paizo.com Recent Posts by Paul Migajpaizo.com Recent Posts by Paul Migaj2022-08-25T23:28:41Z2022-08-25T23:28:41ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Playtest Prerelease Discussion: Paizo Blog: Secrets of AlchemyPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lkq6&page=7?Secrets-of-Alchemy#3442018-04-23T20:17:12Z2018-04-23T17:39:41Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Quote:</div><blockquote>For instance, a lesser bestial mutagen gives you a more savage aspect with greater muscle mass, granting you a +2 item bonus to Athletics checks and unarmed attack rolls and increasing the amount of damage die you roll for such attacks, but this new form is clumsy and lumbering, imparting a -1 penalty to Acrobatics, Stealth, and Thievery checks, as well as to AC and Reflex saves.</blockquote><p>I would discourage Paizo developers from adding any abilities as modifier-complex as the above. (+2 to Athletics, +2 to unarmed attacks, +1 die size for unarmed attacks, -1 to Acrobatics, -1 to Stealth, -1 to Thievery, -1 to Armor Class, -1 to Reflex Saves)
<p>Even in the age of digital pads and auto-calculating character sheets, keeping track of the modifiers from a couple of such spells/effects takes away from the game. Players get busy with math instead of being in the moment, and combat pauses while everyone makes sure they get it all sorted correctly. No thanks, keep it simple(r) please.</p>Quote:For instance, a lesser bestial mutagen gives you a more savage aspect with greater muscle mass, granting you a +2 item bonus to Athletics checks and unarmed attack rolls and increasing the amount of damage die you roll for such attacks, but this new form is clumsy and lumbering, imparting a -1 penalty to Acrobatics, Stealth, and Thievery checks, as well as to AC and Reflex saves.
I would discourage Paizo developers from adding any abilities as modifier-complex as the above. (+2 to...Paul Migaj2018-04-23T17:39:41ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Pathfinder and GM Balancing TechniquesPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2utd2?Pathfinder-and-GM-Balancing-Techniques#192018-01-11T15:52:27Z2018-01-11T13:51:58Z<p>Here's my heartfelt recommendation: Trust your players and leave it to them, it eventually becomes a problem when you make it your job.</p>
<p>One campaign we ran to completion and level 21, I've let players have no restrictions. They had fun, but as the 3 year campaign went on, it became a ridiculous amount of work to design encounters around their power levels and all their cool tricks. Way WAY too much work to do a proper job of it, and you spend all your time doing encounter math instead of NPC motivations, story and descriptions, etc. Also, at some point, all those powers, spells and abilities remove your ability to give fights flavor or unique twists and scenarios, because the party has a way to neutralize or counter everything imaginative. They're having a blast crushing the opposition, but the DM starts not to, because the amount of work you need to sink into prepping a single encounter begins to approach a full work day, and if you're a fair DM, the party may avoid that encounter or overcome it in a way you didn't account for. Which, yay for the party, but nothing like seeing 6 hours of prep boil down to a "No thanks, we move on". LOL, DM life, right?</p>
<p>So, after that campaign, my "DM" lesson was: Forget adjusting to the party's power level, that will drive you mad eventually. Take an AP as written and call it a day. You'll have fun, they'll have fun and all is well.</p>
<p>Except you start to worry that halfway through the party will get bored of how easy everything is. By level 12, they can probably handle the last fight in the AP, and by level 18, they'll win it before the BBEG gets to act. So you figure out cool "creative" ways to limit PC power.</p>
<p>Hey, intricate stat system. Yay, no PFS-like shopping for gear. Hey-no full casters allowed. No invisibility and fly spells/powers before level X. All the stuff that caused you a DM headache in the last campaign.</p>
<p>Except that is also a mistake. Players really don't enjoy that sort of thing, to the point that one bowed out of the campaign because he just wasn;t having fun. And you know, I learned that lesson too late but I learned it. Don't impose limits on your players that are above/beyond what is in the rules/PFS.</p>
<p>Finally, my solution is the one I should have stumbled on in the first place. Run an AP that is NOT adjusted to the party's power levels, and tell them that is the case. That makes it easy for you to concentrate on prepping story, RP, NPCs personalities and motivations instead of the math of encounter balance. It's easy for your players to aim for the expected power level, because you've just told them what it will be. Leave the character creation up to them, and trust them to police themselves. Players in a group of friends would prefer for Timmy the Barbarian to tell the wizard that he'd rather storm the castle than invisible-gaseous form through it, than to have the DM ban the spell combo.</p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>Here's my heartfelt recommendation: Trust your players and leave it to them, it eventually becomes a problem when you make it your job.
One campaign we ran to completion and level 21, I've let players have no restrictions. They had fun, but as the 3 year campaign went on, it became a ridiculous amount of work to design encounters around their power levels and all their cool tricks. Way WAY too much work to do a proper job of it, and you spend all your time doing encounter math instead of NPC...Paul Migaj2018-01-11T13:51:58ZRe: Forums: Advice: Odd question - 'pratice' sword stats?Paul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2uave?Odd-question-pratice-sword-stats#122017-04-20T17:17:13Z2017-04-20T17:17:13Z<p>The simplest solution may be to treat the practice sword as an "Improvised Weapon" of the appropriate size. Probably not what you had in mind. </p>
<p>Otherwise, the world of Dark Sun made "wooden" versions of weapons take a -3 to hit, -3 to damage, and break on a natural 1 on the attack roll.</p>
<p>That's easy to remember.</p>The simplest solution may be to treat the practice sword as an "Improvised Weapon" of the appropriate size. Probably not what you had in mind.
Otherwise, the world of Dark Sun made "wooden" versions of weapons take a -3 to hit, -3 to damage, and break on a natural 1 on the attack roll.
That's easy to remember.Paul Migaj2017-04-20T17:17:13ZRe: Forums: Off-Topic Discussions: It's About To Hit The FanBogden (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ua2c&page=2?Its-About-To-Hit-The-Fan#682017-04-07T17:31:59Z2017-04-07T17:23:40Z<p>How about:
<br />
1) This event gives as an opportunity to start down the road to full intervention in Syria, which we would like to do so that a government more amenable to establishing a very important pipeline can be put in place. At the moment, that Assad has almost won his civil war, but perhaps we'll be able to steer events our way after all. And as a bonus, we seem like we care about people being gassed to death, even if we or our allies in the region have far more motive for carrying out the chemical attack than Russia and Assad.</p>
<p>Something like that?</p>How about:
1) This event gives as an opportunity to start down the road to full intervention in Syria, which we would like to do so that a government more amenable to establishing a very important pipeline can be put in place. At the moment, that Assad has almost won his civil war, but perhaps we'll be able to steer events our way after all. And as a bonus, we seem like we care about people being gassed to death, even if we or our allies in the region have far more motive for carrying out the...Bogden (alias of Paul Migaj)2017-04-07T17:23:40ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Is conscription evil?Paul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u9st&page=5?Is-conscription-evil#2432017-04-05T13:55:21Z2017-04-05T13:55:21Z<p>The issue of conscription goes beyond whether and to what degree it mimics the conditions of slavery. The military does generally act like it owns it's soldiers, and has done so more often than not throughout history. That is not the only evil of conscription.</p>
<p>Where on the Pathfinder alignment scale would you place threatening someone with the use of force and/or other punishment in order to get them to kill people for you against their own will?</p>
<p>Does it fall in a different place if you're really desperate or you believe you have a good reason to force someone to kill for you?</p>
<p>For me, it's lawful evil, because the mantle of law, rules, society and duty is used to coerce and compel a person to kill against their will. Others will view the above, particularly for a good cause, as a lawful neutral, lawful good, or even simply a lawful act. Ultimately, the DM has to decide what it is in their game, and proceed based on that.</p>
<p>Really good thread though, really interesting read.</p>The issue of conscription goes beyond whether and to what degree it mimics the conditions of slavery. The military does generally act like it owns it's soldiers, and has done so more often than not throughout history. That is not the only evil of conscription.
Where on the Pathfinder alignment scale would you place threatening someone with the use of force and/or other punishment in order to get them to kill people for you against their own will?
Does it fall in a different place if you're...Paul Migaj2017-04-05T13:55:21ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Is conscription evil?Paul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u9st&page=2?Is-conscription-evil#952017-04-04T16:39:52Z2017-04-04T16:37:17Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">thejeff wrote:</div><blockquote><p>You might gladly volunteer, but what of others who aren't so altruistic? If the war is just and you volunteer, but too many others choose not to do so out of cowardice or just out of the assumption that others will do so and therefore you and the noble volunteers are slaughtered and your land enslaved?
</p>
Part of what conscription in a just cause does is avoid the free-rider problem, where it's individually beneficial to avoid fighting, but beneficial to all to share the risks. </p>
<p>Mind you, if the cause is not a good cause, then conscription to fight for it is even less so.
<br />
</blockquote><p>I understand, and you've made a very good point, though I think conscription is the greater evil between free-riders and being forced to fight.
<p>Aside from the above, it's interesting how often the argument of "we would have lost if we didn't do that" comes up in saying something necessary wasn't evil. We like to think of our necessary actions as not evil. Is it truly so?</p>thejeff wrote:You might gladly volunteer, but what of others who aren't so altruistic? If the war is just and you volunteer, but too many others choose not to do so out of cowardice or just out of the assumption that others will do so and therefore you and the noble volunteers are slaughtered and your land enslaved?
Part of what conscription in a just cause does is avoid the free-rider problem, where it's individually beneficial to avoid fighting, but beneficial to all to share the risks....Paul Migaj2017-04-04T16:37:17ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Is conscription evil?Paul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u9st&page=2?Is-conscription-evil#872017-04-04T16:04:34Z2017-04-04T15:41:42Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">MichaelCullen wrote:</div><blockquote>I take my views on the morality of conflict from Just War Theory. In Just War Theory one of the requirements for a "Just War" is that it must be declared by competent authority. If a nation has as its "competent authority" the votes of the people, then such a vote could suffice for the competent authority requirement. </blockquote><p>I'm having trouble equating the justness of a war with the justness of conscription. A government coercing me into risking my life for a cause I don't agree with, attempting to kill other people whom I may not consider my enemies, and leaving behind my duties to my family and children on the basis that I will otherwise be jailed, shot, or lose my property isn't behaving in anything but an evil fashion.
<p>If I agreed with the war, and thought of the other side as an enemy, the government wouldn't need to conscript me, I'd be fighting already. It's not my duty to help the "State" survive, I may even prefer a change in governance. (like an Iraqi citizen might have felt with Saddam) </p>
<p>I feel my first duty is to my family, the second to the people that are my neighbors and form my community. A government that bullies it's way to the front of my "duty" list through threats of reprisal against me is being evil. One that convinces me without coercion to volunteer for a just war is not.</p>MichaelCullen wrote:I take my views on the morality of conflict from Just War Theory. In Just War Theory one of the requirements for a "Just War" is that it must be declared by competent authority. If a nation has as its "competent authority" the votes of the people, then such a vote could suffice for the competent authority requirement.
I'm having trouble equating the justness of a war with the justness of conscription. A government coercing me into risking my life for a cause I don't agree...Paul Migaj2017-04-04T15:41:42ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Is conscription evil?Paul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u9st&page=2?Is-conscription-evil#822017-04-04T14:51:26Z2017-04-04T14:51:26Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">thejeff wrote:</div><blockquote> Actually, that was intended as the justification for conscription laws (or laws establishing local militia, generally consisting of all able-bodied citizens), not as an rally the troops speech. </blockquote><p>That's interesting. I'm thinking about how a popular vote would affect the morality of conscription. Would forcing the will of the majority onto the minority be neutral, compared to forcing the will of the state onto the people? Interesting.thejeff wrote:Actually, that was intended as the justification for conscription laws (or laws establishing local militia, generally consisting of all able-bodied citizens), not as an rally the troops speech.
That's interesting. I'm thinking about how a popular vote would affect the morality of conscription. Would forcing the will of the majority onto the minority be neutral, compared to forcing the will of the state onto the people? Interesting.Paul Migaj2017-04-04T14:51:26ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Is conscription evil?Paul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u9st&page=2?Is-conscription-evil#702017-04-04T14:15:36Z2017-04-04T14:14:38Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Quote:</div><blockquote>"Because if we all go to the walls and fight the raiders we'll likely mostly survive, but if half of us hide in our homes the rest will be slaughtered and the town will be sacked and the survivors dragged off into slavery."</blockquote><p>Yes, exactly. Great example of convincing people to do something in their common interest without forcing them to via conscription. The boundary between good and evil lies whether this bit of logic and inspiration stands on it's own, or is followed up by: "and so, I'll just kill any man who won't fight here and now and save you the trouble, coward!"
<div class="messageboard-quotee">Quote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
As for Paladins, if conscription is Evil, then the paladin falls if she participates in it. (Probably not just fighting beside, but participating in press gangs or the like.) The God's Code doesn't change that. A paladin can also fall for violating her Code in ways that aren't explicitly Evil. The Code does not provide protection for Evil deeds.
<br />
</blockquote><p>I very much like your differentiation between participation and tolerance of the conscription. I would say being responsible for the adoption of conscription, one of the architects of the policy, is pretty serious for a Paladin. I would still excuse a Paladin of Gorum, because that God asks his Paladins to start wars, which is some boss-level type of evil. What's a little conscription for war to Gorum?Quote:"Because if we all go to the walls and fight the raiders we'll likely mostly survive, but if half of us hide in our homes the rest will be slaughtered and the town will be sacked and the survivors dragged off into slavery."
Yes, exactly. Great example of convincing people to do something in their common interest without forcing them to via conscription. The boundary between good and evil lies whether this bit of logic and inspiration stands on it's own, or is followed up by: "and so,...Paul Migaj2017-04-04T14:14:38ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Is conscription evil?Paul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u9st&page=2?Is-conscription-evil#612017-04-04T13:13:36Z2017-04-04T12:59:53Z<p>Fun Question, here's my two cents:</p>
<p>Yes, conscription is an evil act, very representative of lawful evil. Arguments like "for the greater good", "out of necessity" , "because we face an existential threat" and "because the enemy cannot be allowed to continue their evil ways" generally call for something that is inherently wrong to be tolerated due to the circumstances. In other words, your little nation needs to do this evil thing to survive and win.</p>
<p>If people freely wanted to go to war, let them volunteer. Conscripting is using the threat of punishment to make someone fight that doesn't want to. It's an effective coercive tactic, and is evil. It being common in the real world speaks to it's efficacy, not it's morality.</p>
<p>The "good" option in your campaign is to use Diplomacy to inspire people to volunteer for the war effort. </p>
<p>Would the Paladin fall? Depends on their god and tenets. A Paladin of Gorum wouldn't fall, but one whose tenets espoused freedom, fighting oppressive rule and tyranny, or opposing slavery probably would. Thankfully, Paladins in Golarion have some moral flexibility.</p>Fun Question, here's my two cents:
Yes, conscription is an evil act, very representative of lawful evil. Arguments like "for the greater good", "out of necessity" , "because we face an existential threat" and "because the enemy cannot be allowed to continue their evil ways" generally call for something that is inherently wrong to be tolerated due to the circumstances. In other words, your little nation needs to do this evil thing to survive and win.
If people freely wanted to go to war, let...Paul Migaj2017-04-04T12:59:53ZRe: Forums: Advice: Last minute DMing help - CR and encountersPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u8q8?Last-minute-DMing-help-CR-and-encounters#212017-03-17T19:47:58Z2017-03-17T19:47:58Z<p>To give you some maths that may help:
<br />
The dead average damage for a sneak attack with a short sword is 10.5, before any bonuses from strength or other sources. That is enough to take a level 1 PC from full health to unconsciousness in one hit the majority of the time.</p>
<p>The encounter with two burglars is your chance to really make the party feel the danger of sneak attacks, as the bruglars can successfully knock one party member unconscious and still be badly outnumbered (and killed or chased off) by the rest of the group. The point of the encounter is to kind of teach/validate the tactical threat.</p>
<p>In the subsequent boss encounter, the problem is that you're combining the ability to one-shot players while they're already at a numbers disadvantage. This is why I think the threat of the boss using the sneak attack should be implied but not really used. Make the party afraid of it, make them sweat and worry about their positioning, but don't one shot them.</p>
<p>This isn't so much about the raw mechanics of the boss (2d6 vs 1d6 sneak attacks), but how you choose to use/play him. Remember, as DM your job isn't to play the bad guys to be effective, but instead fun and memorable.</p>
<p>At least that's my two cents on it.</p>To give you some maths that may help:
The dead average damage for a sneak attack with a short sword is 10.5, before any bonuses from strength or other sources. That is enough to take a level 1 PC from full health to unconsciousness in one hit the majority of the time.
