Craig Frankum's page

Alas, I found this thread too late. Wish y'all well in you're endeavors.

We are running the rule set from the module itself. Our GM is pretty good at helping us out, but I have a feeling none of really know how to fix our problem. Pumping Stability is a going to be a great start.

Wow... I've played civ a good bit but that was ages ago. I now see the resemblance. We just finished book 2 & are about 2 turns from anarchy. Current Unrest is 10 with an automatic 5+ by the end of the first Upkeep phase. Outside of a major boost from a fortunate event, any advice on how to recover from anarchy?

I've run LoF twice now and here is what I have done in reference to what you have discussed.

1. I allowed my players to gain the additional hp from the level (whatever the increase from leveling up would be). Players still had to rest to regain spells, though I allow the occasional divine intervention if the players are need (i.e. grant an additional use of a spell already cast). The game allows the players to progress at their own pace. There is plenty of time to rest to regain hp or spells. Also, if players make it to Day 6 before entering the Battle Market, then they get the full experience of the game. I also had one party that made forays into the village twice a day, once during the day, and judging the daytime activity of the gnolls, they would return around dusk or after nightfall.

2. Unlike 3.5, Pathfinder gives significant bonuses for players sticking to one class or path. That said, prestige classes or multiclassing are more flair/fluff choices. Let the players figure there own characters out. My second time through, my all my player's were new to the game, so I had them stick to the core classes (no archetypes). Not that I didn't think they could handle any variant, just wanted them to learn the rules before we experimented elsewhere.

3. 25 point buy system or 4d6 (drop the lowest) and reroll anything less than 10, both on the Fast XP track. If the PC's do everything, including the optional set piece, they will be slightly ahead of the game, but will line back up in book 3 or 4. I also give story XP my more roleplaying characters. The criteria is that the encounter has to end where the possible combatant is no longer a threat to the party and the purpose they after (i.e. form an alliance/truce).

4. As said before, RAW within reason is always a key to fun gameplay but most importantly, be consistent.

5. I found that much of the magic items found in LoF fit within the party's wants or needs. Furthermore, I used Almah as the main store for the PC's and based her buy/sell rates based on her attitude towards the party (using the best that any one PC obtain for the entire party unless a PC just went out of their way to make her unfriendly towards them).
- Hostile: No contact with the PC and all contracts and dealings with the PC were null in void.
- Unfriendly: Buy at 50% item value and Sell at 150% item value.
- Indifferent: Buy at 75% item value and Sell at 125% item value.
- Friendly: Buy at 90% item value and Sell at 110% item value.
- Helpful: Buy at 90% item value and Sell 110% item value with a special 1 time gift value at 100 gp per level.

Understandable, but I do't mind playing characters with "flaws" or "flawed logic". I build concepts and enjoy the role-playing aspect. The dice and careful/careless ations determine the success of many of my characters... or the random encounter table that pitted a party of level 1 characters against a SHAMBLING MOUND blocking the only exit. Not my GM's fault, first time he's ever killed a PC and he felt horrible for weeks about. I think he's pulled some randoms because he felt they were above us after that. Now to die because of stupidity... that's a different story all together.

Thanks! That sounds solid.

Would make sense, especially for a leveled character, but where would I start? Let's say Human Archaeologist Bard with an INT 12 and the favored class point being in Skill points. At 1st level, what 9 key skills would I start with?

I can see Bluff and Diplomacy, but he doesn't seem to be very good at it or maybe his Sense Motive is such that he doesn't know he's consorting with the Bad Guy early in the movies.

The greatest examples of him using Stealth, he gets caught and tied up, Thus eliminating Escape Artist, because he always needs someone else to untie him.

Disguise worked well in his favor for a time and Disable Device at least allows him the attempt to disarm a trap, even if he does set off every one he encounters.

I've many excellent ideas here, but what would be his key skills? Knowledge (history) & Appraise are for certain, but what else?

General rule of thumb I tend to go buy is:

Profession provides a service, while Craft provides an item (Quality is based on the checks & DCs).

