The robot, sparking and nearly broken, goes for one last attempt at taking its only consistently-successful attacker down with a series of slams and attempted grabs, though as they've all largely missed in the past... it goes the same way with both attacks missing. Grezzag's axe once again exposes more of the heavily damaged creature, along with some muffled Androffan words as its speakers glitch out:
Androffan:
"Biological sample" and "Patient", but you can't make anything else out.
After more glitching, both the gun-wielders fire shots at the creature, with the magic in Zelvin's bullet, however slight it might be, causing the different that allows it to cleanly sever an exposed cord! Your eyes, in the flash, are assaulted by sparks. Not enough to mechanically affect anyone, mind you :p
As the robot falls to the floor, electricity sparks all around you. Once Hekau opens the pod containing Baine, he seems... extremely feeble, and can barely even utter a word. Whoever and whatever put him down there, seems to have also affected his mind as well, so you imagine it'd take some time for this to clear up... if it clears up, considering the guy can barely stand.
Now, the all important question: how will the party get Khonnir Baine up to the town so he can be healed up?
M NG Magus 1 / Wizard 3 | HP 33/33 | AC13+4 T13 FF10+4 | CMB0 CMD13 | F+6 R+5* W+7* | Init+4 Per+9 (darkvision 60', low-light vision) SM+2 | AP 7/7 bullets 6/6 Called 1/1 | spells M1st 3/2 W1st-2/4 | conditions/effects:extended water breathing 8h, mage armor 2h
"Mr. Khonnir!" Zelvin cries, overjoyed to see his adopted father is still alive, though in a sorry state. "Lean on me, sir," he suggests, taking his arm and putting it around his own shoulders. As anxious as he is to talk to the man, he can see that he is in no condition to question. "I'm guessin' we don't want to go back the way we came, since that blob creature is still feastin' that way. I think I remember east-facin' doors from that first chamber, which if I'm not mistaken would be due west from the last room we explored. Maybe a couple of us could peek down that corridor and see if the way is clear?"
"Also, who else is hurt - I can see that Grezzag has taken a whack or two - anybody else?"
I have 2 more channels to use, and I figure this might be a good time to use 1.
WRT to getting out of here, I'd go back the way we came; I figure we can talk our way past the cerebric fungi rather than fight it. The big issue might just be getting him out through the pond; I don't think Khonnir's in any shape to be swimming.
Android Wizard (Spell Sage) 3 | HP 23/23 | AC 13 (Touch 13, FF 10, CMD 16) | F +3 R +4 W +3 | Per +5 | Init +3 | Active: None
"Should we take the time to rest, I can manifest magic to surround Khonnir Baine's head with breathable air. It should then be a simple matter to pull him through the water."
Hekau can sacrifice two spells to cast Air Bubble[/i, but he has already used his Spell Study ability today (for [i]Comprehend Languages). I don't think we've rested since then, although we did level-up, so if that resets 1/day then he could use it again today. Otherwise resting.
N Aasimar [Garuda] Steel Hound Investigator; Init +6; HP 35/35; AC 18, Touch 14, FF 14, CMD 18; CMB +4; Fort +3, Reflex +8, Will +5; Perception (Darkvision) +8; 97 shots; Inspiration 5/5
"I am unhurt. I can start scouting out another way out if that is what we want to do. But we may run into something worse then that other creature." Uwe says.
Male CG Half-Orc Fighter 3 | HP 31/31 | AC: 17 (18 v. robots) Touch: 12 (13 v. robots) FF: 15 | CMB: 7 CMD: 19 | Fort: +5 Reflex: +3 Will: +2 | Init: +2 | Darkvision 60ft Perc: +1 SM: +1 | Speed 30ft | Active Buffs:
While the others see to Khonnir, Grezzag pokes at the robots they've destroyed and pulls off a few parts (including the syringe that stabbed him) to attach to his trophy necklace.
"Yeah, avoid that blob thing if we can, I got enough cuts that it might try to eat my red stuff."
"We could always camp out in the caves for the night. The priest could come down in the morning to cast his magic on Khonnir so he can get out, maybe he's got some healing for his mind too."
Alyn lingered by the doorway, tapping her fingers against her necklace as she kept watch.
"I'm just worried about what else might be down here," she admitted. "We didn't check everything. Are we gonna be able to handle it if something new sneaks up on us while we're asleep?"
Android Wizard (Spell Sage) 3 | HP 23/23 | AC 13 (Touch 13, FF 10, CMD 16) | F +3 R +4 W +3 | Per +5 | Init +3 | Active: None
"We could fall back to near the entrance, an area that we have explored more thoroughly. As I said, once I have replenished my mystical energy reserves, I can summon a bubble of air to surround Khonnir Baine's head.
