Curse of the Crimson Throne

Game Master Whack-a-Rogue

Thanks. :)

And into the build plan:

Disarming exploit would be great. Against humanoids it really throws them off their game. Can exploits stack? Because that and sickened would be very effective.

Also to our GM…have you worked on any prestige classes before? Was looking on switching from Incanter after level 9 to a prestige class, but haven’t seen any that work well with spheres.

I was thinking of going Incanter 9 / Hasted Blade Swashbuckler up to 20. Because it gives spell points still, but offers precise strike and some dodge AC. But I think that an actual prestige class would be cooler.

Actually, there is a talent, Skewer, that allows you to double up exploit talents. It also increases the damage done by fatal thrust, up to 1D6 per odd level. It's kind of crazy actually, I think it does require you to expend focus though. I'm not saying it's not usable, but I'd have to check it out to see how to incorporate it into a routine.

GM, the thing about POW that always kind of bugged me was that despite the Dreamscarred group's belief in the perfection of their own product (By the time POW expanded was in development, they really gave off the vibe of guys who were really high on the smell of their own farts), You could still build your way into tripping over your own feet.

Quick notice: Forgot that Torsten has this

“ Purity of Body (Ex):
At 5th level, a monk gains immunity to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases.”

So he is immune to the plague ;)

Fixing and/or updating Prestige Classes in on my list of future projects, but I haven't done anything with them as of this moment. For Torsten, the Tattooed Mystic PrC could work with only a few adjustments. That's about all I can think of off the top of my head, because almost all PrCs are tied to specific organizations. My eventual goal is to make them more lore-agnostic.

In regards to Dreamscarred Press, I did like a few of their classes. The Malefactor on my website is a combination of the Harbinger, Malefex, and TPK Games' Malefactor.

I believe the Skewer talent should fit into Ril's attack routine pretty easily. It conflicts with Parry/Riposte, but the Great Focus feat clears that up in a few more levels.

Tattooed Mystic would be great for 11-20. It’s very much on point. Mechanically it would certainly need adjustments. Will give it some thought…

I believe the Skewer talent should fit into Ril's attack routine pretty easily. It conflicts with Parry/Riposte, but the Great Focus feat clears that up in a few more levels.

If I can fit in Great Focus (and that's a big if at this point), you're right. But in the absence of that, I think I'm better off making two attacks, each one applying a different exploit talent.

EDIT: gotta figure that key is to a safe deposit box at the Bank of Abadar, y'know? We live through this, we'll see if he's got heirs. (I'm not just going right there to empty out the box! If we're going to be adventurers in a civilized area, we've got to act like it.)

GM, how does this chart apply given that we're not really getting enhancement bonuses from weapons? Does it? Or should I just get a good golf bag going? :D

It doesn't apply. I want material DR to be more than just a speedbump. XD

That makes brawler’s strike go from being “neat but redundant” to “wow, that’s a great ability to have”

Very sneaky of our benevolent dictator. Trap the lvl 5 PCs in a house, and then infect them with vampirism. Have the vampire template get applied, and the two (now evil) PC vampires go about conquering the city.

Too bad that I've seen through it, and now we will do whatever we can do defeat the undead, rather than joining your evil horde.

(Ril comes out dressed as cross between Elvira and Bonnie Parker)

"Wooooooo! VAMPIRE CRIME LORDS!"

(pauses, actually reads post)

"Oh, uh yeah, defeat the undead. Back in ten minutes, I have to change..."

(trips on her way offstage trying to walk in heels)

*hastily puts away notes while glancing around suspiciously*

Hey GM, does the "4x the cost of a scroll" bit come from that Tattoo Magic PDF? I was looking at the Spheres Wiki's crafting section, trying to get a handle on this stuff, and their pricing suggestions had slotless items (and they specifically cite tattoos as an example there) tacks on x2 cost.

#confused

It's actually from Inner Sea Magic.

A spell tattoo is essentially a wearable scroll inscribed on flesh instead of on parchment or vellum. These tattoos appear as colorful and intricate patterns rather than magical writing. The tattoo is a silent, spell completion item that only the bearer can activate. It vanishes when activated. A spell tattoo must be visible to the bearer and must be touched as part of its activation. These magical tattoos are not normally placed on the head, neck, or back as a result, since most creatures would require mirrors to activate them. A spell tattoo’s aura and caster level varies as per the scroll it emulates. A spell tattoo has a market price four times as much as an equivalent scroll.

The Spheres Wiki's crafting section is more for actual items. Maybe you want a slippers of spider climbing tattoo or some such. XD

So, does Torsten have a negative level?

If I've read this right, Torsten has what's called a temporary negative level. In 24 hours, you will make a Fort save. If you make it, great, it's gone. Otherwise, you've got a "permanent" negative level. Permanent, that is, until we deploy one of the various means of removing them, hence the quotation marks.

Wanna hear something funny? Unless I'm misreading, by RAW, undead can take bleed damage. Yes, even skeletons.

