Slumbering Tsar: Forward - The Camp (Inactive)

Game Master Lord Manticore

A witch can only teach her familiar spells from scrolls or another witch's familiar. Also, I didn't see the house rule as saying we could cast spells of higher levels thanwould we have slots for, although we can add them to our book/familiar.

No, you can use it that way. For example, if you wanted to cast storm of vengeance, but only had a 7th level slot, you could still cast from the book, but you would need to make a Spellcraft check to find and read it in the same round, and another save to avoid fatigue or exhaustion. You can also cast that spell, even if you have no slots left from any level, it is just that the DC's would be higher to cast and avoid the fatigue.

How does that work for us divine casters that essentially know every spell?

How does that work for us divine casters that essentially know every spell?

In that case, you are basically praying to the gods to let you re-cast the spell. Instead of a Spellcraft check, it would be Knowledge(religion) that you would have to roll on. If for example, you wanted to cast bear's endurance again and you had an available 2nd level spell slot, you can re-cast without making a skill check. If you didn't have a 2nd level spell slot available, but you had a 3rd, you would make the skill check to try and get the gods to hear you. For the purposes of spell slots, even if you have memorized spells, if they have not been used yet, then it is considered available for casting from a book/praying to the gods. Does that answer your question?

Hmm, I think I misunderstood your previous post. It seemed that you were implying that we could cast spells over our level via these houserules.

I'm ready to move on. Are we waiting on someone?

That was my impression as well, Ruul. I just want to make this clear. If I fed Ally a scroll of Teleport and assuming I make a Spellcraft DC 20, which I can do by taking 10, would I then be able to cast it at level 7, when I have no level 5 spell slots, by making another spellcraft check of an appropriate DC?

Hmm, I think I misunderstood your previous post. It seemed that you were implying that we could cast spells over our level via these houserules.

I'm ready to move on. Are we waiting on someone?

A little bit of waiting. I sent out msg's to some people in response to their questions, and I don't think everyone has had a chance to look at the loadout list yet (Calendir said he would be out for a couple of hours)

I'll post at least once more as Artemis before I leave work, and then I'll be out for the night (Rocky Horror @ Alamo Drafthouse is calling me...:)

That was my impression as well, Ruul. I just want to make this clear. If I fed Ally a scroll of Teleport and assuming I make a Spellcraft DC 20, which I can do by taking 10, would I then be able to cast it at level 7, when I have no level 5 spell slots, by making another spellcraft check of an appropriate DC?

In Ally's case, if you gave her a scroll, it would follow the normal rules for a Use Magic Device check. However, if she were to read from your spellbook (perhaps shrunken down to hold in her hands?) then Ally would have to make the Spellcraft check. Because she is a natural caster (i.e. no classes in Wizard, Sorc., etc.) we need to handle her a bit differently. Looking at her spell list, I would rule that she has 3 1st level spell slots, and one 5th level, for the purposes of the house rule. If she were to start taking levels in a class however, it would be different.

That wasn't quite the question.

Currently, Ruul has an open 3rd level slot. Could he, for example, cast Miracle with a DC26 Spellcraft check?

Artemis looked around as everyone inspected their packages. It seemed to be going smoothly so far. I wish that twice-damned tinker gnome had finished the box already, but there was nothing to be done for it I suppose. It would be bad to teleport directly into the Worldwound after all.

Artemis stepped into the crowd."It looks like everything has been taken care of. If you have any additional needs, we have about 2 days from now to take care of them. Ruul, we'll see about getting you a bigger horse, but it will have to wait until the morning. Before you leave for the night, if you don't wish to stay here for the night, that is, I have one last present for all of you." Artemis then pulls an array of coins out of his pockets. They look similar to the iron bits that were shown earlier. A closer inspection, you notice that the edges on these pieces are bit more round. Instead of iron, it appears to look like actual silver.

"If you are out and about, and want to come back here, put this token into the slot your ioun stone would go in on your wayfinder. It will then lead you back here. As you are members of the Society, you are more than welcome to stay here until everything is ready for departure." Saluting everyone with two fingers to his eyebrows, he said, "As for me, I think it is time to turn in for the night, we have a busy couple of days ahead of us." Artemis then turned around and started heading up the stairs.

