Papasteve08's page

Hey all - my wife and I are buying a new house, closing on it today. I will be taking the rest of this week and all of next week off of work because we will be doing a bunch of work plus actually moving, so my posting might get a little spotty. At some point in there I will probably be without internet as we switch from one house to the other.

Just wanted to warn you. I will do everything I can to keep up on the posting, but if you see me fade, that is the reason why :)

Moved you Shel! Thanks for the impending flank Rallas!

No worries GM. It's often harder to admit that and stop when it is necessary than it is to pretend you can keep doing it and just keep plugging along. Much respect :)

Thank YOU for running such a fun and interesting game, helping us (me!) learn and get a feel for 2E, being patient and being awesome at adjudicating the game in a fun way. I enjoyed your GM style, I would play in any game you were running.

Thanks to all the players here too, you guys made this fun. I enjoyed your characters and the interactions.

The ultimate disappointment here is not knowing if Pollo actually survived the blight to see if he could survive a night with Osveta...

Pollo grabs one of the potions of barkskin before realizing that proper manners might suggest he see if anyone else wants it, then sheepishly offers it to the rest of the group. I mean, If I am going to have a chance of making it back to town and taking Osveta up on her bribe, I need all the help I can get...

"I am ready, but I can keep myself busy if others would prefer to rest."

Makes sense for me to have a potion of barkskin, but if someone really wants it I'm sure you can convince me otherwise. :) The way things have gone it is probably more likely someone is going to be using one of those healing potions on me than me using it myself... lol :)

Yanndu was afraid that something like this would happen in the City of Axis. Days before their trip to Axis he had made arrangements and made contact with someone who owed him a debt, and instructed her to travel to Axis at her earliest convenience and wait for their arrival. This was the moment to repay that debt.

***...Now is the time, Maffei...steal the engram for me and return to the designated location...make sure she does not notice you...I will meet you in five minutes...***

Using Debt of Shadow boon from Dragon's Demand module

From behind a nearby fountain a barely noticeable shadow figure stretches a hand and carefully liberate the engram from 322's person... and disappears from view!

[dice=Sleight of Hand to steal]1d20+16
[dice=Sleight of Hand to steal with GM 3-star reroll]1d20+16+3 vs. 322's opposed Perception check.

** spoiler omitted **

Succeed or fail, this is hands down the absolute most amazing use of a boon EVAR!!!

Either way, Yanndu might have just put us in a position where 322 attacks us, and we can claim self defense when questioned about the use of violence.

Maybe...

Either way, I am massively impressed. I know we are breaking the scenario GM, but that isn't your fault and you are handling it spectacularly. First rule is to have fun right? I am freaking loving this.

No worries here GM SpiderBeard - I started doing PbP about 6 or 7 years ago. I have run into those situations many times, and have ignored the need for a break more times than I care to admit. Take what you need!

On another note, I'm catching myself falling into habits for an old character of mine in this banter with Osveta. Cyrus the Flea - Exceptionally gifted acrobat and talented slink, hopelessly awkward and helpless around women. (pretty easy to roleplay, lots of material to draw from... ha!)

Pollo is supposed to be a moderately spoiled son of a noble so far away from a proper inheritance that he generally gets all the benefits of wealth and station with hardly any of the responsibility. No reason not to be unreasonably cocky/confident. I've written and deleted several posts already to make sure there isn't too much Cyrus in my Pollo, if you catch my meaning. I hope he comes off more caught off guard by Osveta's indomitable self confidence as opposed to being awkward.

Or maybe I'm just thinking about it too hard and those are basically the same thing in this situation. :)

Oh man though, I do chuckle to think what that poor ninja would do in this group... ha!

"Sure, If I survive this little trip into the woods I think you should show me that your bribe is far better than the... alternative." he says, regaining a bit of his confidence, and kicking the dead wolf for effect.

Pollo opens his mouth to protest, not for any reason than to keep the banter going, but realizes the sharp-witted woman just put him in a corner before he knew what was happening. He stutters for a moment before attempting to recover, "Well... I. uh."

What the hell just happened?

