As a group we seem pretty comfortable with evil magic.
To be fair though, Garidan hasn't really noticed anything flagrantly evil yet among the party's various wielders of magical might. The imp would probably get a raised eyebrow and some dubious looks, true, but he'd let it slide as long as it's not his business to deal with and Malthazir doesn't give him reason to doubt.
Of course, since the entirety of his magical knowledge (such as it is) is entirely academic (Knowledge) instead of practical (Spellcraft), he probably would never notice anything that wasn't either pointed out to him or so obviously corrupt that even he couldn't miss it.
Niyut hasn't been shy about calling Malthazir's rock everything from: bad-magic-rock, evil, to bad medicine. If Garidan hasn't noticed that at least one of his compatriots thinks there is evil magic afoot, he hasn't listened.
First, that thing is made of squick as far he's concerned and he doesn't let its existence intrude upon his thoughts anymore than he absolutely has to (followed by lots and lots of healthy repression afterward).
Second, if he actually did consider the matter to any extent, he'd figure that this might just be Niyut throwing shade on a magical tradition she doesn't like; she hasn't been at all shy of her low opinion on lowlander magic or its practioners.
Fair. It may also be the case that Niyut telling Garidan that her own people mistrust her magic as wrong has also led him to discount when she says something is bad medicine.
Though by no means is she suggesting that they don't let it eat their wounds. It's too useful to worry about scruples.
Malz is actually going to be equally surprised by the imp. Since imps have the ability to shapechange into crows, I'm going to flavor it that now he's revealing himself. I think it will be a fun little hook.
Hmm, but if I remember correctly we can only be bonded to 3 objects, right? Malz currently has the devil ooze, the stormborn robe, and the golden eye patch.
You bond with something when you have invested an Essence in it. You possess the eye patch, but you aren't bonded with it. You can attempt to bond the staff.
Could he use a Conjuration essence to create a custom summon list? Could he use one to grant Toughness or damage reduction of some kind to his summons?
Not sure what you exactly mean by a custom list, but the other two would be possible, I think. Depending on the exact request it might be a combination of essences.
You bond with something when you have invested an Essence in it. You possess the eye patch, but you aren't bonded with it. You can attempt to bond the staff.
Correct.
There is a CR range for the things summoned; Summon IV usually gives 3 or 4 CR creatures.
Let's say he spends a Conjuration Essence to add 1-2 things per spell level of the appropriate CR not on the standard summon list to the list of things he can summon.
For example, Pech aren't on any list, but with a Conjuration Essence he could add them and several others to his list of things he can summon. They would go on Summon III or Summon IV.
Does that make sense?
I see said the blind man as he picked up his hammer and saw. :-)
I’m sure we could work out something in that manner.
Regarding the limits on bonded items, it was at 3 initially. Valjoen has indicated than this numner could rise at some point. Maybe when we have more levels tucked under our belts, as our current selection is tied to that limit.
Also say hello to Torenz's new flesh. His last body was...confining.
Hmm, thanks Niyut. I know earlier I had mentioned wanting to get something akin to sacred summons. Perhaps with my new imp familiar we could get something moving in the way of tempting him towards more evil summons?
Or perhaps something along the lines of a signature spell from the spell specialist archetype? I would love to be able to prepare some utility spells instead of stocking up on tons of summons.
A life essence would certainly gain you either sacred summons or a similar feat for devils... although that may be walking a line towards evil acts depending how you used or interacted with them. Summoning evil creatures is always a tightrope act.
You could certainly attempt to bond with the Sage Staff. It currently lets you get preferred spell on a known/scribed spell. And yes, I think a couple EE's bonded to it, would allow you to use preferred spell on a line of spells like summon monster.
Two EEs to let it learn a spell line would be amazing for Malthazir! Could he raise the level limit from 5th +1 with an EE later on?
Honestly, Malthazir, this might be your best use of your EEs at the moment. And use your Conjuration Essence to provide a buff to your summons.
