to cast haste?"

@Eadie: This is more of an "Exorcist" type of deal, with Kai essentially shouting a polite, appealing version of "The Power of Christ Compels You". So I'm going to say that he needs to be within LoS, as the action to do that is a full-round action. Also, she's no longer all-seeing. You have the full Monty right there in one big elemental.

Ah, OK.

I'll wait to see if Kai stops her 'running down the stairs upside-down on all fours' before Eadie has her turn.

Alright wonderful people, I need everyone to supply me with the following:

Player Name:
Character Name:
PFS #:
Day Job:
Perception modifier:
Initiative modifier:
Any weird mechanic you feel I should know about in advance?

Hi Boss! Hi Guys!

I can bring my Fighter 9 damage dealer if we’re playing 7-8, or my buffing/healing Cleric 11 if we’re playing 10-11.

I don’t have a preference, though I will say the cleric works best with a damage dealing front-liner (or two) for her to buff and keep up.

My character depends on what others bring: For higher-tier, I've got my Summoner, and for lower, I can offer a Monk, a Sorcerer, an aspiring Arcane Archer, or an Illusionist.

I think I'd prefer to play one of my lower-Tier characters.

My sign up sheet tells me this will probably be low tier. Probably.

OK, I'll go ahead and sign in as Eadie.

Player Name: Yours is mined
Character Name: Eadie Navhelan
PFS #: 69095-3
Day Job: Take 10 Profession (scrivener): 10 + 6 = 16 (10gp)
Perception modifier: +15
Initiative modifier: +3

Any weird mechanic you feel I should know about in advance?

Eadie has a clockwork key from Faiths of Balance (not to be confused with Champions of Balance ;) The full details are in her profile but in a nutshell, Constructs won’t attack her until she attacks them.

@GM Upaynao, I am sure you are aware (though not everyone is) that weapons coated with an oil of bless weapon auto-confirm crit threats on evil critters.

@IHIYC, I enjoyed gaming with your colorful illusionist in Overflow Archives but please play who you want to play.

@IHIYC, I enjoyed gaming with your colorful illusionist in Overflow Archives but please play who you want to play.

Noted; that was definitely one of the highlights of his career. We'll see who fits best with what others bring.

I'd probably like to continue playing my level 8 Dragon Disciple (one XP from 9), though I also have a level 10 Dwarf Fighter I could bring if that's preferred.

I’ll be honest, PatheticWretch. I have heard this is a very combat heavy scenario and according to the blurb, it’s set in Numeria – which likely means robots with hardness.

Also the GM is Upaynao, which means we’ll need to bring our ‘A’ game ;)

I would love to have a fighter buddy on the front line with an adamantine weapon to help me hold the line. Having said all that, if you decide to bring Insidion, I am sure we can make it work ;)

It looks like an experienced archer and investigator have signed up, which will be great for party balance. I *think* our archer can use a CLW wand. Otherwise, I might need to stock up on a few healing potions.

I have heard this is a very combat heavy scenario and according to the blurb, it’s set in Numeria – which likely means robots with hardness.

Since you spilled the beans on that, I'll now say that that was my other concern with my Illusionist for this: He might not be quite as good against robots.

My Sorcerer, on the other hand, is a Razmiran Priest, so if we don't have another healer (to say nothing of a "face"), he'd be the one to bring.

Alright, if we're going against the robots, I have a hammer for that.

Player: PatheticWretch
Character: Clandelve Hammerhand
PFS#: 132,076-1
Faction: The Exchange

Day Job: survival: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Perception modifier: +12
Initiative modifier: +3
Any weird mechanic you feel I should know about in advance? Just a lot of feats to remember, mostly related to two-weapon fighting and shield bash.

OK. Just bear in mind you might be getting OoT gold if you go with a higher tier character, depending on what the others bring to the table.

Also, that blurb doesn't say a whole lot about the amount of combat here IMO.

Roger...if I'm out of tier, I may go with Insidion. Let's see what others are bringing.

I've narrowed it down to Illusionist or Razmiran Priest, just to be clear.

Yeah, sorry if I’m out of order, guys. My only agenda is making sure we all survive and succeed.

I know you want the same :)

I still have nightmares about under-adamantined parties from Season 6 …

I can understand that you feel worried. I'll just leave this here.

My druid never leaves home without an oil of it, and he's level 13.

Player Name: Nomadical
Character Name: Amestra Veen
PFS #: 151562-6
Faction: Grand Lodge
Day Job: Information Broker: 1d20 + 1d6 + 14 ⇒ (4) + (5) + 14 = 23
Perception modifier: +16 +1d6 (free inspiration) +2 vs traps
Initiative modifier: +9

Any weird mechanic you feel I should know about in advance?
- Uses a Swordmaster's Flair Blue Scarf and by burning a point of panache, gains natural reach with her rapier thereby threatening 5' and 10'
- Gets free uses of Inspiration on lots of skills, and can get additional d6's on several more by burning Panache
- Wears a Leipstadt Investigator's Hat
tl:dr After identifying a non-humanoid, can set aside the result of the Inspiration d6 and use it later against that creature as part of an attack, skill check, or save.

