Hey Valeska I had asked in game a second time about using life link on you, then related to it a couple of times in game. Valda sees it as her calling to protect you, thus the use of life link.
I've been trying to keep the posts so their not overwhelming, I just need to figure out on who Valda would be using the life like on. She only can do three right how and has it on Niolai from their traveling together, would prefer Valeska to be the second.
I will have a post up later today folks, have to help a friend out most of today.
Chao is no rocking a nice 26 AC plus 1 for each adjacent enemy. Let them come :)
That is what I get for not having read how the ability works and just assuming! I'll correct stuff in a bit.
That is what I get for not having read how the ability works and just assuming! I'll correct stuff in a bit.
No sweat, I had to double check 'cause I wasn't that sure... It'll take a couple of rounds but we'll get him back up to full HP, Also plan on using the life link on Shontar, once he gets near enough.
Is there nay of that "once you make a will save, you're not affected for 24 hours..." stuff?
Haunts can be really varied in strength, power, and varieties. I didn't look into them too much since I want them to be a surprise still.
Is there nay of that "once you make a will save, you're not affected for 24 hours..." stuff?
Normally, a haunt would have to wait for its "reset" duration to pass before it can trigger its effects again. However, since this is a "persistent" haunt, which increases its CR, it effect triggers once per round until it is neutralized or it no longer has a target, at which point it then enters its reset timer.
Of course, this is my first time utilizing haunts. I read through the rules a couple times to prepare, but I may, admittedly, be misinterpreting them.
I think you're reading is correct, persistent haunts are more dangerous because they are relentless until quelled; having to use positive energy to quell them is just part of the challenge.
Is there a known time constraint that would... make the take 20 a no-go?
Is there a known time constraint that would... make the take 20 a no-go?
The trade off is that by taking 20, you give the dark folk a chance to prepare their defenses and perhaps even ambush you whilst searching the basilica.
I think speed is more important than a 100% thorough sweep right now, there'll be time for that later.
I agree with Bashuk.
So I forgot to give Valda languages, I think she gets ten besides common and aasimar. So I will work on that, obviously orc will be one of them. I'm thinking: abyssal. infernal, necril, sylvan, undercommon, protean, goblin, giant, dark folk. I'm thinking she wants to be able to interrogate possible enemies.
I totally forgot that dark folk was on Valda's list, is that what our prisoner is speaking? (I also changed protean to Dragon, but that won't effect this)
I must have misunderstood something... I'd intended for Sasha to lead the charge and barrel into the darkfolk causing mayhem.
Alas, I see no darkfolk anywhere near Valeska and Sasha.
But that that's fine. Also, the direction of the stairs was a bit ambiguous (to me at least, no cartographer am I!).
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@Valda: Their language is alternately called Dark Folk and Caligni, so you should be able to converse with him.
@Valeska: My apologies. The fortress map I selected was not ideal. Fortunately, the dark folk and their orc captives are in the basements and tunnels below Valorfoe, and I promise the maps for that will be much clearer.
@Valeska: My apologies. The fortress map I selected was not ideal. Fortunately, the dark folk and their orc captives are in the basements and tunnels below Valorfoe, and I promise the maps for that will be much clearer.
It's all good! I was just imagining (theatre of the mind) the black shape bounding up the stairs, surprising the enemy and clearing the way for Kain, while establishing a flanking position for Valeska.
I'm trying to imagine how we all engage and coordinate in combat.
Hey all, I'm sure many of you are in a similar situation, but my posting rate is going to be very low from Thursday through Sunday. Should be back to normal starting on Monday though!
Indeed, things are quite hectic here for me at the moment. I'll try to get a post up later.
I've been in similar straits, trying to balance posting and real life responsibilities.
If things slow down a bit during the holidays, I think we'll all understand and be supportive of one another.
Me too. I'll be slowing down for a few days. Mery Christmas to everyone in Europe, where it's already started :)
Yes, Merry Christmas all!
Merry Christmas Eve everyone! Hope you all have an amazing holiday!
I'm usually more festive around the holidays... it's been a weird one. Hope everyone who partakes had a wonderful Hannukah, Christmas and/or is enjoying Kwanzaa!
Stay safe out there!
Thank you all for your pleasant wishes and tidings for the holiday.
I hope everyone is safe and well.
A message for all my games:
My apartment's internet connection went out two days ago, and it will not be fixed until Sunday at the earliest.
(I am borrowing a friend's WIFI to post this).
I will resume posting updates once my connection is repaired, but in the meantime, I will be out of contact.
My apologies for the inconvenience. Thank you for your patience.
Yikes, what a terrible way to start the new year, but thanks for the heads up DM Vayelan hope it's taken care of quickly for you.
I hope they get your internet running smoothly soon!