I consider it probable that creatures or robots deeper within do not emerge to the areas near the entrance."
N Aasimar [Garuda] Steel Hound Investigator; Init +6; HP 35/35; AC 18, Touch 14, FF 14, CMD 18; CMB +4; Fort +3, Reflex +8, Will +5; Perception (Darkvision) +8; 97 shots; Inspiration 5/5
"The fact he was dragged down to this point indicates there is some movement. But if we want to rest, I can try and wedge a door closed so it cannot open." Uwe offers up as an idea.
Android Wizard (Spell Sage) 3 | HP 23/23 | AC 13 (Touch 13, FF 10, CMD 16) | F +3 R +4 W +3 | Per +5 | Init +3 | Active: None
"I believe that Khonnir Baine's group made it considerably far into the interior of this space on their own before being slain or captured. We know from the Skulks that they made it through the door from the Skulk area. The continued existence of the Skulks (and the mites that we dispatched) suggest that nothing from within emerged to trouble them."
Khoran, you realize that whatever surgeries have been done to Khonnir have caused massive amounts of brain damage, but considering brain damage caused by lo-tech non-magical injuries can be solved by magic, you surmise that this damage (heavily damaged legs, 13 points of Dex damage, 12 points of Int damage), as Khonnir is half-mad, and his state shocks both of his adopted sons, who have never seen the normally extremely intelligent Wizard-Alchemist act so... incoherent. He rambles about "trying to discover magic," in Taldane, and a single word in Androffan interspersed with the Common -- likely a concept that doesn't exist in Common, or-- even if it does-- is probably only well-known in Alkenstar.
Androffan:
"Elevator" or "lift"
Assuming you arrive on the surface, Val is there, panicking as she realizes how her adoptive father is acting. Not even Val has seen Khonnir like this, so it's likely this is certainly something caused by the robots down in the cave. Val, panicked, asks the group, "What happened? Zelvin, Hekau, is he okay? Will he be okay? Where is Penka?" She looks at bewilderment at Uwe, not having met
She looks like she has a lot more to say and ask, but right now her primary concern is the safety of her father.
Alright. Took a break from job applications to put this up!
@GM Violant - is that Dex and Int damage, or drain? Damage heals naturally over time; drain doesn't. If it's drain, we need higher end magic (Restoration - 4th level). If it's damage, I can fix some of it now...
M NG Magus 1 / Wizard 3 | HP 33/33 | AC13+4 T13 FF10+4 | CMB0 CMD13 | F+6 R+5* W+7* | Init+4 Per+9 (darkvision 60', low-light vision) SM+2 | AP 7/7 bullets 6/6 Called 1/1 | spells M1st 3/2 W1st-2/4 | conditions/effects:extended water breathing 8h, mage armor 2h
Zelvin looks wide-eyed and confused, but does his best to put on a brave face for Val. "He's had something done to him, that's for sure, but Mister Khoran thinks he can be treated with magic. Don't you worry, Val, us and the good folks of Torch will get him fixed up right, as soon as can be." He seems to be saying this as much for himself as for Val. Ever since they found him, he has tried his best to stay close to him, so that he knows his adopted father has something recognizable to latch on to. "Penka got called back to her shop, something about an emergency at home. I'm sure she's okay. This is Uwe. Uwe, this is Mister Khonnir's daughter Val."
It's damage, but it's very heavy damage so he can use the help he can to get to his feet.
"Oh! Hi, Uwe. It's," she says as she gulps, tears welling in her eyes as she realizes her adoptive father (and her two brothers as well) are okay, but then she brings a few more things up. She then wipes the proto-tears, hugs both Hekau and Zelvin, then begins talking "There's also someone here, that merchant who ocassionally spends time in town? Do you remember Sanvil? And, since you found him alive," she says with a bit more pep in her voice, "if any of you need the scroll of resurrection, I don't doubt that they'd be willing to throw it in with the reward."
DC 12 Knowledge Local:
Sanvil Trett is known as a wandering merchant, courier, and tinker -- a collector of relics and ores, which pretty much everyone believes he resells on the black market to avoid the Technic League finding out. Certainly, the black market outside of Starfall is easier to get into than in Starfall proper. Summarily, he is known throughout central and southern Numeria as a fence who deals in technological items. He's also known to visit Torch more often than other towns, presumably due to... well, the Torch, which is still out-- saving Khonnir not-withstanding.
M NG Magus 1 / Wizard 3 | HP 33/33 | AC13+4 T13 FF10+4 | CMB0 CMD13 | F+6 R+5* W+7* | Init+4 Per+9 (darkvision 60', low-light vision) SM+2 | AP 7/7 bullets 6/6 Called 1/1 | spells M1st 3/2 W1st-2/4 | conditions/effects:extended water breathing 8h, mage armor 2h
Knowledge (local):1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Zelvin blinks. "Oh, that black market guy? Yeah, he's always selling strange stuff. I guess maybe he'd be interested in some of those artifacts we found down there. I bet he knows more about them than he lets on, though. You think he's already heard we found Mister Khonnir and came by to find out what he saw?"
