Nonnie Kaneis's page

What is your story?

Originally from Taldor, Dorsin Salic thought a hasty departure was in order after the death of his friend. Dorsin had practiced that shot dozens of times, and he always hit the target. Well, almost always. If Dorsin and his friend had not been drinking, holding the target while Dorsin showed off his skill with the crossbow might not have seemed like such a good idea. And Dorsin's aim might have been better.

Dorsin left everything behind in his flight, including his name. Dorsin fashioned a new name from "anonymous" and "nobody" in an obscure language.

Wracked with guilt, Nonnie sought the opportunity for redemption. With the chance at redemption came a price. Spirits of the dead haunt Nonnie, and he swore an oath not to kill living creatures.

When he came to Absalom, he met a paladin of the Silver Crusade. Joining that group seemed the best thing to do. Perhaps they could help him in his search for redemption.

You can click on my name above to see the character's desceiption.

I expect that there almost as many reasons for the oracles' curses as there are oracles.

See my story for one reason.

I killed my friend when we were drunk. Now he's with me all the time.

Nonnie Kaneis: Nonnie Kaneis is an assumed name. Nonnie is short for Anonymous and Kaneis (κανείς) is Greek for Nobody, if Google Translate is to be believed. His real name is Dorsin Salic. I honestly don't know how I came up with that one, but I like the sound of it.

Sazzle Verona: Sazzle is a pun on the Sawsall power tool. I liked the sound of Verona as a surname with Sazzle. Sazzle's dislike for his name is one factor that fuels his rage.

Dorsin Salic (aka Nonnie Kaneis) gained his oracular powers and curse as penance for the crime he committed. He prayed for forgiveness and s chance to redeem himself. You can read his story by clicking on the name at the top of this post.

Aargh! I hate when I remember stuff wrong! I thought it was too good to be true. They only give rogues' abilities away like that - not paladins' abilities.

I think Divine Protection is legal for PFS.

Pathfinder Player Companion: Advanced Class Origins

Everything in this book is legal except the bekyar demon dancer archetype, Daggermark blade, Scarzni executioner archetype, and third eye arcane exploit.

I already have Extra Channel. Quick Channel could be good, if I expect to be going up against lots of undead and outsiders.

I will definitely add Burst of Radiance to my spell list!

I'm already 6th level. I don't think there's any legal way to add s second curse now.

I am thinking about Heighten Spell, to increase the save DCs of spells.

I have heard that Enhanced Cures is good, but Spirit Boost is a trap. What has your experience been?

I am playing a Life Oracle with the Haunted Curse, and I am considering retraining a feat (Improved Channel) when I reach 7th level. I surely will take Divine Protection as a new feat at 7th level, but I am looking for a replacement for Improved Channel.

HERE is a link to my build.
I generally try to avoid hand-to-hand combat, preferring to focus on buffing, debuffing and healing (usually out of combat). I will wade into combat without hesitation when fighting undead or evil outsiders.
My spell list:
0-level
Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Ghost Sound, Guidance, Light, Mage Hand, Read Magic, Resistance, Stabilize, Virtue
1-level
Air Bubble, Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Detect Undead, Forbid Action, Protection from Evil, Sanctify Corpse
2-level
Aid, Cure Moderate Wounds, Hold Person, Levitate, Minor Image, Restoration (lesser)
3-level
Cure Serious Wounds, Dispel Magic, Neutralize Poison

Nonnie Kaneis wrote:

Haunted curse...

I just meant that the haunted curse is why "feat" came out as "fest".

Nonnie Kaneis wrote:

I just learned of a fest (I forget the name, but I think it is in Advanced Class Origins) that lets a character add his CHA modifier to all saving throws That sounds like a must-have for an oracle!

You mean Feat yes ? That would be Divine Protection...it's already in my build plans ;)

...

Haunted curse...

