Ariana Assadi's page

Only because it hasn't been mentioned: how about an Oracle?

Granted, they only have Diplomacy and Sense Motive as class skills by default, but they can get additional class skills based upon Mystery (for example, Battle adds Intimidate), as well as character traits. (Just don't take the Wasting curse!)

(For this character) I picked up Keleshite Princess and Under Siege to make Bluff and Intimidate as class skills (only restriction to these traits is to be a Qadiran Keleshite Female and worshipper of Sarenrae, respectively), as well as a +1 trait bonus to all 4 social skills (Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, and Sense Motive).

Haven't had the chance to play her yet (so this may or may not be a good example), but figured I'd throw that out there :)

Here would be my suggestions:

You are looking to be a support character that will be light on defenses.. take a page from Monty Python and 'don't stand up'... rather look to be unseen.

How does this look for one that might be a little different:

[snipped]

Certainly an interesting build. Although not what I would be going for. It's spending resources to protect itself, which is important for a healer no doubt; when the healer goes down, the party is in trouble. However, I'd lose out on the nova healing, which I find appealing.

Ponder this: if you're going to be hauling around enough to lower your movement speed to 20 on a consistent basis... then consider adding the Lame curse in, instead of one of the others.

It drops you to 20' movement too... but you also gain the additional benefit of never being slowed due to encumbrance... so you can carry as much as you want.

That's true. However, does that mean it bypasses what your maximum carrying load is? By my reading of the Lame curse, it doesn't. And my speed would still be reduced for wearing medium armor, so I'd then have to stick to light. So at low levels it'd cost me 2 points of AC.

Sure, at higher levels, I could buy Mithral Breastplate. Or, I could not take Lame and spend that 4K on something else.

You'll save more lives with Misfortune at 1st level than you will Selective Channel. Misfortune is fabulous even if all you ever use it on is rerolling enemy critical threats.

Interesting observation. I may need to rethink changing out Selective Channeling for Extra Revelation (Misfortune). (Assuming I don't end up going Half-Elf)

Bless works just as well in a wand. I'd save your spells known for more interesting things (Cause Fear/Command, Shield of Faith, Ant Haul, etc.) Your spell slot count is going to be dismal for the first 3 levels, so make 'em good and make 'em count.

I agree. But I might keep that spell in until after I can get that Wand of Bless, then retrain it out before I hit level 2.

Life Link demands hitpoints hitpoints hitpoints. Plan on a Belt of CON and even the Toughness feat if you can fit it in.

Again, I agree. :D

I'm planning on getting a Belt of CON ASAP. First stat boosting item I'll probably get. Followed by Phlactery of Positive Channeling, and then at higher level, a Rod of Splendor for +4 Charisma. :D

You are going to have a terrible time with encumbrance. You'll be eternally encumbered with a mithril buckler (2.5 lb), mithril chain shirt (12.5 lb), spiked gauntlets (1 lb), handy haversack (5 lb), spell component pouch (2 lb), and peasant clothes (2 lb). The Ant Haul spell is going to be a staple.

Currently, character has 79 1/2 pounds (not counting Artisan's Tools, 'cause that's just for making day job checks; will probably just leave that "back at home"), and max load is 80 pounds. Sure, I'll be moving at 20 ft. per round as opposed to 30 ft. per round (which, while wearing medium armor, I won't be moving 30 ft. anyways). But if someone runs that far away from the only healer at the table and dies, is it really my fault? ;-)

But yes, I will be picking up Ant Haul at some point within the first 4 levels, I think.

Be sure to remember: you can't use Misfortune and immediate action turn off Life Link in the same in-between rounds.

Duly noted. :D

Would you like to min/max? Take half-elf and lean on the third level spell, Paragon Surge – Feat for that being Extra Arcana.

I don't see how I could get Extra Arcana, unless you meant Extra Revelation?

I considered Half-Elf as well, for the familiar and Paragon Surge (for the dial-a-revelation via Extra Revelation). But the same reason as the Aasimar - the bonus feat at 1st is huge, so I can get Fey Foundling and Selective Channeling both at first level.

Although, thinking about it now, if I can hold off for the first 2 levels without Selective Channeling, Half-Elf may be doable. Oh, decisions, decisions!