Android Wizard (Spell Sage) 3 | HP 23/23 | AC 13 (Touch 13, FF 10, CMD 16) | F +3 R +4 W +3 | Per +5 | Init +3 | Active: None
"I believe Khonnir Baine will recover in time, Val, although such recovery may be accelerated by both magical and mundane assistance."
Heal checks to Prvoide Long-Term Care can speed up recover of ability score damage. Additionally, there is an inexpensive magic item that lets the Heal skill restore ability drain through Long-Term Care.
N Aasimar [Garuda] Steel Hound Investigator; Init +6; HP 35/35; AC 18, Touch 14, FF 14, CMD 18; CMB +4; Fort +3, Reflex +8, Will +5; Perception (Darkvision) +8; 97 shots; Inspiration 5/5
"Hopefully, no one will need that scroll. But having it is better then not in case. I have not met this Sanvil before. Is he a trustworthy sort?" Uwe says as he considers what the merchant may want.
I somehow missed taking Local. I Will need to fix that eventually.
Before we leave the medical bay... and then poof to the surface by GM fiat.
"Khonnir is badly injured, but not beyond my skill. In time, he will recover fully."
Khoran spends a quarter hour consulting the spirits (filling empty spell slots), and his magic is able to heal some of Khonnir's injuries...
Casts Lesser Restoration X3
Int Damage Healed:1d4 ⇒ 1
Dex Damage Healed:2d4 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3
He follows up by channeling energy to heal everyone's assorted boo-boos...
Channel Healing:2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8
On the surface
"Yes Val, Khonnir will recover fully, but it will take me a few days. As for what happened to him, hopefully he will be able to tell his tale when he recovers."
Khoran makes sure that Khonnir is set up to rest in his own bed at the forge, and treats him in tribal fashion - good chicken soup!
Heal check for long term care of Khonnir, once we are on the surface
I poofed you to the surface because I figured you'd pass the Swim Checks, and there are things to do on the surface before you go back down :) Sorry for the delay, had to take a long call.
As the spirits' magics heals Khonnir's body, with a little less effect on his mind, he seems more generally able to move his body around... but he's still rambling about magic and lifts in a mix of Androffan and Taldane, with the occassional Hallit word thrown in here and there.
"Oh! Mrs. Freddert would probably like to see that Khonnir arrived back okay, but Sanvil is also looking for you. Do you know what that guy could want? It's not like you found anything other than Khonnir down there, right?"
Sorry for the short reply today, I've been focusing most of my efforts on securing a job recently and have let things slip in both of the campaigns I'm GMing. I should be back to regular (1/1 or 2 days) posting speed soon.
Android Wizard (Spell Sage) 3 | HP 23/23 | AC 13 (Touch 13, FF 10, CMD 16) | F +3 R +4 W +3 | Per +5 | Init +3 | Active: None
Hekau will translate the Androffan where he can.
"Once we claim our reward, it is possible that we may wish to purchase items from Sanvil Trett. He may be interested in purchasing some of what we found as well, such as the four-armed creature's short swords."
Male CG Half-Orc Fighter 3 | HP 31/31 | AC: 17 (18 v. robots) Touch: 12 (13 v. robots) FF: 15 | CMB: 7 CMD: 19 | Fort: +5 Reflex: +3 Will: +2 | Init: +2 | Darkvision 60ft Perc: +1 SM: +1 | Speed 30ft | Active Buffs:
"There were some crazy robots down there. I'm sure the ol' guy'll tell us more when he's feeling himself again. I reckon we oughta keep looking into it, the torch still ain't lit up again after all."
Grezzag is happy to do whatever, but he does want to continue exploring the underground facility
"Welp, first things first. Let's go report to Dolga Freddert that we have retrieved Khonnir. Once we have done that and collected our reward, we can sell the loot from our little expedition and split it. I'll be spending a day or two healing Khonnir, to put him back together properly. During that time, we can spend our money, maybe meet this Sanvil guy..."
Ok, let's take a couple of days here - I don't believe that we currently have any time pressures. We can spend our loot and re-equip. Also, we can get Khonnir healthy and get his story. I would suggest rather than charging down there to get the torch lit up again, let's wait and let the mayor pay us to do that job...
N Aasimar [Garuda] Steel Hound Investigator; Init +6; HP 35/35; AC 18, Touch 14, FF 14, CMD 18; CMB +4; Fort +3, Reflex +8, Will +5; Perception (Darkvision) +8; 97 shots; Inspiration 5/5
"That sounds great. I would like to continue traveling with you all, if you are interested in the company while searching what lies below." Uwe offers the group.