On a somewhat related note I'm having some trouble with my laptop's battery so I'm taking it to get a new one on Monday. The guy at the shop guestimated it could take anywhere from a couple of hours to a day or two.
I should still be able to update the games but it'll be slower. I'll keep you all posted!
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Apparently Paizo had some hardware problems yesterday thanks to a storm. If your having difficulties logging in, clear your cookies, and you should be able to log-in again.
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Apparently Paizo had some hardware problems yesterday thanks to a storm. If your having difficulties logging in, clear your cookies, and you should be able to log-in again.
Indeed. This solved the issue for me. Thank you, Valda.
Sorry folks, I was locked out for a while and apparently couldn't see/notice the clear cookies banner. My sincerest apologies.
Yesterday was a hell of a day and tonight I run a game in a bit. Please feel free to bot Nikolai if needed, I'll have a post up late or tomorrow <3
Apologies all but I am probably going to be quiet for the next couple of days. We're about to get slammed with awful weather over the weekend and we still have to get the furniture moved over.
I should be able to start posting normally on Tuesday and I'll do my best between now and then but no promises, sorry again. Thanks for your patience!
Apologies all but I am probably going to be quiet for the next couple of days. We're about to get slammed with awful weather over the weekend and we still have to get the furniture moved over.
I should be able to start posting normally on Tuesday and I'll do my best between now and then but no promises, sorry again. Thanks for your patience!
Thank you for the update, Bashuk. No worries, though. I think we can all empathize with such trouble.
I am watching the little one this whole weekend so my posting will be sparse for sure. Feel free to bot me if needed to keep the energy going forward <3
Hey folks! My head is trying to explode so I will likely be asleep all of today. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Yuck, get feeling better Nikolai!
ok, need a little help here.
I thought our goal was to get the prisoners back and stop the raids. If we get the prisoners back and block the tunnel won't that accomplish our objective? Or are we supposed to, or intent upon, attacking the underdark?
Also the conversation happened in 'dark folk' then 'orc' so I assume someone is translating.
Vidods has been speaking in Orcish, as he assumed that more of the party will understand this as opposed to Caligni or Undercommon (his other languages). Therefore, yes, I have been assuming that someone translates his words for the party members not fluent in Orcish.
The original primary goal was to rescue the members of the Burning Suns tribe that had been captured by the Caligni living beneath the fortress.
The tribe wants to maintain control of the fortress since they have long been without a permanent home, so a secondary objective was to stop the raids - whether by killing, driving away, or sealing off the Caligni.
Offering the Burning Suns a different home is an alternative solution to this second issue, but it would likely require some persuasion and diplomacy. Furthermore, I'm not sure how Bashuk would react, in character, to this proposition.
With this confrontation, I wanted to provide the party with a challenging decision.
I just hope this hasn't blown up in my face or caused too much consternation for you guys.
The original primary goal was to rescue the members of the Burning Suns tribe that had been captured by the Caligni living beneath the fortress.
The tribe wants to maintain control of the fortress since they have long been without a permanent home, so a secondary objective was to stop the raids - whether by killing, driving away, or sealing off the Caligni.
That was my assumption. I also assumed that if you wanted more of a fight, you would have the commander double cross us or try and stop us from destroying the cave.
I don't mind if we fight and kill all the Calingi. To Valda's mind what she proposed accomplished their goals with the least bloodshed.
Valeska what were you thinking we should do?
all that evil requires to grow, is that good men and women do nothing.
I don't think we should let these folk fester.
Well, that's one way to look at our fantasy setting.
My understanding is that it was a town/setting that has existed for a very long time which is at war with our allies. Our goal is to get the orc prisoners out and acquire the keep for them. Wouldn't closing the tunnel accomplish that?
I don't know If this 'parley' will accomplish it or not. It will depend on their leaders actions.
But is your recommending we continue the war and attack a people group that (by definition) isn't evil? Especially while helping a people group that (by definition) is?
Obviously if they attack us we fight. If they give in to our demands and we close the tunnel haven't we accomplished our goal and prevented more bloodshed, both theirs and ours?
Out of character, I can't tell if this is part of the 'AP' or if were going down a rabbit hole. Does making war on these folks help our 'long term goals'? Or are we just looking for XP? I truly don't know. Maybe I haven't been in the game long enough. I want to play the game that DM Vayelan has laid out for us. I don't know how fighting the 'dark dwellers' will help our long term goals. The GM said " a secondary objective was to stop the raids - whether by killing, driving away, or sealing off the Caligni." If our actions, acquiring the prisoners and closing the tunnel, are successful we've acquired the allies we came for. Is there something here more than that?
My understanding is the Calingi are evil, not just thematically dark.
We know through Vidods own admission they coerced the previous residents to open a pathway. Perhaps the humans' undoing and downfall.