Hunter
I really like the Druid class, but have not been all too fond of the animal shaman archetypes. Hunter takes this into a great adjustment with the animal focus. Animal Focus seems similar to the shapeshifter ranger’s shifter’s blessing ability and the animal shaman’s totem transformation. I would really like to see these abilities expanded more with added abilities or, if not added abilities, expanded durations. Is the class supposed to have the same armor restrictions as a druid or are they looser on which armors they are allowed to where (does the wooden shield info, relate to other armor)? Finally, was the intent to attempt to fill some class at nearly every level? The class doesn’t lose or gain much, by making track & wild empathy both 1st level class features. Overall this class has great potential, but is lacking some key element to really set it apart.

Investigator
Those that hate rogues, I’m sure will be all over this class, but I’m on the fence with. Sneak should be available at first level, but maybe increase at half the rate of the alchemist’s bombs or rogue’s sneak attack, as to not overshadow the earlier versions abilities. Also, I’m not so sure that the inspiration feature shouldn’t be a fixed number, maybe a bonus equal to the intelligence modifier (minimum 1), but I leave that up to further testing. Obviously a name issue, that I’m sure will be resolved, and this is one class I’ll be keeping a close eye on. Sherlock Holmes build anyone?

Shaman
I am really excited about this new upstart. The shaman class embodies what anyone wishing to play a tribal caster is all about. I’m not so sure that the “Spirit” couldn’t be fleshed out better or maybe mix hexes and revelation better. The versatility of wandering hexes and spirits may be a hic-cup, or overpowering, in what could be the best class in the grouping. Maybe a mix of revelations or bonus feats would do it better justice, but I don’t know for sure.

Skald
A barbarian’s, on anyone with the rage ability, best friend, but a potential scourge to anyone else. I as delve into that which is the skald, I see bard with incite rage at first level and rage powers. So I look beyond this this initial set of abilities and come to spell keening. Useful, possibly! Versatile, definitely! But overall a cheap trick, as some spells available to both wizards and clerics come at different levels. I’m still not so sure that this class wasn’t better done by the savage skald bard archetype. Best beneficial feature is the ability to apply rage powers to those in whom he incites rage. The one key element that would make this class over the top good, is a progression to raging song such as Greater raging song, Tireless raging song, and Mighty raging song, although the lesser improvements built into the raging song may be as not to overshadow a true rager's rage.

Brawler
As a shift from my initial review of the class, I am going to try to add more positive feedback. With the Brawler, first and foremost, FEAT versatility! This may be the single most key feature to this class that will get people to playing, or at very least, be that initial draw to the class. My only suggestion is that the initial action to start as a standard action instead of a move. Then the reduction in time is a continuous bonus. And maybe the increases be leveled at 1st, 5th, 10th and 15th. Other than minor modifications this is a solid class ability. Bonus feats could also be levied at the same intervals as the monk bonus feats, albeit maintain that the feats all inclusive of all combat feats. Really my chief and only real complaint with the class is the sometimes, seemingly random interval at which a class feature increases (i.e. AC bonus is 4th, 9th, 13th, 18th instead of something more consistent like 4th, 9th, 14th, 19th or 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, 18th and Brawler Strike being 5th, 9th, 12th, 17th instead of 5th, 9th, 13th, 17th). Overall a solid build and I am positive the name issues are going to get resolved.

Ok, I was accused of writing a lack luster review with many ill-advised references. Fair argument! The previous was my first thought as I skimmed through the book. I will try to accommodate a more in-depth review, in which I try to show what each of the new classes are trying to achieve and my opinions and suggestions on how to make the classes more functional.

Arcanist
I am going to leave this class alone as it is already being retooled, and to what end, I am unsure. I look forward to seeing what the developers end up doing with this class.

Bloodrager
This interestingly little piece of work is attempting to accomplish with a mix of barbarian and sorcerer what the magus accomplished with a mix of fighter and wizard. First, I agree with the masses on this little tidbit, LEAVE THE BLOODLINE ALONE. That argument is the chief complaint with this class as similarly will be discussed and addressed in other classes, such as the shaman and warpriest. Bloodrage as is, is the rage mechanic. Point simple. No deviation was made to make this specially named rage its own unique ability. So I would advise simply naming this ability Rage, or adding some new element to the ability.

