[PbP Gameday VII] (PFS 3-07) GM Valen's Echoes of the Overwatched (CORE) (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

Maps



Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)

Starting time is a few days still, so to give a little breather from those--myself included--starting a number of other games.

Until then, feel free to discuss. We have a full table of six.

Sovereign Court

CN male (CORE)Bard 1 | HP 5/8 NL 8/8 | AC:17, T: 14, FF: 13 | CMD: 14 | Performance: 3/6 Fort +0, Ref +6, Will +2 | perception +6 | initiative +4 | 30ft
skills:
Acro +5 (+1 to jump), Bluff +6, Diplo +6, arcana +2, dungeoneering +2, engineering +2, geography +2, history +2, local +2, nature +2, nobility +6, planes +2, religion +2, Linguistics +5, sing +7, Spellcraft +6 (+8 to ID)

Barcher is still 1st level so expect him to sit in the back during combat and sing to you while trying to shoot an arrow or two. if things get really interesting he can cast a spell or two. if a good opportunity presents itself. outside of combat he's a face but at 1st level its all up to the dice still hehe.

Sovereign Court

CN male (CORE)Bard 1 | HP 5/8 NL 8/8 | AC:17, T: 14, FF: 13 | CMD: 14 | Performance: 3/6 Fort +0, Ref +6, Will +2 | perception +6 | initiative +4 | 30ft
skills:
Acro +5 (+1 to jump), Bluff +6, Diplo +6, arcana +2, dungeoneering +2, engineering +2, geography +2, history +2, local +2, nature +2, nobility +6, planes +2, religion +2, Linguistics +5, sing +7, Spellcraft +6 (+8 to ID)

Hey everyone, just FYI, I just moved last weekend and it looks like it will be another week before I can get internet up and running so my posting will be limited.

Please bot me as needed, general combat strategy is to start inspiring and then shoot arrows at whoever is gonna be easiest to hit.


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Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)

I am heading out to a convention early tomorrow afternoon. I expect my ability to post to be very limited over the weekend.

So, that means that the tide won't be going out until sometime Monday at the earliest. In the meantime, feel free to continue to explore and investigate the attic room, the museum, the library, etc., and the persons therein, Nigel, Brivit Nae, etc..

You may also want to discuss among yourselves what clues you have already found to try and piece together what happened to Anumet. Faction missions may also provide clues.

Have a great weekend, everyone!


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)

GM TRANSPARENCY TIME:

I am seeking some guidance in how you would all like me to proceed with this scenario. Normally, I would rely solely on my gut instinct (though it has been known to be rather fallible at times), but the decisions I have to make involve scenario length, which I am particularly sensitive to in this game because of:

1) the format of PbP does not allow me to readily see the players or gage what types of encounters players prefer/enjoy to play out (dialoguing roleplay, assembling clues to solve puzzles, combat, etc.);

2) the format of PbP is inherently lengthy, but does not allow me to readily see the players or gage pacing; and,

3) website delays may have made the above worse by giving players a sense that things are already dragging (as well as possibly causing anxiety about the availability of characters).

The way the scenario is written, I have discretion to add or hand-wave some additional roleplaying encounters written into the scenario that you could handle before heading to the tower.

Is time a concern for any of you players?

Are you interested in more roleplaying opportunities or moving forward?

I am putting it to you, my players. What would you prefer? Should I include a few potential roleplaying encounters before the tower? Or "bring about low tide" faster so you can head straight to the tower?

Click here, only if you want to be spoiled as to what portion of the total scenario we have already completed:

We completed the first and are very, nearly done with the second of three acts.

Grand Lodge

Male Dwarf Core Fighter 5 HP 54/54 | AC25 , T 12, FF23 | CMB:+8 CMD:20 Fort +11, Ref +5, Will +7 | Init +2 | Perc +11 Stonecunning, 60' Darkvision Step Up Effects: Extended Heroism!

What is the supposed end date for the first part of Gameday now? Based on our current pacing do you see us pushing past that?

