[AP] The Shackled City Adventure Path by GM Rutseg (Inactive)

Game Master Balacertar

Maxim or Juraan may be better, but JJ is more concerned about Marigold :-)
We are just getting the tale end of a tropic cyclone through my town today. 135km wind just up from my house, and we have a ferry to take to get to the south island for camping. Lets hope the weather clears up a little.

Those are some kind of strong winds!

Does that happen often there?

I live in a windy city. We've been having a heat wave, hottest January since records began down here. Mostly this summer is has been very calm and un-Wellington like.

Even with those winds it was still 26 degrees, sweltering. Also not really normal.

It sounds scary, take care JJ!

Maxim already has CON13 so I'm fine with passing on the Belt.

Gauntlets would make more sense on one of our melee combatants - Kikinnin is more the blunt force vs JJ's precise strikes so my vote is to keep them on him.

Stay safe JJ

Okay then, I guess if no one else wants it Marigold will take the belt! I'll get her profile updated accordingly :)

I realize that was a thought an Ryan wouldn't have heard it, but don't blame Ryan's gender troubles with the dragon on him, that the handlers issue. To me Dhorlot sounds like harlot, harlot = female. And the point for Ryan is not that they shouldn't take on the black but that they shouldn't knowingly take on the black unprepared, and for spell casters that means another night of preparation. If we ran into it unexpected and unprepared we'd do the best we could and hope we all survived, since we have a penchant for not running odds be darned.

Not blaming Ryan, just taking a poke. Quite amusing when you confused the dwarves right after ;) We all make mistakes, and we'll all make mistakes down the road. It's gonna be a long game. If we can't self-deprecate ourselves and others, we're missing out on a form of comaraderie which is at least enjoyable to me, and hopefully not irritating to others. I'll understand and respect if you don't enjoy it, and will refrain from doing so, regarding your priest.

As for your point, it's clear enough, but when you seek to explain it to me in blue OOC words, you're missing a chance at RP. Kikinnin is a ball of emotions currently, and could have been convinced to listen to more reasoned voices. If the dwarf is missing your point, it doesn't necessarily follow that the player's missing your point too.

@Kikinnin - No worries, was just stating that the gender mix up was on me, figured Ryan would be able to know the distance, then again perhaps he can't - The Illustrated Scroll of Dragons was not in the required reading for the divine city building clergy.

as for part two, not really a salesman, don't have that bent. Point blank told Kikinnin earlier IC Ryan wasn't prepared spell wise to deal with the dragon but wasn't going to argue with him. Ryan believes in giving the facts as he knows/understands them, and letting others make their own decisions. However I understand your point about the RP

@Ryan - you know in ye olde RPG lore Dwarf females have beards too right... Could be Kikinnin is actually a raven bearded beauty ;) Heheh.

Heheh too true, thanks for the laugh to start out my day,

Just as a heads up, I'll be (most likely) busy at work for most of the day tomorrow so bear with me if my posting is a bit slow!

"WORK" is a four-letter word!
Figuratively and literally! :o

Ugg! for Ryan to hit anything it seems he needs 3 rounds worth of buffing, and another round to keep from dying on the first hit

Sorry all just venting

Huzzah for 8th level! I've actually got tomorrow (Monday) off from work so I should be able to get Marigold leveled up and updated then :)

Woo, terrain mastery. Now JJ can make himself detect as evil. Gona be some interesting philosophical discussions with Kikinnin and detect evil coming out of that.

