D_R_024's page

I saw mention in another post that combat feats were changed to no longer being 1 per round.
(Link: http://paizo.com/paizo/messageboards/paizoPublishing/pathfinder/pathfinderR PG/general/archives/combatFeats)

Where is this referenced? Ive searched the forums and havent had any luck finding anything resembling an 'official' change.
Have a game this weekend, and the my DM(s) was wondering.

Our group has recently started a new game using a (slightly altered) version of the PFRPG Beta and it's associated web enhancements; as well as much of the 3.5 material that isnt straight-up bonkers. Given the unusual nature of the group (and our tendency towards interesting gameplay), Ive been inspired - by the work of nedleeds - to transcribe the basics of our adventures. Perhaps you can gain something from them.

To give you an idea of what we're attempting here, allow me to quote the primary DM and all-around good guy, Snowman (names have been changed to protect... uh... something...):

A low level game in the forgotten realms, currently based in Waterdeep.

Ludicrous D&D is a bold experiment, removing any alignment and PrC restrictions while hopeing the group can work their differences out, without betraying the game as a whole.
Only a short time has passed to date, so we cannot reasonably tell whether it was a success or failure yet.
For the time being, the characters are diverse and interesting, which is a motivator for all of us.

Now, lets move on to the mechanics.

Despite our differences however, we have managed to create a quality group that works towards maintaining a team/group dynamic; while allowing players to follow their own ambitions - this particular game being the epitome of our desire to allow character variance (while maintaining the forementioned team dynamic)
Following is a breakdown regarding character creation rules:

Using these parameters, the following characters were created:

Now that we've covered the cast, lets get down to business.

Session #: 1

DM: Snowman
Cast: Ronny, Beth, Big Guy, Leena, Az, Kid

Synopsis:
This being the first session and all, some choices had to be made: namely, whether we wanted the group to form naturally on its own (a risky prospect, given the alignment variance) or have been formed before the game start. We decided to go with the latter.

The majority of the group started out working together as agents of the Gray Hand's militia; a good-aligned adventuring guild sort of organization. The non-good members, it was decided, joined the group later on as their particular skills were called upon; serving as 'free agents'. Due to successes in missions, Beth has been promoted to the role of commander; with the rest of the group serving beneath her as an adventuring party/team in the forementioned militia.

You can take a look at the opening here, if you like:

Currently, the group finds themselves in the militia barrracks, with little to do at the present time. After some friendly banter between the group members, a militia member (NPC) shows up with information regarding a series of kidnappings in the Dock District - and a request for the group to investigate, as it seems that someone has paid off the authorities to 'overlook' the strange kidnappings. It seems that a cleric of Cyric has established a small band of thugs and taken over a warehouse near the docks, using it as a headquarters for a kidnapping scheme in the city.
While the motive behind these kidnappings is initially unclear, the group learns that the band is made up of low-tier thugs; and the targets tend to be of the lower-class.

Having little else to do, the party decides to investigate. They recieve a map from the militiaman, directing them to the forementioned warehouse.
Making their way towards the Docks, the less-than-human members of the group are careful to disguise their appearance - as much as they can without actually creating a disguise or making use of magic, at least. Luckily, despite the rather poor outlook most citizens of Waterdeep bear towards both drow and lizardfolk, the party manages to make their way to the forementioned warehouse without issue.

Upon arrival, the group splits up to further investigate the scene: the two rogues (Az and Kid) move off towards the warehouse to stealthily scout out the various entrances; while the other group members enter a nearby tavern to wait (and possibly search for information). The drow gets more than a few sideways glances upon entering the tavern, which is known throughout the city for its 'rambunctous' clientelle; with a full-on bar fight eventually breaking out amongst the patrons (after some manipulation from the warlock) - only to be quashed by the diplomatic actions of the goodly female drow.... Yeah, weird, I know; but rather sensible when you consider that said drow is a life-long worshipper of Eilistraee, the Dark Maiden.

