Periyotro Bapak's page

Thank you all for the in-depth suggestions, and for the link to that Magus guide. I hadn't seen that one before.

I have to say that I'm a bit disappointed that the build doesn't seem to work out as well as I had hoped. Indeed, the easiest way to fix it would be to go for Scimitar and take Dervish Dance. That route really doesn't feel right, though, and also comes with some Sarenrae flavor that I could do without...
I see the point of Flamboyant Arcana. Still, even if it works under the generous interpretation, that's only a couple of Riposte attacks per day, using my already precious resource of Arcana points.

That leaves the following options:
- Inspired Blade dip. Starts at 1d4+4, goes up to 1d4+5 at level 2 with weapon enhancing. Will almost never use spell combat, so loses a lot eventually.
- Go with the (boring) Dervish Dance, regardless of flavor. Would mean decent damage starting at level 3. Not really viable before that time, except by treating him as a wizard with less spells. Maybe a wand of Magic Missile or Snowball to carry me through the first two levels?
- Go straight Magus, and wait for an agile weapon. This mean's I'll have to drop the Bladebound archetype. Also, because of feats requirements, I couldn't take Fencing Grace/Slashing Grace before level 5. This could be sped up by going with Kensai instead of Bladebound, for the free Weapon focus. This way, Slashing Grace is available at level 3, and I could pick up Flamboyant Arcana at level 3.
- I had even read up on the Eldritch Archer as an alternative, before finding out that it's banned in PFS. :(

I've written up these three version to see what I would end up with at level 3:

Inspire Blade 1 / Bladebound Magus 2 (assuming +1 weapon from Arcane Pool)
Str 8, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 17, Wis 10, Cha 10
Standard rapier attack: +7 (1d4+5)
Spellstrike (without spell combat) Rime Frostbite: +7 (1d6+5 +1d6+2), with Entangle
Possibly followed by a riposte at the same values, or otherwise the same attack next turn.

Bladebound Magus 3 (Dervish Dance) (assuming +2 weapon from Black Blade/Arcane)
Str 10, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 10
Finesse at level 1, Dervish Dance at level 3.
Standard scimitar attack: +8 (1d4+6)
Spellstrike/Spell combat Frostbite: +6 (1d4+6) /+6 (1d4+6+1d6+3), without Entangle.
No ripostes yet, those are added once I get an arcana at level 6.

Kensai Magus 3 (agile) (assuming +1 weapon from Arcane Pool)
Str 10, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 10
Finesse and Weapon focus at level 1, Slashing grace at level 3.
Standard wakizashi attack: +8 (1d4+5)
Spellstrike Frostbite: +8 (1d4+6+1d6+3), without Entangle.
With the occasional riposte. Spell combat for extra attacks becomes possible after level 6, with an agile weapon.

To conclude, some miscellaneous questions:
- Ferious Thune mentioned boosting Int to help with the Rime spells save DC. If I go with Frostbite, there is no saving throw involved, is there? It's all automatic, the cold damage and the entangle?
- Will Fencing Grace work if I forgo Spell combat, but use Spellstrike to cast a spell and make a single rapier attack with the touch spell?

This wayang character for PFS was originally an arcanist, but I wasn't quite happy as a full caster. I've been tinkering to make him into a martial/caster hybrid. It's not a groundbreaking build, but there's some thing I'm unsure about and I'd like some feedback and suggestions nevertheless.
Concept in short: Inspire Blade 1 / Bladebound X, focused on debuffing with Frostbite. I'd like to make extra attacks with Parry/Riposte, using arcane pool to get my crit range up to 15-20.

Str 10, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 17, Wis 10, Cha 11
Traits: Wayang spellhunter (Frostbite), Bruising intellect

1: Inspired Blade 1. Weapon finesse, Weapon focus, Fencing grace. 4 Panache.
2: Bladebound 1. Arcane pool 4. Spell combat.
3: Bladebound 2. Spellstrike. Rime metamagic feat.
4: Bladebound 3. Black blade. Int +1. Arcane pool 6.
5: Bladebound 4. Spell recall. Bruiser feat.
6: Bladebound 5. Bonus feat (Combat Reflexes?), add Keen to rapier with Arcane pool.
etc.

