And welcome back to Varisia, land of ancient monuments! I hope we all enjoy here a nice time of RP and strategy.
Please add here some basic information needed for me to report at the end of the scenario (you can copy paste this template).
b]Player name[/b]:
b]Character PFS #ID[/b]:
b]Day job roll[/b]:
b]Advancement[/b]: Normal / Slow ?
b]Brief character description[/b]:
Please, do not hesitate to let me know if there is any other extra information you would like me to add in your chronicle.
In order to keep the pace during combat, I might skip one player if he is the only one still to act, and give him the right to use his action in the next turn. I have found this is usually the best balance between maintaining the game pace and keeping the players opportunity to participate even if they cannot post very often.
Also, in order to improve everybody's experience, every time you have a doubt, in addition to ask about it (please do so!), add contingency actions so I can resolve the events without having to go back and forth into a two people discussion.
And one rule when you post, if you are unsure if something works in a certain way, , if not, I will just ignore the action or tell you what other thing to do. It just saves a lot of time in PbP. Even more if you add contingency actions in spoilers.
For example:
If no one says against this direction, I check the left door for traps.
dice=Perception]1d20 + 6[/dice] ->
spoiler=If nothing found]
I open the door and go into the room if there is no immediate danger.
/spoiler]
spoiler=If the door is locked]
I call the party rogue to open the door. If we don't have rogue, I try to force it open with my axe .
/spoiler]
GM answer:
The door seems to have no traps at all. When you try to open it, you discover it is locked. You call the rogue and he unlocks it.
Your torch light goes inside the room, and you see a big birthday cake. All of a sudden your Pathfinder friends come out around and greet you all "Happy birthday!"
That saves us from expending 3 days checking questions and answers back and forth to decide where to go and what happens with it.
Once I can confirm we are all enrolled, I will set up the Gameplay thread so we can start.
And first rule that triumphs them all: have fun! :D
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Player name: Edward McGee
Character PFS #ID: 145373-21
Day job roll: None.
Advancement: Normal
Brief character description:
Haliban is an Archery focused Slayer who is good at finding and disabling traps. In an area where there may be traps he'll be near the front so his Trapspotter ability works.
He studies up to 3 targets as a swift action and this grants him social and combat bonuses. He isn't diplomatic but he pays attention and is good at catching people in a lie.
Liberty Edge faction with 1 full faction card and 1 nearly full. (Gotta adventure in Andoran or Galt)
My stats were mostly up to date but I forgot to add some recent purchases: Swarmbane Clasp, Potion of Fly, and a wand of Infernal Healing. Haliban has a few wands and scrolls he can't use but will loan out to a caster to use as needed.
He has the golf bag of needed arrows. His will save is a bit weak so my apologies if he gets mind controlled and kills everyone. Once is more then enough for that.
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Player name: shaventalz
Character PFS #ID: 53092-12
Day job roll:
Advancement: Normal progression
Brief character description: Athelstan generally wears a set of gleaming mithral fullplate, and carries a shield bearing the image of the winged eye. His primary weapon is a longsword, but a longbow is also slung at his back. Over a dozen ioun stones orbit his head. Athelstan is slightly under the average height for a human, but his hair takes "platinum blond" too literally for him to be completely human.
Athelstan's faithful steed Duncan also appears when called, seeming to step out from behind Athelstan no matter the angle. Duncan wears well-made steel lamellar and a quality saddle, and seems eager for action.
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Does Duncan have scent? Is he a significant source of damage?
If yes to both I can pick up some pheromone arrows. 15gp grants an animal with scent a +2 circumstance bonus to attack and damage rolls against the target.
He has scent, but I wouldn't call him a great source of damage. No amulet of mighty fists or anything, so he generally does less than 10 damage on each of three attacks.
That said, pheromone arrows would provide a boost to his combat potential. I might pick some up myself; haven't yet because Athelstan tends to have cash flow issues and because so much of PFS is unfriendly to horses.
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Player name: Aldizog
Character PFS #ID: 108731-1
Day job roll: None
Advancement: Normal
Brief character description: Ranalus is my -1, a Feysworn of Count Ranalc of the Eldest. A generalist, he is versatile and durable, with a range of ways to contribute in any given scenario. His Perception is excellent, at a +30, and he has some good defensive options. He is more of a problem-solver than a combatant. The Bestow Insight spell plus his eclectic assortment of skills can let him help out on a crucial skill check.
