TOZ's Hao Jin Cataclysm [Gameday VIII] (Inactive)

Game Master TriOmegaZero

To boost allied offensive does someone (preferably someone who has a high attack bonus) simply attempt 1 attack roll (outside of combat?) as a skill check? Or when in combat do we declare an attempt to boost before making an attack roll? If it is the former we should probably do that now so we have it available to us (or we can pass the boosted token).

So I think I'm understanding the aid token's better now. Suceeding at the appropriate mission grants us the token, and the degree of success determines if we earn the "special" boost. We can then choose to boost the token further, and then are supposed to either keep it for our use or pass it to another table which can then use it.

E.g. if Ammen had a remove curse spell, we could now boost the provide spellcasting boon, and it would then contain a CL15 remove curse that we could pass to any table. Or we could hold onto the token, and any PC could use that at any point.

My understanding of the aid token is that you can pass it off to another table, optionally boosting it with a successful check or task to make it more potent for them. I don't believe you can boost it and hold it for your own use.

There are a specific number of tokens for the house, so unless something happens we have a finite amount of them. You don't boost them until your encounter ends, so you would roll the check outside of combat.

I will get Round Mountain started soon, we rolled out a new HR system this weekend so we are slammed with calls about login troubles.

So it looks like we should boost our offense token, we can’t boost the other, and we should pass both? Can the recipient table boost it or is it useless if it requires a boost and we don’t?

You only have Aid Token #1, unless I missed another gift. The recipent table would be able to use your boost, but would have to pass it on to boost it again.

Oh, so while we’ve unlocked the special boost for two others, we don’t have an aid token to apply these to or to pass. Sorry I’ve been so confused by these aid tokens

You have unlocked the Special Boost for the Provide Spellcasting option on Aid Tokens. When you boost an Aid Token now, you may choose to attempt that instead of the normal boost. Another hour has passed in the tapestry and your next stop is Round Mountain. Let me know if there are any change in plans, such as swinging by the field camp to acquire aid for Laara's condition. Edit: Also, you unlocked the Special Boost for the Allied Offensive aid option when you successfully negotiated with all three groups of delegates earlier, apologies for missing that.

That's correct, sorry for the confusion.

A little confused. Ara isn't near the edge. However, do we need to make a roll when we cross the bridge?

I read the wrong line. It was an Acrobatics check and not a Reflex save.

Sorry, GM, several questions before I post. Is the strand attached to us? If so, I’m guessing movement is restricted but can we otherwise act normally? Or, I should ask, can I still fire my bow as I normally would? Just trying to figure out my options...

Was also trying to figure out if these are touch attacks because I'm not able to determine that from some of the hits and crit confirmations.

Sorry, yes, ranged touch attacks. Apparently they used to have a grab like ability but in the edition change that went away. So technically they are on you but it has no mechanical effect.

GM: Do you mean an Acrobatics check? I may be confused but you mentioned before that it was Acrobatics to keep your feet and Reflex to avoid falling in the chasm. Just wanted to make sure...

Packing for SkalCon the day of the flight doesn’t help me manage PbP. It is an acrobatics check, yes. >.<

@GM - Before we did the ratfolk, I posted this:

https://paizo.com/campaigns/v5748p75ivkj4/gameplay&page=3#142

Since no one responded to my post to say it was not the duergar, I posted that Ajax cast Barkskin. Seeing how that it was not the duergar mission and Ajax did not actually avoid anything because of it, can we agree that Ajax casts it now?

Perfectly fine!

what are the Knowledge checks? Dungeon and Religion?

Also, in fairness, I would have burned my last Pearl of Power 1st to recast Detect Snares and Pits. Doesn't look like it will be a factor in this encounter, but wanted to make sure that I accounted for it.

You should already recognize the undead, while the duergar are Local. You definitely detect no pits or other traps.

GM: I expected the duergar would but the undead creature recognizes Flyn? Since we slew all the undead in Tapestry’s Toil (and none of them were distinct), perhaps the duergar might’ve raised Ironwhip from the dead? If so, would Flyn recognize the creature as such? Just asking for role playing purposes, for banter in between arrows and such...

