DM Brainiac's Fists of the Ruby Phoenix: Victorious Secret! (COMPLETE!) (Inactive)

Game Master Brainiac

Welcome to the game! If you have any questions before we begin, here's the place to ask them! You should also talk amongst yourselves to determine how and why your group came together to form a team. There are suggestions in the player's guide to this end. Also, come up with a fun team name!

Additionally, I will be creating a channel in Discord to discuss this game. If you're interested in joining and I don't have your Discord info already, you can post it here on PM it to me so I can get you in on the action. :)

Hi, thanks for selecting me! I was wondering about gold and gear since we're starting at 11th level.

And Since I chose arcane evolution for my sorcerer, how man spells may I add to the spell book beyond my repertoire?

You can use the leftover gold you have after buying items to purchase scrolls and scribe them into your spell book.

Great; thanks, Brainy!

I had my eyes dilated for my annual checkup this morning, so am having trouble seeing (I thought it was good enough to start playing online, but still pretty blurry). I'll post more tonight and look into what we have as a build.

Chkirri can take more of a melee or ranged role in combat, and can be more or less effective as a healer, depending on what we need.

Happy to be here!

Looks like Storm Adder is going to have healing both in and out of combat pretty well covered, so I'll have Xin's non-diplomacy focus be something else. Her dad's a ranger and mom's a rogue, so either Survival or Thievery would make a lot of sense. Any preferences?

In terms of coming together as a group, holy s#$~ are we a charismatic crew. Maybe we recognized each other's star power? Depending on how much we want to know each other from before, it could also be a case of 'Well I knew a guy who knew a guy who knew a guy...'

Speaking of possible backstory connections:

Chkirri: How would you feel about Xin having hired you to chronicle a few of her matches? She's very invested in her image so hiring someone to promote that would be entirely in character.

Maito Matsu: Xin would know of Maito from her previous attempt at the Tournament, which Xin followed closely even if she didn't enter. Otherwise nothing's really coming to mind.

Storm Adder: If you're okay with it I like the idea of them competing with/against each other in a few pre-tournament clashes around town.

OK, eyes are slowly getting better...

I have a solid thievery (+17, before I buy gear). I'm decent at all skills because of untrained improv, but definitely not as strong in Survival (+12).

I will have some backup healing via magic. Which I think is probably good since I think Storm Adder will also probably be up front a bit (though 2e is much more versatile in that regard, so I can do some switch-hitting).

That certainly works for a connection between Chkirri and Xin. I like it. It could even be that she was one of his favorites, which led him to see her out to join her team once he made his bet that he could compete (perhaps it was someone she'd defeated in a previous battle, which led to the commentary that upset him).

Hurray, very excited!

Storm Adder should be able to cover out of combat healing, and get up in the melee mix with Chou Xin.

Coming together: Yes, I think "game recognizes game" here, like Chou Xin said.

What if Xin and Storm Adder were sparring at like a pre-tournament exhibition match in Goka and Chikirri started spontaneously commentating on it?

If anyone has suggestions for different spells to fill gaps, or anything like that, I'm all ears.

Yes, it seems like, from the description, that Survival and Nature might be pretty important for the first book. How are we on Recall Knowledge skills? Storm Adder is trained in some, but certainly not specialized. (Gotta be entertaining and intimidating!)

Because I like making sure bases are covered, I switched up Xin's skills a little to include Nature and Survival. (Just need to pick a couple new skill feats now that I'm not invested in Medicine.) She's also still trained in Thievery, so her and Chkirri can tag team traps if needed.

Because I am a giant nerd with extra time on my hands today, here is a list of all skills that includes the highest bonus, who has that bonus, and at what proficiency level. Tl;dr: We've got every single skill at least Trained.

◆ Acrobatics +22 (Xin, Master)
◆ Arcana +19 (Maito, Master)
◆ Athletics +20 (Storm Adder, Expert)
◆ Crafting +15 (Maito, Trained)
◆ Deception +20 (Chkirri, Expert)
◆ Diplomacy +23 (Xin, Master)
◆ Intimidation +20 (Storm Adder, Expert)
◆ Medicine +21 (Storm Adder, Master)
◆ Nature +16 (Xin, Trained)
◆ Occultism +14 (Chkirri, Trained)
◆ Performance +22 (Chkirri/Storm Adder, Master)
◆ Religion +15 (Storm Adder, Trained)
◆ Society +15 (Maito, Trained)
◆ Stealth +19 (Maito, Expert)
◆ Survival +18 (Xin, Expert)
◆ Thievery +18 (Xin, Trained)

Seems like we've got a good idea about how Xin, Chkirri, and Storm Adder came to be on the same team. For Maito, how about this?

