Way of the Wicked (Group 2) (Inactive)

Game Master Whack-a-Rogue

Not entirely sure what your question is. If you pick up that talent, your companion becomes a pseudo-caster. Perfectly legal. In fact, Celestine in the other party is using it to make a healbot :-)

Excellent.
I just know some Conjuration shenanigans are not well liked by GM's.
Especially with the "Talent: Extra companion" => "free form: Magical Companion" => "new companion spends feats to cover a sphere I can't be bothered to invest heavily in" chain of reasoning, because it technically allows one to cover a wide range of shenanigans with very limited investment...

That said, a healbot MAY be useful to us, eventually, too.
So if you are not bothered by the concept, I may well grab one as well at Level 6.(under the pretext of being a Mitran cleric...having an angelic(demonic) being that can heal with a touch would be very fitting...)

@Hecate: Yep...but Melee Blaster could take care of that...although admittedly I have to carefully consider if I want to spend the feat on combat casting, or rather get Armored Companion and provoke, hoping for a miss.

Well, probs going to get color spray. Maybe then for a feat I'll get something for metamagic. I do get some resistances right now which is nice.

I just wanted to ask what resistances you mean, but then it hit me..."ah, right, you are a changeling!"
With the demonic avatar you use, I had pegged you as some kind of tiefling too, but that was Ardra.
Just out of curiosity though, why did you decide to go with the Infernal Bloodline?
Originally I thought it's was because Tiefling, but I was wrong there...reason I ask is I usually went with Pit-Touched(Wildblood) if I considered Infernal for Flavor-Reasons, because the extra Con was too tempting.
Or was it specifically for the Charm DC?
(with those considerations, I usually ended up with the Fey Bloodline giving the +2 to compulsion but having overall better bloodline powers imho(plus compulsion seems to cover a wider range than charm effects))

Note that I'm just curious why you picked it, now that I figured out it's not because of race...I also took the liberty of replacing your choosen avatar picture on the combat map with the human one, as you stated that you will only transition into a demonic form as your powers progress and start out as human.

(on another note, still pondering some options)

Well, the flavor of the Infernal bloodline is a perfect fit for the campaign. ;-)

I'm generally fine with Conjuration shenanigans because the companion has a reduced CL and limited talents known. It's basically an Eidolon that isn't a murderdeathmachine. Plus, I'm the GM. If I don't like it, I'll just make rocks fall. ;-) #kidding #OrAmI

EDIT: Saranda, don't forget about the sorcerer houserules we discussed back during character creation. Namely, the modified spells known table.

It is a great thematic fit, no contest there. I just figured pit-touched wouldn't be worse of in that department ;)

@Conjuration Shenanigans: Great to know. I won't break things. So no need for the rocks. And if things go too far, I blame the other group! It's their knot's fault, so the rocks should fall there *whistles innocently* (Also, related question: Does Silver Tongue of the Rakshasa Bloodline work vs GM? *smile*)

Heh

Thematics, that and demonic and infernal are my favorite bloodlines. I'll have to look back for the house rules.

On the thing it just says spells per day. Nothing on spells known

I may have sent you bad info back then. I'll doublecheck my document when I get home. You should be getting a 2nd level spell, but I don't remember the specifics.

EDIT: Found it in my saved PMs. You gain your next Bloodline spell (scorching ray). As your (currently) only 2nd level spell, it's usable 1/day (0 + 1 for your high CHA as per the revised chart). That's in addition to whatever you normally gain from leveling.

Tl;dr you gain Bloodline spells earlier.

Says 5 1st lvl and 0 2nd lvl

Ok thx

Level 3

+6 hp
+1 Fort
+1 Ref
Favoured class bonus: +1 lvl 1 spell (Featherfall)
+4 level 2 spells/day
+2 spells (Summon Monster II; Glitterdust)
Feat: Augmented Summons

7 skill points

1 Bluff
1 Spellcraft
2 Linguistics (Abyssal, Aklo)
1 Knowledge (engineering)
2 Craft (alchemy)

Any chance I could get some more spells into my spellbook, O great and wise DM?

You'll have to pay scribing costs, but it can be arranged. What did you have in mind?

Darkvision(!) & Summon Swarm, to be going on with.

Darkvision's available but Summon Swarm isn't. Since it's a Close range spell but you can't control the swarm, Thorn deemed it too risky to use.

OK, then how about Resist Energy?

That's available.

Great! So, how much money do we have? It'll cost me 80 gp to add them both to my spellbook (link to the rules).

Lvl Up!!!

Sorcerer 3

HP +6
+1 Fort
+1 Ref

Bloodline Power
-Infernal Resistance: Resist Fire 5, +2 Against Poison

Feats
-Improved Initiative: +4 Init.