Ironshanks of course isn't a huge RP character. I'm trying but haven't completely got his persona locked in yet. I would lean towards trying to keep the game 'on time' if you have optional encounters to help do that.


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)
Ironshanks Magee wrote:
What is the supposed end date for the first part of Gameday now?

Technically, there is no requirement that "first part" games end before the "second part". Thus, it is my understanding that the "second part" has not been pushed back (although, the end dates for the Specials have been) and the end date for gameday has been pushed back. I had expected to conclude this game on or during the first week in October. At our present pace, I would think that is still possible, although a mid-October conclusion is more likely. It is hard to gage how much time the optional encounters would add, but I'd guess about a week if we did all of them.


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)

Heads up, all. I will be traveling from September 30th through October 7th and it looks like my ability to post will be limited. I think it is possible that, with a post rate of 1-2 posts per weekday, that we can complete in that time, but it will likely be tight.

If we don't complete by then, we'll likely have to take a week's hiatus and finish up on my return.


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)

I am trying to gage the pace of this run. If we want to keep the game "on time" with a conclusion by the end of this month, then we need to keep to a pace of at least one post within a 24 hour period. I think at that rate an end of September conclusion would be cutting it close, but still doable. Otherwise, due to my travel in early October, we are looking at a conclusion closer to mid-to-late October.

I bring this up as it has been 24 hours and less than half the party has posted since combat began and I got the impression folks were pushing for an earlier conclusion.

I understand completely that real life has to come first and that it is not always possible to get in a post. That is why I have been willing to bot players when requested or after a reasonable amount of time has passed. However, I don't feel comfortable botting half the party.

On my end, I am fine either way, but please let me know.


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)

In an effort to be transparent, I am no longer confident that we will wrap up this scenario before I leave on September 30th. So, after Saturday the 29th, this game will be on a brief hiatus until October 7th or 8th.

I would project a new concluding date around October 15th, depending on post rates.

I am sorry if this delay affects your ability to this character in another event. As we have completed at least 3 encounters, each PC currently has 1 XP and, if requested, I would be happy to issue a Chronicle sheet for a PC before I leave (or, if requested, when I return) should you want to play this PC in another scenario starting prior to projected end date.

Grand Lodge

Male Dwarf Core Fighter 5 HP 54/54 | AC25 , T 12, FF23 | CMB:+8 CMD:20 Fort +11, Ref +5, Will +7 | Init +2 | Perc +11 Stonecunning, 60' Darkvision Step Up Effects: Extended Heroism!

Thanks for the update. I don't believe I've committed Ironshanks to anything in the second half of Gameday. (I could be wrong). We'll keep trucking along and you have a great trip, and we'll finish it up when you get back.


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)

As we are at a good spot for it and my departure is imminent, I am putting the game on pause. I expect to return

In the meantime, the Venture Officers have asked that everyone fill out the Gameday Midpoint Survey.

In addition, each player may roll a d20 here for a chance to win a boon. A "nat" 19 or 20 secures you a boon. If you win one, roll a d4 to determine which boon you receive.

I'll go first to show you how it is done:
Boon?: 1d20 ⇒ 8

No boon for me, but at least I removed one low number from the random number generator's pool, right? (If that is even how it works?)

Grand Lodge

Male Dwarf Core Fighter 5 HP 54/54 | AC25 , T 12, FF23 | CMB:+8 CMD:20 Fort +11, Ref +5, Will +7 | Init +2 | Perc +11 Stonecunning, 60' Darkvision Step Up Effects: Extended Heroism!

Have a great trip. Been really enjoying the game so far even with its challenges. Look forward to finishing up when you return.

