PFS PbP First Steps - Part 3: A Vision of Betrayal (Inactive)

Game Master GM Aarvid

I would be more than happy to join any campaign you're running, GM, if you're looking to run something after this. As I have gotten a bit more experience at PbP, I've come to realize that getting a good GM is far from guaranteed, so best to keep going with a good one when you can. :-)

Please see above I could not have said it better. You are a great GM and that is a rarity in my book so I am in for the next game as well.

Level 2 Eli ohh yeah.

As examples of bad GM’s (no names just situation)
1. GM stopped posting never to return.
2. GM stopped posting came back to say I don’t like this and never came back.
3. GM stopped posting got new GM who stopped posting. (this has happened twice)
4. GM canceled game stating that he got a chance to run a better game. He called it good news / bad news. I saw nothing good about it.
5. GM recruited and never started the actual game.
6. Had recruitment last longer than the game. Recruitment was for 4 weeks game lasted 2 weeks before GM stopped posting.
7. Pathfinder Society Game completed two months ago GM still has not given out the Sheets.
8. Had two GM’s bow out because of Real Life stuff which is actually understandable.

Number 5 brings up a question. Why do some GM’s put so much thought into what your character needs to be and they have to have this great backstory and then two weeks later just stop caring?

Been a part of 21 games
3 have finished (2 with this GM)
4 Active
3 sort of active
11 dead
Okay rant is over.

First steps #2 was my first delve into PbP games.

So far I've gotten into a total of 6. 3 of them PFS games (including this one). So far no completely terrible expiriences, although I had one 'incident' with a GM who really didn't understand grappling rules.

To be fair grappling rules are a bit complicated. However it's hard to not sound like a rules-lawyer-jerk when you try and correct them but need several paragraphs to do so. I think that particular GM doesn't like me very much anymore :).

Rules ahhh I don't worry about them too much I am sure at some point someone will tell me what I am doing is wrong.

-looks at Hawk-

LOL

GM canceled game stating that he got a chance to run a better game. He called it good news / bad news. I saw nothing good about it.

LOL!

I love the commentary.

Wow Eli, you have had a run of bad games. So far mine have all finished and received chronicles. One GM I have says it is good to audit your next GM prior to joining. Check how many campaigns they finished, post history. I never thought of that.

When I originally started this First steps series, my goal was to give totally new players a chance. That may explain the higher dropout rate we have seen over all 3 parts. Pbp is a long term commitment and real life can get in the way even when the best intentions exist on the players and GMs alike.

Oh, and as far as rules go, I am always learning. The other table I just finished was with a table of advanced GMs as the players...and one might have been a VC or VL. So I like to get good advice, on rules, playing and running Pbp.

Your work with the maps is extremely well-handled.

As a fellow PbP GM, I completely acknowledge that maps are one of the most difficult matters to tackle, and can appreciate the extra effort yours take.

If we are to have any hope of wrapping up by Friday, I am going to have to push this along. I will be out of town this weekend, so I'd like to get the sessions recorded and certs emailed before I leave. If anyone objects, please let me know.

To make this work, we are going to have to have everyone posting each day this week.

was traveling am at an industry conference so I can post mornings and evenings but throughout the day will be most difficult. so count me in on at least twice daily to help this get along.

I should be able to make posts frequently all this week.

I think my choices are move and draw weapon, or intimidate and take a 5' step w/o drawing a weapon. I suspect Sallah would draw his weapon before threatening someone, so I won't take that roll.

Quillen! Lead the blind to the light. You're our only hope!

For those that need a quick reference on blinded:

The creature cannot see. It takes a –2 penalty to Armor Class, loses its Dexterity bonus to AC (if any), and takes a –4 penalty on most Strength- and Dexterity-based skill checks and on opposed Perception skill checks. All checks and activities that rely on vision (such as reading and Perception checks based on sight) automatically fail. All opponents are considered to have total concealment (50% miss chance) against the blinded character. Blind creatures must make a DC 10 Acrobatics skill check to move faster than half speed. Creatures that fail this check fall prone. Characters who remain blinded for a long time grow accustomed to these drawbacks and can overcome some of them.

