Hilda Gustaviir's page

Decided to stick with Oracle and swapping out the mystery for Shadow. In addition I'll swap Fighter out for Slayer using the Ankou's Shadow archetype to double down on the shadow part. I'd drop the official flavor of that archetype, but that's almost entirely in the name anyway.
She'd be the death that lurks in the shadow.

I'm also convinced she'll have a skeletal servant at some point which she'll name Betsy or Lucy or something along those lines.

Doing quite a bit of shuffling on feats as well, not in the least because I'm losing 2 of them due to swapping out Fighter.

Good point on the spellcasting and qualifying for the template.

I don't think the "Queen of the Undead" would fit her as she's rather ambivalent about the whole thing. She doesn't mind the undead but she surely doesn't feel any proclivity towards raising the dead. I could see her with an undead servant to do her laundry or carry her belongings, not with an army of the undead.

As for her crimes, she actually did both the graverobbing and the murders. Basically she robbed graves to sell the corpses and when demand was high she supplemented the trade with murder victims, picking the people that picked on her and, more importantly, her father.

Gravedigger Investigator is amazingness, especially once you combine it with that one style that uses improvised weapons. Get yourself a traveler's any tool and things can get very silly.

That is a fun route, and hitting people with whatever is handy does work for Hilda and for a Worm that Walks. If one discorporates you drop your stuff, so being able to pick up anything works miracles then.

For changing Hilda I have two different paths in mind. One is more drastic than the other but both strive to keep her core intact (somewhat naïve and deranged girl that lived on a graveyard her entire life, convicted for graverobbing but actually also committed several murders).

For both version I want to ditch the grappling aspect while keeping her large sword. Only thing I can see her swapping it out for is a scythe.

The not that drastic approach would see me swapping out her Mystery, which currently is Reaper, for Shadow. I'd want to swap out Fighter here as well, or at least change it so it fits better with the theme, but I'm not sure how or for what yet. Swapping with some kind of Slayer would probably be the best fit.

The more drastic version would actually require changing ability scores, to be precise the swapping of Hilda's Int and Cha score. As for her classes, one would be swapped out for the Gravedigger Investigator. For second class I'd be looking at Occultist, possibly using an archetype for which I'm mainly at Haunt Collector.
Another option here is to go for Slayer as well.

Sorry for my absence, live has been complicated and ridiculously busy the last month or so.

Combine the end of one job, start of a new job and job interviews for an even newer job with a dog that is hitting puberty and some health issues in my family and you have a recipe for a big mess.

As for Grumblejack, he's alive but not with the group anymore.

Hilda is prepping up to become a variant Worm that Walks, one consisting of beetles instead of worms.

And to be honest, that and her personality are also the only parts about Hilda I'm really happy with. Beyond that she actually feels rather superfluous within the current group (a factor that did not contribute to my motivation to post despite the situation mentioned above) as everything she can do somebody else can do better. The fact she still has Fighter on one side simply because I didn't have any better ideas also doesn't help.

Hilda follows Tiadora at a small distance, "A question," she smiles, "Or make that two actually. First, what are the Nine Lessons? And second, let's say we bump into the other group you have been housing, do we kill them or just incapacitate?"

When Tawg knocked on her door Hilda did not answer. Not because she didn't want to but because she simply didn't notice, busy dealing with the shattered parts of her own mind and the return of the gnawing hunger. Sure, she was well fed but it just didn't do somehow.

Hilda wants her breastplate and after that it's masterwork stuff.

For the latter, what could be done is if Gildevar would prepare the Masterwork Transformation spell during one of those days then I could get myself a reagent worth 300 gp and he could cast the spell on Hilda's Spiked Gauntlets.

Depending on if the test was in 3 days or after 3 days we could, theoretically, have either 4 or 6 castings of the spell.

As for Grumblejack, Hilda wouldn't mind either way. If she'd be smarter she might have suggested bonding him closer to us, not to make him part of the team but to make him a secret weapon for us.

Hilda grabbed a single robe, a longsword, a longbow, a greatsword and a chainshirt. Don't think she has anything else except her spiked gauntlet but she'll only depart with that one for an upgrade (almost makes me want to grab Masterwork Transformation as a 2nd level spell next level).

