GM Kulkos Racing to Ruin (Serpents Skull 2) (Inactive)

Game Master Kulko

Great to have you back Father Kerndrew you are very much welcome.

@Neethan: I play group knowledge here so you don't depend on waiting for Shalissa to find time to post just to shoot out her findings. Just roleplay it a bit and I am fine. That said I think Shalissa earned a third useful fact with her roll so she remembered about the missing DR.

Thanks! :)

I wasn't monitoring the action while I was away, unfortunately. Can anyone bring me up to speed on what's happening right now? Of course, fighting zombies is a no-brainer, but why are we at this tree with the difficult terrain that they seem to be protecting? Also, is the difficult terrain in the brown circle or grey oval? Thanks!

You lost a scene in a tribe we found on the road after exiting the salt caves. We were asked to remove some monsters that were attacking them during nights, done, then we were asked to remove some ankheg from near fields, done.

After that we continued our way to Kalabuto, and when we were already seeing the first houses at a distance, we found this tree with killed people around. When we approached to better understand and Shalissa tried to bless the place, they woke up as zombies!

We approached slowly because while there were dead bodies laying around, and some hanging, none of the local scavengers were there. And we had just had some really big vulture type birds following us....

Maybe I got this wrong? Davor mentions “other factions”, so Neethan took it as the group was working for one faction and had an employer/sponsor, just like he had been deployed by The Crown.

Is there some Campaign Info describing the team’s objectives and important contacts?

UPDATED: I found something about a Captain Kassata being the sponsor in the thread, right?

I see keeping an journal of such things as a player task, and nobody has really stepped up in this regard, but yes you have been right.

The Group has been joined efforts with a lady captain from the free shackles who is providing the money to pay for all of this. She leads this expedition that is following you and for which you remove all these roadblocks.

As for other faction, I am not quite sure if the group has managed to find out too much about them.

When the others left us didn't we get at least a mention of who they were returning to? Example: Sasha was with the Red Mantis. ??

When the others left us didn't we get at least a mention of who they were returning to? Example: Sasha was with the Red Mantis. ??

You know that Sasha was a former Red Mantis.

I have my parents over for a few days and therefore currently not the time to really start reacting to your post. I also doubt I will mange before wednesday.

Enjoy the time with your family. It ends too soon.... We'll wait.

Family first! And thanks for the heads up Kulko.

Enjoy, GM Kulko! :)

Hi guys!
Thinking a little ahead to Neethan’s level 5.
The wizard gets a bonus feat at level 5, which can be a meta feat or a craft feat (wonderous item or wand). I’ve very little experience with either. In play-by-post, the wizard is usually at such low level, he can’t really “waste” a higher slot just to make it meta.

On the other hand, crafting is a time-consuming task. E.g. (if I read it right) a wand of fireball is 3(spell level) x 5(caster level) x 750 gp = 11250gp in base price, which gives it takes some 12 days to create. It’s not like you’d want to wait for me that long, or that it would be easy to work on crafting while in the jungles.

Do you have any advice or preferences?

While crafting is a valuable asset on a jungle setting, mid and high level equipment requires just too much time to craft to be of use in most adventures. Unless the GM tells you there will be months of downtime for you available, Craft feats are a waste past the initial levels. And from my experience with Pathfinder APs the plot usually speeds up at later modules so no crafting possible when you are running to safe the world. Great exception there Kingmaker.

Probably having a teleport is a better solution for equipping the party. Although trying to profit whatever equipment is found through the adventure makes things more interesting and distinctive in my opinion. But that requires having characters more generalist, able to adapt to whatever is found, if you are going for a very specialized build that requires very specific equipment, that does not work good.

Have you considered Arcane Discoveries instead? They usually do for a more flavorful and distinguished option for the wizard bonus feats.

Barring that, I would say Metamagic feats (Dazing, Empower, Reach or Extend, depending on what you want to specialize on) are a better go.