I also think you should lean into the evil magic of it all and use the Life Essence to get the summon devils as a standard action. A cool secondary benefit might being to add fiendish as a template to elementals so you can summon them faster as well. C'mon, make an unholy pact. :-)
Oh yeah, Malz will start walking right into the "Well it's the most efficient magic so I'll use it" route and very carefully walk the tightrope of evil magic :)
Do you want to use/change your Essence allotment?
Indeed, Malz will instead bond to the staff and I will await the DM thoughts on augments to summon monster with the use of the conjuration essence.
Did Garidan want a long series of trenches or did he want one really deep hole where the gate house used to be? Because if we concentrated those trenches in one area, that would be one deep hole!
In transparency for the adjustments I already put in for the levelup:
Skills (13)
Acrobatics
Bluff (+4 ranks)
Craft (traps)
Escape Artist
Disable Device
Intimidate
Perception
Ride
Sleight of Hand
Stealth
Barring something unforeseen, these should each get one rank per level here on out.
Attribute advancement - Dexterity
Class ability advancement: Sneak Attack is now 4d6. That's it :'(
Now, regarding the essences, there are 4-6 outstanding:
(EE12: Storm Hag) Bear Trap Intelligence?? (Secondary Effect) ??
(EE13: Storm Hag) Bear Trap Intelligence?? (Secondary Effect) ??
(EE14:Ursikka) - ?? (Secondary Effect) ??
(EE15:Tikbalang) - Saving (Secondary Effect) ??
(EE16:Flame Staff) - Saving (Secondary Effect) ??
(LE4:Gnoll Ranger) - ?? (Secondary Effect) ??
Here is what I had in mind with the mechanics of the trap, which we'll call Lockjaw:
Presently with the 2 EEs from the hags: As a standard action, Gruskorb can direct Lockjaw to rotate and/or float up to 30' (similar to the floating disk spell) using his character level as his caster level in this regard, adjusting its altitude to that maximum. Instead of moving the trap, he can command it to arm itself or snap closed on a creature in its square (which potentially didn't trigger it). As a reminder, the stats are: Atk +10 melee (2d6+3); sharp jaws spring shut around the creature’s ankle and halve the creature’s base speed (or hold the creature immobile if the trap is attached to a solid object); the creature can escape with a DC 20 Disable Device check, DC 22 Escape Artist check, or a DC 26 Strength check
With one additional essence (I was thinking the Tikbalang) to bring it in line with the 1/3/6/10/15 total essences system: The trap's range increases to Medium and its jaws apply Tetanus with an immediate onset period (frequency and save unchanged).
With the remaining 2 essences, Gruskorb will add them as boni to his sleight of hand check.
Let me know what you think!
Life Essences grant stat boosts or feats at base.
Just a reminder, that unless a magic weapon possesses the ghost touch property, even those attacks would only do 50% damage.
@Garidan: I can only do 11 squares. If you want my illusions to mask the trap, then they need to fit in those dimensions. Perhaps the left over volume can go down?
@Garidan: I can only 11 squares. If you want my illusions to mask the trap, then they need to fit in those dimensions. Perhaps the left over volume can go down?
Unless Valjoen digs up an NPC caster to bolster Niyut's efforts, we'll likely have to do that, since the illusion is a major part of that.
Let's see what he has to say first, but provisionally we can bring the trench in one full square along its entire length, and that should be 11 squares right there.
If the remainder isn't enough to give an even increase in depth-in 5' increments--across the entire length, then the section immediately in front of the gate house will get it and we just lose whatever is left.
Did Foramdar send for an apprentice capable of plugging the gap with a wall of stone? Or was that for after the battle?
Malthazir and Gruskorb - Like your ideas for essences. I'll work up the start of them this weekend and post them. Once confirmed, I'll start working on secondary benefits.