Wow, I can't believe I'm the only one not blinded!

Then I saw, Quillen has the highest Will save at +2, which is a scary weakness for a group.

Does everyone, including the allies of the caster, need to make a save if they're not shutting their eyes? I didn't see Shaolo do so.

Fireworks: The fireworks are a flashing, fiery, momentary burst of glowing, colored aerial lights. This effect causes creatures within 120 feet of the fire source to become blinded for 1d4+1 rounds (Will negates). These creatures must have line of sight to the fire to be affected. Spell resistance can prevent blindness.

Presumably they were aware and ready for the tatic.

That being said I seem to recall a debate on whether or not the caster himself could avoid it.

The argument went something along the lines -

You needed to target a fire source.
Shutting your eyes makes you blind.
You can't target a fire source when blind.
Ergo you must have your eyes open when casting Pyrotechnics.

I could see that argument Hawk. I was amazed at the AoE for this spell. The tactics as written were they all close their eyes at the drop of the glass. Presumably you target the fire source at the beginning and close eyes as you finish acting our you are always affected.

Yeah. Huge AoE and a huge cast range.

I've played a fire based sorcerer in a home game that used Pyrotechnics. Although I never tried using the spell to blind when I've been in close range. Mostly to avoid arguments. Although a flaming sphere used as a fire source to create a choking cloud of smoke was a favored tactic.

i did not add bard song but have updated it.

I am thinking we may actually be able to wrap up tomorrow or Friday at the latest. In the hopes to get certs out to everyone by the weekend (if anyone is going to gameday or con and want to use their characters).

Please post two things for me:

1) Are you happy with the faction associated with your character? If so I will send the First Steps related faction note with your cert.

2) Send me a day job roll if you have the appropriate skill or profession and I will include on your cert.

Quillen will "Take 10" on his Day Job, which is Craft (Lucky Charms), for a total check of 17.

He'll stick with Qadiran for his faction.

Sallah is fine with Qadira

day job - prof soldier: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

All checks and activities that rely on vision (such as reading and Perception checks based on sight) automatically fail.

Do reflex checks automatically fail when blinded?

To break grapple from being webbed requires either a CM or a skill check. The skill check is definitely -4, but is the combat maneuver -4 due to blindness?

I think Elindriel will be okay with Shadow Lodge - I don't know that much background in the different factions, but I like the idea of looking out for your fellow Pathfinders.

Since Elindriel will have finished all 3 first steps, will her day job roll include her level 2 skill increases?

Perform (Sing): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 (+1 if level 2 increases are included)

Do reflex checks automatically fail when blinded?

No. Although I think it would be reduced slightly due to the dex penalty when being blind.

DM - I'm content with Grand Lodge as my first PFS faction.

I should be able to wrap up and send out certs tonight. I will be out of town for the weekend, so that will work best for me.

The session has been recorded since you have completed the "mission" just by making it to the negotiations.

In the words of a famous Jedi..."You were right about one thing Master, the negotiations were brief."

Check your factions were ok.

I r disappoint

"The negotiations were short"

:)

All good here...

But the wizard/sorcerer still has a few level 1 spells left!

Sallah needs a sleep or at the very least a daze to fail to.

faction is good for me.

I hope the wrap up was not too rushed. I am heading out of town 5am tomorrow morning and will be gone all weekend, so wanted to get the certs out to you.

Any response on whether dayjob rolls reflect 2nd level gains?

I searched the boards and did not see where it included the new level (at least that is how my GM's always scored it). So I put down the 24 (20gp) value. If you find something to the contrary, I am happy to switch it.

K, thanks. Oh, also - I assume I can still change the character, *then* level to 2? Or is she locked in her current level 1 configuration now?

If I may ask, what are you changing? My own curiousity :)

My understanding is "yes" you can change anything until you hit level 2.

Before you level up a character for the first time, you may change any aspect of it except its Pathfinder Society Number. Changes

may only be made between adventures and before playing
as a character above 1st level.