The encounter with two burglars is your chance to really make the party feel the danger of sneak attacks, as the bruglars can successfully knock one party member unconscious and still be badly outnumbered (and killed or chased...Paul Migaj2017-03-17T19:47:58ZRe: Forums: Advice: Last minute DMing help - CR and encountersPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u8q8?Last-minute-DMing-help-CR-and-encounters#122017-03-17T12:22:59Z2017-03-17T12:22:59Z<p>The only fight to really present a challenge to the party is the last one with the four rangers and their boss. In every other encounter, the party outnumbers the enemy and (presumably) outclasses them too.</p>
<p>Your last fight can swing wildly depending on the following:
<br />
Is the party rested and prepared for the final fight?
<br />
Are the rangers built for melee or ranged?
<br />
Will they get favored enemy bonuses against the party?
<br />
Will the boss rogue get opportunities to apply sneak attack?</p>
<p>The last one is really critical, as any 1st level PC is going down to a sneak attack from a level 3 rogue. </p>
<p>If you want to make the fight tense, loudly mention how the enemies are "clearly" trying to help their boss to get a deadly strike in. Give the party opportunities to tactically prevent the big bad from gaining flank, and only punish them if they are terribly inept or don't care about the clear warning.</p>
<p>I assume the four rangers are each outclassed by the PCs, so the boss is the factor that evens things out and makes the fight deadly, depending on whether he gets to use his sneak attack to effect. Lastly, if the party has tricks to keep the boss out of the fight, such as a sleep hex, then it will be an easier fight than you think for them.</p>The only fight to really present a challenge to the party is the last one with the four rangers and their boss. In every other encounter, the party outnumbers the enemy and (presumably) outclasses them too.
Your last fight can swing wildly depending on the following:
Is the party rested and prepared for the final fight?
Are the rangers built for melee or ranged?
Will they get favored enemy bonuses against the party?
Will the boss rogue get opportunities to apply sneak attack?
The last one...Paul Migaj2017-03-17T12:22:59ZRe: Forums: Advice: Advice for Dealing with Problem PlayerPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u88o?Advice-for-Dealing-with-Problem-Player#32017-03-13T00:20:25Z2017-03-10T15:15:50Z<p>Yes, ask him to GM the game, in fact, insist on it. He sounds like he wants to be running the show anyway, and it would be inconvenient to kick him out. You relax, roll up a character of your own, and let him do the hard work. He can play cool battle songs on his laptop, look up images and handouts online in the middle of a session, and generally everything that bothers you now would be fine if he was GMing. If he isn't paying attention to what the party is doing, it will make his monsters less effective too, so bonus.</p>
<p>Otherwise, I would not continue playing with this person. You can't be "Captain I-Will-Fix-A-Player". It's been 5 years, and you've been too polite, almost too accommodating. I understand it's a relationship, but just like any relationship, you have to end the abusive ones even if it hurts to do so.</p>
<p>My 2 cents, anyway.</p>Yes, ask him to GM the game, in fact, insist on it. He sounds like he wants to be running the show anyway, and it would be inconvenient to kick him out. You relax, roll up a character of your own, and let him do the hard work. He can play cool battle songs on his laptop, look up images and handouts online in the middle of a session, and generally everything that bothers you now would be fine if he was GMing. If he isn't paying attention to what the party is doing, it will make his monsters...Paul Migaj2017-03-10T15:15:50ZRe: Forums: Advice: Searching for traps and secret doors.Paul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u78x?Searching-for-traps-and-secret-doors#492017-03-08T20:21:21Z2017-03-08T20:21:21Z<p>Perhaps this might be an interesting way of handling it:</p>
<p><b>Successful Passive Check:</b> "Something seems off here, though you aren't sure if it's just your nerves getting to you."</p>
<p><b>Failed Passive Check when there isn't anything:</b> "Something seems off here, though you aren't sure if it's just your nerves getting to you."</p>
<p><b>Active Check Passed:</b> "You notice a hole in the far wall that looks suspiciously like an arrow-slit for a trap mechanism....and the tiles ahead are likely pressure plates that set off the trap!"</p>
<p><b>Active Check Failed by a little:</b> "You notice a hole in the far wall that looks suspiciously like an arrow-slit for a trap mechanism....and that door on the far end would trigger the trap when opened!"</p>
<p><b>Active Check Failed by more than 5:</b> "It was just a feeling, this time!"</p>
<p>And add a variety of the above so trap searching stays flavorful, and isn't reduced to a immersion-destroying mechanic. Of course, this doesn't address the difference in trap DC and perception DC problems, and honestly, you're getting into homebrew rules territory to fix that problem.</p>
<p>Example: Trapfinding chance: 50% plus perception minus trap DC</p>Perhaps this might be an interesting way of handling it:
Successful Passive Check: "Something seems off here, though you aren't sure if it's just your nerves getting to you."
Failed Passive Check when there isn't anything: "Something seems off here, though you aren't sure if it's just your nerves getting to you."
Active Check Passed: "You notice a hole in the far wall that looks suspiciously like an arrow-slit for a trap mechanism....and the tiles ahead are likely pressure plates that set...Paul Migaj2017-03-08T20:21:21ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Adventure Path: General Discussion: What AP would you like to see next? 2018/19 Edition!Paul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2tu1x&page=9?What-AP-would-you-like-to-see-next-201819#4102017-02-28T20:20:50Z2017-02-28T20:20:50Z<p>Journey to the Center of the Earth style delve into the Darklands and below.</p>Journey to the Center of the Earth style delve into the Darklands and below.Paul Migaj2017-02-28T20:20:50ZRe: Forums: Advice: Would it be ok for a crafter pg to make his allies pay full price for objects he crafts?Paul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u7go&page=3?Would-it-be-ok-for-a-crafter-pg-to-make-his#1442017-02-28T18:29:55Z2017-02-28T18:29:55Z<p>I will submit that the original premise is flawed because it compares two identical characters and the comparative benefit to each character individually. This is an incorrect basis because the foundation of the game is the adventuring party.</p>
<p>The correct comparison should be what is the overall benefit to the party. In this case, both wizards contribute to making the party stronger and more effective. The party can accomplish more and secure more treasure against tougher enemies. The party can take larger risks and survive harder challenges.</p>
<p>Both wizard A and B gain large benefits through the choice of their respective feats. Wizard A gains the benefit of both his own and Wizard B's feats, and Wizard B gains the benefit of both his own and Wizard A's feats. Every other member of the adventuring party also gains the benefit's of both Wizard's feats. and they, in turn, benefit from the feats of the fighters, clerics and rogues.</p>
<p>Looking at the matter from the party perspective, there is no basis for charging more than cost for item creation, as it simply moves WBL from being evenly spread throughout the party, onto a single character. Because of the way item pricing works, the party is generally worse off if it concentrates wealth on a single character.</p>I will submit that the original premise is flawed because it compares two identical characters and the comparative benefit to each character individually. This is an incorrect basis because the foundation of the game is the adventuring party.
The correct comparison should be what is the overall benefit to the party. In this case, both wizards contribute to making the party stronger and more effective. The party can accomplish more and secure more treasure against tougher enemies. The party...Paul Migaj2017-02-28T18:29:55ZRe: Forums: Advice: Over-powered or Under-poweredPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u6p0?Overpowered-or-Underpowered#112017-02-16T21:21:23Z2017-02-16T21:21:23Z<p>The first campaign I DM'd, I let players have powerful characters with a lot of freedom of choice in allowing splat-books and even 3rd party materials.</p>
<p>The campaign went 1-20 and was a good success, but many problems became apparent from behind the DM screen. I had an increasingly difficult time challenging players as their powers increased, which eventually culminated in a final boss that they say they enjoyed, but was truly exhausting to put together in a rules-valid way and I thought was a bit of Dm-BS territory in contingency spells, wishes and spell immunities to even make it a challenge. In addition, I had to invest more and more time in re-writing and "fine-tuning" the AP, as their power level and certain key powers made later challenges trivial without a lot of finessing. High level play is a mess without a ton of DM work, but it also taught me a lot.</p>
<p>I won't DM that type of game again. I now firmly believe in under-powered PCs. APs are written to a low power level, and I'd rather invest my time into telling a better story with well played NPCs, thinking of mood, setting, presentation and atmosphere than investing time into scaling the power levels of everything up.</p>
<p>I also won't allow spells and abilities that make key story points trivial, that make key combat encounters trivial, and that solve certain key puzzles or mysteries with no effort. That gets tailored to the adventure and where the party is in a campaign. It may seem harsh to read, but makes for a better game. The party is challenged, the key combats are tough and close, puzzles/challenges/mysteries are real milestones.</p>
<p>I did lose a player in making the switch, who did not enjoy the new limitations, lower power level and also theme of the new AP (Iron Gods). For my part, I am having more fun, and every key fight and scene has been a victory the PCs really earned. I have a lot more time to think of the NPCs motivations, the plot and story, and I don't have to spend hours doing CR-math calculus.</p>The first campaign I DM'd, I let players have powerful characters with a lot of freedom of choice in allowing splat-books and even 3rd party materials.
The campaign went 1-20 and was a good success, but many problems became apparent from behind the DM screen. I had an increasingly difficult time challenging players as their powers increased, which eventually culminated in a final boss that they say they enjoyed, but was truly exhausting to put together in a rules-valid way and I thought was...Paul Migaj2017-02-16T21:21:23ZRe: Forums: Advice: 13 Strength Fighter HELPPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u6op?13-Strength-Fighter-HELP#162017-02-20T22:32:37Z2017-02-16T15:39:54Z<p>I'll drop in my 2 cents:
<br />
Contributing isn't just battle, it's roleplaying his character's personality, its being a fun person around the table, its talking out party ideas and strategies, its talking to NPCs and solving puzzles.</p>
<p>He wants to play a weak fighter, some people want to play ugly bards and dumb mages. It happens.</p>
<p>In nearly all games there are one or two characters who can't contribute much to combat and people don't complain because their class isn't called "fighter". You've got a fighter who isn't a melee powerhouse because he clearly doesn't want to be. Combat is typically a big part of Pathfinder, but not this players main focus, or he'd care to build for it. He isn't "terrible", he isn't "low-skill". This game isn't supposed to be a spreadsheet of character combat efficiency. However, he isn't a good fit for your group. This isn't a small problem as the disparity has caused you to have a pretty clear feeling of contempt for him. This can be patched, but ultimately someone isn't going to be having fun and it will affect the whole table/game. </p>
<p>The question is, a. can this player have fun playing "your" way? and b. is everyone else as bothered by this character as you are.</p>
<p>Depending on the answer to these questions, you can figure out whether the best way forward is to re-build his character, leave him alone, remove him politely from the game, or remove yourself.</p>
<p>Respectfully,
<br />
Paul</p>I'll drop in my 2 cents:
Contributing isn't just battle, it's roleplaying his character's personality, its being a fun person around the table, its talking out party ideas and strategies, its talking to NPCs and solving puzzles.
He wants to play a weak fighter, some people want to play ugly bards and dumb mages. It happens.
In nearly all games there are one or two characters who can't contribute much to combat and people don't complain because their class isn't called "fighter". You've got...Paul Migaj2017-02-16T15:39:54ZRe: Forums: Rules Questions: Empower Kinetic Blast CalculationPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u5qy?Empower-Kinetic-Blast-Calculation#32017-02-03T16:08:02Z2017-02-03T16:08:02Z<p>Thanks Ravingdork!
<br />
Makes it nice and easy to calculate too.</p>Thanks Ravingdork!
Makes it nice and easy to calculate too.Paul Migaj2017-02-03T16:08:02ZForums: Rules Questions: Empower Kinetic Blast CalculationPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u5qy?Empower-Kinetic-Blast-Calculation#12017-02-03T14:48:20Z2017-02-03T14:48:20Z<p>Simple question, I hope:</p>
<p>Does the Kineticist's ability to Metamagic Empower their blast apply to the base ability damage only (Xd6+X+CON)</p>
<p>-Or-</p>
<p>Or does it apply to the final damage including modifiers from Elemental Overflow, abilities like Fire's Fury and feats like Point-Blank Shot?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for your help in answering this.</p>Simple question, I hope:
Does the Kineticist's ability to Metamagic Empower their blast apply to the base ability damage only (Xd6+X+CON)
-Or-
Or does it apply to the final damage including modifiers from Elemental Overflow, abilities like Fire's Fury and feats like Point-Blank Shot?
Thanks in advance for your help in answering this.Paul Migaj2017-02-03T14:48:20ZRe: Forums: Advice: I accidentally gave one of my players 20000 gold at level 2 what can he buy in the small village of torch?Paul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u0g9?I-accidentally-gave-one-of-my-players-20000#372016-11-15T01:00:28Z2016-11-15T01:00:28Z<p>Hey, I'm running the campaign now for some friends, and although they haven't had your luck in the casino, I think I can be of help. Torch has some special rules listed in regards to base value and purchase limit in its section of the AP. Considering those restraints, and how well described Torch is in the book, I thought it more flavorful to write up the "actual" store availability list of special items.</p>
<p>This is a list of the magic and technological items available for sale by going through the book and picking out NPC's personal gear and what's listed for the stores in the AP:</p>
<p>Here it is in hopefully useful fashion:
<br />
Ion Tape (50')
<br />
Skillslot (Surgery not Included)
<br />
Skillchip Mark I, Engineering
<br />
Zipstick, Fully Charged
<br />
Torpinal, 1 Injector with Dose
<br />
Universal Serum, 1 Injector with Dose
<br />
Vitality Serum, 1 Injector with 1 Dose
<br />
5 Batteries, All Fully Charged
<br />
2 Sunrods
<br />
Cloak of the Hedge Wizard (Abjuration)
<br />
Trauma Pack x5
<br />
Wand of Technomancy (41 charges)
<br />
Filter Mask [Unpowered]
<br />
Flaming Warhammer +1
<br />
Cureall
<br />
Hemochem I
<br />
Hemochem II
<br />
Hemochem III
<br />
Hemochem IV
<br />
Cardioamp x2
<br />
Medlances x6
<br />
Potion of Cure Light Wounds x3
<br />
Antitoxin x3
<br />
Numerian Fluid
<br />
Flare Gun
<br />
Scroll of Find Traps (CL 10)
<br />
Scroll of Restoration x3
<br />
Scroll of Raise Dead
<br />
Wand of Rebuke Technology (11 charges)
<br />
Cold Siccatite Longsword +1
<br />
Masterwork Heavy Crossbow, Ornate
<br />
Adamantine Crossbow Bolts x30
<br />
Construct Bane Adamantine Dagger +1
<br />
Breastplate +2
<br />
Mithral Chain Shirt +1
<br />
Spiked Light Steel Shield +2
<br />
Masterwork Rapier
<br />
Studded Leather Armor +1
<br />
Adamantine Warhammer +1</p>Hey, I'm running the campaign now for some friends, and although they haven't had your luck in the casino, I think I can be of help. Torch has some special rules listed in regards to base value and purchase limit in its section of the AP. Considering those restraints, and how well described Torch is in the book, I thought it more flavorful to write up the "actual" store availability list of special items.
This is a list of the magic and technological items available for sale by going through...Paul Migaj2016-11-15T01:00:28ZRe: Forums: Starfinder General Discussion: Suggestion for AlignmentPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2tsx3?Suggestion-for-Alignment#132016-07-26T16:42:13Z2016-07-26T16:42:13Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">lordofthemax wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Bearserk wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Yeah, the hundreds of roleplying games without an alignment system must be unplayable.... ^^</p>
<p></blockquote>This is a fair point. However, if you actually take a look at your characters in these games, they will almost always fit into one of the 9 alignments. Pathfinder's system is simply there to make things easier, not harder. For example, if a cleric casted "Detect Evil", without the alignment system it would be up to the GM to decide what is evil and what isn't. It's there to make things a bit easier, and unfortunately many misunderstand it's purpose, thus making the game harder instead. </blockquote><p>I just want alignment to be designed as an optional system in Starfinder, so that it is there for those who enjoy it and not a burden on those that don't. To make it optional, the game needs to stop integrating alignment into it's spells, classes, abilities and magic/tech items so heavily
<p>Starfinder can be slightly different, so that alignment is a tool to help you design and define a character if you need it, but one that does not have mechanical consequences in gameplay.</p>
<p>You can do a lot to design away from the need for alignment and toward it being optional. As for one example of how, a "Detect Evil" ability can be re-flavored, you can go for some options:
<br />
1. Make it an ability that reads micro-expressions and works like "Detect Hostility"
<br />
2. Make it like Warhammer40k and make versions to "Detect Demonic Presence / Corruption" and "Detect Angelic Presence / Taint".