"I mean if you want to keep me from death by an acid spitting wolf that badly... I mean... I'm just saying " Pollo blushes.

What am I? 13?

"Yea, You could convince me." He nods his head, failing miserably at playing it cool.

Oh thank the gods, at least my voice didn't crack...

There was a pretty good one-liner in there about comparing wolf jaws and legs but I wasn't sure how uncomfortable we were making everyone else, so I'll just leave that one to everyone's imagination... ha! :)

Pollo raises an eyebrow, his wry grin deepening. "Well clearly you can see I've no problem swinging a sword. Nor have a I had a problem getting back up..." he pauses for a moment, "after getting knocked down."

With a wink, "I mean... I can be bought."

Ooooohhhh boy oh boy oh boy there is a pool and I want to swim and I think I'm thirsty now pleeeeeeease let's just run through it real quick I promise just a second is all I neeeed....

Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 +4 vs enchantment

Pollo, wake up!

The young man rolls over in bed, silken sheets rolling with him. He groans something unintelligible and doesn't move.

"Woah woah woah, you won't be needing that. We've got the guards to go with us. Do you think you are going to fight or something? Seriously kid, you've got to stop it with that. Pollo, wake up!"

POLLO, WAKE UP! the words echo in his head as the memory swirles away and is replaced by the dark, low tunnel and the burning of the acid from the wolves. Pollo's eyes snap open as he tries to make sense of his surroundings and seperate dream from reality.

"Seriously, what is it with acid wolves!?!" he shouts from the ground.

I'll use that hero point now! If I read things right, I can use the hero point to auto-stabilize, and if I did that technically before Milo tries to heal me, I would go from stabilized to 11 hp... did I get that right? Also, Thanks for the prompt Milo!

Pollo accepts Milo and Gigon's instructions to sit still and stop fidgeting so much begrudgingly. With the expertise of the alchemist's balms and Milo's bandages, Pollo begins to feel quite a bit better, which is more than he can say for how he looks.

"I don't know what I am going to do without you guys if we ever solve this mystery and actually get to where we were all going." he says with a smile and perhaps more mushy feelings that he might have preferred to let on.

He stands slowly, half expecting to be admonished again. When it doesn't come, he stretches his arms and legs, gingerly working his frame through several motions to test the bandages and the salves, trying to figure out which motion might cause a sharp pain, or a wound to break back open. Finding only minor aches he takes a deep breath and sets about helping the others and looking for clues in the area.

Others took damage too right? How are we doing? Thanks for getting me back up! Pollo has really taken a beating in this adventure... ha!

"What on earth, or in it, would cause plants like this to grow? They seemed to feed off of blood... reminds me of a play I saw once and a plant named Audrey II." Pollo shudders involuntarily.

That whole sequence was awesome, just wanted to say. We all spend so much time building our characters to do something amazing, and we don't always get a chance to use it.

Sometimes Nugats faces enemies that couldn't care less what element he casts his spells as, sometimes Rallas fights enemies that are immune to sneak attack, and sometimes I get stuck in a place where I can't charge. Sometimes having the abilities that Yanndu has won't make a difference in the game.

But sometimes the stars align and the thing you created your character to do exceptionally well gets a chance to shine. I love it when that happens.

Pooka is momentarily startled by the telepathic connection, but grins at the effectiveness of this type of communication. He had be part of the message spell before, but this didn't even require whispering.

[i]Shel and I should be able to handle this. Though I have no doubt that this person will see through our ruse immediately. No matter though, I think the act of subtly letting him know he has been made will be to our advantage.[/i/]

Pooka gently presses a knee into Luna's side and the canine turns around, walking over to the merchant's tent. "I need to make sure I grab a souvenir before we get to busy. I would just as soon have one now so I am not trying to find something at the last minute when we leave." he says to Shel as the two approach. "Tell me merchant, what do you carry anything unique to the Axis? I want to make sure that whenever I see it I am reminded of my time here."

Pooka looks up at the Kelish merchant as he finishes his question, turning on his halfling charm as he does. He makes eye contact with the man and doesn't break it.

