Marcus Volso's page

Apologies, I thought I had submitted this already, but it looks like I did not.

Boon?: 1d20 ⇒ 18

Marcus' PFS #: 228480-2

Thank you everyone for a fun game!

Marcus nods his assent. "Let us slay her."

Marcus moves up, maintaining the shield wall with Anthys and protecting Tika.

Move Action: Move
Standard Action: Total Defense +7 cover bonus to AC for Tika

Current AC: 33, 35 vs. Evil

Marcus follows, maintaining the shield wall and bringing Kalia under its protection. As he slides into position, he tosses a dagger to attempt to disrupt the further enemy's attack.

Aid Another vs. Orange, AC 10, Aiding AC w/Covering Fire; Soft Cover, In Combat, Range Penalty, Point Blank Shot, Haste, Bard Song: 1d20 + 10 - 4 - 4 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 10 - 4 - 4 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 7 +6 to AC vs. next attack if successful

Move Action: Move
Standard Action: Total Defense (+7 Cover bonus to Kalia's AC)
Swift Action: use Inspiration to Aid as a swift action vs. Orange.
Free Action: Draw Dagger

AC is 33, 35 vs. Evil

Seeing Kalia hurt, Marcus calls out "Anthys, shift left!"

Marcus can get over and shield her, but needs Anthys adjacent for maximum effect, if he can 5 ft step towards her after his turn.

GM, we'll need a ruling on how or if rings of tactical precision stack.

For purposes of Aid Another, both Anthys and Marcus are wearing Rings of Tactical Precision

Each one gives an untyped +1 to aid checks given or received. It isn't clear if two rings of the same type stack or count as the same source, or whether the bonus boost to give and received would both function even if they were.

Marcus gives +6 to AC aid from this +1 Benevolent Armor, Helpful trait, and Ring of Tactical Precision. Does Anthys get the additional +1 from receiving Aid due to his ring?

Marcus' AC is currently 27, 29 vs. Evil.

As the magical haste sets in, Marcus calls out as he runs up over the rubble. "I'll cover us! Keep together and we'll get them!"

Marcus throws a dagger to attempt to throw the nearest enemy off balance...

Aid AC, Entire Team vs. Purple's next attack, Point-Blank Shot, Bard Song, AC 10: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 14

...but his hand slips.

Standard Action: Tactician to grant Covering Fire for 5 rounds.
Move Action: Move
Swift Action: Inspiration to Aid as Swift Action, AC vs. Purple's next attack.
Free Action: Draw Dagger

Marcus really needs to end adjacent to Anthys for maximum effect. Haste would be huge here, both for all the extra attacks and for getting us into combat if we delay until its cast.

Marcus is probably going to try to give Covering Fire to the team with tactician so he can aid everyone's AC simultaneously with one aid action, but he needs to make sure he's next to Anthys so it depends a little bit on where other people move.

"Of course, after your wounds are treated."

Marcus uses his wand of cure light wounds to heal the party, leaving Tika with a minor bruise and healing everyone else completely.

CLW, Anthys: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
CLW, Anthys: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW, Anthys: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
CLW, Anthys: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

CLW, Kalia: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
CLW, Kalia: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
CLW, Kalia: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
CLW, Claudia: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
CLW, Claudia: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW, Claudia: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
CLW, Tika: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
CLW, Tika: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Use Scroll CL Check, DC 6: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Marcus casts the spell on the group, aligning everyone's weapons. He will drink his Extract of Heightened Awareness.

Marcus frowns silently in the corner. "I believe you should be judged for your actions by the laws of the Grippli, but agree with Anthys that it is appropriate to ask for what leniency they can give if you are sufficiently contrite."

"Kalia, withdraw and I'll block!"

Marcus delays until he sees Kalia's response.

Marcus hurries after Anthys, too slow to get in place before the first attack. He locks into the shield wall, moving to cover Kalia against any follow up attacks, and rapidly slashes out to try and tip the Asura off balance.

Move Up
Total Defense. +7 cover bonus to AC to Kalia.
Spend a point of inspiration to Aid AC as a swift action.
Aid Another vs. AC 10: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 Booo!

AC 34 vs. Evil.

Marcus nods and moves to follow Anthys towards the south.

Does anyone have spare carrying capacity for the armor? Marcus does not, and we can probably come back for it, but if someone's got a bag of holding or something they can tuck it into that would be easiest.

Marcus prays to Abadar, casting Cure Light Wounds against the

Spontaneously cast Cure Light Wounds using Moment of Greatness' spell slot

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Marcus hustles up, defending the leopard with his shield.

