Curse of the Crimson Throne

Game Master Whack-a-Rogue

What was my Harrow bonus the first time, anyway? My card was The Crows, but I totally forgot to use the bonus, whatever it was. I'll write it down this time. :)

It was a bonus to a DEX-based check (or AC) for one encounter. Didn't end up coming up due to certain player choices (same with Macaria's). This one will be more universally applicable. XD

It was a bonus to a DEX-based check (or AC) for one encounter. Didn't end up coming up due to certain player choices (same with Macaria's). This one will be more universally applicable. XD

The fact that I completely forgot about it didn't help. :) For this one I'm going to put an item for it on my status line, something like " | Harrow Bonus 1/1 | ", then detail the actual bonus in my profile when we learn it. Prevent the out-of-sight-out-of-mind issue.

Currently reading through the SoP Wiki trying to figure out how to price out a magic item, this s**t is driving me bananas. :) (I have a custom item that Ril might want at some point down the line; more on this story as it develops.)

I'll be happy to help with that if you give me some info regarding what you're going for. I've made a few customs in the past. XD

Sure! It's not like I'm trying to keep it a secret, I just wanted to see if I could figure it out without going crazy (spoiler alert: I couldn't).

At some point, Ril is going to want to send a message home to her Chief. In regular Pathfinder magic, that'd be a sending spell. I even found the equivalent in Spheres magic. It's Mind's advanced talent, Greater Communication. So I figure I'm in the market for an item that just does that, nothing else (I also figured I'd try and price out the difference between a one-off scroll, and a reusable item, which I guess in sphere terms would be a Spell Engine, right?). Of course, the fact that I'm trying to figure it out while I'm also half-doing-that, half-working isn't helping things. :)

(And yes, I know that because I don't have the base Sphere, I'd have to UMD my way through it, but I'm aware of that going in.)

Here are a few options:

1) Shell of Sending (12,200gp)
2) Scroll of sending (1,125gp)
3) Spellcasting Services (60gp - 450gp)
4) Ritual (requires the Ritual Caster feat)
5) Scroll of animal messenger (150gp)
6) Silver Raven Figurine of Wondrous Power (3,800gp)
7) Custom Marvelous Item of 1/day Greater Communication (16,000gp)

Thanks a ton. I'll go over that in more detail later. I took a quick look, and I think options #5 and 6 are off the table, on account of the distances involved from Korvosa to Belkzen are farther than can be achieved in the 24 hours of the spell.

There's actually a communication option in the Nature Sphere (Whispering Elements), but it requires you to target a specific location, which, when you're trying to talk to a semi-nomadic tribe, can be a little tricky.

Have a great day, everyone!

I'm pretty sure that at least Grumbaki, if not everyone else here, has a bit of the alt-build disease. In Pathfinder, for me it doesn't always manifest until something triggers it.

In at least one previous post, I mentioned Haazek, Ril's cousin. (Brief aside: owing to the Burning Suns' tendency to take in strays, and the fluid and sometimes spontaneous formation of family groups, Haazek is a cousin to both Ril and Zohruk, kind of how on The Sopranos, I believe Christufuh was a cousin to both Tony and Carmela.) He's been kind of sitting up in my head, hanging out, yeah I knew he's a BSF but didn't have much more than that, until a nickname for him popped into my head: "The Bull of Belkzen", based on both the prominent role that auroch have in Belkzen life, and the little anecdote I think I used of him throwing one to the ground.

Now I've got this Fighter/Shifter gestalt in my head, that assumes a minotaur-like form, and just crushes guys with goring charges and probably some mix of Brute and Wrestling spheres. I don't know how effective those two things are in tandem, but if I have any spare brainpower, I'm gonna get some scratch paper and find out! :D

Theorycrafting is the most noble of hobbies

GM, silly question for you. Would your intent have been that for Rogues, your list of Rogue Talents are all that's available to pick, or is that list more, "Here's the stuff that's either new to my ruleset or works differently here?" This is really just idle curiosity; as I said the other day, I was theorycrafting Zohruk in addition to Haazek. Zoh would be a Fighter/Rogue, and I was trying to spec him out.

(side note: I've always been a big fan of both classes, and like what you've done there) :D

All of the lists on the website are things I'm comfortable including in my games as-is. Anything omitted is generally because it's underpowered, redundant, and/or so niche that it'll almost never be selected. As with anything else, though, if there's something you want that isn't listed, run it past me. I may have overlooked it. XD

So. Stumbled across something. Sharing it because it makes me smile.