Yes, you are at a 3 magic item cap at the moment. I worked up a scale for adding items but have miss placed it somewhere on the OP site... It probably is in the GM sections that you can't see. I'll find it and post it.
I've modified the illusory wall on the map. As of now, no other wizard is en route. Rykal is at the main gate with the majority of her apprentices, holding off the bulk of the army. Foramdar indicated that a few apprentices are at the Tower doing something for Rykal. You will need to take the initiative to convince Rykal and/or an apprentice to come to the north gatehouse to aid you.
"A character can have 1 bonded item plus and additional bonded item per 4 levels for a maximum of 6 bonded items."
It's the last misc rule on the Essence page.
Also on November 30 last year you said: "I wasn't planning on opening it up for a 4th magic item yet, but I love where you're going with the whole bear trap and hallucinations. My whole concept behind the magic items was to make them unique and special to the character... not something you go down to the local magic store and buy until you're ready to upgrade it a few levels later. My current plan was 1 to start, armor/robe by 4th, an item by 6th... then additional items at 10th, 15th and 20th.
Niyut, and now Gruskorb, have started thinking and proposing about their 2nd item. I like this as both seem very appropriate for the characters and have some thought put into them. So, I'm changing my plan the additional items should be BY, not after."
If that's helpful. :-)
As for the illusion, Garidan asked me not for a wall, but rather to make it look like the trap was covered and there were shoddy barricades inside the gate. I think in an effort to get them to charge through the ruined gate and hit the pit and its various traps.
Yep, that's right Niyut. With a real barricade, solidly made (such as time and material will allow, at any rate) and fully-manned waiting behind the illusion. I figured that finding someone capable of fully filling the breach--who wasn't already tasked with doing just that very thing elsewhere along the walls--was unlikely. And we don't really want them milling around at stand-off range outside while the giants get their s$*# together for a massed charge after a few arrow volleys either.
No, lure them in, let the trap take its tithe of the fodder, then catch the rest in a pocket just beyond that point where they take fire from three sides. Niyut should appreciate a nice, bunched-up mass of bodies--or stalled giants--for her AoE spells :D. Because, realistically, we can't keep them out, just make the ensuing slaughter happen on our terms rather than theirs.
I have precious few AoO effects left. I predict that by the resolution of the coming battle (whatever form that takes) I will have poured out all my magic, drained my wand, and used whatever scrolls I have that could be useful in any way. This will be worse than the Tower of Necromancy. By the end, I'll be casting ray of frost.
One thing Valjoen is going to have to keep in mind when that trap gets popped, is the plentiful arrows turned ersazt spikes waiting down at the bottom, especially the incendiary ones :D. I know those arrows likely won't do as much harm as a real pit spike would, but it should add something to the damage beyond the fall itself.
Related note, would Garidan need to make a Craft (trap) for this bodged-together mess? Because if so, he'll gladly hand over a consulting position-and the required skill check--to the party's expert on all things trap-based.
@Niyut: Gee, wouldn't it be awfully handy if someone decided to stockpile a few crossbows--easily used by just about anyone, anyone at all--and bolts for occasions when attacking from a distance would be useful, but no (effective) spells are available? I wonder if our party has someone such foresight in it?
;p
We will probably need an extension of the battlemap to fully capture where everything is because the real barricade would need to be at least 60' back from the trap so that they could only see it after they hit the trap.
My ray of frost is still better than a crossbow: it deals 1d3+1d3+2+2. :-p Crossbow still losses out. :-p
One thing Valjoen is going to have to keep in mind when that trap gets popped, is the plentiful arrows turned ersazt spikes waiting down at the bottom, especially the incendiary ones :D. I know those arrows likely won't do as much harm as a real pit spike would, but it should add something to the damage beyond the fall itself.
Related note, would Garidan need to make a Craft (trap) for this bodged-together mess? Because if so, he'll gladly hand over a consulting position-and the required skill check--to the party's expert on all things trap-based.