Move, Total Defense: +7 cover bonus to AC to the Leopard.

Marcus takes a defensive stance, covering for Claudia's leopard as he throws a poorly-timed dagger to attempt to interfere with one of the snakes. Another dagger snaps almost instantly to hand.

Aid Another AC, Ranged Dagger Throw w/Covering Fire vs. 10 AC, 3rd Range Increment, Point Blank Shot, Bard Song: 1d20 + 10 - 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 10 - 4 + 1 + 2 = 10

Standard action: Total Defense, +7 cover bonus to AC to the leopard.
Move Action: Aid Another
Free Action: Draw Dagger, Quickdraw
Current AC: 32 [+6 from Total Defense, +3 from Shield Wall], 39 vs. Evil

Marcus readies his shield, draws one of his many daggers and nods, taking his place at Anthy's side.

"Where were these fiends uncovered? Were they far from here?" Marcus asks quietly.

"Focus on my voice. You're going to be alright; you're among friends, and it cannot hurt you. Calm...that's it." Marcus squats down next to Kahsu and places a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Diplomacy, Scion of the Lost Empire: 1d20 + 12 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 12 + 3 = 26

"Indeed, and you seem to be in some distress. You were making quite a bit of noise, and we could not but overhear your exhortations regarding fiends while we approached. My friends and I have a great deal of experience dealing with fiends, and none of it pleasant. If you are having difficulties with one, please, allow us to assist."

Diplomacy, Scion of the Lost Empire: 1d20 + 12 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 3 = 32

Marcus speaks Infernal, if that's helpful at all for understanding the raving person.

"They appear to be in some distress, possibly fleeing from some sort of fiend. We should see if they are in need of assistance." Marcus whispers, while preparing to stick close to Anthys.

Not sure if anyone has any buffs or anything they want to cast, but Marcus is ready to see what trouble these people are in. He'll follow Anthy's lead.

Knowledge:History, Scion of the Lost Empire, Inspiration: 1d20 + 6 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 3 + (6) = 24

Marcus nods to the Grippli as a sign of respect.

"Asura in general are evil, dangerous creatures. They are divine accidents, mistakes of the gods given form outside of creation, and are enemies of the gods and creation itself. They thrive in Hell, but are not of it in the same way as Devils."

"Like many outsiders, they vary in power and type. But based on the description, this Parveen may be a truly powerful, unique individual. We must make haste, as I fear great calamity should this being be freed."

I think Marcus is good to go; he'll pray for Endure Elements in place of Remove Fear and Moment of Greatness if we're going to be traveling for some time, to protect himself and one other team member.

Marcus nods a polite greeting to Kalia and Kelson, though his eyebrow raises at the Pseudodragon. "Well met, both of you. I look forward to jorneying with you. Please, if there is anything I can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to ask."

Knowledge:Planes, Scion of the Lost Empire, Inspiration -- What does Marcus know about Asuras?: 1d20 + 7 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 3 + (4) = 31

A short, thin man with dark hair and fine, if drab clothes approaches, eyeing his letter. As he looks up and sees Anthys, a large smile breaks out on his face, and he raises an arm in greeting. "Anthys, old friend! It is good to see you once more. It has been too long since last we met."

@Tak anything that can boost AC (Barkskin and/magic vestment maybe?) Is likely to be much more effective than usual due to the large AC boosts Marcus may provide getting ACs up towards needing 20s to hit.

Marcus may also gift you his ring of Tactical Precision set to shield wall for +3 AC.

Awesome! Hello everyone!

Marcus was part of the teamwork experiment table with Anthys, and is focused around the Aid Other action and teamwork feats. He gives +5 on Aid with his trait and Ring of Tactical Precision, and an extra +1 for attack and AC. He can share his Covering Fire teamwork feat with tactician to allow him to aid the entire team's AC with throwing daggers at range for a minute. He can also aid as a move action, or as a swift action with inspiration.

Marcus also has covering defense, so can grant a cover bonus equal to his shield bonus to an adjacent ally by taking a total defense action. With shield wall, that gives +7. Marcus has most of the same teamwork feats as Anthys, but no solo or fighters tactics so will only be benefiting next to him.

Marcus can also aid caster level checks and concentration checks, if anyone has dispel magic or something else that needs a CL check, and can't be surprised in a surprise round.

Hello! I missed Anthys PM earlier this week, but if there is still room, I would love to join. I've been away from PFS for some time, but recently came back and would love to team up again!