I just learned of a fest (I forget the name, but I think it is in Advanced Class Origins) that lets a character add his CHA modifier to all saving throws That sounds like a must-have for an oracle!

Most people will say the Haunted curse is absolutely horrible because it messes with your action economy, but I have not found that to be the case. I try to anticipate one thing I will probably need, and have it in my hand before combat starts. The extra spells are handy, too.

I have found Forbid Action and Hold Person to be great spells. I have Air Bubble, but I will probably retrain at first opportunity.

Metamagic feats are really good for a spontaneous caster. Heighten Spell is good for increasing the save DC of your spells.

Life Oracles dont qualify for Sacred Conduit as they are not clerics. Magical Lineage is better served on a better spell. Honestly as a Life oracle, boosting your healing spells is the last thing you need to do.

Also Halfling Slingstaff is an awful weapon. Only way to make any sort of use out of it is to be a fighter.

My suggestion is to worship Milani and take the Beacon of Life Feat when you are allowed in order to give good buffs to the party after a channel.

Spirit Guide with the hex that allows you to take some Sorcerer spells from the Lore Spirit is STUPID strong. It will turn you into an incredible buffer.

The trait description for Sacred Conduit says nothing about class. But the trait does nothing to improve your healing; it applies only when you channel energy to harm udead (or outsiders if you take Alignment Channel).

Sacred Conduit: Your birth was particularly painful and difficult for your mother, who needed potent divine magic to ensure that you survived (your mother may or may not have). In any event, that magic infused you from an early age, and you now channel divine energy with greater ease than most. Whenever you channel energy, you gain a +1 trait bonus to the save DC of your channeled energy.

Well, I finally got a hang of that trick for dealing with criminals we didn't want dead.

I don't know if turning that gun toting burglar into a raccoon was the best choice though, but he seems happy with it..

"I wish I had been there to see that!" Shakes his head and chuckles.

Nonnie Kaneis wrote:

K177Y C47 wrote:

Lol I did play a Life oracle once... but not as a walking healbot...

The GM made a very undead heavy game... and complied... by making myself a walking Positive Energy Death Machine... never have I had so much fun casting Cure Serious Wounds....

Yeah - I love it when lots of undead (or evil outsiders - I have Alignment Channel, Evil) show up.

"Chill, guys. I got this."

Even now, at 6th level, I get good results with Forbid Action. "Don't fight!" Even though it's only one round, shutting down the enemy with the great sword makes front-liners and squishies alike happy.

Well undead is hilarious wiht Life since you can turn into a Positive Energy Elemental... Channel, then Touch with CSW... They take damange from you simply TOUCHING them then they take damage from CSW...

Oooooh...

Lol I did play a Life oracle once... but not as a walking healbot...

The GM made a very undead heavy game... and complied... by making myself a walking Positive Energy Death Machine... never have I had so much fun casting Cure Serious Wounds....

Yeah - I love it when lots of undead (or evil outsiders - I have Alignment Channel, Evil) show up.

Even now, at 6th level, I get good results with Forbid Action. "Don't fight!" Even though it's only one round, shutting down the enemy with the great sword makes front-liners and squishies alike happy.

I have had great fun with my Life Oracle (Haunted). I didn't expect a "walking Band-Aid" to be fun at all, but I am delighted to be wrong. I have also had fun with the character on the forum.

Yo, dude, if you didn't think the class would be any fun, why did you build the character in the first place?
The back story came first. An oracle with the Haunted curse and zlife mystery seemed the only character that fit.

In my experience, alignment Channel was very good against demons - especially when there were lots of them.

This character is largely built around healing (Life Oracle, channel revelation, extra channel feat) but it is almost impossible to build a Life Oracle who is not good at buffing/debuffing. Spells like Forbid Action, Hold Person, Magic Circle and Bless help ensure that the party won't need healing in the first place.

But I have already said this. I'll stop posting now.

Theory A:
"If you need to heal during combat, you're doing it wrong."