<br />
3. Keep it very similar but remove the alignment focus, and instead have it inform you which people your god accepts and which they reject, call it "Divine Judgement".</p>
<p>In Pathfinder, tying down mechanics to the alignment system makes arguments about it necessary. For example, did that Paladin fall, is casting that spell evil, is this action chaotic, etc. It becomes important, because there are consequences that aren't just story/plot related tied to it. Mandatory alignment just doesn't offer any benefit for me to outweigh the problems it causes.</p>lordofthemax wrote:Bearserk wrote:Yeah, the hundreds of roleplying games without an alignment system must be unplayable.... ^^
This is a fair point. However, if you actually take a look at your characters in these games, they will almost always fit into one of the 9 alignments. Pathfinder's system is simply there to make things easier, not harder. For example, if a cleric casted "Detect Evil", without the alignment system it would be up to the GM to decide what is evil and what isn't. It's...Paul Migaj2016-07-26T16:42:13ZForums: Starfinder General Discussion: Suggestion for AlignmentPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2tsx3?Suggestion-for-Alignment#12016-07-28T08:28:29Z2016-07-25T14:09:58Z<p>Please make alignment fully optional in Starfinder. In other words, do not make classes that require a certain alignment (they can still follow a code of behavior), do not make spells that function based off of alignment (instead use friend/foe).</p>
<p>The alignment system is a net negative. It creates more arguments at the table than anything it offers in return. It's an unsolvable problem because, as any forum post on the topic demonstrates, we each have widely differing opinions of what good, evil, lawful and chaotic mean and where each begins and ends. Its a part of the game that doesn't need to be there.</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>Please make alignment fully optional in Starfinder. In other words, do not make classes that require a certain alignment (they can still follow a code of behavior), do not make spells that function based off of alignment (instead use friend/foe).
The alignment system is a net negative. It creates more arguments at the table than anything it offers in return. It's an unsolvable problem because, as any forum post on the topic demonstrates, we each have widely differing opinions of what good,...Paul Migaj2016-07-25T14:09:58ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: So I lost my lawful good alignment. Discussion of what lawful good means...Paul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2tskh?So-I-lost-my-lawful-good-alignment-Discussion#422016-07-20T00:32:38Z2016-07-20T00:32:38Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Grumbaki wrote:</div><blockquote><p>(1) Can you be lawful good and threaten children with bodily harm/death?
</p>
(2) Different deities can be lawful good and have different points of view... </blockquote><p>1. Yes, parents do that all the time when raising kids. It's really more of whether it's all talk or whether you're willing to do it. Being willing to hurt children is generally outside of the realm of "good".
<p>2. In my opinion, this is kind of a problem in Pathfinder. Torag, a LG deity, states principles that are not the "traditional" virtues associated with being a good person (no mercy, no surrender, scatter their families with honor.) Pathfinder insists that this is still lawful good behavior, so okay I guess? For me, that's pretty solidly neutral on the good-evil scale. However, I would only make that sort of ruling in a home game and would have discussed with my players what the boundaries are well ahead of time.</p>
<p>3. I would also point out that you shooting the baddies in the head as they pass out flowers isn't typically lawful behavior either, as trial-less executions are probably not the common law in that town. However, once again Pathfinder has guidelines that Torag would consider this lawful behavior. I may not like it as a GM, but in a PFS game I wouldn't change your alignment.</p>Grumbaki wrote:(1) Can you be lawful good and threaten children with bodily harm/death?
(2) Different deities can be lawful good and have different points of view...
1. Yes, parents do that all the time when raising kids. It's really more of whether it's all talk or whether you're willing to do it. Being willing to hurt children is generally outside of the realm of "good". 2. In my opinion, this is kind of a problem in Pathfinder. Torag, a LG deity, states principles that are not the...Paul Migaj2016-07-20T00:32:38ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Adventure Path: General Discussion: What AP would you like to see next? 2016/17 editionPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2reah&page=19?What-AP-would-you-like-to-see-next-201617#9252016-07-13T07:36:57Z2016-07-11T15:39:27Z<p>A Quest for the Holy Grail style adventure path where the group are or travel with a group of Vikings on a long-ship (like 13th warrior?) and visit/explore many exotic locales such as Arcadia, Garund, Casmaron, the ruins of Azlant, Tian Xia and Sarusan.</p>
<p>You can organize it so that the group travels to one new continent/area per book. Consider it a world tour of Golarion taken to locate some ancient artifact, each location once a former stop for the artifact before it (and the party) move on to the next place. A grand quest, like for the holy grail, except the party doesn't split up :D</p>A Quest for the Holy Grail style adventure path where the group are or travel with a group of Vikings on a long-ship (like 13th warrior?) and visit/explore many exotic locales such as Arcadia, Garund, Casmaron, the ruins of Azlant, Tian Xia and Sarusan.
You can organize it so that the group travels to one new continent/area per book. Consider it a world tour of Golarion taken to locate some ancient artifact, each location once a former stop for the artifact before it (and the party) move on...Paul Migaj2016-07-11T15:39:27ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Do wee need to max our stats? It's a necessity or minmax idea?Paul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2tr18?Do-wee-need-to-max-our-stats-Its-a-necessity#342016-06-27T00:55:41Z2016-06-27T00:55:41Z<p>Whether you •need• to maximize is really dependent on the DM and fellow players. If your DM is running a campaign where high optimization is expected and the encounters are very tough, then you need to optimize. If your DM is running an Adventure Path and doesn't plan on making it tougher than written, you absolutely do not need to optimize and a 16 stat is fine. If your fellow players will optimize, then you need to as well. If they won't, you shouldn't.</p>
<p>The best advice I can give you is to talk with your fellow players and the DM to figure out what everyone is aiming for, and tailor your character build from that conversation.</p>Whether you *need* to maximize is really dependent on the DM and fellow players. If your DM is running a campaign where high optimization is expected and the encounters are very tough, then you need to optimize. If your DM is running an Adventure Path and doesn't plan on making it tougher than written, you absolutely do not need to optimize and a 16 stat is fine. If your fellow players will optimize, then you need to as well. If they won't, you shouldn't.
The best advice I can give you is to...Paul Migaj2016-06-27T00:55:41ZRe: Forums: Strange Aeons: Strange Aeons Player's GuidePaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2tqxe?Strange-Aeons-Players-Guide#72016-08-11T17:17:22Z2016-06-25T00:54:57Z<p>How about some optional disadvantages, such as phobias, delusions and various forms of insanity? That would be pretty cool to consider when making a character, and you can design ones that happen to really work well within the AP. If you're feeling extra generous, maybe each can grant a minor boon as well.</p>How about some optional disadvantages, such as phobias, delusions and various forms of insanity? That would be pretty cool to consider when making a character, and you can design ones that happen to really work well within the AP. If you're feeling extra generous, maybe each can grant a minor boon as well.Paul Migaj2016-06-25T00:54:57ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: When do player stats become broken?Paul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2tqot?When-do-player-stats-become-broken#92016-06-22T01:45:00Z2016-06-22T01:45:00Z<p>In my experience, it's not so much ability scores that you have to look at, but the comparative combat statistics of the party against what they will face in the adventure. Those stats can come from ability scores, items, feats, traits and everything else under the sun. When players have too high (or low) a chance to hit in melee, too high (or low) a chance to make saves, or their spell DCs are too high (or low), too much (or too little) damage output, that's what breaks the fun. Things either become too easy and boring, or too hard and frustrating. You'll often hear the advice that you should simply compensate with clever tactics, terrain, situations, timers, templates, extra minions, etc.</p>
<p>In the beginning, when the imbalance is relatively minor, those are easy and good ideas. However, if anything is true of Pathfinder, it's that as the levels rise, the imbalance between PCs and the bad guys inevitably grows. As a DM, you will find it increasingly difficult to adjust for, deal with and account for that growing power imbalance so that everyone has fun. It will also cause you to spend more and more time on "balancing" instead of being a good storyteller and thinking about the narrative you're trying to tell. It is even more problematic when some of your party are at an "elite" tier of power while some members are average or below. The weaker players will have their fun somewhat stolen by the stronger ones, and your job will be to continue to find ways for the weaker characters to shine. It's something every DM should care about and do, but if you can address the issue before it becomes an issue, you save yourself a lot of trouble.</p>
<p>Limiting players to a max of 18 after adjustments is a very good policy, in my experience. However, what you're really after is to have an understanding and gentlemen's agreement between yourself and your players as to what power levels you're all aiming for. Both you and your players have to keep to the agreed power curve. If they break the agreement, they won't find the adventure challenging and you'll have a lot more prep work, for the whole campaign. If you break your word on the power curve, you betray the trust of your players, and the game becomes "vs. the GM" instead of a co-operative one. If your fighters are hitting on a 5+, killing bad guys in one full attack, it's too much. If the bad guys only save on a 16+ from the player's spells, it's too much. If your monsters can take a PC from full health to dead in one full attack, it's too much. You want the balance to be in the party's favor about 60% to 40% for most of the math.</p>
<p>Hope that helps. It's a lot of work to kind of learn what makes for appropriate numbers at first, but eventually you get a natural feel for it.</p>In my experience, it's not so much ability scores that you have to look at, but the comparative combat statistics of the party against what they will face in the adventure. Those stats can come from ability scores, items, feats, traits and everything else under the sun. When players have too high (or low) a chance to hit in melee, too high (or low) a chance to make saves, or their spell DCs are too high (or low), too much (or too little) damage output, that's what breaks the fun. Things...Paul Migaj2016-06-22T01:45:00ZForums: Starfinder General Discussion: Design-Balance Suggestion for StarfinderPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2tqeo?DesignBalance-Suggestion-for-Starfinder#12016-06-18T10:17:48Z2016-06-17T21:55:19Z<p>There is an inherent problem in the "math" of Pathfinder/d20.</p>
<p>Imagine you have two level 3 fighters. One has a +7 to hit and the other a +13. As GM, you've got one number, Armor Class, that's going to matter how much they hit the monsters. You've got to make the AC too easy for one of them, or too hard for the other.</p>
<p>There is no downside to designing your melee hero to be the +13 guy, just "optimal" choices. The "math" of the game mostly reinforces the idea that the rules reward the "optimized" more than they reward the +7 guy, because good role-playing is not really stat-dependent, but the combat is.</p>
<p>Maybe one way to make Starfinder better is to make stats and combat scale less linearly, and more like rock-paper-scissors? What if as you scale up one value to get better, another value(s) diminish slightly. Or put another way, what if you have a "Pool" to allocate between accuracy, damage and number of attacks.</p>
<p>Using the example of the two fighters, maybe the +7 to hit guy has that +7 because he hits for more damage, or attacks more often, whereas the +13 guy got his very high accuracy in exchange for slower, less damaging attacks.</p>
<p>In Pathfinder, the +13 guy is strictly better than the +7 guy. In Starfinder, maybe they both can have a place.</p>
<p>Thanks for reading.</p>There is an inherent problem in the "math" of Pathfinder/d20.
Imagine you have two level 3 fighters. One has a +7 to hit and the other a +13. As GM, you've got one number, Armor Class, that's going to matter how much they hit the monsters. You've got to make the AC too easy for one of them, or too hard for the other.
There is no downside to designing your melee hero to be the +13 guy, just "optimal" choices. The "math" of the game mostly reinforces the idea that the rules reward the...Paul Migaj2016-06-17T21:55:19ZRe: Forums: Rules Questions: Bucklers and Thrown WeaponsPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2tpuj?Bucklers-and-Thrown-Weapons#42016-06-10T10:38:16Z2016-06-10T10:38:16Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Gisher wrote:</div><blockquote> (Out of curiosity, why are you going to use the buckler arm instead of the other?) </blockquote><p>I am presuming the other hand will be busy holding/using a melee weapon. If I switch my melee weapon to the shield hand, draw a dagger and throw it, then switch hands again, aren't I just cheesing my way around the buckler penalty?Gisher wrote:(Out of curiosity, why are you going to use the buckler arm instead of the other?)
I am presuming the other hand will be busy holding/using a melee weapon. If I switch my melee weapon to the shield hand, draw a dagger and throw it, then switch hands again, aren't I just cheesing my way around the buckler penalty?Paul Migaj2016-06-10T10:38:16ZForums: Rules Questions: Bucklers and Thrown WeaponsPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2tpuj?Bucklers-and-Thrown-Weapons#12016-06-10T01:29:41Z2016-06-10T01:29:41Z<p>Easy Question, I hope:</p>
<p>If someone throws a weapon, such as a dagger at an enemy using their buckler-equipped hand, does that ranged attack suffer the -1 to hit penalty from the Buckler?</p>
<p>It seems clear in the case of hand-to-hand fighting, less so for thrown attacks.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>Easy Question, I hope:
If someone throws a weapon, such as a dagger at an enemy using their buckler-equipped hand, does that ranged attack suffer the -1 to hit penalty from the Buckler?
It seems clear in the case of hand-to-hand fighting, less so for thrown attacks.
Thanks in advance.Paul Migaj2016-06-10T01:29:41ZRe: Forums: Advice: Please help with writing interesting Quirks and OdditiesPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2to6m?Please-help-with-writing-interesting-Quirks#42016-05-20T02:18:25Z2016-05-20T02:18:25Z<p>In reply to Claxon:
<br />
Yes, I agree I need to tone town the downside on bird-boned and large lungs. Not all of my ideas are going to be winners, and that's ok. The player that brought up this idea likes a little of that 1st ed. old-school style hazardous consequences in their game, so some of the possibilities for the quirks are supposed to be bad. Something like the original deck of many things. To be fair, I'm giving everyone a choice whether they want to roll on the d100 table of quirks or not, but the result, once rolled, is part of that character for better or worse.</p>
<p>In reply to Prof. Lowenzahn:
<br />
Thanks for pointing out the ones with cool potential and for the additional ideas!</p>In reply to Claxon:
Yes, I agree I need to tone town the downside on bird-boned and large lungs. Not all of my ideas are going to be winners, and that's ok. The player that brought up this idea likes a little of that 1st ed. old-school style hazardous consequences in their game, so some of the possibilities for the quirks are supposed to be bad. Something like the original deck of many things. To be fair, I'm giving everyone a choice whether they want to roll on the d100 table of quirks or...Paul Migaj2016-05-20T02:18:25ZForums: Advice: Please help with writing interesting Quirks and OdditiesPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2to6m?Please-help-with-writing-interesting-Quirks#12016-05-18T23:20:40Z2016-05-18T23:20:40Z<p>Dear Paizo community,
<br />
I am a DM about to start the Iron Gods campaign for my players. One of them thought it would be really cool to add a random oddity or quirk to their characters, in homage to the strange qualities you could add in many old school rpgs, such as fallout. I love the idea.</p>
<p>I've come up with a few examples, but I could really use the communities help and creativity with making many more! Ideally, it would be awesome to have enough to fill out a d100 table. These quirks can run the gamut of terrible, fantastic, strange, useful, burdensome, interesting and everything in between.</p>
<p>Here is what I came up with so far, can you write more of your own for my group (and anyone else) to use? Thank you so much!</p>
<p>Examples:
<br />
<b>Quirks and Oddities</b></p>
<p><b>Bird-Boned</b> “You get a broken jaw from a stiff slap, and falling down stairs is a recurring nightmare for you. At least in the right wind, and with a running start, you feel like you can almost fly.”
<br />
Benefit(s): You weigh 30% less than normal; You gain a +5 bonus on Jump checks; You gain a +2 bonus on Fly checks; You take 1d6 less falling damage than usual
<br />
Drawback(s): You have a weakness to bludgeoning damage (50% more)</p>
<p><b>Hemophiliac</b> “You always bruised easily and your nosebleeds would last for hours. Your blood is thin and runny, and every time you cut yourself it’s always a struggle to get the wound to stop bleeding.”
<br />
Benefit(s): None
<br />
Drawback(s): All bleed effects continue for 2 rounds after they would have otherwise stopped.</p>
<p><b>Hater of Doors:</b> “What is best in life? The sound of splintering wood, the crushing of portals, and the lamentation of former door owners. For some reason, you’ve always hated closed doors, likely due to some unremembered childhood trauma. Maybe you’re just crazy. Now you treat all closed doors as a mortal enemy and a personal affront. You’ve spent a lot of time in jail for property damage. “
<br />
Benefit(s): You roll twice on strength checks to force open a door, taking the better result; You always deal a critical hit when attempting to sunder doors.
