Brannart Teskerwill's page

Some mechanics take especially long in PbP. I find we are moving at a good clip.

Us deciding what skill to use and whether to lead or Aid is a good thing. Better than you rolling for all of us.

I had one PFS GM who was absolutely horrible at PbP. He hand-waved huge sections of the game to the point of denying us any agency in exploration and investigation. It was just "Okay you are in a room with these monsters now fight."

But then there are other games that are paralyzed by player indecision or delays. So there's a balance to be found. I think things are going well.

"Sho, can you find the way?"

Brannart will row as Sho directs.

Profession (Sailor) to Aid Sho's Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Brannart tries to assist Vexas with his own shipbuilding skill.
Craft (Ships) to Aid Another: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Unfortunately, the approach Vexas is taking is so unfamiliar to Brannart that he is unable to help.

Brannart has some experience on ships - his family are shipbuilders in Almas. And when he first came to Ancorato, he had expected to spend his days building boats and heading out to fish.

So he knows a bit about what to do, and how to judge the right course to take in the storm.

"Hard to starboard! Big wave coming - hang on!"

Perception to Aid: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 Another +2 for Vexas's Perception

Sho also has a very good Survival here (+13).

But, just about everybody can Aid Another on Perception on a Nat 1 (Brannart needs a 2+). And Sosche has already specified that he is Aiding Another for Vexas on Perception. So I will do likewise.

As cool as it would be to get some use out of a niche Profession skill, I think Perception is our best bet. Don't forget about Hero Points if you think you need them.

"I have some skill at ships and boats - both in building and in handling them - and I think we should chance it.
I may be overestimating my skill. But maybe all of us together can do it.
Sosche, we may end up walking on the bottom after all, depending on the storm. So I'd suggest keeping that spell ready just in case.

My vote is that we try to go now."

Brannart has Craft (Ships) - would that work for the repairs?
He also has Profession (Sailor) at +8 for navigation.

"I agree that a short message is best and that trying to get more information is too risky.

Let's go back to the settlement to get a boat."

I think you are pushing the right amount.

This kind of problem-solving can take a little while for us to look through our resources and options and brainstorm.

Brannart, as a non-caster, does not have as much to offer, but he has Profession (Sailor) if that should come in useful.

"Hold on Sosche. I don't think walking is going to work.
It's about 15-20 miles? That's five hours' walk on clear ground. If you've ever tried to walk in water, it slows you down when it is only up to your knees. Might be more like ten hours' walk at the seabed.

We could also send a message to let us pose as the Faceless Stalkers returning, in which case we'd want to use a mode of transportation that this Karnax would expect us to use. We see they used a boat before."

I just don't think Water Breathing will last long enough for a trek along the sea floor of that distance.

"What would we say if we were the Faceless Stalkers? 'Mission failed. Returning soon.' Something like that?"

"Good idea, Sosche.
Is that mirror that we found for signaling, perhaps? If so, we would need to figure out the right code to reply."

"It does appear that the colonists were taken away by boat to that island. Fenna, can you see anything with the spyglass?"

"Let's look for tracks first, and then try to talk to any witnesses. Ramona is probably not the first person I'd go to; she's quite smart, and if she had seen anything suspicious I imagine she'd have brought it to our attention. But somebody who maybe didn't know the significance of what they saw. People living near Carver's house, maybe."

"Sho, you are our best tracker. What do you see?"

Brannart tries to assist Sho in tracking.
Survival to Aid Another: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

That's three! I posted earlier that we should go to his house. Didn't realize I needed to weigh in again.

But yes, "Rule of two" is a good way to go.

Brannart takes a look at the mirror.
Profession (Sailor) Take 10: 10 + 8 = 18

"So we have something of a lead, anyway. The purple flowers; a hot environment.

And we should search his house."

It would also have been a "no" on PF2 for me.

Our new GM asked me about underwater items.
I went back and checked what turned up in Book 2 (and I know we didn't sell anything)

The undead Ulfen had an Underwater Greataxe (no penalties underwater, but effectively reduces Enhancement bonus by 1 given the way ABP works) and a Ring of Swimming.

