Jzero Katzu's page

Jzero will join the scrum forming around Velrek and attack each Ghoul.

Unarmed: 1d10 ⇒ 4
Wild, Ace: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8
Modifier: +1 (monk bonus) - 2 MAP
Result = 6 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 7

Unarmed Damage: 1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + (3) = 6
unarmed Raise Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 5
AP 2 (monk)
If the attack achieves a raise, the target is made distracted or vulnerable (bold = attacker's choice), even if no damage was done or if damage was soaked.

Unarmed: 1d10 ⇒ 7
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Modifier: +1 (monk bonus) - 2 MAP
Result = 7 + 1 - 2 = 6

Unarmed Damage: 1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + (4) = 12
unarmed Raise Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 8
AP 2 (monk)
If the attack achieves a raise, the target is made distracted or vulnerable (bold = attacker's choice), even if no damage was done or if damage was soaked.

It means he can activate his smite ability on the same turn he decides to use it, which will probably happen if he encounters an enemy that seems capable of taking a lot of damage, like those with high toughness.

I always put it in, although I think it only matters if an opponent is wearing certain types of armor.

Jzero decides to start simple and just attack the closest one with a punch to see how tough they are.

Unarmed + Ace: 2d10 ⇒ (10, 4) = 14
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Modifier: +1 (monk bonus)
Result = 14 + 1 = 15

Unarmed Damage + d6 ace: 1d8 + 2d6 ⇒ (7) + (6, 2) = 15
unarmed Raise Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 9
AP 2 (monk)

If the attack achieves a raise, the target is made distracted or vulnerable (bold = attacker's choice), even if no damage was done or if damage was soaked.

Sounds good regarding the activate powers process.

Two rounds before going in, Jzero uses his newly developed mystic powers to boost his vigor by 1 die (d10 to d12) for 5 rounds at cost of 2 PP. The round before entering, he activates deflection for 5 rounds at cost of 2 PP. 6 PP left. Deflection subtracts 2 from melee attacks against him.

Jzero's ready for action. Just give him an action to activate one of his powers before we bust in.

Keep things moving, is my choice. You can even roll for me, particularly if you don't want to notify us that there is something to notice. I've got prewritten dicebot text for all my Traits on my profile.

I can see the map now. I added the link to Jzero's header to make it quicker to reach.

Let me know if there is anything I need to keep in mind when activating Jzero's mystic powers. There is not roll to activate a power, but I assume it is an action per power.

I could not access the map. I sent a PM with instructions on what to change in the sharing setting.

I do not have my books and will not have access to them again until I get home. I can take a generic increase if you want me to get it taken care of this week, or when I get back I can look things over and let you know what I take. Let me know your preference. I am fine with having to make the choice now so that the game moves smoothly, but it would be nice to look things over fully.

Here is the text of the Rogue Seasoned Edge:

TRAP SENSE
REQUIREMENTS: Seasoned, Rogue
Rogues are adept at spotting and defeating all but the most clever snares and traps. They get a Notice roll anytime a detectable trap is about to be sprung within 5” (10 yards). They must have line of sight to the trap and can’t be Shaken or Stunned. This works generally like Danger Sense but applies only to mechanical and magical traps.
Traps are fully described on page 156.
If the trap is detected and may be Evaded, the rogue and anyone she warns ignores 2 points of Evasion penalties to do so. If the trap can’t normally be Evaded, anyone warned may Evade at the usual −2 penalty.
Disarming Traps: Rogues with Trap Sense ignore up 2 points of Thievery penalties when attempting to disarm traps.

In the Savage Worlds version of Pathfinder, each character class has an edge for each of the experience categories (Novice, Seasoned, Veteran, and Heroic), so if we are leveling up to Seasoned, we are all likely going to take those (Seasoned) edges (it's not required, but no other class can take these edges, so it makes sense to do so as soon as possible).

The monk seasoned edge gives Jzero some mystic powers that work like spells. I'll add the details to his profile. They are Boost Trait (limited to certain traits), Deflection, Smite, and Speed. He gets 10 dedicated power points for these. These have the self only limitation (but not PP reduction for this). Monks don't have to make an activation roll; they automatically activate their powers. If they want the benefit of a raise, they spend 2 PP.