Item crafting can be really helpful when you aren't anywhere near a place where stuff can be purchased. I think in this game the idea is more like contracting for purchase while we are in the jungle, making it like very delayed purchases. Keep in mind that the crafting rules also allow crafting during travel or exploring with the stipulation that the resources required for crafting cannot be used for the daily exploring. Example: Creating a Cure Light Wounds wand means you have to have that available from somewhere during the crafting. Crafting while exploring is at half speed and generally only 4 hours of work time available for 2 hours of effect. But, it is also possibly to double the crafting speed by taking a +5 to the crafting DC. (Need a high spellcraft modifier, but most wizards do anyway!)

Don't forget Rime Spell. Entangled is actually a pretty annoying condition!
Entangled: The character is ensnared. Being entangled impedes movement, but does not entirely prevent it unless the bonds are anchored to an immobile object or tethered by an opposing force. An entangled creature moves at half speed, cannot run or charge, and takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls and a –4 penalty to Dexterity. An entangled character who attempts to cast a spell must make a concentration check (DC 15 + spell level) or lose the spell.
I remember taking out a nasty flying monster once with a Rime Flurry of Snowballs. The spell damage was nothing compared to the impact damage from no longer being able to fly....

Thanks, you have both given me some interesting choices.

A defensive Neethan would like ARCANE DISCOVERIES: Beyond Morality or Creative Destruction.

For a more offensive Neethan, Rime Spell + Flurry of Snowballs is a nice combo to at least try to entangle for more than 1 round. Rime Spell also only costs +1 level spell.

If feel all those +2 and +3 level meta features are really hard to afford.
Burning Spell would suit Neethan´s fire-spells, but the extra damage isn’t much unless coupled with a good lingering spell.

I don't believ CRAFTING is very high up on the list of options anymore but here is some context.

Most of ADV 3/4 will be spend stationary at a location but without much time pressure. Buying things will be possible, but usually takes a lot of time as the trader has toget back to civilization to get your orders. Crafting would be a reasonable option during this time.

I have not yet read ADV5/6 in detail, but I assume they happen mostly on the move again in a middle of an enemy encampments. so crafting isn't really useful here anymore.

Please remind me: What type of info do we have to guide us to the map in Tazion? Was it something you just saw on a wall somewhere or do you have anything written down, like a map or directions on where to look?

What about info on Saventh-Yhi?

Have all members of the team memorized that info?
How much would the NPCs know?

You = Shalissa, Davor, Kerndrew. ( I assume Neethan too)
1) You knows that Saventh-Yi exists somewhere in the Mwangi Expanse and that the Serpent priestess they encountered wanted to find it.
2) You know that the City is hidden by mighty magical wards and nobody knows where it is located.
3) You there was an Outpost of the city called Tazion, where it might be possible to find clues on where Saventh-Yi ius to be found.
4) You know the location of Tazion due to extensive research in the Eleder Library.
5) You hold the priestess' journal which contains most of the information.
6) You like have your own journal of notes where to find Tazion written during your research. Probabaly residing with Shalissa.

The NPCs of the first Adventure know 1) and might know 2) and 3) you have been not to secretive about it before arriving in Eleder.
Everybody can duplicate 4) if he know wwhat to look for or has you spied upon while you did it.

Links to relevant posts:
- Captain Alizandru Kovack (Janivere) was mind controlled by the Varisian woman, who resulted to be some kind of serpentine demon. The captain wants us to destroy his undead remains.
- We first hear about Ydersius
- The temple below the lighthouse caves is likely from serpentfolk, contemporary with ancient Azlant, like the Viperwall fortress in Varisia
- We found a reference to the Azlanti city called Saventh-Yhi
- The temple carvings: The cult of Zura come from Saventh-Yhi and they planned to come back
- Shalissa wants to discover if the notes of Serpent Wall saying Saventh-Yhi is where lays the decapitated god Ydersius are true. She wants to explore the ancient Azlanti city.
- There was an Azlanti outpost called Tazion in the southernmost edge of the expanse. Some clues on Saventh Yhi might be concealed there.
- The legend of Savith: An Azlanti heroine who decapitated Ydersius in the serpentfolk subterranean city of Ilmuera throwing his head into a lake of fire and banished the body to the Darklands.
- Kassata tells us about the path ahead towards Tazion, stopping in the timber city of Kalabuto where we have to talk with a contact there who will tell us how to better continue forward.