The tree in the Bleeding Forest had "a handy haversack containing a dose of dust of dryness, an elixir of swimming, three potions of cure moderate wounds, a potion of water breathing, and a wand of freedom of movement (17 charges)."

I need to go back through in more detail for all of the other items. There was the clockwork digger that might be repairable, the Ioun Gauntlet, and some other potentially-useful things.

"We now have some idea of what their tracks look like, having seen the ones from the goat farm and from the satchel. So that's something. But let's start with the bodies."

Brannart will examine the body of the dead 'Carver Hastings' for any clues - unusual sand or foliage in his clothing, perhaps, that might give a clue to where the creature had been.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Oh, I found a GM to take over.
It will be much appreciated to know that there are others ready to take over should the need arise, but I set up a GM swap as part of a recruitment for Carrion Crown.

I'll have a chat with them and get the handover done soon.

It didn't take terribly long to prepare Book 2. What was a little tricky was the improvising on the plot when the party did things out of order.

Brannart's level-up:
+1d10+2 HP (+8, new total 72)
+1 BAB
+2 skills (+2 Perception)
+2 background skills (+1 Craft-Ships, +1 Profession-Sailor)
FCB: +1 CMD vs Grapple, +1 CMD vs Trip
Feat: Dodge
Class Features: Advanced Armor Training (Armor Specialization - Full Plate)
ABP: +2 Str

Brannart attacks the enemy leader.

Longsword, PA -2, IC +2, Bless +1: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 11 - 2 + 2 + 1 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 6 + 2 = 22

Iterative: 1d20 + 6 - 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 6 - 2 + 2 + 1 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 6 + 2 = 17

He hits once, leaving a gash across the leader's chest.

Enemy leader at -35.

Sho is up! Note that the enemy leader has cover at this point against your arrows, so that might impact your decisions to use Deadly Aim or Rapid Shot.

Attack, PA -2, IC +2, Bless +1: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 11 - 2 + 2 + 1 = 19

Brannart moves up and strikes, but the false Carver Hastings is elusive and dodges the blow.

Brannart moves up next to Sho and strikes at her foe. His movement opens him up to its sword.
AOO: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Fortunately, he turns away the blow with his buckler.

Attack, PA -2, IC +2, Bless +1: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 11 - 2 + 2 + 1 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 6 + 2 = 17

Already wounded by Fenna and Vexas, the creature falls.

Sho is up!

Brannart drops the Faceless Stalker he is carrying. It shimmers into view as the invisible warrior drops it.

There is the sound of a sword being drawn, and then Brannart appears striking at the enemy leader.

Attack, IC +2, PA -2, Bless +1, Invisible +2, vs flat-footed: 1d20 + 11 + 2 - 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 11 + 2 - 2 + 1 + 2 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 + 6 = 17
He lands a solid blow.

Sho is up!

Sosche's conjured water temporarily douses the flames around Brannart and the creature, although the smoke is everywhere.

Fort vs Smoke, Heroism: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 2 = 19

Grapple, Maintain, Bless, Heroism: 1d20 + 10 + 5 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 5 + 1 + 2 = 38

Brannart easily drags the creature out of the burning building.
Uses the "Move" action from the delightful Grapple rules, moving half his speed; both Brannart and the creature are out of the flames now.

Brannart charges in to grapple the creature.

Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Reflex vs Catch on Fire, Heroism: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 2 = 24
Fort vs Smoke, Heroism: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 2 = 29

Grapple, Bless, Heroism: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 28
Stalker AOO: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Despite its attempts to flail at him, he grabs hold of it.

Okay, will try to nudge this along.

"Let's do that."

Brannart approaches the shop.
Vexas goes invisible.

Brannart knocks on the door.

You go back and regroup with Sosche, Brannart, and Sho.

"I guess I could try to restrain him," says Brannart, "but Fenna is right, there is a good chance of the whole place going up in flames if there is a struggle."

