Dr. Splash's page

Chronicle # 4
Character and PFS Number 149000-15 (like in my header!)
Faction Sovereign Court
Tracking Normal
Dayjob Unpaid Secret Agent of a Controlling Dragon, and Unofficial Matchmaker to Impetuous Pathfinders

“I have no interest in deals with your kind,” Dr. Splash says, “but at least you keep to the letter of your agreements if not the spirit. Leave this plane with your name, never to return.”

“Your family has used creatures of the abyss to do its dirty work for centuries. Clearly you are unworthy, manipulative deceivers — unworthy of the gifts you have been given, and the gifts that you lost through foul usage. This will not end well for you. Crawl away to whatever hole your family has sunk to... Your ancestors have been forgotten for a reason. Let them stay that way, and perhaps one day you can make a new name for yourself — one untainted by scheming and murder that taints your foul bloodline!”

Moving forward, the Good Doctor rages and attacks Pava Irrica.

Raging Ranseur: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 2 = 14
Raging Ranseur 5 Star Reroll: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 2 + 5 = 26
Raging Damage: 2d4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (3, 4) + 3 + 3 = 13

“Here, let me look at it.”

Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Doctor Splash’s delicate eyebrows raise. “Ah, this must be the final Irrica family heirloom. Delicate infernal text is written on the band, but the letters are hopelessly lost in the dense calligraphy. An expert with time on their hands may be able to discern the infernal script, or perhaps Wertlos can figure it out after a period of time.”

“From the symbolism I see, I suspect that the ring might be some sort of protection from... something infernal? I’m not certain exactly what, but perhaps one of us should wear it.”

At watching the Ettercap attempt to take a chomp at the kindly Captain Chlorophyll, Dr. Splash gets angry and charges it with her ranseur.

Raging Ranseur: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 2 + 2 = 16
Raging Damage: 2d4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (1, 4) + 3 + 3 = 11

“Pick on someone your own size, monster!”

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

“Agreed. Best be wary.” Dr. Splash clears some of the spider webs out of the way with their ranseur. “Are we ready to proceed?”

“It’s not as glorious as a real Dragon, but it is a draconic cousin... And as such, would hate to destroy it!”

Dr. Splash looks over the journal as well.

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

“Yes, it is a find! What a trove of scholarly information.” Then Splash turns to Captain Chlorophyll with a depth of seriousness. “Thank you for saving the Tatzlwyrm. I did not want to be responsible for a death of a dragon.”

By the way, I appear to be back. Yay!

“Yes, I believe that this might be a tale best told over some tea.” Dr. Splash says. When they all go into the manor, Dr. Splash says, speaking gently. “Delara, you were correct to get rid of the ring. It was cursed. There was some sort of creature inside — a fiend or a monster.” Then Splash turns to the ghost. “We believe that you did not kill yourself. Instead, we believe both you and your fiance were betrayed by the monster who inhabited this ring. He was not a worthy guardian for your bloodline, which surely deserved better.”

Dr. Splash drops their notebook as they step back. Pulling their ranseur back into position, they attempt to deal with the snake.

“You had a family, and what do you do with it? Do you care for it generation after generation like a proud guardian? No. You murder them. You disgust me, snake!”

Raging Cold Iron Ranseur: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 2 = 18
Raging Cold Iron Damage: 2d4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2) + 3 + 3 = 10

“I am done with you and your mind tricks!”

We all need breaks! Take them when you need to do so, just tell us when we all get to come back!

“Her entire family?” Dr. Splash pulls out a notebook and calmly starts taking notes. “I don’t believe that someone as weak as you could off an entire family. If you want to prove it, you’d best provide details.”

“When did you first start feeling these murderous impulses? Did it start with a trauma in your childhood?”

Again, apologies. My attention is on work, this, two different locations, and mom asking me for a lot of help on things.

Understood... Want to call a two day hiatus so that you can catch up with real life?

Hmm

Attack of opportunity, Ranseur, Flank: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 2 = 13
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 2) + 3 = 8

Surprised by the ring’s attack, Dr. Splash strikes wildly at the irritating snake ring. Then she takes a step back and attacks it. “Irritating snake, know that you’re not allowed a taste of me. I have been raised by a DRAGON!”

Raging Ranseur, Flank: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 2 + 2 = 15
Raging Damage: 2d4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2) + 3 + 3 = 12

Raging Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 = 12

Then they drop their weapon in shock, confused and bewildered. “Why am I attacking someone who never attacked me?”

Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Wow. I have not made a combat knowledge check all game...