OK, since my memory is terrible, I’ve added a document in the Info folder called “Objectives and Info”. I’ve tried to list in one place what we know (in addition to the maps the GM provides) and what our plans are.
Please feel free to add/comment/change.

We have only around ~4000 gp to spend. If there is something you really need to be viable or there is some party equipment we need, let's talk about it.

We need a value for:
the ring inset with a fiery opal we got from the Kelpie #2322
also, for the black pearl (did we give it to Tempest or we still have it?) and the normal pearls we found diving.

There is also a monkey talisman of dispel evil, we can sell it, but I think it might be of more use to remove some bad state, so I say we keep it.

I think we forgot to loot the people that attacked our warehouse, but I am not sure if that was even possible.

We have only around ~4000 gp to spend. If there is something you really need to be viable or there is some party equipment we need, let's talk about it.

We need a value for:
the ring inset with a fiery opal we got from the Kelpie #2322
also, for the black pearl (did we give it to Tempest or we still have it?) and the normal pearls we found diving.

There is also a monkey talisman of dispel evil, we can sell it, but I think it might be of more use to remove some bad state, so I say we keep it.

I think we forgot to loot the people that attacked our warehouse, but I am not sure if that was even possible.

The ring sells for 1200 gp and the minor pearls for 50 gp. The loot from the insurgents was neglible.

Did you find the gems in the mine?

Also as far as the boat question is conscerned, I am not sure myself. I persoanlly would envision a journey by canoo up the river as the easiest way to handle things, but the adventure sounds a bit more like it envisions you moving on foot.

Biut I don't think it will make that big a difference, so I leave that decision to your storytelling.

By canoe is good if you are experienced with them. Portage around obstacles is easy enough if you know what's coming. Even experienced paddlers can get caught if they don't know what's coming. Also, they did indicate that dangerous tribes watched at the points where portage was required? Dragging canoes and supplies through such areas would decrease our attention to the dangers around us and give them a better chance for a surprise attack.

My concern is that this isn't "trail breaking" for our larger group. But with the list of dangers given I think the only option there is for our other group to be too dangerous (looking at least) for them to consider attacking. I think we'll have to judge that by what attacks us.

Yes, the mine gems account a third of our earnings, which go up to 6700 gp.

Do you want for us to split it four parts for 1675 gp, or shall we use it to buy some party-wise equipment and save the rest?

As for the boat, I would not make our lives more complicated with water combat. We can just make the first trek with canoe while still on Kalabuto's influence radio, then just make the rest by foot.

In the end, whatever makes it easier for the GM to prepare is good to me. The best adventures are always the ones the GM is motivated to run and can do on a brisk!

Yes, the mine gems account a third of our earnings, which go up to 6700 gp.

Do you want for us to split it four parts for 1675 gp, or shall we use it to buy some party-wise equipment and save the rest?

As for the boat, I would not make our lives more complicated with water combat. We can just make the first trek with canoe while still on Kalabuto's influence radio, then just make the rest by foot.

In the end, whatever makes it easier for the GM to prepare is good to me. The best adventures are always the ones the GM is motivated to run and can do on a brisk!

Neethan got provided his own money, so you just need to provide for three of you.

As for GMing I always fibd it eadiest when I can feel the setting, which is why Kalabuto is so laggy. I jzst don't get this town and there are so many small things to manage. But yes lets stick with Shalisas suggestion and have you travel on foot through the jungle proper.

Also I believe its easier if we handle all the discussions on how to proceed in one step now. So I am holding back tomorrows story event until your questions have been ansered.

I'd recommend keeping the gold pooled and use it to purchase anything that the party might need, if available.

