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Faeros continues the party's assault on the undead monster, blessing his weapon against undead before launching his arrow-neous barrage!
The trio of holy arrows strike the green crystal embedded in the graveknight's chest, and with one last echoing howl, she slumps over, unmoving.
The room is quiet now, allowing ample exploration of chamber which looks like a tattered bedchamber.
I will pledge myself to posting at least 4x a week, ideally back to daily although I can't promise that.
Admittedly, I am curious about this for the sake of goblin champions that can only select a horse as a mount option and, well, doesn't make sense by any game world standards. Downside is that there isn't goblin dog animal companion stats. I dare say this may be one of the first campaign clarifications!
No worries. I apologize the the quiet this week. Between the 4th, wedding anniversary and wife's birthday, this week has been hectic! Update tomorrow.
Waiting to hear if I can get this as part of the PbP Gameday for a chance for boons for you guys! We will start on Thursday regardless.
Vassago steps back, not liking the demon being so close. He switched tactical gears and now brings immense fire in both hands and lets it loose up above, searing away the canvas and letting the light pour in from above, hoping to bath both him and Arastrax in the daylight.
The Scratcher sighs again. "Ya gotta learn ta protect yo'self mate. I know ya got the lips, guv, but that'll jus' make you better at screamin' fer ya life! Ya need ta turn that into a vishis battle cry!", Scratcher talking to Hinsin as he walks him back to the ship.
Seeing the ship there, off in the distance, now marooned, the Scratcher goes on an epic tirade, a ballad of cursing if you will, below which is the finale this legendary monologue: "... those cheap, lyin, no-good, rottin, four-flushin, low-life, snake-lickin, dirt-eatin, inbred, ovastuffed, ignorant, blood-suckin, dog-kissin, brainless, dickless, hopeless, heartless, fat-arsed, bug-ayed, stiff-legged, spotty-lipped, cork-suckin', worm-headed sacks of goblin snot dey be! Hallelujah! Holy crap! Where's a potion?"
Burdock raises an eyebrow to Sivar's uncharacteristically greedy comment. "What did you find?", he asks. With his darkvision, Burdock peers down the hole to see if there is anything of interest.
Vassago is grateful the combat is short. "Well done! I am pleased this went by much more smoothly than our previous assignment's opening." At the door, Vassago's language skills come in handy at the door. "More prayers.", he comments, although he notes the securely sealed door. Before the door is opened, Vassago offers to generate a bit of cooling moisture to stave off the heat for those who need it.
At Lucian's excited words, Miana smiles. "We have proven ourselves the victors; good has triumphed over evil." When the party returns to Sandpoint, Miana cannot help but join the others in a bit of relaxed reverly. While perfect demands absolute devotion, Irori has already smiled upon her, no, the party, and now she needed to celebrate with her companions to share in the culmination of their trials. Who knew that what started as a quest to embetter herself while aiding a small town with goblins and other minor monsters would turn into a world-changing battle to stop an evil as old as the gods. The next day, Miana continues her training, looking over the school she started in Sandpoint. It is the outcropping of a small part of her that wishes to end her journey, share her knowledge, skills and experience with others, and perhaps settle down. And for a year, she stayed, writing down her techniques, religious writings, and philosophical musings to pass down. But after one full year from Karzoug's defeat, she prepares to leave Sandpoint once more. While Varisia has been saved from a major evil, there is still villainy across the land and staying in the small town would inhibit her growth as she ever moves closer to the divinity of the Perfected One. Of all her allies, she will miss Lucian the most, the way he smiled at her during campouts and celebration. She knew that he had an eye for most women, but she could feel an attraction to the young Varisian. But she had to leave quietly, leaving just a note to her friend as her oath to Irori demanded her undivided attention. Maybe once she achieved true enlightenment, she could return, but for now, she walked her own path sure of herself from challenges bested from the friends she found after a fateful Swallowtail Festival...
I'm good with that Declyn!