I would like to move over the next couple of days casually, other than the meet and greet with the boat captain for some negotiating. I'll need to know who is covering that. Also, whatever tasks you are completing between now and March 17th (the next day on the game calendar), let me know so that I can summarize things for you. I'll be out the rest of the night to take the wife to a showing of Rocky Horror, so I'll be back on tomorrow. Happy Halloween everybody!

I think you're forgetting that for a witch, Ally is my spellbook. There's a ritual where you burn a scroll, feed the ashes to the familiar (Ally prefers they be mixed with chocolate milk) and then do a spellcraft check of 15+spell level to store the spell. My confusion is whether once I've done that, I can use the full-round action and a spellcraft check to cast that 5th level spell even though I can't normally cast 5th level spells at all.

That wasn't quite the question.

Currently, Ruul has an open 3rd level slot. Could he, for example, cast Miracle with a DC26 Spellcraft check?

Only if a)you could cast 9th level spells to begin with, and b)only if you think you need a miracle :) Have fun stormin' the castle!

That was the question Elen and I were asking. Thanks LM!

"Well, given the late hour, I suppose we should be turning in soon ourselves. I doubt that the barge captain wants bothered at such a late hour and the market is likely closed for the night now, so I guess we'll wait till morning to carry out our tasks. I have yet to make any arrangements for the night, so I believe I will take you on the offer of lodging here."

As far as I know, Ruul and I will be meeting and greeting with the boat captain and gathering up provisions.

I think you're forgetting that for a witch, Ally is my spellbook. There's a ritual where you burn a scroll, feed the ashes to the familiar (Ally prefers they be mixed with chocolate milk) and then do a spellcraft check of 15+spell level to store the spell. My confusion is whether once I've done that, I can use the full-round action and a spellcraft check to cast that 5th level spell even though I can't normally cast 5th level spells at all.

Yea I did in fact forget that part, so she is essentially sharing your spell slots. As far as casting though, as I just mentioned to Ruul, you can only use the house rule if you can cast that level of spell in the first place. Until you can start casting 5th level spells, the house rule wouldn't apply to casting Teleport.

ACCELERATED INTRODUCTIONS: To introduce everyone again for Macavity's sake, I would appreciate if you would summarize what your character will share with friendly conversation. Feel free to shorten the post by referencing material in other places. Macavity will reciprocate. OR just send me a PM.

STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES: We should probably volunteer our character's strength's and weaknesses. Please volunteer to fill any particular roles, e.g. chief negotiator, treasurer, etc.

TEAM ORGANIZATION: After everyone volunteers for things, it should be obvious which character should do what. We also should identify any obvious holes or gaps that we may have potentially missed. We may need to suggest certain characters fill these gaps. Maybe we can settle on a standard watch schedule when we travel, too.

I'm okay with crashing in the Lodge.

The following morning Ruul is up early - before the sun has even risen. The bull exits the building so he can be outside, and in the twilight hours of the morning, lights up a stick of strong incense. With his eyes closed, the minotaur meditates on the nature of magic and how it relates to life. As was often the case during these morning prayers, he found himself drawing correlations between the two. Magic was life.

As the sun begins to break across the horizon he opens his eyes and reads from his prayer book. The prayers are part holy scripture-part spell, and which each lines another spell forms, ready for use, within his mind. As the first full rays of the sun fall across his brawny form, Ruul closes the book and stands prepared to break his fast and begin his day.

I'll give you a chance to post some RP before we leave on our errands, Lavinia.

After all the conversations are done, Lavinia bids everyone a goodnight and turns in for the night. Lavinia sits crosslegged on the floor of her room and offers up her prayers to Pharasma and then turns in for the night. After waking up from some rather interesting dreams, she re-arranges all her belongings into her new bag, prepares herself for the new day and goes to find the common room for breakfast.

Lavinia will wave to Ruul and whoever else chose to eat breakfast here in the lodge and goes to sit beside them for breakfast. ]"Good morning, I hope you have slept well and are prepared for our tasks today."

Ruul's ears twitch as Lavinia enters the room. He wipes his chin with a meaty hand and nods.

"Good morning to you too. I slept well enough although anticipation of the task before us occupied my dreams. Nethys has filled my mind with fresh spells and I am prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead of us."

The minotaur is as strong and stoic as ever but his shining eyes and perked ears betray his pleasure.

"I suppose we should first head to the barge, then secure the provisions. That way we can arrange to have them delivered straight to the barge, enough provisions for the whole group would be too much for even you to carry. I am a bit curious as to exactly how much you are capable of lifting. You don't mind personal questions, do you?"