So level up to 8
STR +1
HP +7 (+6 from class +1 CON)
Ref and Will each +1
BAB +1
Favored Terrain (Underground +2; improve planes(abyss) +2);
Terrain Mastery (planes(abyss));
Skills
Class 6 - Acrobatics, Perception, Stealth, Survival, Linguistics (2)
Human 1 - Disable Device
Background 2 - Nobility, Geography

Oracle Level 8th

+10 HP (5 + 4 Con + 1 FCB)
+1 BAB (Gain iterative attacks)
+1 Will
+1 Charisma
+5 Skill Points (Diplomacy, Kn. Planes, Kn. Religion, Perception, Sense Motive}
+2 BG Skill Points (Kn. History, Linguistics - Draconic)
+1 1st Level Cast/Day
+1 3rd Level Cast/Day
+1 Orison Known - Light
Gain 4th Level Spells - 4 cast/day
Gain Mystery Spell - Rainbow Pattern
Gain Free Spell - Cure Critical Wounds
+1 4th Level Spell Known - TBD

*edit* Going to hold off on actually updating Marigold's profile until we get a chance to rest and for the level stuff to happen. Things could still become interesting before bedtime, after all :)

Maxim Level Up

Spellslinger Level 6/Rogue 2

+1 CON

+7HP (4 +2 CON +1 Favoured Class) for 8th
+7HP for levels 1-7

+1 BAB
+2 Fort (+1 CON & +1 Class)
+1 Reflex
+1 Will

+5 Skill Points: Knowledge (Arcana); Knowledge (Engineering); Knowledge (Local); Sense Motive & Spellcraft
+2 Background Skill Points: Appraise & Lore (Darklands)

+1 2nd Level Spell/Day
+1 3rd Level Spell/Day

+2 New Spells Learned: Tiny Hut (our new base whilst on the road) & Keen Edge (for making all those magic blades an' axes y'all will want Maxim to fashion ;)

Last Level, July 27, 2017 :)

Level 8 - Ryan

HP +7 (1d8+2) = new total 61
Ability Score Bonus Wis +1
BAB +1
Saves: remain the same
Spells: +1 lvl 1 spell, +3 lvl 4 spells(1 is a domain spell{Dimension Door/Discern Lies}) Spells to be determined later

Skills: I will not pick any adventuring skills right now, once back in Cauldron, Ryan will be retraining Level 1 Inquisitor(6 skills) to Level 1 Fighter(2 skills). He will not match JJ or Kikinnin in martial damage production, but will be better situated to stand his own in a fight and be able to protect those around him, when he has better armor

Background skills: Craft(clothing) +2

@Ryan - Though I know MG has been doing a lot of party assistance with spells like Prayer, I can start taking her and her spells in more of a utility/magical offense role if you're feeling some uncertainty about how Ryan fits in during combat situations. That's partly why I'm waiting a bit to pick her 4th level spell - there are a couple of different options that caught my eye but I wanted to see what Maxim and Juraan and you ended up doing first :)

Thanks MG, I can prepare Prayer if you have other spells you'd like to use.
For me it's like learning a new computer program, at the beginning you learn a few things, then you learn a few more. Eventually you're proficient enough to make the program work, but then you sit down next to someone who's been using the same program for a while and they can really make it dance and sing. I can make Ryan work, I'm just still unsure as how to play him to be of the most benefit to the group as a whole.

Changes for Level 8
+1 level in Sorcerer; FCB is +1 level 2 spell
+1 to INT score (now 14, giving an extra 8 skill points)

LANGUAGE (add one for rounding up INT)
• Undercommon (because of our recent time spent in the darklands)

BLOODLINE FEAT
Blind-Fight (easy choice after a taking beating from an invisible elemental!)

ADVENTURING SKILLS (total of 12 because of INT boost)
+1 Bluff
+1 Climb
+1 Fly
+1 Intimidate
+2 Know (arcana)
+1 Perception
+1 Spellcraft
+1 Use Magic Device
-3 skill points to Background Skills (below)

BACKGROUND SKILLS (5 skill points)
+1 Appraise
+1 Craft (Alchemy)
+1 Profession (herbalist)
+1 Know (engineering)
+1 Know (geography)

NEW SPELLS
• Unseen Servant, level 1
• Frigid Touch, level 2
• See Invisibility, level 2 (paranoia after the invisible elemental)
• Fireball, level 3 (some big guns!)
• Protection from Energy, level 3 (bloodline spell)

Oracles are interesting in that it makes more sense to pick spells that you'll get a lot of mileage out of, which is why I generally pick stuff like Prayer - multiple castings per day of a useful buff spell? What's not to love? But it can be awkward when you've also got a prepared caster of the same stripe (divine, in this case) who may have the whole spell list at their disposal but they kinda have to 'guess' at what might be most useful to prepare on a given day.