Bloodrage: As rage except as follows. Blood rage can’t be ended prematurely except by unconsciousness or any effect that would end a rage (such as a calm emotions spell). Unlike a barbarian’s rage, the blood rage doesn’t limit your actions in any way. However, a bloodrager takes 1 point of damage per round as its body suffers under the strain. (citation taken and modified from WotC’s Magic Item Compendium p. 203)

I will be the first to state that I am not the most creative in the purpose of creating a game mechanic so please be patient with me as I will use citations from other sources to articulate my point or argument. I am advocating for the arcane bloodlines not being changed or altered. I propose that instead of fast movement be replaced with the first level bloodline power. I will add that giving unhindered medium armor proficiency is a bit beastly and suggest an armor progression. I am for a diminished spell-casting ability, but allow the spells to come from first level similar to the magus and I realize that in time, this class may get its own custom spell list as the book comes closer to release. Last, albeit not the least of the new class abilities, blood casting. Maintain that while in a bloodrage, a bloodrager can only cast spells from the bloodrager spell list and not from any other class that allows spell-casting. Furthermore, I would be interested in seeing a Blood Pool similar to the magus’ arcane pool. Key difference would be that a bloodrager could sacrifice 1 hp in order to achieve said effect a number of times per day equal to the bloodrager’s level + charisma modifier (minimum 1).

*Note: I am not against raising the bloodrager’s hit die from d10 to d12 to better accommodate hp penalties, for blood based abilities.

It's been a long day... Sarcasm usually comes more around my 1st cup of coffee, not my 10th-I'm trying to keep my eyes open-cup. I'll attempt more as I'm reading supporting threads.

@JRutterbush
I know gestalt is an absurd over analyzing of many of the "hybrid" classes and full aware of how they are OP. I simply referenced it as a similarly to the haphazard mash that many of these "new" classes are.

Other threads really state how amazingly the magus was released and that class should be the basis on how to build NEW-hybrid classes. Also, being a play-test, it will get better. It's how Paizo has delivered such great products over the years while other systems come & go or release new editions when the last one fails... uh-hmm... WotC.

Inspiration could also come from WotC's Spell Weaver.

These are my observation and opinions based on the free play-test content. I made some mention to all 10 "new" classes. Please feel free to contribute or disagree as you like.

Arcanist
The Arcanist is an overreaching attempt to bridge the gap between the innate power of the sorcerer and the studied expertise of a wizard. As to date, we have three arcane classes with spell-casting based on intelligence. Adding another intelligence-based spell-casting class fortifies a common belief that charisma is a dump stat. Furthermore, the Arcanist class doesn’t add anything new to the game. The same, or at the very least similar, effect can be achieved by the much controversial gestalt classing. Overall, a lack-luster attempt to add flavor to the game table, but doesn’t really contribute to any aspect of the game. A charismatic based arcane class, or even an attempt at WotC’s Warlock (pending copyright issues), would be a welcome and refreshing take on arcane casters.

Bloodrager
Bloodrage is only a variant of rage in name only. End the confusion of naming the exact same effects by two or more different names. The main differences between a gestalt Sorcerer/Barbarian and the Bloodrager is the diminished spell-casting and limit spell selection choices. As with the Arcanist, the Bloodrager class doesn’t grant anything new to the game. This class could be better achieved through a new Bloodline or Archetype for the sorcerer. Suggestions for an archetype are as follows:

Bloodrager
Dimished spell-casting: A bloodrager may cast one fewer spell of each level than normal. If this reduces the number to 0, he may cast spells of that level only if his Charisma allows bonus spells of that level.

Bloodrage: At 3rd level, a bloodrager gains the rage ability as the barbarian class feature, but its barbarian level is considered to be his ranger level –2. This ability replaces the 3rd level bloodline bonus spell.

Rage Powers: At 5th level, a bloodrager gains a single rage power, as the barbarian class feature. It gains another rage power each two levels after 5th (to a maximum of eight rage powers at 20th level). This replaces the sorcerer’s bonus bloodline power at each level.

Something to the above would have served a greater purpose of the class.