Boonage, Which?: 1d20 ⇒ 101d4 ⇒ 1

Sovereign Court

CN male (CORE)Bard 1 | HP 5/8 NL 8/8 | AC:17, T: 14, FF: 13 | CMD: 14 | Performance: 3/6 Fort +0, Ref +6, Will +2 | perception +6 | initiative +4 | 30ft
skills:
Acro +5 (+1 to jump), Bluff +6, Diplo +6, arcana +2, dungeoneering +2, engineering +2, geography +2, history +2, local +2, nature +2, nobility +6, planes +2, religion +2, Linguistics +5, sing +7, Spellcraft +6 (+8 to ID)

Hello everyone, first off I offer my DEEPEST apologies for my absence. After moving into a new place on 9/1 I only just had my internet finally installed and the tech left barely an hour ago. If there is any way I can still join and finish out the game I would be extremely grateful.

If it is however, too late, I completely understand and harbor no hard feelings. GM Valen if I cannot continue, I hope this mishap does not preclude me from future games you run as I have enjoyed every one so far.

Grand Lodge

Male Dwarf Core Fighter 5 HP 54/54 | AC25 , T 12, FF23 | CMB:+8 CMD:20 Fort +11, Ref +5, Will +7 | Init +2 | Perc +11 Stonecunning, 60' Darkvision Step Up Effects: Extended Heroism!

Welcome back Barcher.

Valen is returning from vacation any time now. He's been dragging your Elven butt along, amongst others.

Ironshanks is ready to go get beat on by a statue of some sort when you're ready Valen.

Sovereign Court

CN male (CORE)Bard 1 | HP 5/8 NL 8/8 | AC:17, T: 14, FF: 13 | CMD: 14 | Performance: 3/6 Fort +0, Ref +6, Will +2 | perception +6 | initiative +4 | 30ft
skills:
Acro +5 (+1 to jump), Bluff +6, Diplo +6, arcana +2, dungeoneering +2, engineering +2, geography +2, history +2, local +2, nature +2, nobility +6, planes +2, religion +2, Linguistics +5, sing +7, Spellcraft +6 (+8 to ID)
Ironshanks Magee wrote:

Welcome back Barcher.

Valen is returning from vacation any time now. He's been dragging your Elven butt along, amongst others.

Well all that dragging explains the road rash haha.


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)

Barcher, welcome back! I am sorry the move didn't go as smoothly as you had planned.

You are welcome to jump back in the game as far as I am concerned. The PFS guide requires a PC to "complete" at least "three encounters" to gain full XP. The definition of an "encounter" in the CRB (pg. 397) is pretty loose.

It would seem to me that Barcher has "completed" at least two encounters (floor "trap" in the attic and encounter at the library) as the term is defined in the CRB. Regardless, there are sufficient "combat encounters" remaining in the scenario that, once played and completed, should readily satisfy the PFS guide requirements.

Sovereign Court

CN male (CORE)Bard 1 | HP 5/8 NL 8/8 | AC:17, T: 14, FF: 13 | CMD: 14 | Performance: 3/6 Fort +0, Ref +6, Will +2 | perception +6 | initiative +4 | 30ft
skills:
Acro +5 (+1 to jump), Bluff +6, Diplo +6, arcana +2, dungeoneering +2, engineering +2, geography +2, history +2, local +2, nature +2, nobility +6, planes +2, religion +2, Linguistics +5, sing +7, Spellcraft +6 (+8 to ID)

That's Great! I'l get caught up on whats happened since I left.

Thanks for the condolences, its a little embarrassing how much I was "fiending" for wifi during this time though haha.


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)

Good job, Pathfinders! You have prevailed over the Devourer. That was the final combat of the scenario.

All that is left now is for some wrap up and then I will go ahead and report the game, before issuing some chronicles in next couple of days. Thank you all for playing and for graciously handling some delays and hiccups.

Grand Lodge

Male Dwarf Core Fighter 5 HP 54/54 | AC25 , T 12, FF23 | CMB:+8 CMD:20 Fort +11, Ref +5, Will +7 | Init +2 | Perc +11 Stonecunning, 60' Darkvision Step Up Effects: Extended Heroism!

Thanks GM. Enjoyed everything so far and looking forward to the wrap up RP here at the end as well.