Spell choices are also, admittedly, a mixed bag with the more limited source materials for this campaign. On one hand, less options means less chance for analysis paralysis but on the other, some of my favorite spells that I'd pick for variety or versatility aren't available (at least not without special request).

In addition to my 4th level spell (TBD) I have the option of switching out one spell I already know for a different spell of the same level, so I could drop Prayer and pick up a different 3rd level spell if I want. I'll give it some thought and look things over and see what jumps out at me :)

I've not played oracles before, but they do look rather interesting.
It is interesting that we've got two charisma based characters in the party.

I have some options now. I'll be able to take levels in Eldritch Knight and/or Dragon Disciple after this.

I decided to go for another level of sorcerer because of the number of spells at level 7, as well as a bonus (bloodline) feat for character level 8.

I also get a few boosts for some of my blasty spells too:
• one more magic missile per casting
• two scorching rays per casting
• resist energy goes to 20 from 10

Also took the skills and Unseen Servant spell for some versatility too.

====================

@ Everyone:
I updated the loot sheet again.
Feel free to let me know if I missed anything
We're sitting pretty in term of loot so far.

3 CHA if you include a paladin (which we should!)
How do you get five background skill points? I thought they were just two a level?

Interesting to see the languages folk are picking up. JJ went for Undercommon and Draconic as well.

@Ryan, Clerics can be really gnarly melee folk too. They are a bit like inquisitors in that they take a bit of buffing/time to get that way, but with righteous might (lvl 5, but +4 to str and reach!) , divine favor (+2 luck), divine power (+2 luck and extra attack), prayer (+1 luck AOE) and such they can start to put out a lot of melee damage. - and yes I know the three listed all are luck bonuses so don't stack, but one is only first level which is pretty sweet. Don't forget bulls strength!

If you are retraining out of inquisitor, you may be better taking an extra level in cleric rather than fighter. Fighter long term will give you a +1 bonus on your Fort and one level in four a +1 bonus on your BAB. Generally your improved spell casting as a cleric is probably a better investment.

As for spells, since I notice that neither Maxim or Juraan have picked up Haste, a handy 4th level buff spell that might be worth loading from time to time would be Blessing of Fervor.

And okay - for Marigold's own spells I swapped out Lesser Restoration for Spiritual Weapon and I took Holy Smite as my 4th level spell. Both options should give MG a little more 'oomph' in a fight :)

Thanks all for the input, sorry about the disappearance, unfortunate side effect of work and some age, one must sleep :p

I'll continue to think about my retraining options with Ryan on our trip back.

I like some of the offensive spells Ryan gets later, Holy Smite being a cool 4th level one.

JJ, thanks for the reminder on the difference between cleric and fighter as well.

@ Everyone:
I updated the loot sheet again.
Feel free to let me know if I missed anything
We're sitting pretty in term of loot so far.

I think Kikinnin took the gauntlets of Ogre Power, and would make sense he takes the +1 dwarven plate for the DR it gives(dwarven plate is made from adamantine).

As for the Mithril full plate I'll decide by the time we're back to where I can retrain....

Marigold has the Belt of Mighty Constitution +2 :)

I did mull Haste as an option, but figured that Tiny Hut offers a mobile (and relatively) secure resting place whilst we're in the wilds or dungeoneering. Keen Edge was really picked as I play to start doing some weaponsmithing when we get the chance...