Spells
Color Spray
Scorching Ray

+1 Rank Spell Craft
+1 Use Magic Device

Just whatever you've managed to scrounge up, unfortunately. On the good side, anything that isn't clearly stolen (like Brandescar guard uniforms) can be sold.

Not feeling so well today. I'll try and do the level-up before monday.

Hoping you feel better Robin.

Btw, anything I can do to improve Saranda

Oh well, no good delaying. I'll try and get a montage written tomorrow :)
Here's the basics.

HP: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
+1 BAB
+1 Fortitude/Reflex
Standard Blast damage: 2d6
+1 Spell Point

Feat: Eldritch Heritage(Rakshasa) gaining:

Talent: Conjuration/Magical Companion

Companion=>
Feat: Magic Talent(Unlock Destruction)
Energy Focus(Fire)=>Searing Blast
Destructive Touch=>Energy Blade
(and regular advancement for caster level...+1 BaB, +1 HD, +1 Bad Save, +1 Skill(Stealth))

Skills:
+1 Sense Motive
+1 Disguise
+1 Bluff
+1 Stealth
+1 Intimidate
+1 Use Magic Device
+1 Perform(Act)
+1 Knowledge(Local)
+1 Knowledge(Religion)

@Saranda: Don't forget the "background" bonus skills. Not really having the head to take a look other than that.

Oops, I forgot the backgroundlike bonus skills in my level up!

Fixing.

@Hecate: We found Blackerly's Stash. 1265GP. I THINK I wrote that I took it, so eventually put it on my sheet.
So your scribing costs are covered.
Alas, I THINK a loot page/tracker/etc. would be useful.

ALSO...if you both forgot background skills, I would like to bring to your attention that linguistics IS a background skill. While it kind of works with telepathy-touching, Robin would LOVE to teach you sign language during our training.

It would allow the two of you to also communicate silently, and with Robin at a distance. Not saying swap over and use it exlusively, but having the OPTION to use it would be good.

That is a really good idea - I put 2 points into Linguistics this level, so instead of Aklo I'll take sign language. Much more useful, and a good way to reflect the training we do together.

Regarding a loot tracker: I'm not going to be responsible for creating/managing it, but if one of you makes one, I'll be happy to link it to Campaign Info. Personally, I recommend a spreadsheet in Google Docs.

That's a nice idea, but my google-fu skills are pretty poor. If someone else can set up a spreadsheet, I'm happy to fill it in and keep track of the loot we acquire.

*nods* I'm not very good with that, either.
But it would be handy.
With work being very busy the next few weeks, I won't have time to look into it, either, for the forseeable future. Afterwards, I may try.

she failed to notice Hecate coming to check on her. When their eyes met, she was already on the verge of release and got pushed beyond that very moment.

Hecate seemed...different, for several weeks after

Heh. Trust Robin to take my idea and run with it...

>_< Poor Hecate.

Anyway *changes subject hastily* On the topic of fake ID, does Robin want one as an... idiot (for want of a better word)? People tend to assume that if you're deaf and dumb, you're stupid; and since Robin can lip read, she could pick up all sorts of useful information from people carelessly talking around her.

The only drawback is that a mentally handicapped person would likely be expected to have a minder, such as an older sibling, which means that either Saranda or Hecate would be tied in to that identity as well; but since we'll have a number of backup identities (Hecate is Lawful Evil, after all, and that + wizard = crazy prepared) that shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Thoughts? If Robin can swallow her pride, it could be a very useful ruse...

If you think you can handle her ^_^

*very evil grin*
The option did not occur to me, but I'll be a good sport and go along.
(She has the vain drawback, not the pride one).

Also, Hecate is not poor.
More like, pure, and worthy of corrupting ;)
Do expect Robin to eventually make a move on her, somewhere down the line... *gg*
(YOU brought up the slave again ;)

...People tend to assume that if you're deaf and dumb, you're stupid;...

1. temporarily unable or unwilling to speak.

resulting in or expressed by speechlessness.
"they stared in dumb amazement"
synonyms: mute, unable to speak, without the power of speech; More
speechless, tongue-tied, wordless, silent, at a loss for words, voiceless, inarticulate, taciturn, uncommunicative, untalkative, tight-lipped, close-mouthed, saying nothing;
informalmum;
technicalaphasic, aphonic
"he was born deaf and dumb"

2. dated - offensive
(of a person) unable to speak, most typically because of congenital deafness.
"he was born deaf, dumb, and blind"
synonyms: mute, unable to speak, without the power of speech; More
speechless, tongue-tied, wordless, silent, at a loss for words, voiceless, inarticulate, taciturn, uncommunicative, untalkative, tight-lipped, close-mouthed, saying nothing;
informalmum;
technicalaphasic, aphonic
"he was born deaf and dumb"

(of animals) unable to speak as a natural state and thus regarded as helpless or deserving pity.