I have a question about the following house rule: Martial Artist and Martial Warrior also increase Parry by 1 (each).

SWPF does not have these edges. Martial Artist is basically the novice Monk edge with some other effects. They never get the bonus provided by the SWADE Martial Warrior Edge. They can add Bruiser if they have the Brawler edge; Bruiser does the same as Martial Warrior without the additional bonus to the Fighting Skill. So do they get any bonus(es) to parry? Could a monk qualify for the Martial Warrior edge from SWADE?

Edit: In considering the answer to the question regarding Parry, take into account that Jzero now has the Deflection Power, which subtracts from rolls to hit him by -2 to -6 depending on modifiers and raises.

The Paizo extension I was using seems to be caput for now. It had a feature that allowed a particular PC to always load in the "Post as" dropdown box. Since that has stopped working, I've sometimes forgotten to reset the "Post as" selection to the game's PC. You may want to mark as inactive Arabella in the Players and Characters tab. You can also make inactive my main profile, Clebsch73 in the Character tab. Thanks.

I predict a corn maze (maize?) with undead or construct monsters. Just like the county fair (in hell!).

"Let's get to that farm. If Mr. Brodert is correct about this ancient civilization being focused on those deadly sins, I perhaps see the start of a pattern. The couple in the mill could be exhibiting lust. The gang that was murdered were con men, which probably includes several vices. And this farmer's poverty could be the result of sloth, just not working as hard as he could. His family may have been turned into these walking dead monsters. We should hurry."

Jzero is willing to investigate as the culprits sound the same as the previous two murders. He asks the sheriff for a brief account of the farm in question. "Does this farm have a known history that might help us be prepared? Who owns it? Any history of such strange events?"

Jzero suggests the following. "I believe it is a sound assumption that killer is connected to someone in town. Magicians can summon evil creatures to do their bidding, so we should not assume the creature who committed the crimes is an abiding resident of the area. With that in mind, I suggest we spend time getting to know as many people in Sandpoint as we can. We try to notice those with characteristics of employers of magic. We also seek newcomers who arrived shortly before murders started. We, of course, don't say anything about the murders or that we are investigating them. We are just being friendly and looking for ways we can be of help."

In game mechanics terms, I believe this is a gather information action (Pathfinder) or Networking (SW).

Jzero will also ask if Brodert had any interactions with Nualla or Ameiko's brother Tsuto.

"Has anyone recently talked to you about this Thassalion or their runes?"

"We have found it in two places. It is connected to both the goblin attacks and recent crimes.

"That was disturbing," Jzero comments as they walk away, outside the sanitarium. "I have concerns about that man. He seemed agitated that we were present. I would like to know more about his history and has qualifications as one who treats those with disturbed minds."

"I believe we should consult that expert on runes to learn what we can about this strange symbol that we've found carved on each victim."

"The mentally disturbed cannot be held responsible for irrational outbursts of violence. I am more concerned as to why he said what he said to our friend. It suggests the one responsible for ... all this is trying to make it appear he is connected to this 'master'. I do not believe he has any connection to him, so perhaps the 'master' is someone in town who has seen us and wants to cause us trouble."

Jzero did not promise to keep mum about the attack, merely implied he did not think anyone would hold the asylum caretakers responsible. He is sincere in this belief.

Common Knowledge: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Not a crit fail, so that's something.

So far today, no problems.

Jzero tries to restrain the madman.

Athletics: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Wild + Ace: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 3) = 9

Healing: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Ho boy!

Jzero asks, "Did you know any of the murdered gang when they were alive?"

It took me about a half hour to make my last post, with the system hanging up constantly. I got several aces. There was a preliminary post that ended up as a regular post which I deleted, so the dice algorithm may be skewed.

Jzero keeps composed and adds with quiet urgency. "If your expertise can help us keep the witness calm, we may be able to learn the identity of a murderer."

