Orlin "Stormborn" Sawyer's page

Disclosure: I haven't read a good ~75-80 posts, but where I stopped, there was some discussion about Hard Work, and Determination, and it not being a sufficient justification for some of the (admittedly) amazing feats for Legendary.

As someone who was literally looking at wheelchairs, as a permanent option for the rest of my life, I ask this: Do NOT outright dismiss the benefits of hard work and determination.

Go to a serious martial arts competition, go and (with permission) WATCH someone going through a physical therapy rehab, and talk to them about their experiences. Heck, google speed runs of your favorite video-game watch a couple, and then sit down, and see how you stack up, then check the amount of hours the people stated they spent getting that good. Yes, some speed runs rely on glitches within the programming, but there's still a significant element of skill involved.

Hard work, serious amounts of hours of practice, and determination? THAT, is more than magic enough for me.

Ouch, I kind of know a little of what you are going through, as that's why I was away couple times late this summer. I'm sorry for the experiences you are going through atm.

Back home for the moment. I hope that Orlin's status will resolve one way or another, and just be in limbo near death, but not dead. O.O

Just checking in while I can, to cheer you on!

Honestly... Not surprised. I'm more surprised at how lucky Orlin has been so far actually. I do NOT tend to have good dice luck.

I can recall a tabletop game, played a bard. First fight, first round, got shot with an arrow for max damage (7 iirc), and dropped to -1 instantly. 9 rounds later, I was dead.

Admittedly, I was the one with CLW... and the party was all evil/self centered, and I wasn't the only one rolling poorly that fight, so the fight actually DID go 9 rounds before someone could try and use heal to stabilize me.... Needless to say, that game did not last, and I don't think I've played in an all evil game since.

And another game I was running, where one particular monster needed to roll a 5, to hit. Round 1: 4. Party? Crit, Sneak Attack, Headshot. Round 2: 3. Party? Crit, Crit, Sneak Attack. Round 3: 4. Dead.

Quote from the wife? "So you STILL can't roll stabilize, to save your life. Literally."

I might need to play more characters with a d10+ HP, and no less than a 16 Con.

This may be part of the reason I really enjoy Dreamscarred Press and Auto-Hypnosis.

1d20 ⇒ 8 DC 15, -5 of -10
1d20 ⇒ 7 DC 16, -6 of -10
1d20 ⇒ 7 DC 17, -7 of -10
1d20 ⇒ 1 DC 18, -8 of -10
1d20 ⇒ 5 DC 19, -9 of -10 - Dead on -10

I will be out of town for a Funeral starting this Sunday(ish), and will have limited web access for approximately 2 weeks, so... being at negative HP is not a bad place for the duration. Off to roll some stabilizations.

I'll cheer you all on from the sidelines!

Orlin is currently at -1.... however, please confirm your Crit Threat.

Anything other than max damage I could live with :-/ 3+2? = 0 hp ~> Cure and fine.

Que Sera, Sera.

AoO: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Staff: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Identifying the cry of pain as not Aliana, and the cry of victorious rage as Aliana, post explosion. I think that's enough to hear the bang, and screams from right next door.

"Sounds like things aren't going well for your boss in the next room. Come, Surrender, and live to see another day."

Orlin pauses a moment to watch Ferdis's reaction, if unfavorable, he charges again, carefully moving the same path Ferdis did, or as much as possible, giving Ferdis another thump.

Charge: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 2 = 20
Staff: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

I have trouble believing that I might, just, have hit! (Of course, if I missed, I'm totally dead.)

Charge: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Staff: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
DC was 14, but it's moot, he didn't move. If a 15 doesn't hit, I don't expect to walk away from this alive. Here's to the luck of the Lady!

Orlin's face becomes calm and he whispers a quiet word in Desna's name, and then charges forth, blood trickling down his injured leg, smashing his staff heavily into the braggart rogue in front of him over the heavy desk that stands nearly between them.