Lastly, figure out what you’ll be doing if you’re not healing otherwise you’ll end up standing around a lot.

Oh, I agree. Which is why I'll demoralize using Intimidate or cast Guidance at low levels. Then, pick up some useful Wands (Burning Hands, Burning Disarm, Ray of Sickening). Later on, I'll get some useful control and blasty spells like Scorching Ray. Plus, with Lesser Rods of Elemental Spell to convert Fire damage to something else should I face resistance/immunity.

I think the strongest healer character is a Human Paladin[hospitaler] that starts out with Fey Founding. It’s not the strongest healer, but all things considered where in PFS offense wins fights it’s the strongest. I’ve played both. My Life Oracle is 7. My Paladin[hospitaler] is 8 or 9…and very hard to kill. They are both fun to play.

That said - play what you like!

I'm currently set upon playing a Life Oracle at the moment (mainly because I already have a 1st level Paladin created but not yet played). As I said, I don't mind playing a healing-focused build. I've played them in the past. And there's no greater feeling than having so much healing available that you single-handedly kept the party alive because the GM sent wave after wave after wave of enemies at you. (same Cleric in Living Greyhawk; going through Red Hand of Doom. All spells spent, plus expending all of the charges from a Wand of Cure Light Wounds, and all the charges from a partially-charged Wand of Cure Light Wounds.)

Only thing I don't like is having to constantly playing such a character, but then I don't like to do that with any character. But with so many different characters I have in PFS, I think I have that covered!

After playing through several Season 4 & 5 scenarios, I've gotten the impression that there has been quite the power up within PFS (where scenarios seem to have gotten more difficult). This reminds me of the power up experienced within Living Greyhawk where, if you valued your hide, you refused to play in higher level adventures without a Cleric at the table.

And since I don't mind playing a healing focused build (my Living Greyhawk Cleric was, in the words of one DM, a "Healing Machine"), I thought I'd try out a Life Oracle build for PFS. (You can click on this character's name for level 1 stats).

This character's primary goal will be healing first, followed by buffing/debuffing and whatever control spells that are on the Cleric's spell list.

First level options include casting Bless on turn one, followed by either using Intimidate to demoralize, or casting Guidance when needed. And thanks to the trusty Spiked Gauntlet, can threaten and provide flank.

First 2 PP would probably be on a Wand of Cure Light Wounds, followed by getting some wands of Burning Disarm, Burning Hands (for swarms), Ray of Sickening, etc. At higher levels, thinking about getting Lesser Rod of Reach Spell and Lesser Rod of Elemental Spell.

For out of combat, she can act as party face, thanks to getting Bluff and Intimidate as class skills from traits, to go along with Diplomacy and Sense Motive that an Oracle normally gets (not to mention that these traits grant a +1 bonus to all 4 of these social skills!)

If I'm right, I think this character will be welcome at any PFS table (not to mention it seems that Clerics are few and far in between in my area, and I only know of a couple of people playing any type of Oracle).

Some things to note/questions:
1) Spent a long time going back and forth between being Human and Aasimar. The favored class bonus of Aasimar is really nice, but ultimately felt that Human wins out (Aasimar's bonus gets going mid-level, which means that this character will be half way to retirement before that ability kicks in, while I'll enjoy that bonus feat from the get-go).
2) I know STR 7 is pretty damned low, but I figure between Potion Sponges of Touch of the Sea, Climber's Kits, and Masterwork Backpack (and at higher levels, Handy Haversack) should negate that penalty to not make it crippling.
3) Although Blackened and Legalistic are in Blood of Angels/Blood of Fiends, I'm pretty sure they're open to any race (as per some posts made by Mike Brock, but I don't know if that has changed since then).
4) Not sure what feat to get at level 9. Although Quicken Spell isn't useful at that level, it'll start getting useful at 10-11. Alternatively (and I don't know if this is legal) is to select whatever feat at 9, and then at 10 retrain it to Divine Interference (since I'll meet the prerequisites at that level), and then Quicken Spell at 11.
5) Anything else that might be helpful to playing this sort of character?

M'lady,

Although I have only recently answered the Dawnflower's call, I shall uphold the tenets of the Everlight, as well as of that of the Silver Crusade. We shall not fail to safeguard Varisia.