Three people are all well and good, but the best teams all have four. Recognizing that they're a bit lacking in the Arcane department, the group started hunting for a mage to add to the party. Enter Maito, looking for a new team to compete with. Whether she approached the group or the other way around, either way Xin remembered her from the previous Tournament and thought she was the perfect person to round out their team.

(There could also be some interesting roleplaying dynamics if Maito would rather not think about the previous Tournament while Xin's over here going 'Ooh, remember that really cool thing that happened right before everyone died?!')

Heh. Just read the initial post, and I'm having flashbacks to RPG Superstar. 32 contestants, but only 8 get to advance.

--

I'm hoping to finalize my spells and gear today and then think I should be ready to proceed.

Anyone have any thoughts on a team name?

A few team name suggestions which are also bad puns:

◆ Gone With The Win
◆ Too Fast, Too Furious
◆ Victorious Secret
◆ Won Direction
◆ Won Hit Wonders

My personal fave is Victorious Secret, though I am happy to be outvoted if people have other preferences/suggestions :)

Those are all great. I like Victorious Secret, too. So mysterious!

That’s my favorite too. It would be an even better name if you were all angels aasimar! XD

:D

Chkirri is damn sexy, I can assure you. If we were British, he'd be a fine bird.

Victorious Secret?

I'm into it.

Victorious Secret it is, then! :D

BTW, since you are starting at higher levels, everybody begins play with 2 Hero Points. I always give out 1 Hero Point to everybody upon leveling up, and will sometimes give out more during play for something really cool/fun. :)

Also, gameplay thread is live so you can start posting when you are ready.

A few team name suggestions which are also bad puns:

◆ Gone With The Win
◆ Too Fast, Too Furious
◆ Victorious Secret
◆ Won Direction
◆ Won Hit Wonders

My personal fave is Victorious Secret, though I am happy to be outvoted if people have other preferences/suggestions :)

Just stopped by to pass on my compliments! Brainiac told us your team name after I suggested “Three Men and a Fairy.”

After running a certain PFS scenario, I've decided to swap one of my 4th level spells out for restoration.

Here's what I've got right now for spells, I think a mix of some attacks/offensive stuff, plus some buffs/utility options. Obviously if there's overlap (I can't see Maito Matsu's), I can change some.

Cantrips: daze, guidance, light, shield, tk projectile
First: liberating command, magic missile, sanctuary, soothe
Second: blistering invective, blur, remove paralysis
Third: enthrall, haste, paralyze
Fourth: fly, rebounding barrier, suggestion
Fifth: black tentacles, synesthesia, tongues
Sixth: collective transposition, scintillating safeguard

Just wanted to remind you guys to send me your Discord usernames if you want to join the chat channel for this game! :)

I really like how they have this island set up. Very cool.

Love this start.

Thundering arrow crit, weapon storm (most anime spell ever), and great pun game.

Matsu, you're up in initiative now as well, so you can take your actions for this round.

Also, just want to note I have a snapleaf affixed to my armor (in case we ever fall). I have a couple of healing potions too, that I'd have let you know about in case we need them in the midst of combat.

I picked up the Horn of Blasting as my second 9th level item because I figured the sonic damage would be a good backup against non-corporeal beasties. With the Ghost Touch rune that isn't as necessary, and I love the idea of Chkirri having a megaphone.

I strongly considered that, though went with the ventriloquist's ring as my way of throwing my voice instead -- which might be a good way to see what's in the web and try to talk to it (I think I was also worried about action economy, since I think that's going to be a killer for me*). I'd say hold on to it for now while we're still learning our characters.

* I think it's interesting that some classes feel WAY more action-needy. Obviously spellcasters, but also my ranger (with animal companion) could always use more. My barbarian on the other hand, I need to find some non-attack actions, since I feel like I start crit fishing once I get up close and ragey.

I forgot to include the -2 penalty from Xin's exemplary finisher. She only took 23 damage last round.

Matsu is up!

I will be on vacation from 8/1-8/8. Updates from me will be sporadic until I return!

Matsu, it probably doesn't matter, since you could retcon it to say you had the wand out (with Brainiac's permission) based on our foreknowledge of what's coming, but I think that's four actions (Step, Interact to draw the wand, and then two action casting).

(Only mentioning in case it comes up later.)

Yeah, you can start holding the wand.

Thanks for the heads up.

Matsu is up still.

Sorry for disappearing for a few days; I got either the flu or a really bad cold and was too miserable to do much of anything.

OK, created a loot sheet.

I created a basic sheet that just has item/value/who's carrying/where gotten. I tend to just keep that simple, and then we can delete things when they're moved to our character sheets. I know some people like to use these sheets to also include total wealth for each character to keep things even, but I kind of rely on people playing collaboratively. We take what we think makes the most sense, and sell everything else and divide evenly. If we realize someone's falling behind in terms of treasure value, we can give them a bigger share, but I think generally we're all using the items to help each other (and they seem less important in 2e to have equal value because it's a must to keep everyone alive). If others want to do it differently, let me know.