I mean, L2? No problem. Easy even. But ... Still squishy atm. Wrack, while amazing, is still only 1 round / level.... or 1 round. I'll keep saving it for when I can hit more than one person, or debuff for someone else, like Pavo, or You Aliana.

I've spent the last several days wracking my brain on how to handle this.... I'm not much of a fighter at this level, and even against a dagger I'm nervous. So, this may seem ... a bit less than Heroic, but, it seems the most effective way to reunite the group, and well, not get killed.

"Really? You would be wise to surrender. How would your God feel about your actions? I know what Erastil and Desna would feel. Can you feel your god paying attention you <harsh word that sounds like an insult> ?"

As Orlin talks he steps back 10' out of the building. The word used is Cramp, the 1/2 movement Word, with Selected Target. In an ideal world either he charges, and I get cut and then Aliana would blow him up, or he retreats into the building, and I go join Aliana and Elric on their next turn and we fight him later. Alternatively, he charges out, see's that he's surrounded and then surrenders.

Perc: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Diplo: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Init if needed: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Congrats on the new job!

"Ferdis! Glad to see you man! I have bad news, I'm afraid. We're here to arrest a murderer, and some thieves. Please come out, with your hands where I can see them and have a seat with some of these guardsmen outside until we get everything straightened out. We Know Robella's guilty, and that most here are her cohorts, and we've found plenty of evidence so far. Please don't make this harder than it already is, I consider you a friend."

Just a FYI: I will be out of town with limited to no internet access starting in about 24 hours, till very late Monday. Tuesday starts my busy season at work, for the next month or so, and I'm going to preemptively apologize if my posting slows down, though I will try and keep up!

Orlin's first action once combat starts will be to drop a Wrack Burst on a likely clump of enemies. DC 15 or be sickened for 1 round, 10' radius burst, 30' range.

All I know is that there's no way Orlin will enter through his assigned door, without assistance from Aliana's lockpicks, The Guards smashing the door, or perhaps a set of keys found in the underground lair... I got really lucky with breaking doors last time, but... no way I'll get that lucky again.

My suggestion, if we are unable to have the guards breach the doors for us, is that we have Aliana attempt to stealthily unlock all three of the front doors in succession, before all enter at the same time. Corsario? Are we able to get guards to help with just the doors, as per Elric's suggestion? Or do we need to ask that IC?

On board, been running Mummy's Mask all afternoon, playing Rise of the Runelords yesterday. Will wait for the doors to be opened, hopefully by the guards all at once

"Well, and strongly said. Shall we see if the side door is locked? Or perhaps organize a two pronged assault?"

I suggest we walk around the building for about half an hour, to get them psyched up, and then enter through multiple doors all at once. I see 7 doors on the map? 5 in front, 1 to the side, and 1 alleged door from below?

Wait, someone, actually surrendered?

Orlin speaks from the back row.

"If you want us to be more careful, you should surrender. Now."

diplo: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Free action, waiting on an update on initiative. Diplo roll, in case it's useful

init: 1d20 ⇒ 7
Perc: 1d20 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 1 - 2 = 13

Orlin nods in thanks to Orne as he batters the next door nearly off it's hinges, and speaks quietly to Elric and Orne.

"I suggest we wait until we're all ready and together to proceed, lest we walk into another ambush. We might not be so lucky a 2nd time."

Init: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Orlin moves south 15', and shoves gently on the door with his staff, and then pivots on his good leg, flexing his work honed muscles, and knowledge of wood, to slam the end of his staff into the weakest point of the now closed and locked door, making a fair amount of noise.

Break the Door!: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Upon seeing the skulks now visible on the other side of the door.

"Surrender in the name of the Law, this is your only chance!"

I think he meant that he was hoping that the breeze was because of a secret door, instead of a skulk looking to sneak attack him. Also, I suggest we wait until we're all together before we continue on, we're kind of spread out atm.

Orne continues to watch from his vantage at the cross passage. Previously stated taking 20, total of 21, should be way too low to see a skulk that didn't roll abysmally

"I don't see anything from here."