How about a warpriest? Could be a warpriest of Asmodeus or some strict LN god. I think there's even an archetype that eventually grants smiting if he wishes it (Champion of the Faith). Depending on the spell, you could perhaps make a concession on allowing an antipaladin spell or two as a warpriest spell, although it may be a bit of a balancing act, particularly for the higher level spells. Johnnycat93's suggestion is also a fair idea (at least LE can/should be reasoned with).
Seems you turned a deaf ear to Seal GM and now he's popped. Perhaps if you were more forthcoming with this kernel of truth, he wouldn't have to stalk your project. Shucks, it's amaizing he didn't become a lifeless husk waiting. Corn.
Incidentally, I'll be out of town 9/16-9/18, but compared to others, that really isn't too big of a problem right now :P
Miana resists the first pulse.
When the second passes though, she realizes that eventually, despite her resolution, her mind will slip.
Miana accepts the Thassilonian ring from Lucian; still uneasy about accepting the relic of an evil empire, she does her best to cope. "I guess this isn't how you were expecting to give a ring to a woman.", she jests.
After returning to the Grand Lodge, the party waves farewell to Benson, who is off on adventures in the mainland of Avistan. Everyone else, though, gets little rest in Absalom before being whisked away to another vessel to an even farther location: Goka in Tian Xia. As the early dawn’s light crests over the Wall of Heaven mountain range, the Lantern Lodge is already bustling with activity. The sound of clashing swords echoes in the air from a nearby training area, and a group of Pathfinder agents silently meditates in the front courtyard. The lodge’s doors open, revealing a long corridor and a faint floral aroma wafts gently in the air. Sturdy shelves laden with artifacts from all corners of Tian Xia line the corridor’s walls. Venture-Captain Amara
"Good morning, Pathfinders. I hope your travels have been safe and enjoyable," Li says. "Please, come inside.” The Taldor
The venture-captain pours herself a cup of tea and continues, [b]"As I’m sure you are aware, the Grand Lodge was attacked a few months ago. Since then, the Society has been following any and all leads that could help us find and arrest the Aspis criminals behind the assault. From Varisia to Nirmathas to Absalom itself, the Society has successfully gathered a substantial amount of information about Aspis operations. We have combined our own resources with the reports of a turncoat within the Consortium whom we have taken to calling ‘Three Rings’ to create a list of vital Aspis operatives all across Golarion. One in particular, Tseka, lives beneath Goka, in a warren of tunnels and ruins called
The venture-captain places a small wooden chest on the table and says, "To get inside Deepmarket, I propose that you pose as smugglers bringing in a fresh round of contraband. Once there, find Tseka. We know that she has valuable information, so do everything in your power to bring her back alive, and collect whatever documents you find in her base of operations. I do not know where within Deepmarket she resides. Gather what information you can from the locals in Undermarket, and seek
As someone who has GM'ed this... I would still give full credit even jumping in at this point. It would be more detrimental to the person if they did not get full credit (particularly in the XP portion). There is a couple of things that we'll have to catch up on, but that is my take. Of course, it is the GM's prerogative on that.
Even then it wouldn't work since you have to be able to add your Strength modifier to the damage to allow you to replace it with your Dex mod. Same reason why you can't use Slashing Grace or Finesse Training with an elemental annihilator's devastating infusion attacks. But otherwise, I am still pro-Unchained Eldritch Scoundrel :)
My table managed to avoid the final combat and had a very short combat in the Nail. They managed to poison the stew and every guard who ate the stew except 1 succumbed to the poison. That guard screamed and was quickly knocked unconscious, but the remaining guard (the one at the entrance since he got the short straw to wait on lunch) happened to roll low enough and missed his Perception... After spending some time to stage the barracks, the party wasted little time clearing out the majority of the compound, getting the good stuff out the vault, office, and prison successfully, thanks to the party rogue having hot dice and the party expertly solving the puzzle (with compliments on it). The chase was fun as the party was quite creative causing distractions, including Ferris Bueller'ing the parade, tackling mimes, and summoning a holy octopus. Despite avoiding massive beatdowns, the players enjoyed themselves. A+, would run again.