Some of things I'm unsure about:
- I'm aware that Fencing Grace and and Spell combat don't work together. Ideally, I won't have to use spell combat all that often. Casting a a frostbite should power my weapon for a couple of rounds at higher level. Initially, I'd cast the spell and make only that single attack, so Fencing Grace counts. During the following rounds, I can make a full attack and benefit from both Fencing grace and the added effects from Frostbite. (Right?)
- I'm a little worried that I'll initially only do 1d4+3 damage. That seems really low...
- One version of this build was an Elf, because I read that they make good magusus. However, I'm not really convinced that's better, overall. Damage as an Elf would be upped to 1d6+3, but at the cost of -1 Atk and -1 AC. With the Con penalty I'd also have less health, and probably would be tempted to use the Elven fcb instead of adding that to hit points. Overall, that seems quite squishy.
- Is 6 points in Arcane pool enough to keep up Keen on the rapier and to recycle spells with spell recall? Should I drop the notion of using Spell Recall, relying instead on Pearls of Power since I don't have to buy a magic weapon? In that case, is it worth it to stack another archetype that trades in Spell Recall, such as Hexcrafter (or possibly even Kensai)?

Thanks for taking the time to GM, doc. E. I got the chronicle.
We had a bit of a rough time early on with people having to drop, but I'm glad that we got the scenario finished with this group. Thanks to the other players as well, maybe see you again in a next adventure. :)

-Posted with Wayfinder

Periyotro nods during G'Boar's speech. "Indeed. Please, also consider the amount of knowledge and power the Society must have to create the ruse with this fake sceptre."

Diplomacy, aid another: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

-Posted with Wayfinder

Periyotro thanks the warpriest for the healing and steps back into the well-furnished room. "Very well, it's good that you came to your senses. You should have taken my first offer, yes?" Periyotro touches the still tender wound and scowls at the man. "Mordan, will you bind him?"

Periyotro continues talking while he picks up the scepter, making sure Zamir can hear him. "So, what do we do with him? He doesn't seem like a very reliable asses for the Pathfinder Society. Do we turn him in the agents of the Thakur? They might know that to do with him."

"Ayayay!"

Periyotro doesn't know what hit him, when Zamir starts becoming aggresive and sends the tiger to attack. It was a good deal, we offered!

He managed to evade the tiger's head and one of the claws, but the other rends him straight across the belly. Staggered, Periyotro stumbles back, away from the animal. He grabs the potion hanging from his belt.

5 foot step back, move action to grab potion.

That's what you get being a jerk, Intimidate seems like a risky proposition at times. Maybe Periyotro learns the benefits of Diplomacy once he survives. I see Mordan has my back, though. :)

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Periyotro notices the breeze behind the carpet, but stores the information in the back of his mind for now. He looks about to laugh at the man, knowing that the scepter is a useless trinket. However, he recalls their orders in time, and decides a more diplomatic approach.

"You are Zamir, yes? he asks. "We have heard of your operation. The scepter was a clever deception, used to bring us here. We are from the Pathfinder Society and need to have a word with you. Your connection to the Aspis Consortium ends today, either way. You can convince us that you continue your work with the Pathfinder Society, though."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Periyotro stands ready behind G'Boar with his crossbow loaded. He'll relay any information he might find with his Detect magic spell, and signals for G'Boar to open the door when the others are ready as well.

Name: Iff
PFS#: 174458-5
Faction: Dark Archive
Day job: none

Periyotro pokes about the smoldering remains of the totem, disappointed that nothing worthy of study remains. He seems about to berate G'Boar for throwing the alchemist's fire, but something decides against it. "Such a shame. We move on, yes? Anyone injured?"

Peering at the door, Periyotro recites the familiar incantation to detect the presence of magic. "Maybe something interesting beyond here, yes?"

Cast Detect magic.

"Interesting, interesting. Maybe the magic protects the wood from fire? I really should study more, once it stops attacking us."

