⚔ Battlecry! Playtest @ #1-14 "Lions of Katapesh" ⚔ (Inactive)

Game Master rainzax

One commander.
One guardian.
Three other characters, majority martial.
One Troupe.

Let’s get organized here!

Expectations for Commander and Guardian players.

1) Full, Complete, Legible character profile housed insite
2) Consistent Links / Complete Texts in-post provided for New Playtest Abilities (Here are 3 examples: One, Two, Three)
3) Use of Action Symbols for Every Post during an Encounter: (◆), (◆◆), (◆◆◆), (◇), (↺)

I'm interested in Guardian as long as it isn't a complicated class.

The above Expectations, which are Not Negotiable, render any class "complex" inasfaras taking the time to cross-reference, copy/paste, and clearly communicate playtest game mechanics are concerned (on top of role-playing in-character text, reading and responding to other players' posts, and playing strategically, etc).

➤➤➤➤➤ ➤➤➤➤➤ ➤➤➤➤➤

@Everyone

If you have read the Expectations above, and Agree to them, and you still want to play a Battlecry Playtest class, then state so below. Once we got everyone's interest spoken for, if two or more players vie for the same class, I will conduct a roll off!

Note: The above Expectations are relaxed a bit for non-Playtest classes (GM / Everyone probably knows how Reactive Strike and Courageous Anthem work, for example, so you needn't post links / texts for those kinds of common actions - just the "more obscure" stuff, really - and generally only the first couple times until we "learn" it as a group, etc...)

Let me know if folks have any questions?
Cheers!
=)

Hello everyone!

Glad to be here (shoutout to the GM) and I'm glad to get a chance to play with all of you.

I'm okay with not playing as a playtest class. I always end up building my character based on what everyone else in the party brings to the table. I think pidgeonholing myself into a class I don't know anything about is somewhat intimidating.

If I were to choose right now, I would probably go for either a Thaumaturge (Melee) or some kind of Cha-class like Ruffian Rogue, Summoner, Sorcerer or Bard.

Of course, if you guys haven't got a dedicated Medicine person and would like healing...I think I might have a Warpriest of Gorum I can make that would like one last chance at glory.

I'd like to know what you guys have planned!

P.S I'd like to be level 4 so we can use the cool level 4 feats classes usually get.

P.P.S Are we using any variant rules like Free Archetype?

Thaumascourge,
Two things.

First, as this is a Playtest with a Pathfinder Scenario, we are not playing in Campaign Mode (unless someone can correct me on this?), meaning unless you are playing a Playtest Class or a Pregenerated Character, you gotta bring one of your own PFS characters.

As a corollary, this means Free Archetype is also off the table. But. Even if it were an option, I would withhold it's use for another adventure, as keeping a Control Group of sorts as "normal" as possible serves the Playtest better.

Let me know if you have any other questions?

=)

Oh. Well I didn't know that. I don't think I have any PFS characters within the level range of 3-4 unfortunately...Unless I'm able to level her up temporarily? Otherwise, I think I won't be able to play.

Edit: Oh wait, I just remembered that the pre-gens are an option. Could I use one of the pre-gens?

You can still play!

I'm sure folks are happy going for Level One!

And even if not, I'm of the opinion that Mentor Boons make bringing a Level One into a higher-level party a worthwhile experience.

I've even played a "frontline" character who was 3rd level into a party of 5th/6th level casters, and I still had a good time.

Edit: And yes, Prejens are an option. We got options. I'd love to keep you at the table, and I'm sure the other folks here are of the same mind.

=)

Right, that's cool. Thanks for giving me options. I'll look into either bringing a low-level Thief Rogue in or a level 3 pregen as and when people post their preferred character.

If you want to play a rogue--and we want to play high--I'll play my cleric. I have a rogue (3rd) and cleric (4th) in that range. I probably have some blobs in range too. I've got lots of options for 1st-2nd, but I would expect the playtesters would want to play with as many feats and features as then can.

Sounds good.

Gunna give folks until Friday to express interest in playing a Commander and Guardian per the Expectations above.

Then we can start bringing confirmed characters to the table shortly after that.

I thought about it a bit more. I would like to express my interest in playing as a Commander.

It would solve the problem of not having a character at level 3-4 because I would have to build a character of that level anyways, given that the class is new.

From what I gather on the forums, a Commander is a Int-based "prepared martial". I have experience playing as a high level prepared caster on these forums. Sigourney (my Stolen Fate PC) always uses Action Symbols and does link back to AoN/Demiplane whenever a feat or spell is used (Here's one example).

Playing Sigourney and dealing with the ludicrous amount of options a prepared caster has makes me qualified to deal with the amount of options a "prepared martial" could have. My character sheet for Sigourney lists pretty much everything she can do, prepared spells and feats included (linked here.). In short, I think I can definitely comply with all 3 points of the Expectations you've set out, GM.