I can't wait for 2e to give fighters more skill points. It'll go a long way to guiding some more RP opportunities that are more difficult to develop with so little direction from skills.

Scarab Sages

Male Halfling Fighter 2 | AC 18 T 15 FF 14 | HP 19/19 | F +6 R +5 W +3 (+3 vs. fear) | Init +4 | Perc +9 | Active Status: -none-

Thanks Valen for sticking with us through the August outages and some extended periods of low activity (as well as making liberal use of botting and skipping to keep the momentum going)!

Despite some sections being drawn out, this was a pretty interesting scenario. I am still a bit confused as to what we were supposed to get out of that scene back in the Museum's attic with the haunt. I don't think we had the skills of language to decode things, but ultimately it didn't seem to affect us much.


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)
Ironshanks Magee wrote:
I can't wait for 2e to give fighters more skill points. It'll go a long way to guiding some more RP opportunities that are more difficult to develop with so little direction from skills.

I think you put a lot of character in Ironshanks, finding opportunities for RP even without direction from skills. I enjoyed the RP.


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)
Cazlin Summerweft wrote:
Thanks Valen for sticking with us through the August outages and some extended periods of low activity (as well as making liberal use of botting and skipping to keep the momentum going)!

It is always difficult to find that balance on pacing (I've enjoyed your games and know that you have a pretty good sense for it). I appreciate the feedback.

Cazlin Summerweft wrote:
Despite some sections being drawn out, this was a pretty interesting scenario. I am still a bit confused as to what we were supposed to get out of that scene back in the Museum's attic with the haunt. I don't think we had the skills of language to decode things, but ultimately it didn't seem to affect us much.

The scenario assumed that the party would head upstairs and encounter the haunt before chasing after Anumet. The haunt and accompanying scrawling on the walls in the attic provided backstory explaining what the Devourer was doing in the museum attic as well as the big "reveal" that Anumet was dead and being impersonated by a ghoul. Presumably, that would provide the party with motivation to find Anumet (as there was now an urgency to stop the ghoul from enacting some evil plan, the nature of which is never actually revealed within the scenario).

However, this party was sufficiently motivated already to find "Anumet" without this information. Thus, I had honestly planned to skip over the haunt and likely would have, had I not rechecked the secondary success conditions and seen that recovering the body of Anumet was among them. This factored into my decision to sort of "railroad" the party with the timing of the tides. I assumed the players would a little "railroading" preferable to being told, "Congratulations, you saved the city-perhaps all of Golarion-from some sinister, undescribed fate, but you failed to get the full prestige because you didn't bother to clean out the attic."

Sovereign Court

CN male (CORE)Bard 1 | HP 5/8 NL 8/8 | AC:17, T: 14, FF: 13 | CMD: 14 | Performance: 3/6 Fort +0, Ref +6, Will +2 | perception +6 | initiative +4 | 30ft
skills:
Acro +5 (+1 to jump), Bluff +6, Diplo +6, arcana +2, dungeoneering +2, engineering +2, geography +2, history +2, local +2, nature +2, nobility +6, planes +2, religion +2, Linguistics +5, sing +7, Spellcraft +6 (+8 to ID)

Thanks again for letting me join back up. Even through August's nonsense with the Website and our infrequent posting in the middle of the scenario, Valen once again gives a great performance as GM. As always I'll be keeping my eye out for your next adventure!


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)

Before I can report the game, it looks like I still need boon rolls from Barcher, Cazlin, Lem, Ruvena, and Pruk (as he completed 3 encounters and, thus, will be getting a chronicle).

Roll here and an 19 or 20 secures you a PFS boon. Good luck!

Given demands on work and time to come down from too much sugar yesterday, I will give folks until Monday to post rolls. Then I will report and provide chronicles (unless someone needs one before next week).

Also, thank you all for the encouraging words. I am glad you all seem to have enjoyed this run and look forward to new opportunities.

My next run, as a favor, will be Starfinder's Commencement with a late November starting date (after the American Thanksgiving holiday).