Periyotro takes a few steps forward to have a clear line of attack, and then fires his crossbow again.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 - 4 = 2
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

The sad part, is that this attack is better than the one from the previous turn. :(

-Posted with Wayfinder

Periyotro tilts his head, looking at the totem like an interesting puzzle. "Finally something interesting, yes? It seems like an animated construct. To deal with invaders, probably? It is equipped for ranged attack, but its primary mode of attack seems to be the limbs. Be careful of those, yes?" Periyotro looks at G'Boar, ushering him to attack the totem anyway.

"To continue: as an animated construct, we can presume that it is not susceptible to mind-affecting attacks, nor to poisons and such. But that is common knowledge, of course... Any questions?"

Periyotro concludes his lecture, takes a step forward and fires his crossbow. He then reloads it.

Please move me to the left one square.

Attack - 4 in combat: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 4 = 1
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

-Posted with Wayfinder

First the knowledge roll.

Knowledge arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

-Posted with Wayfinder

Periyotro follows after G'Boar and Mordan, keeping his crossbow loaded and ready. Once he's in position, he chants a short incantation, peering intently with his enhanced sight to detect any magical auras.

Casting Detect Magic. I'd like to check out the statue at least, and I think I could detect magical auras through the wooden door?

Periyotro stops his search of the guard's body when magic items are mentioned. "Ah, interesting yes?" While the wizard continues to explain, Periyotro stand on his toes at one of the benches, looking for what interesting magical trinkets there might be. "Yes, yes. Of course you may go. Off with you." More magic for me. Haha.

Periyotro snatches up some of the interesting items and reagents (just for fluff), having mostly forgotten about the captives. "Let us move on, yes?"

--

"What is this, now? A training dummy? A tiger totem, for worship? Very strange... Or maybe it's a trap."

Periyotro steps closer to investigate the statue.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Periyotro looks at the dead guards with a satisfied look., brushing some dust off of his robes. "Most efficient, yes? Excellent work."

He then turns to the chained people at the benches, pointing a finger at the woman. "You. What can you tell us about this place? Who are you?" While listening he searches the remaining guard for a key to free them.

"You didn't ask for a fight, but you got one anyway," Periyotro says cheerfully. "Here's a new suggestion. You leave now, and you'll still be alive tonight." He includes the charmed guard with a gesture, urging the man to take the stairs up and flee.

Intimidate on the tiger monk.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

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Periyotro follows closely behind G'Boar. Once he sees that the ranger is attacking and that his arrow stuck true, Periyotro sees an opportunity to distract the second guard. His boney hands make a 'heart' symbol while he whispers some soft incantation, trying to influence the guard in red.

Cast Charm Person at the red guard, exploited for +1 DC. That brings the Will save DC up to 16.

Periyotro's brow creases with thought and dismay at his mistake. "Yes, yes. Of course we go down. That's what I said, right? No loitering. Up, up." To Mordan he adds in a calmer tone. "The compass doesn't show distance, but it should be down there somewhere. We seem to have passed it, so it shouldn't be too far."

Periyotro then tries to herd the others down the stairs ahead of himself.

No useful equipment of clues on the tiger-monks' bodies?

"Yes, yes. Very well done. I think we handled that very well," says Periyotro, preferring to forget that he didn't have a large part in the fighting.

He joins in searching the bodies for clues and then checks the fake Wayfinder again for the location of the scepter? "Up?"

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

-Posted with Wayfinder

Already posting my action, if we're still in combat after G'Boar's action.

Periyotro looks smug when one of the monk is felled by Mordan. He points at the other one. "Haha, I told you, yes? Not so tough now, are you? You'll go down just as well. No hope for you!"

Intimidate to demoralize: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Periyotro removes himself from the fight as fast as his legs can carry him, thankful for the gap between Mordan and Hikari. "Ayayay, poor fragile me!"

Withdraw, no other actions

It would be nice to finish by then, but you shouldn't rush things, at least on my account. I'm only level 1, so will create a new character for game day.

Will save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Periyotro seems to shrink at the sight and sound of the tiger-man. "Don't kill me. Take one of the big ones. They are a challenge... Please, yes?"