The two rogues soon return, having avoided detection whilst scouting out the various entrances into the sought-after warehouse. Having little information regarding exactly what the group is facing, a plan is devised: the charismatic warlock will make his way to the warehouse, claiming to be in possession of some lovely female 'slaves' available for purchase; in hopes of arranging a meeting with a representative of the cleric of Cyric's band of thugs, who can in turn be interrogated.

The use of one of the 'inn' rooms in the lower level of the tavern is purchased, and the party retires to this rental-hideout to figure out the details of their plan:
- Two of the female members of the group (Kid and Leena) will pose as the slave-girls to be sold; the Big Guy being sent out to purchase manacles to complete the illusion
- The remaining female (Beth) will pose as the warlock's accomplice in this slaving scheme
- The two most obviously non-human members of the group (Big Guy and Az) will pose as the warlock's hired muscle; the warforged poised just inside the room, while the lizardfolk awaits in the tavern above to greet the thug

After much discussion, and some arousing slave-girl acting practice on behalf of Leena and Kid (which led to Ronny getting rather handsy with Kid; and needing to be stopped before things got out of hand), the warlock sets out to arrange the meeting; returning successfully some time later, with word that a meeting has been arranged.

The group sets up, taking the oppurtunity during the downtime before the meeting to share some personal details; such as the revelation of Leena's faith and the fact that Ronny has (until relatively recently) been imprisoned within the torturous depths of the Nine Hells. The lizardfolk eventually makes his way down from the tavern, tapping on the door to signify that the 'honored guest' has arrived; leading him down to the group's room moments later.

Once inside, the ploy lasts longer then expected - or perhaps, preferred - and results in the thug getting very handsy with Kid; before Beth steps in with a FALCON PUNCH! to the dirty bugger's jaw. A short combat ensues, resulting in the incapacitation of the thug - but not before the sought-after information is recovered: a positive on the existence of traps within the warehouse, and a number on the thugs likely to be encountered (approximately 20).

Following the thug's information, and a small arguement (the girls not being pleased with Ronny's reluctance/delay in stepping forward to stop what was, essentially, the early stages of rape being performed on Kid), the forementioned thug is dispatched permanently by Ronny via an eldritch blast to the head. After further discussion, the group decides to ditch the tactful approach - and try simply sneaking in the front door. So, making their way out of the room (which now contains the mutilated corpse of the thug) and tavern, the group heads towards the adjacent warehouse.

Immediately the group is confronted by a locked door, which proves no match for the combined skills of Kid and Az; granting access to a small room bearing another door and a chest. Thanks to the careful searching and disabling skills of Kid and Az however, the group manages to avoid a series of nasty traps set in this room; moving on to investigate the chest and door. The brash Kid moves ahead to examine the door - opening it to reveal another room, populated by three thugs (two wielding dual short sword; the third - a rogue- bearing a rapier and bow) - while Az examines and opens the chest to find some low-level loots: some gems, a few gold pieces, etc.

Combat quickly ensues against the newly revealed bandits (all of whom use their surprise round to attack Kid), with the group quickly rushing into the fray.

((OOC: Red Ranger had to go afk at this point, resulting in his removal from the combat until shortly after the reinforcements showed up.))

Beth, Big Guy and Leena quickly close into melee range, while Az remains behind to help defend Ronny (who has come under attack from one of the sword-thugs). The thug attacking Ronny is quickly dispatched by the lizardfolk rogue, allowing the rogue and warlock to engage the other thugs. The thugs get some good hits in, especially against poor Ronny; but quickly find themselves outmatched against the lizardfolk rogue's acrobatic sneak attacks, the warlock's eldritch blasts, the mighty maul of the Big Guy and the sword skills of the girls - that is until the door at the far end of this room opens to reveal reinforcements.