Honestly, I don't know how it could be written for core rogues only. As I noted above, a core rogue is incredibly underpowered as an Eldritch Scoundrel. In fact, a core rogue Eldritch Scoundrel is only a couple steps above the adept NPC class for the first 2 levels. As far as dipping: three level is a heavy dip for most classes/builds. Compared to dipping three into a base unchained rogue, the trade-offs would be around 4 level 1 spells per day, the cantrips, and trap spotter for magical traps versus 1d6 sneak attack, a rogue talent of your choosing, and 12 skill ranks. While the magical potential should be noted, it's comparable to a 2 level dip into fighter to get the bonus feats for Dervish Dance and a single level dip into wizard.
I would like to request that the unchained rogue be legally allowed to use the Eldritch Scoundrel archetype from Arcane Anthologies in PFS play. Caveat: If the allowing the archetype for the unchained rogue is being reserved as a chronicle or boon reward, then see this a post of love for a cool, flavorful archetype. Using Jiggy's excellent post that got Magical Knack legalized as the basis of the post and noting the copied premises below. Premise: An option is banned only if it conflicts with the nature or goals of the campaign (unless it is reserved as a boon reward for later).
------------------------------- Reasoning:
Premise #1:
Note, this is almost exactly what Jiggy posted nearly 3 years ago and noting that I am using his words here. As I see it, there are two ways of looking at content legality in PFS. One method is that nothing outside the Core Assumption is allowed, unless it appears to specifically benefit the campaign. That is, when a new book comes out, we "start" with everything banned, and then Mike looks through it and sees something and says "Hey, X would make the campaign better" and makes an exception for it (i.e., legalize it). The other method is that new content is generally legal, unless it appears to specifically hurt the campaign. That is, when a new book comes out, we "start" with an assumption that its content will be legal, and then the OPC/PFS developers looks through it and sees something and says "Hey, X would cause problems with the campaign" and makes an exception for it (i.e., ban it). It is my understanding that the latter is the stance of PFS leadership, hence Premise #1.
Premise #2:
This section is also nearly word from word of Jiggy's argument, but repeating it as I believe this to be true for the Deep Marshall. I am not aware of any aspect of the campaign with which an unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel conflicts. It does not directly affect wealth. It does not invite unregulated customization. It does not skirt alignment restrictions. It does not slow down gameplay. It does not have canon issues. It does not skirt PvP rules. I contend that this is not the case. In fact, it cannot be this case because the Eldritch Scoundrel is legal for core rogues, and unchained rogues are legal, too, which means that both of the base parts do not conflict with the campaign system. Thus, I contend that an unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel does not conflict with any aspect of the campaign.
Premise #3:
If the unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel is to be considered overpowered over a core rogue Eldritch Scoundrel, then the comparison must be made across other archetypes using an unchained rogue vs core rogue. Note: I am not good at number theory crafting, so this will be a bit more subjective than I prefer. What an unchained rogue offers
Listed here, there are three brand new abilities unchained rogues have over core rogues. As of the time of this post, there are not any rogue archetypes that replace these abilities. That means every single unchained rogue with an archetype will have those abilities over a core rogue with the same archetype. Since the unchained rogue is legal for those other archetypes, then it must be assumed that those abilities are not overpowered. Which means that if the unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel is to be considered too overpowered compared to a core rogue Eldritch Scoundrel, it must be one of the three remaining ability updates: sneak attack, rogue talents, and danger sense. However, the Eldritch Scoundrel archetype affects all three of those abilities! The sneak attack and rogue talents are effectively cut in half and don't come online until level 3 and 4 respectively. If the unchained rogue's sneak attack and talents are deemed superior to the core rogues, the archetype actually affects the unchained rogue more negatively than the core rogue by restricting the more powerful abilities! Meanwhile, danger sense is replaced by a special magic only version of trap spotter. Again, replacing the (slightly) superior danger sense for the unchained rogue technically affects the unchained rogue more than the core rogue. Thus, I conclude that the unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel is not vastly overpowered to the core rogue Eldritch Scoundrel as compared to other rogue archetypes that are legal for both the unchained rogue and core rogue.
