Silver's Swift, Sweet Sound

Game Master Treppa

Tilnar- Thanks, I'm glad that I was reading the stuff right. (With all of the newer classes and the mixable abilities, I'm not always certain anymore.) ;P So if I take Infusion as I was planning, HASTE might only affect the drinker, but it's still a standard action even if I give it to the swashbuckler, yes?

YEs I know that my 'Jack of all trades' idea might not be the most powerful, but I never believed that Uber-optimised was all that and a bag of chips too. (I'm not against it, I just refuse to do things like dump a stat to 7 just to get a 20 INT at 1st lvl) ;P

Pretty much I plan to do bombs first because a 1st lvl Alche is NOT a front line fighter, but after a few potions and Feral Mutagen, I can help easily enough. (As you pointed out)

SO, unless someone else actually ends up playing a rogue or a bard, I'll plan on being the trap guy. So Trapmaster archetype, (I didn't really plan on using Poison anyway), Perception at max, and emphasis on bombs at first lvl, then I'll add Feral and Infusion asap. (To assist with buffing and healing)

I like your background ideas! (Time to work on mine!Oh wait! I'm still at work! Time to go and run act 2 of Footloose the musical!)

LAters, :)

Hey folks, sorry I'm a bit late to the game here, but definitely still interested.

I'm leaning towards unchained rogue seems like we should be able to swashbuckle and Miley Cyrus our way through, or probably around, things rather than just bashing stuff.

Minor noble seems to be pretty popular I was thinking someone of a bit more humble beginings, an orphan who's been on the street alone for quite some time. He'd admire the celebrities with their extravagant lifestyles and riches taking a liking to one in particular whose diasterous life somehow made her easier to relate to. He becomes obsessed following her around, watching from the shadows stealing little momentos from her performances, basically stalking her. Her being Meows' character in case that wasn't obvious, he's not a noble, but in following Meows he just sort of tags along.

I don't know if you folks typically look at the Campaign Info tab, but I am going to be using it heavily for this game so you have the current date and status. This AP is tracked week by week, so I will display the current status and probably spoiler the history.

So check it now and periodically through the campaign. I will put a notice either here or in gameplay when it changes, wherever seems most appropriate.

So we've:

Hi Leoian, welcome to the party! :)

Love the fanboy idea. can tell I'm gonna have to post while awake to keep up with you, Meows and Tilnar. ;P

I forgot to mention the big plus of infusion, Rags -- that spells that are normally range "personal" are still infuse-able. ;)

As to keeping up, we'll see. I'm still fleshing out my character idea -- may not be mechanically the best, but should be fun -- and working up a sufficiently pretentious Latin name. ;)

Yep, That I had read about.

I fell you. I'm sure after a few levels my guy won't be the most powerful because he didn't specialize. But he should still be fun! :)

Treppa- I've seen different views on this, Would YOU allow an alchemist to take an creation feat, say wands or items, and create them using his potions/infusions instead of spells? I've read one thread where a GM let the Alche take Create wand, then he made wands of Alchemical Allotment, which lets you reuse a potion without using it up! :)

Just trying to figure out what I want him to end up doing.

Treppa- I've seen different views on this, Would YOU allow an alchemist to take an creation feat, say wands or items, and create them using his potions/infusions instead of spells? I've read one thread where a GM let the Alche take Create wand, then he made wands of Alchemical Allotment, which lets you reuse a potion without using it up! :)

>_> wut?

I will look at this Sunday. Getting 5 backlogged projects and 7 backlogged mastery tests off my plate by tomorrow night, I swear! Then done!

Oh NO! School first yes!
(I don't want to sidetrack the awesomeness!) :)

Sheesh, I thought I was busy! (And I am) But that list,... just Sheesh!

It can wait, no worries!
Nothing to do with completing the PC, just a possible future choice. :)

Down to 3 minors, 2 majors, and 5 mastery tests now. Yay!

I would have been farther along this week, but have been working 12's. Can't seem to get back in to the Uberman/Everyman sleep pattern, dagnabbit.

Sleep?
What is this mythical 'Sleep' of which you speak? ;P

Honest & True story.

I was in Grad school, and one of my teachers (head of the department) asked me why my assignment wasn't turned in. I explained that I had written it, but between all of my classes, and our theater show schedule, I hadn't slept in 3 days, and instead of typing it had chosen to get 4 hours of sleep. Her response?

"You a grad student. You don't need sleep."

:/

Treppa- I've seen different views on this, Would YOU allow an alchemist to take an creation feat, say wands or items, and create them using his potions/infusions instead of spells? I've read one thread where a GM let the Alche take Create wand, then he made wands of Alchemical Allotment, which lets you reuse a potion without using it up! :)

OK: read, thought, here's my take. Alchemists don't cast spells (right in the class description). They don't have a caster level. Create Wand requires CL5. So by RAW, alchemists don't meet the requirement.