((OOC: Not able to speak for the others here, but I can speak for myself. I wasnt really sure where to go with this character in terms of strategy, and opted to try something I have no previous made much use of - combat expertise. Combined with a decent Intelligence score on Az, thanks to planning to enter the Assassin PrC, the combination of Combat Expertise + Flanking + Favored Enemy Humans has proved a wonderful way of maintaining a superior defense and still landing some important offensive attacks))

At this point, the group encounters their first spell-casting opponent. One of the reinforcements quickly goes invisible, though this aids little against the warlock's eldritch blasts. This same individual then attempts a summoning spell to conjure forth a wolf to attack the party - but the beast is dispatched almost instantly by Az, with a well-timed sneak attack. The final thug falls dying; to be finished off moments later by a thrust of Az's rapier into his unconscious skull. A few lucky crits certainly aided the group in this battle. Things got abit hairy for some members of the group here due to our total lack of healing casters; though they were able to continue on thanks to the fact that three of the group's members were in possession of wands of CLW and reasonable UMD skill - though the Big Guy saw quite abit less gain from this, obviously.

After a flurry of wand useage, the group turns their attention to a very important part of adventuring: the loot! There isnt much to be found on the thugs (we've chosen to forgo the gathering of most non-MW/magical weapon and armor; as it usually serves as a burden and can cause alot of issues during transport), but Az manages to locate a chest and a small locked box in the room. The chest is found to be clear, revealing more low-level loot (some more gems and a few hundred gold pieces); while the locked box proves to be trapped, revealing a only another gem after Az's disabling.

The group now moves to investigate the door through which the thug reinforcements arrived, Az peeking through to see a pair of rogues waiting in ambush with bows and rapiers. A plan is devised quickly, wherein Leena's ability to cast darkness is put to good use in shrouding the group's movement through the door; allowing for a quick victory against the rogues (now divided by darkness).

Another door is discovered, Az moving forward to investigate. The lizardfolk recieved a poor roll on his Perception check, missing a hidden fireball trap; resulting in the much of the party (who had foolishly clustered around the door) being injured - though the rogues in the party managed to escape the damage.

((OOC: I have to admit, I was accused of metagaming here - and it damn near cost us. My character rolled poorly on his search check, resulting in my having him ask - in character - if someone else might not want to aid him or consider taking a look over themselves; or at the very least move away from the doorway. This was deemed metagaming, and I have been lead to believe that the trap did not actually exist - until my character's comment was made. Im not sure how I feel about things like this; though were I to ignore my obvious bias in the matter, I would have to say that I disapprove.))

The worst part of the forementioned trap, without any doubt, was the damage it inflicted upon Big Guy; given this damage was rather hefty (having failed his Reflex save) and the group lacking any efficient means of repairing him. Another flurry of wand-waving ensues, all the longer thanks to diminished effect of CLW on the construct (though this was certainly aided by a number critical successes on UMD checks; the DM ruling that these resulted the spell having its full effect).
Battered, burned and cursing themselves for not carrying wands of repair, the party persevered and moved on into the next room - revealing a small room, bearing two doors - and two thugs guarding the larger door.

Upon entering, Az and Beth are assaulted by invisible attackers - who become visible with said attacks - with reasonable success on behalf of the thugs. Things take another downward turn for the party, when both of the visible thugs (guards) let loose with magic missiles targeting the already-damaged warforged. After a hard-fought battle, the last thug is cornered and dispatched; leading to another round of wand tag. Az and Kid move to investigate the smaller of the two doors in the room, opening it to reveal "what looks like a mixture of a treasury, an armory and a storage for smuggled goods"; which contains low-level potions/scrolls, gems and coins. The group notes this discovery, moving on in search of their target: the cleric of Cyric, leader of this band of ruffians.

Moving back to the site of their last battle, the rogues of the party begin investigating the larger (unopened) door. By the luck of the Gods, Az and Kid both manage decent rolls (18 and 11, for totals of 28 and 21 respectively) while searching the door for traps, resulting in a frightening discovery - a Finger of Death trap. With no small amount of nervousness, the two rogues go to work on this deadly hazard; managing to successfully disarm it (and sharing a cute little moment in the process - or so I thought, at least :P).

