I approve, both from simplifying book-keeping and from keeping things going smoothly.
How busy is everyone in the upcoming weeks? I'll definitely be out the 21st through the 26th.
Samen, your questions about magi got me thinking about the other spell-casting classes as well.
(I'm not trying to imply martial classes aren't important, but I think it's easy to have both 'self-taught' and 'mentored' justifications for all non-caster classes, subject to the setting and the player's thoughts)
Rangers are the easiest - they are "naturally" self taught, though I could imagine there are oread tribes that have specific traditions that they hand down as well. Self-taught is more common, but neither way is rare.
Skalds would more be on the 'self taught' side as well, but I could easily see a Skald school in Forge (which I should put somewhere...)
Bloodragers are easy too. Self-taught, simply doesn't make sense any other way.
Divine classes are also straight forward - trained. Though the ifrits are by far the most aggressive in this (get trained at the Temple or you are a heretic), oread and undine traditions would also dictate training to ensure that their own divine casters are powerful and effective.
Random aside regarding "priests" and 6th level casting classes: Inquisitors by far fit the flavor of ifrit priests the best. Hunters would do the job for oreads. With undine worship so centered around song and dance, the bards, both Water Singer and Dervish Dancer, would fill the role of priest. Low level NPC 'priests' of all races would typically just be adepts with some simple cleric spells.
In fact, as of writing this I'm toying around with the idea of just getting rid of the Warpriest (which I don't really like as a class much) and distributing some of those "must have" spells on the cleric list to those other classes. Doesn't really affect us in the present though.
All races would have paladins, as holy warriors. Ifrit paladins in particular would mostly be trained, but I can easily see the case for 'spontaneous' Paladins in other races, as the class lends itself to a "I was picked by my god, not by the priesthood" kind of flavor.
Oh right, you asked about magi....
So the final pieces of the puzzle are magi, alchemists, and those lovable sylphs.
Alchemists, by definition, are trained. A 'self taught' alchemist would need access to formulae and equipment (stolen?) and somehow not kill themselves while dashing together acids and volatile chemicals. Not impossible for a PC with an interesting background, but that's not going to be the norm. Light has a strong tradition of universities dedicated to the study of alchemy, of course.
Another aside on priests: alchemists, especially those with the right archetypes, would essentially be the 'priests' of the Unbelievers. Magi, while powerful, simply don't have the tools to be healers and buffers.
Oh, have I still not answered the question? Magi are weird, because even though they are intelligence based, there are things like black blades, hexers, mind blades, and the eldritch scion (wow, which changes them to charisma based) which really seem to imply a strong 'inner' theme to their power.
With this in mind, I think there are two distinct flavors of magi. There are arcane universities in Light as well, where magi study. It is these magi that would also help with the creation of silver golems (alchemists make the body, magi enchant them).
The second kind are self-taught. Now, unlike a trained ranger (uncommon but also unremarkable) or a "god-picked" paladin (again, rare but the priesthood knows this happens and lots of good comes from it) self-taught magi are both uncommon and seen as outcasts. Arcane magic is, on the whole, suspect anyway in such a divine-centered world, and the fact that elens are sneaking around with such power without any oversight is dangerous. Combine this with the fact that someone would have to be highly intelligent and dedicated to do this on your own makes anyone in a position of power nervous.
This was a long-winded way of saying you might find others like yourself who learned it from books, but that will be the exception. (and finally, Samen has no idea about this larger view of things, as he has never conversed with another magus as far as I know but correct me if I'm wrong)
I am able to keep my prose to a manageable length, but the same cannot be said for my lore.
Anyway, in terms of traditions and schools, there will be several different arcane colleges within Light (one will likely be focused on the elements, for example), whereas the older university of alchemy is a bit more hidebound and less diverse. I'll write it down as something to work on in Light.
The only other magus Samen knows of that he's ever met is Tuhnto, and they didn't exactly have time to have a frank discussion.
Feel free to head back to the Condottieri in Forge :)
Some solid background material methinks.