Sledgehammer "If used in combat, treat it as an improvised earth breaker"

Traits: Surprise Weapon: You are skilled at fighting with objects not traditionally considered weapons. You gain a +2 trait bonus on attack rolls with improvised weapons / Fate's Favored

Race: Human (for bonus feat)
Class: Arsenal Champion Warpriest

Feats:
Lvl 1: Catch Off Guard (no penalty for using improvised), Power Attack, Weapon Focus
Lvl 3: Shikigami Style (3d6 damage, can take -2 penalty to add blocking, brace, disarm, distracting, nonlethal, performance, or trip), Shikigami Mimicry (4d6 damage, you can treat any magical item you’re using as an improvised weapon as if it granted an enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls equal to the item’s caster level divided by 4 (minimum +1), to a maximum bonus of +5.)
Lvl 5: Furious Focus
Lvl 6: Vital Strike
Lvl 7: Weapon of the Chosen
Lvl 9: Improved and Greater Weapon of the Chosen (roll twice and pick highest when using vital strike, good, silver or cold iron damage!)

Buy a 250 gold any-tool. It's CL9, so for 250 gold you get a +2 weapon that does 8d6 damage base.

If you can find a way to get Enlarge Person (such as cloak of hedge wizard or juggernaught pauldrons) then it's 10d6 vital strike damage.

Went with warpriest for this build so as to get access to weapon of the chosen feat tree. While stuck at +2 enchantment bonus, can easily make up for with weapon training / divine favor, and weapon of the chosen further lets you overcome DR.

-------------------

Even better, if you can play Gestalt, then go Fighter/Cleric and name the hammer "Cantrip." So when you run out of spell slots, you can say "Guess I need to kill them with my cantrip."

"Guess I need to kill them with my cantrip."

"Fire bolt."

:D

(Don't tell me you don't know where that's from. Just don't.)

(Don't tell me you don't know where that's from. Just don't.)

But that would be a Dwarven necromancer! Much cooler but less crunchy

That particular necromancer isn't that crunchy, though!

XD

EDIT: rather, he is pretty crunchy, plate mail and all.

I've spent the past day or two starting to build out Zohruk. I get that it might seem weird to theorycraft a build for a guy that has literally been dead the entire time of our story, but there'd be no Yhrrilka without him.

Fighter/Rogue gestalt, I took the Martial Tradition of Thief and tweaked it to "Infiltrator" using Scoundrel and Scout (instead of Fencing). When he looks a little more finished I'll actually put it on his profile, just cause. :)

I heartedly approve.

(Says the person who did the same for both of Torsten’s parents)

Look forward to seeing when it is done!

Just wanted to say I'm going under a formation for lip-synching, dubbing and off-voice narrative. It's going to take away some time from me, specially at the beginning, so I'll be (even) slower than usual.

(As you come into the post, Zohruk is there, looking very nonchalant.)

Sleight of Hand (to see if you notice he took a piece of paper off the desk): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24

"Oh, hey there. Uh, you seen a girl anywhere around here? Green skin, tattoos, real pretty? I was supposed to meet her. Hey, look at the time!" He rushes off.

He's not quite finished, he needs feats and combat talent choices, but this is really homing in on him. The guy I've always pictured was The Infiltrator (technically working for the Knights of Ozem, loaned out to them by Chief Firehair), the guy who can get in, get what needs getting/do what needs doing, then get out. I've always had a ridiculous love of disguises (and if you do too, watch The Americans, god that was such an awesome show), and so naturally I had to incorporate that. :D LMK what you think!

It's too bad that Zohruk is dead. That's a pretty solid fighter/rogue. Glad to see that he's got decent strength, even though he uses dex.

Props to Lamm's thugs though! Taking him down would have merited a raise, if it didn't mean setting us on the path of vengeance.

----

Also, Mac, what do you mean by "formation for lip-synching, dubbing and off-voice narrative"? Sorry, this is probably just me being dense, but I'm abit confused.

It's too bad that Zohruk is dead. That's a pretty solid fighter/rogue. Glad to see that he's got decent strength, even though he uses dex.

Props to Lamm's thugs though! Taking him down would have merited a raise, if it didn't mean setting us on the path of vengeance.

I'm sure if you ask Ril, it's too bad he's dead on many levels! :-(

As I said to you when I was making Ril, I have a very tough time buying as a "tough guy" anyone that's dumped Str. I can distinctly remember seeing builds that purported to be "Batman" that had like an 8 Str, and I'm like, "Dude, Jason Todd was stronger than this when he was dead."

(Side Note: Sweet Aroden's corpse do I hate dump stats! That's a personal thing that's been a burr in my side for like 20 years. I will gladly make a char that can't quite "hit the high notes" as much as someone else if it doesn't mean I'm nursing an 8 somewhere.)