Notes to party: She gave up Alchemy as part of her Investigator archetype, so can't use a wand without doing UMD at +9.
Can do "face" if needed with Diplomacy of +14+1d6

Hi, just checking in with my intended character first. As mentioned, he is one scenario shy of level 7 and I've got a game this Sat. I believe we are starting on Sunday?

Anyway, I'll hold off posting my character information first?

Amestra, a normal investigator with alchemy is also not able to use a wand without UMD. The text for alchemy for investigator differs from alchemist - it is missing the section that allows alchemists to use wands. The general take is it was intentionally left out to limit investigators' use of wands.

Oof, yeah, not sure what I was thinking. I'm gonna go with I shouldn't be writing after a full day of travel from Asia back to the US.

I too might end up playing her on Saturday. She won't level, but want to confirm official start date is Sunday.

Official start date is Sunday. I prefer to avoid putting players in situations where they must play pregens.

In the meantime you are welcome to rp in the game thread.

If you are curious as to how I gm, I encourage you to look at some of my other threads.

Player Name: Khaoz
Character Name: Karl
PFS #: 124455-3
Day Job: None
Perception modifier: +15
Initiative modifier: +14
Any weird mechanic you feel I should know about in advance? Let's see, Quinggong Zen Archer Monk, Barkskin Ki Power, Pass For Human Tiefling, Energy Resistance 5 to Cold, Electricity and Fire, Misdirection from the Inquisitor Infiltrator makes appear as CE, Deathwatch and Detect Alignment as at will Spell-Like Abilities.
Weird Boons: 2 Mantle of the Black Riders, so once per day, as swift action I can get +2 to WIS for 1 minute. And once per day before rolling Initiative I can get +2 insight bonus to Initiative.

Up to date character bio =)

Player Name: I'm Hiding In Your Closet
Character Name: "The Amazing" Julian Leroux Vanzetti
PFS #: #40025-7
Day Job: Perform (Acting): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 33
Perception modifier: -1
Initiative modifier: 0
Any weird mechanic you feel I should know about in advance? In addition to being an Aasimar with several variant racial features, I am a Razmiran Priest, and that means I have a False Focus, which in addition to covering expensive material components not in excess of 100 gp, empowers me to synthesize alchemical power components to supplement my magic.

I learned the magic mouth spell. Because I can.

Also, I am of the Martyred Bloodline, which means I gain +1 CL any turn after I take combat damage. Please help me remember that if/when necessary.

It's looking like lower tier, ya?

Also, I may have a hard time posting Sunday. If I can't, I'll jump in Monday for sure.

Alright, Kai survived the Blackros wedding last night, and officially reporting in.

Player Name: kuey
Character Name: Lin Kai
PFS #: 215076-8
Day Job: craft(alchemy), alchemy, alchemist's lab, crafter's fortune: 1d20 + 15 + 7 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 15 + 7 + 2 + 5 = 33 I will use my reroll at the end of the scenario if I don't end up using it.
Perception modifier: +15+1d8
Initiative modifier: +2
Any weird mechanic you feel I should know about in advance?
Hmm, nothing special off the top of my head. Mostly the usual investigator stuff. Kai would be the general skill monkey, able to use inspiration (1d8) for many skills, although there are some gaps. Diplo, for e.g. is +15+1d8. Relatively effective in combat if there's time to buff. Favourite tactic is to enlarge and threaten anything approaching with his increased reach (longspear) and combat reflexes. Although he has only gotten this to work a few times in his career thus far.[/ooc]

Sorry, couldn't post yesterday but I'm ready to jump in.

Does it matter to the group if I play my level 10 fighter or my level 8 dragon disciple?

I'd rather not play down with my level 10 for treasure reasons.

P-Wretch, looks like we're down either way. We've got four 7's (Amestra, V, Lin Kai, & Karl). Eadie is a 9. Even if you play the 10, the APL is still only 7.8.

Alright, like I said, I'd rather not have out of tier treasure on my level 10. I'll go with my level 8 dragon disciple and buy some consumables for bypassing DR.

You mean hardness right?

Just post your updated info when you get a chance.

Not to rain on your parade, but adamantine blanched arrows do not overcome hardness.

Not at all, GM. Thank-you for the info! :)

Eadie’s final shopping list:

• Partially charged wand of CLW (24 charges for 360 gp) From a chronicle sheet, GM Upaynao
• Potion of CMW (300 gp)
• Potion of enlarge person (50 gp)
• Pot of alchemical grease (5 gp)
• SELL scroll of unbreakable heart (12.5 gp)

Have fun at Gen Con, GM!

Are you GMing the Season 9 Special?

Please save some of your voice for us ;)

Not the season 9 special, but 8-99. I'll be playing in the season 9 special. Anyone else going to be there?

I won't be there, it's too damn far from Mexico =P.

But you better have enough fun for the rest of us who aren't attending.

I'll be travelling to see the eclipse the next couple days, but I should be able to keep up.

I'm back, the con was exhausting, my voice has gone off on a quest, but I might be a 5 star GM in a few, which is nice.