I can't guarantee posts between 22nd and 27th but I likely will be logging on.
Wamblee is loathe to change course once decided, but he does acknowledge that this isn't entirely up to him.
The caster training and "priest" information has been put in a new document, under the spoiler "The Planes, Magic, Caster Training, and Priests".
Whoo! I love worldbuilding!
Alright, I'm officially off DMing duty until the 26th. Happy holidays everyone!
Merry Christmas!
Feliz Navidad! Joyeux Noel!
Re: getting rid of warpriests
9th level spellcasters do not exist in this world. Now, getting rid of warpriests has a few implications with spell lists, but I found two that were particularly interesting:
Raise Dead. (and breath of life)
Plane Shift.
I'm actually okay with both of those spells being pretty much gone from the world. I like that death really means something, and though the world has magic, none of it is strong enough to pull the dead back to life.
I'm fine with a rare class ability that might mimic these. For example, I've said at one table or another that I would be fine with the paladin feat that allows the paladin to raise dead. If there's some class ability out there granting Plane Shift, that would probably be fine too.
One minor thing to go along with this:
There may be common sense minor rulings here and there, like Riversight should be River only, which means it is actually a 2nd level Bard spell. Air Step, Air walk, Wind Walk, would all be Alchemist only, etc.
In general, I don't think I would make any other changes, so this will go into the houserules - warpriests don't exist, death and planar travel are pretty serious things, and ask me about specific spells that might pertain to only one god.
Works for me. Resurrection and planar travel are campaign changers.
What do we all know of Big Sitter?
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Wait, did I just happen to toss that in right before you introduced him?!
It appears that that is what happened. "Fret and he shall appear" would be the phrase roughly equivalent to "speak of the devil".
Wamblee - I think Marianne is the only Firenze that Big Sitter ever met, but you've heard about him. Contemptuous of Marianne's beliefs and thick-headed, but honest. He is also big.
Voting time!
Samen says disrupt silver production
Wamblee seems to be in favor of going to mine
Vote! (or confirm your vote)
Wamblee for mine! Stay the course!
Here's more on the magus universities and the magus academy in Light, at least what spells would be their specialty:
--School of the Malleable Body (transmutation self spells)
--School of the Restless Mind (illusions and divination spells)
--School of the Woven Spirit (for elens, the soul IS composed of the elements, so this is evocation, conjuration, etc for "energy" spells)
--School of the Clockwork Fist (specializes in enchantment of silver golems)
--Academy of the Bladed Savant (more of a martial tradition, bound for the front lines)
For those still absolutely adamant about staying topside, you could choose to split the party and stay away from the stealth. I try to never force anyone to take an action they don't want to.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Here, I assume that all of you took a peek at Hotah's journal during your downtime at the Rentwyrth mansion. Spoilered for length, but you can all feel free to take a look.
(The journal begins with more mundane matters, the daily musings of a younger Hotah. He describes what life was like in the Cedarsmoke tribe. It was a weaker tribe, forced by geography to be 'protected' by the East Tribe. Under the strict watch of the East, the cedar ceremonies to Sky had to be done in secret, or not at all. Eventually, it ends with a general message for all of you.)
""
My children,
It has been a burden to keep this to myself for so many years. Not only the self-vigilance required to watch my tongue at all times, but also the specter of worry that you would one day look at these words, and see me as a liar, as a sham.
I have no easy answer for that charge. If you hate me or curse my name for my deception, you will find no defense or argument from me, only a bowed head.
And yet.
And yet I would not change my actions. Our world decays under the weight of the Dark, and all the swords and fires that the ifrits could ever possibly conjure would only delay the inevitable, never solve the problem.
By now, I have no doubt your uncle has told you all he knows of what transpired before. I was to be the head priest of my tribe, the Cedarsmoke. However, I received a vision within the smoke of my celebratory rites, revealing to me a desperate world collapsing toward Volcano, a world where ifrits throw their fellow elens into lava and flame to feed a dying god.