As for what she'd want: Medium Armor, preferably a Breastplate. And that masterwork spiked gauntlet, or a casting of masterwork transformation on her current gauntlet, but that might be a bit too expensive right now.

Hilda had read the contract twice, both times taking their time as her reading skills weren't as good as those of some of her comrades. "I'm.. I'm not sure I can sign. I want to join your crusade, I do, but as I said my soul is no longer my own. Still it is important."

Hilda then pierced the skin of her right hand with her own spiked gauntlet, then, with the blood pooling in her hand picked one of the bugs and crushed it, mixing the crushed beetle with her blood. She then used the liquid to sign the contract. "This way my lord will know what I've done. I just hope he understands."

Hilda herself has no idea about her patron's place in Hell's Hierarchy, or even that he is an Infernal Duke. She knows him as a single black cricket that speaks with an aristocrat's voice and has a shadow belonging to something far larger, for that is how he appeared in several dreams.

Hilda hears the others swear fealty to the bald man one after another. She, however, hesitates. When she speaks she appears more eloquent that before, "I can't. I already belong to the Rasping Count. It is he who my soul belongs to. I will join you against Talingarde and follow your command, as long as I decide the fate of my remaining kin. But I can't sign away something that is no longer my own."

Just RP on my account. Thorn would obviously know that the Rasping Count is Kalma, Infernal Duke and servant of the archdevil Barbatos, who in turn is a subordinate of Asmodeus

Before cleaning herself up Hilda ate, scarfing down several portions of the brought food and gulping down the drinks.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

The bathing was a bit of a chore. When Hilda arrived the slaves had already drawn a bath and stood ready to attend to her needs. She quickly disposed of her filthy clothes to then carefully dip her elbow in the bath. Having never taken a warm bath before, she just did what people supposedly did to test water before putting a baby in.
Deciding the temperature was to her liking she stepped in and sat down, careful to drape all her hair over the edge of the bath so it stayed dry. Deciding she'd need a full wash she started to move to bring her whole head underwater. As she did a cascade of glossy, black beetles descended from her hair and along the side of the bath sending the slaves scampering.

When Hilda finally arrived downstairs she looked like a vastly different woman than the one from the prison. Her long, flowing black hair was no longer matted and greasy and her complexion looked healthy, like after she'd snacked on the guard but without the blood. The long black and white dress she wore complemented her look perfectly, an effect that was greatly diminished when she came closer and it was obvious the black wasn't her dress but instead the scores of beetles that used to make their home in her hair.
The only thing out of place is that she still wears her spiked gauntlet, even though it's been cleaned and polished to a sheen.

She then took a chair across from the bishop, oblivious to Araton's gallantry.

It is a class skill for me, but I'm not sure what to replace nor do I think it would fit Hilda who never left her hometown until she was arrested.
Maybe later when I free up skill points via advanced weapon training.

As for skill progression:
+1 Acrobatics
+1 Diplomacy
+1 Intimidate
+1 Perception
+1 Use Magic Device

In the end decided to grab at least 1 more level of Fighter. Feat I'm still not sure on.
How are options for downtime/crafting?

As for gear, I really need to get myself some heavier armor. Preferably a breastplate atm as medium armor doesn't slow me down.

Hilda looked curiously at both manor and the slaves. "Never seen a slave before. Why did you become slaves? Doesn't sound like a fun job at all. Maybe I need a bath, and some new clothes, but my hair is fine." It was, in fact, greasy, stringy and a straight up mess, "The beetles don't like water."

"But can you get me anything? Then I really want some good clay, the fine stuff they use to make porcelain. I want a new mask. I smashed the old one when I thought they were coming for me because of the killing." She grinned, as if it was a good memory. "Ooh, and some beef. I always liked beef but it was too expensive. Only ever ate it at new year. Just sear the outside, for the flavor, inside is best raw."

Not quite done levelling up Hilda yet.

Not sure which feat to pick and also not 100% on whether I want to stick with Fighter. Looking at dipping Brawler (mostly for Brawler's Cunning) or possibly going Sword-Devil Ranger. The latter would be even better if it'd be possible to eventually retrain my Fighter levels into that.