Lastly, I have a desire to play as a Ysoki Commander. It's an idea I've had since the announcement. If AoN is accurate, I can just do that without purchasing a boon.

If I either lose the roll off or don't get to play a Commander, I'm thinking of going with the Amiri pre-gen. She's a giant barbarian and that subclass does ludicrous amounts of damage, in exchange for dealing with the Rage action tax and having terrible defences. I think there might be synergy with the Guardian because based on the class description, the Guardian could tank hits for Amri. Not entirely sure what the Commander can do, but I'm sure Amri would love buffs regardless.

TLDR: I'd like to either go with Commander or Amiri pre-gen.

Here are the rules for using playtest characters in PFS.

It mostly works like using a pregen. You build the character to standard rules, except you can start at level 1, 3, or 5. You do need boons to use options that require them, but you don't need to buy boons just for your playtest character--they can borrow the boons of the character getting the credit for the adventure.

I did that for the last playtest. I used my sprite Investigator for the character receiving credit and used the ancestry boon to make a sprite Exemplar.
I might want to do that again (sounds like sprite might be a good fit for Commander), but I dunno until I've seen the class.

I'm more interested in Commander. My only 3rd-level PFS character at the moment is an Alchemist, though I have a 4th-level Monk and Champion.

Here are the rules for using playtest characters in PFS.

It mostly works like using a pregen. You build the character to standard rules, except you can start at level 1, 3, or 5. You do need boons to use options that require them, but you don't need to buy boons just for your playtest character--they can borrow the boons of the character getting the credit for the adventure.

I did that for the last playtest. I used my sprite Investigator for the character receiving credit and used the ancestry boon to make a sprite Exemplar.
I might want to do that again (sounds like sprite might be a good fit for Commander), but I dunno until I've seen the class.

I'm more interested in Commander. My only 3rd-level PFS character at the moment is an Alchemist, though I have a 4th-level Monk and Champion.

Well it's good to see a familiar face. Thanks for linking the rules for using playtest characters.

Dex/Int/Free seems good for what I predict is an Int based class. Having zero range might be an issue for flanking, but I know that you know ways around that anyway.

May the highest roller win the ability to play a Commander!

So we got two interested in Commander.

I know Lia Wynn and DoubleGold expressed interest in the Guardian - just waiting on both of them to confirm my Expectations above.

Blake’s Tiger, where are we at with you?

I'm fine playing an existing class. :)
Just waiting on tier before choosing which character.

Ok.

Let’s commence that Roll Off for the Commander!

Super Zero, Thaumascourge, highest Flat Check takes Command!

Aye, aye Sir!

Roll to Take Command: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Not too shabby.

Flat Check: 1d20 ⇒ 14

If you really want it, I don't mind. But I'll GM something too.

As the first player to express interest in the Commander, Super Zero, I say take it!

With that set, we are just awaiting the outcome of our Guardian player (giving til Friday to hear from those who expressed interest) and then we can settle our tier.

!!!

You can take Commander Super Zero, you won the roll off.

Besides, I am excited to test out if there's any synergy between Giant Barbarian and the playtest classes. While I'd prefer if Amiri used a reach weapon, I'll still take her. Consider me locked into Amiri.

I'll hold off until the level range is announced before creating her alias.

Been a couple days and haven't heard from DoubleGold and Lia Wynn.

You guys still with us or I gotta re-open recruitment?

=)

I'm going to try guardian, just waiting for it to drop.

DoubleGold,
You have not acknowledged my Expectations above. Please acknowledge that you would agree to them. It is not negotiable for me that you ignore or refuse them.

To be clear, I will sit one Guardian at the table, from among those who acknowledge my Expectations above, who win the roll off.

Anyone who’d like a shot at Guardian (and didn’t already roll off for the other class), please acknowledge the Expectations above, and roll a (highest) Flat Check for Guard!

Giving until Saturday night to settle the matter.

=)

Oh, sorry, Yes, I read that and acknowledge that. Examples to show I read and understand it.
1. I'll make sure my profile is complete and easy to read. AC, HP, etc. Including calculations. Why is my to hit with a bow a 7? etc? Dex 14 and expert in Bow
2. Yeah, I do that. What does powerattack do, or rather vicious swing. You unleash a particularly powerful attack that clobbers your foe but leaves you a bit unsteady. Make a melee Strike. This counts as two attacks when calculating your multiple attack penalty. If this Strike hits, you deal an extra die of weapon damage. If you’re at least 10th level, increase this to two extra dice, and if you’re at least 18th level, increase it to three extra dice. This part won't apply at this level.
3. Powerattack or vicious swing. ◆◆. Then I move ◆.

Edit, sorry, I thought you were rolling the flat checks. flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 9 For Guardian.
Super Zero, you were rolling for Commander?