“I clearly need to study more! What is that thing?” Dr. Splash approaches cautiously, ready to support Mishka.

Ready to defend herself or her team if atacked.

“We will do out best to take care of your ancestor, and find the ring. Thank you for your hospitality,” Dr. Splash says, picking up another thin slice of cake for the road.

“Did you know this was called frosting?” they ask Captain Chlorophyll and Zephirine. “Land food is fascinating.”

“I am Dr. Splash, and this is my companion, Amazing Urchin. We have heard that you might have in your possession a locket. The locket is part of a puzzle that involves your family.” Splash pauses to try a slice of cake, and then their eyebrows tilt upwards. “Interesting. It’s... sweet. And you used honey with your tea. I’ve noticed quite a bit of sugar in land cuisine — at least the cuisine here in Isger. Is this a common thing? Mengkare rationed it, not wanting us to gain weight or become unhealthy.” Splash’s eyebrows raise even higher as they take another bite. “It’s quite tasty. Why do I want to eat it so much when it’s not healthy? That does not seem logical of me.”

I should push it away or stop. But then again, Mengkare wanted me to learn of the world outside Hermea.

“This sweet gooey decoration that coats the ‘cake’. What do you call it? And what is this flavor?”

I also like creativity, and goodness knows I’ve had cameos of my own characters appear in adventures. Charli Poshkettle has offered tea to groups of Starfinders going in to the Lorespire, and my own characters have shown up as runners in multi-table specials bringing aid tokens or care packages to the party.

Still, if you introduce too much at once it can get kind of confusing, and you might have derailed another group pretty easily. The dwarves and Deep Fried Tofu looked like they were adventure hooks. (Had I not GMed the adventure, I would have been going after those leads, thinking they went somewhere.) Though Mishka does have a good idea about ending posts with a hook to lead the players in the right direction, it helps not to distract them with too many red herrings. Having one of your characters make a cameo is fine, but there might have been too many here.

I’d also be careful about too many in-jokes without your players being in on the joke. I prefer to have my in-jokes build on the shenanigans of the players rather than those from my own past games whenever I can.

Hmm

“Good point!” Splash makes a note. Must ask Mengkare if he would be interested in some Leshy settlers at some point. They’re cheerful creatures and would certainly be able to help with gardens...

Then suddenly the Good Doctor remembers something very important. They look around the room, looking for any healthy specimens that might be adequate breeding partners for Mishka.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Seeing no one but Momoko, Splash hands their hostess a math quiz. “Would you mind filling out this quiz I designed to test for mathematical aptitude? It’s very simple really. A combination of addition, geometry and a few quadratic equations. I’m enquiring on behalf of a friend.” The quiz consists of 60 questions, ranging over both sides of the sheet, written in a tiny but methodical hand.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

They look at Mishka, excitedly. It’s hard to find good mates without a dragon to help them. He’ll be so happy to get this help!

“Ow!” Splash says, as a peanut hits them in the head. “What the —? Oh. Urchin’s reminding me that we have a long day ahead. Momoko, do you know anything about Delara? Are there any gifts we can bring when we go visiting, like some nice bread or wine or... er... herbs?”

Dr. Splash notes the ease at which Mishka and the others navigate the tavern. You’re never going to get anywhere if you don’t speak up.

“We appreciate the courtesy you offer greatly.”

Diplomacy, Aid Another: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

“I’m sure it’s not quite that sexual or crude, Urchin,” Splash says, turning a beet red. “Perhaps we should record that command word somewhere?”

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Dr. Splash moves forward, noting the goblins, but failing to identify the strange bird that they're tormenting.

Move, 40 feet.

“Ralph, do you have message spell so that we can stay in touch with those of us that are sneaking up ahead?” Dr. Splash asks.

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

She smiles. “If I recall, goblins are far better at hiding than at listening for ambushes. we may be able to get the drop on them. They’re not the sort of creatures that any dragon would want to govern — so unmanageable!”

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Dr. Splash follows a little bit behind the stealth experts, relying on her excellent senses to watch ahead.

Hey loves —

I’m travelling off to PaizoCon. At least part of the train trip there’ll be no connectivity at all. Please bot me as needed!

Hmm

"It would be logical for me to take the second watch, as I can see in the dark!" Then Dr. Splash asks the rest of the team, "Would you like Urchin to wash your clothes? He's very good at it."

He can cast prestidigitation.

