Something Wicked This Way Comes (Inactive)

Game Master Fanguar

I assumed it was so you could do vampire level drain stuff with unarmed strikes or something.

If the GM will allow that I'm down! Equally, since Slams can easily be 'unarmed attacks', does my slam get improved by my monk levels GM? :)

4) After the Lyre is done Molsabar can get help from Lefty for making Sari's Conductive Amulet of Mighty Fists. That's 4 days worth of work with Lefty and Molsabar working together. The DC for the item is 19. Sari, you'll need to provide the 8k in materials.[/ooc]...

Molasbar can craft the amulet; his trait gives him a caster level of 6, the minimum to do a +2 AOMF. I show it would be a DC 23, which he can beat by taking 10 on his spellcraft.

I get DC 23 based on 5 + 8 (CL for conductive) +5 (not having greater magic fang) + 5 (not having spectral hand).

And Molasbar will then take advantage of Lefty's remarkable proficiency in helping to craft some items for himself. I'll post that as soon as I can.

I can cast spectral hand, or make a scroll so you can cast it yourself. Might not be needed, but that's where my math came from.

Crafting, after the Lyre and the AoMS. For himself, Molasbar will craft a corset of delicate moves, a headband of vast intellect +2, a cloak of resistance +2 and an amulet of natural armor +1.

In addition, he’ll add spells to his spellbook (from Xanos’s) and his formula book (from his book and Xanos’s).

I admit I'm a little lost as to the big picture, so I will take suggestions on what Rose should be doing with her free time!

One(or both) of you fine crafter folk wanna make me this?

Fang, could I somehow cannibalize my current normal Hat of Disguise to help offset the cost slightly? Not that it's all that much in the first place, but clearly I don't need *two* items that do the same thing, lol

Also, I can provide the Infernal Healing via my wand(I think that's allowed?)

Molsabar can crank that out in a half a day with Lefty's help. We should just be able to add those abilities to your Circlet as 1 per days with the Item Crafting rules. I think it will end up being a thousand gold in materials.

Xanos' time is spoken for, unfortunately.

If Mosabar is looking to Craft some augmenting items then Albrέkt would like a Belt of Physical Might (+2 STR & +2 DEX) - cost him 5000 in raw materials.

He's also mulling a Gauntlet of Rust which would set him back a further 5,750.

If the vamps are still purchasing a joint Wand of Silence that'll cost 4,500 (so 2,250 each)... but we might need to belay that (or I'll defer the Gauntlet for the present) - Sari what you reckon?

I admit I'm a little lost as to the big picture, so I will take suggestions on what Rose should be doing with her free time!

As per my in-game suggestion you could charm one of the "good sisters" and spend the rest of your downtime hanging out with your new vamp besties :)

If the vamps are still purchasing a joint Wand of Silence that'll cost 4,500 (so 2,250 each)... but we might need to belay that (or I'll defer the Gauntlet for the present) - Sari what you reckon?

I still think we need it, in case of awkward clerics (or necromancers!) I can put more money in though if it would help you get other things.

Once he has finished crafting the items ordered by Xanos, Molasbar priorities the items for himself. Once he is out of materials (and those items above spend all of his share of the loot), he will gladly craft for the others. Though he'll balk at something like a half-orc bane weapon...

He would welcome the distraction, and he also welcomes an opportunity to prove his worth to his new allies. It is just an added bonus that it gives him insider knowledge to some of their abilities should things make a turn for the worst. :)

When you are sure what you'd like in the crafting queue, I can work out the spellcraft roll and let you know if he'd be able to take ten, if it needs a crafter's fortune to take ten, or if a roll will need to be risked.

Right now he only has craft wondrous items. In a couple of levels, I am planning on taking Craft Magic Arms and Armor.

Cool - prioritise the Wand for Team Fang. If you have time for Albrέkt then the Belt of Physical Might is my priority mate.

We only have ten days right now, so some stuff will have to wait.

With Xanos, Lefty and Molsabar all working on crafting we can crank out roughly 5k worth of magical ctafting progress per day.

Albrέkt's stuff is not a priority - even with all your magical trinkets he's still the clear powerhaus and leader of the Knot ;)

Of course Mein Bruder, of course...

Don't you have a 50% chance of being my slave anytime I want?

(grinds fangs and balefully scowls at Xanos)

Oh wait! That's only for my weaker command undead ability. The other one is a lot higher than 50%. I'm so forgetful sometimes. :)

Hmm, Command Undead is a 2nd level spell.