What time is it? Do we have more time to do things today?
(I somehow have the impression we arrived to Kalabuto in the afternoon, and it’s evening now?)

Yes I have described everything as if it is rather late right now, so lets stick with this.

so for now I assume everybody goes into bed?

Shalissa is fine with calling the day off!

Sorry I've been quiet. More real life stuff, but I'm still here.

I do think that we should spend what we have before we head into the wild. I think Kerndrew would enchant his armor with an extra 1000 gold now, and there are a ton of good supplies we could snag before we head out. A bunch of cheap and useful alchemical stuff to handle odd encounters, and I think I'd also like Kerndrew to have a traveler's any-tool that can come in handy in lots of ways.

Good night all.... Yep. To bed.

Study new spells, fill in empty slots, then to bed.

if you feel unsure hw to turn that piece of cloth into valuable information there are at least three other evnets within the last 24 hours which are worth getting a few infos about.

@Kerndrew if you are interested we can handle your discussion with Father Curtius here or via E-Mail to keep it easier to follow.

@Neethan

It would have been okay to just write:
During their way over Neethan discusses the next steps and just have the discussion. But I appreciate the pushing things forward

Hi! I had a long weekend vacation, and just started a new job today--all while recovering froma broken leg--so still figuring out my posting rhythm. I forgot to post an announcement, sorry! I think it's likely I don't get a meaningful post in until tomorrow--Wed--so please bot anything you need from me in the meantime.

Thanks!

@GM, I will get back to you on Curtius

If Shalissa slips out of the warehouse with Davor, and Kerndrew is elsewhere, which of our NPCs are left with Neethan? I.e., which can we count on to help in a fight? (Kyra, Athyra, ...?)

Kyra and Shep (Both L1 Pirates) are with you.

Athyra is currently looking after her pet dinosuar and rather staying outside of the town.

The pot-bellied Plivus has currently 2 more labourers available to threaten you, of this should be necessary.

Sorry for my slow posting. On vacation this week and limited access to my computer. Back home Sunday but I'll try to catch up reading and figure out what I should post.

There are certain hints that point towards the aspis Consortium being responsible for Cheitons Kidnapping.

The Brooding Dolphin is an Aspis ship on the docks, which sails matching your scrap of cloth.

Plivus is the local Aspis contact.

LOL, just wrote a long piece on what Neethan would do when Shalissa also left him, and then she posted that she's still there :)

@Shalissa, Neethan
Can you give me a hint, what you want to happen and why you think it should happen and what you want to achieve when it happens?

I am trying to convince Plivus he can make money by showing us off his merchandises at the Brooding Dolphin ship. Hence having an opportunity for a first person examination of the ship, giving us the chance to find if Cheiton or our notes are there retained.

But if this path fails, she is ok with falling back to the ship and trying to access it through stealth.

Failing that I guess we are back to share strength to examine the ship and rescue our papers and contact.

Before entering the ship, Shalissa will try to gather both Kerndrew from his church and Davor from his hiding pursue of the running away man.

I think it would be very nice if somebody could successfully aid Neethan. Fell free to use Kyra if necessary

FYI, I'm having trouble with the map. I have a new job, and the browser here is telling me that onedrive.live.com is blocked by my network administrator. I tried to load the map on my phone--to at least describe my activity even if I couldn't interact with the map--and it's telling me that whole site is down. So, I'm not even sure if the error reported here at work is accurate or if the map is just down.

I'll keep checking throughout the day, and most likely post from home tonight if the issue persists.

The link is working for me, so I assume this time it is not a technical problem with the file.

How important is work access for you? Because I the blocking of your administrator will in likelyhood persist.

I tend to do most of my posting from work. It's when I'm at a computer all day long; I can't then spend a lot of time again at a computer at home.

I just confirmed again that the map won't load on my phone (iOS). It returns an error "This site can't provide a secure connection."

Strange, it works perfectly with my wife's IPhone. How are the others experiencing the map?