Brawler
With archetypes of the Fighter already in place, such as the Brawler (Ultimate Combat p. 44) and Free Hand Fighter (Advanced Player’s Guide p. 105), we really needed another unarmed fighter. This book might as well be called Advanced Gestalt’s Guide. Awesome Blow is a stretch of two or more combat maneuvers wrapped into a single punch. The Knockout class feature could easily be a feat using Stunning Fist as a prerequisite.

Knockout
Prerequisite: Improved Unarmed Strike, Stunning Fist, BAB +11 or monk level 10
Benefit: You can replace an attempt of Stunning Fist to knock an opponent unconscious. On a successful hit, the opponent must make a Fort save (DC = Stunning Fist DC) or be knocked unconscious for 1d6 rounds.

Hunter
Oh goodie… I couldn’t decide between the Shapechanger Ranger (APG p. 126) and the Beast Master Ranger (APG p. 124), so let’s just jumble them up with a Mrs. Dash helping of druid. When is there going to be an original idea and not just a regurgitation of classes and abilities that you have already given us.

Investigator
Detective Bard (APG p. 81) and Investigator Rogue (APG p. 133). That is all I’m going to say.

Shaman
The Shaman is a class I actually like. It cleverly mixes the Witch and Oracle into a combination that gives spark when one envisions a Shaman. Not really sure on how the Wandering Spirit and Wandering Hex abilities will play out and may need some refinement. Maybe instead of “Wandering” there could be extra spirit abilities or hexes along with Greater forms of each.

Skald
Savage Skald Bard (APG p. 84)! It can even incite rage. Did anyone even read all the works that are already published by the company? Bards are amazing at buffing and de-buffing the battlefield and this class has pretty much already been done through an archetype. Come on Paizo, catch up!

Slayer
Though I’m not necessarily fond of the name, this looks to be another pretty solid build. However, I belive this is a class that can be summed up as a Ranger archetype. Also, I believe the fact that you can take Slayer talents that affect Sneak Attack before you actually have sneak attack needs to be addressed (i.e. deadly range and sniper’s eye). I have noticed in some cases that the BAB ratio and Hit Dice don’t exactly match up with the precedent that has been set in previous volumes. Overall, nicely done.

Swashbuckler
Buccaneer (ARG p. 73), Pirate Rogue (UC p. 72), and Swashbuckler Rogue (APG 135)! Albeit two of the three afore mentioned archetypes don’t include firearms directly, it would not be hard to take a simple feat, as they are all terrors of the sea.

Warpriest
Another class that should be an archetype! This is more of what I was looking for while making my Crusader Cleric (UC p. 40), though I was not completely dissatisfied with the archetype either. Furthermore, there is no need for divine blessings. Simply use the domains that are already established, but don’t allow the bonus domain spells. The class has potential, but needs some major tweaking. WotC had this as a prestige class, maybe you should take a look at the precedents set for by others, before issuing a collage of new “classes”.

I generally use wealth by level only if you are building a character of a specific level (i.e replacement for a pc that died, a specific campaign, a one shot, etc.), and as such the wealth by level chart is the appraised value of all coin, items, equipment, investments, & other holdings (i.e. home & maintenance, servants & hirelings, other non-equipment or item wealth). I also encourage (completely optional) to submit a backstory and items or equipment that come from the defeat of some specific opponent or at the end of some quest (a specific dungeon dive, heroic deed, etc.) I offer them a 25% discount on said items.

I could really see Sabertooth as the Invulnerable Rager Barbarian with all the strength based stats. Remember that Wolverine is faster that he is strong. A mid Str, high Dex & Con, and a mix in the mental skills. My favorite play style for Wolverine is a Wild Stalker Ranger. Skillful enough plus the enhanced senses. Heck, even half-orcs can take the scent feat.

May I inquire what the division of the Arcane Archer levels are?

The story is not dead, just been moved! Kingmaker Adventure Log!!! After a long break, we are back and hopefully resuming our 2 week schedule. If no ones interested, I'll stop posting. If you are, please let me know that you want more.

Only "new" weapons with the "monk" special feature typically states that monks are proficient with the weapon in the weapon description, thus bonus proficiency for free. I'm not ask to change the Core Rulebook, but an addition in new content would be nice.

