Isteván's page

Ernst Lepp
Human, Apprentice Cleric, Artifice and Knowledge domains

Physically, Ernst is nothing to write home about, but he's clever, affable, and hard-working. ...

Okay, I don't have much more time to look at this today, but it looks like Billybrainpan had the same idea, so I'll defer to them.

Have fun with this one, looks like it will be a great campaign!

Just reading the details about Abarin, and I like the idea of a priestly character dedicated to engineering. I'll roll some dice and see if I have time today to put together a character.

4d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 5, 2) = 11 10
4d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 5, 6) = 19 16
4d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 6, 4) = 21 17
4d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 6, 4) = 14 12
4d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 4, 4) = 11 10
4d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 3, 5) = 11 10

Not too shabby!

4d6 8

4d6 18
4d6 11
4d6 11
4d6 4
4d6 9

Ive made some bad rolls...

But i dont think ive ever seen stat rolls this bad.
A fricken 4!

Now there's your Raistlin!

Luckily (?) I only have the Core Rulebook, but it's also been a while since I've played PF1, so let's see how much time I have to put together a character today...

4d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 3, 3) = 9 8
4d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 5, 4) = 21 17
4d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 5, 6) = 19 16
4d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 5, 6) = 15 14
4d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 3, 3) = 13 10
4d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 2, 6) = 15 14

Well... that's pretty good

Speaking of "classic," I might go Elven Ranger

Have a great trip! (sounds like a lot of fun!!)

Good catch!! I did not see that.
Yup, the link Aeshuura posted works

Let's see if this works

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1bURS_9NVWxtah--P6TuItbAt4KbxlMgF_1f WwdNTU7U/edit?usp=sharing

Yeah, sorry, same issue as before.

So, two things to suggest:
1) I note that the format code you have is "url=maps" and I think what you want is "url=https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1bURS_9NVWxtah--P6TuItbAt4KbxlM gF_1f WwdNTU7U/edit?usp=sharing"

2) For the Google Slides, maybe Sharing needs to be set to "Anyone with the link" ?

Is the map working for everyone?

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1bURS_9NVWxtah--P6TuItbAt4KbxlMgF_1f WwdNTU7U/edit?usp=sharing

Looks like the URL code redirects to the wrong spot (goes to: https://paizo.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/Store.woa/wa/DirectAction/map) -- or at least, it just goes to Paizo for me.

But also, if I copy the Google Docs link, I get a "page not found" error.

We also buried my uncle while I was away -- hope you are doing alright.

May his memory be a blessing.

I'm 48!
But yeah, I definitely had to work up to it -- I carried a heavy pack around while walking the dog every day for a couple of months. Unfortunately, I live where it's flat, so mountains were pretty challenging.

My sister's been doing sections in the US for a few years now, but this time we went to the portion in Quebec, since it's near where we grew up. It's much less travelled than the American bits, but absolutely gorgeous.

I'm back!
Nine days hiking the Appalachian Trail with my sister -- luckily, we are at about the same skill level. We only saw two other hikers and they were going about twice our pace (around 23 miles/day, whereas we were doing 12) -- I'd never have been able to keep up with them!

Hope all is going well for everyone, and DM Brainiac's work is calming down. Burnout is really s@*!ty -- that's where I was last fall.

As Clancy, I'm really enjoying this, so whenever you have time for it works for me. Take care!

Hey gang,
I'll be away for the next three weeks -- about half of that time, I will be hiking, so definitely no internet access. Please bot Istevan as needed!

Nice! I'll add the +4 to my rolls for now, and GM can add the extra +3 if they stack.

Istevan's look of indecision fades quickly as Azazel's minions move in to attack. He instinctively moves to protect himself and his friends:

Longsword: 1d20 + 1d5 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (20) + (5) + 1 + 4 = 30
Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 + 4 = 11

Oh damn! That's Istevan's first crit!

Crit: 1d16 ⇒ 1 = Herculean blow

Extra Crit damage: 2d12 ⇒ (8, 8) = 16

So... 27 damage (or 30, if the bonuses stack)
I'd like to say that was against Azazel, but I imagine he's hiding behind his followers

Istevan scratches his temple: "Yeeah... I'm confused. Carnifex does seem evil (no offense), but still somehow more trustworthy than Azazel. All the same, maybe we should crack those jewels after all?"