That might be a reasonable guess. :)

Edited my post to a haste buff for the party rather than doing something that would hit the innocents.

Congratulations, here is a new Aid Token, Token #5, from our Discord table.

Boosted for Knowledge (Nature), Hard, from Lil Mac, our Investigator.

So Red shouldn't know who pumped him full of arrows. Hopefully he blames Flynn. I know I would.

Also, Ara has scent, so she should be able to pinpoint Red pretty easy.

Scent only identifies the square of an invisible creature which is adjacent, it doesnt pinpoint at all. Its a move action to get a sense of which direction a creature is in if it is within your scent range. Its a very imprecise sense.

It absolutely allows you to pinpoint if you move within 5'

If the creature moves within 5 feet (1 square) of the scent’s source, the creature can pinpoint the area that the source occupies, even if it cannot be seen.

Scent only identifies the square of an invisible creature which is adjacent,

That's what "pinpointing" is.

You pinpoint the area, as in you know which square. You still have to deal with total concealment.

You pinpoint the area, as in you know which square. You still have to deal with total concealment.

I never said otherwise, so I'm not sure where you're going with this.

The bottom line is that Ara will likely find the duergar quite quickly. Not that he is much of a threat being blinded for the next three rounds.

@Flynn,

I've been looking at that Infiltrator Ranger archetype and I have to say, I think it's an interesting option. The ability to get Darkvision for multiple encounters a day is really valuable, in some situations, it's invaluable. But in PFS, there are some downsides in that you are prevented from choosing Humans as your Favored Enemy, at least until 8th level. Plus, you're don't get Favored Terrain (Urban). Objectively, the benefits against Humans and in Urban terrain have come up way more in PFS than my needing Darkvision. But not having Darkvision and needing it could be more catastrophic.

How often has Darkvision come into play through 10 levels? Would you go Infiltrator again?

@Flynn,

I've been looking at that Infiltrator Ranger archetype and I have to say, I think it's an interesting option. The ability to get Darkvision for multiple encounters a day is really valuable, in some situations, it's invaluable. But in PFS, there are some downsides in that you are prevented from choosing Humans as your Favored Enemy, at least until 8th level. Plus, you're don't get Favored Terrain (Urban). Objectively, the benefits against Humans and in Urban terrain have come up way more in PFS than my needing Darkvision. But not having Darkvision and needing it could be more catastrophic.

How often has Darkvision come into play through 10 levels? Would you go Infiltrator again?

Yeah, I would do it again in a heartbeat. I’ve probably used Darkvision about a dozen times or so...and at least a couple of times it proved pretty crucial...

It doesn’t prevent you from choosing Humans as a favored enemy till 8th level. You still choose your favored enemies at the same level as a regular ranger (1st, 5th, etc); you just can’t choose an adaptive ability till 3rd, 8th, etc (the same levels you’d normally pick a favored terrain)...

I chose not to select humans as a favored enemy with my first two selections; I opted for Undead and Outsider (Evil) and have used at least one of those in practically every scenario/module I’ve played. While I see the that humans would come up more, I fear undead and demons far more so I opted for those. Undead tend to come up a lot...and since Flyn has been in several scenarios in Mendev, demons have come up a lot as well. Plus devils and several other creatures fall under Outsider (Evil) as well...

It doesn’t prevent you from choosing Humans as a favored enemy till 8th level. You still choose your favored enemies at the same level as a regular ranger (1st, 5th, etc); you just can’t choose an adaptive ability till 3rd, 8th, etc (the same levels you’d normally pick a favored terrain)...

Right, got it criss-crossed there. You would have to wait until 5th level to choose humans if you wanted Darkvision at 3rd level.

I chose not to select humans as a favored enemy with my first two selections; I opted for Undead and Outsider (Evil) and have used at least one of those in practically every scenario/module I’ve played.

Undead is a good/popular choice. Each Season seems to showcase different creatures, but Undead are time-honored favorite monster of scenario writers.