Theory B:
"If you don't need to heal during combat, your GM's doing it wrong."

This character (Life Oracle) is primarily a healer, but can do many other things: buffing, debuffing, condition removal, and undead destruction. He also excels in diplomacy, and can even participate in combat (as a last resort).

This character s great fun to play.

"Rhon, Feesh, Bree-Bran, Doyle, Nigel, it's great to see you again! I went out an bought a cold iron morningstar and a new crossbow (I never thought I'd pick up one of those again!) to use against the demons, but I never used either of them. Positive energy and spells served me better than weapons in the Worldwound."

[A letter is delivered to the lodge.]
Greetings, Fellow Crusaders.

I have been spared execution! I believe that it actually helped that various small objects in the courtroom kept hitting the barrister for the Crown. The judge read the antics of my constant companions as a divine sign that I should be allowed to remain alive so that I can buy a resurrection for my unfortunate friend.

I am to accompany a group of Pathfinders to the edge of the Worldwound in Mendev. Wish me luck. The demons will probably not be as merciful as the judge in Taldor.

I no longer need live in fear of discovery. Should I not survive this mission, I have the solace of knowing that I shall leave this plane with honor.

Thank you all for your kindness. May Serenrae and the other deities protect and guide you. I hope to see all of you again soon. I shall return to Absolom when I am able.

Your comrade-in-arms,

Dorsin Salic
("Nonnie Kaneis")

I'll be playing "The Wardstone Patrol" Wednesday.

I just don't understand why anyone would play an oracle of life? With the incredibly limited spell selection....why not just play a cleric? I guess I simply don't see the benefit of it over your standard cleric healer.

It seems like the spells you gain you'd just have as a cleric anyway...combined with the ability to auto switch out to any cure spell. You'll undoubtedly take channel energy as well...which you'd get for free as a cleric.

In my case, this was the class that resulted from the background story. Cleric wasn't really even an option.

You can find what you need HERE.
Start with the Core Rulebook and the Guide to Organized Play.
Welcome aboard!

"Nonnie, keep your head held high no matter what you face when you leave here. Know that nothing can ever take your pride and self respect if you do not allow it."

"The most important words in that sentence are 'keep your head'."

(Several pieces of string emerge from Talic's pocket and spell the words "COME BACK" on the floor.)
"No, I didn't do that. I can't use magic to move things around with my hands behind my back."

Bree-Bran nods in agreement to Rhon. "I haven't met a priest who doesn't want to talk about his god, and at length. You probably could have just walked up and asked." Another rueful grin quickly passes over her face, followed by a brief chuckle. "I suppose it wouldn't be hard to get me talking about the Inheritor. I suppose I could go on at length, but it turns out it was important for me to do my studies. It was key to getting into that place in the Wound before the demons did."

The chelish woman takes a tankard of the dwarven ale and downs it in a few noisy swallows. A glance to the mug, and then a raised brow to Rhon. "I see why your people have a name for brewmastery. Barkeep, another round, and then another after that. Even one for the prisoner there."

"Nothing so strong as dwarven ale for the prisoner. The prisoner does extremely stupid things when he drinks. Anyway, it is hard not to spill a drink when one's hands are manacled. Farewell, all."

Perhaps you could sentence him to fight in the worldwound instead of languishing in prison? Death is almost as certain, and more horrible than anything you're allowed to do to him. I hear taldors putting together a foreign army to represent them...

Now that would be a noble death!

I have hardly had a chance to play PFS lately. I hope I can get Nonnie to the Worldwound soon! At that point, he might even resume using his real name.

Rhon turns towards the Taldens and says:

"Murderer you say...I would broker that no one of such a nature would be willing to set foot among so many who would have no qualms in turning such an individual over for trial."

"If we were to locate this individual for you, whom would like us to turn him over to. Understand that he will only be turned over if a fair trial can be assured. Also If needed I will offer my service to defend this reported criminal in court."