So is everyone still in the crawlspace? That's how I read Torsten's post.

I think he fled out and they chased him?

Dunno. GM, in the absence of a map, can we get a clarification? It definitely impacts how I do my turn.

Sorry about that. Based on Torsten's post, I figured he booked it back out of the crawlspace. The vampire spawn followed. So, neither of you is in the crawlspace, and there are two vampire spawn immediately behind Torsten. They're also in melee range of Ril, but since Torsten "drew aggro," she doesn't get attacked this round.

I went mapless for this combat to avoid the "play whack-a-mole as enemies try to exit the crawlspace" scenario. I'll be very flexible when it comes to your positioning, so feel free to do whatever feels right in the moment. XD

Sorry about that. Based on Torsten's post, I figured he booked it back out of the crawlspace. The vampire spawn followed. So, neither of you is in the crawlspace, and there are two vampire spawn immediately behind Torsten. They're also in melee range of Ril, but since Torsten "drew aggro," she doesn't get attacked this round.

I went mapless for this combat to avoid the "play whack-a-mole as enemies try to exit the crawlspace" scenario. I'll be very flexible when it comes to your positioning, so feel free to do whatever feels right in the moment. XD

That all makes perfect sense, I just needed it explained to me. :D Thanks a ton! Post coming presently.

(And as for my questions earlier about the crafting 1. Thanks!, and 2. I figure it's becoming abundantly clear how little experience I have with both crafting and casters! :D )

No worries! Crafting's complicated, and the rules are scattered all over the place. Makes it quite difficult to get a handle on them. XD

"edited to not specify, because Torsten might have liquefied one like in From Dusk Till Dawn"

Torsten did 30-40 damage, depending on resistances (I don't think his electricity choice will do anything against vampires). On the other hand, Ril did 60ish damage with her sneak attack and searing blast.

If anything, I'm pretty sure that Ril just did this

(shrugs) Unless they're wearing adamantine, uh, everything, I'm not counting you out of this one.

As for Ril, a nice Sarenite girl should be able to do that to undead, let's hope I get there!

EDIT: loved the T2 ref. I always heard the Sarah of that scene was played by LH's twin sister, b/c Linda was very deep into her "buff survivalist Sarah" mode and didn't look like a waitress anymore.

I'll add one more thing:

If I suddenly went nova there, it's because I've seen the difference in value of "an attack made now" vs "an attack you set up for next turn."

This will actually be a fairly tough fight for Torsten, as DR/silver + electricity resistance + high-ish HP makes for a nice defensive counter to the electric fists of doom. XD

Yeah, I wanted Ril to go for the kerambit but the Kn(divine) roll she made before was not up to the task of informing her that they have DR/silver. At least fire works just fine. :)

Yeah, need level 9 for this DR. And I chose the wrong element when starting up his enchantment. Electricity is usually a good option. Look forward to lvl10 when it will be sonic and force!

Still, I think we got this. Well, depending on how many there are…

Something fun that I found:

Werewolf PC

Class: Unchained Beast Soul Monk
Race: Skinwalker Werewolf!

Get claw/claw/bite from skinwalker with a feat. Can have improved transformation at lvl 1 with the beastsoul, giving a gore attack.

At our current level, with flurry, that becomes claw/claw/flurry/gore/bite, making for 5 primary natural attacks per round!

For our campaign, have the second class be a shadow walker rogue from the homebrew website. Gives sneak attack, darkvision, and finesse training. Can use finesse fighting for other natural attacks to keep the damage up.

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And with that, there is an amazing werewolf character. Can walk around in human form and know how to fight with his/her fists. Just standard punch/punch. But when things get real, can turn into werewolf form and rip someone to shreds with six primary natural attacks. Invest in stealth to make the most out of shadow walker light shenanigans.

Would work especially well from a RP perspective, in not wanting anyone to know about the lycanthropy, so being unwilling to transform in public or when he/she might be seen. And in those circumstances, the PC still wouldn't be underpowered.

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Anyways, just wanted to share the find. Because I haven't seen such a good way to make a werewolf before. :)

I will never "win" at natural attack builds because I have an exceptionally hard time justifying some of the additional attacks. I just want Carl Yazstremski with the big sideburns, and the claw/claw/bite, by the time I've added in a gore and a few hooves, it feels really wrong! :D

That said, that's a fantastic find. Good job.

Heh…I get you. Then again I’m the kind of person who is currently cheesing the wrath of the righteous videogame. The devs forgot to make it so that you have one max bite attack. So currently rocking a monk/mutation warrior fighter/ nature oracle/sorcerer/dragon disciple with:

Punch/punch/punch/punch/punch/bite/bite/gore….at Str30. :p

The last vampire has been slain! Once you're done speaking to the Pharasmans, you'll reach Level Six. Feel free to start on the crunch while we finish up any RP. XD

Lvl 6!