Premise #4:
The only other reason why the unchained rogue would be banned is if it was considered overpowered to other classes. As the comparison to rogues has already been made, I'll go with two other classes that will be most similar to it: wizard and magus. Unchained Rogue Eldritch Scoundrel vs base wizard (no archetypes)
Meanwhile, the wizard has over the Eldritch Scoundrel:
Same between the two classes:
Comparing the two classes, the eldritch scoundrel will have more melee options thanks to finesse training, while the wizard can get more magical abilities and potentially more spellcasting. Jumping to level 3, both classes begin to diverge greatly. The unchained Eldritch Scoundrel will get a far greater melee ability with another BAB increase, sneak attack, dexerity modifier to damage for a weapon of her choice, and effectively trap spotting for magical traps and 1 more level 1 spell/day over the base wizard spellcasting. Meanwhile, the wizard will hit level 2 spellcasting. It doesn't seem like much as a single line, but the wizard will add 1-3 spells per day he can cast, at a minimum equaling the total number of spells per day as the Eldritch Scoundrel and more than likely being superior and that is not even counting the new spell options granted to the wizard. At this point, trade off between the two is melee options for the Eldritch Scoundrel for more powerful spells. Level 4 is where the Eldritch Scoundrel arguably sees a power increase over a wizard. The Scoundrel now gets his level 2 spells, albeit wizard base spellcasting will have at least 1 more level 2 spell over the Eldritch Scoundrel. The Scoundrel, though, will get Debilitating Injury for a nice melee debuff and now get her first rogue talent for more supporting options. But at level 5, the wizard takes the reigns once more and holds onto them for the rest of their career. The unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel will still have 1 more BAB over the wizard, more HP, and now gain a Skill Unlock, but the wizard gets 3rd level magic while the rogue will have to wait another 2 levels for such power wherein the wizard will be touting 4th level magic. And as a bit of extra icing on the cake, the wizard also gets a bonus feat, too (which could arguably be seen as equal to the Skill Unlock the unchained Eldritch Scoundrel gets). Thus, I believe that the two classes are somewhat equal at low levels before the wizard's greater spellcasting ability will significantly overshadow what the unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel can do. The Eldritch Scoundrel will have better melee abilities than the wizard to make up for the weaker spellcasting. Unchained Rogue Eldritch Scoundrel vs base magus
unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel over base magus
Base magus over unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel
Comparable between the two classes:
In this case, at level 1, the magus is more melee suitable with better weapon and armor choices as well as the ability to buff the weapon right at the get go. The magus will have spell combat, but the accuracy hit at level 1 is noteworthy. The Eldritch Scoundrel has more skill options and gets a bonus feat effectively. At level 1, I call it a wash between the two classes. At level 2, the magus is superior offensively with spellstrike being added. The Eldritch Scoundrel only gets evasion. Magus is superior at this point. Level 3, it balances out with the unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel now having Dex to Damage and sneak attack while the magus gets his first magus arcana to enhance his abilities. These vary, but effectively, I see the two classes as closer to equal at level 3. Level 4 is similar as the unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel gets Debilitating Injury as a debuff and her first rogue talent while the magus gets Spell Recall to improve his spellcasting potential. From this point on, the magus slowly gets more unique abilities while the unchained rogue only gets a skill unlock for something unique. The magus offensive power goes up with the arcane pool becoming more powerful, heavier armor potential, and bonus feats while the unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel will just add to the sneak attack dice and rogue talents. Overall, while I see the magus as somewhat superior offensively due to spellstrike and better defenses, the Eldritch Scoundrel has more passive abilities that will remain useful if spellcasting is not an option. The Eldritch Scoundrel will also have a better choice of spells to choose from as well. Note: It should be mentioned that in fact a core rogue eldritch scoundrel would be incredibly underpowered compared to a core rogue without an archetype at levels 1 and 2. It would be an inferior wizard or magus without any other class abilities excepts casting 1-2 level 1 spells and some cantrips. Even at level 2, the only thing gained would be evasion (a passive, defensive abilitiy) and another level 1 spell, making it far weaker than the wizard in spell potential, having the same BAB as the wizard, the lack of school powers, and the lack of an arcane bond. Compared to the magus, the magus is better armored, and will have spellstrike and spell combat come online at that point as well as the arcane pool ability to enhance his weapons. And without the unchained rogue abilities that keep the Eldritch Scoundrel capable compared to those two classes, the core rogue Eldritch Scoundrel is markedly inferior. Thus, comparing the unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel to a base wizard and base magus, I contend that it is not overpowered compared to the other two classes.