M NG Magus 1 / Wizard 3 | HP 33/33 | AC13+4 T13 FF10+4 | CMB0 CMD13 | F+6 R+5* W+7* | Init+4 Per+9 (darkvision 60', low-light vision) SM+2 | AP 7/7 bullets 6/6 Called 1/1 | spells M1st 3/2 W1st-2/4 | conditions/effects:extended water breathing 8h, mage armor 2h
"Val, is it okay for Uwe to stay with us here?" Zelvin asks, blinking his eyes. "I am so tired, but I'd like to make sure Mr. Khonnir is okay and settled before we do anything else. Can we go see the mayor tomorrow?"
"Oh, it's fine for Uwe to stay here. You probably should go see the mayor tomorrow, as well." Val gives both her adopted brothers another hug. "Hopefully the conversation with Sanvil goes well, he's at the same inn as normal, I think? You probably found lots of cool stuff down there," she says excitedly.
Should we just fast-forward to tomorrow? I've been struggling to come up with a transition, admittedly. Sorry for the massive delay, things should be back to normal.
As you re-meet-up with Dolga, with the brain-and-muscular-damaged Khonnir in toe, she looks first to make sure the crazily babbling man really is Khonnir, since normally he'd act a bit... different than he is doing now. "Do any of you know what even happened to get the man in this state? I think it'll heal on its own," she guesses, and then she continues, "but the town managed to scrounge up some extra cash, more than was anticipated to give you for saving 'im. It's the least we can do." she then hands you 600 platinum pieces, making a quick remark about how it's probably easier to carry platinum around then 10 times the weight in gold. And so Zelvin can use coin shot to chew through robots some more.
She then holds her hands out, one of which is holding the scroll of resurrection, and makes a remark. "I'll need the writ the flat 20% back now. The 600 platinum is plenty enough as it is, even for the heroes of the town -- at least until someone gets the torch back up and running that is -- bankrupting it and ruining their good fortune now, can we?"
Once you do indeed hand her the writ for a flat 20% off for supplies in town, you and Khonnir head back to the Foundry Tavern -- specifically the area where Khonnir's house proper is, behind the tavern, where over the course of a few days, he heals up. For some reason, he seems insistent on not letting Sanvil talk to you while he's recovering, but once he recovers (at least, mostly, so it's only a few days advancement and he can talk.), he begins to ease up on what seems to be baseless paranoia and begins speaking about what happened.
"The... the group I was with was investigating a broken down structure, the elevator, that should lead to a level in the caves no one has even explored yet. While... while the group was admittedly distracted trying to get the measurements for the metal piece, we were ambushed by the robots, which seemed to have once served some kind of surgical or medicinal purpose since they kept telling us to lie down and remain calm. They were reckless, probably malfunctioning, and so the scrapes killed a few of them." He then shakes a little and takes a breath, offering hugs to Val, Zelvin, and Hekau (although the last one may not necessarily be returned).
Then, he continues. "I am so glad that you two made it back okay. Thank all of you for that. But if you do go back down -- since the torch is still out -- just know that their bodies may have been claimed. I don't know if it's by undead, malignant plant or fungi, or some tech we don't even know about -- but their bodies might be there to stop you in your tracks...," he pauses, takes a sip of the ale with a relieved sigh, and then continues. "If your group wants to go up there, which I believe leads to somewhere where the torch can be fixed -- go on ahead, I'll still need a few days to properly recover. Mind to tell me or Sanvil what you found? Sorry about... properly freaking out earlier, Sanvil just seemed to remind me of an old acquaintance I would rather forget, but it was probably the brain damage from magicless automata trying to figure out magic that caused that."
It'll take a few days for Khonnir to create the part that'll let you continue on to the last part of book 1, so you're free to talk to people around town for a bit while that is getting done.
N Aasimar [Garuda] Steel Hound Investigator; Init +6; HP 35/35; AC 18, Touch 14, FF 14, CMD 18; CMB +4; Fort +3, Reflex +8, Will +5; Perception (Darkvision) +8; 97 shots; Inspiration 5/5
"An elevator to a new level sounds quite interesting. It would be good to find the missing bodies and see that they are properly laid to rest if possible as well." Uwe says as he muses about what might be found in a new area.
COVID knocked me out and I tried at least keeping up my player-games. Back now.
As you descend back into the caverns, you're told by Khonnir to "get good measurements of the broken [i[lift," interspersed with Androffan for things that (well, most of -- Alkenstar aside) the Golarinite populace hasn't properly invented yet. He says the area you need to enter is behind the door, straight ahead.