I’ve probably used Darkvision about a dozen times or so...and at least a couple of times it proved pretty crucial...

Hasn't seem to come up too much for me, but...I am of the opinion it might get more popular in these higher levels where they expect players to have the tools to deal with it.

The upside of Favored Terrain is the +2 Init you get. Choosing Urban has given me a lot of mileage. Had I chosen Underground for my second, I'd probably have maximized the benefit.

The upside of Favored Terrain is the +2 Init you get. Choosing Urban has given me a lot of mileage. Had I chosen Underground for my second, I'd probably have maximized the benefit.

Yeah, I’d really like the +2 init...but as it seems many of Flyn’s adventures have been either in ruins, caves, sewers and such, I might’ve picked a different terrain if I had that choice...another reason Darkvision has proven useful thus far...

I like Ajax’s specialty arrows as I haven’t looked too far beyond the arrows to overcome DR...I’ll be looking more into that...also like his usage of wands and I’ll definitely be checking that out as well...

Yeah, I’d really like the +2 init...but as it seems many of Flyn’s adventures have been either in ruins, caves, sewers and such..

Sewers fall under Urban (and underground) and Caves are typically Underground. Ruins don't fall into a specific category, so you'd apply the terrain in which the ruins were found. Applicable terrains are not mutually exclusive, so a forest covered mountain would be both Forest and Mountain.

I like Ajax’s specialty arrows as I haven’t looked too far beyond the arrows to overcome DR...I’ll be looking more into that...

Well, truth be told they are almost pointless. The sad facts is that 98% of all combat encounters are solved by killing the other guy. With the damage you do, not sure how much utility you'll get from them. All too often, you're far better of just shooting to kill, especially with the rocket tag aspect of high level play.

The other problem is that, annoyingly, the rulebooks aren't 100% clear on how some of them work. The dye arrow is a perfect example. Despite this arrow showing up in both Elves of Golarion and then later in the Alchemy Manual, none of the entries actually discuss the effect on an invisible creature's Concealment. So expect a lot of table variation with using specialty arrows.

Apologies for not getting this started yet, I will be at the Disney Halloween party tonight after driving out last night. Hotel internet has been spotty. If you want me to get a backup GM for the weekend, I can ask. I still expect to be able to keep things moving if you are okay with it.

I'm okay with it, GM. Have fun!

I'm fine with waiting.

I’m having surgery tonight so it may be a bit until my next post. Please bot me if necessary

Assessing the Damage - Once during the adventure, when encountering undead opponents, the group gains +4 on initiative

Interrogating the Snakes - Once during the adventure when interacting with a creature in the tapestry, one PC can gain +2 to a Cha-based skill check and roll twice, taking the better result.

Knowledge of the Weave - Once during the adventure, one PC can reroll a failed d20 roll.

Something is Watching - Once during the adventure, one PC can roll twice and choose the better result. Used by Laara.

Supply Check - Between encounters, PCs may purchase items from the CRB or Ultimate Equipment worth 1500GP or less.

Tales From the Tapestry - Once during the adventure, one PC may treat a Knowledge roll as if they had rolled a 20. Alternatively, they may gain the benefits of an Average roll for a Knowledge skill they are not trained in.

Travel Tips - Once during the adventure, every PC may reroll a failed skill check involving movement. (Acrobatics, Climb, Fly)

Muckmouth Secured - The PCs gain one free use of the Burst of Healing Aid Token option.

Round Mountain Secured - Gain +10ft land speed for the entirety of one encounter, decided when the encounter starts.

Temple Secured - Once during the adventure, the PCs can activate this benefit to instantaneously cure every PC of the following conditions: fatigued, shaken, sickened, dazed, and staggered.

Slave Mountain Secured - Gain 30 temporary hit points at the start of an encounter, lasting until the end of that encounter.

Patchwork Allies Secured - The PCs gain one free use of the Allied Offensive Aid Token option.

Eternal Lake Secured - The PCs gain one free use of the Timely Inspiration Aid Token option.

Aid Token Special Boost Options - All options are unlocked except the Timely Inspiration Special Boost.