"You speak wisely. We will visit the docks first."

The bass rumble of laughter rolls forth again at the second part of Lavinia's question.

"I agree. We should have the foodstuffs delivered."

"I am not certain what the limits of my strength are. It isn't often that they are tested", he says as he flexes the massive slabs of muscle on one arm.

Without a warning, the bull stands from his seat, grabs the bottom of Lavinia's chair, and hefts both the chair and the cleric into the air. He easily does a few curls for effect. His great sinews swell with power at the effort.

"I'd say quite a bit more than that", the minotaur concludes as he puts the woman down.

Taken completely off guard by the Minotaur's actions, Lavinia lets out a little shriek and grabs the sides of her chair as it is suddenly lifted up into the air.

After being put back down, Lavinia has to take a few deep breaths before she's able to comment. "Uhm, that was quite an impressive demonstration. I can say that I have never had anyone do that before. Tell me, do lift up the chair of every woman you meet?"

You had us confused with your response LM, but I think we are clear now. House Rule 3 cannot be used to cast spells higher than you could normally cast. So Azaraunt will hold the two scrolls of Teleport and use them only for emergencies, even though he badly wants to scribe one into his his spellbook and let Elen's familiar eat the other.

Before the group breaks up for the evening the wizard offers Other than the research required I have no plans for the next two days. I could always scribe scrolls but I would offer to craft some pearls of power for my new team if anyone has the need and can provide the material components.

Two days of crafting will allow up to 2000 gp of items to be made. So that can be 2 first level pearls, or two cloaks of Resistance +1, if anyone is lacking. You will need to provide half the item value in materials for him to be able to craft. Just let me know

I will be spending the night outside of town - I have been sitting down for too long, me and Lagash both want to stretch our legs - we are going out hunting, and I will meet you all here tomorrow morning. Unless any of you wanna join?

I would take you up on the offer for Pearls of Power Azaraunt, if the group agrees to spennd those 2000gp on me, and there is nothing more useful to craft

Apart from hy ooc's in the discussion and here, I'm ready to fast forward :D

Ruul takes a moment to stretch after the brief exercise.

"Perhaps not every woman but a good number of them. Not many care to resist. If you enjoyed it, I'd be happy to give you another performance later today", the minotaur rumbles deeply.

The bull offers a massive hand to help the cleric from her seat.

"Shall we be off?"

***

Ruul will go with Lavinia, first to the docks to secure a ship and then to the markets to find food and drink for the extended trip. Ruul will try to keep a low profile but he's not terribly good at subterfuge. He'll buff himself with Enchanced Diplmacy (getting him to +20) or aid Lavinia if it looks like she's getting a better reaction. If the shipmaster is the sorts that appreciates a show of strength over careful words, Ruul will opt for Intimidate instead.

Lavinia will take his hand as she stands. "Are any of those women awaiting your return?"

Do you want any rolls from us for negotiating? If needed Lavinia will cast Eagle's splendor on herself before the bargaining and use comprehend language if needed to communicate.

Macavity will seek out a dialogue with each of your characters as described in the Discussion thread taking advantage of the time provided by Rings of Sustenance and Elven sleep cycles. If everyone is asleep or occupied, he'll sleep in the house for two hours per day. Otherwise, he'll wander around town randomly observing.

Numair will participate in ooc w/ macavity. During the day he will try to go speak to the merchant's guild to get more detail about the missing caravan.

I will post responses to MacCavity's questions in the discussion thread as others have been doing. It should be noted that Pathfinder doesn't specify any special sleeping patterns for elves, so Elen makes sure to get a full 8 hours every night.

Elen comes down to breakfast in a pair of loose cotton pantaloons and a baggy shirt. This may be what she wore to bed, or something she threw on quickly after waking. Ally flutters behind her, leaving a trail of rainbows and sparkles.

As she digs into a bowl of oatmeal, the elf watches Ruul and Lavinia, giggling as the pale human is lifted into the air.

Later, after changing back into an Explorer's outfit, she will follow Numair to the Merchant's guild and shop for remaining supplies, including a set of masterwork tools for Profession(cook) and more scrolls to add to her spell list.

Laughing musically as Lavinia is hoist, Ally flutters over and alights on the pharasmin's shoulder, and whispers into her ear:

The azata laughs mischeviously and darts back across the table to Elen, who has cocked her head curiously, having failed to overhear the whispers.