Assuming you do head forward to the elevator and do whatever's left from there.
This unlit circular room is empty... save for a panel of what appears to be controls on the wall to the northwest. A coil of tubes dangling from the left side of the panel periodically flashes with sparks, while a single square window on the panel blinks with several lines of Androffan text. Those of you that can read Androffan know these lines of text to be several layers of a building -- clearly delineated and labeled. One of these lines is flashing in an alarming red colour, while the other is in a warm blue color. The remaining lines are a very faint blue.
Once the lot of you gather the necessary measurements for what appears to be a missing chunk of metal lodged upwards, you realize you could probably even [i[climb[/i] it if you don't wish to wait for Khonnir to forge the proper piece needed to get the machine functional again.
I'll need a few climb checks if you wish to climb up to deck 4, or you could explore the rooms that you haven't yet to gain some supplies.
"Climbing is not my greatest skill. Perhaps someone else can climb up and drop down a knotted rope." Uwe says as he looks up the shaft.
Khoran chimes in "Yeah, my old bones don't bounce that well; I ain't getting up there without a rope either. But there's lots of stuff down here to explore."
He gestures at the square window on the panel and asks "By the by, can anyone read the this?"
Let's explore the rest of this level before we go up.
If it's all right, GM, can we say that Zelvin crafted more bullets while in town? I'll make the necessary adjustments to the sheet.
It's good we're picking this back up; pauses like this are how games die... I suggest just moving all non RP'ed activity to the discussion thread. I have purchases to make, and I might craft some stuff...
Male CG Half-Orc Fighter 3 | HP 31/31 | AC: 17 (18 v. robots) Touch: 12 (13 v. robots) FF: 15 | CMB: 7 CMD: 19 | Fort: +5 Reflex: +3 Will: +2 | Init: +2 | Darkvision 60ft Perc: +1 SM: +1 | Speed 30ft | Active Buffs:
"Yeah, I reckon I could make it up there." Grezzag remarks, peering up the shaft. "I don't understand the writin' here though, so I ain't going to be fixing the Torch by myself. I can take up a rope if you like, but if yer ol' man thinks he knows how to fix it, then we should maybe give that a go first."
He attempts to climb up the shaft and take a peek out at the next level.
Android Wizard (Spell Sage) 3 | HP 23/23 | AC 13 (Touch 13, FF 10, CMD 16) | F +3 R +4 W +3 | Per +5 | Init +3 | Active: None
"I can read this language," Hekau says.
"It identifies the purpose of the various levels of this structure. The phrasing lends credence to the hypothesis that it is a ship for traveling between planets. The levels are termed 'decks'.
Deck 4 is Engineering
Deck 3 is Science.
Deck 2 is Crew, presumably meaning crew quarters.
Deck 1 is Docking.
The transport between levels, the 'elevator', is currently nonfunctional.
I believe we are on Deck 3."
Grezzag, you see pretty much the same scene as you do on the deck everyone else is on, except there's a pair of doors, currently closed, blocking your view from everything else... and it's locked with the same mechanism the doors on the lower deck used.
M NG Magus 1 / Wizard 3 | HP 33/33 | AC13+4 T13 FF10+4 | CMB0 CMD13 | F+6 R+5* W+7* | Init+4 Per+9 (darkvision 60', low-light vision) SM+2 | AP 7/7 bullets 6/6 Called 1/1 | spells M1st 3/2 W1st-2/4 | conditions/effects:extended water breathing 8h, mage armor 2h
Zelvin waits for Grezzag to tie off and throw down his rope.
It sounds like we've got some of us who want to go up, and some of us who want to explore the rest of the level. I don't think we should split the party. Can we vote on which way we all go? I vote for climbing up.
M NG Magus 1 / Wizard 3 | HP 33/33 | AC13+4 T13 FF10+4 | CMB0 CMD13 | F+6 R+5* W+7* | Init+4 Per+9 (darkvision 60', low-light vision) SM+2 | AP 7/7 bullets 6/6 Called 1/1 | spells M1st 3/2 W1st-2/4 | conditions/effects:extended water breathing 8h, mage armor 2h
Hi all! Happy to make tweaks, especially changing Zelv's Skill Focus to something other than Diplomacy since we have another face (Zenser -- three Z's in the group!). You're right, Zin, Zenser looks like the only melee character, but when Zelvin gets his first level of magus I had been considering giving him a sword cane pistol so that he can fight in melee if necessary. We'll see how it goes!
Ah! I'm excited to finally try PbP - I don't usually frequent forums so this is fairly new to me. I'm also willing to change things up if we need. I did grab a machete just in case I ran into some misfires, so I'm hopeful we'll be able to handle any melee mishaps we get into!