3. North American - informal
stupid.
"a dumb question"

Old English, of Germanic origin; related to Old Norse dumbr and Gothic dumbs ‘mute’, also to Dutch dom ‘stupid’ and German dumm ‘stupid’.

I have to say, I only knew the american informal meaning. Also, "dumbing down" something. Doesn't help that "dumm" in my language means stupid. I think I'd prefer if you used a synonym in the future ^_^

My bad; no offence was intended - "deaf and dumb" used to be the medical terminology (showing my age, there) but I guess the language has changed. I knew that 'dumb' was also used as a synonym for 'stupid' but I hadn't realised it had become the primary meaning.

I shall use 'mute' in future, if that's acceptable.

EDIT: I see from YBD below (great stuff, BTW! 'Sign-language interpreter' is very cool) that 'deaf' is the way to go. I'll use that.

Looks like a good time for me to chime in, as I'm a sign language interpreter by profession. ;-) The terms 'deaf-mute,' 'deaf and dumb,' and 'hearing impaired' are considered very outdated by the Deaf Community. Their preferred moniker is, simply, 'deaf.'
-------------------------------------
To address other stuff that's come up:
- defacing your brand is possible. I'd like a relevant skill check to see how effectively you obscure it but you have more than enough time to Take20. The skill check is to see how much you're able to control the scarring (unless you simply want a large ugly blotch).

- I find the Robin/slave/Hecate(?) shenanigans quite enjoyable. In one of the other games I GM, I ended up with some really awesome erotica in my inbox from a pair of romantic PCs. ;-) Keep it PG-13 in-thread, though, so Paizo doesn't get upset.

- You're free to purchase mundane tattoos if you wish. The Cardinal finds the deception ... amusing.

@pg-13...I am trying not to be explicit and mostly stick to implications, innuendo and euphemisms. Was I pushing too far somewhere? I think written literature has some more relaxed rules interpretation than graphic representation in movies/series.

No, you're fine. Just a reminder. :-)
------------------------------------------
On another note, Robin could pass as either a Novice or an Initiate. Novices have just started learning how to be a priest. They typically advance around age 18-19.

Initiates have formally entered the Order but are not yet priests. Here's the oath (traditionally spoken in Celestial). "I live to serve the divine Mitra and his Church. They are my first loyalty, and I will never betray them. I will serve them forever, and may Mitra smite me if I forsake this oath."
-------------------------------------------
I'll also mention that Mitra has three aspects: Shining Lord, Beneficent Sun, and Fire Undying. The latter is the least well-known, with followers making up only 2% of the priesthood. Notable quote: "The Fire will burn the rot out, and from the ashes, we will have peace."

Now, Fire undying is deliciously ambigious and fitting.

If you didn't just make that up, it's delightful. If you did make it up, I'm impressed.

So, Robin will, agewise, be a Novice...it will also cause less questions about her inability to do things clerics usually can do.
She will pretend to worship Mitra in the aspect of Fire Undying, with the quote as tattoo.
The Fire will burn the rot out,
and from the ashes, we will have peace!
,with ornamental flames decorating it.

I am not very knowledgeable with tattoos, can I keep the exact location open? Dunno if it would work e.g. as two-liner near the neck, front or back, etc...it should be openly visible, but also possible to cover up if so wanted.(so not getting a mitran holy symbol on the back of the hand or something like that - upper or lower arm would be fine because mundane clothing could easily cover or reveal it as needed-).

Mundane tattoos can go literally anywhere you want, as they have no in-game effect.

- defacing your brand is possible. I'd like a relevant skill check to see how effectively you obscure it but you have more than enough time to Take20. The skill check is to see how much you're able to control the scarring (unless you simply want a large ugly blotch).

If I take 20 on my Craft (alchemy) check, I get a 31(!), which should allow me to remove it with a high degree of care (probably quite painfully, though).

@YBD: That's a nice boon - but I'm not going to be dealing much damage directly to celestials, certainly not in melee, but also I don't have direct damage (evocation) magics. Would the +1 apply to any monsters I summon?

Also, I love the Devil's Mark bonus - would it be possible to get the option of using it to add to the DC of my spells? That shouldn't be overly unbalanced, as it's only 3/day use, and it would be super-thematic...

Yes, it'll apply to summoned monsters. Regarding the Devil's Mark bonus... hold off on that for the time being. There are other feats in that chain. ;-)

I guess Saranda will also during her training have had an actual tattoo be made to be as a cover up. Now, what should Saranda be disguised as ?