Would he human? Or some other, more nefarious race?

the Dark Knight

The fairest is the LAST one standing. The Queen was the fairest in the land, until she began to envy Snow's beauty. Then through a series of unfortunate events, the Queen dies, leaving Snow the undisputed Fairest of them all.

Since we're having fun with this, and no matter which superhero/heroine we try to emulate, there is no 1 right answer or way to do it. I had never thought about the alchemist before, but that is a very distinct fit for a simulation of Peter Parker. Spider-Man could easily be classified as LG (he has worked for S.H.I.E.L.D. on occasion and registered during the Superhuman Registration Act) so monk** is definitely a possibility.

Now for my humor... Avenger Halfling subtype (ARG p. 63), Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Whip), Scout or Investigator Rogue archetype (Acrobatic or Roof Runner Rogue may be better, but these archetype keeps Trap Sense which I use to emulate "Spidey-Sense"), Use Magic Device with a wand of Web.

Edit:
** Flowing Monk probably works best.

To make an addition to Thor Odinson PFS on the Ultimates Thor. Thor, believing himself to be a mortal, was given a power-belt & harness which allowed flight, super-strength, and limited invulnerability. Later he was given an electric power battery in the form of Mjolnir, which could ionize the environment, control the weather, and allow the user to teleport. Eventually he has a psychotic break and realizes that he really is Thor and doesn't need the aids to use his powers.
Ultimates Powers:

• Superhuman Strength
• Superhuman Speed
• Superhuman Reflexes
• Superhuman Durability
• Weather Control
• Flight (Thor's ability to fly is innate within him, he does not require aid to fly)
• Teleportation via the use of Mjolnir

Every build of Thor is different and no single build is all inclusive, "right", or "badwrongfun". I am not familiar with the Aasimar variants such as Angelkin, but I wish to make a my argument.

Thor has a special enmity for giants, and likes to drink & fight (more of the traditional Valhalla standpoint than Marvel). Sound like any other race I know? Dwarves, combined with their hardy nature, make a strong stand for Thor.

As for class, all mentioned certainly have their merits, but Titan Mauler Barbarian should be considered as well. Made sense to me, using a dwarf as my basis, anyway.

Eldritch Heritage (Stormborn) feat tree definitely holds validity for any build. Also, going with the dwarf, Power Attack and Cleave from the Core Rulebook, and Goblin Cleaver, Orc Hewer, and Giant Killer from Advanced Races Guide.

Mjolnir might be the most disputed weapon in the game. Is it a dwarven thrower? An argument could be made. I personally believe that Mjolnir is an intelligent warhammer, deeming who is worthy to wield it. Give it shocking burst, fly at will, and call lightning 3/day. Early comics believed that Thor flew by throwing Mjolnir and holding on to it. Finally, let's not forget the inscription on Mjolnir:

"Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor."

Depending on the writer, this meant without Mjolnir, Thor was just an Asgardian, like Bor, Sif, or Freya. Still a more than capable warrior, but lacking the other abilities. Yet other writers as long a Thor is "worthy" and capable of wielding Mjolnir, he retains the weather abilities.

However you wish to build Thor, make sure you have fun while playing him. Remember, no one build is "perfect".

"All the power of the storm, from all the world, flows through my veins, and can be summoned by mine hammer at any time, wherever it is. A lightning storm in Japan? Mine. A hurricane off the coast of Barbados? Mine again. A brace of tornadoes in Kansas? Aye...mine. All that might, all that destructive force, mine to command. Channeled and guided through the mystic might of this hammer, guided right at thee!" - Thor

I had never thought of Iron Man as an Armor Master Fighter, but it could work really well. Especially if his mithral full plate of speed was an intelligent armor.

The prettiest princess is the one that lives with a group of dwarves that some slightly less pretty queen attempted to kill with a kind-hearted ranger.

Irkalla, Ereshkigal, Osiris, Gorgyra, Orphne, Freyja, Kali, Shiva

Thor could be a Titan Mauler Barbarian with Mjolnir as an intelligent weapon. Mjolnir does "choose" who is worthy to wield. Give it shocking burst, throwing, and returning special abilities, call lightning x/day, and fly as an at will ability. Early comics stated that Thor "flew" by throwing Mjolnir and holding on to it.