Then I saw a hope. I believe that what I saw was Sky; the relics could point the way toward Sky. I also saw that these relics were not for me, but for my children. To make a tall tree stumped, your mother, traveling in a caravan with her extended family, visited our tribe less than a week later. In my bones, I knew she was my destiny.
I only learned a little magic in my brief time as High-Priest-to-be, but with the right spell keeping a secret can be as easy—and as difficult—as not mentioning or viewing that which you would hide. All those years...
To end my confession, I have one last truth for you – it is ultimately up to you what to do. I cannot guide you further, and it not my right to govern your actions. If you would continue on this path, I believe all the relics have a part to play: the woodcut is certainly a map, and I hope it reveals more to Samen than it ever did to me. I also believe in all of you. I have done my best to instill in you what I have found to be right and good in the world (although I would defer to your mother's teachings before mine, as always).
No matter where you go, my pride surely follows.
Father
""
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
(I'll also be putting links to these in the Campaign Journal right at the point you are in the mansion)
My eldest son. I felt I had so little to teach you – even from five years old you were teaching ME about all the things you were reading in your books. I occasionally hear of your studies at the university. The pieces I understand, I am very proud of.
Even though I was very young when my eldest brother Chaska left, I remember well the pressure he was under, both from his parents and from himself. I know you feel a certain responsibility for your siblings – it shows your good character. Just remember that their choices are ultimately their own. If they fail, you should not feel the remorse that a parent would. Such guilt drove Chaska away from his family, and I would wish a happier life upon you.
I am sorry. Those three words are truly all I have to say. I will not lie to you in what are likely my final words to you – I still disagree with you over the things we argued about so long ago. But I lost a son for the sake of my stubbornness, and a father should always place his children above his pride.
Strong convictions are admirable – just remember to surround yourself with elens who are willing to tell you truth, even if you do not want to hear it.
My only daughter. Even as a young ele, the determined look in your eye told me you would be a force to be reckoned with, just like you mother. I never said this, but I truly appreciate that you stayed in Rokerenge as long as you did. Your mother and I needed you, after the terrible way Wamblee left. Children should never have to sacrifice for their parents, but the fact that you did speaks volumes of your character.
I know this quest to find Sky must seem a dream come true, but do not let it consume you - - there is more to life than gods.
My youngest son. I do not profess to understand all of your ideas and theories, but I have found over the years that accepting a family member for who they are is far more important then perfectly understanding them. It is my sincere wish that you always felt accepted and loved in your home.
If ever you are looking for a kindred soul, I would encourage you to talk with your Uncle Howahkan. It may seem you two are worlds apart, but witness his discomfort in cities, and his prickly way with elens (even family members)
I cannot honestly recommend my brother as an el to emulate – he has many flaws. However, if you are looking for someone to talk to that may see the world and other elens in a way similar to you, Howahkan may lend an ear. Even he respects the shared roots of family.
Ok, voting time:
--Brass spikes
--Narrow passage
Alright, so for the sake of brevity let's assume you worked out some sort of agreement to have the oreads go through the crack and the sylphs go on the ceiling.
--Are you waiting a certain period of time before you head into the next area?
--Going right away?
--Setting up a signal of some kind?
As you go your separate ways, at least one person from each party hears a dull clanking sound, like tools being used. This is coming from beyond the brass spikes or beyond the crack (depending on when you are)
Sorry, folks, I've had a few days without time to post! I'll put something up there tonight.
I think we just decided to go our separate ways for now without much organisation! A stubborn bunch, we are. ;)
I'm sure it will be fine.
My apologies if I didn't explain the situation.
--The three oreads have already gone in the crack which is in a branch a little south of the spike tunnel.
--The oreads already went through the crack
--The sylphs were about to do the ceiling thing, and Samoon gave them a nice safety net of sorts.
--Since I already posted about the sylphs on the ceiling, the sylphs are a little north of the oreads.