Aye, I expected they can go anywhere, I just don't know where it would "look good" since I have no experience with them IRL. Hence why I'd like to keep the exact location open unless it's needed.

@Hecate: Take 20 assumes you fail many times during trying.
So Take 20 would mean you probably have a large area as acid-burn...you succeeded but it was a messy job.
Taking 10 may be more desirable, since 21 MAY be enough to get a decent result, without failing...and actually only "blot out" exactly what you desire.
If 21 does not do the job, you can still do the messy take 20.

Hmmm.... what's my disguise?

@Hecate: Take 20 assumes you fail many times during trying.

So Take 20 would mean you probably have a large area as acid-burn...you succeeded but it was a messy job.
Taking 10 may be more desirable, since 21 MAY be enough to get a decent result, without failing...and actually only "blot out" exactly what you desire.
If 21 does not do the job, you can still do the messy take 20.

That's true, and I hadn't thought of it that way. I'd rather roll and get it right with minimal scarring; I'll handle that in the gameplay thread.

EDIT: I see from YBD below (great stuff, BTW! 'Sign-language interpreter' is very cool) that 'deaf' is the way to go. I'll use that.

Aye...when I first came up with the concept, I was momentarily intimidated.

Also, Hecate, I THINK Saranda's question is directed at you, as in, if you have a cover identity for her in mind, as well, among those you prepared, similar to my "mentally retarded" variant.
I should note that when using that ID, people going too far may spontaneously self-combust. Kind of.

Besides I still mostly want to pose as enemy...I may even pose as Oracle gifted by Mitra...with a cleansing flame that flares up when I touch someone corrupted. If we find dirt on SOMEONE, and I expose them, we may be able to get someone else as well by bluffing about their corruption.

Regarding Saranda, I have few ideas. Charm seems to be her thing, so possibly some kind of consort or harlot? If she had a perform skill, I would say a musician or bard, but the skillset slightly limits the options.
Also, I wonder if it's good you picked up color spray on level up. While it IS an awesome spell, you do have the +1 caster level(trait) and +2 DC(arcana bonus) on charm person, which may well be useful during our quest as well.(and you already have burning hands and scorching ray as combat options, while you do lack out-of-combat ones).
Just my 2 cents, but I would consider a request to swap color spray for charm person, and possibly get something for a cover identity with background skills instead of appraise.
If you pick up a string instrument and sing, for perform, you could do a decent bard impression, even if they are not on your class skill list.
As said, just throwing some ideas your way...I know you asked during level up already, when I felt slightly ill and was unable to answer...so while my answer is late, maybe YBD would allow you any changes you feel like making if so.

Hmmm.... what's my disguise?

I like your idea of posing as a Mitran cleric - as a backup ID, what about the younger daughter of minor nobility? No one especially important, but it would give you a licence to be slightly spoiled and ask nosy questions without being considered rude. More socially acceptable than being a consort/harlot, especially in LG Talingarde!

Hecate is going to be a Mitran inquisitor, with a backup ID as a commoner, most likely a travelling apothecary/alchemist heading north to look for work. The commoner ID will be "retarded Robin's" sibling - I was going to foist her on Saranda, but it was my idea so I should take the consequences... (I can tell I'm going to regret this already >_<)

Robin - as another ID, what about a Mitran nun who's taken a vow of silence? ;-)

Yea, I'll switch it out for Charm Person. It was kind of my own sense of the spell and my love for it.

Also, I may havee to go for a Bard in training or simple q consort, while the lesser noble daughter is a good idea, would it make sense for me to be running around soo much with a nun with a vow of silence and an Inquisitor?

younger daughter of minor nobility strikes too close to the mark...because that IS effectively what Robin was.
She could do that but I believe at least one rank in knowledge(nobility) would be necessary.

Also, while Robin may be able to pull of "nun" with vow of silence, I'm not sure if she WANTS that. Do prepare the idea, but don't suggest it to her before she NEEDS to swap to a backup.

Alas, as Saranda said, the question is what HER part is. If we're travelling together, we should have matching sets of ID's.
(I would have posed as Cleric even if you guys had no disguise in mind, but IF we are all pretending, we should do so together...)

e.g. if I am retarded and you are my caretaker(and oh, are you in for something there), who is Saranda?

If I am a Mitra-touched member of the clergy and you're an Inquisitor, who is Saranda?

With her being a Cha-based role with few skills, more martial aspects like monk are out, she can't be a proper tutor, etc...alas, SARANDA will be easy in comparison.

The REALLY hard part will be Grumblejack.
Instead of a Hat of Disguise, he would need a permanent Veil-effect to be able to accompany us without turning heads and drawing attention everywhere we go.
And on pbp, I'm even less keen on splitting the party than in live games.

We'll need to work something more detailed out, there.