Yeah, the actual trap building should be left to Gruskorb.
Light crossbow is 1d8, your ray is (theoretically) better by one point at maximum result and definitely so with a guaranteed minimum of 5. It's still close!
Ah, but you are forgetting the benefit of Touch Attacks. I'm much more reliable with the ray than the bolt. So I don't think it's as close as one my first think. :-)
Haha. Garidan, you have me laughing. I just had the mental image of Niyut brhind a barricade shooting gnolls and the wolves they rode in on with tiny rays of frost screaming, "Get some you sons of b*@+&es; Get some!!"
Well, it’s going to be a busy weekend!
My eldest daughter is headed off to her freshman year of college on Sunday morning. I’ll be driving her two hours to the University of Missouri, spend the day there, and then drive back. So I will not get much done on Sunday until the evening. As for Saturday, we have a lot of other family things going on but I should have some pockets of time to work on the game.
Goals:
1. Answer any pre-battle questions, including, finalizing any rolls for making the trap. Also, I will endeavor to draw a larger scale map so you can see the surrounding area for tactical purposes.
2. I’d like to get a first draft for the in imbuing of the final essences for Malthazir and Gruskorb.
3. Malthazir - With Niyut’s help, I have been fleshing out of the cosmology of the world. As you are starting your journey towards the planes with your new Imp, I will try to get up the basics on the OP site, especially a description of the Plane of Death, where devil’s reside.
4. If time permits, I would love to finish off nice ambush, so that early next week we can start this battle!
Because, apparently, I'm Truk's unpaid administrative assistant (;-P), he asked me to get an ability clarified.
"The geist’s essence fuses with the axe. When the axe is thrown, you can make a bluff check at +10 to cause the target to lose its dex bonus for 1 round, similar to a feint."
He wants to make sure that he is reading this correctly that the target of his thrown axe makes a Sense Motive against a Bluff check that is part of his first thrown attack that round. That if this Sense Motive is failed, then all subsequent attacks against the target this round (not just the next attack) gain any potential sneak attack, etc.
Enjoy time with your family!
@Malthazir: I think Plane of Death is a typo. The Wiki says devils rule the Plane of Blood.
Oh I LOVE planar stuff. It was the first and biggest thing I got into when I started playing back in 3.5, and I always love getting into it, but I understand it's a very complicated topic so it's usually easier to avoid.
Well, the Planes are vastly different in this cosmos so you have an entirely new cosmology to explore. The cosmology page is a very interesting read on the wiki.
Question for those who've looked at the 2.0 rules: I'm skeptical of class-locking feats is going to be positive in the long term. What would you say to change my mind?
I don't have a strong opinion of 2.0 one way or the other. It seems that there "everything is a feat" design will make everybody feat starved.
Can you give us a roll for how the preparing Garidan's trap goes?
I'm not looking at squat from 2.0. Not because I have anything against it specifically, just can't afford to upgrade (never mind the inevitable wait for my races/classes to get coverage).
Sure, but I'll do it here so the main thread doesn't get cluttered.
@Garidan: I noticed that your weapon has a 16-20 threat range. Do you have a class ability or a feat that doubles your threat range?
@Garidan: I noticed that your weapon has a 16-20 threat range. Do you have a class ability or a feat that doubles your threat range?
Yep, swashbuckler archetype's Rapier Training grants the benefit of Improved Critical with rapiers. Should I manage to cap the class, it'll end at 14-20/x3.
That's really cool!
@Gruskorb: Back when we hit level seven last year, our GM told us to rebuild with our characters having maximum HP on our HD. I think you are supposed to have at least 80 HP. This might help with the durability.
@Gruskorb: Back when we hit level seven last year, our GM told us to rebuild with our characters having maximum HP on our HD. I think you are supposed to have at least 80 HP. This might help with the durability.
I probably missed the memo but will update his sheet!