--Wamblee, you can take 10 and easily stealth over from the crack to test out the platform. It is completely solid.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Cheers for that. I'm come to think that there's really no such thing as being too clear in a pbp, only limited by time.
I don't think any of those hits were criticals, but I'll emphasise this ability for future reference:
Hard as Stone (Ex)
At 2nd level, whenever an opponent rolls to confirm a critical hit against a student of stone, treat the student of stone’s AC as +4 higher than normal.
This ability replaces evasion.
Yes, thank you! So far no crits though. Nothing above a 12 for the hammer guys so far I think.
Oh, don't I know it. ;)
This party has an inordinate habit of splitting off to do their own thing, which is coming very close to the family shrinking!
Samoon, you're a bit too far away to be talking with Marianne and Bree. You and Wamblee traveled to the opposite side of the large chamber and followed the ifrits down a separate narrow tunnel to find the prisoners.
(no big deal, just wanted to give context)
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
A thumbs up on the drive for clarity. It really helps.
Samoon is a smart guy, so I assumed he went with another elec bomb. The overwhelming majority of ifrits have fire resist, and many are also healed by fire damage.
Just let me know if/when Wamblee needs to make stabilisation rolls. It was a dangerous situation. I'm not surprised that he went down.
The DR lets you take the beating of a character and a half though, so you are a heck of a front liner!
Make your first check now - Samoon can't help you yet (one round of stun) and Sitter...isn't interested in helping currently.
That is true, Wamblee can certainly endure a lot!
Will do!
Samen, what did you mean when you said you were using arcana?
I know you cast magic weapon, but what did the second part mean?
Also, could you walk me through how two weapon fighting with your staff looks like it's only applying a -3 to your attacks?
(or only -2? maybe you are doing power attack too? as far as I can tell you don't have the two weapon fighting feat)
Sure, no problem.
By arcana, I meant use the arcane pool, making it a +2 weapon.
I'm not using two weapon fighting, I'm using the magus spellstrike ability. Frostbite is a touch attack, so casting the spell gives me a free touch, which I channeled through the staff as an attack.
spell combat lets me cast a spell and make an attack at -2 to hit. I am using power attack too, for +2 dmg and -1 to hit.
So the bonuses and maluses to hit are as such:
+6 - Strength plus BAB.
+2 - +2 weapon.
-2 - spell combat.
-1 - power attack.
for damage:
1d6 - base
+4 - strength
+2 - +2 weapon
+2 - power attack
1d6+3 - Frostbite (lasts for [level] hits)
Thanks very much! Before I went to bed I suspected it was something Magus-y that was at play.
Oh, and last thing - we never set up a formal map for this scenario, so I'm going to assume Samen positioned and acted in such a way that prevented AoOs:
--Cast
--5 ft step
--then two attacks
It took a little digging, but the consensus seems to be that since Spell Combat is referenced as similar to Two Weapon Fighting, that it's fine to cast the take your 5 ft step (similar to taking a 5 ft step during a Full Attack Action in between attacks) after you cast. Same with Spellstrike, which is specifically called out in a FAQ.
Since AoOs and movement for the magus are a tad bit complicated, I would appreciate if you wrote your intentions/movements so I know what you are trying to do. Thanks!
Sorry about that. I'm really not too fond of the magus's class abilities because they're incredibly fiddly. The staff magus archetype just makes it worse, because on top of everything else, I'm switching between one and two-handed attacks from round to round.
I'll try to be more precise in the future.
As far as preventing the AoO, I should have either rolled a concentration check or made clear I was moving as you suggested. Even though we've been at this for a while, I think this was the first time I've tried actually using spell combat. I knew I would mess something up.
As someone has not yet played a magus, that does look complicated.
I forgot about flurry of blows until near the end of this last combat.
No worries, I think we'll all get more used to the Magus as we go forward. Spell Combat + Spellstrike is the mos complicated part, so I think once we have that down the rest will be fine.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
There we go, finally go around to putting all the monastery stuff into a document, plus a few additional details!
Great to see it.