Welcome, Saotome! I think that pretty well sums up what we're looking for.
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I also recommend someone who doesn't have teeth. It will save you some pain in the long run.
I think a few more runs like the last one and you certainly will be looking for some dentures, Mith.
Re Rose: Yeah Rose dropped out of a game of mine a few months ago too. I think she's pretty busy. She was also rather new to the boards so she might not have been super invested on these specific boards.
Yeah the party does need more damage in general so blasting and more melee with Laurel sounds great. Sam just ends up cheering most of the time, especially until she gets more spells.
I'd chime in and agree that an investigator wouldn't add much. I've played with a couple of investigators and they're great skill monkeys but they're disappointing in combat as a rule. It's a shame. An alchemist, sorcerer, arcanist, sorcerer, what have you, could have great skills too while putting out great damage and battlefield control.
It sounds like the perfect time for an old cranky toothless wizard with a temper as short as his patience who lobs fireballs at anything that disrespects him!
An investigator can be good in combat, but only if they build for finesse melee. Studied Combat is a nice boost - my investigator in Hell's Rebels felt a lot more effective once I got it - but because they only get light armor and it has to be used in melee, they basically have to be built for finesse, and inevitably use a rapier. There's a reason the "one-level dip in Inspired Blade Swashbuckler" is so popular.
An investigator can be passable in combat but it takes a lot of work, and even at their best they're only passable. I had a tiefling investigator who took mutagens and had fencing grace and could drink extracts as a swift action, and when completely buffed up he was fairly intimidating, but I could only really be dangerous 1/day and at all other points I was easily outclassed by any fighting type.
Which is more than fair considering all of their skills and utility.
Based on the players guide, and discussion so far, I am leaning towards a Sorcerer (Arcane bloodline). I feel this will be a good balance of battlefield control, and blasting (I was focused more on sheer number of spells per day, not variety).
That being said, as I add a few finishing touches to the character and progress through the creation rules, I noticed that we all get a free teamwork feat. Can someone please share for me what everyone picked here, so that I can come in with something that compliments the party?
Thanks all!
We kind of split down the middle on the teamwork feat - some of us took Lookout, and some of us took Ferocious Loyalty. Generally, the casters went with Lookout, since at least I felt that if I was in a position where Ferocious Loyalty would benefit me, we were in really big trouble.
OK. Lookout seems nice. Going before the bad guys go is typically something that Sorcerer's want to do. Adding in the final touches, and working on some background story now.
I think I may go with a draconic bloodline into dragon disciple. Another build I've never looked at before!
Aira (eye-ra) is here!
I read through the first few pages of the discussion, character history for everyone, and the initial gameplay. I felt like everyone knew everyone, so Aira would be someone you all would have known from Lastwell as well. I tried to tie in her background to Rose specifically, based on her history in Lastwell as well. Hope all seems OK to you guys!
I tried to make a sorc that is half battlefield control/half damage. As I am not yet in game, so I can surely make tweaks if necessary. Also being CHA focused, I have a high diplo roll. I was not sure if the party had a face or not yet, so if not, we have that now.
--I think i might get some extra feats too that I have not yet added in. I will double check with GM on that.
Also, for some reason, I am unable to create new forum aliases with avatars. Every time I try, the page crashes for me.
Also found HERE
Aira Windsinger
Female aasimar sorcerer 2 (Pathfinder RPG Bestiary 7)
NG Medium outsider (native)
Init +8; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +1
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Defense
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AC 12, touch 12, flat-footed 10 (+2 Dex)
hp 15 (2d6+6)
Fort +2, Ref +2, Will +4
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
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Offense
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Speed 30 ft.
Melee serenity +1 (1d6-1)
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 2nd; concentration +6)
. . 1/day—daylight
Sorcerer Spells Known (CL 2nd; concentration +6)
. . 1st (5/day)—burning hands (DC 15), grease
. . 0 (at will)—acid splash, daze (DC 14), detect magic, disrupt undead, prestidigitation
. . Bloodline Arcane
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Statistics
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Str 8, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 18
Base Atk +1; CMB +0; CMD 12
Feats Eschew Materials, Improved Initiative, Lookout[APG]
Traits reactionary, the artisan, trustworthy
Skills Acrobatics +0, Appraise +7, Artistry (musical composition) +5, Bluff +8 (+9 to fool others), Climb -3, Diplomacy +11, Disguise +2, Escape Artist +0, Fly +0, Heal +0, Intimidate +2, Knowledge (arcana) +5, Knowledge (history) +5, Perception +1, Ride +0, Sense Motive -1, Spellcraft +6, Stealth +0, Survival -1, Swim -3, Use Magic Device +8; Racial Modifiers +2 Diplomacy, +2 Perception
Languages Celestial, Common, Draconic
SQ arcane bond (serenity), bloodline arcana (+1 DC for metamagic spells that increase spell level), meticulous
Combat Gear scroll of expeditious retreat, scroll of feather fall; Other Gear serenity, backpack, bedroll, belt pouch, flint and steel, Flute, mess kit[UE], pot, soap, spring loaded scroll case, spring loaded scroll case, trail rations (5), waterskin
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Special Abilities
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Arcane Bond (Serenity) (1/day) (Sp) Use object to cast any spell in your spellbook. Without it, Concentration required to cast spells (DC20 + spell level).