It is nice yeah. Makes me rethink my initial idea for further mechanical character development, especially since Ceres also covers the grappling and unarmed.

Still want to get myself a Split-blade Sword. Just like the idea of a Worm that walks with an angelic blade. (Didn't put it in the armory of the prison since I figured it's too exotic and expensive)

When the toad dropped, more or less in two halves, Hilda turned to Tawg. "Now, let's get you patched up a bit more."

With that she picked a single beetle from her hair and placed it on Tawg's bare skin while chanting some words that sounded more like gibberish than anything else. When she was done a sickly green light came from the beetle as it melted away into Tawg's skin.

Personal twist on CLW
CLW on Tawg: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Seeing the massive toad and hearing the thing is notorious enough to have a name, Hilda sighed as she drew her great sword. "Stupid beasty. If you just waited there would have been dog and guard for you to eat. Now you have to die."

She closed the distance with the toad and then lunged for it.

Move To toad
Standard Power Attack toad
Attack: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 6 - 1 = 24 Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (5, 1) + 9 = 15
Confirm: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 6 - 1 = 25 Extra Crit Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (6, 6) + 9 = 21
So 36 damage total. Probably a dead toad

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Hilda follows the others, not having any experience with greenery beyond the weeds and trees that grew in her old graveyard home and in the temple garden.

"Hmm, once we cross I might be able to patch you up some more Tawg. Assuming you don't mind the bugs."

Just an fyi, I'm stuck with a Covid infection at the moment. I'm recovering quite well but I'm not quite there yet.

I'll back into the game asap, but that might not be quite yet.

"Run! We need to get out of here, now!" Then Hilda followed her own advice and ran after the ogre.

Ful-round Run action, moving 90 ft in a straight line after Grumblejack. Lose Dex to AC for this round (so AC 15)

Hilda just keeps running, though she does look back to see if all are keeping up.

Double move another 60 ft, sticking to the southern wall as much as possible.

Hilda just kept on running, though she did grab her bow while doing so. Just in case she'd need it in a bit.

Double Move 60' around the bend and past Grumblejack. Drawing longbow while moving

Hilda snarled as an arrow finally made it past her armor and her luck. When the guards then came running in the snarl turned to a grin.

She started running out the gate, blowing raspberries at the approaching guards.

Double move Move 60'north

Hilda turns to their two big guys, "Can you two get that bar from the door? For you two together it should be just a twig."

She then turns her attention to the bloody pulp that was Blackerly or, more accurately, to his sword, "This one looks nice. Quality thing I think. Should prove useful against any further guards."

As several hits miss her or just hit armor a wide grin appeared on Hilda's face. It looked like the universe wanted her to get out of here, or at least perish in a more spectacular fashion.

With everyone else piling in on the sergeant Hilda grunts, "Why do I always have to share the nice things? Oh well."

She swings her great sword at Blackerly again, using as much space for the swing as she can.

Standard Attack Blackerly, with Power Attack this time
Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 2 - 1 = 21 Damage: 2d6 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (6, 4) + 6 + 3 = 19

The bigger question: why open it? Unless the mechanisms for the front door are there.

I keep forgetting I have Power Attack available.

"You are no fun!" She starts moving towards Blackerly, drawing her greatsword as she does. She moves past the guard that she tried to enchant before, wholly ignoring him.

When close enough to the sergeant she attacks him with the large blade.

Move in front of Blackerly, drawing greatsword. I think I provoke from the guard.
Standard Attack Blackerly
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 3) + 6 = 11
Crit confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 extra crit damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 3) + 6 = 12

Seeing the guards and the sergeant a grin appears on Hilda's face. "Lovely place you have here." She then turns to the guard next to Blackerly. "Kill the sergeant, would you?"

Move Move between the doors
Standard Cast Murderous Command on guard next to Blackerly. DC 14 Will save or it makes a melee attack against closest ally on it's next turn.

What is the brown area the sergeant is on? Is that still normal ground or is it something else?

As the guards appear to be more confused than anything Hilda knocks another arrow. Hopefully her aim is better this time.

