[PFS1] GM Pudding's The House on Hook Street (Inactive)

Game Master Tom G

"In the cobbled streets of Old Korvosa, down dark alleys and occult curio shops, secrets stir and the light of day does little to pierce the foggy veil of the tall and narrow streets. A series of bodies have been discovered in the Bridgefront district in peculiar circumstances, and it falls to investigators from the famed Pathfinder Society to investigate."

Hi Folks! Thanks for filling in the survey, and for joining me on another adventure! This module and Realm of the Fellnight Queen were tied in terms of how many could play, and I picked this one for the theme and the lower level. I would hope to start in a few days time, or perhaps next week once everyone is ready. In that time if we could establish which characters are playing that would be great.

The module is a 64 page adventure in 3 parts, and I intend to play them in PFS mode. The whole thing is sanctioned, but you don't get your first chronicle sheet until the end of part 2, then another after part 3 and a bonus chronicle for the whole thing. Legal levels for the first two parts are 5-7, then 6-8 for part 3, followed by 7-9 for the bonus chronicle.

There is a strong occult theme and plenty of content from occult adventures, and I expect it might take us quite a while, perhaps as much as twice as long as Carrion Hill.

So, after the first two parts, we got 3 xp and a whole level, same after the third part, and maybe another one after the bonus chronicle?

I'm asking so I can choose a character in the level range

Hmm. Angoldir could play in those level ranges, but he'd be at the maximum level for all of them. He's also currently in another game that's gotten a bit bogged down, but should be in its final encounter (I hope). And I know it's silly, but I don't like playing characters at the max level for a module because the rewards don't scale and poor Angoldir's already a bit behind schedule for his purchases due to a sudden case of dead earlier. XD

I've got several other characters in range, but unfortunately almost all of them are already committed elsewhere. XD The only other character I have available in-tier is my lvl 6 dual-cursed oracle - but there's a local GM trying to get their 5th star and running all three parts of Bonekeep that that character's started and would greatly appreciate getting to finish.

A thought - @GM, are you certain you don't want to run this in Campaign mode? We could have all the same restrictions as PFS, but it would allow the players to "double-book" the characters who would receive the Chronicle sheets. And maybe try out some character ideas that are less likely to see the light of day now that new 1e adventures are no longer being written.

@DM Lil" Eschie That's correct. The bonus chronicle can provide 3 XP or 0 XP, it's your choice when you receive it

@Hawthwile it's not silly at all; I also don't like playing at max level. I would be happy running in campaign mode as long as everyone else was too. I would prefer it honestly as it gives me freedom to customize encounters or fix mistakes (like the black tentacles CMB in the factory!), but I know some players might feel like it's not quite the same, for example there being no risk of character death. It would allow me to address a little issue in the levelling for this module too; you're supposed to level between parts 1 and 2 but there is no chronicle sheet so in PFS mode you're stuck tackling it at lower level than expected.

I would use the same restrictions as PFS so you'd be able to "copy" any of your PFS legal characters and play them in this, then apply the credit to whomever you like. I suppose this would let us re-assemble the whole crew from Carrion Hill which would be neat.

If anybody has any objections to campaign mode please say so, otherwise I think that's probably the best option

Taariik is ready to jump in and I like the idea of playing in campaign mode! ;-)

Grunyak is 6th level. I would probably just play him either way. Campaign mode or standard pfs mode.

I have a 5th level ranger archer and a 5th level sorcerer fire element that could be used as well.

It sounds like folks are happy with campaign mode so far, which is great. Let's talk about character rules for campaign mode.

I would like everyone to be level 6. In the case of, for example, Grunyak, that is easy; you have a PFS legal level 6 character whom you can play directly (even though you're not technically "playing" them, you're just copying them for this home-game, for which you will get PFS credit).

I'm happy for you to keep all the gear you've accrued while playing in PFS on your level 6 characters, and even to keep any permanent bonuses you've picked up via boons. However any boons you have that require crossing off your sheets or checking a box are not available in this game. Neither are such things as prestige points available for purchases or spellcasting services during the adventure.

For those of you whose characters are not yet level 6 (I think this includes Taariik and perhaps Eldrin?) You can play your character at level 5 if you want, but I'd also like to give you the chance to level up to 6 to keep everyone on the same level. I'm open to ideas on how to do that fairly, but my preference would be to take your characters and apply however many imaginary chronicle sheets worth of gold are required to get you to level 6, using tier 4-5, say 1900GP

For example if you have 14 XP you only need one more to get to level 6, so you'd give yourself 1900 GP and level up to 6. If you're a fresh level 5 on 12 XP, you'd give yourself 1900x3=5700GP and level up to 6.