Bloodline Arcana: Arcane (Ex) When a spell level is increased by a metamagic feat, it gains +1 DC.
Darkvision (60 feet) You can see in the dark (black and white only).
Energy Resistance, Acid (5) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Acid attacks.
Energy Resistance, Cold (5) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Cold attacks.
Energy Resistance, Electricity (5) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Electricity attacks.
Eschew Materials Cast spells without materials, if component cost is 1 gp or less.
Lookout Not surprised if adj ally with same feat isn't surprised. Extra actions if both are aware.
Meticulous -2 on all untrained skill checks
Aira was born in Lastwell in 4697 to what seemed like your run of the mill mortal human parents, though immediately everyone knew there was something different about this girl. It's not every day a child is born with silver hair.
For her younger years, Aira's parents kept her segregated from most of the rest of the children, for fear of her being shunned as an outcast. Unfortunately luck took a turn for the worst, when both her parents were killed in the attacks from the Twisted Nail. All that was left was this silver haired, bright smiled orphan.
In an unexpected turn, rather than shun, as a form of rebuilding the residents of Roslar's Coffer welcomed and felt a level of responsibility for the Aira. She may have lost her birth parents, but she gained a new, welcoming family in Lastwell. One such resident seemed to take the bulk of the responsibility for Aira's continued upbrining - the elf named Rose.
Rose helped the child grow and keep a positive outlook on life, while at the same time help to harness magic powers that grew deep within. She taught Aira to bond her magic into a single specific item, in this case a staff she named "Serenity", contradictory to the actual power held within. Rose also inspired Aira to focus on music, as a means to release her magic in non harmful ways. Day after day, Aira practiced the flute, becoming more well known around the townsfolk and befriending many other locals. She would often be found playing a quick melody around late night campfires.
Aira was especially excited when she was asked to perform at the wedding of Vanderhoff Steelkeg and Calrianne Blix. She could barely hold her excitement back as she lay her eyes to rest a few nights before the big day....
Talk talk talk... Aira loves to talk to people, about anything and everything. She somehow tends to find a way to use her words to spin any negative into a positive, and often brings smiles to the faces of her friends through laughter and music.
Yet at the same time, she is very meticulous. When the talking is over, and its time for action, she prefers to plan every little detail prior to execution. When she's not jibba jabbing with her friends, she focuses on practicing her flute, and harnessing her power. She respects Rose for her teachings, her guidance, and her ability to help train Aira to focus her powers. She struggles yet to understand why she has these gifts, and why they seem to do more harm than good.
Yeah, the avatars are down right now. Paizo's aware, but not sure how high priority it is for them. :(
Question on Feats - I see a lot of you have Story feats as well - was that in addition to your regular L1 feat selection AND teamwork feat? Or did the story feat replace your L1 feat selection?
Thank you!
That was an addition. Or at least it was in SL's other game I'm in. I don't seem to have a story feat for Mithralline. Not sure if I just missed it?
I think I may go with a draconic bloodline into dragon disciple. Another build I've never looked at before!
I have a Giantslayer character going this route. It takes a bit to come into its own, but it looks like a great way to be a dragon for an entire combat.
Aira - you are now Sarela’s adopted younger cousin, since she called Rose “Auntie Rose.”
I think I may go with a draconic bloodline into dragon disciple. Another build I've never looked at before!I have a Giantslayer character going this route. It takes a bit to come into its own, but it looks like a great way to be a dragon for an entire combat.
I took a long hard look at the draconic bloodline for this exact reason, but decided on Arcane for more balance between both utility and boom boom.
Aira - you are now Sarela’s adopted younger cousin, since she called Rose “Auntie Rose.”
Sounds awesome cous.
What happened to Rose in game, for the purposes of this story?
Hehe was wondering that myself. Did she just wonder off in the middle of the night or something.
Yeah, Arcane bloodlines are always really powerful, regardless of class for some reason. The bloodrager arcane bloodline lets them cast haste on themselves every rage starting at level 8, which is gross, among other good abilities.
GM, looking at the discussion on story feats, I'm missing what you said about Sam's story feats. Battlefield healer and conciliator were the options she was considering.
@Aira: Sam's diplomacy is pretty good, fyi, but her bluff and intimidate are not.
Sam, re: the gamepost, I think you can fast-forward to strategy with a "once she's helped" sort of transition. Even if it's in the same post, we know it's not right away, but we also know Rose is sick because her player disappeared. But we can't go on until we have our strategy.
Well another consideration was I had to leave my keyboard for a bit. ;) Doing now.
Just a heads up, will be away this weekend, potentially through Monday. Heading to Space Camp with my son for a cub scouts thing. Please bot me as necessary.
Hey folk, I am away this week from Tuesday through Saturday. I "should be" able to post, but it might not be as fast as i'd like.