I'm guessing it wouldn't cost too much to make some sort of item(scroll, wand, etc) that allows me to cast it, huh?

Nope. Pretty cheap. I recommend wands. Items have low DCs though.

Makes sense to have contingency protocols in place if/as/when the Epoche ov Pestilenz Und Verrotten begins... will keep you all from being fed upon for a little while at least... ;)

Besides Command Undead requires a verbal component - something Team Vamp's Wand of Silence will stymie (and the screams that follow) :[

Shhh Albrekt - don't give away all of our plans too soon... :D

Hmm, Command Undead is a 2nd level spell.

I'm guessing it wouldn't cost too much to make some sort of item(scroll, wand, etc) that allows me to cast it, huh?

Scrolls, passed around generously, would probably be best. I know it would always be right at the top of my haversack.

Vampires, meet sunlight, and suck it.

Edit: But seriously, I rather don't like the fact that several of the PCs are planning for pvp. *Definitely* not what I signed up for, nor did I join up for an undead heavy/focused game.

Which, normally, I freakin love. My absolute favorite real life PC was a badass necromancer.

However, I joined Way of the Wicked for Devil/Diabolic/Hell/Asmodeus fun, and we have 3 undead PCs, two of which seem like they are plotting against the other PCs, which I am 100% opposed to.

Chill matey - tis but banter. The Wand of Silence is vs opponent spell casters.

I've not indulged in PvP in my days of gaming nor intend to... However if my back and forth isn't to your taste then I suggest growing a thicker skin - there is no intent or plot against other PCs (which I also would 100% oppose).

Please note I'm managing not to get all bent out of shape with Xanos' necromantic controlling overtures (even though I know his character could do it) - because I know he and GMFang wouldn't go that route...

Think you need to have more (unholy) faith chief, I've long mentioned that I see evil cooperation as somewhat of a dysfunctional grouping - more so with such a motley mix of faiths, motivations and characters that we have in this game.

As for not signing up for an undead heavy/focused game... slightly baffled there, as we only have 2 vamps and 1 necromancer out of 6 PCs... Plenty of scope for a everyone to have moments in the sun (well apart from the vamps!). Again if this is a problem then I guess we need to discuss with GMF as I think you missed bringing up that concern quite a few levels back.

If the jokes (and they are just that) are offending your sensibilities I'll tone them down as I'm here to indulge a hobby and hopefully make the game enjoyable for all.

If playing a zealot B-Movie psuedo-nazi vampire to the hilt is spoiling your enjoyment then we have a deeper problem as I'm loving the character and would hate to "dial him down". However if there is a chorus of support for your concerns then I guess this isn't the game for me anymore.

Cheers

BD

I'm not going to try to take control of the vamps. I have no intrest in PVP, and in character, Xanos knows the vampires are on his side. He wouldn't try to control them anymore than he would try to Charm or Dominate Haruk.

I just like to tease Albrekt about it when he gets uppity.

Totally. No real PvP ever intended here, just a little ribbing across the gaming table. And when I role play Molasbar being concerned about fitting in and being wary of the vampires, that's just play as well.

Edit: Though some of these tactics may be worth pursuing, in case we come across undead rivals.

Nail on the head DH - Albrekt gets uppity.. a character in a collaborative roleplaying game.

I for one enjoy the teasing and banter - Albrekt is a zealot and a blunt instrument who likes to crow about his faith and undead status.

As Haruk succinctly put I am more than aware of a vampires fallible qualities. GM-F could absolutely put the vamps through the mill with some simple encounter, and Albrekt being a front line fanatic is much more likely to bear the brunt than the more canny and subtle Sariana.

To reiterate for Haruk: PvP was never on the agenda (and never will be).

I think we're all on the same page, no real PvP going on, just intrigue for the sake roleplay, because this is exactly how dysfunctional team evil SHOULD be in-game.

Functionally dysfunctional. :)

Evil games can easily become pvp, and I don't know any of you aside from Xanos, who I know wouldn't engage in such actions. The rest of you, not so much. Thus, when I see repeated comments about getting wands of silence to use against Xanos and I(and I guess Rose too), it sets off some red flags.

As for my complaints about undead in the game, I think that's just my overwhelming frustration of feeling incredibly useless lately. There's not been much for Haruk to do, that somebody else can't do better, and it kinda sucks. I have no intention of leaving this game, but I do feel quite stuck with pretty much nothing to do in game. It's mainly why I haven't posted all that often, as I don't feel I have anything to really add currently.