Now, readying themselves for the final showdown, the group waits anxiously as Big Guy prepares to kick down the door - a manuever we lovingly refer to as 'Oh Yeah!'ing the door(Kool-Aid Warforged ftw!).
The surprised cleric is revealed, quite peeved that his nifty trap didnt manage to kill anyone off...

((OOC: Honestly, I find myself wondering if the DM wasnt hoping a certain someone *cough cough* would fail and die miserably here - in fact, were it not for Az rolling an 18 on his check, that is exactly what would have happened... A pre-planned attack on a specific player based on their character's role within the group, or simply dumb luck - I cant tell. But, a save-vs-death spell requiring a ridiculously high Perception skill in the first session combined with a blatant dislike of my character and (I think) the other rogue player? Something smells fishy in Denmark, if you want this player's opinion :\))

The weasley cleric (a CR 5 encounter, so sayeth the DM) is dispatched easily, getting off only a single spell - a spell requiring a touch attack, on which he gets a total of 9 (the target, Big Guy, having a touch AC of 10). Without doing a single point of damage, the cleric is dispatched in less than three rounds - little surprise, given the sheer number of PCs attacking him (the entire party). Beth makes certain he remains in the afterlife, shoving her blade into the dying cleric's chest cavity for good measure.

It is at this point that the group realizes/learns/notices several things:
- There are numberous sacrificial altars in this room; all devoted to Cyric
- An ancient fresco adjorns the wall in one part of this room, which the party takes an etching of before departing (for further investigation)
- The cleric and Ronny knew each other at one time, prior to Ronny being imprisoned in the Nine Hells (something he revealed earlier in the session; though the reasoning behind it and his means of escape have remained unclear, likely having some relation to his time spent in the Tower @ Luskan). The cleric was involved in some way in the 'betrayal' that lead to Ronny's imprisonment - though Ronny reveals that this betrayal took place at least several decades (if not millenia) ago.
- There is a final door left to be investigated. It is clear of traps, but exudes a foul stench; opening to reveal the stockpile of mutilated, rotting corpses (former sacrificial victims no doubt) that the cleric had been 'saving' for use in the creation of undead. The group closes this door in disgust, refusing to search through the remains and choosing instead to simply shut the door - and give the corpse of the dead cleric a solid kick for good measure.... Sick sonuva....

The DM gives the party a chance to search the rest of the building a final time (via a single Perception check per character), before the group makes their way back to the militia barracks - their loot haul in tow.

And this is where we end Session #1.

FYI: We just finished session 5 today, session 6 taking place tomorrow.
Ill continue to update this, as time allows.
Hopefully it will be of use - or at least entertaining for a bit. :D

My group has recently started a new game and, having never played the type of character Im taking on, I figured Id ask for some advice.

We're playing a mixed party (very mixed, in fact), and Im currently running a LE poison-dusk lizardfolk ranger1/rogue6 (heading for 3.5 assassin - neither I nor my DM were a fan of the new PrC treatment in this case <.<). Hes working with Str 10, Dex 20, Con 16, Int 19, Wis 10, Cha 12; and has made excellent use of Weapon Finesse + Rapier + Combat Expertise + Spring Attack thus far. We just hit level 7, and I was all set to take ranger 2 - until I realized that it didnt really have much to offer unless I decided to make use of one of the combat-style routes. Now I have an open feat @ level 7, and am not quite sure where to go....

The group currently contains...
- rogue, likely going shadow dancer (newly starting player)
- warlock/sorc
- swashbuckler
- psychic warrior
- barb

... Normally I would go straight for the juicy TWF + sneak attack combo - easily accessible via one more level of ranger - but theres a catch: due to a 'house ruling', rogues can only make one sneak attack per point of BAB each round.
In other words:
One sneak attack until BAB +6, two until BAB +11 (max of 3, I think). This was caused by a rogue char in the last game going TWF and dealing out massive amounts of sneak attack damage - personally Im not a fan, but am not in a position to change things at present.