He wears a rune-covered cloak that seems to blend into the darkness. Around his neck is an eye-and-moon holy symbol of some kind. He speaks quietly, his tone conveying a fair degree of cynicism and apathy. (He's Neutral, and of the Grand Lodge faction; as an outcast, the Society is the one place where he sort of belongs, so he's pretty good about doing the jobs.)
Typical spells prepared, though I am willing to take suggestions:
0 (4): Guidance, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Light
1 (6+1): Expeditious Retreat (D), Shield of Faith (2), Murderous Command, Liberating Command, Protection from Evil, Unbreakable Heart
2 (6+1): Blindness (D), Resist Energy, Admonishing Ray, Spiritual Weapon, Sound Burst, Silence, Boneshaker
3 (4+1): Fly (D), Prayer, Bestow Insight, Communal Resist Energy, Dispel Magic
4 (4+1): Dimension Door (D), Blessing of Fervor, Freedom of Movement, Death Ward, Dismissal
5 (3+1): Teleport (D), Breath of Life, Plane Shift, Open Slot
@Athelstan - my absolute favorite PFS character is a human cavalier on a horse, who as it happens is also a Barrister (and who serves Aroden's Inheritor). Sir Hendric is Level 17 now. So, yes, parts of PFS can be tricky for horses, but when it works it is awesome.
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Duncan bares his teeth at Haliban.
Yeah, horses may not be the most murderhobo of companions, but what else would you expect a knight in shining armor to ride? Plus, there's a bit of a shortage of rhino units in Lastwall.
EDIT: And Powerful Charge only adds to the charge damage. Duncan can still get a bite in if he charges Athelstan's sword in there; it's just not the double-damage version rhinos get.
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Typical spells prepared, though I am willing to take suggestions:
Depends on what we find out in the briefing, of course. However, if this is a stronghold of Sloth, another Dismissal might not be a bad idea.
Also, Air Walk is a 4th-level spell that could be worth looking at for Duncan, depending on terrain - flying horse ferrying people back and forth? I've got a scroll of this to hand off to someone, though, so you might not need to prep it yourself. The communal version is only one level higher, if you really want options.
Otherwise looks mostly fine to me. I'm not fond of you mind-controlling someone into backstabbing their companions, but all I can do is give a positive example of honor and try to gently steer you there. Haranguing you about it doesn't help anyone.
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Anyone have UMD? A scroll or wand of Ill Omen followed up with a save or suck spell such as Mind Maze is a good way to handle powerful casters.
Greater Magic Weapon, Life Bubble, Chain of Perdition are all strong options.
I would imagine a Sloth runelord would have all kinds of abilities that would make us wish we had Freedom of Movement.
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Ranalus actually has CL 11 due to Magical Knack (he used to be multiclassed).
I believe we are also getting an Oracle so I will look to fill gaps.
I can leave off Murderous Command. Ranalus has a soft spot for the paladin types, especially those that are less intelligent or a bit deluded. He will find Athelstan's faith simultaneously hilarious and endearing.
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It's true that non humanoids tend to have high CMD from strength though the extra legs only matters when tripping.
I use Chain of Perdition against casters for dirty trick Blind or Entangle. Even most enemy casters are worse at CMD then saves vs Blindness/Deafness. Disarming a wand or staff could be useful as well. And the chain sticks around to try again if you fail.
Another spell to consider is Burst of Radiance. Only level 2, Long range, 10ft radius, deals up to 5d4 damage vs evil and temporarily blinds them if they fail the reflex save. No save vs the damage.
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Fair enough. Just tossing out ideas.
Sloth seems like something that would cause Fatigue/Exhaustion so the party might want extra Lesser Restoration scrolls.
And I think I'll buy a few more Tangleshot arrows. I'm running low. Maybe 5 more. 20gp each isn't cheap.
Also just added the 20 blunt arrows I bought last time.
With 2 casters in the party are there any good level 1 or 2 long term buff spells of note? I could buy a pearl of power.
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Player name: TriShadow
Character PFS #ID: 151777-15
Day job roll:
Advancement: Normal
Brief character description: Due to the number of languages he speaks, Kivuli often uses the incorrect grammar or syntax. The wayang is cautious, be eager to support teammates in trouble. He attempts to exploit and take advantage of distracted opponents in combat.
I decided to bring Kivuli as his skill set is stronger that my magus (and it seems like the caster angle is covered).
Good, it seems we already have 4 players enrolled :)
This is not a a combat-heavy scenario. Sure, there will be a few combats, but as long as you observe rule number one, remain together, I am pretty sure everyone is going to survive this one.
Whom of you does not know what a Runelord is or has never played any of the Varisia APs?
