CacklingCrow's page

What I am pretty confident they didn't expect, is for this mechanics to be exploited by taking either class and ancestry/heritage.

I don't think choosing a race and class counts as "exploiting" the games mechanics. Especially considering its picking an ancestry from a core race and a racket from a core class. (Even if the Specific options were from their first two books after core released.) I'm pretty sure pathfinder's own iconic rogue is an elf rogue after all, so I'd be amazed if they hadn't expected people to look at the options they provided for an elf rogue.

Not that it matters but I'm pretty sure eldritch trickster is considered one of the more lacklustre routes, so I doubt there's much to be gained anyway... I may be wrong about that though and if I am I'm sure someone will let us know soon.

I'm astonished that these conflicts exist in a system that's so stripped down compared to its previous edition, especially so early in this editions life with so little released as of yet.
If it is the case that you simply don't get any benefit from the rogue racket because of your preference of ancestry, that's poor design and just feels bad! Looks like I may have to rely on my GM ignoring the RAW again for this one (assuming the RAw is that you do gain no benefit from the racket's dedication feat).

If you're an ancient elf rogue with the eldritch Trickster racket, do you start with two dedication feats at level one?

If not which one do you lose and why?

I'm considering planning out an arcane caster in case my current character falls down a well. Role-playing and non-mechanical stuff aside, what are the unique selling points when choosing between a rune witch and a wizard?

Ive not played a caster before so explain it in small words. Is one better than the other at making things go boom? Does choosing one over the other make a big difference to what I do with my turns?

(Don't suggest sorcerer, we have one and I don't want to play one.)

Gortle wrote:

Nope. The base attacks in the battle form powers you are just trained. I don't think it matters. They aren't in any weapon group to cause any other problems anyway. I'm struggling to think of it being a problem?

Could it be related to the limits of flurry of blows?

Well weapon specialisation damage is based on trained/expert/master/legendary, so if you were limited to trained and not your normal proficiency, you would get lower additional damage from weapon specialisation no additional damage from weapon specialisation. Assuming weapon specialisation damage applies.

I'm just trying to figure out if "You're trained with them" means "you are only trained with them and don't use your normal proficiency."

(I don't think that will be the case... but these battle form spells are so vaguely written and omit so much information that I wouldnt be surprised, so I feel I have to ask.)

So the text from dragon transformation about applying your extra damage from rage is a reminder, not an exception to an unstated rule that you don't normally?

Also, just to be sure, you would add weapon specialisation damage in battle forms?

And as a last question does "One or more unarmed melee attacks specific to the battle form you choose, which are the only attacks you can use. You're trained with them." mean you don't get your expert/master proficiency in the attacks, just trained?

There has been a discussion about battle forms not long ago

Here's the link.

Shortly, rules are not that clear about different topics.

How are the rules not clear about the core class features from the core rulebook?

Leaving that much to interpretation seems to just lead to confusion, frustration and potential friction in games. Surely there has to be a comprehensive statement from paizo, an errata or a reprint of the core rule book by now if so many people still don't know how the abilities from the core book work at this point? Wouldn't that be a pretty big failure on the design side/how the abilities are explained if that was still the case?

I don't mean to start a debate on that side of things though, I just wanted to know how the rules work and and I couldn't figure it out from the book alone. I assumed it must have been clarified somewhere or I was being dumb.

1: Do you get the damage from rage when in battle form?

2: Do you get the damage from sneak attack when in battle form?

3: Do you get the damage from hunters edge precision when in battle form?

4: Can you use flurry of blows when in battle form?

5: Can you use your champion reaction when in battle form?

6: Can you use attack of opportunity when in battle form?

Then I think the feat description says everything.

You gain a young animal companion that serves as your mount ( which means you must be able to ride it ). As a medium character, the only possibility is to be given a large lion from the beginning.

I doubt the feat could be exploited granting the character a companion the character can't ride the moment it unlocks the dedication ( the last part would be for small character, whose choice would be larger than medium ones ).

If you later get the savage and mature feats are you able to trade in the horse for a cat as it would be large enough to ride by then, or are you still limited to horse/camel because they are the only "base" large companions?

Isn't the Lion ok since it's already "large"?

https://2e.aonprd.com/Monsters.aspx?ID=68

Anyway, to simplify things, I'd go with a reskinned version of a horse ( replacing hooves with claws ).