Earlier

Dr. Splash's eyes suddenly light up at Mishka's explanation. "Of course! The waitress is good at math! I saw how fast she toted up figures! You're selecting for computational prowess -- an odd selection choice, but an interesting one. Mathematical literacy is important in the running of well-maintained societies, and essential to long term planning!"

It pleased them to hear Mishka express such a comprehensible criteria, even if it seemed a bit one-dimensional. Still, not everyone had the genealogical resources of a dragon to guide their choices.

"Oh! I know what I can do! I can assist you in finding mathematically inclined individuals. My own computational facilities are excellent, so I'm certain that I can judge some excellent candidates for you!"

Now

Dr. Splash introduces themself to Gallion Land and the Hellknight Initiates. "How wonderful to travel with associates who are beacons of law! I am Dr. Splash," they say. "May I know what to call all of you?" Then they smile pleasantly as they casually ask, "Also... What are your feelings on mathematics? Do any of you enjoy calculus or statistical analyses?"

Knowledge Geography: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Dr. Splash sat in the tavern, moping as they drank their water. Although the new mission was interesting, their mind was on other things when Chitterwood was mentioned, and they were feeling lost. When Mishka came back all tousled, there was disbelief on Splash’s face — and irritation.

What? Another random pairing? Doesn’t he have a Dragon to look after him, and help him make more suitable choices? What does he see in those women? He didn’t even really get a chance to look at their geneologies yet, to screen for potential problems.

Dr. Splash was feeling an unfamiliar ache and longing. People in the bar all around them were pairing up, arranging temporary matings, joining and exploring and... What would that be like? Splash had always known that someday they would get a mate. Mengkare found their genetics interesting, and had selected them as an envoy. Mating was inevitable and expected — how else would the next generation of special experiments be born? Still... that was years away.

When Mishka came back, Splash could not help asking him in a baffled and slightly disgruntled tone, “How can you check the genetic qualifications of your potential partners so quickly? You don’t have a dragon to do it for you... How do you pick them?”

Are we going to try to get one more quest before PaizoCon, or are we breaking here, Kyle?

Hmm

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Raised on the island of Hermea, the Good Doctor is not well trained in lies, and so takes Tavetti’s statement at face value. “I’m also interested in learning more of the haunt and of the portrait that speaks its name.” They kneel down and look at Tavetti. “You can wait until we’ve examined them. Besides, I don’t see why we should let you go. You’re horribly disruptive, rude and a bandit. Did you have no positive guidance in your life? Perhaps the proper authorities can correct you and lead you back to the proper path.”

Mengkare wouldn’t let this one within a mile of Hermea.

Dr. Splash calms down, breathing heavily as she leans against the wall, recovering from her rage. “That... is the wise decision. Can you tell me why you attacked us?”

I was worried, but Tavetti must have an AC higher than 14!

The biggest determiner for me is if it's damage or losing control of your character. A GM routinely rolls to see if a character is damaged, so that's expected.

Yes. I tend to do a spoiler with “DC 28 Will Save or This Happens” (an actual Will Save DC for a nasty effect in my last game) because I’d rather the player roll their own fail. When it’s stuff like reflex damage, I just let the dice fall where they will.

But I change what I do all the time, depending on circumstances.

Quite a hefty Fascinate.

Can the fascinate even go off in combat? That’s something that surprised me. Usually, once initiative is rolled, it’s too dangerous to lull your victims into a fascinate. On the other hand, I don’t mind that it happened this time. It was short-term and an interesting chance for Urchin to contribute to combat.

Hmm

Although Tavetti’s song’s entrancing, there’s nothing quite like having a monkey attempt to bite your nose to distract you.

“What the —?” Then their eyes narrow. “Mess with my mind? You DARE to mess with my head?! This stops NOW!” They rage, but even in their rage, Menkare’s training speaks to them. We still don’t know way they’re here, or what they want. Beat them up, but keep them alive.

They savagely whack Tavetti with the side of their blade.

Non Lethal Raging Ranseur: 1d20 + 3 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 2 - 4 = 21
NL Raging Damage: 2d4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (2, 1) + 3 + 3 = 9

Crit?!: 1d20 + 3 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 2 - 4 = 14
NL Crit Damage: 4d4 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 1, 1, 3) + 6 + 6 = 18

Urk. That was intended to be non-lethal.

That would work!

Which reminds me... I think that to my eternal shame I have noticed that Dr. Splash does not have a botting spoiler yet. I should fix that. Bad PBP VC! No cookies for me.

I’ll go fix that right now!

Hmm

It’s a balancing act, especially when you are dealing with vastly different time zones. Get a table of the special with people from North America, Europe, Asia and Australia in it, and combat can just bog down sometimes.