A final option if you'd prefer is to create an entirely new character at level 6, in which case you'd use the normal starting wealth (16000GP) and PFS build rules. You'd probably find yourself a little behind the other characters if you did that as you'd have no permanent boons and PFS is quite generous with gold, but it's an option.

Does that make sense?

Thanks a lot GM!

I can level up to 6 based on your rules in the next couple of days.

So, I think I’d like to give my relic-channeler medium I had planned for PFS a test drive. The challenge is that they’re only a lvl 1 character with no chronicle sheets. XD So this would basically be a brand-new character built just for this campaign (meaning no boons and slightly lower wealth). No problems there on my end, but wanted to make sure the GM didn’t see something worrying.

Additionally, a medium could be very useful for a longer story such as this (and especially for an occult-themed adventure), but I want to make sure I’m not stepping on anyone’s toes by taking a role they wanted to cover themselves. A medium will never be quite as good as a specialized class, but they can cover almost any role the following day if needed. Granted, this medium archetype loses out on some of the flexibility of a regular medium (such as choosing different spells every time you channel an archmage spirit), but I don’t know that I’m quite ready for that level of madness. XD

What do folks think?

Whatever you wish to play! :-)

Taariik will be a Medium (Spirit Dancer) 2 / Paladin 2 / Ninja 2 and would love to have another Medium!

I think a medium sounds great (2 mediums even!), and I have no problem with a fresh character. The relic channeler gets object reading too which is a wonderful power.

This module was specifically built to play with content from Occult Adventures, and while I haven't yet finished reading it, I think you can expect plenty of places to use psychic skill unlocks and other fun stuff from those classes. I'm not yet completely familiar with those archetypes, but you won't have any trouble finding a place to channel spirits; Korvosa is a big city.

I've put some preliminary slides up, and I hope to finish reading the module this weekend so we can make a start next week as soon as everyone has characters ready. I'm loving what I've read so far, it might even be my new favourite module.

All sounds good to me. Eldrin is almost ready to go, he's a level short of sixth but should be due a chronicle worth three XP soon. So this way I can play him here at level six and not have to wait for the chronicle.

Sounds great GM! Very much looking forward to this adventure!

I am feeling pretty lazy because I don't have to create any real changes for Grunyak. But the occult stuff is mostly new to me. I guess I need to really roll well on stuff. I may have a lot of questions. Really looking forward to it.

Who would have thought that making what is essentially one character + six half-characters would take so long? XD Should have a profile made and be able to do introductions tomorrow(ish).

Taariik level 6 is ready.

GM, can you please make the level 5 Taarik without the apostrophe inactive please.

Thanks

Sorry, totally forgot to dot the adventure, could join with my bard, Lucaas Penn, as Dru is caught in another game, but he's level 5.

We should be nearing the end of the adventure, but I don't know when Dru will be free to play.

Or I could join with a pregen level 6, as you wish, GM Pudding, at least for the first adventure, then transfer the credits to Drusilla.

Will wait on your feedback

No worries! We're playing campaign mode rather than PFS. That means it's a home game where we're not bound by any PFS rules, but we are using PFS character generation rules.

I went over the rules here. So you could legally play "Drusilla" in both games at once, with the understanding that in this one it's not really Drusilla, it's more of a non-canon what-if type of story. However if you applied the credit to her though it would be as if you had played her.

This way just gives us a bit more flexibility. I am a fairly by the book GM anyway, there'll be very little difference between this and a PFS run (though I will adjust encounters for 5 players)

I'm a bit tired so I'm not sure I understand:

1-I can play Drusilla (who's level 6) both in this campaign and in the PFS adventure I'm currently in, and have XP and gold fomr the module and the campaign (assuming she doesn't die in the current adventure, but so far so good!)

2- I can play another PFS character level 6 by levelling him up, or create a L6 character from scratch (or even use a pregen L6), just for this campaign, but the XP and gold at the end of the campaign will be added to Dru?

Yes that's right, we're basically not playing PFS, we're playing a home game that gives PFS chronicle sheet from time to time. You can apply this sheet to any character in the right range regardless of who you play in this one.

The only slight wrinkle might be assigning credit to a character currently in a game, I'm not sure if that prohibited or not to be honest, I'd have to check. The credit for this one won't be for a good while yet though, part 1 is fairly long.

The only slight wrinkle might be assigning credit to a character currently in a game, I'm not sure if that prohibited or not to be honest, I'd have to check. The credit for this one won't be for a good while yet though, part 1 is fairly long.

That works. Essentially applying GM credit to a character that you are currently playing AFTER that game is finished is the same thing.

Hah! That too waaaaaaaaay longer than anticipated, and I almost rebuilt Huxwren three times in the process, but they're done now! Woo!