Marcus takes all of this shots, landing all four ringers and smiling with satisfaction as he lands the last shot.

Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

"I'll accompany you, Berato, so long as we make it back for the tournament. I'm not going to want to miss such the opportunity for such an enjoyable contest."

Marcus will accompany Berato, and keep an eye out for anything Berto might have missed.

Aid Another, Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32 +4 to Berato's check, for a total of 39.

Before.
Marcus takes his toss, nodding with satisfaction at the results.
Ranged Touch, Point Blank Shot, Scion: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 23

Marcus notes Vindler heading off, and follows once his dance is done.
"A throwing game? How delightful. I will enjoy giving this my best toss."

Marcus will also join the dance, losing a bit of his normal solemnity as he twirls about with the other guests.

Perform (Dance): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Marcus will stand in line and politely wish Elyin a long and happy marriage. "The life of a pathfinder can be interesting at times. It sounds like that's been no less true for you."

Marcus inhales deeply at the smell of the delicious foods. "Ah, fried fish. Always a delight." He'll go inside get fried fish and honeymead while sticking with his companions to look for a place to sit and eat.

Marcus will shine his Mithral chain shirt and iron his clothes for the occasion. He'll wear his silver shortsword as it is somewhat ornamental, but leave the rest of his pleathora of daggers and shield in his backpack.

Once at the event, he will nod, smile and follow Berato.

"I think that sounds like an excellent idea Berato. I'm looking forward to a peaceful, happy event as a change of pace. This should be quite enjoyable."

Is it ok if Marcus' ring starts out imbued with a feat, or does he have to have an evening in the current mission to do so?

Remove Blindness/Deafness is extremely important when it becomes relevant, but also very situational. Marcus has not really spent much in the way of his Prestige; I think I could get some scrolls and a potion of this that could help cover us. That can free up a spell slot for communal resist energy or a second Magic Vestment.

Remove Curse and Remove Disease are both also situational, but much worse as potions or scrolls because they need a caster level check, so I like that you have those. Marcus can aid that caster level check, which is nifty.

I also retract Marcus' request for Magic Vestment at this time, I think you're right that protecting yourself and/or Vindler is better. I do like the Lesser Metamagic Extend plan, however; Marcus will get one soon.

Correct, the additional +1.

Enchanting yourself is also good, Anthys is so durable there's incentive to try and kill his support, so the tougher we are the better.

Its fine if you don't have the spell slot to spare. The +2 doesn't just boost Marcus though, it boosts anyone he aids (the benevolent armor enchantment make it add its enhancement bonus to any of Marcus' aid AC attempts). That's usually just one or zero people depending on the situation, but can be everyone if Covering Fire is active from Tactician.

Marcus would like Magic Vestment for his armor, if its available. It will increase the bonus to AC he grants from Aid actions due to the benevolent enchantment in addition to protecting Marcus.

Apologies, I've been a bit distracted lately, but I'm here now!

I'm all set and ready to go!

From what I understand, Dispel Magic is a caster level check. I can Aid Another those now, for a +4 CL boost to divine casters and a +2 for Arcane (also, can help with spell penetration checks and any other Caster Level checks). +5 if I'm wearing my Ring or Anthys'.

Glitterdust is super good, but is actually probably best held in reserve for invisible stuff under most circumstances. We usually aren't going to have problems fighting things we can see, so moar blasting!

One of our weak-ish points is going to be repeatable AOE damage. We can all pass pretty much all our saving throws, but until/unless we get evasion somehow it can still wear us down. I see Berato's got communal Protection from Energy, but having Communal Resist Energy could also be very good as an option.

Wall of Fire is a good situational blasting type of option with some versatility. Its a damage over time effect, which makes it bad under certain circumstances but pretty good under others, and is well suited to the endurance nature of our group. Its probably best combined with Communal Resist Energy so we're immune to it, but there's other potential uses like cutting line of sight or putting us in a 25' radius ring where we're taking up the only space not being cooked.

Also, you can put us in a giant fire ring for purposes of epic showdowns, which is just cool.

Marcus purchased a Ring of Tactical Precision, a Benevolent enchantment for his armor, a +1 enchantment on his shield, and upgraded his cloak to +3.

Sharing Lookout has some uses, but its kind of awkward. Marcus is going to be taking a Divine Strategist level, so he can aid Caster Level checks and automatically act in Surprise rounds. Vindler will never not go in a surprise round again as long as we stick together, but it doesn't really share well since you need the Lookout to be shared between Marcus and the other person to get that behavior, and the ring will only share it between Vindler and someone. It might be worth it for Marcus to take Lookout at some point though (level 9?) for this purpose.