My RAI thinking is that alchemist is supposed to be kind of a non-magical mage, replacing magic with "science" and using the science of crafting to encapsulate his own personal magical power into chemical substances. So despite the handwaving about personal magical auras, I don't see the alchemist as intended to be a caster, or feel like one. They should have the mad scientist vibe.

If you can persuade me I'm being wrong-headed about this, I'm open to changing things, but my take is no: alchemists can't craft wands (not by that class alone). It doesn't work technically and it doesn't feel right.

EDIT: Ack, but you get Brew Potion, which has CL3 requirement. But you get it at 1st level, so CL is obviously not a prereq for the purposes of the alchemist. Hmmm. Nope, explained in the text of the bonus feat. Doesn't make the alc a caster.

"You a grad student. You don't need sleep."

:/

They feel the same way about residents in the hospital. Scary, that.

Anybody have questions, concerns, judgement calls, characters that need reviewing? We going to be ready to roll tomorrow?

Ok, I should be ready -- I may need to flesh out the backstory a bit more, but I've got point-formed/highlights in my head which I can post as a placeholder -- and I have two builds made (the Daring Cav and the straight Swashbuckler..) -- so it's just a matter of putting one of them online.

Alchemist is weird - no caster level means you can't arcane strike or craft (potions notwithstanding), for instance -- but at the same time you *can* use wands ["An alchemist can utilize spell-trigger items if the spell appears on his formulae list, but not spell-completion items (unless he uses Use Magic Device to do so).]

Also, Rags, don't worry too much about optimizing -- I've seen players go down the brutish alchie route (high strength, decent int, strength mutagen with feral) and do well (though AC is an issue), I've seen dex builds (either with feral and finesse, given that natural weapons are finesse-able, or going for pure bomb damage). I've seen small alchemists go the mad bomber route (bomb damage doesn't go down with size, bonus dex and AC, bonus to-hit from size -- and reduce person becomes your best friend).

All that to say, it's one of the few classes where you can start as a JoT and then specialize as you go (and get a feel for your role in the party) via feats and discoveries.

@Treppa-Yep, no sleep required (or allowed) seems to be a thing now. Especially in this economy. ;P I'm running a theater/auditorium for a University, which is two full time jobs. (I'm literally here 24/7 some weeks) They've added a third, and are trying to convince me that a fourth is required by my position.

Yeah, right. Maybe when they decide to start actually paying me a fair wage for my FIRST job,... sheesh. :(

Hang in there Ms Resident! :)

-I'm perfectly fine with your call on not taking 'craft wand' etc as an alche. Mainly I just wanted to know so I can kind of think ahead for options. Fortunately as Til pointed out, I have a few levels to go before I have to worry about that too much. :) I'm seeing the Alche as very much in the realm of Girl Genius webcomics. There is a difference between Magic and science, but it is a very fine, blurry line. ;P

"Magic is just SCIENCE that hasn't been fully explained yet!"

just for thought,...

I have an almost finished rough draft of a human alchemist. (Was thinking elf for swords and bows, especially if going mad bomber/green arrow route) Haven't had time to rough out a decent background yet. Barring any unexpected complications at work or home tonight, (Um, does my electric oven almost exploding this morning count?!?) I should be able to get a decent first draft up in time to post monday, yes. :)

You managed to nearly explode an electric oven?

Alchemist is the right class for you.

Hey!
In my defense, it was my wife, not me!
ANNNNND, it is over 25 years old. ;P

But, If I hadn't walked in she would have left it on! :o

She heard a loud popping/bang noise, and saw sparks like a fireworks sparkler in the oven.
Turns out that the bottom electric coil, a corner of it had BENT and was glowing red-hot, and that side of the coil was now leaning down and touching the bottom of the oven.

Yeah,... time for a new oven.

And range-top,..

And dishwasher.

Ok, I should be ready -- I may need to flesh out the backstory a bit more, but I've got point-formed/highlights in my head which I can post as a placeholder -- and I have two builds made (the Daring Cav and the straight Swashbuckler..) -- so it's just a matter of putting one of them online.

Excellent!

For those who may not be as far along, as long as players know why their character is at the protest, and the group has decided upon its level of cohesiveness, we should be able to start even if backstories aren't perfect and the builds aren't completely checked/equipped yet.

EXCEPTION: veryone will need to have their skills complete for the opening scene.

Speaking of group cohesiveness, why is this rag-tag bunch of nobles(?) hanging around? Friendship? Politics? Boredom?

Speaking of group cohesiveness, why is this rag-tag bunch of nobles(?) hanging around? Friendship? Politics? Boredom?