Standard Attack guard with bow
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23 Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8
Bonus was too low last time, mistake on sheet (+2 BAB and 15 Dex should be +4)

Seems none of us has any luck with the bows.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Hilda joins the others outside, bow in hand.

There she draws her bow, a bigger one than the one she had used to hunt rabbits in the graveyard, and waits for the signal. Once that comes she let's the arrow fly towards the guards.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Ah, my original idea was to go out of the window we made and shoot from there, possibly before heading out.

That way we could soften up one group of archers from an angle they don't know we're coming from as we killed the only guards that know of that route.

If we need 2 tables, why not offer a (partial) distraction while the door breaking group heads out first?

We should be able to "safely" shoot at those on the western walls. All it requires is Darkvision and Bow proficiency. If we manage to drop 1 or 2 that's bonus.

I do agree on the Bless though, I want to get rid of my magic block :)

Seeing the environment near the window is safe, Hilda removes the blockade on the inside.

What is the lighting situation? Would we be in the darkness at the window right now or are there still torches/lanterns there? Trying to figure out if those of us that can see in the dark can shoot at the western archers from the cover of darkness.

Hilda peeks outside over Araton's shoulders, spotting the guards on the walls. She then heads back to where they had blockades the "window" and peeks outside once more before then rushing to the kitchen to check the garden door. If the guards wanted to use this moment for an ambush she'd ruin it for them.

While the other talked Hilda peered outside into the darkness, carefully avoiding any light that might shine through the window. She checks out both the walls the guards fired from and the lighting illuminating the area.

She talks, though mostly to herself "Need to get rid of the lights. If they can't see us, they can't hit us. Not very well at least."

Like Araton, Hilda quickly moves through the window. Inside she moves towards the closest light source there, waiting for the rest to move in so she can douse it. After all, they could see in the darkness while the guards could not.

I wish I had my magic so I could spam Create Water on exposed torches outside.

Seeing the guard and the dog Hilda sighs. When will they learn? They didn't need to die, if only they stayed out of the way. But no, they all insisted to throw themselves on their blades. It was wasteful. Oh well, at least one of her fellow gravediggers would have work he'd be paid for.

She rushed out, first aiming at the dog, using one of her two beloved gauntlets.

Surprise round
Charge at the dog, using spiked gauntlet to attack
Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 2 = 18 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
-2 AC until my next turn, so round 1

Once she arrived at the scene she drew her new toy and swung again, aiming at the dog once more.

Round 1
Move draw great sword
Standard attack dog
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 2) + 6 = 11

I Think Tawg beat you to the ring Araton

Hilda, still untouched by sword or fire, moves to the warden's belongings at some speed. She grabs a spell component pouch and one of the man's silk gowns. Sure, it didn't look like much but there were plenty of seamstresses who could use the great fabric to make a thing of beauty. She never had a silk gown before.

Does the stairwell go up beyond this level?

Hilda follows Tawg into the room, drawing her great sword. Upon seeing the warden she lets out a somewhat raspy laugh, "It's another old man that is responsible for our torture here? Reminds me of home."

Move double move to get closer, should get me parallel with Grengar

Seeing the flaming orb Hilda instead decides to wait a bit longer. "Not going to get myself fried" She whispers, not intending to give away her presence.

Doesn't matter for the results here, but Hilda actually has a +6 initiative, she has the Improved Initiative feat. I'll get to updating the banner thingy now.

Hilda nodded after seeing Ceres' state. "You should rest yeah. Perhaps send the ogre up instead of Tawg? Wouldn't really mind if that big lug bites it but Tawg is fun."

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Besides, the ogre feels appropriate with that Shrek clip

Hilda grins at the open hostility from the guards. She got to test her new toy and so quickly already!

She drew her new, large blade as she moved in and then swung the blade with both hands.

Move close with guard that isn't grappled and drawing greatsword.
Standard Attack guard
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 5) + 6 = 12

Hilda looked at all the books with a degree of amazement. She'd never seen so many in the same place. "I'm not sure on that. While I'm not much of a reader myself but there is something sacred about a place like this. If I could choose one thing to keep standing in this damned place it's this room. Even if it's only so we can come back and claim all the knowledge in here at some later moment."