There's a second sheet on that file with tournament qualifying info. I figure we can keep track of our feathers there, plus other teams we meet.

Some thoughts on items on the list:
* Potion of tongues: Chkirri has this on his spell list, so anyone else can/should take. Xin, if you're going to Bluff/Intimidate, this might be useful for you.
* I don't think any of us are Iroran, so the phylactery doesn't help anyone.
* Moderate healing potion; I think Matsu should take this as an emergency measure
* Storm Adder casts divine, I think? If so, he should take the greater holy prayer beads
* We're all chaotic, so none of us can even hold the axiomatic rune; we'll have to sell that.
* Iron medallion's good against fear saves, but need to be a master in Will. Not sure who qualifies, but I would think Xin or Storm make the most sense to have it if they do and don't have another talisman already.
* Spellstrike arrow; I think I'm most likely to use my bow, so I guess it makes sense for me to have that.
* Remove curse is divine, occult so Storm or Adder can carry the wand.

There are a few other items on the sheet that are up for grabs.

Wow, this adventure is giving out some really fun items! I like the prayer beads, though I'll probably not be holding them in one hand much in combat.

I also have Master in Will, so I can take the iron medallion. I feel like I'm hogging a bit, but I don't think anyone else is going to have Master proficiency in Will any time soon.

Thanks for making the sheet!

I've put a link to the Loot Sheet at the top of the campaign page.

Matsu is up.

My internet as dead for a few days

Alright, I will bot you for the time being. I'll post a bit later today.

Cross posted with Matsu, fixed now.

Level 12:

Class Feat: Far Shot

Skill Feat: Sign Language

Far Shot requires some GM input, as I couldn't find the answer online. It doubles my range increment. Is that before Strong Arm is applied, (resulting in a range of 50ft)? Or after (resulting in a range of 60ft)?

I'll go with the latter. :)

Post to all my games: I am going on vacation from August 30th - September 8th. While I'll have my phone I won't be posting much if at all during that time.

Have fun!

Also, Chkirri's updated. Remember we all get a Hero Point, everyone.

So, looking at the loot sheet, we have a lot of unclaimed items:

Storm, you should definitely take the greater holy prayer beads. Those are great for you

I'll likely strip the runes from the hook sword; I think I'm going to go back to planning to use ranged weapons. I'll probably put the ghost touch rune on my melee weapon, but then put thundering back on my bow. (Sorry, still trying to figure out Chkirri's best combat strategy).

Potion of tongues should go to Xin, I think. I can cast it, and that could let her use Diplomacy with someone she doesn't share a language.

Bag of holding is party loot, IMO. Storm has the most Strength, so let him hold it.

Since I'm using the bow most often, I can grab the spellstrike arrow.

--

Unclaimed items that could be a benefit:
* jade serpent (it summons a 2nd level creature, so I'm not quite sure what we'd use it for; maybe setting off traps? May just be something to sell.)
* ring of swimming (the fact they gave it, and we're on an island, makes me think we could end up in the water at some point)
* ring of climbing (I suggest Xin, as she and Matsu have the lowest Athletics, and Matsu and Chkirri can cast fly; or we could sell)
* moderate healing potion (always good to have an emergency healing item for everyone; Chkirri has a couple already)
* moderate potion of fire resistance (worth having someone hold onto it)
* iron medallion: solid anti-fear talisman for anyone who's a master in will and doesn't have something affixed to armor (Chkirri already does)

--

Looking at items that don't work for anyone, plus pure treasure, we should have 2,158 gp (assuming we don't sell any of those unclaimed items). I'm not sure we need party loot as much (no need to buy wands of CLW), so a four-way split would be 539.5 gp each. If we sell the jade serpent, that adds 42.5 gp each.

Xin will happily take the ring of climbing and/or swimming if no one else wants them.

Neither Xin nor Matsu have master proficiency in Will, so the talisman is all Storm Adder's. I think the moderate healing potion should go to Matsu; it doesn't seem like she has any right now.

For the rest of it I'd vote for selling the Jade Serpent and throwing the fire resistance potion in the Bag of Holding. (Which I agree Storm Adder should carry.)

I'll happily take the medallion. Thanks for doing the loot breakdown!

For 12th level:
Skill Feat: Powerful Leap
Class Feat: Vision of Weakness

Spells: +1 6th level spell. I want to look through Secrets of Magic before I decide. Hopefully have that and finish up dating tonight.

I think I'm good on purchases for now. Stormy made out well with the loot that we found, and most of the things I'm thinking about are still financially out of reach for the moment.