Once you play that first scenario as level 2 you are locked from that point forward. So I'd say yes.

Not sure I'm changing anything, just wondering if I had the option :-)

If I change anything, it'll likely be switching skills around a little, or *maybe* dropping charisma to 14 for additional con or int (I'm definitely unsure about this - while she won't necessarily need the Cha if she's performing more of a party support role, it's a little weird to have a bard with only 14 Cha).

I might also change spells around. I'm not seeing that chord of shards will see a whole lot of use. I used it the one time vs. the kobolds in First Steps 2, but that's it.

Thanks all. It's been a pleasure. And thank you very much, Aarvid for running us through! It was much appreciated.

Happy Pathfinding.

Elindriel - if I may give my opinion.

Personally I think you are just a little squishy as a frontliner and bumping up your Con is a good idea.

Bringing your Cha to 14 will allow you to bring your Con to 14. Alternatively Cha to 15 and Con to 12. From what you've said I think the latter may sit a little better with you - you can bump Cha back to 16 when you hit level 4. I'd also strongly recommend putting your favored class bonus into HP.

About spells. I was actually rather impressed with Chord of Shards in the kobol fight but it's definately a spell with a lifespan (like the Wizard's Sleep). If you decide to keep it for now then change it out at level 4.

As far as other spells to consider, I like the immediate/swift action spells, especiallly with someone who actively seeks out melee combat (no need for conc checks with a swift/immediate spell). Saving Finale, Liberating Command, or prehaps Timely Inspiration (for level 1 spells. Also quick note Timely Inspiration doesn't stack with Inspire Courage but it's still nice to have if the preformance is down or ended). Also Vanish is usually pretty solid.

My 2 cents.

At a convention this weekend. Who knows, maybe Quillen will see some tabletop time! :)

Thanks for the tips.

My issue with Chord of Shards was that it was, in its own way, too situational. I was only rarely in a position where I could cast it and not catch allies in the cone, and those few times I could have, it would usually have forced a concentration check.

Arcane Duelists are set up to be more front-line (gaining Medium and Heavy Armor Proficiency as they level, with no spell failure chance), so I think extra Con will definitely be a plus.

So, yeah...I'm thinking I'll go 14 Con and 14 Cha - there are enough support spells available in a Bard's repertoire that she shouldn't suffer too much. With that change, though, I'm thinking that I should lose Grease as well. Any sorceror or wizard worth anything will have it, and will have the stats to make it much more likely to succeed.

Along those same lines, I think I should pick up Lingering Performance at level 3, so that even if I use any of the "Finale" spells, it'll still keep the song going...at least, I think that's correct?

In addition, I think I'm going to switch my skills around. Get rid of Linguistics and move the FCB to HP, then move the points from Use Magic Device and Bluff to Spellcraft and Intimidate.

Anyone have any thoughts on that?

I've leveled Elindriel to level 2. If I could get anyone interested to take a look at the finished product, I would welcome any comments or suggestions. Besides, she may very well be playing with some of you in the near future, I'd like her to be as helpful as possible.

Lingering Preformance is a good idea and I think it will kick into effect when using a Finale spell.

You want a buckler not a light shield. You can't use a bow with a light shield. Additionally a buckler allows you to two hand weapons if you want a bit more damage for the cost of -1 to hit. As you probably aren't planning on shield bashing any time soon a buckler is just a better shield for you.

Everything else looks ok to me. It seems that you took alot of the suggestions I made earlier. To be honest I'm surprised that you made as many as you did :). I hope the results work for you.

One other thing I'd consider as a melee oriented Half Elf bard - replace the free skill focus with free exotic weapon proficiency. There are a couple weapons that stand out: Katana for a bigger crit range, Falcata for more crit damage, or a Bastard Sword for a bigger damage dice. Skill Focus into Preception isn't bad, but if I were making a melee bard I'd want a slightly unusual signature weapon. Give your weapon a name and make tales of your deeds with it :). I know you've invested a bit into your sword already but you can always pick up another masterwork weapon with PP points if you consider gold an issue. Of course you could also just leave this as it is.