Marcus is going to buy a Ring of Tactical Precision and get a Benevolent enchantment on his armor. I'm not certain about where the rest of his money is going yet. He will be taking a fighter level, a cleric level (of Abadar, Divine Strategist) and getting shield focus+covering defense.

Anthys, I think it makes the most sense to have Marcus take your ring at level 9, allowing for me to routinely grant you persistent to hit buffs with Harrying Partners while the boss fight combo of team granting covering fire/harrying partner allows for me to boost everyone by +6 AC. For this level though, I'm open to either taking it or gifting it to someone else to share a feat. I'll be charging my ring with Scion and giving it to either Vindler or Elaril.

I'll look at getting Marcus updated some time tonight.

Looking forward, how would people feel about potentially going a Runestone of Power or Pearl of Power/Rod of Lesser Extend Spell route to have Berato or Vindler provide the base bonuses for our weapons and armor starting at level 9 with Greater Magic Weapon/Magic Vestment? I don't think anyone has upgraded to a +2 weapon or armor piece yet.

Plusses:
--Can get +3 bonus added to weapons and armor for 10/19k Gp each, while allowing for the armor or weapons to get special abilities without blowing out the cost.
--Prayer beads becomes a 45000 gold piece upgrade to upgrade everyone's armor and weapons by an additional +1. That's very efficient cost wise from a team wide perspective, but it would put a large cost burden on a single person. Marcus has low gear requirements in general, so could save for this if we wanted to go this route.
--Extra strong when not under time pressure, because you can buff everyone's equipment, go to sleep then go adventuring with full resources, including all those extra spell slots and potentially Karma beads.

Downsides:
--It really needs Berato and Vindler to take Allied Spellcaster for the +2 caster level boost to get to the +3 amount by level 10 (level 9 with Anointing Oil). The spell penetration effect from that is pretty good though, even independently of anything else.
--Our equipment can be dispelled, though will have a high caster level to defend against that.
--It takes up two 3rd level spell slots from Vindler and a 3rd and 4th level slot from Berato, which are valuable.

Speaking of spellcasting teamwork, Allied Spellcaster is potentially very strong. It is spell penetration that can be buffed by Ring of Tactical Precision. If there's overlap in spells known/memorized, its also a +1 caster level boost (turning into +2 with a Ring of Tactical Precision). That could be really strong with the right spell overlap, but I can't think of too much between the Arcanist and Cleric lists. There's some nice spells that could overlap between Vindler and Berato though, like Magic Vestment or Greater Magic Weapon.

I should have enough to get a ring, which I'm planning to charge with Scion of the Lost Empire and give to Elaril or Vindler. It could be passed around easily for caster level boosts on buffs until we get more of them.

So, for feats, the main choices I'm looking at for Marcus are Shield Specialization+Covering Defense. That lets Marcus take Total Defense actions, getting his AC up to 28 before benefits from Teamwork Feats, while also giving someone else a +5 to +7 AC bonus (depending on how much money we get). He can then still aid AC or attack with a move action.

The other possibility would be to get Harrying Partners if Anthys (or Vindler) are interested. That would let me aid attack rolls for the entire set of iteratives, for +5 or +6 to all of the rolls instead of just the first one. It also allows for aiding AC against all of an opponent's attacks. It might be better for us to figure out some way to grant that to the whole team though, like a Commander's Helm (that might be a really good item for Vindler at some point anyway) or Greater Tactician.

Marcus nods in satisfaction as the devil dissolves and Val is freed. "Excellent job everyone." He'll go retrieve has daggers and prepare to follow his companions to check on the other cursed villagers and the eventual celebration.

Will, Lastwall Phalanx, Shake it Off, Scion: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 20

"Stay close, I'll guard us!"

Standard Action: Tactician, everyone gets 4 rounds of Covering Fire.

Marcus throws a dagger at the devil, interfering with its aim.

Aid Another AC: Bane, Range: 1d20 + 9 - 1 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 9 - 1 - 4 = 22 +4 to AC for everyone vs. the Curse Devil's first attack this round.

Will Save, Scion, Shake it Off, Lastwall Phalanx: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 12

"Oof."

Marcus moves up, shielding Anthys and throwing a dagger to impede Val's movements.

Ranged Aid AC, Anthys, Point Blank Shot, Range: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 1 - 2 = 28
+5 to Anthy's AC vs. Val's next attack.

23 AC, 24 vs. Evil