As to taking on Zohruk, I'm sure at level 1 it would've been a much easier task. But yes, as far as motivating revenge, killing him was about as successful a move as Billy Bats telling Tommy to go get his [bleep]ing shine box.

I mean the C-19 has hit hard touristic areas, like where I live, so we have to look elsewhere for job. So I'm going to learn how to do dubbing and voice over work, among other things voice related.

The other day I attended a conference with the voice actress who does the Spanish voice of Scarlett Johansson :) It was not Scarlett herself, but it was her voice (in Spanish) :D

Ah okay, makes more sense now. Thanks for clarifying.

I wonder how that woman remembers Budapest? :D

Indeed, clears things up. Best of luck!

@Macaria: That's pretty neat!

@Yhrrilka: Nice build! I'd guess that he failed a Will save against Lamm's mage, and that's how they were able to take him down.

Sure, a Will save would've been bad news for him at level 1 (hardly like it's a good time for him at level 4). Throw in that he was probably grossly outnumbered and he did as well as anyone could've asked. Chief Mahja would be proud of him.

I've been loving the dialogue! XD Whenever you feel it's run its course, let me know, and I'll advance the plot.

Thanks man! :D I have at least one or two smaller bits in the works.

I said to Grumbaki yesterday, part of me was afraid it was a little over the top, but for Ril, I'd rather err on that side instead of not quite over the top enough. :)

Current theorycrafting challenge: Chief of the Burning Sun tribe, and Ril's idol, Mahja Firehair. The Belkzen sourcebook lists her as a Barbarian/Warpriest multiclass. It's a tricky pair to pull off, but I'm gonna see if I can figure out a way! :)

Ready to do the next scene. :)

As for the build...the character is a Barbarian 4 / Warpriest 3.

I’d make her a straight Barbarian 4. Lesser Celestial Totem and Elemental Rage for fire damage.

For warpriest? Champion of the Faith.

Congratulations on finishing Book One of the Adventure Path! The introduction of Blackjack brings the number of Batman-inspired NPCs in this campaign to three ... and there are quite a few more to come. XD

As we move into Book Two, there are two quick things to be aware of. First off: your Harrow cards. Each of you can apply it one time between now and Level Eight to gain one of the following effects:
- reroll a failed Fortitude save, stabilization roll, or CON-based check
- gain DR 3/- for a combat encounter
- regain HP equal to your character level and 1 point of ability damage
Make sure you reference the Harrow card in some way when you do so. XD

The second thing is a quick check for potential triggers. The next chunk of the campaign involves a deadly pandemic, and I want to be sensitive to the obvious real-world parallels. I have a different module I can port in if necessary but am leaving the decision up to you.

Three? Who are the other two? Given that Ril is going to start a ridiculous series of daydreams about her adventures as a masked vigilante, I don't want to miss anything. :) (It could just be that I'm not thinking straight as I'm up far too late, and missing the other references right now.)

I appreciate the trigger check, but I ought to be good. Thanks for asking, though.

Re: Mahja, yep, she's multi as originally written, but I figured I'd take a stab at writing her up as a gestalt using GM's house rules. The problem with a Barb/caster mix of any stripe (and I know I'm not saying anything you don't know, just thinking out loud here) is that you either have to just concede the fact that once you rage, you're done casting spells, or you have to deal with the janky-ass mechanics of going in and out of Calm Stance (of the stance rage powers, that's like my tenth or so favorite). Neither is really ideal. But, it gives the brain a challenge on which it can gnaw. :)

Hell, if I was gonna bail on the constraint of keeping her original classes, the first place I'd go with her is probably Fighter/Cleric, then just flavor her as "barbarian" (have her use a lot of Berserker sphere, for instance, and lots of outdoorsy flavor).

Everyone have a good Friday! Today is Kid Day; my sons have off from school but my wife doesn't, so I took a bank day and we're gonna go do stuff and things and whatnot.

Well...

Urban Barbarian: "Controlled Rage (Ex)
When an urban barbarian rages, instead of making a normal rage she applies a +4 morale bonus to her Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution. This bonus increases to +6 when she gains greater rage and +8 when she gains mighty rage. She may apply the full bonus to one ability score or may split the bonus between several scores in increments of +2. When using a controlled rage, an urban barbarian gains no bonus on Will saves, takes no penalties to AC, and can still use Intelligence-, Dexterity-, and Charisma-based skills."

Dreadnaught Barbarian: "Dead Calm (Ex)
A dreadnought can enter a dispassionate killing spree as a free action, granting her additional combat prowess. The dreadnought gains only half the usual bonuses from her rage but takes no penalty to her AC, can use all her normal skills and effects that require concentration, and is not fatigued when her rage ends. The dreadnought cannot enter a rage for 1 minute after she ends her rage, and she cannot charge or run while under the effects of her rage."