"Personally, I've not yet finished with my suffering through this life. Thanks, though.
Azazel's thataway, if you've unfinished business with him."

Nice rolling, Degan!

Istevan backs out of the way as the woman emerges, remaining on the defensive while allowing her a clear way out of the room.

"No problem. If you don't mind our asking: who are you and why were you in there?"

Unsure how to be useful, Istevan stands defensively near the edge of the water, trying to keep an eye on both the stone and the entrance to the chamber.

"Well, nice to know that Azazel is saying he imprisoned Carnifex on his own... Or... wait -- "sacrifice of four noble lives"? If that's truly Azazel above, it seems like his life wasn't sacrificed at all. How did he escape the binding when these other three died?"

Istevan shrugs: "I don't know where that leaves us, though. I mean, if we destroy the jewels, presumably Carnifex then emerges from this tomb. Even if Azazel is telling the truth, we're then caught in the crossfire between these... what are we calling these things -- demigods?"

Istevan shrugs again, hoping wiser minds puzzle it out. Then, with a wry grin, half-jokingly snarks: "I suppose we could complete Azazel's sacrifice and see what that does."

Istevan's skepticism vanishes: "Oh yeah -- good point, Mirinde. I definitely don't want to be fighting a death cult on two fronts."

@GM: Is it possible to access the stairs without crossing the line of candles? If so, Istevan will head in that direction.

Aren't these the jewels that we have to break?

"So..." Istevan hesitates, adjusting and readjusting his grip on his sword nervously, "We just, um, smash those jewels?"

"To be honest, Mirinde, this whole thing has seemed like a trap from the beginning. I just don't know which direction the danger's going to come from -- that's what worries me most..."

I should have grabbed a javelin from one of those dead cultists...

Istevan continues to keep a wary eye on Azazel's followers, while quickly packing up: "Sounds fine to me, Azazel of the Light. Lead the way."
And, muttering mostly to himself: "and then lets get paid and get the hell out of here..."

No worries!

I am back at home, so I should be able to post more frequently

Istevan half-heartedly tries to refuse Clancy's ministrations: "Oh, I'm fine really... well, if you don't think Justicia will mind..."

Healing: 2d12 ⇒ (4, 5) = 9
Istevan back up to full HP!

Istevan thanks Clancy and Justicia, before settling in to his watch. Recommending if possible that they set up in a corner or against a wall. He's grateful for Azazel's help, but he still doesn't fully trust him (or, more specifically, does not trust his minions).

Istevan nods his assent: "yeah, I don't know if it's this place or what, but I don't trust anything we meet down here."

Istevan offers to take first watch, letting the casters get their sleep.

If we regain a HP, then Zathra will be at 13 damage, and Istevan at 8 damage. I'm not sure how much you want to risk the dice -- 8 damage means Istevan still has 28 HP...

Sorry for the slow posting -- I will be away in May, and I'm desperately trying to finish up my work before I leave. I should have internet access while I'm out of town, but feel free to bot me as needed.

Finally, Istevan lowers sword and board: "Whew! Well, thank Justicia for that. Sorry, Azazel, but it's a strange place and, so far, everyone's been quite unwelcoming."

Istevan is happy to rest, if it's safe. He's taken 9 damage out of 36, but I think Zathra is the more injured (not that Clancy should risk spellcasting right now!).

Istevan glances at Clancy, hoping the cleric has some insight about the nature of this creature.

Lowering his shield slightly, Istevan points his sword at Azazel: "That sounds good, but I have questions. Like how do we know that destroying the jewels won't just release Carnifex, since you seem to be in league with these... er... cultists. Like, your powerful enough to take on a goddess, but not to breaks some gems that you created? Your story's full of holes, mate, and I'm not even the smart one in the group. Maybe we just find these rubies and sell them, yeh?"

A grateful Istevan nods his thanks to Mirinde and Degan for their support, but remains on guard in the face of this newcomer: "And what cause is that?" he calls out from behind his shield. Turning his head slightly to catch Clancy's eye, he mouths "Of the Light?"

Keeping his shield between himself and the cultists, Istevan bounces back to his feet: "Okay, good one. But you see what happened to your buddy, right? That's you next."

I think I have to use my action to stand up, right?