Scarab Sages

Male Halfling Fighter 2 | AC 18 T 15 FF 14 | HP 19/19 | F +6 R +5 W +3 (+3 vs. fear) | Init +4 | Perc +9 | Active Status: -none-

Boon-time Lotteryroll: 1d20 ⇒ 14

As is to be expected, no boons.
Thanks again for running Valen!

Sovereign Court

CN male (CORE)Bard 1 | HP 5/8 NL 8/8 | AC:17, T: 14, FF: 13 | CMD: 14 | Performance: 3/6 Fort +0, Ref +6, Will +2 | perception +6 | initiative +4 | 30ft
skills:
Acro +5 (+1 to jump), Bluff +6, Diplo +6, arcana +2, dungeoneering +2, engineering +2, geography +2, history +2, local +2, nature +2, nobility +6, planes +2, religion +2, Linguistics +5, sing +7, Spellcraft +6 (+8 to ID)
GM Valen wrote:

Before I can report the game, it looks like I still need boon rolls from Barcher, Cazlin, Lem, Ruvena, and Pruk (as he completed 3 encounters and, thus, will be getting a chronicle).

Roll here and an 19 or 20 secures you a PFS boon. Good luck!

Given demands on work and time to come down from too much sugar yesterday, I will give folks until Monday to post rolls. Then I will report and provide chronicles (unless someone needs one before next week).

Also, thank you all for the encouraging words. I am glad you all seem to have enjoyed this run and look forward to new opportunities.

My next run, as a favor, will be Starfinder's Commencement with a late November starting date (after the American Thanksgiving holiday).

Boon: 1d20 ⇒ 15

No boon here. I've played commencement but wouldn't mind repeating it if you end up doing multiple tables. Otherwise I'll keep my eyes peeled for your next venture early next year I would imagine?

Grand Lodge

Male Dwarf Core Fighter 5 HP 54/54 | AC25 , T 12, FF23 | CMB:+8 CMD:20 Fort +11, Ref +5, Will +7 | Init +2 | Perc +11 Stonecunning, 60' Darkvision Step Up Effects: Extended Heroism!

GM: Was there a particular trick on that construct fight? Was it a fight that was supposed to be avoided? Seemed like a pretty difficult encounter for a tier 1-2 with that hardness.


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)
Ironshanks Magee wrote:
GM: Was there a particular trick on that construct fight? Was it a fight that was supposed to be avoided? Seemed like a pretty difficult encounter for a tier 1-2 with that hardness.

Spoilers (in case of replay, including at higher tier):

Just a tough encounter. It is CR 3. No particular trick to it, that I can see. It seems to me that the scenario expects the PCs to fight it. The text says, "The statue attacks the PCs as soon as they walk through the doorway and fights until the intruders are destroyed." At that point, the party needs to find all 3 pieces of the amulet, so should be expected to search in different rooms. I suppose, as there is no real time constraints on the scenario (although the threat that the ghoul will do something terrible soon, would lead the PCs to believe that there is one), the party could leave the tower after finding the account of the battered Pathfinder party and go possibly purchase some more effective weapons for fighting a construct.

Interestingly, the tier 4-5 does have a "trick" as the opponent is not an animated object as in tier 1-2, but an advanced graven guardian. The graven guardian has special ability that states, "A graven guardian cannot attack any creature that openly wears or displays the holy or unholy symbol of the deity to which the graven guardian is dedicated unless that creature first attacks the graven guardian." So, any PC holding a holy symbol of Nethys could have possibly have avoided the fight.

Grand Lodge

Male Dwarf Core Fighter 5 HP 54/54 | AC25 , T 12, FF23 | CMB:+8 CMD:20 Fort +11, Ref +5, Will +7 | Init +2 | Perc +11 Stonecunning, 60' Darkvision Step Up Effects: Extended Heroism!

Hrm ok thanks for the info.

On another note, hopefully I'll soon be able to afford my adamantine weapon, making sunder much, much more effective.