All of the above? ;)

I'd say possibly all of the above. Valexia will attend the protest just to keep on the up and up of what's going on. She'd either have gone with friends who were going anyways or invited some other people along to see what's going on.

Valexia's skills are all filled out, I'm just missing my equipment at the moment, but still working on that part and should be done before tomorrow is happening.

OK,
done a lot of whining, but show is over, and I am getting a basic profile typed up. :)

And realized I have not yet begun to pick Traits. :P

Any suggestions? I'm sure that I can find a general trait pretty easily, it's the Campaign trait I'm not feeling.

Only thing I'm seeing that might be 'good' is CHild of Kintargo. I get the K: Nobility skill, and I get a nonmagical item worth up 200GP. That's a Full alchemy lab. :)

Otherwise,... The traits that are interested in the mysteries of Kintargo are good. (Pattern Seeker or Urban Sleuth)
I like the pattern seeker (Though I can't get the 'full' benefit of the trait, as I don't cast spells, or illusions) So I suppose that 'game-wise' best choice should be Urban sleuth, and take K:History or Local.

Any thoughts? I'm tired, and I want my skills to be complete/correct for tomorrow. :)

Thanks, I'm off to type up the Avatar stuff now.

Annnnnnd it just ate my profile.

It's gonna be a Loooooong night. :P

D:

Chrome? Lazarus?

Even with those, I type up long posts in notepad and save them until they've posted for sure.

Naw, Just good ol' Paizo Postmonster eating my posts when I hit preview.
;P

I usually copy/save all before pushing any buttons when posting in web site, But I forgot to do that. My bad. :(

Child of Kintargo is pretty decent. Since I can't take two campaign traits, I went with Diva, but was tempted to take Child of Kintargo. It just didn't fit as well, but poor Valexia is going to have to wear entertainer's clothes instead of the fancy clothes of a noble. :( I'm sure her friends (and fans) are used to her choices, though.

Pattern Seeker seems like it could be a good fit for an alchemist, what with a scientific mind and all. More than Urban Sleuth, which I see as a bit more historical than scientific.

Grr,
OK, WHat languages are we needing to cover?
I can start with 5 (Linguistics is unfortunately NOT one of my class skills)

So far I have Common (Duh) Infernal (ALso Duh) ;P and Draconic.
suggestions?

Valexia has Common, Elven and Infernal. Shadowtongue and Strix maybe, if we're to go by the player's guide's suggestions?

I was going to suggest a trait that makes Linguistics a class skill but damned if I can find one. D'oh!

Gotta admit, I love an AP where there are rules for hiding bodies.

And oddly enough, creatures who speak Celestial often learn Infernal, and vice-versa. Must be a "know thy enemy" kind of thing.

Well, one of 'Ben's' first Extract formulae's is 'Comprehend Languages'. So in a pinch, we can get by without actually speaking a language.

But RPing that moment when the person is insulting you in another language, and you answer them IN that language, is always too fun to pass up! :)

OK, here is my rough Draft PC.

Ignore the Background section. It's fooey fluff.
It's 2am here, and I need to go to sleep!

Still need to assign skills, and pick Traits. But ALMOST done.

I'm open to suggestions for the 'minor noble' family name. This one sounds like a Wiz name. (Which in my defense, is what I usually pick!)
;P

See ya all tomorrow!

And we're off!

Go ahead and post your character's description and any RP you would like to do. No rolls yet, we'll get to that later. For now, meet up with your fellows (if that's what you decide to do) or simply describe yourselves.

I will check characters during the week as we get through the intro.

Sweet!

Getting there. I swear! ;P

OK so for some final details, Have we decided that we all know each other really well? (Friends that hang out a lot) Or at least reasonably well?

Ben is a minor nobles son that is unusually popular with his peers, (considering his lack of Cha score) due to his propensity for testing, I mean providing, new and unusual beverages to them. At perfectly reasonable prices of course.
:)

Yeah, I think we should know each other reasonably well. Dee (or Deeanna), is often found about on the town or visiting the opera, trying to find some peace away from her family. She'll know Ben, especially if he's been willing to provide a couple of unusual drinks.

Although that maybe why she only has a 60gp starting fund :P

Battle map is up and the link is on the Campaign Info page (CURRENT MAP). If you have any problems seeing the park, let me know.

Individuals depicted are either guards (line before the opera house doors) or vendors/entertainers. You can assume the grounds are full of scattered people, some clustered in groups, others wandering freely. You can move around without much trouble.

I'm open to suggestions for the 'minor noble' family name.

Because the Council of Thieves campaign made Westcrown a really close analogy to fallen Rome, I tend to think of Cheliax as having an Italian look, feel, and sound.