Brannart drops the crowbar, takes a step back, draws his polearm, and sets it against a charge.

Brannart accepts Sosche's spell and tries to pry open the door.

Strength, Enlarge, Crowbar: 1d20 + 4 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 5 + 2 = 13
Strength, Enlarge, Crowbar: 1d20 + 4 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 5 + 2 = 28

He gets it on the second try.

Brannart sees that stepping back to use his polearm will place his allies at risk. So he drops the polearm, draws his sword, and swings at the injured undead.

Attack, Defensively, PA: 1d20 + 11 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 11 - 4 - 2 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 6 = 20

He deals a powerful blow, wounding it badly. Smoke and flames erupt from its wounds.

"I'd rather go down first," Brannart says, "or maybe have a few of us drop down at once with Feather Fall. One of us alone could get in trouble.
I don't have a length of rope myself."

He waits for others to weigh in.

Brannart shows up, ready to go to the Lourdein farm.
He now wears full plate, with a red-and-blue sash adorned with medals.

His weapon is no longer a ranseur, but instead a Lucerne Hammer.
"I don't typically wish to charge into melee and leave you all behind. This weapon is well-suited to letting the enemy come to us. And it's still useful underwater, but can also be used to bludgeon when needed."

Brannart heads to bed, but finds something waiting for him in the house.

A finely-crafted suit of full plate armor, tailored to his measurements. Finished at last.

He then opens up his trunk, and takes out a sash. It has the red-and-blue of the Mendev flag, and is adorned with multiple medals. Several are sword-and-sunburst, granted by the Church of Iomedae. One has the Hammer of Torag, granted by Ingrit herself after reclaiming a temple of Torag. One even shows the Greatsword of Gorum, granted to him by the berserker priest Braganza.

He takes it out, looks at it, and lays it across the armor. He'll try it on in the morning. For now, he heads to sleep.

---
Brannart's old sash from the Mendevian Crusades now has the properties of a Sash of the War Champion. Combined with his Improved Bravery and Inspiring Bravery feats, he now radiates a 30' aura of +3 (untyped) bonus against all mind-affecting effects, as long as he is conscious and not stunned, dazed, or confused.

”Ooh, constructs!” Sosche is interested in them as well, though he doesn’t have the skills necessary to resuscitate the things.

He’ll move into the chamber and look around. When the ioun stone is found, he suggests it for Brannart. ”In case you go down. Gives me a little time to get to you.”

Brannart shakes his head.

Brannart steps and readies to strike.

Brannart moves and strikes.

Attack, IC, PA: 1d20 + 11 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 11 + 2 - 2 = 14
Damage, IC, PA: 2d4 + 8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 2) + 8 + 6 + 2 = 22

Their AC is 14, so he hits on a 3...

The undead is barely hanging on.

Round 3
Brannart
Fenna (in Delay)
Sho
Vexas
Undead -17
Sosche -12

Brannart moves up and stabs at the zombie leader.

Attack, PA, IC: 1d20 + 11 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 11 + 2 - 2 = 16
Damage, PA, IC: 2d4 + 8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 1) + 8 + 6 + 2 = 19

He manages to hit (barely), damaging the walking corpse.
Undead Captain at -14.

"I'm fine," says Brannart, "like I told Sosche. I fought in the Worldwound, remember? We weren't always able to wait until everyone was perfectly healthy before finishing our missions. Sometimes 'good enough' is good enough."

He's only got 2 Con damage, which means he has a max of 51 HP for now.

Was waiting to see if Fenna or Sho wanted to weigh in. Moving along.

"I am fine," replies Brannart. "Feeling much better."
He still has 2 Con damage, but that's all.

"I think this Cyclops would alarm the other colonists. He's... a bit rough. Can we leave him here and bring him food now and then? At least until we can arrange passage back to the Shackles somehow? This place seems pretty secure against intrusion, and as well would have a reputation from when the hag and trolls were here."