<br />
Drawback(s): If you ever try and fail to open a closed door in one shot, (via sunder or strength check), you become shaken as you lose faith in yourself. This penalty lasts until you successfully defeat a door in one shot.</p>
<p><b>Large Lungs:</b> “You have lungs like bellows, and they have served you well every time you went swimming or diving. If you could only breathe fire, you’d be the mightiest dragon.”
<br />
Benefit(s): You can hold your breath twice as long as usual; Any breath attacks you make have their cone or line effect increased by 50%
<br />
Drawback(s): In combat and other physically exciting situations, roll a d20 at the start of your turn, on a result of 1, you momentarily pass out. You become prone and staggered for your turn, and drop what you were holding.</p>
<p><b>Thrill-seeker:</b> “It’s better to burn out, than to fade away. You’ve always felt that life is only thrilling when you’re riding the edge of death. Safe is boring, you live for risk.’
<br />
Benefit(s): If you’re below 50% hit points, gain a +1 bonus on your d20 rolls.
<br />
Drawback(s): If you’re at full hit points, take a -1 penalty on your d20 rolls.</p>
<p><b>Odd Glow:</b> “There are places in the world where you simply start glowing like a faint will-o-wisp, usually in the Numerian Wastes or next to technological items and scrap.”
<br />
Benefit(s): Whenever you’re within an area of radiation, you give off dim light in a 10’ radius.
<br />
Drawback(s): None</p>
<p><b>Free Fated:</b> “You’ve always felt like you had an extraordinary will and an ability to control your own fate, to bend luck to your bidding. Maybe you’re just extraordinarily confident.”
<br />
Benefit(s): You can control your fate to re-roll any d20 roll as a free action, keeping the better result. Doing so earns you a Debt Token.
<br />
Drawback(s): The DM can use a Debt Token to force you to re-roll any d20 roll, keeping the worse result. You cannot Control your Fate while you have a Debt Token.</p>
<p><b>Alcoholic:</b> “You’ve hit the bottle so long you’ve nearly forgotten what being sober is like.”
<br />
Benefit(s): You can consume twice the alcohol as usual without becoming drunk.; You gain a +2 diplomacy bonus in bars, taverns, parties and with fellow connoisseurs.; You gain a +1 bonus on saves vs. poison
<br />
Drawback(s): You take a -1 penalty on saves vs. disease; You must consume alcohol each day or you take 2 points of Constitution damage from withdrawal. You are too far gone to quit without it killing you.</p>
<p><b>Light Sleeper:</b> “You awaken at the slightest sound, at the gentlest breeze or even a shadow passing over you. It’s a curse and you envy others restful sleep.”
<br />
Benefit(s): You automatically awaken when anything at all is wrong. You can wear earplugs and a sleeping mask to intentionally lose this benefit.
<br />
Drawback(s): You gain the fatigued condition for the following day, due to your inability to get proper sleep. You can wear earplugs and a sleeping mask to intentionally lose this drawback.</p>
<p><b>Hodor:</b> “Some people are fat, some people are big boned, but you’re clearly just a small giant.”
<br />
Benefit(s): You are treated as one size bigger for purposes of CMD, BAB, AC and Natural Attack Dice
<br />
Drawback(s): You have never squeezed into anywhere, and you never will.</p>
<p><b>Know-It-All:</b> “You know a lot of useful information, odd pieces of knowledge and obscure trivia. The problem is that when you don’t know something, you just give it your best guess instead of admitting your ignorance.”
<br />
Benefit(s): You roll two dice when making knowledge checks.
<br />
Drawback(s): The DM secretly and randomly picks which of your two rolls is used.</p>
<p><b>Heartbomb:</b> “At one point in your life you’ve had a particularly critical need to implant an explosive into your body that would explode if you died. Eventually, the need passed, and the bomb stayed.”
<br />
Benefit(s): If anyone kills you, they’ll die too. You bomb explodes for 10d6 fire damage in a 30’ radius. Anyone affected can take half damage with a Reflex Save DC of 15 + your character level.
<br />
Drawback(s): There won’t be much left of your body for a nice funeral.</p>Dear Paizo community,
I am a DM about to start the Iron Gods campaign for my players. One of them thought it would be really cool to add a random oddity or quirk to their characters, in homage to the strange qualities you could add in many old school rpgs, such as fallout. I love the idea.
I've come up with a few examples, but I could really use the communities help and creativity with making many more! Ideally, it would be awesome to have enough to fill out a d100 table. These quirks can...Paul Migaj2016-05-18T23:20:40ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Adventure Path: General Discussion: Are APs too long?Paul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2t5a8&page=3?Are-APs-too-long#1042016-02-24T13:01:17Z2016-01-17T14:41:03Z<p>APs too long?
<br />
No, they are not. As a DM, I can see most of the APs taking between 9 months to 2 years, depending on how I pace the story and how much content I add or skip. That's a really nice range of time for a full campaign.</p>
<p>In our Kingmaker campaign, we just passed the two year mark, but the players got really involved in the kingdom, wanted to get to level 20 and adventure there for a while, so I used the wealth of additional information and potential stories in the AP to extend the fun for them.</p>
<p>It is always easier to run a good campaign when there is a lot of material to work with, and the more you have, the easier it is to pick things to skip. With more detailed content, it is easier to flesh out stories that fit extremely well within the campaign if you want to add time.</p>
<p>The icing on the cake is that within the time one campaign takes place, your PCs have two to three new campaigns to pick from, typically each with their own unique flavor and style. My group opted for Iron Gods next. </p>
<p>By the time that's done, we'll have plenty more to choose from. I think the current AP model is really as good as it gets.</p>APs too long?
No, they are not. As a DM, I can see most of the APs taking between 9 months to 2 years, depending on how I pace the story and how much content I add or skip. That's a really nice range of time for a full campaign.
In our Kingmaker campaign, we just passed the two year mark, but the players got really involved in the kingdom, wanted to get to level 20 and adventure there for a while, so I used the wealth of additional information and potential stories in the AP to extend the...Paul Migaj2016-01-17T14:41:03ZRe: Forums: Advice: Slaying enemies in their sleep evil?Zaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2szsw&page=13?Slaying-enemies-in-their-sleep-evil#6252015-10-20T01:53:22Z2015-10-20T01:53:22Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Ravingdork wrote:</div><blockquote> Are paladins not allowed to use Stealth in your games? Are they not permitted to ambush the personnel of a superior enemy force? </blockquote><p>I'd hate to play a game where a DM was so absolute as to rule that any act of Stealth to be automatic grounds for falling. It's not the skill, but how you use it, right? A Paladin can fall because of a successful Diplomacy check, depending on what they mean to accomplish with it.
<p>In regards to ambushes, well..first, I find it interesting that you included the qualifier "of a superior enemy force". Any time we need qualifiers like that should point to probably straying into morally uncomfortable territory.</p>
<p>Would the Paladin fall though? I don't think so, but there are many ways one can behave in an ambush against a superior force. </p>
<p>Is the ambush intended to put the party in a superior tactical position, where some reveal themselves, ready their actions, and demand surrender? That's pretty nice of the group, and it's the traditional good guy thing.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if the party kills a couple soldiers before the other side is even aware of the attack, and the Paladin snipers the enemy leader with a crossbow bolt from stealth to start the whole thing, I would add a notch towards falling. The latter may be a (potentially) more effective tactic, but it's not as morally sound as the former. There are, of course, many other ambush situations that are more morally ambiguous than the two examples I thought of.</p>
<p>I know the morals of the 21st century are different, but our modern viewpoint on how warfare is conducted should not be used to excuse the actions of a knight so chivalrous they get special powers.</p>Ravingdork wrote:Are paladins not allowed to use Stealth in your games? Are they not permitted to ambush the personnel of a superior enemy force?
I'd hate to play a game where a DM was so absolute as to rule that any act of Stealth to be automatic grounds for falling. It's not the skill, but how you use it, right? A Paladin can fall because of a successful Diplomacy check, depending on what they mean to accomplish with it. In regards to ambushes, well..first, I find it interesting that you...Zaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-10-20T01:53:22ZRe: Forums: Advice: Slaying enemies in their sleep evil?Zaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2szsw&page=13?Slaying-enemies-in-their-sleep-evil#6202015-10-21T06:56:14Z2015-10-20T00:06:09Z<p>I like to take a different view towards good and evil. </p>
<p>There are situations, as written here, where killing people in their sleep is expedient, or simply good tactics;where assassination is an effective means of ending a threat; where mutilating and defiling the bodies of the dead to hide a killing is effective in escaping punishment.</p>
<p>No arguments from me on why the party felt those were good tactics and necessary steps. I would likely do the same or something similar in that situation. (I don't play Paladins)</p>
<p>However, must we really insist that because an otherwise horrendous act is tactically sound, expedient, or smart; that those conditions make it something that is not evil? Does not every villain whom parties struggle against have similar reasons for the necessity of their own "evil" actions? When we resort to lying, cheating, stealing and killing for a "good" cause, are we not also the villains?</p>
<p>The Paladin accepted a mission to assassinate, participated in deception to gain access to the compound, then killed his enemies in a way that presented the least threat to him. Then the Paladin participated in mutilating the bodies of the dead to avoid punishment for the killings. Then, presumably, the Paladin participated in the actual assassination. Replace the word Paladin with "Rogue" or "the Villain" and it sounds exactly what the bad guys would do. </p>
<p>This was not an honest mission with chivalrous goals, it was a clandestine murder. I thought that of all classes, the Paladin is the one that is not supposed to stoop to doing things "that way". That's the purview of the Rogues, Assassins, Shadowdancers, Arcane Tricksters and the like.</p>I like to take a different view towards good and evil.
There are situations, as written here, where killing people in their sleep is expedient, or simply good tactics;where assassination is an effective means of ending a threat; where mutilating and defiling the bodies of the dead to hide a killing is effective in escaping punishment.
No arguments from me on why the party felt those were good tactics and necessary steps. I would likely do the same or something similar in that situation. (I...Zaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-10-20T00:06:09ZRe: Forums: Advice: Slaying enemies in their sleep evil?Zaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2szsw&page=10?Slaying-enemies-in-their-sleep-evil#4962015-10-16T20:10:14Z2015-10-16T20:10:14Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Triune wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Is killing someone with a sniper rifle evil? They're just as helpless as when they're asleep, really. Wartime killing is wartime killing. You may feel better about it if the person is fighting back, but the fact of the matter is you killed a person whether they had a weapon in their hands or not. </p>
<p>Now, one may argue that wartime killing is itself evil, and that may have some merit. The fact that they're asleep, though, has to do with "fairness", not good and evil. </blockquote><p>I understand your point, but yes, I think the concept of "fairness" , and similar ones, form the foundation of how we separate good and evil. It paints how we view a warrior as either heroic or villainous, a judge as a provider of justice or tyranny, a businessman as having earned honest profit or scammed people, etc.Triune wrote:Is killing someone with a sniper rifle evil? They're just as helpless as when they're asleep, really. Wartime killing is wartime killing. You may feel better about it if the person is fighting back, but the fact of the matter is you killed a person whether they had a weapon in their hands or not.
Now, one may argue that wartime killing is itself evil, and that may have some merit. The fact that they're asleep, though, has to do with "fairness", not good and evil.
I understand...Zaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-10-16T20:10:14ZRe: Forums: Advice: Slaying enemies in their sleep evil?Zaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2szsw&page=10?Slaying-enemies-in-their-sleep-evil#4842016-07-21T23:52:18Z2015-10-16T15:13:32Z<p>A little late to the party on the original question but here are some thoughts on the original matter:</p>
<p>Killing someone in their sleep is dishonorable and cowardly. It is also usually efficient and smart. Just because something is a careful, smart or wise choice of action, doesn't necessarily exempt it from also being evil.</p>
<p>The act of killing is what's evil, and there are circumstances in which we consider it not-evil. Those circumstances are usually limited to the defense of oneself or others.</p>
<p>Killing a bad (evil) person is usually still considered murder (evil) unless that bad person is also attempting to kill you or in the middle of committing an atrocity. It may be legally ok to execute a criminal at any time, but that's not a matter of good/evil.</p>
<p>Following the rules of war is usually a matter of being lawful vs. chaotic, not good vs evil. If the rules of war allow an atrocity, that doesn't make it a non-evil act. Killing enemy soldiers that are actively fighting you is not evil, but most other means are at least a little evil (such as ambushes or poisoning supplies) even though they are smart tactics.</p>
<p>I am not against parties using efficient, cold or cruel tactics. Much like in the real world during war, it is actually very hard for otherwise good people to avoid actions that will haunt them later in life while trying to survive and/or win. Violence usually degenerates into escalating acts of greater evil. It is a great challenge to remain truly good while killing others. Most of us fail that, whether in the imagination of a game or in the line of duty. That's likely why we joke that adventurers really are murder-hobos and why soldiers don't like talking about their experiences.</p>
<p>The DMs problem (reading between the lines) seems to have been with the lack of "challenge" in the situation. The tactic employed by the party made their risk much smaller than the standard reward. The complaint about the act being essentially evil is correct, but I don't think it was the real issue. After all, the mission undertaken was to infiltrate (deception) an enemy camp and murder (assassinate) their leader. If the goal and method are essentially evil to begin with, why is the GM upset that the party continues that line of action with murdering people in their sleep?</p>A little late to the party on the original question but here are some thoughts on the original matter:
Killing someone in their sleep is dishonorable and cowardly. It is also usually efficient and smart. Just because something is a careful, smart or wise choice of action, doesn't necessarily exempt it from also being evil.
The act of killing is what's evil, and there are circumstances in which we consider it not-evil. Those circumstances are usually limited to the defense of oneself or...Zaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-10-16T15:13:32ZRe: Forums/RPG Superstar™: General Discussion: CMI response ThreadPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2swsc&page=3?CMI-response-Thread#1312015-09-10T07:42:55Z2015-09-09T22:53:00Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Trekkie90909 wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
Format:</p>
<p>Solid. Using the ability is boring; it’d be more interesting if there were more player interaction involved than ‘activate as a standard action.’ This is especially true as there’s little descriptive imagery to draw the reader into the item.</p>
<p>Does this add something to the game?</p>
<p>Definitely; this is a strong item at the level you can get it, and while it drops off in effectiveness (as things get huge fort save bonuses) the penalties remain potent all the way to 20. Better, there’s nothing like this in the game.</p>
<p>Would I want this in my games?
<br />
As a Player?</p>
<p>I favor static bonuses over variable to a significant extent; the dice REALLY hate me. That said, in terms of the ‘active which screws enemies over’ items I saw this year, this was hands down the best. I’d be tempted to get it, so I’m sure others would. Maybe if this were some kind of reactive penalty I could hit others with when they tumble past me, or cast spells in my direction.</p>
<p>As a GM?</p>
<p>It’s neat; I could see putting it on law enforcement officials. Heck, I could see this inspiring a lot of city-guard related itemizations. That said, it mostly favors the side with greater action economy since burning a standard action for a highly situational short... </blockquote><p>Thank you for the review. I really appreciate you taking your time to give an honest appraisal, it helps me to get better at design. I'm glad the idea was solid, and I will work on making future items more interesting, both in their visualization and in the method of their use. Now I'm going to spend some time thinking about how I might do that with this item as practice.Trekkie90909 wrote:Format:Solid. Using the ability is boring; it’d be more interesting if there were more player interaction involved than ‘activate as a standard action.’ This is especially true as there’s little descriptive imagery to draw the reader into the item.
Does this add something to the game?
Definitely; this is a strong item at the level you can get it, and while it drops off in effectiveness (as things get huge fort save bonuses) the penalties remain potent all the way to 20....Paul Migaj2015-09-09T22:53:00ZRe: Forums/RPG Superstar™: General Discussion: Critique My Item Please!Paul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2swpw&page=4?Critique-My-Item-Please#1852015-09-03T15:46:36Z2015-09-03T15:46:36Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Wolin wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
<p><b>Armour of Burden</b></p>
<p>This I thought had promise. It's a fairly simple concept, but one that is well described flavourwise. Nice and easy to picture it.</p>
<p>Mechanically I feel it works very well. Clear and concise. It's an interesting anti-arcane caster ability - make them suffer that hefty 40% spell failure chance! I think you probably did a good job of not making it hugely exploitable by arcane casters dumping it on their familiars or... </blockquote><p>Thanks Wolin. I thought it would be pretty useful against most melee threats too, since relatively few classes and monsters are heavy armor proficient, and would incur a hefty to-hit penalty. Outside of combat, I figured the ability to relieve yourself of a swim check penalty or a climb penalty might be handy in some situations. Thanks for upvoting me and for the critique!Wolin wrote:Armour of Burden
This I thought had promise. It's a fairly simple concept, but one that is well described flavourwise. Nice and easy to picture it.