I'm pretty much set on Hierophant for Orlin.

I understand Elric, I have quite a few ... I can take this now, or around L4-5ish, and it does nothing until I get this (Color Spray) feature at L2.

That said, I was doing some napkin math the other day, if it's right, I can make Color Spray relevant up to the low Teens, with some luck. This is of course limited by my movement speed, which means I get to use multiple tactics.

I also was entertained, there are Zero WoP illusions that Oracle can take, and not that many that Wizard gets either, and those are mostly just a variation on invisibility.

I may ask to research an illusion based word by and by, with a duration of either rounds/level or min/level, to be combined with Wrack. Echo, for example, a L0 Bard/Wiz/Sorc word would work. (I'm expecting to take Spell Focus(Illusion), Greater, and Mythic, and those focus feats would apply to any word combination that includes an illusion word. I MAY take SF Conjuration, and Augmented Summoning as well, we'll see. If so, the bonuses would not stack.)

Orlin stands in the hallway Watching the path behind them for any signs or sounds of movement coming up behind them.

I don't expect to see/hear anything, but taking 20 for a 21 until something happens in front of us, or behind us. Standing in the cross of D17 and D15

Home, and caught up! Straight's as good a path as any imo, not that I can hear that whisper over the quiet thumping/moving of the group

Orlin follow the group down the hidden tunnel, staying near the back of the group, concentrating on not making TOO much sound, and keeping up with the group, leaning heavily on his staff.

Just a heads up, I will be out of town this weekend, starting in about 25 hours. I will be back late Sunday evening, EST. Please bot me if/as needed, as I will have minimal to no web access. I think I might have access at most once, and that's iffy.

Speaking of traits, how did you want us to handle them, for those keeping these characters? (Edit) Honestly, none of them seem to fit Orlin, though I'll look again later today.

This one, Artifact hunter is the only one that's even remotely interesting...

Stealth: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Perc: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Nope, not stealthy, nope nope nope. I'd say it's safe to say that they know we're coming.

Orlin waits until last to climb down the ladder, awkwardly lowering his staff first, then climbing down, unfortunately banging the lengthy pole against the steps at least once.

I appreciate the response, that will help a lot, and pretty much locks me into keeping Orlin.

For reference, my current thoughts/notes on Mythic powers/feats, assuming Hierophant. I'm assuming Mythic 1 after this module, and Tiering up after the climactic encounter of each book, so, book 6, would be Tier 6.

1 - Mighty Summons or Mythic Domain
2
3 - Legendary Item
4 - Enduring Blessing? Other T1? Enhance Magic Items / Eldritch Breach / ?
5
6 - Overcome Curse

Feats
1 Mytic Spell Lore
3 Mythic Spell Focus
5 Mythic Improved Vital Strike

I was doing a lot of research today. There is ZERO Mythic support for Word of Power.

That said, I like the idea of being able to CLW from 100+ feet via the Distance Meta Word...

A question: The human FCB is an extra spell, up to 1 level under the current max. What are your feelings about taking Normal Oracle spells with this? IE: Divine Favor, Create Water, Etc?

With that interpretation, I could take normal spells, that have normal Mythic interactions. (This is what the WoP guides I've read have suggested as a 'better' reading, as there are somethings WoP lacks completely.

Also, I found this, and thought it might be of interest, specifically to Corsario.