Paizo doesn't seem to use that standard and tends to construct mostly stock "fantasy names" for their characters - lots of Ks and Gs, if you watch Tom et ses Chums, M. Garrrrdakkkaan et Morrrdakkk! (And Xs in Cheliax, as Meows pointed out.)

But then, I think I do a better job of naming characters than Paizo. :P

NOTE: If you watch the video, part 2 of 2 is a bit NSFW. >_>

Yeah, I think we should know each other reasonably well. Dee (or Deeanna), is often found about on the town or visiting the opera, trying to find some peace away from her family. She'll know Ben, especially if he's been willing to provide a couple of unusual drinks.

Although that maybe why she only has a 60gp starting fund :P

LOL!

Yeah, that might have SOMEthing to do with it! ;)

Don't worry, I'm fairly certain Ben wouldn't leave his companions hanging high and DRY on such an auspicious occasion! ;P

Treppa - Would you be OK with me taking the blood of dragons trait and reskinning it to be fiendish blood (I'd rather be a normal Chelish human with weird eyes than have a bonus to a knowledge skill as a Swashbuckler ... If not, I'll just take Infernal Influence.

Grrr, as I said, NO problem finding General traits to choose from.:P

I've managed to narrow it down to 8, and that's just from the Family Traits list! :P

Pretty much just thinking go with Alchemical Prodigy (Newer Version)(D20PFSRD) Gives +1 Alchemist level for determining Extract durations.

(So basically +1CL, duration only? Why not just +1CL for determining all Extract effects? Lots of Magic traits do that.) ;P

<Does sign language for Brainy-Explodey> ;)

Treppa - Would you be OK with me taking the blood of dragons trait and reskinning it to be fiendish blood (I'd rather be a normal Chelish human with weird eyes than have a bonus to a knowledge skill as a Swashbuckler ... If not, I'll just take Infernal Influence.

That looks OK with a modified trait bonus selection (vs fire and poison perhaps). Which bonus were you thinking of choosing?

Pretty much just thinking go with Alchemical Prodigy (Newer Version)(D20PFSRD) Gives +1 Alchemist level for determining Extract durations.

I'm not seeing that one, though I do see Alchemical Adept. Can you post a link?

I took Strong Arm, Supple Wrist and it has served me well, so far.

Thinking I'd take lowlight, actually

That works.

Ragadolf wrote:

Pretty much just thinking go with Alchemical Prodigy (Newer Version)(D20PFSRD) Gives +1 Alchemist level for determining Extract durations.

I'm not seeing that one, though I do see Alchemical Adept. Can you post a link?

I took Strong Arm, Supple Wrist and it has served me well, so far.

Linky? Sure Alchemical Prodigy

Alchemical Adept? Looking that one up next.
And Strong arm, supple wrist,.... :/

Been a long, difficult day. (Teenager school troubles) :P

I'm getting there I swear! :/

Alchemical prodigy pretty much fits the bill for the "half a feat" rule of traits. And it applies to all the extracts you make. Having bomber's eye for an extra round, particularly at low levels could make a difference in combat. And an extra round of firebreath! Another minute of invisibility and levitate, another ten of expeditious retreat. I dunno. Doesn't seem that bad to me, really. Another hour of darkvision. Ten extra minutes of barkskin.

But then, I'm pretty feverish and my mind is not clear.

That's tonight's excuse.

Yeah I'm leaning towards that one pretty heavily.
Of course I'm so tired I'm pretty much leaning on anything right now. :P

You put Xs in your name... :|

All that's really needed tonight/tomorrow morning is an intro flavor post, so don't sweat a lot of details. And I know you can do flavor.

Re Traits: If you really want one for Linguistics, there's a Polyglot skill for gnomes with the usual trait bonus to the skill. I don't know why it should be restricted to gnomes. You may use it for your character if you like.

I get a bit frustrated with apparently arbitrary restrictions and tend to eliminate those if it allows a character build that makes a player happy. To ignore purposeful restrictions, I'd need a serious justification and possibly a bribe.

Oh! BTW, I found a Trait that gives Linguistics as a class skill!
And it's one of the Campaign traits!

Unfortunately it's Gifted Satirist, not really a great fit with my character. ;P

Edit- Although, I CAN easily see me playing him as a real Wise-a$$ know it all, so that's not really a stretch. ;)

Yep I put X's in my name, (As you pointed out, Cheliax tends to have a lot of those) and you'll notice that you still pronounce it the same way! ;P

Bribes I could do. If you were close enough for me to bake brownies.
Oh wait, my oven exploded. Nevermind,... :(

Yeah I'm getting close. I'll get my intro post in soon. :)
I'm starting to actually feel like it's congealing in my brain now! :)