Mechanically I feel it works very well. Clear and concise. It's an interesting anti-arcane caster ability - make them suffer that hefty 40% spell failure chance! I think you probably did a good job of not making it hugely exploitable by arcane casters dumping it on their familiars or...
Thanks Wolin. I thought it would be pretty...Paul Migaj2015-09-03T15:46:36ZRe: Forums/RPG Superstar™: General Discussion: Critique My Item Please!Paul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2swpw&page=4?Critique-My-Item-Please#1672015-09-03T19:44:17Z2015-09-03T12:09:41Z<p>Hello and thank you for your thoughts, advice and critique of my item:</p>
<p><b>Armor of Burden</b>
<br />
<b>Aura</b> faint necromancy; <b>CL</b> 5th
<br />
<b>Slot</b> armor; <b>Price</b> 6750 gp; <b>Weight</b> 45 lbs.
<br />
<b>Description</b>
<br />
This +1 Splint Mail is embossed with an image of a squire carrying the equipment of his knight. Once per day, the wearer of the armor may command it to impose its burden upon a creature within 120 feet. That creature must make a DC 14 Fortitude saving throw, or suffer the -6 armor check penalty, 40% arcane spell failure chance, and any non-proficiency penalty as if they were wearing a suit of Splint Mail for 1d4 rounds. While another creature is so affected, the Armor of Burdens imposes no armor check penalty or arcane spell failure chance upon its wearer.
<br />
<b>Construction</b>
<br />
<b>Requirements</b> Craft Magic Arms and Armor, Bestow Curse, Spectral Hand; <b>Cost</b> 3375 gp</p>Hello and thank you for your thoughts, advice and critique of my item:
Armor of Burden
Aura faint necromancy; CL 5th
Slot armor; Price 6750 gp; Weight 45 lbs.
Description
This +1 Splint Mail is embossed with an image of a squire carrying the equipment of his knight. Once per day, the wearer of the armor may command it to impose its burden upon a creature within 120 feet. That creature must make a DC 14 Fortitude saving throw, or suffer the -6 armor check penalty, 40% arcane spell failure...Paul Migaj2015-09-03T12:09:41ZRe: Forums: Advice: Two Archers In A Party: Ethics.Bogden (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sw52?Two-Archers-In-A-Party-Ethics#342015-08-27T21:34:31Z2015-08-27T21:34:31Z<p>It sounds to me like your DM has the following problem with you:</p>
<p>Since you optimize so well, whatever role you pick will overshadow any other character at the table playing a similar role. If you and another player both have controller spellcasters, you'll always be the much more effective one, same for healers, same for blasters, same for finesse melee, ranged, what have you. While that is fun for you, over time, it will become apparent to the other player that they are just a sidekick to your superhero, the Robin to your Batman. I think, in a very clumsy way, your DM is trying to protect the other player's fun. You are too good in your mastery of the mechanics for your own group. If my guess is accurate, the solution to the problem may be the following:</p>
<p>1. You have to get all the players to have somewhat close power levels, respective of their niche or specialty. If you're willing, you can build your character to a lower standard. If the other players and the GM are willing, you can help them revise their characters to bring them up to your level of optimization.</p>
<p>2. Find a niche that the party doesn't have covered and optimize the heck out of it like you enjoy. Some interesting examples were already mentioned in this thread. The key is that it's different enough from the other players that their characters won't feel useless by comparison.</p>
<p>3. Last resort, find a group that has mastered the mechanics and enjoys optimization as much as you do.</p>
<p>4. Become a GM instead and see how these things look from the other side :D (For what it's worth, I think your DM is trying to do the right thing by the group in a way that is wrong by you, and explaining the problem poorly)</p>It sounds to me like your DM has the following problem with you:
Since you optimize so well, whatever role you pick will overshadow any other character at the table playing a similar role. If you and another player both have controller spellcasters, you'll always be the much more effective one, same for healers, same for blasters, same for finesse melee, ranged, what have you. While that is fun for you, over time, it will become apparent to the other player that they are just a sidekick to...Bogden (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-08-27T21:34:31ZRe: Forums/RPG Superstar™: General Discussion: Praise thread!Paul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sv5j&page=7?Praise-thread#3022015-08-25T23:58:14Z2015-08-25T23:58:14Z<p>Ran into the best Monster-in-a-Can I have ever read. That's how to do it properly mysterious designer! Great job!</p>Ran into the best Monster-in-a-Can I have ever read. That's how to do it properly mysterious designer! Great job!Paul Migaj2015-08-25T23:58:14ZRe: Forums: Rules Questions: Prismatic Sphere and Prismatic WallPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sbjw?Prismatic-Sphere-and-Prismatic-Wall#42015-06-02T02:38:34Z2015-06-02T02:38:34Z<p>Thank you Claxon and voideternal.</p>
<p>Rephrasing: My player believes that a ranged attacker or a spellcaster would be harmed by the prismatic sphere if they attack the wizard within it (using spells or ranged attacks). The player's argument in favor of this is the quote in the prismatic sphere spell description that states "Other creatures that attempt to attack you... suffer the effects of each color".</p>
<p>For what it's worth, I also do not believe that the player is correct, but wanted to do my due diligence here on the boards.</p>Thank you Claxon and voideternal.
Rephrasing: My player believes that a ranged attacker or a spellcaster would be harmed by the prismatic sphere if they attack the wizard within it (using spells or ranged attacks). The player's argument in favor of this is the quote in the prismatic sphere spell description that states "Other creatures that attempt to attack you... suffer the effects of each color".
For what it's worth, I also do not believe that the player is correct, but wanted to do my...Paul Migaj2015-06-02T02:38:34ZForums: Rules Questions: Prismatic Sphere and Prismatic WallPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sbjw?Prismatic-Sphere-and-Prismatic-Wall#12015-06-02T01:19:58Z2015-06-02T01:19:58Z<p>I was asked for a ruling on the Prismatic Sphere and Prismatic Wall spells from one of my players, and I need some advice.</p>
<p>The question is whether all (ranged, magic, melee) attacks targeting the wizard suffer the effects of the seven colors, or just melee attacks passing through the sphere or wall. The spell text from Prismatic Sphere states that <i><b>"Other creatures that attempt to attack you or pass through suffer the effects of each color, one at a time."</i></b></p>
<p>My natural inclination is to assume this means or was intended to mean melee attacks, even ones from large creatures with a lot of reach. However, my player believes this means the prismatic sphere should also affect an archer attempting to shoot his wizard, or someone trying to cast a targeted spell at his wizard. I wanted to get a second, third and fourth opinion from fellow GMs and players. Thank you in advance for taking the time to reply.</p>I was asked for a ruling on the Prismatic Sphere and Prismatic Wall spells from one of my players, and I need some advice.
The question is whether all (ranged, magic, melee) attacks targeting the wizard suffer the effects of the seven colors, or just melee attacks passing through the sphere or wall. The spell text from Prismatic Sphere states that "Other creatures that attempt to attack you or pass through suffer the effects of each color, one at a time."
My natural inclination is to assume...Paul Migaj2015-06-02T01:19:58ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=17#8182015-04-30T00:06:22Z2015-04-30T00:06:22Z<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>Enjoy your family man! We'll be here when you're ready.</span></p>Enjoy your family man! We'll be here when you're ready.Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-04-30T00:06:22ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=17#8162015-04-28T01:18:46Z2015-04-28T01:18:46Z<p>Looking at the white box, Oleg muses that perhaps it might open with a keycard that had a white stripe. If the group fails to find one, Oleg promises to beat the box open to the best of his ability!</p>
<p>Oleg accompanies Bosh and Scarlet to meet with Ms. Otterbie, and to pay his respects. He will also travel to see Sanvil Trett, hoping to get a good price for the pair of excellent shortswords, or be directed to an interested merchant.</p>
<p>After that business is concluded, Oleg thinks another meeting with the town councilors may be in order. There is a lot under the town that they are unaware of, but perhaps that will be best discussed in the morning after a well-deserved rest.</p>Looking at the white box, Oleg muses that perhaps it might open with a keycard that had a white stripe. If the group fails to find one, Oleg promises to beat the box open to the best of his ability!
Oleg accompanies Bosh and Scarlet to meet with Ms. Otterbie, and to pay his respects. He will also travel to see Sanvil Trett, hoping to get a good price for the pair of excellent shortswords, or be directed to an interested merchant.
After that business is concluded, Oleg thinks another meeting...Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-04-28T01:18:46ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=17#8132015-04-27T02:32:40Z2015-04-27T02:32:40Z<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>Just wanted to drop in an hold this spot, I won't get a chance to respond until tomorrow afternoon</span></p>Just wanted to drop in an hold this spot, I won't get a chance to respond until tomorrow afternoonOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-04-27T02:32:40ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=17#8062015-04-22T11:52:20Z2015-04-22T11:52:20Z<p>Oleg reacts rather predictably to the creature trying to crawl onto his leg. <b>"Arrgh! Get offa me you filthy thing!"</b> Then Oleg winds his foot back and kicks forward with all his might trying to send the creature flying back towards the other end of the room. Assuming he is successful, Oleg then takes a 5' step away from the blob.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p><span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Bull Rush:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19</span></p>Oleg reacts rather predictably to the creature trying to crawl onto his leg. "Arrgh! Get offa me you filthy thing!" Then Oleg winds his foot back and kicks forward with all his might trying to send the creature flying back towards the other end of the room. Assuming he is successful, Oleg then takes a 5' step away from the blob.
[Spoiler omitted]
[dice=Bull Rush]1d20+7[/dice]Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-04-22T11:52:20ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=17#8042015-04-21T16:40:28Z2015-04-21T16:40:28Z<p>Oleg will delay his turn until just before the little blob can act, hopefully buying everyone time to back off. </p>
<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>New Order: Cinder, Bosh, Oleg, Boilborn, Scarlet</span></p>Oleg will delay his turn until just before the little blob can act, hopefully buying everyone time to back off.
New Order: Cinder, Bosh, Oleg, Boilborn, ScarletOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-04-21T16:40:28ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=16#7962015-04-20T17:50:28Z2015-04-20T17:50:28Z<p><b>"Disgusting things!"</b> Oleg grimaces as he attempts to stomp the horrible things to death with his boot. </p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Unarmed Strike 1:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Unarmed Strike 2:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Damage 1:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Damage 2:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7</span></p>"Disgusting things!" Oleg grimaces as he attempts to stomp the horrible things to death with his boot.
[Spoiler omitted]
[dice=Unarmed Strike 1]1d20+2[/dice]
[dice=Unarmed Strike 2]1d20+2[/dice]
[dice=Damage 1]1d6+5[/dice]
[dice=Damage 2]1d6+5[/dice]Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-04-20T17:50:28ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=16#7912015-04-19T01:12:53Z2015-04-19T01:12:53Z<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>Looking forward to the fight!</span></p>Looking forward to the fight!Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-04-19T01:12:53ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=16#7852015-04-16T21:29:46Z2015-04-16T21:29:46Z<p>Oleg looks over the door leading west, while looking back at the group for confirmation. <b>"This one?"</b></p>Oleg looks over the door leading west, while looking back at the group for confirmation. "This one?"Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-04-16T21:29:46ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=16#7802015-04-16T01:09:26Z2015-04-16T01:09:26Z<p><b>"Well, we've been away from the town for over a day. I too sense as if we are close to discovering all of the answers we seek. Now, this creature with a thirst for blood bars our way. If we feed it, perhaps it can tell us what happened to make this bloody mess. There's also this door before us, leading further into this mystery. What do the rest of you think? Continue or head back?"</b></p>"Well, we've been away from the town for over a day. I too sense as if we are close to discovering all of the answers we seek. Now, this creature with a thirst for blood bars our way. If we feed it, perhaps it can tell us what happened to make this bloody mess. There's also this door before us, leading further into this mystery. What do the rest of you think? Continue or head back?"Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-04-16T01:09:26ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=16#7722015-04-14T02:06:54Z2015-04-14T02:06:54Z<p><b>"In the town above there are animals with gallons of red food, that goes to waste otherwise. I'm sure you would be welcome to it. If you let us leave we can bring back a proper feast for you!"</b></p>
<p>Assuming it is safe to do so, Oleg follows everyone out, then looks to the rather bloody hallway. <b>"What kind of machine eats blood? That is what it was talking about right?"</b> Oleg frowns, thinking of visiting the local butcher and making an unusual request.</p>
<p><b>"Perhaps feeding it would be the safer route...it seemed friendly enough otherwise. If we're headed back, there was that other doorway we skipped in the prior room."</b></p>"In the town above there are animals with gallons of red food, that goes to waste otherwise. I'm sure you would be welcome to it. If you let us leave we can bring back a proper feast for you!"
Assuming it is safe to do so, Oleg follows everyone out, then looks to the rather bloody hallway. "What kind of machine eats blood? That is what it was talking about right?" Oleg frowns, thinking of visiting the local butcher and making an unusual request.
"Perhaps feeding it would be the safer...Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-04-14T02:06:54ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=16#7622015-04-10T22:16:36Z2015-04-10T22:16:36Z<p><b>"Depends, what do you eat? Not my soul I hope!"</b> Oleg makes an uneasy joke.</p>"Depends, what do you eat? Not my soul I hope!" Oleg makes an uneasy joke.Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-04-10T22:16:36ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=16#7532015-04-09T13:11:01Z2015-04-09T13:11:01Z<p>Oleg responds aloud <b>"You're underneath the town of Torch, in some sort of strange caverns that contain an underground stronghold of sorts. I am Oleg, a merchant, friend to all, and an explorer when needed. This place, I am not sure what this place is. Perhaps this place was a sort of laboratory or prison, so my friends think."</b> Then Oleg looks around at everyone else. <b>"Didn't you hear that voice too? Why are you looking at me like that?"</b></p>Oleg responds aloud "You're underneath the town of Torch, in some sort of strange caverns that contain an underground stronghold of sorts. I am Oleg, a merchant, friend to all, and an explorer when needed. This place, I am not sure what this place is. Perhaps this place was a sort of laboratory or prison, so my friends think." Then Oleg looks around at everyone else. "Didn't you hear that voice too? Why are you looking at me like that?"Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-04-09T13:11:01ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=15#7492015-04-08T13:29:30Z2015-04-08T13:29:30Z<p><b>"The blood trail seems to lead forward towards the door at the far end. We must be get close."</b> Oleg goes forward and attempts to open the far doorway.</p>"The blood trail seems to lead forward towards the door at the far end. We must be get close." Oleg goes forward and attempts to open the far doorway.Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-04-08T13:29:30ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=15#7452015-04-07T02:27:40Z2015-04-07T02:27:40Z<p><b>"I'm not sure which, Bosh, maybe both?"</b> Oleg responds. He points over to the side door next to the desk area and says <b>"Let's come back to this later, looks like the ladies are on the trail of the missing councilman."</b></p>
<p>Oleg follows Scarlet and Cinder into the blood filled hallway.</p>"I'm not sure which, Bosh, maybe both?" Oleg responds. He points over to the side door next to the desk area and says "Let's come back to this later, looks like the ladies are on the trail of the missing councilman."
Oleg follows Scarlet and Cinder into the blood filled hallway.Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-04-07T02:27:40ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=15#7362015-04-04T20:18:35Z2015-04-04T20:18:35Z<p>Oleg appears to be almost mesmerized by the desk with the glowing lights and panels. He attempts to open the translucent doors in order to enter the room and better examine this marvel of technology.</p>
<p><b>"Windowed doors, doesn't seem private or secure, why would anyone want such a thing?"</b> he muses aloud.</p>Oleg appears to be almost mesmerized by the desk with the glowing lights and panels. He attempts to open the translucent doors in order to enter the room and better examine this marvel of technology.