Given we are having the chance to rest do people want me to prepare any different spells? I could prepare more barkskins for people, who might benefit most from it?

I appreciate you asking. Personally, I'm always concerned with saves. So if I had to pick a buff, I would go with Heroism, but I'll take anything offered.

If you are going with Barkskin, then I can pick something else.

I agree with you about saves but Heroism is my spirit magic spell so I can only cast it with those slots which are rather limited.

I assume we can boost the free aid token things we have? e.g. Deno'thar can spend 3 rounds to boost Eternal Lake Secured, Ammen could use Breath of life to boost Muckmout Secured, and one of our martially oriented characters could boost Patchwork Allies Secured?

Thanks for asking Ammen. I guess my only request would be if greater dispel magic doesn't help Laara maybe a few remove curses? Thinking about the necromantic energies, It may not hurt to have them either way. Actually, Do you have the 100gp compontent for restoration, because that spell could come in handy as well if we run into something nasty.

Deno'thar can cast heroism, but he is the whole reason I was pushing the party to rest anyways.

#bardlife

I don't believe you have any aid tokens, just boons that use the aid token mechanics.

Edit: Correction, you have #5 available. You can certainly boost that and pass it on before we start the next part.

I would take a barkskin, if you have the extra slot.

OK, I have switched up to 3 barkskins. Once it loos like we might be heading for trouble I will drop an extended one on Laara, Aericus and me. These will only be +4 and will last for nearly 4 hours. I will add an extended heroism for myself as well.

At the start of the day I will cast overland flight, life bubble, two extended magic vestments and an ant haul as well as taking another blood boiling pill.

Ajax can you cover yourself for barkskin?

Deno'Thar, if you have the spells lots free i would really recommend Heroism on as many people as you can cover. While it wont help with tattacks given Flagbearer and Banner the bonus to saves is really effective.

As a heads up, the final fight of the scenario has a Hard Mode option. If anyone is uncomfortable with that challenge, please PM me to let me know. As with all Hard Mode options, it will only be engaged if the entire table agrees.

As the low man on the totem pole, I would be okay with hard mode, but I would expect a little more help with buffs. Perhaps a communal resist energy of a standard type or a communal protection from evil.

Amnensura, do you think we'll need 4 hours of barkskin? Maybe we could use the rods for some shorter buffs?

I be never done hard mode, so I don't know what to expect. But I can imagine we might need daylight, flight, or some good inviso counter.

If everyone is ok with it, so am I...but if there's even one of us that doesn't wish to do it, it won't bother me either...

@Ammen Assuming we have time, I could heroism the rest of the party, blowing through all of my 2nd level spell slots. I still have 4 3rd level spell slots that would comprise any non 1st level spells for the rest of the scenario. At least one of those is going to get used by a mirror image, leaving only 3 >1st level spells from me for the rest of the scenario. Also, can you split the life bubble on the party, or is it going to be personal?

@Ajax, communal resist energy doesn't typically get cast until you face an enemy who obviously warrents using it, unless you have the slots to do all energies

Regarding hard mode, I feel our saving throws are a little weak to go for it (mostly because of our level 9s, like myself!), but if everyone wants to, I'm ok with it.

I have one communal resist energy prepared but it is difficult to know what ennergy type to use until we face it. I will certainly drop it as soon as it becomes apparent that we might need it. I think 4 hours of barkskin might well be needed.

I do generally prefer to play on hard mode but we have a coupe of level 9's and I wouldnt want to place them under any sort of pressure to say yes. I am more than happy to play on regular. PbP can make co-ordination quite a bit more difficult between a party, especially when things move quite quickly so that also makes hard mode more difficult.

Well, I will play fairly conservative and safe.

I collectively sense enough hestitation (including my own) that I'm going to go ahead and be the one that says lets not do hard mode. We have the firepower to possibly be successful, but if we don't overwhelm it immediately (as we've done to pretty much every encounter so far), our level 9s (with our relatively weak saving throws), combined with no source of AoE healing, and limited divine support regardless could prove problematic.