FYI, Aira, looks like you can pick avatars again.
hecks yeah you can! Nice :D
Not sure if GM wants to update my roll 20 icon to match this one or not, to avoid confusion
Yay for avatars!
Sam's probably busy with the baby, GM. May want to DMPC her.
If 28 doesn't get us somewhere, there isn't a non-murderous solution here...
Well sometimes certain stuff can't be handled with a diplomacy roll, no matter how high the result. Well if you go according to RAW it can, which is why creating a level 1 bard with a +20 to diplomacy is actually the most broken level 1 build there is.
That was a 28 diplomacy, but very well could have been an intimidation the way it was worded! :) A lot of it really depends on the GM because honestly, most of the time the way the blocks are written they very rarely allow for diplomacy. Most of the stats are written up explicitly say "fight to the death" or "must have their son murdered before giving you a stamp."
It is one of the drawbacks of APs sometimes - the NPCs are supposed to do X. I just ran into it in my Return of the Runelords PbP - the one goblin fights to the death in a frenzy if she sees one of the goblin dogs killed, but that didn't stop my goblin PC from trying to talk her down.
Plus, the Diplomacy rules aren't quite as straightforward. While this might not seem like it, given the nature of the current political situation in this fort, stamping us through could count as "Give dangerous aid", upping the DC by 10. If the Queen's attitude is hostile, that could easily set the DC at 35 (assuming 0 Charisma). Even if she's only Unfriendly, it would still be a DC 30 Diplomacy check if giving us the stamp counts as dangerous aid (again, assuming 0 Charisma).
Sarela's about to try and aid you, but it might not be enough.
Yeah. Really feel like the mod is backing us into a corner. Been a frustrating start (not because of any of us, just the adventure).
I feel like we all kind of thought there'd be a lot of fighting undead, and there probably will be, but the first adventure is just really light on it. I don't think any of us expected to run into a castle full of tooth fairies in the Boneyard at level 2.
Of course, the genre of the AP is supposed to be "Survival Horror", so I guess in that respect it's living up to design.
I'm hoping to inject some new life into my personal character investment when I switch characters. Unfortunately Laurel was built as divine support with a focus on channeling, and as such he doesn't really stand out in this party at all. But Thras certainly will, and should significantly help our damage output.
I haven't read much past book two, but from what I've seen of the storyline and without spoilering it much, they will be coming later.
Hang in there and it will get better eventually. I'm trying to do my best to juggle what the book says the story should be and cutting a little slack to you guys in the progress, but I can see how it could be frustrating and feel like you are stuck here.
Okay two bits!
First, congrats on finishing The Palace of Teeth! I know that was aggravating for some, hopefully that is behind us and we can move on to new aggravations! :) Go ahead and level to THREE. I'm giving this to you a little early, but the downtime between locations makes it easy. So there will be a bit of stretch before you hit three.
Second, we're going to travel you back to Umble and Thoot so that Laurel can switch out characters before continuing on. We won't spend an eternity here, but it makes more sense to do it this way.
Please notate your significant level-up changes.
Neat!
And I assume you mean level 3?
No worries. And, yeah, I assume level 3?
What?! Of course level three. It's clearly written there in bold.
Couple questions for building Thras:
1) Would the family ties drawback be appropriate given the state of Thras's family?
2) How are we handling the campaign teamwork feat? I'm fine with throwing ferocious loyalty onto him because it fits well and is strong mechanically, but wasn't sure if you wanted to do some RP hurdles before we had Thras with the same teamwork feats as the party.
Edit:
3) How am I doing wealth?
1) I am fine with it, but be prepared for Doubt should Laurel die.
2) That's up to you. Makes sense to put it on after you get to know them a bit better.
3) Use average wealth for level two, that aligns with what Aira just used and it won't put him too far ahead of the party.
1) That's fine. But also I have not really made it abundantly clear what happened to his other two siblings, and have very much left their fate in your hands :)
2) Yeah, I'll just keep it as a placeholder for now until we get to know each other a little better.
3) Got it.
Ugh. Right now I'm building Thras as a draconic bloodrager who will prestige into dragon disciple, and I'm settling on an intimidate build. It's going to be a very fun melee build that totally relies on natural weapons, and I would love to take the boar style feats but taking improved unarmed strike when I already have claws feels real bad. Hmm. It's too bad none of the draconic bloodline bonus feats are intimidate-based either.
Welp nevermind just found the Bloody-Knuckled Rowdy archetype.
I get a new spell known and am open to suggestions. More importantly, I get a feat which I'm spending on extra revelation to take life link. Now Sam should really blossom as an in-combat healer.
Weapons against evil is highly useful for helping the DPS characters overcome DR at low levels.
I got another CC type spell - burning sands. Picked up feats to help the DC of my fire based spells.
Can someone give me the TL/DR on Thas? I understand he is Laurel's brother. Anything else important?
Thras is Laurel's brother, a Pathfinder and a love interest for Aralah who is also a Pathfinder. I just realized either I didn't write up her background or it got deleted at some point when we leveled... :(