Shel and I have the same bluff modifier, so I figured one of us could aid. Also, I technically haven't lied yet, so this could just as easily be a diplomacy check, but I will let the GM rule on that one. Heck, there might not even be a reason for a check yet...

Check: 1d20 ⇒ 16 Bluff +9, Diplomacy +13

Only un poco loco though...

Edit: You don't get the nickname "the human torch" by avoiding fire...

Sounds like a great place to start! I personally like the idea of nominating each other for hero points. Feels much more collaborative. :)

Welcome Yanndu and Shel!

"Stay." Pollo says, trying to look stern as he addresses the dog in front of him. She rolls sideways on her haunches, trying to get comfortable and cocks her head sideways as she regards the man.

Slowly Pollo backs away, trying to create some distance between himself and Phoenix, the dog who nearly died. No sooner than when he gets to about three paces away, Phoenix, for the 17th out of 17 tries today, pops up and saunters over to the young man, planting her head into his thigh before sitting back down.

"Arghh! You are supposed to stay over there. Until I say OK."

At the mention of the key word, Phoenix jumps up with her tail wagging so hard her body sways. She begins to drool and sticks her nose into Pollo's hand and pockets in expectation of the treat that always seems to come after he says OK.

"Wait! This isn't how this works!" he howls in exasperation.

Socially distant compliant tummy wubs are the best tummy wubs in times like these...

It was worth it for the visual of Gigon's round. Sometimes failure is more fun than success.

I can just hear the dramatic music building as Gigon puts together this genius concoction on the fly. It should work. It will work. Gigon is the smartest gnome alive!

Only for the record scratch as the ball falls apart in a cloud halfway to it's target like trying to throw a ball made out of paper holes with nothing to stick them together. To add insult to injury, a nice 5' area of grass in front of him is now coated in frost, like a chilled spring morning.

This is the part where the villain seems like he has the upper hand, and all is nearly lost for the good guys. (hoping it doesn't stay that way... c'mon RNG!!)

Pollo stands warily in front of the dog, trying to keep his hand from shaking as he holds out a piece of dried trail rations. "Easy boy. Eeeaaaasy boy..."

In all of his focus to get past the dog, he completely misses Osveta beat him to the prize and the rest of the group interrogating the goblin.

The dog's growls seem to get softer and softer, turning into a low rumble. Unfortunately for Pollo, he is relatively untrained in the ways of handling a dog, and doesn't realize that it's hackles are still up.

Sudden snarling, barking and a high pitched yelp can be heard in the distance.

Pollo rushes up to the group, face flushed and his right hand tucked into his tunic. "Hey everybody. Nice work!" he says, breathing heavily.

"Don't ask." he answers the unasked question, unprompted.

"So, We finally find you Phinick. You are a sneaky one! After you answer their questions, tell me, how does a goblin find himself living with humans?"

I wonder what it would be like to pet a bear... Would a bear make a good pet? Pollo wonders, but keeps his thoughts to himself.

Maybe some other time.

Pollo rolls his neck, eliciting a few cracking and popping sounds. "Let's go wrestle a bear." he says, flashing a wink towards Osveta.

Pollo blinks once, then twice at Osveta's quip, a sly grin growing on his face. "Something tells me attempting that might be dangerously fun." he grins.

Good news! We are finished! Pooka is ready to go!

"I. SMELL. BACON!" Pollo growls. He rears back and swings hard, bring the ball of his flail spinning in an uppercut motion, trying to connect with the boar's chin. His arm moves like a windmill as he tries the same attack a second and third time.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 for Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Attack #2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 for Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Attack #3: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (15) - 2 = 13 for Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Oh boy, some of us are on whatever the opposite of a roll is.

In the gambling world, we call this an epic fade. As in, do the opposite of whatever that person is doing... lol. :) It happens. Funny thing about RNG - most people don't realize that true RNG is full of 'streaks'. Flip a coin 10 times. Then 10 more. You might be surprised how often you get a streak of heads, or a streak of tails. Flip it 1000 times and you will get super close to a 50/50 split. But within that string of flips, there will be lots of streaks. Same thing happens with our dice rolls. It's the nature of RNG.