With all those premises made, I conclude that the Eldritch Scoundrel should be a legal archetype for the unchained rogue to take.
I would like to request that the Deep Marshal magus archetype from Arcane Anthologies become legal for PFS play. Caveat: If the archetype is being reserved as a chronicle or boon reward, then see this a post of love for a cool, flavorful archetype.
Premise: An option is banned only if it conflicts with the nature or goals of the campaign (unless it is reserved as a boon reward for later).
------------------------------- Reasoning:
One method is that nothing outside the Core Assumption is allowed, unless it appears to specifically benefit the campaign. That is, when a new book comes out, we "start" with everything banned, and then Mike looks through it and sees something and says "Hey, X would make the campaign better" and makes an exception for it (i.e., legalize it). The other method is that new content is generally legal, unless it appears to specifically hurt the campaign. That is, when a new book comes out, we "start" with an assumption that its content will be legal, and then the OPC/PFS developers looks through it and sees something and says "Hey, X would cause problems with the campaign" and makes an exception for it (i.e., ban it). It is my understanding that the latter is the stance of PFS leadership, hence Premise #1. Premise #2:
I contend that this is not the case. The one point that the Deep Marshal affects wealth is that at level 3, it grants free ranks in Profession: Miner which can be used for Day Job checks. However, even with good boons, this doesn't add up to a lot of gold over the standard PFS career. Assuming a solid 25 for the Day Job check for 50 gold a session, playing normal progression, and only playing 1XP scenarios or modules, that is only about 1,350 gold between the beginning of 3rd level to level 12. Thus, I contend that Deep Marshal does not conflict with any aspect of the campaign. Premise #3:
Deep Marshal vs base magus Pros over base magus
Cons under base magus
Even comapred with base magus
To me, it seems somewhat even. The deep marshal has more defensive options between better armor earlier than the base magus and gets abjuration spells for other options Offensively, the weapon selection is more restricted, but this is balanced by the potential caster level increase and bonus to spell resistance checks. The base magus, meanwhile, can use any weapon he/she feels like using and can more often get spellstrike crits using the higher crit range weapons that the Deep Marshall cannot use. One thing that should be noted is that the caster level increase can never exceed +2 as the caster level increase is 1/2 the weapon's enhancement bonus and weapon enhancements cannot exceed +5. This also means that the weapon needs to have a +4 modifier to get the +2 CL boost. The absolute earliest this could occur would be level 5 as it would require using a +2 enhancement bonus via arcane pool and having a +2 weapon which requires 27 fame, with level 5 being the earliest that can occur. That will eat up about half a PC's wealth in most cases. The most obvious benefit will come from spells enhanced by Intensify Spell or those few spells that provide additional rounds/effects based on level (acid arrow and scorching ray come to mind). Thus, I conclude that the Deep Marshall should be made for PFS play. The archetype trade-offs are fairly even and it does not disrupt the campaign setting or organized play rules.