So, here I am, with a ranger/rogue...
Given small-size and a low strength score (10), TWF dosnt strike me as a reasonable route to take - Im the kind of person that would prefer one attack thats likely to hit over 2 that arent (especially if only one of them will do any real damage).
Ranged combat for a rogue seems to rely heavily upon certain variables (namely, the ability to make use of stealth/invis), and would likely pose difficult when the whole assassin/death-attack thing comes into play.

Ive gotten approval for the Deft Strike feat from Comp Adv.; which essentially allows you to make a Perception check vs the target's AC, success allowing you to treat your first attack made before the end of your next turn as a touch attack. Seems like it would make a nice pick-up for a melee rogue/assassin; especially given Ive already got the pre-reqs (aside from 10 ranks of Percep). Savy Rogue (Comp Scoundrel) seems an obvious choice; but it wont really do this fella any good.

One route Im curious about is a feat like those Ive seen in the Comp Adventurer/Scoundrel books, wherein rogue/ranger levels might stack for the benefits of one or both of those classes. The most obvious (but perhaps most broken) is the Swift Ambusher feat from Comp Scoundrel; which allows scout and ranger levels to stack for the skirmish and, iirc, favored enemy abilities of those classes. A feat allowing rogue/ranger levels to stack for favored enemy could be extremely nice for this character, giving him a wider range of favored enemies than he would otherwise see. Any thoughts on this idea? I have a difficult time gauging this kind of thing, and it would be nice to know whats up before I were to bring the matter up.

So, Im in abit of a spot: What route would you consider taking here?
Im aware of the spell that lets a char make ranged death attacks; but Im really not looking to turn this into an archer, as it dosnt really fit the character AND would make most of my feat choices so far obsolete/less useful.

Any thoughts?

((FYI: As of the moment, planning on pumping Dex/Int and being Assassin8/Ranger1/Rogue11 @ lvl 20; though all the details outside this are still beyond me.))

Alright, I could really ues some insight - as I seem to be fresh out.
First, some background:
So, my group just started a new campaign and Im considering my options.
Thus far, the starting level was 20 (game already started; so I would enter at the average of the party's current XP, lvl 23).
As opposed to making up epic-level progressions, we are instead using multi-classing at higher levels (BAB ends at Lvl 20, saves and such still use epic progression).
However, players choose 2 'base' classes and 1 PrC; with a requirement that each class is leveled singly (that is, once you take the 1st lvl of a class/PrC, you cannot multi-class until youve completed that class/PrC). As such, lvls 1-20 must be the first base class.
We're using the point buy system for abilities (62 pts I think - yes, its very high). Gold is equivalent for level (meaning Im looking at about 1.5 million GP for spending - not looking to *exploit* this in any way), so Ive got alot of options in that area.
Im focusing on a human char (was considering an Aladdin-ish char; so I can tie-in a background involving Sandstorm material later on); and the game's alignment is... well, lets just say that 'good' is the best way to go.(Quoted from game info: "LG, NG, CG - But don't be a d*ck. Be party oriented. Excuses not welcome.")

The group is currently made up of: Fighter20/Barb4, Wizard20/Swashbuckler3, Sorc20/Bard3, Rogue20/Whisperknife3, Cleric20/Fighter3...

Given the way the party is set up, melee-combatants arent *really* needed (and really would only serve as another target to draw fire away from the barb/fghter - theres no way to compare to the damage that char can put out, or the attack bonus, without encroaching into that player's "role"), ranged combat (bows n such) isnt something I really want to get into, and the rogue-ish area has been covered (all the good bits at least)....
That leaves casters and with the group already having two full-level arcane casters, I figured that having someone to cover the arcane utility spells while offering some extra divine backup would be nice - but since cleric was already taken, Ive turned towards Druid.