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Good to see Kivuli again - Ranalus did Solstice Scar with him a couple of times!
Great to share a table with you once again!
The player has knowledge, but I do not think the character has any experience. Looking over his scenario list, I do not remember what the Season 9-00 special was, but I do not think it related to Runelords. He is trained in Arcana, History, Local, and Nobles if any of that helps.
I just wanted to make sure everyone has a common level of familiarity with the Runelords, and I ask in order to know if I should add extra information in the briefing about the topic. It is really not needed for the adventure, but I always find the adventures more fulfilling when you know about the lore relevant to the adventure, otherwise things can become very abstract.
Does anyone have a Character Folio or other source of player-based reroll mechanics?
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Cool. Don't have any stars though. I do have assorted things from past chronicles. Let me check...
Bonuses vs Aspis and Aspis agents. (All of my characters benefit from this boon.)
Reduce the cost of the party's lodging by 50%.
I can check a box to get a +1 bonus to various checks vs goblinoids.
1 use access to a modified jar of Brown Mold.
Oh. Apparently I'm always under the effects of Endure Elements heat but get a penalty to elemental cold effects because I have it.
Multiple alchemical effects used as a standard action each being one use. (Heal 1d4 +1, +2 to fort vs poison for 1 hour, etc...)
1 use boon offering me bonuses vs devils for a round.
A hireling of sorts that I can check off a box to use one of the bonuses but it costs me the same type of action. The skill and attack bonuses are low but Bless or Cure CL 3 are options.
+2 to Knowledge Planes related to Demons and the ability to roll it untrained.
A one shot bonus to get +2 to all skill checks in a chase.
Some 1 shot alchemical extracts. CLW CL 1, CMW CL 4 and Shield CL 1.
A single use of the Divination spell but only in Egorian the capital city of Cheliax. (Jeez I forgot how often Haliban has fought evil outsiders.)
The Andoren Embassy of Absalom regards me as an upstanding free citizen of the Republic.
I can check 2 boxes per adventure on my faction journal cards and reduce the prestige cost of something by up to 4. 2 boxes left on the reduction boon.
An official commendation from the government of Andoran. Separate from the other boon. Andor really really like Haliban.
+4 to a single diplomacy check in Absalom.
When in Varisia I can use any vanity or boon that could be used in Absalom due to free passage through a specific bit of the Hao Jin Tapestry.
Basically the same boon but for any city instead of Varisia and for the same reason. Though I was supposed to pick which city and never did. Oops.
In yet another Tapestry related scenario I gained the ability to check a box to add +5 to kn History or kn Local in relation to Tian Xia.
A 1 shot boon that lets me cast Commune, Mark of Justice, or Raise Dead. Have to supply the dust for Raise Dead though.
Assorted small bonuses vs Earth subtype creatures and bonuses on the plane of Earth. Can cross off the boon to gain DR/5 Adamantium for 1 minute.
Same boon but for Water and can cross it off for a bonus to Swim checks and Waterbreathing for 1 minute.
A god that shall remain
3 checkboxes that allow me to cast Summon Monster 2.
Oh and 4 checkboxes allowing me to reroll a failed Will or Reflex save as an immediate action. Glad I reread my boons.
That's it for chronicle boons but my faction journal cards offer me some bonuses.
+1 attack attack and damage bonus vs known slavers.
Once per adventure I can cast Shatter as a spellike ability DC 15 save or add in my case +2d10 damage to a creature or object with hardness.
Wow, forgot about this one. "When you or one of your allies reroll a check to escape a grapple, an escape artist check, a will save vs compulsion, effect, or a reflex save to avoid being entangled, staggered, or paralyzed that character may roll two dice and use the better result. Once per adventure you may grant a free reroll to a PC attempting one of these checks."
Once per adventure add +4 to a diplomacy check to convince an NPC to cooperate with me. +8 if it involves an uprising. And another of the Shatter or +2d10 ones but I'm not sure if they stack.
Looking at his past adventures Haliban has fought a lot of extraplaner creatures and been to many other planes.
There are a couple of other 'fluff' boons such as his never-ending yummy bread or his bejeweled shoes.
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"I suspect we have both been given similar opportunities to help" Athelstan says, looking over Haliban's list. He definitely recognized some of those IOUs.
"Although... Cheliax might turn me away at the border before I can use my own free divination. They revealed their corruption and perfidity during one of my own missions, and tried killing my team before rejecting the Pathfinders. Again."
"You might consider a well-organized list. Someone back at the Grand Lodge told me my "player" has a two-page document of boons and other bonuses, whatever that means."