May the Dawnflower's perpetual light shine on us all for all eternity.

Faithfully yours,
Ariana Assadi, Dawnflower Dervish

Hi,

Please cancel my Starfinder Adventure Path Subscription.

I changed my address and my 3 VC copies of Sword of Valor as well as my VC shirt and my paid copy of tomb of the ice queen. Order: 3571621. The order is still showing pending. Could you please check on this and let me know what is going on?

I am looking for a little advice here. We are starting Season of the Righteous tonight at my local game store. I am going to play a cleric. I have a converted Class deck Kyra (skill feat: wisdom and power feat: proficient with weapons) or I could go with a WotR Kyra.

I like both options. Class deck Kyra is really good in combat with just a sword which lets me focus support spells but WotR Kyra is a far better healer and divine spell caster. Any suggestions?

I would like to be the first to welcome my newly appointed Venture Lieutenant, Erika Sundeen. Erika is relatively new to the card game but quickly got a grasp on the rules, started helping to organize our weekly card game in Topeka, and took over filling out chronicle sheets and being responsible for reporting our games. As our region is continuing to grow and more people continue to join our card game tables I saw a need to have a VL to focus on the card game. I have no doubt Erika was the correct choice for this job! She is going to play a pivotal role in the Card Game's continued success. Let's hear it for Erika!

I would like to be the first to welcome my newly appointed Venture Lieutenant, Joe Bernardt. Joe has a vast knowledge and love for the game. He has been gming and helping to organize PFS games up there at the lgs The Arena for around two years now. He will be taking care of the Salina area. I have no doubt Joe will make a great addition to the team and help me continue to grow the Pathfinder Society Presence in the Central to Western Kansas area. Let's hear it for Joe!

I would like to be the first to welcome my newly appointed Venture Lieutenant, Chris Sundeen. Chris is relatively new to the game but despite that he distinguished himself quickly as my go-to guy. Before he even knew what a Venture Lieutenant was he was executing the role effectively. He went out of his way to offer any assistance he could. When he saw something I could use help with he volunteered to help without hesitation or me having to ask. I have no doubt Chris and I will make a great team and be able to significantly grow the Pathfinder Society Presence in the Topeka area. Let's hear it for Chris!

I got tired of waiting for my subscription to ship. I saw the card game in a store. I was tired of waiting for mine. So I bought it with the intention of giving it away once mine came in with my long over due Paizo shipment. So imagine my surprise when I open the box and find several blessing missing!!! There are probably other cards missing too. We don't have an official set list yet so I have no idea. I wouldn't even have enough blessings to play a game if I didn't own RotRL. I think I have been pretty patient with all the problems but c'mon guys. This is unacceptable. Please tell me there is something that can be done about this. It isn't the local game store's fault, this product was shrink wrapped.

Hi guys,

I have been a subscriber to the adventure path line since it's inception. I added the PACG line as soon as it was available. I probably wouldn't even post but you guys have spoiled me with your great service :)

I have been waiting to receive my e-mail to say my products have shipped soon or that my PDF for the adventure path was available. Today I decided to look at my subscription page. It shows my PACG box set and add on deck pushed back to September and my adventure path order pending.

First, Could I have access to the PDF for Iron Gods adventure 1 since the street damage has arrived?

Second, I am hoping the display is incorrect and my PACG subscription will still ship this month. Could I get a confirmation for this or at least an explanation of what is happening?

Any and all help you are able to provide would be greatly appreciated.

Hey guys,

I had a problem with my bank but I got it all sorted out now. Could you please try to process my order again so I can get my Pathfinder Adventure Card Game and Wrath of the Righteous goodness for this month?

Thanks!

I noticed all the +1 weapons have the magic descriptor except the +1 warhammer, is this a mistake?

Hey great and wonderful Paizo staff,
I had a problem with payment on this order. The problem on my end has since been fixed, I sent a request on Saturday to run my card again but it still says pending. Please help!

I have been a subscriber to Paizo products ever since Pathfinder came out. I have never had any problems with any products or customer service. I know that trend will continue. I am just a little confused. I set up a subscription to Campaign Setting specifically to get the Inner Sea World Guide PDF before the 23rd. I did this Friday and it still is not available for download and shows that my physical copy is in "the sidecart" and will not ship until mid-April. Please clarify for me how this is supposed to work. Thank you for all you do Paizo!