Lavinia would have blushed a bright scarlet at Ally's comment and would have hoped that Ruul had missed it since she was over his head at that moment. Though that did make her think that perhaps she should stock up on some various herbs before the trip, including those for motion sickness for the boat trip.

Before leaving with Ruul on their errand, Lavinia would have asked Elen. "After our errands are done, would you care to accompany me for a little shopping for a few additional things?"

Sorry, long commute home.

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29

Ruul tries to pretend not overhearing the tiny woman's comments but eventually the beast's unsubtle nature gets the better of him and the rumbling laughter rises again.

"Not to worry little one. My kind learn early how to bring great pleasure without undue pain when coupling with the softer races. You would be surprised what can be accomplished with enough of the proper preparation", he adds - apparently equally unabashed when it came to intimate matters.

"Are any of those women awaiting your return?"

"No", the bull answers simply. "But would it matter if one of them was?" he adds in a soft, but challenging, tone.

"But, the tea isn't for pain it's for...oh, just nevermind." Clearly rather embarrassed and not wanting to risk further public conversations of this nature, Lavinia tugs on Ruul's arm, a bit eager to leave the room since she's convinced everyone is now staring. "Come on, we have preparations to make for the trip."

"No", the bull answers simply. "But would it matter if one of them was?" he adds in a soft, but challenging, tone.

Lavinia relies just as simply, "Yes, it would."

Ruul looks like he's going to open his mouth for another question but suddenly finds himself being dragged outside.

Lavinia relies just as simply, "Yes, it would."

The minotaur doesn't say anything immediately but glances at Lavinia with that combination of eye twinkle, head movement, and ear twitch that could be a smile.

"Fair enough daughter of Pharasma."

Elen nods at Lavinia, "Let's catch up with Numair, he said something about going to the merchant's guild. I think that's near the market." She runs up to her room where she changes clothes and puts her gear into her new bigger-on-the-inside backpack, then joins the pale woman. After they are in private, she asks Lavinia what Ally said, having missed it, but gathering from Ruul's comments that it was something about sex. "Ruul seems quite honorable, but is about as subtle as a punch to the nose," she muses.

Among the gear she suggests purchasing are masterwork tool kits for sewing, cooking, extensive stocks of tea, medicinal herbs, spices, cloth, leather, thread, and other general necessities of life. She is still not completely convinced that this "Usurer" fellow isn't running a company-store scheme that drives people into debt, and she doesn't want to have to rely on the exchange rate with 'iron bits' to sustain their team.

Lavinia was traveling with Ruul to book passage to the Camp and arrange for food and water. Is Elen tagging along and falling back a bit with Lavinia or waiting for us to return?

Elen decides to just tag along with Ruul and Lavinia and go to the market afterwards.

That works.

Elen pre-emptively casts False Life and Mage armor with lesser extend rod (1 use left today), and offers to cast mage armor on Ruul as well, assuming he hands over a pearl and his lesser extend rod for the same purpose.

False Life: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

She does this pretty much every day. Both will last 14 hours, so assuming this is around 8am or so it will last until after a reasonable bedtime.

Ruul happily hands over his pearl and metamagic rod during Elen's morning rituals.

During the day today, Calendir will come back into Nerosyan in the evening time to share dinner with his travelling companions, and get updates on the arrangements being made.

Survival check 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
Survival Check 2: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
we're still not in Desert I guess, so no favoured terrain bonus)

About mid afternoon of the next day, Calendir arrives with a multitude of local food products he had been gathering for the past two days - all of them freshly hunted, skinned and ready for cooking, laying down on the table an assorted mix of quails, mountain goat, wild honey, salmons, three waterskins of fresh mountain spring water and a couple portions of Lemongrass Tea.

Since I'm no good at shopping or otherwise parlay for barge services and whatnot, at least I can get us some decent, fresh meals before we leave - he explains - I'm used to cooking these outdoors, but I am guessing if any of you have some actual cooking skills, their flavor can be upped quite a few notches - and in the meantime teach me how to move about in a kitchen without choking myself to death with salt or something... he laughs heartily.

Macavity will join Numair on his errands to listen to him prattle about himself. While away from the magical house, Macavity will be fairly monosyllabic in responses, clearly uncomfortable sharing anything of his that could be overheard by others. While traveling, Macavity's nonverbal habits liken him to a predatory panther at the top of the food chain.