"Whoever threw that mug that hit our server is gunna pay for that!" Pollo looks over to heap some justice onto the idiots who started this mess, but Ulf and Olf seem to be taking care of that problem already.

"I'm going to do you favor bub and knock you out cold before Osveta pulls your balls out through your throat." Pollo smirks as he winds up and unleashes a jab followed by a haymaker.

Attack 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 for damage 1: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Attack 2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 for damage 2: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

"Now crawl your sorry rear end over to Delma and apologize for messing up her bar!" he shouts, his face turning slightly red.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

I thought we only named the small towns here in Michigan like that Osveta... Ha!

A tall and almostly sickly skinny old man stands near a window in some lavishly decorated hall. The window itself is tall and narrow, looking out over a bustling city skyline. His robes are of exceedingly fine make, though close inspection reveals they are tattered with years of wear.

With a grit of his teeth and a hardening of his heart, the room, window, and old man fade away to nothing. Pollo dives into the pain, running headlong into the suffering. Ahead of him, a tiny pin prick of light. The closer he gets, the more it hurts until suddenly, blissfully, the light envelops him and he breaks free.

"GAAAAAHHHH" Pollos eyes snap open and the man sucks in enough air to bend the grass and leaves around him.

"What... Happened?!" he looks around confused.

Spending hero point to be not dead! Back to 1hp. Not sure how many actions that takes.

I played half of them - but none with this character.

Quick posting note - I am unable to post from work so I actually ran Starbucks for lunch and posted there. Might not always be able to do that.

That's dedication holmes

You’ll be proven wrong...

Thats exactly why someone had to say it... :)

Pollo smirks as he sits back again. "I can see why you might make that connection. Nidal isn't really my kind of place. They seem to like inflicting pain on others like it's some sort of tribute to their twisted god." Pollo crinkles his nose at the thought.

"Pain for the sake of pain is pointless. Inflicting pain as a means to control is for weak people with no imagination." Pollo philosophizes. "I'm not in it for the pleasure of pain. I don't know that I really believe that's actually a thing. I'm in it for what's on the other side. Nidal and their zealots of Zon-Kuthon are lost in the abyss, when the point of it all is what you can become when you overcome it."

"Pie, for someone who likes to talk and ask questions about others you haven't said why you're here with us." She asks as he roots around. I could really go for a pizza now. Or a meat pie.

I just got this. Now I'm laughing out loud and I think I woke my wife up. Well done. :) *slow clap*

"THATS EXACTLY IT! I WOULD!" Pollo stands up, suddenly as excited and animated as he as ever been on this trip. "See? I knew we would be good friends, you and I are on the same page!" He plops back down in his seat, but sits on the edge, arms animated and excited energy oozing from his aura.

"That's exactly what I would do different. Now, honestly I'm not sure but I don't think the rules allow me to fight in the ring, so I'm not sure how I'd handle that just yet. Totally beside the point right now. Worst case though, I'd be in the training ring with them. And I know I'd be the only one to do it, at least in the eastern reaches of Longmarch. I'll have the edge over all the others, and we'll be rich for it. My men and women and I will live like kings." Pollo leans back, basking in the grandiose glory of his hopes and dreams. "I want a team that fights like comrades, for themselves and for me. Not a team that fights to try not to get killed."

Been at work, getting caught up now.

Not gonna lie, totally thought Gigon was gonna toss the knife out.

Same! I was getting ready to post how i pulled out the second dagger... ha!

Just texted my guy - he is in. Sending him to the sign-up sheet now.

Aaaand I'm Back!

From Outer Space!

You just walked in to find me here with that dumb look upon my face...

You should have changed that stupid lock you should have made me leave my key if you'd.....

/cast glitter dust

GAAAA MY EYES

Hey guys, glad to be back :) Let's do this!

Sorry it didn't work out Wenton! Lemme just say though that I really appreciate your honesty to be right up front about it. I wish more people who run into a situation like yours would handle it this way. Makes it so much easier for the whole group, especially the GM. Kudos to you!