"Windowed doors, doesn't seem private or secure, why would anyone want such a thing?" he muses aloud.Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-04-04T20:18:35ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=15#7312015-04-01T10:05:56Z2015-04-01T10:05:56Z<p><b>"For what it's worth, I'm curious to see what's on the other side of that door by the rubble, too"</b> Oleg mentions as he follows everyone around.</p>"For what it's worth, I'm curious to see what's on the other side of that door by the rubble, too" Oleg mentions as he follows everyone around.Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-04-01T10:05:56ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=15#7152015-03-27T02:33:37Z2015-03-27T02:33:37Z<p><b>"I'm up to going a bit further in, though it wasn't much of a night and I feel almost as sore as I did before the rest. Let's call this a scouting run and then let's return to town, to let them know we're still alive, and to prepare for whatever we run into."</b></p>
<p>Oleg packs up his gear and begins getting ready to move forward with Cinder.</p>"I'm up to going a bit further in, though it wasn't much of a night and I feel almost as sore as I did before the rest. Let's call this a scouting run and then let's return to town, to let them know we're still alive, and to prepare for whatever we run into."
Oleg packs up his gear and begins getting ready to move forward with Cinder.Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-03-27T02:33:37ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=15#7122015-03-25T22:44:34Z2015-03-25T22:44:34Z<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>[Spoiler omitted]Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-03-25T22:44:34ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=15#7102015-03-23T20:51:42Z2015-03-23T20:51:42Z<p><b>"Thanks Bosh"</b> Oleg accepts the two swords and places them carefully in his backpack, sheathed. Then, Oleg turns to studying what he can of the room and the technology within, seeing if he can figure out what the room's few buttons and controls are for, and what pressing them might accomplish. He also sees if there are labels that might help. If nothing interesting comes up, Oleg will wish everyone a good night, and prop himself up against the door to sleep. He figures that if anything opens the door while everyone's resting, the loud thud of Oleg suddenly falling over will likely wake him up, and the noise might wake up the rest of the group.</p>
<p><span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Kn.(Eng.):</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21</span></p>"Thanks Bosh" Oleg accepts the two swords and places them carefully in his backpack, sheathed. Then, Oleg turns to studying what he can of the room and the technology within, seeing if he can figure out what the room's few buttons and controls are for, and what pressing them might accomplish. He also sees if there are labels that might help. If nothing interesting comes up, Oleg will wish everyone a good night, and prop himself up against the door to sleep. He figures that if anything opens...Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-03-23T20:51:42ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=15#7022015-03-19T01:10:03Z2015-03-19T01:10:03Z<p>Oleg painfully moves to the door and looks to find another lock on this side to close it. <b>"This place looks safe, if anything crazy happens maybe we can break that strange looking set of windows to get out. It's not comfortable, but that's adventuring isn't it?"</b></p>
<p>Oleg votes to rest here for now, and then deciding in the morning whether to go on or go back. <b>"We're all burned, bruised, cut and bumped to exhaustion as is, we may not have the strength to deal with anything else, and we shouldn't assume the way back will be safe"</b></p>
<p>If we are resting here, Oleg will spend an hour or more carefully looking the room over (Take 20 Perception) for anything dangerous or unusual. <b>"I encourage everyone to look around, last thing we need is to lean back onto any strange red buttons by accident!"</b></p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>Oleg painfully moves to the door and looks to find another lock on this side to close it. "This place looks safe, if anything crazy happens maybe we can break that strange looking set of windows to get out. It's not comfortable, but that's adventuring isn't it?"
Oleg votes to rest here for now, and then deciding in the morning whether to go on or go back. "We're all burned, bruised, cut and bumped to exhaustion as is, we may not have the strength to deal with anything else, and we shouldn't...Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-03-19T01:10:03ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=14#6912015-03-16T22:19:31Z2015-03-16T22:19:31Z<p><b>"I've got an idea!"</b> Oleg confirms with Bosh <b>"Cinder, get ready to close the door!"</b> Oleg lowers his shoulder and attempts to give the creature a good shove backwards.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p><span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Bull Rush:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18</span></p>"I've got an idea!" Oleg confirms with Bosh "Cinder, get ready to close the door!" Oleg lowers his shoulder and attempts to give the creature a good shove backwards.
[Spoiler omitted]
[dice=Bull Rush]1d20+9[/dice]Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-03-16T22:19:31ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=14#6832015-03-13T10:44:51Z2015-03-13T10:44:51Z<p>Oleg continues trying to defend his friends from the burning creature. <b>"I'm hoping those flames are hurting this bastard, and not just an effect of it's rage!"</b></p>
<p><span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Cestus Power Attack:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Cestus Damage:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7</span></p>
<p><span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Power Kick:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Kick Damage:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d8 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8</span></p>Oleg continues trying to defend his friends from the burning creature. "I'm hoping those flames are hurting this bastard, and not just an effect of it's rage!"
[dice=Cestus Power Attack]1d20+3[/dice]
[dice=Cestus Damage]1d6+6[/dice]
[dice=Power Kick]1d20+2[/dice]
[dice=Kick Damage]1d8+6[/dice]Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-03-13T10:44:51ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=14#6772015-03-10T21:16:26Z2015-03-10T21:16:26Z<p>Oleg attempts to punch the creature with his Cestus and then tries to land a powerful knee into it's midsection. Even as he grunts in anger to add weight to the blow, he yells out to the party <b>"I'm hurt, this thing is pretty deadly with those swords!"</b></p>
<p><span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Cestus Power Attack:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Cestus Damage:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Fire Damage:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d4 ⇒ 1</span></p>
<p><span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Knee Strike Power Attack:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Knee Damage:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d8 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8</span></p>
<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>Its not just you the dice roller loves Scarlet!</span></p>Oleg attempts to punch the creature with his Cestus and then tries to land a powerful knee into it's midsection. Even as he grunts in anger to add weight to the blow, he yells out to the party "I'm hurt, this thing is pretty deadly with those swords!"
[dice=Cestus Power Attack]1d20+3[/dice]
[dice=Cestus Damage]1d6+6[/dice]
[dice=Fire Damage]1d4[/dice]
[dice=Knee Strike Power Attack]1d20+2[/dice]
[dice=Knee Damage]1d8+6[/dice]
Its not just you the dice roller loves Scarlet!Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-03-10T21:16:26ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=14#6722015-03-09T22:09:29Z2015-03-09T22:09:29Z<p><b>"Thank you both"</b> Oleg nods to both Bosh and Cinder. <b>"Seems like this one is upset over his dead friends maybe? It's literally steaming with rage!"</b> Oleg tries to reassure his fellows via humor before ramming the red-hot spikes on his Cestus right at the strange creature.</p>
<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>Enlarged Oleg +1 to damage, 0 to hit (+1/-1), -2 to AC</span></p>
<p><span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Cestus Power Attack:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Cestus Damage:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Fire Damage:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d4 ⇒ 4</span></p>
<p>Oleg then takes a 5' step back, and tells Cinder <b>"Let's see if we can flank it!"</b></p>"Thank you both" Oleg nods to both Bosh and Cinder. "Seems like this one is upset over his dead friends maybe? It's literally steaming with rage!" Oleg tries to reassure his fellows via humor before ramming the red-hot spikes on his Cestus right at the strange creature.
Enlarged Oleg +1 to damage, 0 to hit (+1/-1), -2 to AC
[dice=Cestus Power Attack]1d20+5[/dice]
[dice=Cestus Damage]1d6+6[/dice]
[dice=Fire Damage]1d4[/dice]
Oleg then takes a 5' step back, and tells Cinder "Let's see if we...Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-03-09T22:09:29ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=14#6612015-03-08T19:11:59Z2015-03-08T19:11:59Z<p>Oleg takes the moment to adjust his Cestus just so, making sure he can use the weapon to it's maximum potential.</p>
<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>Use Martial Flexibility to gain Weapon Focus with Cestus for 1 minute. 2/4 uses remaining</span></p>Oleg takes the moment to adjust his Cestus just so, making sure he can use the weapon to it's maximum potential.
Use Martial Flexibility to gain Weapon Focus with Cestus for 1 minute. 2/4 uses remainingOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-03-08T19:11:59ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=14#6582015-03-07T16:28:16Z2015-03-07T16:28:16Z<p>Oleg says <b>"Go for it, I'm curious to see what it does myself".</b>
<br />
Oleg will also try to figure out what the pillar of purple and black metal, as well as the golden panel are for.</p>
<p><span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Kn.Eng:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15</span></p>Oleg says "Go for it, I'm curious to see what it does myself".
Oleg will also try to figure out what the pillar of purple and black metal, as well as the golden panel are for.
[dice=Kn.Eng]1d20+5[/dice]Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-03-07T16:28:16ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=13#6472015-03-06T03:03:07Z2015-03-06T03:03:07Z<p><b>"Let's see what's in there"</b> Oleg points to the double doors in front of the group. <b>"But this time, let's try to avoid getting fried!"</b> Oleg advances as quietly as he can toward the door, then looks it over for anything he might recognize as dangerous.
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Perception for Traps:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2</span></p>
<p>Before attempting to open the double door, and assuming he noticed nothing dangerous, Oleg listens to see if he can hear anything inside before proceeding.
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Perception:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 - 2 ⇒ (20) - 2 = 18</span></p>"Let's see what's in there" Oleg points to the double doors in front of the group. "But this time, let's try to avoid getting fried!" Oleg advances as quietly as he can toward the door, then looks it over for anything he might recognize as dangerous.
[dice=Perception for Traps]1d20-2[/dice]
Before attempting to open the double door, and assuming he noticed nothing dangerous, Oleg listens to see if he can hear anything inside before proceeding.
[dice=Perception]1d20-2[/dice]Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-03-06T03:03:07ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=13#6412015-03-05T14:49:10Z2015-03-05T14:49:10Z<p>Oleg backs out of the room, helping Cinder along, who looks particularly hurt by the blast of electricity.</p>Oleg backs out of the room, helping Cinder along, who looks particularly hurt by the blast of electricity.Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-03-05T14:49:10ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=13#6372015-03-04T21:21:16Z2015-03-04T21:21:16Z<p><span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Reflex Save:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16</span></p>
<p><b>"It's a trap!"</b></p>[dice=Reflex Save]1d20+5[/dice]
"It's a trap!"Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-03-04T21:21:16ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=13#6322015-03-04T01:34:54Z2015-03-04T01:34:54Z<p>Oleg looks absolutely stunned as Bosh walks through the solid wall. <b>"Ahh..by the gods, why didn't you say you were a wizard of such immense power!"</b> When the section of wall disappears, Oleg looks to the rock he chipped off to see what happens to it, amazed either way.</p>
<p>Then, eyes still wide with wonder, steps forward along the rest of the group into the metal room. Oleg looks at the lighted ceiling and the machinations on the walls in amazement, unable to keep himself from an audible <b>"Whaaaooooow..."</b> of amazement.</p>
<p>As Bosh is attempting to speak to the machine-room, Oleg is also looking over the room carefully, particularly to what he fears might be a trap on the walls from the protuberances, and the amazement of the glowing ceiling, and especially any handles, knobs or switches that might be present.</p>
<p><span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Knowledge(Eng) Protuberances:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Knowledge(Eng) Glowing Ceiling:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Knowledge(Eng) Switches?:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20</span></p>
<p>As Oleg's eyes settle to the door panel that Bosh is trying to open, he remembers the strange brown-striped cards they found. Oleg takes out the "access card" and smiling broadly to Bosh, announces <b>"Don't worry, master wizard, I think we have a key!"</b> Then Oleg, tongue out in concentration, looks around for a suitable "keyhole" for his strange looking key.</p>Oleg looks absolutely stunned as Bosh walks through the solid wall. "Ahh..by the gods, why didn't you say you were a wizard of such immense power!" When the section of wall disappears, Oleg looks to the rock he chipped off to see what happens to it, amazed either way.
Then, eyes still wide with wonder, steps forward along the rest of the group into the metal room. Oleg looks at the lighted ceiling and the machinations on the walls in amazement, unable to keep himself from an audible...Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-03-04T01:34:54ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=13#6192015-03-02T00:06:38Z2015-03-02T00:06:38Z<p>Oleg looks over at Scarlet and nods. <b>"There is that other cavern to the north, the one without light. Perhaps we'll find something of use there, even though it seems that the tracks lead to this place. Perhaps everyone else saw the light too and came here to investigate, even those strange dead things that attacked us?"
<br />
</b></p>Oleg looks over at Scarlet and nods. "There is that other cavern to the north, the one without light. Perhaps we'll find something of use there, even though it seems that the tracks lead to this place. Perhaps everyone else saw the light too and came here to investigate, even those strange dead things that attacked us?"Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-03-02T00:06:38ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=13#6142015-03-01T01:28:50Z2015-03-01T01:28:50Z<p>Oleg looks at the stone carefully trying to figure out how or why it is glowing. <b>"This is very strange rock, I have never seen anything like it."</b></p>
<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>If applicable:</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Kn.Engineering:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15</span></p>
<p>Thinking back to his merchant roots, Oleg has a brilliant idea. <b>"We should take some back to the town with us. It might be a type of ore for the smiths, or it might be magical. Worst case, we tie it to a stick and sell some magical torches, yea?"</b></p>
<p>Oleg will then try to use the spikes and hammer from his climber's kit to chisel a sample for later.</p>Oleg looks at the stone carefully trying to figure out how or why it is glowing. "This is very strange rock, I have never seen anything like it."
If applicable:
[dice=Kn.Engineering]1d20+5[/dice]
Thinking back to his merchant roots, Oleg has a brilliant idea. "We should take some back to the town with us. It might be a type of ore for the smiths, or it might be magical. Worst case, we tie it to a stick and sell some magical torches, yea?"
Oleg will then try to use the spikes and hammer...Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-03-01T01:28:50ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=13#6112015-02-26T23:30:14Z2015-02-26T23:30:14Z<p><b>"Thank you Cinder, thanks Bosh"</b> Looking southward in the direction Scarlet points, Oleg confirms her deduction. <b>"Yes, I see it too. Whoever it is, we should let them know the way is clear from these unnatural creatures."</b> </p>
<p>Oleg begins making his way towards the glow, assuming everyone else is coming along too.</p>"Thank you Cinder, thanks Bosh" Looking southward in the direction Scarlet points, Oleg confirms her deduction. "Yes, I see it too. Whoever it is, we should let them know the way is clear from these unnatural creatures."
Oleg begins making his way towards the glow, assuming everyone else is coming along too.Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-02-26T23:30:14ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=13#6062015-02-26T03:01:28Z2015-02-26T03:01:28Z<p>Oleg sits down miserably in the sand, hands wet and sticky with his own blood and declares in a melancholy voice <b>"I'm dying. Mama always said I'd die exploring these types of places. "</b> Oleg takes out his mead bottle and chugs it down. <b>"It's getting darker, I'm bleeding out aren't I?"</b> Oleg seems to be not quite in as much danger of dying as he is letting on, but is badly wounded. He says to no one in particular <b>"Don't let me turn into one of those things! Tell Helena I love her."</b> </p>
<p>It takes him a little while to snap out of it before he comes to the realization that he's not getting worse. Slightly embarrassed, he grunts in pain as he stands up, and takes a longing look back the way they came. He finally states <b>"If we're going forward, I say we follow the trail"</b></p>Oleg sits down miserably in the sand, hands wet and sticky with his own blood and declares in a melancholy voice "I'm dying. Mama always said I'd die exploring these types of places. " Oleg takes out his mead bottle and chugs it down. "It's getting darker, I'm bleeding out aren't I?" Oleg seems to be not quite in as much danger of dying as he is letting on, but is badly wounded. He says to no one in particular "Don't let me turn into one of those things! Tell Helena I love her."
It takes him...Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-02-26T03:01:28ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=13#6022015-02-25T22:02:34Z2015-02-25T22:02:34Z<p>Holding his bleeding sides with one hand, Oleg steps toward the final skeleton with mean intentions. With an exasperated cry mixing pain and anger, he lashes out with his cestus and then attempts to split the creature's skull with a headbutt.</p>
<p><span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Cestus Power Attack:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Cestus Damage:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7</span></p>
<p><span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Strong Headbutt:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Headbutt Damage:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8</span></p>Holding his bleeding sides with one hand, Oleg steps toward the final skeleton with mean intentions. With an exasperated cry mixing pain and anger, he lashes out with his cestus and then attempts to split the creature's skull with a headbutt.