HP: +6 (class) + 1 (FCB) + 3 (Con) = +10
Saves: +1 (all)

Tough as Nails (Ex): At 6th level, Torsten gains DR 1/adamantine. This damage reduction increases by 1 point at 9th level and every 3 levels thereafter. This ability replaces the corresponding speed increases from fast movement.

Inner Strength (Su): At 6th level, once per day, you may heal yourself as a swift action, healing 1d6 hit points for every two incanter levels you possess. When you use this ability, you can also remove one of the following conditions from yourself: blinded, confused, dazzled, deafened, frightened, nauseated, shaken, sickened, or staggered.

Martial Flexibility: +1
Spell Pool: +2

Sphere Talent: Enhance Focus (+6 craft tattoo)

ABP: +2 Resistance

Feat: Craft Magic Tattoo!

Woo hoo!

Okay, here goes.

+9HP, net +2 all saves (1 from level, 1 from APB resistance bonus increment), all that jazz.

+13 skill ranks (5 as "makeup ranks" for the 5 I should have by virtue of the Warleader Sphere, then another 8 for level 6, with one of those earmarked for Influence), broken out as follows:
+2 Athletics
+2 Craft (tattoo)
+1 Heal
+1 Influence
+2 Kn (divine)
+1 Kn (planes)
+1 Prof (fortune)
+1 Spellcraft
+2 Stealth

Background feat: Inscribe Magic Tattoo

Combat Talent: Focusing Feint

Magic Talents (2 this level because of FCB): buy off Limited Divination, See Hazard

Cunning Killer looks awesome... I need how much Intelligence for that?

Ha! Perfect gif...for me. What is cunning killer?

It lets you get insight bonuses to atk/dmg against foes you've identified with Knowledge skills (description here). The catch is the part about, "your Intelligence must exceed the target’s Intelligence by 5 or more for you to gain any benefit," which kiboshes that for Ril. Not like I figured out how to fit it in, anyway, but still. :)

That's really cool! Makes for an awesome Int melee build.

Anyways, yeah. Just had to type that up, because that feat got me thinking. :)

Maybe find a way to fit in Kirin Strike? The action cost is problematic, but it's a nice damage boost. I like it on blaster casters.

I like it. If I was gonna do an elf, in this setting, using elven weapons, I've always wanted to try out the elven leafblade. For the Gestalt, maybe go Fighter/Symbiat (just ignore the Symbiat's fluff text, you don't only get to be good at this stuff by buddying up to the Far Realm).

Well, on the off chance that our Benevolent Dictator manages to kill Torsten, then said elf will take his place. Not that I want you to off him (he's one of my all time favorite characters!) but I like the way you both think for that build.

Symbiat is perfect (even the fluff is interesting. Makes for a great explanation on gestalt powers), and master of many styles can make use of both elven battle focus and kirin strike (due to it allowing you to combine styles and to skip prerequisites)

The fluff is interesting, but I didn't think the class needed to be tied to something so specific. I think that could've been one of several ways to get mind powers.

I'll have Ril's level 6 stats up this afternoon.

Maybe find a way to fit in Kirin Strike? The action cost is problematic, but it's a nice damage boost. I like it on blaster casters.

I'd love to, but 1) as you pointed out, the action cost is murder (if I intentionally add in more things on which to spend swift actions at this point, I deserve to get slapped), 2) at this point, finding room for the feats would be painful, I'd end up cutting stuff I really want. Best left to a different build that could implement it properly.

Idle musing of the day, based on nothing Ril-specific.

Let's say in one of your games, I wanted to use a leveraging weapon, like on a trip build. For the enhancement bonus in question, I'd use the ABP-provided enhancement bonus we're all getting, right?

(And I'm assuming before a weapon can get a special quality, it still needs to become a magic weapon. Does one get a basic +1 enhancement which doesn't stack with the innate one, or is it something like, the weapon must first get the "enchanted" ability, which has a +1 price and all it does is let you get through DR/magic?)

Leveraging would use the ABP-provided bonus, yes.

In regards to special qualities and such, once the weapon's masterwork, you can add qualities. It'll bypass DR/magic once the first special quality's been added. This makes DR/magic more attractive to PCs, because special qualities are a lot rarer in enemy builds.

To forestall the inevitable follow-up question, you're capped out at +5 worth of special qualities. A vorpal phase-locking agile weapon would be rather ridiculous, after all. XD

Ah, okay. So Ril's kerambit, she could have an ability added to, but the sword or dagger, she'd need to wait for MW versions, have I got that right?

(eyes up a keen kerambit)

Relevant to nothing about Korvosa!

Am I just becoming a softie in my 50s, or does this cartoon put a proton torpedo right on the exhaust port of the feels?

Yes, that's correct. It makes magic weapons/armor cheaper but also more unique. It also means you generally won't be finding magic weapons/armor in stores.

I've actually got one or two BG feat choices for which I'm considering swapping out to one or two item creation feats, and I'm trying to decide if I'd get enough mileage out of Arms & Armor to warrant it.

Also, happy 1000th!