First, you need to redeem the code from Humble Bundle using Paizo's Humble Bundle redemption page. If you don't have a Paizo account, you'll need to create one. Otherwise, just log in! After that, you can take one of the redemption codes from your Humble Bundle page and enter it in the Humble Bundle Redemption Code textbox. Type or copy/paste the code in that box, then click on the Redeem button. The page will eventually refresh and state what products were added to your account from the code. After you're done entering codes, go to the My Downloads page and download your PDFs! The downside is that due to all of the orders coming in, the downloads are going really slowly, if at all. Just be patient and you'll have your PDF goodness!
The Amulet is the most straightforward.
If the monk is going to be Strength-based, I'd also suggest going the Dragon Style route for an extra 50% Strength mod to your unarmed strikes; or 2x your Strength mod for the first attack. Being able to charge through allies/difficult terrain is icing on the cake.
After the long heat of Mwangi, the party heads to Katapesh for heat of a different kind. They also say farewell to Shasta, who has been reassigned to a mission in her native Varisia, but instead are met with a familiar face to some of the party.
Venture-Captain Roderus sits at his desk in the lodge beneath the popular Winding Road Inn in Katapesh. Maps cover every wall of his workspace, and precarious stacks of journals and papers nearly reach to the ceiling. The venture-captain glances up from his work. "Welcome, Pathfinders. I hope your journey here was not too arduous. I have a fascinating assignment for you." He plucks a single sheet of paper
At this point, the veteran Venture-Captain hands a sheet to the party to review before he continues.
DC 15 Kn: Religion:
The Temple of the All-Seeing Eye is the most prominent temple to Nethys, the god of magic. The venture-captain clears his throat before he continues. "One of my contacts at the temple received this missive from her four months ago, and he hasn’t heard anything from her since. I’m sending you to Mercy to figure out why. If she’s still there, ask her why she hasn’t contacted anyone in months and help her finish her investigation; if she isn’t, find out what happened to her. While you are there, see how much of the mystery of Mercy you can unravel. Several of the clergy within the temple are intensely curious about why the mana storm didn’t level the town, and so am I. I will gladly provide you with additional pay for the information that you retrieve. I’ve booked a ship to the city of Alkenstar, which is a few days’ journey from Mercy itself. The ship departs in three hours. If you have any questions, ask them now. You’ll have time to purchase supplies when you arrive."
They can deal lethal damage. If blunt arrows only dealt nonlethal damage, it would have it stated in the profile, like the sap does. EDIT: Looking at the PRD text for blunt arrows, it says that it's the same -4 penalty to have a lethal weapon deal nonlethal damage. That would then mean that blunt arrows typically do lethal damage, else why the penalty. There isn't a need for a PFS ruling on it because your GM was incorrect.
That's why he was going to go Urban Barbarian; the Controlled Rage allows him to maintain a clear mind and thus have no qualms about using patience or concentration like stuff :) I have a level 12 Urban Barbarian/Martial Artist myself and I enjoyed him. Went full Dragon Style tree and I enjoy his overall resilience on top of being a melee beatstick.
I have something similar, although I went separatist cleric for the Defense domain. I also went Fateful Channel at level 5 so there was benefit for me channeling even if the healing wasn't necessary. Channel Force isn't bad for the alternate channel options, but it really negates the cool options you'll get with Twinned Channel. It may be worth it later, but Quick Channel will be more beneficial when you'll need to mass AoE heal/damage on top of casting a spell, which would arguably come up more often.
"Hmm... perhaps... give 'em a cool name! Like boots of amazing agility, or socks of surprising finesse.", ideas flooding the half-orc's mind. "Could use your help on this Cobbler; Dick here could be your first customer!", Kharax giving what would be a toothy smile if his face wasn't hidden behind the notched wooden and iron mask. Seeing Maruf's impatience, Kharax nods. "Yeah, let's finish this. There's still a f&*@!%$# torch to light, amirite Cobbla?"
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