Persuasion, 2 aces: 3d4 ⇒ (4, 4, 4) = 12
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 2

GM Suggestion: Go to the Campaign Tab and click on the edit option. Put the link to the map in the section labeled "Short Description" Put it at the very top. That will then show up at the top of the gameplay tab and make it accessible without going off the gameplay tab to get to the campaign material (the stuff in the "Full Description" box.

It is even better in the GM header. I have usually created separate "character" for each game I'm GM for, so the GM posts don't intermingle and it's easier to search my GM posts.

Some GM's use the same "character for all games" but they put map links in the header but with a short label so players know which one to use.
Something like "Maps: Necessary Evil, Pathfinder, Firefly" with each game label also a link to the appropriate map.

I only mention this because when the link is at the top and the gameplay page is mostly full, people have to scroll all the way to the top to get to the link and then all the way back to the bottom. It's not a big time commitment, but it is so much faster to go to the last GM post instead.

Jzero studies the tiefling without reacting negativity, as his training has encouraged him to avoid passing judgment on people and situations. Instead he clear his mind and feels what he feels.

I have added the link to Jzero's header as before, since it takes a couple of clicks to get to the map link in the Campaign Page.

Healing: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 5

I think that's over a dozen rolls without an ace. Still a basic success.

"Perhaps we should first consult expert on runes. This strange symbol was important to Nualla and now we find it here. We can do that after we talk to person in hospital."

Sorry to be late in posting this. We had some plumbing problems last two days.

Before leaving the area, Jzero looks around the exterior of the mill, looking for footprints or other indications of what happened.

Notice: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Survival: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Unskilled, Occult: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Modifier: -2 (unskilled)

Jzero shifts his face covering and takes a moment to compare the smells on the corpses to the smell on the axe and sawdust, curious if he can identify what would smell like that.

Notice: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Survival: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Unskilled, Occultism: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Modifier: -2 (unskilled)

After that he goes outside and talks to the owner and the man who found the body.

"What put you in a position to find the ... tragic events?"

Might be a good idea to tuck that medallion in side his shirt.

Jzero looks closely at Mr. Harker's body after Velrek is done. He senses the grisly sight is affecting his friend. Jzero's monastery training at one point required he spend several days in a morgue meditating with dead bodies present, as a way to be mindful of the present reality without letting such things as death be a distraction.

Notice: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Survival: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Occultism, Unskilled: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Modifier: -2 (unskilled)

Is the man who found the bodies available to question. Also, is the owner of the mill available, if it is not the same person who found the body. Jzero would like to ask about whether the two deceased were working at the mill or had some other reason to be there or if as far as was known the mill was empty when it closed for the night.

Do we get an advance for concluding the first book?

Jzero wraps a damp cloth around his mouth and nose to diminish the smell. After everyone has studied the sawdust for footprint clues, he kneels and sifts through the sawdust, shifting it this way and that with his hand, looking for anything that the sawdust might be covering.

Notice: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Wild, Ace: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 4) = 10
Result = 6 + 4 = 10

Survival: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Result = 4

Occultism, default: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Modifier: -2 (unskilled)
Result = 2 - 2 = 0

Jzero has no big plans. He is happy to live at the Dragon and do odd jobs to get by, spend time with Ameiko as he can without being a nuisance. Eventually, if nothing else keeps him in town, he will want to travel and look for his father. ... but obviously there will be more adventures to be had in the area.

On his date with Ameiko, Jzero inquires politely about her presence so far from her homeland. He shares his own story as appropriate.

Jzero's story: He is newly arrived in Sandpoint on a boat from Minkai. Jzero is a novice monk but he was raised in Minkai first as an orphan adopted by a monastery. His features betray some non-local ancestry which caused him to be unadoptable. Eventually he was adopted by Rodica Saftoiu, an oracle from Magnimar living in Akafuto. She was in Minkai because she was kidnapped and sold into slavery there. She earned her freedom and took pity on the half-blood orphan (Jzero) and adopted him. She taught Jzero Inner Sea common and brought him with her when she returned to Magnimar. Before leaving, Jzero's martial arts master gave him a mission to seek his (Jzero's) father in the Inner Sea realm. Once his adopted mother was well settled working for a Minkai diplomatic post there, Jzero left to wander and search for his father or family members who knew his father.