Of particular interest is this section:

Tier 1
An extra safety net, with a little control of their rolls.
Tier 2
The heroes will probably always go first, and they can bend the action economy.
Tier 3-5
No more 15-minute adventuring day. Nova tactics are encouraged. Spells can be cast willy-nilly. Non-Mythic threats become much easier.
Tier 6-7
At this point, if the party hasn’t become some of the most powerful people in the world, they’re doing it wrong. Non-Mythic challenges become trivial as long as uses of Mythic Power remain. A decent cut-off point for high-powered games where the PCs want to feel really special.
Tier 8
Many types of threats become trivialized by the Unstoppable ability. Uses of Mythic Power become that much more precious. Spellcasters begin to feel a strange squeeze: buffs and debuffs are lessened in importance. Tread cautiously here, as the dynamic of the game starts to shift into strange territory.
Tier 9-10
The characters are now like unto gods. Only through careful machinations or the Plottiest of Plots can the heroes be truly destroyed. At this point, mortality does not threaten the PCs, but the fate of nations should hang in the balance. Time to go after Lois Lane, Lex.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 I'm going to assume that you are floored Elric...

Orlin slowly and heavily thumps into the office, and catches Elric's shattered countenance.

"Constable? Is everything ok? Did you find something more of evidence??

While looking at the T1 mythic abilities, I realize an important question. Some of these are intriguing, others are intriguing IF there will be more than 1 tier ever.

Corsario, what is your current line of thoughts, 1 tier ever? Chance of Tier 2, 3 or 4?

I've never USED mythic rules, just heard the stories....

I'm glad we have a couple days to think on it, as it will likely take me that long.

Stealth: 1d20 ⇒ 8
Perc: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

After waiting several moments, and then watching Pavo's face/shoulders for how poorly he's sneaking in, Orlin follows suit, making an equally poor showing, with the occasional thump of his staff.

Understood. Mythic NOW, or Mythic 1 later? Just making sure I understand fully.

I'm not 100% set either on keeping Orlin, or rerolling. As for Mythic, I've heard the stories, but I'm optimistic if the tiers are kept low.

I'll read the player's guide, see if that sparks things.

I had 2 CLW's left, and I think Orne had at least 1 channel left, so no worries.

Hey! I'm a native... I just work outside of town!

Orlin looks approvingly at the group arranged against the murderers, and raises his staff.

"For Ilsur! He would not want us divided. A good military unit works together Regardless of their differences.

My thoughts on what to play are E=D, >> B >> C > A.
I'm ambivalent on the point buy, could easily make adjustments if needed.

If we end up in Rise, I will also try hard to squish my pre-knowledge. I think we're entering book 3ish.

I've heard Second Darkness is Good, but is better if the DM takes liberties to improve it.

One thing they could do, is send us to track down a relative, and let them know what happened. Once that mission is done.... Blammo. AP.

Allow me to help with that, to an extent.

Here!

I'm in a KM recruitment ... where the GM may have vanished, and another GM may pull from that recruitment.

I guess the Most important question, is what AP's are you willing to RUN Corsario?

Refreshed, which really isn't that difficult for me. If it wasn't clear, my preferences are 1 > 2 >>>>>> 3.

I'm literally within a week from running a RL Mummy's Mask game, I'm in a Rotrl, and slightly concerned about spoilers from a Jade Regent game, but other than that I'm open.

My understanding is that bad things™ happen in CotCT, and that occasionally the PC's ARE bad things™ that happen to bad people™, that have perfectly earned the PC's attention... but that's all I know.

Orlin will attempt to cramp (DC14) the goons escaping while they are within 30', to allow Orne to pursue them easier if he chooses, but is otherwise unable to help, as he is unwilling to fall, and moves slowly.

I'm a touch low on resources, but I've been really careful as well, and somehow STILL have half my first level spells, and meta's. Translation: I'm good either way.

If we are NOT transitioning to CotCT, I'd much prefer the climactic fight, but if we ARE, I'm ok with just transitioning, finding the evidence we need to pursue elsewhere.

Apologies, LOOONG day at work, and many more to come.

Orlin thumps south 15' and stares at the archer just a few feet beyond.

"Well, Down to two. Surrender? Shall I encourage you?"

I'll give the archer a couple seconds to show any acceptance of the most recent request for surrender... and if no indication to comply...

"Very well. This starts mostly gentle. Mostly."

And then, he speaks a word. Cramp again, DC 14, my current plan is to upgrade to Wrack if he foolishly continues.