Grand Lodge

Male Dwarf Core Fighter 5 HP 54/54 | AC25 , T 12, FF23 | CMB:+8 CMD:20 Fort +11, Ref +5, Will +7 | Init +2 | Perc +11 Stonecunning, 60' Darkvision Step Up Effects: Extended Heroism!

Any updates on Chronicles Valen? Just trying to keep on track for book keeping with the second gameday ending soon.


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)

Having heard nothing...

Boon for Lem?: 1d20 ⇒ 9
Boon for Pruk?: 1d20 ⇒ 11

That's it, then. I will report the game and I expect to get the chronicles out later today.

Grand Lodge

Male Dwarf Core Fighter 5 HP 54/54 | AC25 , T 12, FF23 | CMB:+8 CMD:20 Fort +11, Ref +5, Will +7 | Init +2 | Perc +11 Stonecunning, 60' Darkvision Step Up Effects: Extended Heroism!

Awesome thanks Valen.


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)

Chronicles should be now found here! EDITED (so link should now be accessible for downloading).

Please let me know if there are any additions/corrections.

Otherwise, thank you all again for playing! Happy Gaming!

Sovereign Court

CN male (CORE)Bard 1 | HP 5/8 NL 8/8 | AC:17, T: 14, FF: 13 | CMD: 14 | Performance: 3/6 Fort +0, Ref +6, Will +2 | perception +6 | initiative +4 | 30ft
skills:
Acro +5 (+1 to jump), Bluff +6, Diplo +6, arcana +2, dungeoneering +2, engineering +2, geography +2, history +2, local +2, nature +2, nobility +6, planes +2, religion +2, Linguistics +5, sing +7, Spellcraft +6 (+8 to ID)

Looks like permissions are still enabled? I requested access.


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)
Barcher wrote:
Looks like permissions are still enabled? I requested access.

Okay, let's try this again.

Grand Lodge

Male Dwarf Core Fighter 5 HP 54/54 | AC25 , T 12, FF23 | CMB:+8 CMD:20 Fort +11, Ref +5, Will +7 | Init +2 | Perc +11 Stonecunning, 60' Darkvision Step Up Effects: Extended Heroism!

Looks great. Many thanks GM Valen for the fun.

Scarab Sages

Male Halfling Fighter 2 | AC 18 T 15 FF 14 | HP 19/19 | F +6 R +5 W +3 (+3 vs. fear) | Init +4 | Perc +9 | Active Status: -none-

@Valen: Looks like you have my PFS number in as 2336902-2 right now, could you correct that to 233690-2? Otherwise looks great, thanks!

As a side note, I just realized that I missed a whole bunch of discussion thread posts for this game from much earlier on! I must've accidentally turned off discussion thread flags while I had gameplay flags still active. I missed a bunch of questions from you Valen! Sorry about that.


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)
Cazlin Summerweft wrote:

@Valen: Looks like you have my PFS number in as 2336902-2 right now, could you correct that to 233690-2? Otherwise looks great, thanks!

@Cazlin - Sorry about the error. A corrected chronicle has been uploaded. I double checked and I did, at least, use the correct number when reporting.

Grand Lodge

Male Dwarf Core Fighter 5 HP 54/54 | AC25 , T 12, FF23 | CMB:+8 CMD:20 Fort +11, Ref +5, Will +7 | Init +2 | Perc +11 Stonecunning, 60' Darkvision Step Up Effects: Extended Heroism!

Forgot to roll this faction goal:

Forgo your Downtime to finalize a report to the Pathfinder Society. Doing so requires a successful DC 15 Intelligence, Wisdom, or Profession (scribe) check.

Wisdom Check, DC15: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Bam! Nailed it. Thanks for the game all.

Scarab Sages

Male Halfling Fighter 2 | AC 18 T 15 FF 14 | HP 19/19 | F +6 R +5 W +3 (+3 vs. fear) | Init +4 | Perc +9 | Active Status: -none-

Great, thanks for the correction!

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