The game has officially started, please follow up with the briefing in the gameplay thread :)
I sent last week an invitation to someone in the waiting list, but has not responded. I will look for the next one in the list, but as long as we have 4 players, we can just proceed anyway, applying the 4-players adjustment to the encounters.
Lights on!
Hi everyone, I'm just joining now (if there's still a spot). I'll check in with a specific PC once I have a chance to see what we have and what is needed but just wanted to let you know that I'm here. Thanks for the invite, GM!
Here are my PC options for high tier:
Dawa Kookpa - Lunar Oracle 9 with Tiger melee pet. Due to shenanigans, manages to do a fair job inspiring courage on top of all the usual oracle stuff.
Sir Mr. Proudefeets - Paladin 11 with Griffon mount. It looks like we already have one mounted character so maybe this isn't a good idea.
Hoprah - Sorcerer 9
Undiana Jones - Wizard 10 - uses Elemental Commixture for weird debuffing - complex but interesting
Tull - Warpriest 10 - melee frontliner
Any preferences/needs?
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Thank you for the invite GM Rutseg! Good to be rolling with you again @shaventalz. Hopefully this will help you narrow things down @Abraham Z.
Player name: Spellsorrow
Character PFS #ID: 185281-1
Day job roll: Take 10 for result of 35.
Advancement: Normal
Brief character description:
A tall man of clearly Taldan decent, Sorithar has the natural bronze toned skin and dark brown, naturally flowing hair of his ancestry. Unlike most of his descent however, his eyes bare a clear purple tint, likely a hereditary trait of ancient Azlanti blood. Like most men of Taldor, he wears his beard short and groomed. He appears to be in his late twenties or early thirties.
He is garbed in finely wrought, though slightly worn, dark explorer's garb with plenty of pockets and pouches, some of which seem quite full. A pair of dagger hilts stick out of each of his well tailored leather boots and a smaller crossbow hangs from a hook at his waist, across from a pouch of bolts. In his hands is a well worn, black basalt staff that seems almost alive, twisting into random irregular geometric patterns. On several of his fingers are gleaming rings of gold, bronze and other hues. A filly wrought, slim silvery headband sits upon his brow. Short, tapered wands are tucked into his waist sash and two small gemstones hover about his head, spilling around it at a distance of roughly a foot.
Seems two players answered the last minute call. Well, we will be 6th, no problem. The table is full now though.
Hi everyone, I'm just joining now (if there's still a spot). I'll check in with a specific PC once I have a chance to see what we have and what is needed but just wanted to let you know that I'm here. Thanks for the invite, GM!
Feel free to play with whatever you enjoy playing the most :)
With 6 players this will be easy.
Are there faction missions available? Athelstan may refuse to do it, of course, but it sometimes helps to know what Zarta knows (and wants.) No, Zarta, I'm not going to tell you the names of bound fiends, stop asking.
And hey, sometimes they're not even morally objectionable at all! Doing those well may incentivise Zarta to stop asking her agents do do Evil things.
Faction missions no longer compute for Prestige, and for good reason. Zarta's mission for this scenario for example, requests you take a very specific approach into one of the scenarios encounters, and that I am convinced will enter in conflict with what other people in the party would feel as "right". Thus, I am happy they got rid of this mechanic that will just cause unnecessary trouble between players that do not know each other.
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I played a 12+ module where a mission involved someone in the party having to sneak something past the rest of the party.
Good news: 3 of the 5 party members had the same mission so could work together.
Bad news: I did not have that mission and had nearly +50 Perception.
I did ask if I could just ignore them but it had to go unseen so no.
Between one of them having good stealth, and invisible, and heroism, and the GM gave them a circumstance bonus for distracting me, They made it. Barely.
Does Athelstan's Religion check of 36 (rolled here) reveal Lissala's non-Evil Azlanti origins?
I am certainly not that knowledgeable about Lissala myself, and there is no religion roll in the scenario for something specific to help you here. But with that roll, I guess Athelstan will know everything in the Lissala wiki entry and more, so feel free to fetch as you wish and enrich the game with your lore work :)
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Does Athelstan's Religion check of 36 (rolled here) reveal Lissala's non-Evil Azlanti origins?I am certainly not that knowledgeable about Lissala myself, and there is no religion roll in the scenario for something specific to help you here. But with that roll, I guess Athelstan will know everything in the Lissala wiki entry and more, so feel free to fetch as you wish and enrich the game with your lore work :)
"Excuse me, ma'am. I know you currently use New Lissala, but have you tried Lissala Classic? She's Evil-free!"