1) Without objections otherwise, "finishing off" or mercy killing is a neutral act.

3) I generally let it ride, unless it is obviously against alignment or towards a certain alignment. I also generally let my players know in a non-confrontational manner if the way he is acting might make an alignment shift.

I would have the players outside the building make Perception checks to notice the battle inside. If any passed, they could act (or let the others know). If part of the party is in combat while part is not, I take a moment at the end of each round of combat and ask the non-combatants what they wish to do.

Apologies. Either in 3.5 it was treated as one step lesser, or maybe it was a common oversight.

Mithral Breastplate (or mithral any medium armor) is light armor. NO proficiency deficiency there. Mithral lessens the step by one. Medium becomes light, while heavy becomes medium.

People without armor proficiency take Armor Expert because it lowers Armor Check Penalty. ACP is also the penalty applied to attack rolls when you use armor you are not proficient in. Reduce ACP to 0, and you take a penalty of 0.

Why would a wizard wear armor? If you want a character to wear armor, then take a class that allows you armor proficiency. Furthermore, your Master of Many Styles Monk argument is weak as they do not lose their Wisdom bonus to AC or the AC bonuses at later levels, which you lose if you wear armor.

Again, if you wish to power play your character, go right ahead. Again, I was only expressing a personal play style.

Never once stated it was badwrongfun, because if you and your party are having fun with the minor bonus, or corrective property of certain traits, then by all means. Just giving an opinion, thus why I began with personally. Only stating that for me, it is as mentioned.

Thanks for catching the *flair error. I get to typing faster than I read at times.

One note I did not see mentioned above (apologies if I managed to overlook it), a PC owning an Inn gives the party as a whole a base of operations (i.e. leadership feat bonus) and is now a place for adventure hooks (a place where someone can specifically find the PC for a "job" or leave a message for such a thing).

Personally, traits are character flare. Why would a person without an armor proficiency take armor expert? It doesn't make any sense. Now picking a trait to supplement a build such as reactionary for a very skittish goblin rogue (or other DEX based character) makes it completely reasonable and with improved initiative on top of it... watch out as this PC goes mid-first on even the lowest rolls. Traits are about character development, not overpowering your build.

In more rigorous campaigns, a fallen foe would count as difficult terrain. With the introduction of minis, they are generally removed and subsequently forgotten about until the end of encounter body count is totaled and pillaged.

@Grizzly: Agreed, Green Arrow is the "trick arrow" guy. Hawkeye does use trick arrows, but uses more of his precision and banks arrows for trick shots more than gimmicky gadgets. Even did a stint as the ninja Ronin.

As for Hawkeye, it is a matter of which Hawkeye you are wanting to portray. His entire career cannot be summed up in a single archetype or character build.

His early and even criminal career: I would suggest sniper rogue

Damaging and some trick skills: Archer Fighter (*note: this build is no where near the skill base that Clint has become known for)

Arrow output and decent skills: Zen Archer Monk (*note: this build requires a Lawful alignment and shouldn't be a standard for the entirety of his career. This should be a portion of his career or his early career in Ultimates, where he was a sanctioned spy for S.H.I.E.L.D.)

All-around: Urban Ranger with the archery combat style.

If you MUST have the Arcane Archer prestige class: Myrmidarch Magus would be the best route.

When to use Power Attack (simplified):
Full BAB (preferred); 3/4 BAB (not as good; less powerful)
Strength Modifier > penalty to attack roll

rides off to the Holy Land and happily kills Moors and Saracens until he dies.

Not to mention that Moors are people of dark complexion (blacks) and Saracens are people of the Muslim faith fighting for the same scrap of earth the Christians and Jews are after for similar reasons. Just because the Crusade was a Catholic Church sanctioned war, doesn't make any good or lawful.

EDIT: Moor was a African or Arab Muslim.

If you happen to watch King Arthur (2004) featuring Clive Owens as Arthur, Keira Knightly as Guinevere, and Ioan Gruffard as Lancelot, I would peg Lancelot as an Order of the Cockatrice Cavalier, with maybe a few levels of Two-Weapon Fighter.

The story continues at Kingmaker Adventure Log.