Well, I suppose if there's not front line, throwing bombs will be easier. Maybe we can spray out enough in ranged attacks to stop everything short of us. On the other hand: Watch the doors and corners. That's where they get you.
10 (figurative) bucks for anyone who gets the reference there.
We'll also need to be careful about healing. Zenser can cast CLW a couple of times a day, but that's it at first. Penka won't be able to share extracts until 2nd level. It might be worth it for us to chip in to buy a healer's kit if anyone has some spare gold left.
Penka can take the non-magical healing line of feats. Those are really good but take a while to come online.
M NG Magus 1 / Wizard 3 | HP 33/33 | AC13+4 T13 FF10+4 | CMB0 CMD13 | F+6 R+5* W+7* | Init+4 Per+9 (darkvision 60', low-light vision) SM+2 | AP 7/7 bullets 6/6 Called 1/1 | spells M1st 3/2 W1st-2/4 | conditions/effects:extended water breathing 8h, mage armor 2h
Once we have a little money under our belts from all our adventuring together, we'll definitely want to invest in a wand of cure light wounds or two, since both Penka and Zenser can use them without having to make a check. Hekau is basically our only source of divine removal spells like lesser restoration, and we'll really be in trouble once we start needing breath of life-- scrolls in spring-loaded wrist sheaths and high Use Magic Device scores, I guess! Fortunately that's a long way off and maybe there's some technological equipment that we can lean on instead... :)
Female Gnome Gunslinger (Firebrand) (1) (Favored Class; +1 Skill) Level 1 HP 12/12, AC 17/ T 15/ FF 13/ Saves: Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +1 (/+3 against illusion spells or effects)/ Perception +7, Init +3/ Grit 0/3
Violant wrote:
Yeah, I wasn't admittedly thinking of party balance when selecting characters. I will, however, adjust a few encounters to compensate for that.
Let's hope we won't get TPK'd early on then! :P
I agree that we're kind of missing a designated healer and a tank right now. Since we don't have to invest in Weapon Finesse, Zinli can do a bit of close range, but being a gnome, she won't be hitting hard.
(And also it kind of takes the fun away of being a Gunslinger if you have to do all the melee tanking :( )
However, since Penka and Zinli both have the Technologist feat, I can switch Technologist for more combat-oriented feat if that's necessary. It can be something Zinli picks up later.
And if there's too many gun-wiedling, range-based characters around for the party to work out, I can step down so you can recruit someone who fits the bill better.
Android Wizard (Spell Sage) 3 | HP 23/23 | AC 13 (Touch 13, FF 10, CMD 16) | F +3 R +4 W +3 | Per +5 | Init +3 | Active: None
@Penka - I believe that reference would be Miller from The Expanse. Also good point on healing - the Healer's Hands feat becomes amazing with either Incredible Healer or Signature Skill (Heal).
@Zelvin - First Aid Gloves are a good option for emergency Breath of Life casting.
Glad to have Hekau selected, and especially glad that Zelvin is alongside him again!
I tend to not post very much in Recruitment threads after my submission - no banter or RP'ing and very few comments on other submissions - and so I kept my mouth shut about how cool it would be to have the Baine brothers back as a team. Glad it worked out.
Hekau was originally built under 20-pt buy. I was sort of debating what to do with the extra 5 points. I have settled on boosting Str - not that it is particularly needed, but I really don't think any PC needs a starting casting stat better than 18. And it opens up the door for shapechanging-type offense later in the game, which Spell Sage can do quite well at.
Wizard, Alchemist, Wizard (mostly to be Magus), 2 Gunslingers, and a Bard. Knowledge and ranged combat through the roof, I think.
@Hekau: Ding ding ding! 10 (symbolic) bucks to you Sir! I'm currently rewatching the show slowly so it's at the front of my mind.
Yeah, I think Penka can afford a couple of feats for healing. One thing I could also do is swap her Pragmatic Activator trait for Precise Treatment. That would give her INT to healing rather than UMD. She'll also get Skill Focus Heal as a free feat at 5th level. If I did that could someone else handle UMD?
Android Wizard (Spell Sage) 3 | HP 23/23 | AC 13 (Touch 13, FF 10, CMD 16) | F +3 R +4 W +3 | Per +5 | Init +3 | Active: None
I'm not sure how essential UMD will be, to be honest. Zenser could be decent at it, with good Cha and UMD as a class skill.
Penka and Zenser can use CLW wands without UMD. Hekau can (at level 2) cast Cleric/Druid/Bard spells a limited number of times per day. The Alchemist list (with Infusion) includes most of the key cleric status-removal spells.
While Zelvin had referenced UMD for Breath of Life scrolls, First Aid Gloves do not require UMD (and as he said there may be technological items that do similar things). Hekau can also cast Breath of Life into a Ring of Spell Storing as another option - his regular casting time for that spell is too slow to be useful, but Storing the spell works.