Dotting in. I have read the expectations and I agree to them. I will play non-playtest character for this one. Currently on the phone and on vacation right now, but will check from time to time. I will check if I have available level 3, else I have several level 1s, anyway.

Yes, I'm still interested. Didn't know the discussion thread was active yet. I wasn't anticipating anything to be posted until Monday when the new classes drop.

Expectations are fine with me.

Lia Wynn and Blake’s Tiger, if you like, go ahead and make your Flat Check to take the mantle of the Guardian!

I’d like to get started as soon as possible after the Playtest drops, don’t want a table full of Playtest classes, and want to give everyone a fair shake at playing the one of their choosing. Hence all the discussion.

Alright Troupe, I am closing the roll offs. We got:

Commander @ Super Zero
Guardian @ DoubleGold
Non-Playest Classes @ Blake’s Tiger, Frozen Frost, Lia Wynn, Thaumascourge
@
Tier: 3-4

Going to give our Battlecriers Monday to make their class, and will move us along Tuesday morning (EDT). Please be ready to post once-per-day and to Bot anyone who's "up" for 24 hours or more. I tend to run games at a fast clip - if this is not your jam, thank you for being realistic, and it's okay to step down and pursue games that are more your speed. There will be no replacement recruitment so long as we retain 4 characters.

To Do:

0) Double check Expectations!
1, 2, 3, 4, 5) See Gameplay!
6) Propose a name for the Troupe here in Discussion (and vote for the one you like best)!

If the rest of the party votes to keep the Troupe name you suggested, I'll bestow +1 Hero Point for the person who suggested it!

Okay. Level 3 Amiri coming up. I'll make an alias for her and dot in Gameplay once it's done.

To save everyone a click, Amiri is the premade Barbarian. She's a Giant Barbarian with Athletics, Intimidation and Nature. Work around that how you will.

Also, this is a totally biased choice, but I propose the name "Amiri's Angels".

6: Far from Home

Has 3 GM Glpys.
6. Lion Hunters

I'm going to have to drop before game start. Had some IRL things happen this weekend that will limit my on-line time for a couple weeks, and given that this will be faster paced, and I'll want to focus my limited on-line time on the game I am running, I'll drop from here.

Good luck on the test, and thanks for the chance to take part.

Appreciate you gauging your capacity, sad to see you go, hope irl stuff works out.

Playtest drops today!

Appreciate you gauging your capacity, sad to see you go, hope irl stuff works out.

Playtest drops today!

Yeah, checked this morning only to see they haven't posted it yet.

Playtest has dropped!

LINK

Super Zero, DoibleGold, I'd like to start tomorrow morning, but of course, we won't start without you. Give me an update on your progress as you put your characters together, and we'll go from there.

Cheers!

I just got to work... not the best timing, I probably won't be able to work on it until tonight. But tonight should be doable.

He is ready for Playtest.
First Ability to Post as the Guardian, since it is a passive.
Guardian Armor
Even when you are struck, your armor protects you from some harm. You gain the armor specialization effects of medium and heavy armor. In addition, you can rest normally while wearing medium and heavy armor.
Splint Mail
I have no potency Rune, so 2+0=2 Hence You see 2 Piercing Resistance.
Yeah, I spent the Points to Play a Nagaji on this Character. He is actually level 1 for applying of credit, but for the playtest he is level 3.

Think I'm about done actually.

I'm going to recycle this profile--"Natalu" can be a goblin name why not?

I need to change the profile picture, add the animal companion star block, and include the details as requested, but I think decisions are made. Until u decide to change everything.

Remaster Rebuild Complete

EDIT: Oh, wait, I left off the attacks...

Hopefully a lot more GMs run the playtest to show results. There are 11 class feats the guardian can choose from at level 3 and the playtester only gets 2. I picked ones that control enemy movement. Commander has 12 and only gets to pick 2.

Hopefully a lot more GMs run the playtest to show results. There are 11 class feats the guardian can choose from at level 3 and the playtester only gets 2. I picked ones that control enemy movement. Commander has 12 and only gets to pick 2.

I see you picked Hampering Sweeps. That is one feat I want to see in practice. In theory it could be super busted as I could Step into melee, Strike and Step out, leaving enemies unable to Strike me. Taunt wouldn't even need to be used in that scenario to mitigate my damage.

My predictions for the playtest is that Commander looks incredibly strong as it gives the party mobility and reactive strikes at will. As a Barbarian, those are two things I need. Guardian seems much weaker - I don't like that its Taunt mechanic is a saving throw and that it gives a +2 to hit them. It will make them rather frail in practice, I think. I hope to be proved wrong.

We got:

Amiri, Human Barbarian 3rd
Kaya, Nagaji Guardian 3rd
Qigiq, Human Warpriest 3rd
"Nat", Goblin Commander 3rd

plus Frozen Frost's character (he said he gets back tomorrow)...