The bestiary version is large, yes. But this dedication gives you an animal companion, not a bestiary creature, which would be the cat companion, which starts as small but becomes large and ridable for a medium character when it becomes mature and savage - that's why I'm asking the questions in my first post.

I'm not interested in reskinning and home brewing things, that's why I'm asking in the rules discussion forum.

I'm just curious if the cavalier archetype feats can actually provide the mount shown in the example regional cavalier picture from the wiki, because that's a cool picture.

The wording of the cavalier Dedication confuses me. When choosing a non-standard mount (with GM approval) does the young version of it need to be one size larger, or does the standard (non companion version) animal need to be one size larger, or can it be an animal companion that will eventually be one size larger?

If the animal companion has to be one size larger at the moment I choose it, can I select a horse then change the animal type/get a different one when I get the mature/savage templates and the resulting companions would be the appropriate size?

For context I'm wanting to make the lion riding taldan cavalier that's used as the example picture of a regional cavalier on the cavalier page of the pathfinder wiki, which means being a medium sized human, but I'm not sure if the cavalier archetype would even let me play that example cavalier if I were playing a medium sized character.

Cavalier dedication text:
"You gain a young animal companion that serves as your mount. You can choose from animal companions with the mount special ability, as well as any additional options from your pledge, as determined by your GM. You must choose an animal companion that's at least one size larger than you, but if the animal usually starts as Small, you can begin with a Medium version of that animal (changing no statistics other than its size)."

My party and I got into an extended chase with a group of bandits through the forest. As they were leading us through traps and shooting arrows at us the GM kept us in initiative/combat as we battled our way to them.

The rest of the party were using 2 or 3 actions of movement a turn, occasionally getting an attack in without too much trouble, but I am playing a ranger with an animal companion the GM said that I'd need to command my animal every turn to have it chase or attack the bandits. This meant I was only getting 2 actions to try to keep up and my animal companion only gets 2 actions even when I command it. This made it so we started to fall behind and I rarely got to do anything, which we all thought was odd because chasing things through a forest should be something that a ranger and an animal would excel at.

Is this right? If I don't continually compel my animal to chase something every few seconds does it slam on the brakes and sit there cross-eyed until I come back and tell it to keep running?

If I have the Ranger's Animal Companion feat (which also lets my companion benefit from my Hunters Edge) then I later gain the Beastmaster Dedication (allowing me to switch between two companions) does my alternate animal companion gain the benefit of my Hunters Edge when it is an active animal companion?

Ranger's animal companion text:
Ranger: When you Hunt Prey, your animal companion gains the action's benefits and your hunter's edge benefit if you have one.

The tengu long nosed form action has the concentrate trait. Does that mean that:
A: It can't be activated while raging but the effects persist if you start a rage.
Or
B: it can't be activated while raging and ends when you rage.

Again, restating, this is Vethorm's reaction to Wild in-character and are not the opinions of the player character, Archpaladin Zousha!

All good here.

Wild inhales deeply before delivering his rebuttal to Vethorm in an equally raised voice.
”Mad!? Do you not see!? Has the stinging orb of this cursed Skycave burned too bright!? Everything is wrong here! The orcs do not act like orcs! The dwarves do not act like dwarves! The Wolfmaster abandons their pack. The earth does not soothe! The so-called ‘Killin’ Ground’ is not stained with blood! Killers kill in secret, safe places, too afraid to call themselves killers! The good and strong die without reason… and hang their hope on the edge of a knife!”

He takes a second to breathe and lowers his tone.
”Can you not smell the doom that is upon us? Yes! It is madness… and I am here to help you!”

Untrained Perform (Oratory): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Sharing his signature crooked-toothed smile momentarily for dramatic effect, Wild then plops down onto the seat properly and faces Rabus in a sheepish voice.

”Got any mushroom brew?”

Just so you know, Trisane_Imphawke, I, Archpaladin Zousha, the player, find Wild's antics hilarious, even though it seems he and Vethorm are off to a rough start (more due to Vethorm's baggage than anything Wild's actually done). ;)

Awesome! I'm having a blast with the character and our interactions so far as well. Looking forward to unearthing more of everyone's backstories together.

I know I'm walking the fine line between comic relief and chaos so if anyone ever feels it too disruptive to the game, please let me know and I can reel it in.

Wild paces around mumbling apocalyptic nonsense to himself while the tall folk do the talking.

"Days... weeks... months... years..."

He then plops down unceremoniously onto a nearby rock and attempts to cover up his wounds with a mixture of mud and grass. He clearly has no idea what he's doing, having generally relied only on his natural fortitude to survive in the past.