I definitely don't have a problem with how anybody is playing their character, I just wanted to make it clear that I was concerned about what seemed to be likely pvp. Glad to hear that isn't the case.

Its IC paranoia - nothing else! :) IC Sari has only recently joined you, nearly did end up in a show-down with Xanos over a misunderstanding and is naturally paranoid about being forced to meet Mitra rather more personally than she'd like.

Hence a wand of silence - which will make Albrekt actually sneaky, annoy the mitran priests who will inevitably come attack us at some point and would even the playing field a little if Xanos ever does decide that he knows better than the rest of us!

Sari is also well aware of the vampires limitations - she's just making active, if quiet, efforts to mitigate them. Unlike Albrekt who seems to think that yelling loudly enough will make them go away ;)

If you're feeling frustrated, something needs to change. Here's an outside perspective that might help.

For much of the game, I considered Haruk the "face" character of the party. Before our three new folks came on board it was Xanos, Haruk and Albrekt being the three evil amigos. Xanos and Albrekt are not really social characters (obviously). Haruk definitely is, or at least he can be when he chooses to. One of the things I've noticed is that Haruk doesn't often choose to take advantage of his charm.

For instance, when we arrived to talk to the baron, Albrekt and Xanos were their usual selves. As a player, I thought it was a good opportunity for Haruk to show off, charm the pants off the baron, and maybe chide Xanos and Albrekt for their lousy diplomacy.

I was surprised when Haruk jumped onto the "be a jerk to a potential ally" bandwagon.

I would never want to tell you how to play your character, but since you seem kind of unhappy with Haruk lately, I thought I'd bring that example up as a spot that seemed like a missed opportunity for Haruk to shine.

Right now, we are building an evil organization. I can't think of anyone in the party better suited to recruitment than our devilishly charming sorcerer. It's something you could easily do, if you wanted to.

Basically, I'm saying it's fine for Haruk to be snide and aloof if that's what you want him to be. However, you might get a lot of role play mileage out of having Haruk hide his true nature and be smooth and charismatic in pursuit of his goals.

If I'm misreading and your frusterations are mechanical in nature, maybe we can talk about some kind of retraining?

I would also add that we are all aware that this game is a slow burner, which doesn't help if you're feeling adrift somewhat - but GMF has been pretty straight up on that front. As such think (as players) its our responsibility to press the action/opportunities and if things aren't panning out quite as we'd hope - flag this up in the OOC.

Saying retrospectively that "you've felt useless, and not had much to do" is unfortunate to hear, but by the same token the onus to change those circumstances has to start with you.

Ultimately your suggestions may involve having to get the green light from the GM, but at least you're being proactive in changing the dynamic.

I agree 100% with Xanos' post above - being the Knot's figurehead and face will put you front and centre and in an incredibly powerful/influential role.

Haruk might be the only character in the Knot who truly serves Cardinal Thorn. Xanos and Albrekt pay lip service in lieu of the own warped agendas. Rose and Molesbar are mercenary and self-serving, so the set-up suits their own aspirations of power. Who knows what the secretive and subtle Sariana's end game is (if there even is one).

Haruk should be the one with the infernal hotline, and have potentially an inside track that the others don't.

Just my 2 fangs worth - take 'em with a pinch of brimstone if you so wish matey.

It's mostly that there hasn't been much for him to do since we've gotten to the Horn.

I handled the boggarts more or less, then Sari became their new queen, so not needed there. Can't negotiate with the daemons or the wraiths, and Xanos is by far the more knowledgeable arcane caster, so I can only really assist on all the research and such.

While I could have gone into the city, I'm not entirely sure what I could have done there, as it's mostly a 'shopping' trip which we knew was going to be basically skipped over from the start.

It's not so much a mechanical or even RP issue, as I love his build and personality, it's just there's nothing for him to do that I can see.

I had planned on having you take the driver's seat for the various rituals we are going to perform to summon minions. You're going to get a Nightmare steed out of that, which will be fun. Personally I think you should get the hellhounds also, since that's thematically your thing, and Sari already has the Boggards. You two can argue about that.

I've enjoyed the RP while we decoded the murals. The whole exploration of the Horn has been slow, but lots of fun in the RP department. Wish I'd known you were feeling frustrated sooner. While its up to each of us to create our own scenes, it's a collaborative game. The rest of us can help create scenes for Haruk too.

I'm not sure if I mentioned it yet, but even though I'm putting in the crafting work to repair the golem, I'd planned on having Molsabar finish the job so the robot imprints on him first.