@GM, when you have a moment, could you mark my Hawthwile alias as Inactive for this campaign? It's just an aesthetic thing, but it makes me happy to not have things cluttered in the Campaign thread. Thanks!

Alright, moving this over to the Discussion thread so we don't get things super-cluttered in the Gameplay thread now that Initiative has been rolled.

As the grey light of dawn peaks over the Mushfens, Huxwren cheerfully knocks on everyone's cabin doors. "Rise and shine!" they announce, with far too much cheerfulness and pep for the early hour. "It's time for you to meet one of my friends! And don't worry, you'll love him. Everyone does! Now come on, I've got some blankets and pillows in my room."

Once the rest of the Pathfinders have gathered in the halfling's rather cramped room, they close the door and survey the group with their hands on their hips. "So!" they declare. "We've got you two who like to hit things..." They point at Drusilla and Taariik. "And you who likes to do arcane stuff..." The finger shifts to Eldrin. "And you who does prayer stuff..." The finger ends pointing at Grunyak. "But what we don't have is someone who likes talking to people, and someone to help bring out the best in each of you. So! I think His Graceful Lordship would be the best fit today!"

They begin gathering candles and colored scarves from their bag, escorting their companions to the promised blankets and pillows that are unfortunately halfling-sized. "Now, Sir Gallant is a bit of a strong personality," they continue cheerfully as they work. "He'll get his knickers in a twist if he thinks he's not in charge of the group, but he's not the brightest tool in the shed so as long as you pay him lip service he'll stick around." They frown, switching several candles around in the circle they've been placed in seemingly at random. "And he loves a good villain, so if someone tries to run away he'll get upset if we don't let them. Granted, he's not completely stupid - if they're just running away to get reinforcements and return or if they're just trying to get to a better position, he's totally fine to restrain them." Apparently satisfied, they take a seat between Grunyak and Drusilla. "Does that make sense?" Without waiting for an answer, the halfling begins to hum and sway back and forth - not quite in time with the ship's movement, but to some internal rhythm.

Huxwren is channeling the Marshal today - it's a good general-purpose spirit and we're not certain what we're up against yet. Everyone who participates in the hour-long seance (which can also include other things like daily preparations) can choose one of the following benefits for the next 24 hours (does not depend on other characters' choices):
- Your damaging spells deal an additional 2 points of damage of the same type that they would normally deal to each target.
- You gain a +2 bonus on all non-spell damage rolls.
- You gain a +1 bonus to CMD.
- Your healing spells and abilities heal an additional 2 points of damage to each target. This does not affect healing conferred by magic items, nor does it add to fast healing or similar effects.
- Choose one skill when you gain this seance boon. You gain a +1 bonus on skill checks using that skill, and that skill counts as a class skill for you.

Huxwren will take the bonus to a skill, giving themself a +3 bonus to Diplomacy after applying the benefits of the halfling FCB.

As time passes, the halfling's humming becomes louder and louder to the point of almost breaking into words. The candles flicker, dancing in unison with the music. All at once, Huxwren leaps to his feet. "What ho!" he cries, gesturing wildly at the small porthole, "what light through yonder window breaks? It is adventure, my stalwart companions! Onward! Let us waste no more time!" As if by habit, the halfling plucks a flask from the inside pocket of his coat and takes a quick sip before slipping it back out of sight and dashing out of the room.

And now to update the character profile and apply the spirit benefits. Thank goodness this only happens once a day or I'd go mad. XD

Taariik is clearly impressed!

“Your spiritual bonds are unbelievable strong!!“

Choosing: You gain a +1 bonus to CMD.

choose +2 to non spells damage

Choosing, +2 to spell damage.

Mediums are great! I have a PFS medium that only over channels Marshal because I love using the spirit surge on other people's rolls. The seance boons are great too, you can feel like you contributed just by turning up!

FYI I'm aiming to increase the CR of encounters by 1 for this adventure to account for the five players. The official guidelines are to do that for 6 players, so this might end up on the slightly difficult side, but I doubt it; you've got a strong team.

Grunyak participates in the halfling's party, but also prays for his spells while doing so. "That was a little like having tea with my Aunt Brithena, but somehow I feel more magically charged today."
Grunyak will take the +2 to healing targets. Plus he will head down to a local blacksmith to pick up his now newly enchanted +1 full plate and paying the 1000g for the upgrade.

(of course, Dru put some alcohol in her cup of tea..)

GM, as you know, I'm currently in a PFS adventure. Would it be possible, later in the campaign, to update Dru's equipment with the money she shall receive, between two fights?

@Dru I'd prefer to keep the things separate now that we've started. There should be a decent amount of loot and money in this though, fear not!