On another note - Hope you guys enjoy Coatl and Ortun's little back and forth. Ortun and I met on the PbP boards some 5ish years ago, and we have done this little thing in our group a handful of times. They are a blast to write - basically we worked out our posts on a google doc ahead of time, then just blasted the thread all at once. It can be a super fun way to tell a little RP story, or just have some fun character interaction without taking a bunch of real time up in the game.

If anyone in this group is interested in doing something like this, drop either one of us a line! It's a super great way to dig in and reveal some of your character's backstory.

I'm not sure anyone would care enough to want to read other ones we have done, but if for some reason your interest is peaked, let me know and I will link some for other characters for you.

Hey FYI for everyone - as long as you are within 60' of me and have line of sight, my banner ability gives you a +2 to saving throws vs fear affects. (also a +1 to hit on all charge attacks, for what it's worth)

Also, don't forget that if you fail a saving throw, you can make an immediate re-roll with a +4 bonus thanks to my danger ward. I've activated it for all three types of saves.

Banner (Ex): At 5th level, a cavalier’s banner becomes a symbol of inspiration to his allies and companions. As long as the cavalier’s banner is clearly visible, all allies within 60 feet receive a +2 morale bonus on saving throws against fear and a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls made as part of a charge. At 10th level, and every five levels thereafter, these bonuses increase by +1. The banner must be at least Small or larger and must be carried or displayed by the cavalier or his mount to function.

Danger Ward (Ex): At 2nd level, the cavalier can ready his allies for impending danger. As a standard action, he can ready all allies within 30 feet of the danger ahead, granting a bonus on a single type of saving throw (Fortitude, Reflex or Will) that he chooses when he grants this boon. At any point in the next minute, when these allies fail a saving throw of that type, they can choose to reroll the saving throw with a +4 competence bonus as an immediate action, but must take the results of the reroll even if it is worse. He can use this ability up to three times per day, once for each type of saving throw.

"Nicolas, could you cast this spell on me from this scroll please?" Pooka asks, handing him a scroll of bull's strength.

"Kiboko is wise. Your remedy is your courage. It is within all of us. Take heart, these enemies cannot withstand our onslaught."

Takes 3 standard actions to accomplish, so I am sure we could time it better with Enora's haste to not waste rounds - But I can activate all 3 of my danger wards. Everyone gets a free reroll once on each of the saves if you fail, and the reroll is with a +4 bonus. Text in a spoiler below.

Summary: Bull's Strength on Pooka from a scroll and a helping hand, Activate Danger Ward for all 3 types of saves. If well coordinated, would take 3 rounds.

Coatl raises an eyebrow at Ortun's disapproval initially, but shrugs it off. "You think about lightening up Or-ta-un. Stress like that is poison for your heart. Works same on fishy hearts and human hearts." Coatl smiles, knowing that last jab won't go unnoticed.

But before he can bear the wrath of Ortun, Cayden's select graces the group with his presence.

"Hey fake-funny-man! You look like me a little. Bloodcove? Coatl can tell from your accent. Plus Patzmiqui says you smell like mwangi. You too much of a city boy to be from real jungle." The smile on Coatl's face is in contrast to his judgemental remarks, making it clear that he either doesn't realize he might have insulted the man, or just doesn't care. "Thanks for tip!" He offers before the group heads out.

On the way to Cailean's Keg, Coatl buys a snake mask and a second human mask. He places the snake mask over his face, and ties the human mask onto Patzmiqui's tail as the massive snake slithers along behind him, his presence easily parting the crowd as they walk.

"Challenge? I take challenge. Patzmiqui, hold my mask." The skinny druid saunters up to the table.

"Asterion!" Mosi exclaims in relief. I think I need to brush up on my first aid... How did I not notice he was still breathing?

"I am glad your journey is not over on this side of life." Mosi smiles before turning to the venture captain.