Update incoming!

Congratulations!

Hope you had fun Upaynao. I think, you don't need a voice to GM PbP, so let's get this ball rolling

-Posted with Wayfinder

Welcome back, and congratulations!

What was that, GM? I can't hear you ;)

Also gratz on ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ !

Got a question for y'all. Normally, Aid Another provides a bonus to attack or AC. But there's a line at the end that is open-ended and vague.

You can also use this standard action to help a friend [u]in other ways, such as [/u]when he is affected by a spell, or to assist another character’s skill check.

(emphasis added)

"In other ways" seems open ended, and "such as" means the following examples are not exhaustive.

So, could someone Aid Another by making an normal Aid attack vs AC 10, and if it hits AND overcomes concealment, thereby provide a bonus to an ally to overcome said concealment? Perhaps reducing (or eliminating) the miss chance?

In character, it's "Hey, he's right there!" or "He dodged left, aim that way."

I've never seen it brought up or used that way, and am curious what y'all think.

I'd say the other ways are what's listed immediately after the 'such as', to help with a skill check or saving throw. But I can see it can be opened to a bit of interpretation.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Could you explain the whole "replicating black powder" thing you have going on? I think I understand the rest, but that one is stumping me. I assume it has to do with the added bonus to your fireball.

My False Focus (i.e. my jeweled mask) is capable of functioning as a proxy for expensive material components up to a limit of 100 gp (100 gp which, for what it's worth, were spent upon character creation, so some pecuniary investment was indeed made). In this case, I'm using it to replicate the black powder Alchemical Power Component for an additional +1 to damage. Admittedly, a really hardass DM could argue that alchemical power components don't apply since they're not built into the base spell, but that would strictly be a matter of interpretation, and so far, every DM I've played V under has permitted it. I guess it's a kind of "strict constructionist VS open constructionist" thing.

I think that when you are performing an aid another by hitting AC 10, in the end you are hampering the bad guy, not the environmental condition/spell he or she is making use of.

I also think that concealment is one of those things that is hard to adjudicate even having run as many tables (and other games) as I have. Does a +2 to hit really correspond to a flat 10% increase in probability to attempt to hit against AC, thus correlate directly to a 10% decrease in the miss chance? AC doesn't scale too well in the late game unless significant resources are used. Less than 10%? What metric can I use? Concealment has essentially two modes: "You're probably still gonna hit" and "Whelp, place your bets trololololol". Neither of them gives me a feel for the granularity of the change in percentages overall.

It's an out-of-the-box interpretation I do not feel comfortable delving into at this juncture, however much I would like to. So I'm going to have to say that we should probably stick to the options available. Sorry!

No, don't be sorry. Not at all. That's exactly the kind of analysis I was hoping to see. Reasoned, and mathematical (to the extent we can.)

I got to chat with Mark Seifter about the mathematical framework behind attack vs defense. He's an amazingly smart guy, and I honestly didn't follow everything he said (he talks fast, too), but suffice to say that your analysis would likely fall right in line with his kind of thinking. Thanks.

You should start thinking if you want the Kellids to A) strike a robot with their swords, B) give you a bonus to hit, C) a bonus to damage, D) some DR till the end of the next round.

We seem to be hitting them OK and they are damaged by fire (way to go V!)

With haste up we should hopefully make short work of them on our own.

TL/DR: I vote C) a bonus to damage, but I really don’t mind :)

Inspire Courage will be welcome though!

A bonus to damage is the best option for this round, I think.

For marching order, I'm good anywhere from 3 to last, if you want to keep on the far side. Or wherever you need me =)

Alright, I'm curious: Why do you call yourself GM "Upaynao?"

In one of my very first games using the Pathfinder system, my PCs ended up in Darghuun and were getting a little physical in their attempts to out-intimidate the bugbear mercenaries that were clearly, yet very casually, flipping them off and not giving them the information they needed. As the argument got heated, a PC and a bugbear ended up tangled together and breaking a local goblin potter's wares. For some reason, she took on a very asian voice and started screeching "You Break! You Pay Now!" Compounding that was that the PC who was at fault tried to make thing better by attempting to reassure her that he was going to pay as soon as the situation with the bugbears was resolved, well before the guard arrived. And then proceeded to roll a 6 total. "*Gasp* You LIE! YOU PAY NAO!"

Fantastic! ☺

Completely out of topic. Not only OOC. But Isirah's ten ten ten reminded of this old thing YouTube Link

-Posted with Wayfinder

GM question:

First: Amestra didn't quite make the Religion DC (she got a 20), but the hint from V ("a stubborn soul") and the fact that she's faced these things before (specifically in School of Spirits) and has a consumable Thing just for these, does she recognize the threat? Although it's not like she's ever seen one inside a ‘sur-vail lance cam'ra.’

Secondly, I just reread how these Thing's work (my Thing not your Eeeevil thing). Unless it's in your hand all the time, how are you supposed to ever be able to use it in the surprise round? She carries hers in her bandoleer. It doesn't have to be drunk, only uncapped, so is it plausible that it can be uncorked without actually drawing it?