Before learning that it was a requirement that the levels be done singly (and 1-20 be a full class), I was planning on running a Druid6/Sorc4/Arcane Hierophant10. We have a house-rules feat that allows you to increase effective caster level for one class (including spells/day, etc) by +1; but you must be able to cast 4th lvl spells via that class, and CL cannot exceed HD. This was designed to make certain PrCs more viable to casters; but served my uses well.

Effectively, I was looking at a character that (after taking that feat 4 times - lvl 13, 15, 17 and 19) was casting as a Druid 20/Sorc 14, had the Companion Familiar of a 19th lvl druid(with a feat), wild shape of a 16th lvl druid, and the first 2 sorc bloodline powers.
Sorcerer (went with the Destined bloodline) was focused on aiding the party for the most part, with a few utility/offensive spells(focusing on spells that dont allow saves) thrown in. The druid spells were to be the character's primary 'offensive' focus; as Im currently under the impression that the changes to wild-shape have left druids at a disadvantage in that regard. I focused on high Dex/Con and Wis/Cha; figuring that Str would be something that I could compensate for with wild-shape (while minimizing loss from Dex penalties).

Now the plan above seems to have been seriously hindered - if not obliterated.
Im still considering this build - Im hoping to convince the group to let us break up post-lvl20 classes into 5-lvl blocks (essentially, at lvl 30 the char would be a Druid 20/Sorc 5(+1 effective CL from feat)/Arc. Hiero. 5 - casting as Druid25/Sorc11, with wild-shape/comp. familiar of lvl 25 Druid as well as other druid powers); but I have little hope of pulling that off, and have doubts that it would be really viable even then.

Starting, Id be a Druid20/Sorc 4.... Assuming what Ive mentioned so far, is this likely to be worth it in the long run; or should I just figure out another concept?

Whats 'the word' on Druids in PF? Ive seen alot of back and forth regarding how much they were effected by the changes to wild shape (note: I agree it needed a fix *badly*; but I think a nerf of the given level was too much), and am not sure what to think.
The bonuses from wild-shape are Enhancement, but do those include the changes in size stat-changes? Or do said changes (for changing sizes) count as un-named bonuses?
Even if I dont go with Arc Hiero; what would be a good mix for Druid/Sorc?
I was looking at Ashworm Dragoon (from Sandstorm); but it seems like it just wouldnt be all that useful at really high levels (ashworm mount at level 20? pretty cool... lvl 40? yeah, not so much).

*sigh*
Im just kinda at a loss at the moment - any input to offer on the matter? My foresight isnt the best, so it helps to have someone/folks to bounce things off of - especially that arent harsh when it comes to things they dont like (as some of my group mates can be - thus far, my mentioning to the primary-DM 'Have you looked at wild shape in PF at all?' essentially got me a 'No, and I have no intentions of doing so. Get over it.'{<- cleaning up the language used *alot*).
Any/all responses appreciated.

Hey there, looking for some online dnd action.

Im not into pbp, but have had tons of fun games using OpenRPG. If you arent familiar - take a look.

Im with a group right now thats been playing double campaigns (3.5 DnD/d20 Modern - both using Pathfinder rules for most things), but the modern game has gone into semi-hiatus and focus has shifted to the DnD game - which I recently dropped out of due to (in my eyes at least) too much of a focus on sex-jokes, crude humor and the like.

I can enjoy some laughs in-game, but when the focus shifts from being adventurers to .... well, being lazy/strippers/etc.

Bleh.
Anyway, I have alot of experience with role-playing ( 10+ years, pretty much all of which was online via OpenRPG and other such means), and have a fair bit of experience with pathfinder.

Id also like to give DMing a try, if the oppurtunity arises.

Im on EST, only looking for online (DnD 3.5 - no 4e; d20 modern/future; etc), and looking for a focus on serious RP/adventure.
Any takers?