Whatever happened to these? There were some (3.5) ones in Legacy of Fire Player's Guide and some in The Andoran Spirit of Liberty book that are PFRPG rules. There have been none newer that I know of. Anyone know if Paizo plans to utilize these more often? I for one think it is a neat idea.

Maybe we could at least get a Designer Tuesday with guidelines on how to make more of these?

I know this has been brought up time and again but I have yet to see any official answer to how these abilities are intending to interact with each other.

Example: If a 11th level paladin hits an evil dragon with a acid arrow in the first round of combat the dragon takes 2d4+22. The rounds following that does the dragon just take 2d4 or 2d4+11?

Example 2: Same Paladin uses Aura of Justice and grants smite to all allies within 10 feet. Do they have to stay within 10 feet of him or can they move away and still get the benefit?

Basically, does smite damage effect spells and does smite damage effect damage rolls on continuous effects (such as with acid arrow)

I have seen much speculation on this but I would like to hear something official. I will be flagging this for the FAQ and I hope you all will to.

I am having a problem with the grapple rules. Namely how monks seem to be insanely good grappling machines that can lock down about any spell caster at will. Here is my issue, I have a monk in my party with a CMD of 30 (that is if you rule he doesn't get an additional +2 from improved grapple when an opponent attempts to break free and he doesn't yet have the +5 for his opponent failing to break free). This 30 is 10 base, 4 from dex, 4 from strength,4 from wis, 7 from base attack, and 1 from monk ac bonus for a total of 30.

He recently fought a cleric main boss lvl 9. She had a CMD of 20. With his grapple CMB of +13 (4 from str, 7 from BA w/maneuver training, and 2 from improved grapple feat) he merely needs a 7 to grab her and when she fails to break out (rolling her CMB of 7 against his CMD of 30), he nows adds as +5 to subsequent checks. On his next turn, he pins her (again he rolls his +13 against her CMD of 20). The party then proceeds to beat her to death as she can't hope to break free of his pin.

Note: no combat casting and no spells prepared without somatic components made it an almost impossible feat to cast a spell.

So, have I missed something or is something broken here? As a second question, if she had a spell legal to cast would she make two concentration checks (one to cast in grapple and the second to cast defensively so the rest of the party couldn't get attacks of op) or just one for both conditions?

Back in March, I had a hiccup with my billing information and was concerned that Pathfinder 20 was skipped in being mailed to me. (I can download the PDF). I never received Pathfinder 20 print version and since I am about to start running Legacy of Fire, I need it. Please help.

I fixed my billing issue (expired credit card) and my account still says that issue 18 is "pending" and it seems to have skipped issue 20, can you guys fix the problem please?

So, I know that Clerics cannot cast spells of oposite alignment. For insance a LG cleric cannot cast spells of the evil or chaotic descriptor.
Having said that, should a Favored Soul be under the same restriction? One of my players is playing a CN Favored Soul/Warmage/Mystic Theurge that worships Erythnul. He picked Bolt of Glory (has the good descriptor as one of his Favored Soul Spells. After reading the spell description I ruled that Erythnul (CE God of slaughter) would be able to grant access to Bolt of Glory considering it channels positive energy. Is there an actual rule governing spell selection for a favored soul like that of the cleric?
Any input or help would definetly be appreciated.

My campaign has currently reached high enough level so the wizard (with all his stored EXP) has begun permancying spells on himself. I am having a problem with Arcane Sight. I can't quite decide how I want it to function. You see magic auras with the spell so I have some concerns/questions:
1. Could you see a magic item through someone cloak?
2. Would there be a mundane way to "cover up" the glow of an item?

I don't see how you can ever get the drop on a character with Arcane Sight if the enemy is using magic to be undetectable.

I recently pre-order a subscription to pathfinder and the confirmation e-mail I was sent had the wrong mailing address. I have sent 2 e-mails back explaining that I need this changed and I included the address. The second time I requested that I be sent a confirmation e-mail to let me know that you change the mailing address. I have received nothing yet. I know you guys are extremely busy but could you please send me a comfirmation e-mail so I know you changed the address as by the time the subcription starts arriving, I will no longer be at the address your e-mail said you were sending it to.