[dice=Cestus Power Attack]1d20+3[/dice]
[dice=Cestus Damage]1d4+5[/dice]
[dice=Strong Headbutt]1d20+2[/dice]
[dice=Headbutt Damage]1d6+5[/dice]Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-02-25T22:02:34ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=12#5952015-02-24T22:48:14Z2015-02-24T22:48:14Z<p>Oleg takes a step closer to the strange skeletal creature that Scarlet just stepped away from. Looking over at Cinder and seeing her in trouble, he shouts <b>"Behind you!"</b></p>
<p>Then Oleg attempts the old high-low combination of powerful cross aimed at the head to set up a vicious kick should the monster duck the first blow.</p>
<p><span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Cestus Power Attack:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Cestus Damage:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8</span></p>
<p><span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Kick Power Attack:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Kick Damage:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6</span></p>Oleg takes a step closer to the strange skeletal creature that Scarlet just stepped away from. Looking over at Cinder and seeing her in trouble, he shouts "Behind you!"
Then Oleg attempts the old high-low combination of powerful cross aimed at the head to set up a vicious kick should the monster duck the first blow.
[dice=Cestus Power Attack]1d20+3[/dice]
[dice=Cestus Damage]1d4+5[/dice]
[dice=Kick Power Attack]1d20+2[/dice]
[dice=Kick Damage]1d6+5[/dice]Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-02-24T22:48:14ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=12#5832015-02-21T14:16:01Z2015-02-21T14:16:01Z<p>Oleg moves a little closer to the Skeleton attacking Cinder, hoping to protect the nearly blind woman from further attack. <b>"These things seem to be fixated on you something fierce!</b>" Turning to the skeleton, Oleg attempts to bash its skull in with powerful blows from his Cestus and kicks from his leg. <b>"Leave her be you dead bastard!"</b></p>
<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>5' Step, Power Attack, Brawler's Flurry</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Cestus Punch:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Cestus Damage:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9</span></p>
<p><span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Kick Attack:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Kick Damage:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9</span></p>Oleg moves a little closer to the Skeleton attacking Cinder, hoping to protect the nearly blind woman from further attack. "These things seem to be fixated on you something fierce!" Turning to the skeleton, Oleg attempts to bash its skull in with powerful blows from his Cestus and kicks from his leg. "Leave her be you dead bastard!"
5' Step, Power Attack, Brawler's Flurry
[dice=Cestus Punch]1d20+3[/dice]
[dice=Cestus Damage]1d4+5[/dice]
[dice=Kick Attack]1d20+2[/dice]
[dice=Kick...Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-02-21T14:16:01ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=12#5742015-02-18T00:19:53Z2015-02-18T00:19:53Z<p>Oleg moves carefully to get in flank with Cinder, before attempting to smash the foe using a swinging overhand punch with his cestus.</p>
<p><span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Cestus Power Attack:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Damage:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6</span></p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>Oleg moves carefully to get in flank with Cinder, before attempting to smash the foe using a swinging overhand punch with his cestus.
[dice=Cestus Power Attack]1d20+7[/dice]
[dice=Damage]1d4+5[/dice]
[Spoiler omitted]Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-02-18T00:19:53ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=12#5612015-02-15T23:58:10Z2015-02-15T23:58:10Z<p><b>"And what're'ya lookin at ugly?"</b> Oleg mouths off before trying to give the green eyes skeletal monster a massive punch to the face with his Cestus, and a follow up backhand for good measure.</p>
<p><span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Cestus Punch:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Damage:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5</span></p>
<p><span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Cestus Backhand:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Damage:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4</span></p>
<p><span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Possible Holy Weapon Balm Damage:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">2d4 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4</span></p>"And what're'ya lookin at ugly?" Oleg mouths off before trying to give the green eyes skeletal monster a massive punch to the face with his Cestus, and a follow up backhand for good measure.
[dice=Cestus Punch]1d20+4[/dice]
[dice=Damage]1d4+3[/dice]
[dice=Cestus Backhand]1d20+4[/dice]
[dice=Damage]1d4+3[/dice]
[dice=Possible Holy Weapon Balm Damage]2d4[/dice]Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-02-15T23:58:10ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=12#5552015-02-12T01:46:56Z2015-02-12T01:46:56Z<p>In response to Cinder, Oleg motions at the now unmoving corpse with his foot. <b>"I don't know about all of them, but that one fell apart like a rotten hollow log."</b></p>In response to Cinder, Oleg motions at the now unmoving corpse with his foot. "I don't know about all of them, but that one fell apart like a rotten hollow log."Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-02-12T01:46:56ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=11#5502015-02-10T02:41:44Z2015-02-10T02:41:44Z<p>Oleg pours the holy weapon balm all over his cestus and checks the range of his punch with a practice jab. He looks to his companions and pointing north says <b>"I've got the lady with the pretty eyes!"</b></p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>Oleg pours the holy weapon balm all over his cestus and checks the range of his punch with a practice jab. He looks to his companions and pointing north says "I've got the lady with the pretty eyes!"
[Spoiler omitted]Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-02-10T02:41:44ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=11#5412015-02-08T13:27:04Z2015-02-08T13:27:04Z<p>Oleg starts to inch over towards the wall of the cavern, then uses his boot to give two solid kicks at the skeletal creature while shouting <b>"Keep away from me!"</b>. </p>
<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>5' Step</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Brawler's Flurry Attack 1:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Brawler's Flurry Attack 2:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Damage Attack 1:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8</span>
<br />
<span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Damage Attack 2:</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7</span></p>
<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>Great Map!</span></p>Oleg starts to inch over towards the wall of the cavern, then uses his boot to give two solid kicks at the skeletal creature while shouting "Keep away from me!".
5' Step
[dice=Brawler's Flurry Attack 1]1d20+3[/dice]
[dice=Brawler's Flurry Attack 2]1d20+3[/dice]
[dice=Damage Attack 1]1d6+3[/dice]
[dice=Damage Attack 2]1d6+3[/dice]
Great Map!Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-02-08T13:27:04ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=11#5352015-02-06T02:22:43Z2015-02-06T02:22:43Z<p>Oleg is happy to take the lead or the second position, if someone with a good perception wants to be front lead.</p>Oleg is happy to take the lead or the second position, if someone with a good perception wants to be front lead.Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-02-06T02:22:43ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=11#5302015-02-04T03:25:18Z2015-02-04T03:25:18Z<p><b>"Hey Scarlet, why not try on that armor. It's a nice looking coat you have but what he's wearing looks to be much lighter and easier to move in"</b> Oleg points out, then adds <b>"You're not afraid of a little moldy rust, are you? I'm sure Bosh and Cinder did a good job"</b> </p>
<p>Looking at the small but elegant crossbow, Oleg picks it up and loads it with a bolt, holding it in his free hand. He turns to Bosh and with a smile goes <b>"Heh, now I'm like a little version of you!"</b> Then Oleg giggles some more at his huge frame wielding the tiniest crossbow he's ever seen. He can barely fit his fat finger in the trigger guard. He secures the crossbow as best he can to his belt, ready to be drawn into his free hand.</p>
<p><b>"Don't worry, if his relatives want the equipment back I won't put up a fuss, but if it saves my hide down here, it's worth borrowing for a while"</b></p>
<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>If Scarlet doesn't want the armor, Oleg will take it for himself, assuming that the difference isn't cosmetic (fine=masterwork?), he will take the time to put it on.</span></p>
<p>Oleg, having thrown away the rotting organ of the beetles, is not carrying a light source as the group enters the nighttime desert deep underground. <span class=messageboard-ooc>I am assuming Bosh has a cantrip for that?</span> Looking at the sand and the tracks visible in it, he says <b>"Well, looks like we have a path to follow."</b> and then after a few steps adds <b>"How did a desert end up underground, and why can I see the stars?</b>. Remembering Sef's warning, Oleg looks at Scarlet and asks <b>"Do you think the dead that Sef warned us about live in this desert?"</b> while making sure his vial of holy weapon balm is still in hand, just in case.</p>"Hey Scarlet, why not try on that armor. It's a nice looking coat you have but what he's wearing looks to be much lighter and easier to move in" Oleg points out, then adds "You're not afraid of a little moldy rust, are you? I'm sure Bosh and Cinder did a good job"
Looking at the small but elegant crossbow, Oleg picks it up and loads it with a bolt, holding it in his free hand. He turns to Bosh and with a smile goes "Heh, now I'm like a little version of you!" Then Oleg giggles some more at...Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-02-04T03:25:18ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=11#5232015-02-02T20:35:07Z2015-02-02T20:35:07Z<p>Oleg looks sadly at his new chain shirt and the fine chair shirt on the corpse. <b>"Don't worry Bosh, if something comes crawling out of that chest you just shoot it with a crossbow. Seems a shame to waste that nice armor he's wearing with whatever horrific means you can conjure up. Is there any other way to make it safe to move the body?"</b></p>Oleg looks sadly at his new chain shirt and the fine chair shirt on the corpse. "Don't worry Bosh, if something comes crawling out of that chest you just shoot it with a crossbow. Seems a shame to waste that nice armor he's wearing with whatever horrific means you can conjure up. Is there any other way to make it safe to move the body?"Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-02-02T20:35:07ZForums: Advice: Maximum HP vs. Faster EncountersPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2rxww?Maximum-HP-vs-Faster-Encounters#12015-02-01T20:10:23Z2015-02-01T20:10:23Z<p>I am looking for some advice from the community who have played at tables where the PCs and monsters had maximum HP per hit die. I am considering adding this feature to the next campaign I run, but I am unsure as to how the Pros and Cons work out in actual play.</p>
<p>The Pros that entice me to the idea:
<br />
1. Less chance of quick TPK
<br />
2. Less rocket tag from either side / Rebalance of damage vs. health
<br />
3. Tactics take on slightly more importance
<br />
4. Healing is less of an afterthought</p>
<p>The Cons seem to be:
<br />
1. Battles will last longer in game rounds and in table time
<br />
2. Healing takes up more resources</p>
<p>I can take some steps to help mitigate the length of the encounters, such as limiting how many people roll up characters with pets/mounts/familiars/summons. But is the fundamental trade off generally positive or generally negative?</p>
<p>Either way, thanks for taking the time to reply!</p>I am looking for some advice from the community who have played at tables where the PCs and monsters had maximum HP per hit die. I am considering adding this feature to the next campaign I run, but I am unsure as to how the Pros and Cons work out in actual play.
The Pros that entice me to the idea:
1. Less chance of quick TPK
2. Less rocket tag from either side / Rebalance of damage vs. health
3. Tactics take on slightly more importance
4. Healing is less of an afterthought
The Cons seem to...Paul Migaj2015-02-01T20:10:23ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=11#5102015-01-29T03:43:38Z2015-01-29T03:43:38Z<p><b>"Thank you, Sef, I promise that we will clear this mold out. Your willingness to share information with us will be repaid by making this place safer for you and your people."</b> Oleg promises solemnly. Then turns to his companions <b>"What bad luck. We haven't found anyone alive yet. I hope that changes." </b></p>
<p>Oleg takes out the Holy Weapon Balm, ready to apply it to his Cestus the moment he sees a skeleton as described by Sef.</p>"Thank you, Sef, I promise that we will clear this mold out. Your willingness to share information with us will be repaid by making this place safer for you and your people." Oleg promises solemnly. Then turns to his companions "What bad luck. We haven't found anyone alive yet. I hope that changes."
Oleg takes out the Holy Weapon Balm, ready to apply it to his Cestus the moment he sees a skeleton as described by Sef.Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-01-29T03:43:38ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=11#5032015-01-27T20:51:15Z2015-01-27T20:51:15Z<p><b>"Why wouldn't they? We've helped them, they've helped us. We drank together, they shared secrets with us before. I trust them."</b> Oleg says in regards to the suggestion of talking with Sef about the cold. <b>"Not that I mind exploring carefully, never know what useful thing you might find"</b></p>"Why wouldn't they? We've helped them, they've helped us. We drank together, they shared secrets with us before. I trust them." Oleg says in regards to the suggestion of talking with Sef about the cold. "Not that I mind exploring carefully, never know what useful thing you might find"Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-01-27T20:51:15ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=10#4922015-01-23T01:34:15Z2015-01-23T01:34:15Z<p><b>"That is interesting, but I'm afraid you'll find my purse far less so."</b> Oleg jokes before adding <b>"When fortune smiles on me a little longer, perhaps I'll be your best customer!"</b> </p>
<p>Oleg waits for the rest of the group to complete their business, and busies himself with adjusting his new armor to fit just so and not restrict his movement. Then he fidgets around with his daggers, tucking them into several places before being satisfied that he can draw them quickly and easily.</p>
<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>Ready to continue</span></p>"That is interesting, but I'm afraid you'll find my purse far less so." Oleg jokes before adding "When fortune smiles on me a little longer, perhaps I'll be your best customer!"
Oleg waits for the rest of the group to complete their business, and busies himself with adjusting his new armor to fit just so and not restrict his movement. Then he fidgets around with his daggers, tucking them into several places before being satisfied that he can draw them quickly and easily.
Ready to continueOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-01-23T01:34:15ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=10#4902015-01-23T00:58:45Z2015-01-23T00:58:45Z<p><b>"Good morning"</b> Oleg bows, and out of window shopping curiosity more than buying intent, he asks <b>"What do you have that's less conventional?"</b></p>"Good morning" Oleg bows, and out of window shopping curiosity more than buying intent, he asks "What do you have that's less conventional?"Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-01-23T00:58:45ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: 8574-15-85: Iron Gods GameplayOleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/857415IronGodsAP/gameplay&page=10#4812015-01-21T21:15:15Z2015-01-21T21:15:15Z<p>Oleg looks at his opponent a little curiously, knowing that his last hit didn’t have much on it. He nevertheless smiles genuinely and extends his hand to help Elian up <b>”Good match and well fought, I think next time you’ll best me for sure! Let me buy you a drink.”</b> If taken up on the offer, Oleg will toast to the other fighter’s health and compliment his skills in the ring, taking his leave once the place begins to close down. If refused or if there’s no time, Oleg keeps the offer standing with <b>”Another time, then!”</b></p>
<p>If the party wishes to pool their money for a large purchase, Oleg will contribute up to 75 of his gold. The rest, as he says, is already <b>”spoken for.”</b> After settling in for a restful nap, Oleg will wake up early and head off to the General Store, Market Square, Tempting Tonics, the Torch Guildhouse and the Temple of Brigh as necessary to fulfill his shopping needs. He may, as a result, be a little late to the group’s meeting. But when he arrives, it will be in a shiny new chain shirt!</p>Oleg looks at his opponent a little curiously, knowing that his last hit didn’t have much on it. He nevertheless smiles genuinely and extends his hand to help Elian up ”Good match and well fought, I think next time you’ll best me for sure! Let me buy you a drink.” If taken up on the offer, Oleg will toast to the other fighter’s health and compliment his skills in the ring, taking his leave once the place begins to close down. If refused or if there’s no time, Oleg keeps the offer standing...Oleg Dhuzy (alias of Paul Migaj)2015-01-21T21:15:15ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Some of your house rules that you like bestPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ruzc?Some-of-your-house-rules-that-you-like-best#382015-01-20T22:17:42Z2015-01-20T22:17:42Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Saldiven wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Paul Migaj wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
For the next game:
<br />
Going to try combat with grid-less maps. Same scale, with round templates, and no more talk of corners of squares and diagonals. It should be more elegant and immersive. </blockquote>Out of curiosity, will you use a tape measure or ruler for movement, then templates or something to determine if you're in threat range, etc? </blockquote><p>For movement: Eyeball it when it doesn't matter, tape measure for when it does.
<p>For threat: For when it's not obvious visually, I plan on using a transparent plastic ruler to check the distance between the bases of figures. (Less than 1", less than 2", etc.)</p>
<p>For spells and effects: Transparent plastic circles of various diameters, with a 90 degree area marked off for cone effects. Tape measure or ruler for "line effects"</p>Saldiven wrote:Paul Migaj wrote:
For the next game:
Going to try combat with grid-less maps. Same scale, with round templates, and no more talk of corners of squares and diagonals. It should be more elegant and immersive.