Valeska is not about genocide, this is a doorway into darkness and evil... a mini/provincial hellmouth or worldwound.
Yes we want the Burning Suns as allies, friends and neighbors... also as guardians on this border. Hence offering the fortress as residence.
Helping them rescue their kin would prove that we are willing to risk our own lives to save theirs. That we are brothers and sisters in arms. That we are honorable.
How much is plot device (AP navigation point) and how much is rabbit hole I've no idea.
The DM might be thinking... Idiots, they are obviously out numbered and out gunned... If they push it, it's a TPK!
And, I am enjoying the RP, immensely! Nice writing too!
I've put my thoughts as ICly as possible. Nikolai believes we are lacking too much information about too many variables. This entity known as the "Chooser" targeted the orcs because they were nearby and accessible. Sealing off the cavern and then the basement access as well could be enough to keep the orcs safe and out of the way. It allows us to put it on a back burner if we wish to.
I am personally fine for either option; investigating this "Chooser" does tick Nikolai's fancy. However, he is smart enough to know he doesn't know enough and the situation could grow more dire the deeper we go in.
All in all though, I am excited for whatever :D
My understanding is the Calingi are evil, not just thematically dark.
I'm totally metagaming here, but according to the PFSRD the dark stalkers are chaotic neutral and there is no alignment for Calingi or dark folk. But that's what I as the player know, not Valda. And of course that has nothing to do with how the GM will play them. Since I'm metagaming I may as well share that their leader did 'detect as evil' as did something in the water below us in the dark deep.
I'm trying not to play Valda as the typical 'Lawful stupid.' I guess I just assumed that as a party of mostly 'good' alignment that a release of the prisoners and destruction of the tunnel would be acceptable.
Of course if the GM wanted us to delve into the deep all he would have to do is have there leader renege and attack.
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I'm trying not to play Valda as the typical 'Lawful stupid.' I guess I just assumed that as a party of mostly 'good' alignment that a release of the prisoners and destruction of the tunnel would be acceptable.
I totally get you on that. I adore paladins, they're my favorite character type in the Pathfinder/D&D world. I think it is interesting that we do have a bunch of mostly good characters who have, due to their own character backgrounds and whatnot, have their own beliefs of what would be most good in the world. I think it has been excellent roleplay and character development, as long as we don't let it peter out the energy from the game is all.
From what I've picked up, this world has been very sandbox. We still have threats to the south of the territory where it comes across Virlych which will likely have its own problems to deal with.
To jump in on the metagaming and playing "Guess What The GM Is Doing", I think that right now is a great time to introduce threats and complications. I feel this Chooser and Vidod are not just going to appear once, same thing with us working with the orcs at the fortress (if things go well). Threats are placed down onto the table, we get a little sampling of the awfulness around us, and we decide as a group which we're going to go after first and which interests us both ICly and OOCly the most.
Out of character, I'm okay with taking this deal and collapsing the tunnels behind us. That's probably not a great long-term solution but it's enough to resolve the current situation and we got what we came for. Someone having an evil alignment isn't enough to justify a double-cross and mass murder, in my opinion.
In-character, Bashuk is also inclined to take the deal if they're not double-crossing us. These caligni appear to be earnest Zon-Kuthites and definitely not good people, so while Bashuk would happily turn them to ash if they break the deal, once an agreement has been struck her personal sense of honor would require her to uphold her end.
Zon-Kuthites are also lawful, so while this probably wouldn't occur to Bashuk we could possibly negotiate some sort of formal arrangement--a clearly marked border and/or areas of influence, something like that.
I won't tip my hand too much, but I will say that I had a few possible campaign roles in mind for Vidods, the Chooser, and the other Caligni depending on how the party chose to resolve this conflict.
Dabbling in the game of...well, meta-gaming, while the default alignment for a Caligni dark caller is chaotic evil, Vidods is lawful evil owing to his worship of Zun-Kuthon (by way of the Chooser).
No, we are helping a group of people who have shown no outward signs of being evil, despite cultural tendancies. Towards a group of people who have shown quite well they are capable of and easily commit evil acts. (raiding, sacrificial rituals, mind trickery, etc) not to mention they openly admit to worshiping one of the most feared deities in ustalv. Unless I'm getting names swapped again.
Kain's thoughts come from perceived actions, not anything at all to do with racial alignments. To him, the Caligni here are evil because they commit evil.
background wise- Kain's town was destroyed by a large orc/giant warband. His town had always kept a "defend you and yours" ideal, in other words they never truly went out of their way to remove potential threats, only ones that became actual threats. Kain isn't keen on making that mistake again.
Note this isn't to say he is on board with handing over the fotress to orcs. He is still personally against that concept. But at the moment, to him. These dark folk are a much greater threat than the orcs. At least with orcs you would usually know what you are getting.