I like to know the active posting times of all my players. So sometimes (particularly with the time pressure of a special) I’ll do the necessary evil of botting the Asia time guy who’s just gone to bed so that Team North America can act, hoping that by the time they all post, Team Asia + Australia will be able to act again. Usually though people sign up for my special tables knowing that I’m going to keep a high pace, and accepting that modest botting is the price of that.

(It’s really odd that the person who cannot do gaming math to save her soul can stay aware of everyone’s primary posting times, but that’s one of my things. It’s like I have this weird clock in my head that tracks those variables.)

Hmm

By the way, Kyle, I want to let you know that you’re doing great so far! This has been like drinking from the firehose, and you’ve been so far managing to handle it really well.

Hmm

The good doctor runs for all they’re worth. Being of sound mind and body is one of Mengkare’s greatest principles — it’s not mind or body, it’s both. Breathing deeply, Splash runs with unerring confidence. “I don’t know who you are but don’t make me release the flying monkey! Surrender now!”

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 4 = 22

With their long graceful legs, they leap, attempting to tumble past the assailants to flank them from the other side.

Double Move including Acrobatics.

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Dr. Splash offers their wand to Rhymin' Ralph and Wertloz. "I have a healing wand that I cannot myself activate. Would one of you two like to use it on the haunt?"

I also have all the maps in the scenario in my slideshow, but usually cover slides not in use. I'm mostly a mobile poster. Transferring slides from one slideshow to another is a pain in mobile.

I say usually because sometimes I don't bother to cover a map -- especially when maps from specials and things are just woodlands or something. So the party knows that they're going to be walking through the woods... Not a surprise.

On the other hand if I had pre-prepped those very same woods with all my monsters, covering them with a shape makes sense to maintain surprise.

Hmm

I'm guessing leave box text the way it is.

I almost never run box text as is.

I add little flourishes in, or scents, or sounds, character dialogue. I interweave box text description with the non-box text description that a scenario offers.

So... When the last scenario that I GMed had box text of three lines for a pivotal mind scape, I had a full blown scene with dialogue and characters. Change it slightly to suit you, just keep all the basic information.

Hmm

“That sounds like a plan!” Dr. Splash says, eyebrow raised. “I’d like to see for myself those portraits. By the way... I can see in the dark, but I recognize that’s an unusual ability, so I don’t mind the light.”

Put me near the front if you wish.

“Let’s follow the footprint, then. It looks pretty fresh, and maybe we can question the person who made it,” Dr. Splash decides. “Besides, Mishka suggested that we secure the perimeter. Let’s do that, and then I’ll either break the glass on the window — we can’t wreck it more, really — or perhaps we’ll figure out how to get past the locks in this place. Sound like a good plan?”

Dr. Splash raises an eyebrow as they study the marks on the ground with the aid of the others. “This Bootprint goes to the back of the estate!”

Do we pick only one of the three, or are we supposed to attempt all three?

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

If needed, Dr. Splash can easily make their way through the window. However, they’d be more likely to smash the glass with their ranseur and then have the Amazing Urchin prestidigitate the shards neatly away so that the rest of the party can follow.

Do both! You’ve got a team of experts on this table. Seriously, we recruited some vets for your maiden voyage.

:)

Hmm

Kyle which do you prefer — immediate feedback or an ongoing google doc?

Hmm

As Dr. Splash looks again at the boots, they recognize that the boots are identical to Krieglers’. They touch the Foreigner’s cheek lightly. “Remarkable. How do you hide the scars in your other persona so well? I don’t think I’ve seen so abrupt a transformation outside of the Kitsune race before. Is this something you do often?”

The tone is calm and curious, but also excited and oddly hopeful. What an interesting talent. I wonder if it will interest Mengkare. This isn’t the sort of thing needed back home, but how useful it would be to have in an envoy!

If it’s a HL bug, just correct it in your profile. Give yourself the +16 climb that you should have.

Meanwhile... Kyle would you like some formatting tips for PBPs? Or should we wait until we’re done with the first quest, give you our feedback, and then proceed?

Hmm

Survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 + an extra 2 to get along in the wild, endure severe weather, avoid getting lost, spot natural hazards, and predict weather

“Hold on a moment,” Dr. Splash says, looking over the area with their keen elven eyes. “Something went through here, and I don’t think it was this person,” Splash points at the Foreigner. “His boot prints don’t match what we have here.”

I also have Darkvision through my Aquatic heritage, if that matters.