Yeah, this may not be a big UMD AP like others with the technology aspect in play. In any case it's a very mid-levels+ skill, can't use it reliably until then and there's not many things to use it on until then. I think Precise Treatment is the more practical choice. I'll make the swap if that's alright Violant?
Yeah that's fine, yeah UMD isn't as useful as in most campaigns. I'll have to check for how often they appear, but there are technological equivalents to some cure spells and healing in the nanite hypoguns and hemochems.
Female Gnome Gunslinger (Firebrand) (1) (Favored Class; +1 Skill) Level 1 HP 12/12, AC 17/ T 15/ FF 13/ Saves: Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +1 (/+3 against illusion spells or effects)/ Perception +7, Init +3/ Grit 0/3
Good to know! So it might be worth keeping the Technologist feat...
I've just arrived at my family's house for a week-long holiday. I'll try and have a look at what can be tweaked with Zinli tomorrow - right now I'm too tired.
Female Gnome Gunslinger (Firebrand) (1) (Favored Class; +1 Skill) Level 1 HP 12/12, AC 17/ T 15/ FF 13/ Saves: Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +1 (/+3 against illusion spells or effects)/ Perception +7, Init +3/ Grit 0/3
I've given it some thought, and sadly, I've kind of reached the same conclusion as Zender. I don't really see what Zinli could bring to the party other than being an occasional Face. Penka, Alyn and Zelvin combined would fill her role and more.
I'm going to withdraw before we get into the campaign proper so you can pick a Charisma-high character who can disable traps, or a healer for the party. I hope that's no trouble.
I was very glad to participate anyway, and everyone's character looks awesome :) It would be a pleasure to play with you at a future table (good to see you again, rdknight, I had missed Paquen!) I'm sure you'll make a great team!
Thank you again for giving my character your consideration, GM, and for running a table.
Android Wizard (Spell Sage) 3 | HP 23/23 | AC 13 (Touch 13, FF 10, CMD 16) | F +3 R +4 W +3 | Per +5 | Init +3 | Active: None
Non-traditional parties can work with a bit of resourcefulness.
I am in an all-fighter Ironfang Invasion party, and an all-paladin Wrath of the Righteous (which is proving the greater challenge of the two). It's actually a lot of fun to figure out how to solve problems without the "default" party.
So I think the GM should pick whoever they want. I don't think we necessarily need a high-Cha face nor a dedicated healer (there are workarounds in both cases, although there are a couple of high-Cha healers in the recruitment), and we already have a trap disabler in Penka (Crypt Breaker Alchemist).
Interestingly, Zelvin and Hekau's previous party had nobody with better than an 8 Cha if I recall. It's manageable at low levels, and if it proves a persistent gap then you look at something like the Orator feat.
WRT to skill coverages,
I have heal, perception, K Nature, K Planes, Diplomacy and Spellcraft. I have a sage familiar who has limited K Arcana (although that will become much more potent over time; it will also add other skills).
Male CG Half-Orc Fighter 3 | HP 31/31 | AC: 17 (18 v. robots) Touch: 12 (13 v. robots) FF: 15 | CMB: 7 CMD: 19 | Fort: +5 Reflex: +3 Will: +2 | Init: +2 | Darkvision 60ft Perc: +1 SM: +1 | Speed 30ft | Active Buffs:
I have Climb and Intimidate :)
So Wizard, Wizard/Magus, Alchemist, Gunslinger, Shaman, Fighter. Penka has trap finding so we should have most bases covered pretty well.
How should we all meet? I guess those close to khonnir might be wanting to go find him and be finding people to join them. Grezzag is in for the prospect of smashing up some robuts
Well I'm sorry to see Zenser and Zinli go, but welcome Grezzag and Khoran! I think I'll just stay where I'm at with changing the trait and taking the two healing feats. It might not be so needed with a Shaman in the party, but I've been wanting to try them out for a while and I doubt they will go unused. I may push back the levels I take them at depending on how things are going.
It looks like Hekau, Zelvin, and Penka are townies to a greater or lesser degree so I expect they would all be previously acquainted.
Well I'm sorry to see Zenser and Zinli go, but welcome Grezzag and Khoran! I think I'll just stay where I'm at with changing the trait and taking the two healing feats. It might not be so needed with a Shaman in the party, but I've been wanting to try them out for a while and I doubt they will go unused. I may push back the levels I take them at depending on how things are going.
It looks like Hekau, Zelvin, and Penka are townies to a greater or lesser degree so I expect they would all be previously acquainted.
Fair warning, Healing Hands and Signature Skill (Heal) are my plan for my lvl 3 and 5 feats respectively...