"You're a barrister, then? I could use one. Ow! Please, good sirs, the manacles need not be quite so tight. It's good to see you again, Feesh, although perhaps only briefly."

Contra some of the opinions here, I think you ought to go for a character is who is both funny AND effective. A couple examples:

1) You could play a Gnome Prankster. When you can, RP your Bardic Music effects (Mock, etc.) Also, you should carry with you a selection of garbage items to use for the Swap ability. For example, you might replace the necromancer's Wand of Infinite Badassedness (kept on his belt) with a rubber chicken.

2) Some of the Pathfinder enchantment spells can be both amusing and effective. Combine a the fey bloodline bonus with Spell Focus (enchantment), and you can have a hell of a lot of fun. Unnatural Lust is infantile, but Charitable Impulse, cast on the BBEG's hulking bodyguard, is comedy gold. Or (my personal favorite), cast Reckless Infatuation on one enemy and Unadulterated Loathing on another.

I have to see whether that spell is legal for PFS. I get third level spells soon, and Charitable Impulse fits this character perfectly.

"Well...

What happened was...

My friend and I were drinking. We both had a little - a lot - too much to drink. I used to like showing off with a crossbow. We were both drunk enough that we both thought it would be neat if he held the target when I took my shot.

I left Taldor that night. Absalom seemed like a big enough city to hide in. My friend is still with me, though. Who do you think keeps doing things like tipping my chair over when I try to stand up?

Serenrae gave me a chance to try to redeem myself. But I will likely never be free of the ghosts who follow me."

"I'm the one you want. Alcohol and stupidity can be worse than malice. I had hoped to save up enough gold to buy a resurrection before you caught up with me."

I have used Mage Hand to drop a blanket on a foe. This worked especially well against a monster with a gaze attack, since it could not see any PCs.

"Feesh, it seems your path here was something like mine."

Given the current troubles with demons, I am more likely to take Chaotic than Lawful, but you make an excellent point.
I already took Evil, so I can't/won't change, but I might pick up Chaotic later.

"No, Feesh, you don't have to pay or anything like that. Maybe the Sczarni require payment? I agree with you that turning to the path of Serenrae is not easy."

The feat description says:
Special: You can gain this feat multiple times. Its effects do not stack. Each time you take this feat, it applies to a new alignment subtype. Whenever you channel energy, you must choose which type to effect.

I have just selected this feat, because I can channel positive energy and I want to use positive energy to harm evil outsiders. When it says I choose which type to effect, it means I must select living, undead or evil outsiders, not that I can choose to heal good outsiders, or harm chaotic outsiders. When I take the feat, I take Alignment Channel, Evil, not simply Alignment Channel.

I suppose I could use positive energy to heal evil outsiders, but I would never want to do that.

"Welcome to the city and to the Silver Crusade. I hope that you will be pleased with both."

"By choice, I am not a warrior. I can do reasonably well in hand-to-hand combat, if needed, but I endeavor to preserve life rather than take it. Please understand that I know killing is often unavoidable. I only pray that killing may be forgivable."

Nonnie blinks back tears.

"But sometimes we can turn away from doing wrong. Or at least try."

Alcohol is not my friend. I am saving my money for a Resurrection spell. Sarenrae gave me a chance to redeem myself, but I will probably never be free of the embodiment of my sins.

Having played both, I have found that the design of the character matters more than the class. I have had more success with a well designed oracle than a mediocre cleric. But that's no surprise, is it?

It seems to me that the oracle class lends itself more easily to specialization than the cleric class.

Having the haunted curse, I agree that it can be dangerous. I try to plan around that by holding one item that I think I might need.

"I'll be heading off to Sanos tomorrow. We're just delivering a few supplies - should be easy."