Out of curiosity, will you use a tape measure or ruler for movement, then templates or something to determine if you're in threat range, etc? For movement: Eyeball it when it doesn't matter, tape measure for when it does. For threat: For when it's not obvious visually, I...Paul Migaj2015-01-20T22:17:42ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Some of your house rules that you like bestPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ruzc?Some-of-your-house-rules-that-you-like-best#272015-01-15T00:14:06Z2015-01-15T00:14:06Z<p>My favorite:
<br />
Ready - You do not have to declare the action or the trigger. You just ready and if something comes up you want to respond to, you can. It helps speed up play if you're unsure what you want to do. It can be used pretty creatively and hasn't shown itself to be game breaking or unbalanced so far. (Especially since the monsters get to do the same)</p>
<p>For the next game:
<br />
Going to try combat with grid-less maps. Same scale, with round templates, and no more talk of corners of squares and diagonals. It should be more elegant and immersive.</p>My favorite:
Ready - You do not have to declare the action or the trigger. You just ready and if something comes up you want to respond to, you can. It helps speed up play if you're unsure what you want to do. It can be used pretty creatively and hasn't shown itself to be game breaking or unbalanced so far. (Especially since the monsters get to do the same)
For the next game:
Going to try combat with grid-less maps. Same scale, with round templates, and no more talk of corners of squares and...Paul Migaj2015-01-15T00:14:06ZForums: Pathfinder Adventure Card Society: PACG in North/central jerseyPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2rkei?PACG-in-Northcentral-jersey#12014-10-06T19:02:42Z2014-10-06T01:41:27Z<p>Looking for a NJ gaming/hobby store that will be running the pathfinder adventure card game season. I want to try the organized play and see how it goes. My commute takes me from the Maplewood / Union area down to Freehold / Jackson area. If you are a store running a game anywhere reasonably near the above areas, or know of one, please let me know.</p>
<p>Thanks,
<br />
Paul</p>Looking for a NJ gaming/hobby store that will be running the pathfinder adventure card game season. I want to try the organized play and see how it goes. My commute takes me from the Maplewood / Union area down to Freehold / Jackson area. If you are a store running a game anywhere reasonably near the above areas, or know of one, please let me know.
Thanks,
PaulPaul Migaj2014-10-06T01:41:27ZRe: Forums: Recruitment: GM Zimmer's Skull & ShacklesBogden (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/GMZimmersSkullShackles/recruiting&page=2#702014-09-19T23:34:49Z2014-09-19T23:34:49Z<p>Wishin' you all great adventure on the high seas!</p>Wishin' you all great adventure on the high seas!Bogden (alias of Paul Migaj)2014-09-19T23:34:49ZRe: Forums: Recruitment: GM Zimmer's Skull & ShacklesBogden (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/GMZimmersSkullShackles/recruiting&page=2#592014-09-19T04:01:33Z2014-09-19T04:01:33Z<p>Wow, missed it by 14 minutes! Of all the luck...</p>
<p>(Secretly hoping to still be considered, all info in bio and below, and thank you either way)</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>Wow, missed it by 14 minutes! Of all the luck...
(Secretly hoping to still be considered, all info in bio and below, and thank you either way)
[Spoiler omitted]
[Spoiler omitted]
[Spoiler omitted]
[Spoiler omitted]Bogden (alias of Paul Migaj)2014-09-19T04:01:33ZForums: Iron Gods: Limiting PC class choice to make technology stand outZaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2rdqv?Limiting-PC-class-choice-to-make-technology#12014-08-15T22:09:08Z2014-08-15T22:09:08Z<p>Just started browsing through this AP which I hope to DM after our current campaign ends. </p>
<p>The first concern that hit me is that the sci if elements and tech will hardly be the "star" of the campaign if the party has arcane casters. A laser pistol is less special when the party shoots scorching rays already, a jet pack isn't special when you can cast fly, and a transporter is just a bad version of teleport.</p>
<p>So I'm thinking of limiting the group to martial and divine classes. Not that magic isn't around, but having it in the party might make the campaign less flavorful. Good idea, bad idea?</p>Just started browsing through this AP which I hope to DM after our current campaign ends.
The first concern that hit me is that the sci if elements and tech will hardly be the "star" of the campaign if the party has arcane casters. A laser pistol is less special when the party shoots scorching rays already, a jet pack isn't special when you can cast fly, and a transporter is just a bad version of teleport.
So I'm thinking of limiting the group to martial and divine classes. Not that magic...Zaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)2014-08-15T22:09:08ZRe: Forums: Rules Questions: DMing Light Blindness Fairly and by the rulesZaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qmpm?DMing-Light-Blindness-Fairly-and-by-the-rules#52014-01-31T03:07:24Z2014-01-31T03:07:24Z<p>Thank you for the responses so far. If anyone else wants to add to the discussion, please do. From what I gather from the above, would a reasonable rule be simply that:</p>
<p>A light blind creature becomes blind for 1 round whenever the light level rises to bright light. ...and... unless the spell/effect/ability specifically states that it causes bright light conditions, it does not trigger the weakness. This leaves only some evocation[light] spells as potential triggers.</p>
<p>That about right?</p>Thank you for the responses so far. If anyone else wants to add to the discussion, please do. From what I gather from the above, would a reasonable rule be simply that:
A light blind creature becomes blind for 1 round whenever the light level rises to bright light. ...and... unless the spell/effect/ability specifically states that it causes bright light conditions, it does not trigger the weakness. This leaves only some evocation[light] spells as potential triggers.
That about right?Zaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)2014-01-31T03:07:24ZForums: Rules Questions: DMing Light Blindness Fairly and by the rulesZaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qmpm?DMing-Light-Blindness-Fairly-and-by-the-rules#12014-01-30T21:10:13Z2014-01-30T21:10:13Z<p>Good Day all:</p>
<p>I have a Drow player in the party as well as an illusionist who enjoys using the spell "Mass Dazzling Blade". One of the effects of the spell is that a person can discharge it to blind or dazzle a foe.</p>
<p>The spell is an illusion(pattern). The text states that the "wielder of a dazzling blade can discharge the spell into a blinding burst of silvery light". An adjacent opponent is the target of the spell.</p>
<p>Q: Would a Drow employing this spell against a foe also blind himself with it? (Would this spell effect count as being exposed to bright light?)</p>
<p>While we are on the subject, what else would blind a light blind creature?
<br />
1. A fireball spell
<br />
2. An alchemist's bombs exploding
<br />
3. The muzzle flash of a musket being fired
<br />
4. A lightning bolt spell
<br />
5. The appearance of a brightly lit summoned creature, such as a fire elemental?
<br />
6. The breath weapon of a red dragon?</p>
<p>I'm curious mainly as to what the rules-correct answers are to the above, but am also happy with hearing general opinions on how everyone else has ruled at their tables.</p>
<p>Thank you</p>Good Day all:
I have a Drow player in the party as well as an illusionist who enjoys using the spell "Mass Dazzling Blade". One of the effects of the spell is that a person can discharge it to blind or dazzle a foe.
The spell is an illusion(pattern). The text states that the "wielder of a dazzling blade can discharge the spell into a blinding burst of silvery light". An adjacent opponent is the target of the spell.
Q: Would a Drow employing this spell against a foe also blind himself with...Zaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)2014-01-30T21:10:13ZRe: Forums/Gamer Life: General Discussion: Another one bites the dust...Zaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qbuk?Another-one-bites-the-dust#202013-11-06T13:17:16Z2013-11-06T13:17:16Z<p>I wanted to simply say to remember Rule 0, are people having fun? If all of the players are getting together each week, laughing at the table, socializing, showing each other funny internet videos while playing a game together, job well done.</p>
<p>I know, that sounds silly, but remember the game is there to provide a means of hanging out and having fun. You and the players aren't there to serve the game, the game is there to serve you.</p>
<p>It sounds like you ran a much more serious game than your players wanted, and there was a mismatch there. The real problem is that YOU were not having fun, and so you got burned out. That's a tougher thing to fix, because you and your players seem so far apart on what you consider a "proper" game of pathfinder (rp and story heavy vs. some combat and laughs). I think even as a player, you may find yourself unhappy with how the other players are not "getting into the story enough" or not "taking things seriously".</p>
<p>I don't know if you can find a happy balance in your current group, but it sounds like you are swimming against the tide. A different rule-set, perhaps D&D 4.0, might suit the play-style of your group better.</p>
<p>For what its worth though, the best solution is for you to find a group that enjoys Pathfinder the same way you do.</p>I wanted to simply say to remember Rule 0, are people having fun? If all of the players are getting together each week, laughing at the table, socializing, showing each other funny internet videos while playing a game together, job well done.
I know, that sounds silly, but remember the game is there to provide a means of hanging out and having fun. You and the players aren't there to serve the game, the game is there to serve you.
It sounds like you ran a much more serious game than your...Zaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)2013-11-06T13:17:16ZRe: Forums: Advice: Holding on to a LedgeZaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qbi5?Holding-on-to-a-Ledge#52013-11-02T15:26:35Z2013-11-02T15:26:35Z<p>Thanks everyone! Climb checks it is!</p>Thanks everyone! Climb checks it is!Zaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)2013-11-02T15:26:35ZForums: Advice: Holding on to a LedgeZaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qbi5?Holding-on-to-a-Ledge#12013-11-02T14:55:44Z2013-11-02T14:55:44Z<p>I have a trap in mind: A wall in a dungeon moves to push characters over a steep drop. </p>
<p>Fail Save: Fall
<br />
Make Save: You manage to hold on to the wall and are now dangling over a sheer drop.</p>
<p>After 3 rounds, the wall retracts into its original position.
<br />
What would be an appropriate check to "hold on" for 3 rounds, if you didn't want to risk using climb to move.</p>
<p>I'm thinking a DC 10 Strength check
<br />
(+1 for every 100 pounds of weight you are supporting)
<br />
(+1 for every round you've been holding on)</p>
<p>Does that sound reasonable or are there rules for this sort of thing already?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>I have a trap in mind: A wall in a dungeon moves to push characters over a steep drop.
Fail Save: Fall
Make Save: You manage to hold on to the wall and are now dangling over a sheer drop.
After 3 rounds, the wall retracts into its original position.
What would be an appropriate check to "hold on" for 3 rounds, if you didn't want to risk using climb to move.
I'm thinking a DC 10 Strength check
(+1 for every 100 pounds of weight you are supporting)
(+1 for every round you've been holding
...Zaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)2013-11-02T14:55:44ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: tiny creatures and attack optionsZaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2q8ak?tiny-creatures-and-attack-options#22013-10-04T22:37:01Z2013-10-04T22:37:01Z<p>I thought a creature two sizes different than another can freely share space. A gnome can stand in the square of an ogre and a tiny dragon in the square of a medium creature. </p>
<p>I may be wrong, by the way.</p>I thought a creature two sizes different than another can freely share space. A gnome can stand in the square of an ogre and a tiny dragon in the square of a medium creature.
I may be wrong, by the way.Zaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)2013-10-04T22:37:01ZRe: Forums: Advice: Need advice with magic item/artifactZaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pwmm?Need-advice-with-magic-item-artifact#52013-07-01T17:05:37Z2013-07-01T17:05:37Z<p>My original plan was something like this:</p>
<p>Party finds an exceptionally powerful item. But of course too good to be true is indeed the case. It is cursed in a way that they really want to be rid of it, but it's actually quite hard to do so. The item causes problems for their fledgling kingdom. In the end, the BBEG takes the artifact from the party.</p>
<p>This was supposed to accomplish a few things:
<br />
1. Give the party a powerful item for a little while
<br />
2. Contrast their desire to use the item vs. show respect to the locals for whom it is a rather negative symbol, perhaps losing/making allies.
<br />
3. Deal with a secretive and problematic curse.
<br />
4. Introduce BBEG a lot earlier in the adventures while removing the item.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, now its more like:
<br />
1. Dm messed up
<br />
2. Players had to protest and vote to fix the game
<br />
3. Cursed nature of item may be seen as DM revenge
<br />
4. Introduction of BBEG may be seen as DM finally admitting he's wrong and using cheap encounter to rid the party of the item.</p>
<p>I don't know, short of telling the party what the story would have been (and ruining it) of how to show them I had things in hand all along. (That's assuming that the above plan was a good idea, which it may not be) I can just drop the whole thing and not even mention anything, but then this issue might ruin other storylines in the future.</p>
<p>It would be a lot less fun to run the module completely as written, I get to flex no creative muscle.</p>
<p>I do appreciate the advice given, and both of you are giving me ideas on how this might be handled.</p>My original plan was something like this:
Party finds an exceptionally powerful item. But of course too good to be true is indeed the case. It is cursed in a way that they really want to be rid of it, but it's actually quite hard to do so. The item causes problems for their fledgling kingdom. In the end, the BBEG takes the artifact from the party.
This was supposed to accomplish a few things:
1. Give the party a powerful item for a little while
2. Contrast their desire to use the item vs....Zaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)2013-07-01T17:05:37ZForums: Advice: Need advice with magic item/artifactZaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pwmm?Need-advice-with-magic-item-artifact#12013-06-29T23:52:57Z2013-06-29T23:52:57Z<p>Hey, new DM here and I need some good advice.</p>
<p>Situation is as such: I'm running the Kingmaker AP and the group has just defeated the Stag Lord and captured his fort. The group found the Stag Lord's helm but unlike the AP, I decided to make it an intelligent artifact that will bend one character to the will of Lamashtu and against the followers of Erastil. They don't know this, all they know is that it is a magical item that radiates (Strong ALL) and has some amazing abilities (think Predator) Why? Because interesting story.</p>
<p>The group emailed me their concerns about my inexperience and overpowered munchkin items. Fair enough. They asked for a vote to change the item back to how it's written in the adventure. I'm letting them vote on it, because if they're that worried, well, they should have their concerns addressed.</p>
<p>It seems silly to go, "just trust me", because I'm new to DMing and I haven't earned their confidence yet. It seems equally silly to reveal the secret of the item and spoil the surprise.</p>
<p>So do I revert it back to a mundane item and forget that part of the storyline I planned or do I revert the item and KEEP the cursed nature of the helm?? I'm concerned that the second option will be viewed as DM revenge.</p>
<p>Perhaps there is a better third option?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance,
<br />
Paul</p>Hey, new DM here and I need some good advice.
Situation is as such: I'm running the Kingmaker AP and the group has just defeated the Stag Lord and captured his fort. The group found the Stag Lord's helm but unlike the AP, I decided to make it an intelligent artifact that will bend one character to the will of Lamashtu and against the followers of Erastil. They don't know this, all they know is that it is a magical item that radiates (Strong ALL) and has some amazing abilities (think...Zaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)2013-06-29T23:52:57ZRe: Forums: Recruitment: Council of Thieves - Bastards of Erebus RecruitmentZaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/CouncilOfThieves/recruiting&page=2#622012-06-08T22:33:52Z2012-06-08T22:33:52Z<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>[Spoiler omitted]Zaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)2012-06-08T22:33:52ZRe: Forums: Recruitment: Council of Thieves - Bastards of Erebus RecruitmentZaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)https://paizo.com/campaigns/CouncilOfThieves/recruiting&page=2#592012-06-08T21:34:26Z2012-06-08T21:34:26Z<p>Very interested in the campaign and presenting my character:</p>
<p><b>Zaros Liserii</b>
<br />
Zaros is a human summoner born and raised in Westcrown. He is very dissatisfied with the living conditions and current rule in Cheliax, making him a renegade or revolutionary in the making. He is smart, selfish, and to a point, Machiavellian. He despises both the poor and the powerful for different reasons, desires personal power and fears being insignificant and weak. He came by his summoner powers through a deal with his demonic eidolon, for which he has strong feelings of attraction and respect. By profession, he is a scribe working in the Rego Scripta for a shipping concern, writing endless contracts to earn the next days rent and food.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>Very interested in the campaign and presenting my character:
Zaros Liserii
Zaros is a human summoner born and raised in Westcrown. He is very dissatisfied with the living conditions and current rule in Cheliax, making him a renegade or revolutionary in the making. He is smart, selfish, and to a point, Machiavellian. He despises both the poor and the powerful for different reasons, desires personal power and fears being insignificant and weak. He came by his summoner powers through a deal...Zaros Liserii (alias of Paul Migaj)2012-06-08T21:34:26ZForums: Advice: Cossack CharacterPaul Migajhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2o8n4?Cossack-Character#12012-06-06T21:41:34Z2012-06-06T21:41:34Z<p>Need some opinions on fleshing out a Cossack character.
<br />
Where would be the most appropriate homeland for such a character? Mendev?
<br />
I have the character using a scimitar and pistol, and being an excellent horseman.
<br />
What other feats, skills, equipment etc would you all suggest to fully represent the flavor of such a character and the Cossacks raiding culture?</p>
<p>I plan on making him a rogue with a level of gunslinger for just a touch of firearms. Would you also take levels of ranger or barbarian?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>Need some opinions on fleshing out a Cossack character.
Where would be the most appropriate homeland for such a character? Mendev?
I have the character using a scimitar and pistol, and being an excellent horseman.
What other feats, skills, equipment etc would you all suggest to fully represent the flavor of such a character and the Cossacks raiding culture?
I plan on making him a rogue with a level of gunslinger for just a touch of firearms. Would you also take levels of ranger or
...Paul Migaj2012-06-06T21:41:34Z