Untrained Heal Check to Treat Deadly Wounds: 1d20 - 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (5) - 1 - 2 - 2 = 0

The rooms are supposed to be locked?! Uh oh...

Uncertain that he was even in the right room last night, Wild secretly hopes that he was not absent-mindedly responsible for the foul deed himself. He quickly mimics Robin's enthusiasm and tries to plead with Cham for an alibi.

"AH! We need the truths! Many places, locks have keys. Many keys are very very very small trinkets. Easy to miss. Easy to take. Easy to mistake. Rodrik have room key? Maybe killer have room key now?"

Wild turns out the pouch pockets of his kilt but only dirt and other meaningless nonsense falls out.

"See!? Have no keys!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Pak smiles at Lara when she arrives at the table.

"Good evening, Lara. A little wait is no trouble at all. Though I expected to meet somewhere a bit less... interesting. Are you sure you want to discuss the matter at hand here?"

Mr. Pink instantly appears behind the one-eyed creature with a flurry of attacks.

Aldori Dueling Sword (Primary): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 4d6 ⇒ (6) + 7 + (4, 3, 2, 6) = 28

Masterwork Cold-Iron Shortsword (Off-Hand): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 4d6 ⇒ (6) + 1 + (2, 4, 4, 3) = 20

Bite (Secondary Natural Attack): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Damage: 1d3 + 1 + 4d6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (6, 4, 6, 1) = 21

Round 4. Full Attack. Attack bonus breakdown: +2 invisibility (first/primary attack only), +2 flanking, +2 challenge (order of the dragon), +1 enhancement (manufactured weapons only), -1 power attack, +4 weapon finesse, -2 two-weapon fighting (manufactured weapons only), -5 bite (secondary natural attack only), +3 BAB.

Damage bonus breakdown: +4 finesse training (aldori dueling sword only), +1 enhancement (aldori dueling sword only), +2 power attack (+1 all off-hand/secondary attacks), +4d6 precision (+1d6 precise strike, +3d6 sneak attack).

Mr. Pink sits quietly and spends most of the morning meal observing his companions. Occasionally, he pens important notes into his cryptic journal. He also joins in the discussion when prompted on each topic.

On the subject of the tunnels.

"I shall certainly see to the surveying of our superannuated subterranean shelter. Much has already been meekly marked and mapped myself." He refers to his journal.

At the arrival of Bydar and Cavan.

Mr. Pink carefully observes the healed man, seemingly to confirm that he is still the same person more than anything else. After a few moments, Mr. Pink crosses out several paragraphs in his journal and continues eating.

On the subject of the Kingdom name.

"Draconic does define our desirable dwelling deftly. Or else Elven even. Or..." Suddenly, Mr. Black interrupts from his comfortable perch on Mr. Pink's bamboo hat, in the common tongue for the first time.

"Or you can just answer the question without droll wordplay for once. I'd choose Draconic if you ask me. It is the oldest language at the root of all other languages and it's easier than most to speak when you have a beak."

Feeling quite embarrassed at his familiar's outburst, Mr. Pink remains speechless for a long while afterwards.

On the subject of the holiday and the toast.

Mr. pink hoists his glass of wine in concert with the others.

"For the flavorful fragrance freed from Felton's final flask... For Founding Day!"

Leveling complete. Welcome Syretia!

The others aren't coming... We've no time. This is a terrible idea!

"Get away from him, you filth!"

Harmini shrieks as she steps back. Her hair whips around her in a frenzy and suddenly lashes out at the undead creature in violent desperation.

Grapple: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Free Action - 5' Step East. Standard Action - Grapple w/ 10' reach hair.

Assuming that Oleg and Svetlana were too distracted by Lord Christian's exceptionally persuasive words to decipher the string of somewhat jumbled queries issued by Mr. Pink at dinner, he took the opportunity to save his bowl of stew for later for perhaps some diplomacy of his own sort.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

If caught, he will simply explain as best he can that he would like to save the stew for later and will return the used bowl afterward (which is true). "Catching coins cannot correctly be the only currency of our kingdom."

In light of Christian's rousing speeches and overt generosity, Mr. Pink has spent his time outside as well, busying himself in selecting a capable messenger to skillfully serve the budding new kingdom. Perhaps a sprightly looking young person or some much older spry individual, ill-suited to any of the more commonplace physical labors. He gathers a small crowd and issues a friendly competition.