"Dalsine has tried to take advantage of the discord in our society. When he murdered many of the dawnflower cultists, he made sure that one of them was family to the Quadrian faction leader. He even had his own cousin do the deed. What was most foul was that it was all intended to raise the ire of the Quadrian's. Dalsine did it knowing his cousin would be murdered in retribution. We witnessed the murder as we opened the door to Dalsine's mansion." Mosi leans on his staff and sighs, his weariness beginning to catch up to him.

"Dalsine had a most effective spy within the dawnflower cultists. A faceless skulk in disguise. We nearly didn't survive that fight either. It meant to kill us to prevent us from meddling with the culmination of his machinations." Mosi raises and eyebrow, and realizes he might be rambling.

"Here is the short version. Dalsine meant to cause a war between factions by pulling the strings to have one faction leader murder another. And he would have likely gotten away with it, if it wasn't for us meddling pathfinders."

Pooka sees the bottleneck fold in just the way Kiboko predicted and wanted, and he smiles at the tactical acumen of his newest companions. Realizing the quarters are just too tight for his lance, he drops it to the ground and reaches for his flail.

The halfling looks at the massive hippo, or more specifically, the spaces where the hippo is not. "C'mon Luna, right between the wickets!" He urges, pressing his palm firmly on her neck. Luna obliges, and darts forward, running right between the hippo's legs, Pooka ducking low to avoid knocking his head on Mvumbu's belly. As they run, Pooka wraps his fingers around the handle of his flail, pulling it out and swinging it across his face all in one smooth motion. His momentum along with the swing make the weapon thud hard into the rocky shell of the troll.

Spirited Charge, power attack, haste: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13 Oof...
for Damage: 2d8 + 26 ⇒ (5, 2) + 26 = 33

Koboko cast a spell on me? Smells like a spell. I think I got his name right too. Dangerous thing though, thinking. Reminder for myself to not do that too often. I think it's ok this time though.

I was in between thinking Kiboko was great, and just ok, but probably leaning more towards great. This spell zooms him right to the front of great. Mvumbu is pretty great too. Thanks Kiboko!

The hushed speaking tones and the sensation that battle is about to be joined is the only thing that keeps Luna's tail from wagging.

Underneath Pooka, Luna's body shifts back and forth to the rhythm of her tail. The chain barding clinks and slides with the motion, and her muzzle lifts into the air. Her nose works overtime, sniffing the myriad of smells around her until she fixates on one in particular.

This is a new smell. The jungle smell is definitely coming from the half-orc, if my memory on races is correct, but there is another jungle smell. Wet like river water. Very subtle difference between river water and lake water and pond water and puddle water, the last one being my favorite.

Oh, that's a big dog. Is that a dog with no hair? How is her hair supposed to stand up tall like mine is doing right now?

Luna's hackles push on the chain barding and poke through some of the links, but her tail never stops wagging. Her ears perk up tall for a brief moment before drooping down while she continues to sniff the air.

Turning her head to the side a little bit further, she finally makes eye contact with Mvumbu, and her tail begins to wag so hard that the body wag starts to rattle Pooka's armor.

Like a good dog though, she waits obediently for Pooka to introduce her.

No worries, I didn't realize that about drawing and moving. I'll toss it next round, then I can demonstrate the painless and fun jumping to help encourage them to move faster!

SCREEEEEE Screeeee Scr Scr SCREE

The bat flaps its wings madly, unable to stay in one place and flitting about. Seeing the creature shoved into the pink abyss, Thistle has enough presence of mind to flit across the chasm. He lands on the ceiling of the cavern, with the floor below him, and dangles from his feet like a proper flying rodent.

Perhaps I should beseech the gods to give me a spell that allows something like this more often. Useful...

Pt. 4

Death almost surely is moments away
But Apsu’s great servant has not had his say
Calling the power of healing divine
Torn body made whole, as well as his mind

Pt. 3

An audience chamber as grand as can be
Fit for a tyrant, majestic to see
More golems to guard from unwelcome guests
Of glass and of stone, destroyed like the rest

Large iron doors are all that is left
‘Tween raiders unwelcome and ruler recessed
The hammer of doom raps once, twice and thrice
The portal swings open, rent clean from its ice