That is just a character speaking, not the GM. Take it how you will.

Grapple to Maintain, IC, Enlarge, Maintain: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 2 + 2 + 5 = 25

Hmmm... her CMD is 27 with Protection from Good active, but Grappled imposes a -4 Dex - and does not impose a -2 to Brannart's Grapple check. So I think her CMD is 25 and Brannart succeeds.

Brannart just barely keeps his grip on the sea hag, and manages to Pin her.

She now is denied Dex and has an additional -4 AC, making her AC 15.

Round 2 - Inspire Courage +2 Active
Brannart
Vexas (6 Str damage)
Sosche
Sho
Fenna (3 Str damage)
Helekhterie (30 damage)

Sho's arrows both hit, although Sosche misses.

Brannart drops his sword and reaches to grab the sea hag.

Grapple, IC+2, Enlarge: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 2 + 2 = 29

He succeeds, pulling her over the railing and closer to the party!

"A little help here - she's strong!"

Brannart steps up and readies to strike with his longsword to interrupt casting.

I'm going to say that the dais and railing give partial cover against Brannart's attack in this case. It won't against ranged attacks, nor if he is Enlarged.

The hag is not going to come down, so you have time to think about how you might engage her when you go up.

Brannart will offer an idea.

"Sosche, that Enlarge spell that you offered might be useful in this kind of a battle. That hag is tough to hit, and can withstand a lot of injury, and probably has other magic to call on. But if I can grab hold of her and get her pinned, we might end this. If there is space on the floor above, that is. I don't love the thought of getting attacked while squeezing up those stairs."

”It’ll take a while to fix, but I can certainly help when we’re done with the hag.” he says sorrowfully, for lesser restoration takes three full rounds to cast.

"Are we in a rush to pursue her?" asks Brannart, "I mean, I can't exactly charge up the stairs now that Fenna has Greased them."

Brannart drops his polearm, moves up drawing a javelin, and prepares to throw it at the hag if she casts a spell.

Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Brannart, in quite a lot of trouble now, slashes at the Vampiric Mist.
Attack, PA -2, Heroism +2, IC +2. Defensively: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 10 - 2 + 2 + 2 - 4 = 28
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 6 + 2 = 18

He lands a powerful blow, but the mist creature is still active.
It is immune to crits.

Round 3 - Active Effects: Inspire Courage +2
Fenna
Mist (-20 HP)
Brannart (-8 Con, -9 HP, Bleed)
Sho
Vexas (-2 Con; Will DC 16 or be stunned 1 round)
Helekhterie (-12)
Sosche (-10)

Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Brannart is unable to step back, so he drops his polearm, draws his sword, and strikes.

Attack, PA -2, Heroism +2, IC +2: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 10 - 2 + 2 + 2 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 6 + 2 = 15

The Vampiric Mist seems injured, moving more slowly, but it is not destroyed.

Round 2 - Active Effects: Inspire Courage +2
Fenna
Mists (clear +0 HP, shaded -20 HP)
Brannart -5 Con, -3 HP, Bleed
Vexas -2 Con
Sho
Helekhterie -12
Sosche -10

Brannart moves up into position.
Double move so he cannot do anything else.

"No thank you, Sosche. At least, not in this place with this weapon that I have. The close confines of this tower could make it unusable."

Currently Brannart uses a reach weapon; with Enlarge he could threaten at 15' and 20' but not at 10' or 5'. Might be good in an open area, but could have more downside than upside given the space we are in.

”That should help a little.” he hopes. ”Brannart, do you want some of this?” he asks.

"Thank you Sosche, but I feel good enough to continue for now."

Brannart is still decently good on HP, and he has a trick that the rest of the party saw a bit before you joined - Armored Sacrifice to keep him or an adjacent ally from going negative 1/day.

Brannart steps around, trying to move towards a flank, and strikes with his sword.

Attack, PA, IC: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 10 - 2 + 2 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 6 + 2 = 17

It's not a great swing, but Fenna's bardic magic is enough to make it land true.