Nonnie Kaneis walks back into the temple, looking a little the worse for wear.
"It's good to be back. It gets pretty rough out there."
He sits, holding his chair steady until he is settled.

im not trying to be rude but dont in my experiences pacifist character bring the game down it ruins good times and just bothers the other party member if you want to do something like it you could be someone who hates killing or violence but dont play the full blown pacifist vegetarian

As you say, it depends on the character's degree of pacifism. I do not try to stop other characters from doing their jobs. I just try to prevent killing unnecessarily, even to the point of stabilizing fallen opponents. I recognize that Golarion is a violent place, and killing cannot always be avoided.

I can make a more valuable contribution by keeping my allies alive than by wading into combat myself.

A character who tries to be a Gandhi would certainly be a drag on the party. "Ha! I have scored a moral victory by allowing you to strike me!"

EDIT: "Stabilizing opponents" means "stabilizing opponents AFTER combat"!

Nonnie is essentially the character you describe. Click on the name above for the character's history. I have had success using Mage Hand to drop a blanket on foes. Forbid Action is also a very potent spell in combat. The trait "Blade of Mercy" allows you to use a slashing weapon to inflict nonlethal damage without the -4 penalty.

I also buy elvish trail rations - they're more expensive, but vegetarian.

A character who does not engage in combat can contribute to the party. Keeping enemies alive is often more useful than killing them. Questioning a living person is easier than questioning a dead one.

Nonnie's refusal to kill does not extend to demons and devils. He will also attack summoned creatures and eidolons, since you can't generally kill them.

The only concern I would have as a DM is that mage hand is not designed to be used in that way. It's a cantrip and I don't like the idea of a cantrip+cheap gear= level 2 spell (Blindness).

I would take a close look at the arcane trickster (for mechanical reasons, not thematic reasons) because the ranged legerdemain class feature allows them to use mage hand in conjunction with a skill check. I would point out though that the skill check happens at a penalty AND it took a class feature to even be able to do it.

So, I think I would allow it as a special dirty trick CMB = Caster Level + CHA Mod + (situational or bonus modifiers). And then, if it lands, I would allow then a reflex save = 10 + 1/2 caster level + CHA mod, to avoid being blinded and entangled. Full round action to free themselves from the blanket.

EDIT: even if they pass the reflex, they must suffer the regular effects of the dirty trick.

Wow - you're allowing more than I would expect. I would use BAB rather than caster level for the CMB, and I would not add 1/2 caster level to the save DC. (But then again, I would use one or the other, not both.) I would also make it a move action to remove the blanket, not a full-round action. I would not put the entangled condition on the victim, only blinded.

As you say, Mage Hand is a cantrip. A fifth level rogue should have an easier time avoiding the falling blanket than a second level fighter. So I think a straight reflex save to avoid the blinded condition, plus a move action to remove the blanket, is the way to go.

My character is a life oracle with the haunted curse. One trick I like is to use my Mage Hand spell to move a blanket over a foe's head and drop it on him. I double-checked to make sure that the blanket is within the five pound weight limit of the Mage Hand spell. I can see two possible ways to apply the rules here.
(1) Treat this as a dirty trick. I make a CMB roll to see if it works. I would not apply my STR modifier to the CMB roll. Perhaps I would apply my CHA modifier since CHA is my casting stat.
My foe is blinded if the maneuver is successful. Either he would need to spend a move action to remove the blanket, or he might simply be blinded for one round.
(2) The foe gets a reflex save to avoid the blanket. If he fails his save, he is blinded as above.

What do you think?

(Nonnie sighs...)
"I liked it better when we were singing, dancing and playing. But that moment has gone.
Religious and political arguments are a bit beyond me. I think slavery is wrong, and I think we must revere the gods. Beyond that, all I can do is try to keep my comrades in the Society alive and avoid killing living creatures."

Nonnie turns in shock. The rope falls to the floor.

Concentration DC 10: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Nonnie, not distracted by the gnome's antics, maintains concentration on his Mage Hand spell and the rope continues to dance with Kelladorf.