"A select some should speak to subtler strengths to serve their sovereign."

His trial tests include:

1. Knowledge of more than one language, preferably a secret code (linguistics=13). Flavor - Successfully read a selected page from Mr. Pink's black journal.
2. Capable of simple obfuscation (stealth=13). Flavor - Literally a game of hide and seek.
3. Above average perception (perception=11). Flavor - Find Mr. Black.

Any candidate that can successfully equal or beat Mr. Pink's modifier on a d20 in the each of the associated skill challenges will be considered the winner. Any ties will be decided by Mr. Black in his infinite wisdom and judgement (GM discretion of course).

The prize to the winner: 1 partially pecked-at bowl of Svetlana's famous stew and an official writ of commendation from Mr. Pink himself in service to the newfound kingdom that awaits them. Whether or not Mr. Pink finds a suitable courier to employ, he will nonetheless give the stew to the most worthy competitor before returning the bowl to Svetlana and Oleg.

Later on, he rejoins his companions to decide on their next course of action and nods his agreement with Brandt to move directly to the fort with so many followers in tow.

"Assembled and able amblers shall all aim more accurately after our auspicious arrival."

Mister Pink has perched himself in a chair and retrieved a sizable black leather journal from his many-pocketed sash. In addition to the book, he has also rolled out an array of writing tools upon the table as well and appears to be scratching notes vigorously. Every now and then he looks up from his script and nods his approval. Any casual inspection of the open journal would reveal that it is penned in at least five different languages.

Galen Whitehollow - Soldier of fortune
Ortho Whitehollow - Soldier of fortune, Half-brother to Galen
Gregor Rakovan - Quiet Magician
Baris Volklev - Priest of Abadar
Nore - Vile Elf
Sir Kesten - Loyal Assistant?

Yes. More names... Why would she make it easy? She knows better! If Sir Kesten is indeed vassal to us, it falls to us to ensure this compartmentalized task completed and collect the compensation. What is justice for treason, is it death?

"Sir Kesten is a welcomed addition to our mission but I do not know him or his men. How long will he be under contract and with whom is the contract with? Is his first priority this new nation or is it the traitors?"

"It is my assumption Sir Kesten will be there to apprehend these spies to face justice? Is he also there to assist us, or to be an aide-de-camp, or to act as courier to yourself? Brandt address the last to the Lord Mayor, awaiting response.

When Mister Pink next looks up, he nods at Brand and Lord Christian before attempting to re-iterate their concerns about Sir Kesten to the Lord Mayor. However, it comes out a bit more jumbled than he would've liked.

"Brave Brand and Bydar would build brawny bridges but dangerous deceivers deal in deadly deeds and tenacious Taldan traitors tread thoughtfully. Keeping company with kind Kesten unkilled, are there rewards to be reaped in rivers running red with retribution for Restov wronged?"

I already cast haste, right now it is on Bambara, Chui and Harmini since the target for my cast was Harmini.

I plan on using the last 2 spells I have then switching to rays WHILE cowering in this hallway, that damage that Bambara took in this round would have killed me. I get into a safe(ish) position to cast at Idorii but I am questioning Azaz as the next target. The guy is using grease which is annoying but I'd like to stop that 4d6 scorching ray every round as soon as possible.

I know you cast haste off of a scroll. However, you didn't specify your targets (Harmini & Alex were more than 30' apart at the time so you had to choose). That's all I was saying. As always, you may do as you wish with your character on your turn. I merely propose suggestions/plans in an attempt to work together/communicate what I'm thinking. I don't feel that "big surprises" benefit anyone in terms of group strategy (Ex: Harmini has done exactly what I said she would do).

Hit it!

I concur.

Hmph! You couldn't afford me...

Harmini scowls for a moment then motions for Chui to continue.

I’d like to coordinate a different spell list from Harmini. Do we really both not have spell books? Unlucky, but it is what it is. I assume we are leveling soon so what if anything are you going to pick up?

The 1st lvl spells & cantrips Harmini already knows should be on her profile. I have a running list of scrolls/spells that Harmini would like to teach to her familiar when available in alphabetical order and by spell lvl:

I'd say my 2 interest areas around Solku would be the gnolls in White Canyon and the Beehive.

These two seem like the best adventuring opportunities for heroic characters. Both areas are filled with threats to the city that might need to be dealt with.

Another fun place might be the Gembasket. I dunno if anyone has a crafter in mind but it seems like a good place to collect rare raw materials.