Both of these would work for the barbarian/caster, I think.

Also, enjoy the day off. Sadly, I have an (almost) 3 year old at home who doesn't go to day care right now...so the idea of a day off from the kids is a foreign concept.

There's also the Moment of Clarity rage power, which would allow for it 1/rage. (Likely how I'd build Mahja for GM's table if that Rage Power is okay.)

GM, proofreading question. For Rage Powers, Limb Ripper reads, "When a target fails its saving throw against the barbarian’s crippling blow rage power...", but Crippling Blow does not mention a saving throw.

So far, you've had interactions with Batman (Blackjack), Carmine Falcone (King of Spiders), and Commissioner Gordon (Field Marshall Kroft). XD

Regarding the Crippling Blow rage power, that's likely a typo. When I get home, I'll check the source material.

Oh it's definitely been all I could do to not call the Marshal Commissioner Kroft. :) Hadn't made the KOS-as-Falcone connection but that's on me.

Yes, if I can write them up, Ril will be having an elaborate and ridiculous series of daydreams in which she protects Korvosa in a masked persona. If I can't write them up to my satisfaction, just know that every now and then she'll have a very faraway look in her eyes. XD

A response to the Marshal will be coming tonight. :)

Random thought of the day:

I feel like Sage's #1 contribution to Yhrrilka's work is probably, for lack of a better word, being a "normalizing" influence in what Ril would otherwise do with a picture. I figure a typical piece of Sage feedback is probably something like, "Um, Yhrrilka, a dove really shouldn't ever look like it's about to punch you."

Possibly. Or she might be suggesting pieces similar to THIS (Magnus, Warrior of the Storm - near the bottom of the stretch goal list)

LOL, obligatory link to the "Both" gif.

Hi GM, I've kind of been leaning on the shop as my go to for Downtime checks, and it's great for RP opportunities, but I'm wondering, are there other things we can/should be doing with the time?

Actually one thing just occurred to me. I wanted to go over those books/notes we took from the Dead Warrens, see if we could figure out where Lamm might be or what he's up to. Would that warrant a day of downtime, and if so, any particular check applicable to that?

The downtime is just for RP opportunities and to prevent the campaign from being nonstop action. As such, downtime is left up to your discretion. Shop work is always good, but you're also more than welcome to come up with your own things to do. The city map has a multitude of points of potential interest that have nothing to do with the campaign if you're lacking in ideas. XD Grab a meal at the Sticky Mermaid, worship at the Sanctuary of Shelyn, or go shopping at Gold Market, for example.

Rolth Lamm will feature later on in the campaign, so studying the books from the Dead Warrens can potentially give you a leg up. A day of downtime is all that's required at this point - no check necessary.

Okay, great. I'm more than happy to use them that way. I really just wanted to make sure I wasn't "missing" something for which I should be using them, y'know?

More later.

Fire Ink
Dancing Ink (20gp) - Tattoos sketched with this black ink are in constant motion. They dance more jubilantly if the wearer is listening to music.
Mood Ink (10gp) - Tattoos sketched with this ink change color to reflect the wearer's emotions.

In regards to the other item, I can port over the tattoo designs from THIS PDF. They're expensive but pretty cool, and you'll be able to sell them to wealthy patrons on occasion thanks to Torsten's rescue of Amin Jalento a while back. Purchasing the manuscript from the bookseller will cost 500gp, however.

Let it be known that if Torsten can only spend coin on tattoos, then he will do so. Especially once he gets inscribe magic tattoo at lvl 6. So if that PDF has any magic tattoos in there, Torsten would be very glad to see them. :)

Outstanding! Those are exactly the sorts of things Ril would be interested in ("Ril, have you been using the fire ink again?" "Why do you ask?" "Uh, because you look like a bonfire.").

Thanks for pointing those out!

And yes, let Torsten make tattoos that let him punch through a castle wall, mine will look awesome!

EDIT: Lamm's texts also provide a great justification for Ril learning how to make a Deathless Aegis. :)

Magical tattoos? That particular document only has 200 of them. XD

Let me ask you this, GM, do you already own that book? I really was in this with Ril from a fashion standpoint; I wouldn't want you to pony up for something on my account.

Also, I didn't specify but I had intended for Ril to only bring about 300 sails in coins; if she is gonna get that book she'd have to run back to the Bank of Abadar and grab some more money. As it is, she'd probably buy like, five doses of each of those specialized inks (both grades of fire ink, dancing ink, and mood ink), totaling 205 gp.