Apologies I didn't manage an update this morning, it was a combination of the site being up and down and there being rather more initial preparation for this next part of the adventure than I realized (you killed the fog thing quicker than I expected!). Wednesday night is my home game, so it might be tomorrow before I can kick off this next section. It's much more sandboxy than I've attempted in play-by-post before, so bear with me!

No problem GM!

I really have to say that this module is super captivating again!! :-D

And the dice bot is really not nice to Eldrin!!

And the dice bot is really not nice to Eldrin!!

Or Hux for that matter.

Is there anyway Grunyak could purchase the lesser restoration wand from the Carrion Hill chronicle? It is at 8 charges and sells for 720g. Seems like a bargain if we will be encountering things that do stat damage and we can't rest easily.

He will also pick up at the first opportunity 3 acid flasks (30g).

I'm going to say no to chronicle sheet purchases now that we've started, unless you want to travel to a nearby lodge. I think Magnimar might be closest which is a few days by boat.

That said Korvosa is a very large city, and Bridgefront in particular has a speciality in trading for items that others might have sold on or discarded. Partially charged wands are therefore available, but they take 1d6 hours of shopping around to locate one with the exact number you want. How does that sound?

Sounds great! We can just throw our gold together to buy the goods we need.

Loved the description of the night GM!

If we're looking at an infiltration mission, perhaps the Trickster would be a more appropriate spirit for the day? I will admit, I do want to try changing up spirits each day just to try them all out. But if we see a strong need for one above the others, I'm happy to listen.

Trickster with disable device? Sounds good!

I put a map on the slides for this alley. The wall is 15 feet high and on the other side it's an open air couryard. You can see the spiral staircase on the right hand side ascending up three stories to a door up there.

Just some ooc type quick questions:
how difficult does the wall seem to climb?

What about using the corner to take advantage of the two walls and bracing to climb?

How difficult do the adjacent buildings look to climb?

Is there any place in the market that sells a grappling hook remembering from their hours in the market previously?

Is there anything to pile up to use to shorten the distance to the top allowing Taariik a jump to grab the wall top?

Looking at the map now.

Putting this here so we don't disrupt the flow in the Gameplay thread too badly... XD

Huxwren smiles as they light the candles piled haphazardly around the circle of seated Pathfinders. "I think that went quite well yesterday," they announce cheerfully, taking a seat between Drusilla and Grunyak. "But from what we saw at the Night Market, the Red Oliphaunt might be a tough nut to crack." The halfling links their fingers together and stretches both arms high above their head. "Thankfully, I know just who to call for that."

"Now, the thing you have to remember about Ol' Six-Finger is that they've never told the truth once in their entire life," Huxwren explains with a wide smile as the seance continues, seemingly unbothered by the smoke of a candle that has burned itself out. "And they're not about to change that now." Another candle goes dark. "So, uh, well..." A handful of unlit wicks dot the room now like barren trees. "Don't believe anything else I say until tomorrow. Everyone got that?" As the halfling finishes speaking, the remaining lights go out and the room is filled with smoke.

Everyone gets the Trickster's seance boon! Pick one (1) skill to gain a +1 bonus on and treat as a class skill for the day!

Taariik just nods in awe.

”This Ol' Six-Finger seems to be quite a guy!“

Choosing stealth.

I think I forgot to answer a couple of your questions Grunyak. I don't think bracing would work in a corner like that, and the adjacent buildings look quite climbable, but potentially risky as they look unsafe to even stand in, never mind cling to the side of.

I would allow one person to give another a boost (say +3 feet to starting height), or to stand on another person's shoulders (say +5 feet but requiring a DC 15 acrobatics from the person doing the standing)

Don't forget to choose which skills you want a boost with today Grunyak, Eldrin & Drusilla.

I am having a hard time parsing the Surprise Strike ability. I understand the pseudo sneak attack, but does it also mean the first time you hit any target they are flat-footed to you so you get the precision damage? So you'd get it on guard 3 too?

As far as I can tell, yes. It's... odd, for sure.

I thought I posted a boost the the climb skill. But I don't see it. Anyway, Grunyak chooses climb as his skill to boost from Ol'Six Fingers.

I'll take stealth too

Something else to note regarding Huxwren's Surprise Strike: unlike a rogue's Sneak Attack, a medium doesn't add that precision damage to an attack against a flanked opponent - the target must be flat-footed. So that only-applies-on-first-attack-against-this-target-today may very well be the only time the medium actually gets to apply it to their damage roll.

Eldrin will take Stealth as well.

@GM I ticked off an Arcane Reservoir point and a first level spell to have Eldrin cast Mage Armour as soon as he left for the day. Is that OK? It will cover him for 8 hours.

That's fine @Eldrin, and noted @Huxwren!