"This place seems clean enough. Or at least cleaner than that filthy inn. I'll stay here," Kallistiel says in response to Artemis' offer of hospitality.

---

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

The next morning Kallistiel eats quietly at the table with the others. The conversation between the taurian, the human woman and the azata, her face became pale as she did everything in her power not to bring up what little meal she had already eaten. Savages! What has the Society come to when beastiality is the norm? Disgusting!

Kallistiel places the piece of bread she had been holding on the plate and stands. "If you will excuse me, I seem to be feeline a little peaked," she says as she leaves the room.

Kallistiel will remain behind.

Survival check 1: 1d20+11

Survival Check 2: 1d20+11
we're still not in Desert I guess, so no favoured terrain bonus)

About mid afternoon of the next day, Calendir arrives with a multitude of local food products he had been gathering for the past two days - all of them freshly hunted, skinned and ready for cooking, laying down on the table an assorted mix of quails, mountain goat, wild honey, salmons, three waterskins of fresh mountain spring water and a couple portions of Lemongrass Tea.

Since I'm no good at shopping or otherwise parlay for barge services and whatnot, at least I can get us some decent, fresh meals before we leave - he explains - I'm used to cooking these outdoors, but I am guessing if any of you have some actual cooking skills, their flavor can be upped quite a few notches - and in the meantime teach me how to move about in a kitchen without choking myself to death with salt or something... he laughs heartily.

Your survival checks nets you 2 snared rabbits and a nice, fat, pheasant. You almost caught a decent 8-point buck deer, but at the last second, the deer ducked back and your arrow went through where he was standing. Make a percentile roll to see if you regained that arrow.

Just that? I thought I would get enough for 1 person/day for each 2 points above 10? Dissapointing... Well, let's call it a... snack then shall we? :D

My ARROW!! Give it BACK!: 1d100 ⇒ 14

At sometime during one of their conversations, maybe during a meal, at whatever point all are gathered, Calendir will also address the following with the group:

I've had sometime to ponder what lies ahead for us, and if I am correct, we seem to have several tasks ahead of us - he pulls up a few crumpled pieces of paper, with multiple scribbling on them, fiddles with them for a while, then lays them down on the table - Ok, so... As far as we have been requested, we have to...

So all of these will take us to Tsar proper, and may consist of several weeks of investigation - the common tie is that they should all be circumscribed to the same general region.

Unfolding another crumpled piece of paper, he adds: Otherwise, we have been informed that:

After all this, Calendir takes a deep sip from his waterskin and watches all that are gathered, adding in: It would seem that we could structure our actions somewhat based on this - I would say... He fishes yet another crumpled piece of paper from one of his belt pouches and lays it down - it has a bunch of information blocks and arrows between them - I would say... We start by getting our bearings at the camp, investigate the wolf attacks, and attempt to stop them - then we search the temple, simply because it is nearby. All the while we chance meeting the dwarves, and can ask around about them.

Now... the caravan... Either we go at it thirdly, or if we consider that there may be endangered merchants, we can go about it immediately as soon as we arrive, making it our first priority, though by the time we arrive at The Camp, sometime will already have passed since their dissapearance... He lets the thought hang...

Then I believe we have two options - If we have a solid lead on the dwarves whereabouts we can go search for them AND head to Tsar afterwards. If not we can head to that Lost City straight away, since the bulk of our purpose here seems to lie within.

After the long speech, he reclines on the chair - What say you?

Macavity nods in agreement with Calendir and replies, "First, secure the Camp and its surroundings, then Tsar. Its secrets can wait a little longer." He continues to sip his tea.

After a pause, he offers, "Let's not forget Gundrun. It will be among the foundation of our supply lines and should be solidified, too."

"Have we thought about a cover story for our group? Something other than an official Pathfinder Society expedition. Maybe a noble or two with entourage on a private expedition to pursue some personal quest? Something reasonably believable that is not too far from the literal truth.

A good summary Caldndir. My thought are the caravan should be priority. But even before that we need to assess the situation of the camp and secure our place there. I this I agree with Macavity completely. But I put forth that the challenge may lie with the leader of the camp and gaining his trust. It will not surprise me if there are some tasks that he desires done as well.

LM, could we get a list of the aampaign goals as we uncover them in the Campaign info tab, perhaps, kind of like a quest list? :D And move them to a 'completed' section when we achieve them?

That is a great idea!