Jzero agrees to Ameiko's suggestion, adding that they should do this the next day that it appears it will be clear at sunset and when she is not needed at the inn.

Jzero continues doing what he always does, looking for himself. He offers to help anyone needing physical labor. He also makes a regular visit to Ameiko, spending what few coins he can earn at such labors to buy lunch or at least leave a tip. He hopes to get to know her better. Eventually, he gets up the courage to invite her on a date, a walk in the woods or to a place of natural beauty nearby.

Persuasion: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Edit I reread past events and made some changes to this original post.

Jzero confirms what Velrek said, but gives the sheriff the journal kept by Nualla, which Jzero summarizes, saying, "This might clear up some events that took place in the past. The one referred to as the demon woman was named Nualla. Her journal claims she was adopted as an orphan to the priest of local cathedral. She had some aasimar ancestry, which apparently made her childhood difficult. She got pregnant by some local lad, but the child turned out to be a monster. It had something to do with those catacombs we explored near the glassworks where the child was conceived. It may be what Evesk identified as a Runewell, which has some connection to the evil god Nualla worshiped."

Jzero pauses a moment, then continues.

"It appears she locked the priest in his temple and burned it to the ground. She escaped and eventually came up with a plan to use the goblins to attack the city and get revenge on everyone for mistreating her. She had a relationship with Ameiko's brother Tzuto. It would appear all the ones responsible for the tragic events of late have been dispatched. Things should settle down now."

Jzero has much to say about finding 'nothing,' that being a major part of his religion, but he has come to understand that people in this place are not interested in such things. "We encountered goblins as expected, and more. Perhaps we should tell our stories in private. Some news might cause people to worry about something that may be nothing."

Jzero clears his throat loudly as the Barghest is mentioned, interupting to say, "Let's not get into things we don't understand completely. Best we tell the sheriff first. We don't want to cause unnecessary worry. The main thing is the goblin threat is over. Let's celebrate that for now."

Jzero blushes a bit when Ameiko addresses them. "We discovered a nest of goblins at Thistletop, as expected. Deep within the fortress was the one responsible for organizing the goblins to attack the city, a woman who apparently grew up here in Sandpoint, a foundling named Nuala raised by the local cleric. Her journal reveals she was not treated well and went mad and ... well ... best not to share these details just yet. She sought revenge against Sandpoint and organized the goblins to attack. She attacked us using powers apparently granted to her by an evil god, but we killed her and located documents detailing her crimes. We'll deliver them to the sheriff. After that, some food would be nice."

Jzero wants to help, but will not protest the decision to return to Sandpoint. He is not blood-thirsty, just not above using violence to protect innocents from violence.

"The Dryad claimed they knew her secret and that made her unsafe. I do not understand these creatures and what she meant by that. Does anyone?"

Whether the group pursues the lizard folk escapee, Jzero looks at the gear of the fallen for anything of value.

Jzero thanks Thorfinn for the healing.

"If we make her safe, that is enough. We don't need her reward. We could dump body by this tree. Maybe she sees it and feels safer."

Jzero scans the ground, hoping to pick up a trail.

Survival: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Who was Thorfinn healing?

"Let's track that one that got away, so she is no in further danger," Jzero says.

Jzero will throw a shuriken at one of the fleeing lizardmen.

Shuriken: 1d8 ⇒ 3
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Modifiers: +2
Result = 5 + 2 = 7

Shuriken Damage: 1d8 + 1d4 ⇒ (8) + (2) = 10
Damage Ace: 1d8 ⇒ 5
Raise Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

On the following round he throws another.

Shuriken: 1d8 ⇒ 1
Wild, ace: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8

Shuriken Damage: 1d8 + 1d4 ⇒ (1) + (2) = 3
Raise Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Notice, Ace, Ace: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 5) = 17
Wild, Ace: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11
Modifiers: -2 (GM imposed)
Result = 17-2= 15
Wow! Just Wow! Jzero ought to notice the answer to life and the universe at least, if not everything.