I like the idea of each of us having primary control over different minions. There will be some overlap both in actual authority, and in themes, but if we are all on the same page about who gets to make the big decisions for each minion(s), it should work fine.

I'll defer on the subject of hellhounds if that helps - and call dibs second time round. Frankly I'd prefer the hellhounds to the boggards - Sari looks at them as food and not much else whereas she could actually take the hellhounds into combat. If you'd like to take over I have no problem with that either :)

Let me know whichever way round - Sari really isn't into the whole 'rulership' thing so you're welcome to all the responsibility. :}

I thought you were planning on turning the Boggards into Vampire Spawn eventually?

Well, in the name of stating grandiose aspirational goals, I like the idea of corrupting as many former Mitrans as possible to follow the ways of Asmodeus, starting with the Abbey of Saint Cynthia-Celeste.

RE: Crafting: I'm just going to trust that people are mathing correctly here. FYI - the away team indicated that they were not planning on returning to the Horn until the 3 weeks were up.

@Haruk:Re: Hat of disguise: you can just sell it for cash to feed into other crafting.

RE:PVP: The contract basically gives an in-game reason why this can't happen. Just remember the lawful part of LE. The in-game mistrust makes sense in the context of the PCs.

RE:Downtime activities: People literally don't have to do anything. We can just hop from event to event, if people want. The AP, and this adventure specifically, allows the PCs to expand on the experience. If you're not much of a proactive player, don't worry about it.

Re:Haruk's Disconnect: If you're not feeling the character, you can always just re-build. Ultimately though, what does Haruk want? It's really all about motivation. Also, there's no obligation to go above and beyond, if you're not into the downtime aspect of the AP.

I thought you were planning on turning the Boggards into Vampire Spawn eventually?

Could do... just don't really care :) As far as Sari is concerned they are more or less beneath her notice. Making them undead just means that they become somewhat more effective workers...

I mean, I would definitely like the hellhounds as well, I just didn't want to be overly greedy. Tbh, I forgot Sari was planning on turning the boggards into vampire spawn.

I actually really like the downtime rules, I'm just not sure what Haruk can do to actually contribute. He lacks crafting skills(they don't make sense for him), and he doesn't have any magic item creation feats, yet. I plan for him to take Craft Rod at 9th, but that's not coming up any time soon.

Thus, I'm stuck. I'll gladly take suggestions, but for right now, the only thing I can possibly think of is after the initial 10 days of the away team being gone, Haruk will venture into the city, and begin recruitment for the rest of the 3 weeks.

Just means I'm not sure what he can do during those 10 days.

Also, I thought the whole point of the 10 days was that was how long it was going to take to sell off the goods. At which point team Vamp would return, then I guess go back to town?

I thought the whole point of the 10 days was that was how long it was going to take to sell off the goods. At which point team Vamp would return, then I guess go back to town?

Same. I'm really not sure where the "three weeks in town" thing came from, or why we are doing it.

I think its so that all the stuff we've ordered via the Baron arrives and we don't have to do this all again in a week or so...

@Haruk: Could downtime be him perhaps establishing his own spy ring/group of followers within Farholde? Perhaps a sideline cult/cabal or some such. Reading Haruk's background it seems he spent a great deal of time insidiously corrupting those to infernal thrallship. Ergo I'm thinking your a long-term planner here - "big picture" and with that CHA of 20 you'll be highly persuasive in seducing folk into your devilish fold.

Just my take on how his "downtime" could be spent (once Farholde's roots are corrupted he can set his stall ever higher - all while doing the Knots/Cardinal's "good work").

Vile Leadership feat might also be a boon if you go that route?

Re: timescale - Sari has the right of it. Wanted to minimise the back-and-forth to The Horn. However likely would need a bunch of trips to ship all the bulk loot to the Baron? At least one of us could return to base in 10 days - perhaps with a wagon to then return to Farholde as necessary?

How far is the trip from Farholde to the Horn?

I would be fine taking control of the golem, if for no other reason than to make running any combat in the Horn easier for the group.

The sooner restless Molasbar can start crafting, the better. :)

Selling the stuff and procuring all of your requested items takes 3 weeks.
I have an event to run that takes place in 10 days from the current game day because you killed the treant.

Once the ritual starts there is a hard timer and weekly events, so we will be jumping a week or two at a time.

I don't expect, or really want, us to RP out every day.

@Haruk: I believe you took leadership. You can start your evil organization.

Post with the link to the evil organization stuff

@Xanos: It takes a day to get to town, so 2 day round trip.