I had had several of the same thoughts myself, you just helped reinforce the idea that they didn't suck. Also, when I embrace the idea of Elindriel truly being front-line support, the immediate spells just make sense.

As to the buckler, good catch. Thanks :-).

For the exotic weapon proficiency, I have one concern: what are the chances that she would actually come across a magical version of that particular weapon as time went by? Or is the way magical weapons are awarded more lenient than I think?

Either way, the good thing is that I can change equipment around before 2nd level, too. At least, that's the way I interpret it - it says that you can take the treasure you're awarded and reallocate as needed when you change your character around.

Good thoughts, keep 'em coming.

You're playing PFS it doesn't matter if a weapon is awarded. Everything we find gets sold anyway. For example the masterwork longspear that the centaurs gave us is now just gold Sallah doesn't get to keep it. It's one of the ways PFS maintains balanced wealth by level.

What this means is that all your gear is purchased with gold and or PP which is just as available to your character as to any other limited by the fame system. A +1 falcata is much the same as a +1 longsword.

While I'm a big fan of Con and hp for PFS, I don't have any pc's myself below 14, if you do plan on using UMD, max ranks are very helpful. It's worth the point at every level for a bard until you can tap cast stuff, imo. You get enough hp at 2nd where 1 hp normally won't impact you too much.

Also PFS makes use of linguistics quiet a lot... in some cases, knowing a language (so many choices, choose wisely!) in/right before combat innately is more useful than comprehend languages / share languages / tongues.

Hawk's 15 CHR 12 DEX advice is also a sound alternative to your current 14/14. Your boost at L4 will currently go to the void until your next plus one at L8, while if you 15/12 you'll get your main stat for performances back to +3 relatively soon, and can get a belt of con to get that con stat higher if you find you're lacking when you get enough money/faction around L5... If you really are nervous, toughness is great and is a comparable equivalent to dodge.

Tough decisions, after having been at a convention this weekend, anecdotal stories of dead adventurers and their commonality of low con abound. Being able to last 'til at least -14 is never a bad thing.

Also, lingering performance is awesome, awesome, awesome - more rounds rock.

TL;DR: I probably didn't add much, other than nod a +1 at Hawk's advice, but either way, smart folks love bards.

GM - Sorry for hijacking the discussion thread for this, but...

Okay, so PFS rules are set up for to allow characters to progress to level 12, right? So they get a third attribute point allocated? If so, then perhaps it would be better to go with 12 Con and 15 Cha. If I bump Cha up to 16 at level 4, then put the next two points in Con (or Str?), that would probably work out okay.

Of course, if there are only two attribute points allocated, then I think I'll keep the 14/14, and pump Cha or Str with my points at level 4 and 8.

Also, thanks for clearing things up as far as the magical weapons go, Hawk.

As far as skills go, I agree that Linguistics would be nice, but I don't know what I would drop to get it. UMD, on the other hand, is not something I see myself using a whole lot. I wouldn't likely ever buy anything that I'd need to make a UMD check to use, so after some thought, I decided against it.

Thanks for all the help. This is, obviously, my first PFS character, and I'm a little nervous about setting her in stone.

@Elindriel...no problem on using this thread. I am out of town anyway. I will keep it open as long as you need it.

BTW I have a couple mods I have been looking at running next but need to finish reading them and do some prep work before I am ready. They will probably be older level 1-5 mods if any of you are interested. Let me know if you did not receive your chronicles.

Some of the First Step mods are retiring in August, so if you have not yet made level 2, you might want to play those (#2 in particular), but certainly not required to do so.

I will post once I am ready to start up again.

#3-09: The Quest for Perfection—Part I: The Edge of Heaven (PFRPG)

#4–05: The Sanos Abduction (PFRPG)

Quest for Perfection is an awesome 3 part series. I highly recommend it.

That is the one I am leaning towards since I will apply it to my samurai/ Druid from Lantern Lodge before his faction goes private.

I'm toying with the idea of possibly trying and GMing a First Steps as I have never played through that. Though it would be the first time I've GMed anything, but I think the rigidity of PFS would be a boon in this case.