M NG Magus 1 / Wizard 3 | HP 33/33 | AC13+4 T13 FF10+4 | CMB0 CMD13 | F+6 R+5* W+7* | Init+4 Per+9 (darkvision 60', low-light vision) SM+2 | AP 7/7 bullets 6/6 Called 1/1 | spells M1st 3/2 W1st-2/4 | conditions/effects:extended water breathing 8h, mage armor 2h
Violant wrote:
I plan on hopefully pulling off something similar to how the ill-fated campaign of Hekau and Zelvin started off, but I'm welcome to hear ideas.
Whatever you have in mind is fine with me, Violant! I don't remember exactly how we did it last time-- wasn't it some kind of council meeting at another tavern in Torch, since Khonnir's is closed? I imagine Zelvin is in a bit of a snit after arguing with his sister and hasn't been paying much attention to Hekau or the newcomers in town for the last couple of days. Also, I'd guess that while he's on nodding terms with Penka, he might see her as his sister's friend and thus is usually a bit distant. (Gives us a reason not to know each other that well to start?)
M NG Magus 1 / Wizard 3 | HP 33/33 | AC13+4 T13 FF10+4 | CMB0 CMD13 | F+6 R+5* W+7* | Init+4 Per+9 (darkvision 60', low-light vision) SM+2 | AP 7/7 bullets 6/6 Called 1/1 | spells M1st 3/2 W1st-2/4 | conditions/effects:extended water breathing 8h, mage armor 2h
Violant wrote:
Why was it that you and Val were fighting again? Because Val got adopted first or something? But yeah I could see that.
Zelvin thinks it's Val's fault Khonnir wouldn't let him come with him on his expedition. Val thinks it's Zelvin's fault that Khonnir wouldn't let her come with him on his expedition. I don't remember how Hekau fits in to that dynamic, but I would imagine he's been just trying to stay out of everyone's way the past couple of days. ;)
Ah, that makes sense. Does it seem there are any more issues that need to be resolved in terms of party composition and dynamics before we head into things?
And yes, I plan on having the party essentially meet up at another bar before getting called to a council meeting, call me unoriginal (going with something safe instead of flubbing it)
Penka's an occasional visitor to Khonnir's place, not a resident. She's friendly with Val, and would support her if she was complaining to Penka. But, Penka isn't exactly a firecracker personality-wise, there's no way she'd want to get mixed up in the dispute between Zelvin and Val directly.
I've also decided on using Google Slides since it won't require anyone creating an account or anything. I'll work on getting a few things set up before we properly start anything.
Anything urgent that needs to be resolved among the party first?
Android Wizard (Spell Sage) 3 | HP 23/23 | AC 13 (Touch 13, FF 10, CMD 16) | F +3 R +4 W +3 | Per +5 | Init +3 | Active: None
I might look to make a couple of last-second changes to Hekau if that is okay.
I think I would switch the Deep Cover trait to Magic is Life (the Nethys religion trait), and the 1 rank of Disguise to Appraise. Disguise just isn't going to be a thing for him.
And, I'll swap Magical Epiphany for Skill Focus (Knowledge - Engineering). He'll need the latter feat for Technomancer, and Magical Epipany is really hard to use at level 1 (he has only 2 1st-level slots, and keeping 1 open is a major hardship).
Android Wizard (Spell Sage) 3 | HP 23/23 | AC 13 (Touch 13, FF 10, CMD 16) | F +3 R +4 W +3 | Per +5 | Init +3 | Active: None
So that would be his tribe, then, and only members of that allegiance would get the bonus.
I did have a PC who had the feat; he had a flag made with a symbol for the party as they were a well-established militia by the time he started using it.
Not exactly, the Bone Bears fell into the dust of history at the hands of the Black Sovereign; the symbol is unclaimed... So PCs can be inspired if they so choose...
Yeah I'd be fine with the PCs adopting the banner for the bonus (since there are no more bone bears), otherwise the feat would be essentially pointless. But the idea of it being scrawled on a napkin is hilarious, I'm not going to lie.
M NG Magus 1 / Wizard 3 | HP 33/33 | AC13+4 T13 FF10+4 | CMB0 CMD13 | F+6 R+5* W+7* | Init+4 Per+9 (darkvision 60', low-light vision) SM+2 | AP 7/7 bullets 6/6 Called 1/1 | spells M1st 3/2 W1st-2/4 | conditions/effects:extended water breathing 8h, mage armor 2h
Zelvin has the gunslinger’s gunsmith feature, which means he starts with a battered firearm, either one-handed or two-handed. I wasn’t sure if our elevated guns setting makes that a choice between a revolver or a rifle rather than a pistol or a musket. Revolvers exist, right? Are they common enough that a gunslinger would begin with one of them instead of a pistol?