However if anyone thinks Haste would be more beneficial to the group I can rejig my selections :)

Regards loot Maxim has his eye on the following:

Finely wrought electrum bracers (from Dharlot's stash) - worth 500GP

Wand of See Invisible

Haste is totally awesome. But Marigold is right, FoM can effectively give that to clerics as well - along with other options too.

I must say haste is one of my favorite spells for buffing melee types. JJ already gets multiple attacks, but for Kikinnin that would be about a 40% increase in his damage output ( extra attack at max bab and +1 to all of them to boot).

Kikinnin will claim nothing more than the Gauntlets.

I'll probably pick up Haste next time I get more level 3 spells. For now, I'm doing the usual sorcery shtick of (mostly) blasty spells.

Okay updated Marigold's profile to reflect the new level, now that we've actually rested up. Also, Marigold's rather large jump in hit points is partly due to the new level (as documented above) and also a result of the extra Con from the belt - in case anyone got curious :)

Quick Question - I hope anyways...

Dwarven full plate is adamantine armor and gives the wearer DR 3/- Kinda why I thought Kikinnin might take it

the +1 dwarven heavy steel shield, is it made of adamantine as well? thereby lessening the ACP by -1

@Juraan - I removed Ryan's name from the column for the mithril full plate

The "dwarven" is a decorator I added unaware there is actually a specific armor listed by that name. I just wanted to give it the meaning for "dwarven" craft style. It is made of normal metal not adamantine, sorry. :P

'Dwarven' is a very nice decorator. You should use it often.

I concur. More "dwarven" tagged swag ;)

Sorry for the silence; things have been busy over the weekend with work and the like. I'll get an update posted after the forum maintenance (since they're due to go down at any time now)!

... and they came back with a funky new look too. Oooooo! Ahhhhh! :)

Still on the fence with our new look boards - know much of that is down to "old habits" etc, but small font, lack of sidebars hasn't endeared it to me thus far.

Look is slicker and has potential tho so not the total naysayer lol.

But it looks so swish! :o

Still undecided for my part, although must say I like the new maintenance screen.

Concerning loot, did anyone else want the +1 heavy steel shield? I marked 'Ryan' beside it on the loot sheet Juraan.

Not for JJ.

I generally like it, but the message board summary missing is causing me a lot of pain. The campaigns tab (at least for me) is far too crowded.

Ryan: I see that, thanks.

I also put down my name for claiming the +1 Returning Short spear from Hlanamm's workshop, as well as the scroll of Wall of Fire from Dhorlot's stash.

Here are the current items claimed by party members:

• +1 Returning Shortspear (Hlanamm, the weaponsmith); Juraan
• +1 heavy dwarven steel shield (Zenith); Ryan
• gauntlets of Ogre Power +2 (Zenith); Kikinnin
• belt of Mighty Constitution +2 (Zenith); Marigold
• scroll of wall of fire (Dhorlot's stash); Juraan

That still leaves us a bit shy of 40,000 GP/Suns of loot to sell off.
Unless anyone claims any more of the magic goodies.
Which will leave us all with a 5,680 pay packet; EACH!
And would leave the commons/kitty/pot for our party at over 10,000 GP.

Another haul or two and we can buy our own hall (or something like that).

JJ is wearing the +1 elven chainmail.
I thought Kikinnin had the +1 dwarven full plate (and possibly waraxe?)
If nobody else wants the +1 flaming longbow, JJ could use that as a missile option, which he is kind of short of at the moment.

Healing potions are worth keeping, and the wand of see invisible should certainly be kept.

I think that flaming longbow is a composite longbow made for +5 strength, isn't it?

Is it? I'll get there in a couple of levels, or if I get a belt of giant strength made.

Ahem. :)

Regards loot Maxim has his eye on the following:

Finely wrought electrum bracers (from Dharlot's stash) - worth 500GP

Wand of See Invisible.

I'll also snag that Scroll of Displacement if its goin' a-beggin'