Why Can't Fighters Have Nice Hobgoblins? Ironfang Invasion

Game Master Stalwart

You know, if William doesn't normally need an Amulet of Natural Armor, he might do well with a Talisman of Freedom and maybe a couple of others (you can wear up to 3 at a time in the neck slot).

I'm not sure that Bracers of Falcon's Aim are really worth it, given that they take a standard action to activate. The main benefit is the improved threat range. You might do better with learning Keen Edge, since that lasts long enough that you can reliably cast it in advance of battles (and you could share the 50 arrows with Aerel).

You know, if William doesn't normally need an Amulet of Natural Armor, he might do well with a Talisman of Freedom and maybe a couple of others (you can wear up to 3 at a time in the neck slot).

I'm not sure that Bracers of Falcon's Aim are really worth it, given that they take a standard action to activate. The main benefit is the improved threat range. You might do better with learning Keen Edge, since that lasts long enough that you can reliably cast it in advance of battles (and you could share the 50 arrows with Aerel).

I thought you could only wear one item in the neck slot, I've been combining NA and AMoF into one on characters.

Each of these crimson leather bracers is emblazoned with the image of a soaring golden falcon scanning the ground for easy prey. They continually grant the wearer the benefits of the aspect of the falcon spell, though without the spell's physical transformation.

Is this not correct?

I thought you could only wear one item in the neck slot, I've been combining NA and AMoF into one on characters.

Talismans are special like that. You can wear up to 3 talismans at a time in the neck slot.

PRD Wonderous Items Wrist slot wrote:

Each of these crimson leather bracers is emblazoned with the image of a soaring golden falcon scanning the ground for easy prey. They continually grant the wearer the benefits of the aspect of the falcon spell, though without the spell's physical transformation.

Oh, I guess it was errata'd. On both Archives of Nethys and d20PFSRD it comes up as this:

Each of these crimson leather bracers is emblazoned with the image of a soaring golden falcon scanning the ground for easy prey. Once per day, on command, the wearer gains the benefits of aspect of the falcon for 1 minute. The wearer must wear these bracers continuously for 24 hours before activating this ability.

Yeah, having aspect of the falcon continually was just too dang strong.

I will get a post up tomorrow

I was having some writer's block on the battle...but Benedict did a great job summarizing what happened. The great dice roll for storytelling was very appropriate.

I currently have no natural armor but I think the +2 should go to someone in melee first. I can take a hand me down if there is one, if not to biggie. Same with the ring of evasion. The Eyes might be best for Aerel.

I have added the wand and scrolls to my list. I wonder if I should put any of them in my spellbook.

I've got a bit of money to spend. Have to see what is available first.

Sorry for the delay, it's been hell at work. Aerel has a +26 to Perception without the Eyes of the Eagle, so if someone is interested in it, go for it.

Lenses of Detection are still tempting because of the additional bonus to Survival for tracking in addition to Perception.

Shopping continues... wish I could find a way to get a better strength enhancement that doesn't break the bank or my dexterity enhancement.

Those are all excellent purchases. Especially Holy on the bow. For 2k though? Bank it or buy special arrows (durable adamantine and the like)

OK, durable arrows are new to me. Normal iron arrows of the durable variety appear to be 1 gp each. Adamantine ammunition is +60 gp, so does that mean each adamantine durable arrow is 61 gp? I can go through a lot of arrows in a fight, even if I'm collecting them afterward. I still need enough to get through the battle.

The ever-full adamantine quiver sounds very tempting as an alternative, but it is pricy.

What about durable cold iron arrows? What is the cost of a cold iron arrow? Not finding that adjustment.

Bumping the magic on the bow is much more than replacing it with a composite bow and getting a +1 strength bonus to damage. Making it adaptive gets the strength bonus and makes it possible to benefit occasionally from bull's strength or prepares me for the future strength-enhancing magic item I hope to find or purchase.

For AC boosts, the most cost-effective would be the AC ioun stone and taking my armor to +2...

I guess I never finished leveling up, either. I threw some potential feats out, but missed if anyone had any suggestions. Narrowing them down a bit:

Critical Focus (+4 to critical confirmation rolls)
Elven Accuracy (one re-roll for failed concealment miss chance rolls)
Exceptional Pull (improve use of composite longbows - but I assume I have to have the strength to benefit from inflated STR rating of the bow)
Expert Sniper (reduce Stealth penalty while sniping) (Expensive action economy, but potentially better damage)
Greater Weapon Focus (Longbow) (Additional +1 to attack with longbow)
Improved Critical (Double threat range for critical hits)
Relentless Shot (If successful in ranged tripping an opponent, can make AoO against that opponent until next turn) (Tempting to lean into the trick shot artist)
Shadow Strike (Deal precision damage against targets with less than total concealment) (Dark is not an issue, but fog could be)
Trick Shooter (+2 to ranged combat maneuvers) (Again, do I lean into the trick shooter? Trip at range could be useful for front liners)

Here's a question - would Agile Maneuvers (Add Dexterity bonus to determine CMB rather than Strength bonus) apply to ranged combat maneuvers? I think it actually makes more sense. (And would make trick shots much more likely to succeed)

@Aerel, it's pretty hard to go against Greater Weapon Focus, since that would help you whether you are doing damage or trick shots. And it sets you up for Greater Weapon Specialization.

I'll try to get a post up tonight or tomorrow. These take a while.

@DM Stalwart, did you see my questions? Some are really up to your ruling - I don’t ask you to make suggestions on gear and feats, but some items had some rules interpretation required…

Sorry about forgetting your question. I'd say yes, I think it makes a lot of sense for Dex to apply -- a heck of a lot more sense than Strength.

Cold iron weapons cost double, so arrows would be doubled too.

I think you're right that durable adamantine arrows would cost 61 gp. Otherwise, you'll be looking for the heads and have to re-fletch them every time they hit.

Thanks for the response!

Aerel spends some time in the market, consulting with dwarven crafters and inspecting their wares. He finds many things that interest him, but he settles on a few in particular.

A headband that enhances his wisdom, both for improving his strength of will and several of his skills.
A wondrous quiver that never seems to run out of ammunition and provides arrows that the mage crafter insists could punch through a stone will in the hands of a skilled archer.
A double fistful of cold iron arrows that will withstand the impact and survive longer than the average missiles he generally carries - and they will be more effective against fey and demonkind, should any turn up. Can never be too careful.
An enchantment on his armor to protect him from traps.
Lastly, a small gem, a prism of pale pink, to protect him from attacks.

And his practice has enhanced his focus with his bow. Greater Weapon Focus is not the exciting choice, but it is hard to argue with.

Benedict starting gold: 29,080
Gloves of Dueling: -15,000
Upgrade Buckler to +3: -5,000
Upgrade Cloak to +3: -5,000
Upgrade Haela's shield to +2: -4,000

Remaining: 80 GP (and Haela has 385 GP)

Everyone good?

Yes, was just waiting to see if anybody else wanted to chime in.

We have a few anti-petrification objects. I think we encountered a Basilisk at one of the forts, and Gorgons at the warbeast camp.

The Lidless Charm Bracelet grants immunity to gaze attacks if you make a touch attack against the enemy, and it has a five-time ability to let you reroll the save.

The Amulet of Proof Against Petrification lets you just be Staggered for 1d6 rounds on a failed save, but then if you fail a save while Staggered you are Petrified.

Stone Salve can restore somebody who has been petrified.

I've been really busy these last couple weeks (capping off with traveling this weekend). I have tomorrow off so I should be able to post something soon and get us moving again

Sorry for the delay