Interested to join, though I am not familiar with rules of playtest. Do I play with one of my PFS characters? Or is this in Adventure mode?

You bring your own PFS character, because we are not playing in Campaign Mode!

=)

The feat says within reach of your melee weapon, it also says until you move or until the beginning of your next turn, whichever comes first preventing you from moving away. Also, If I use the Hampering Sweeps and then shove them with my Greatclub, well the enemy is no longer within my the reach of my weapon so the enemy is free to move about on his/her turn.
As far as me proving you wrong on the Taunt, I don't like gambling like that, so you probably won't see me use it.

The feat says within reach of your melee weapon, it also says until you move or until the beginning of your next turn, whichever comes first preventing you from moving away. Also, If I use the Hampering Sweeps and then shove them with my Greatclub, well the enemy is no longer within my the reach of my weapon so the enemy is free to move about on his/her turn.

As far as me proving you wrong on the Taunt, I don't like gambling like that, so you probably won't see me use it.

I'm pretty sure Hampering Strikes works off your reach and your movement, not mine. The shoving thing might be an issue but I'm pretty sure it's RAW that you can choose to follow after a Shove. The Fighter in my other game has been shoving a lot so I think by osmosis, I know how Shove works. Shame about not using the Taunt. I really think the +2 is too much and should be removed if it's going to make people not want to use the defining class feature.

Feels situationally useful at low levels. At level 5, when their AC starts pulling more ahead of other characters, I think it might be more appealing more often.

Thinking Commander may be a little annoying in pbp granting actions to others. Might be a class I avoid on the boards once it's release. But for now, Onward!

We have a lot of melee characters, so Pincer Attack is probably always useful. I think my other prepared tactic will usually be Strike Hard!, but End It! also sounds pretty good. Neither is an every round thing.

I designate up to six squadmates. Looks like we have four PCs who are not me, no eidolons, and one animal companion. That's only five, so I'll designate them all. Natalu has gone over some tactics and the signals he'll use to alert allies to openings he's spotted without tipping off enemies.

We got:

Amiri, Human Barbarian 3rd
Kaya, Nagaji Guardian 3rd
Qigiq, Human Warpriest 3rd
"Nat", Goblin Commander 3rd

Qigiq is 4th

Kaya Mathews wrote:

The feat says within reach of your melee weapon, it also says until you move or until the beginning of your next turn, whichever comes first preventing you from moving away. Also, If I use the Hampering Sweeps and then shove them with my Greatclub, well the enemy is no longer within my the reach of my weapon so the enemy is free to move about on his/her turn.

As far as me proving you wrong on the Taunt, I don't like gambling like that, so you probably won't see me use it.

I'm pretty sure Hampering Strikes works off your reach and your movement, not mine. The shoving thing might be an issue but I'm pretty sure it's RAW that you can choose to follow after a Shove. The Fighter in my other game has been shoving a lot so I think by osmosis, I know how Shove works. Shame about not using the Taunt. I really think the +2 is too much and should be removed if it's going to make people not want to use the defining class feature.

It's equivalent to the AC penalty as most Barbarians and grants everyone else a bonus to AC.

As this is a speedrun, I will progress us along this evening to the first "action point".

In the meantime, I will get some slides up for a marching order.

Please click on "Lions of Katapesh (Maps)" link in my GM alias and place your Token!

Amiri PFS placeholder wrote:

Kaya Mathews wrote:

The feat says within reach of your melee weapon, it also says until you move or until the beginning of your next turn, whichever comes first preventing you from moving away. Also, If I use the Hampering Sweeps and then shove them with my Greatclub, well the enemy is no longer within my the reach of my weapon so the enemy is free to move about on his/her turn.

As far as me proving you wrong on the Taunt, I don't like gambling like that, so you probably won't see me use it.

I'm pretty sure Hampering Strikes works off your reach and your movement, not mine. The shoving thing might be an issue but I'm pretty sure it's RAW that you can choose to follow after a Shove. The Fighter in my other game has been shoving a lot so I think by osmosis, I know how Shove works. Shame about not using the Taunt. I really think the +2 is too much and should be removed if it's going to make people not want to use the defining class feature.

It's equivalent to the AC penalty as most Barbarians and grants everyone else a bonus to AC.

Yeah, well you don't really want your dedicated "tank" to have AC on the level of the barbarian. If your tank is getting critically hit often they can't do very much tanking, can they.

Barbarians defensively offset their -1 to AC with having legendary fort saves, 12 hp per level and situational DR. Guardians have the situational DR down pat but none of the other stuff that makes Barbarians tanky.

"Time's a wastin', Troupe. We've got skulls to claim."

Ah yes!

6) Propose a name for the Troupe here in Discussion (and vote for the one you like best)!

"Amiri's Angels".

Far from Home

Lion Hunters

???