As he manages to parry or block three attacks with his shield, Istevan is almost surprised when a fourth spear scrapes along his arm: "Ugh. Godsdammit." Setting his teeth grimly, he strikes out at the cultist who struck him:

Longsword: 1d20 + 1d5 + 1 ⇒ (17) + (2) + 1 = 20
damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 1 = 10

"Ugh, you lot again. You know, you're really making the case for 'attack first, ask questions later.'"

Istevan stumbles his way forward, over roots and broken ground.

Double move to get within melee

Istevan kicks a tone in the direction of the figures, calling out softly: "Hey! What team are you playing for?"

I hope the intention is to rest and relax, and that it's a good trip!

Istevan does his best to appear sanguine -- certainly, the three freshly dead cultists at his feet do not appear to bother him -- but something about the use of human parts as tools has him feeling slightly ill. Or maybe it's just the smell of rat fat. Yeah... definitely the rats.

"Well! This is, er... exciting. Shall we see what they were... I assume trying to summon?"

Shouldering his way into melee with the remaining cultists, Istevan takes a swing at the one Zathra injured:
Longsword: 1d20 + 1d5 + 1 ⇒ (8) + (4) + 1 = 13
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 = 12

"You doing alright, Zath'?

"Dammit!" Istevan swears. "Zathra, wait for me!"

Istevan charges out and up the stairs, shaking his head ruefully. I really thought that would work...

Istevan double moves up the stairs.

Picking out the cultist who was drumming, Istevan looses a crossbow bolt:
1d20 + 1d5 - 1 ⇒ (5) + (4) - 1 = 81d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Sure would be great if this warrior ever hit something...

Hopefully, there's some cover offered by the corridor -- I was imagining sort of poking his head out and taking a shot before ducking back into the corridor. If they aren't going to come down the stairs, though, I guess we'll have to rush them.

I'm hoping between the bats and the fighters, they won't notice Degan. The alternative is that we fire at the drum from the corridor, but I think that's Medium range.

Oh! Nevermind -- depending on how you interpret "The stairs rise 30 feet to the balcony" it's either 55' or 85' to the top of the balcony from the corridor (based on some back-of-the-envelope math). Regardless, that's medium range for a javelin but, at most, 5' away from short range for a crossbow.

So, new plan! Let's take a first round shooting at the drum (by anyone who has a crossbow) before we charge in. Maybe we'll be able to draw them out far enough that we can run up to them in a single round.

Okay, this sounds like a plan -- Mirinde and bats create a distraction; Istevan and Zathra can run for the stairs; Degan can shoot at the drum (Degan has a crossbow, right?)

"Well... I guess we won't be able to surprise them on approach -- or approach them without having javelins thrown at us -- but an arrow or dagger through that drum should at least delay or halt whatever ritual they are performing."

Since they are pretty far away and it sounds like maybe there isn't much cover between the corridor and the cultists, we'll have to be exposed if we want to do anything (or, at least, anything non-magical). Istevan's not particularly self-sacrificing, but he could run out until he's within range for his crossbow, shoot, and either run back (assuming they are close enough to do that) or keep going toward them; or double-move toward them, which would get him to the bottom of the stairs. I would like to disable that drum, though, even if we aren't attacking them.

Istevan rolls his shoulders and gets ready to move north. He takes a half step before turning back to the others and whispering: "So... just so I'm sure: we're not planning to parlay with these ... I assume cultists? Like, we wanna go in with swords and fire? Or should we investigate first?"

and by 'fire' I mean I have some lamp oil and / or holy water...

Mirinde, can you communicate with the bats? Like, can they spy on whatever is making the noise and report back, or is that too sophisticated? If not, Istevan will lead the way through the doorway to the north (though it sounds like we're about to interrupt a ceremony...)

Following Degan up the vines, Istevan will also try to figure out if the drumming is coming from the north or south: "I don't much like the idea of leaving someone behind us... If your bats can tell us which way to look, that would be great."

"Oh!" Istevan hustles after Degan: "I thought you were gonna look for traps..."

"Huh!" Istevan looks impressed. "I'll be honest with you -- I did not think that was going to work."

STR: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

"Let... unh.. go! That's our bat!"

Istevan tugs on a tongue but is unable to break its grasp.

"You mentioned earlier, I think, Mirinde, that perhaps the secret door would only open to the faithful. Perhaps what is required is for one of us to don the holy symbol and eat a wafer? But... perhaps that will also corrupt us in some way?"

"Oh! uh, yeah yeah, sure. No problem."
Istevan scratches his chin, looking sheepish.