Thanks. Do you think we'll be able to finish before the 19th? The PbP Game Day starts on that day, and it would be helpful to know if this character will be available for games by then.

DoctorEvil, everything OK? We haven't heard anything from you in the past few days.

The gameplay thread is already up, I've dotted in. As said, Periyotro is still in a game now, but should be free before the 19th.

Periyotro's hands are itching to unleash their blast of fire, but he decides otherwise. G'Boar seems like a decent fellow now, but He probably doesn't like fire. Better he stays on my team. Taha!

Instead, Periyotro takes a step back and resorts to the simplest of magics. He launches an orb of acid at the man in front of him.

5-foot step, cast Acid splash
Ranged attack -4 in melee, against touch AC: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 - 4 = 18
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1

groan...

dot

Since this is being run as part of GD4, we will start on 9/19 and if we have more than 6, I will run a random lottery for the 6 finalists from the submissions.

Would you consider doing the lottery well before the 19th? A lot of games for the PbP GameDay are filling up fast. If I can't join this one, I would like to have time to find another game.

I'm on holiday for the coming week. Should have access to WiFi, or Wayfinder if all else fails. I think I'll be able to make a daily post, but they might be a bit shorter than regular. If I miss a day, please don't hold up the story on my account.

Botting instruction, should they be necessary:
- Use Burning Hands exploited for +1 Caster Level, when it's possible to catch more than 1 enemy in the blast.
- Otherwise, ranged attacks with crossbow.
- Try to stay out of melee, hiding behind one of the martials if it seems necessary.
- Use Potion of CLW whenever anyone goes to negative hit points.
- Direct the group to the scepter, by the most direct route possible.

I would like to join with this character. Wayang Arcanist 1. He's currently in a PbP game, but that should be finished by the 19th, I think. Would be interested in playing all three, eventually.

Ack, so good a spell prepared, and they are spread out like this. Curses!

In a foul mood because he's not in a position to launch a burning hands, Periyotro walks deeper into the inner courtyard. He fires a crossbow bolt at the masked man who's not engaged yet.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Periyotro points at the inner structure. "In there, yes? "

With his crossbow at the ready, Periyotro enters after G'Boar, hiding behind the man's big body.

-Posted with Wayfinder

"That went well," Periyotro says smugly, a grin on his face. "Anyone injured?"

He looks around the compound, taking in the surroundings in more detail. "Maybe the guard were carrying orders. We should search them, yes?" he continues, although he himself makes no motion to start searching. Instead, the small man reaches into his backpack and takes out the fake Wayfinder. Now, where is the scepter, yes?

A series of emotions show on Periyotro's face. What is he doing, talking to them? Idiot! We didn't have any trouble taking them down, we were winning. Hmm, wait. It'll be useful to get some information from them perhaps. Maybe the guard will talk. Not so stupid after all, the big guy...

Periyotro hurries after G'Boar with his crossbow at the ready, going as fast as his short legs will take him.

Shaking his head at the continued need for combat, Periyotro fires another crossbow bolt at the remained guard.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Periyotro grins as he surveys the state of the combat, enjoying the looks of confusion from the guards. He looks impressed at G'Boar's shooting that sees the guard tumbling from the wall.

Not wanting to be outdone, Periyotro fires his crossbow again at the guard to his right.

Attack at green guard: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Well, that was to be expected.

Periyotro aims at the formerly sleeping guard and looses his crossbow bolt. As soon as the bolt is sent flying, he nocks another.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

If the orange guard is already killed, Periyotro take a step to the east, sticking close to the wall. He then aims at the green guard instead.

As G'Boar makes his way to the top of the wall, Periyotro sneaks further in, holding a loaded crossbow at the ready. He has spotted a place next to the inner building where the guards shouldn't be able to see him, and he hopes their attention is focused more on the grounds outside the wall.

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Sorry, failed my check to notice the wind rose on the map. As often, I feel in the trap of assuming north is the top of the map.

Periyotro stand looking at the fake wayfinder with a dumb face, mistaken it for an actual wayfinder and messing up which way is north.

"If the one on the other side is sleeping, it seems wise to approach from that side. We could take our entire group around the compound and approach from the north. If the guard really is sleeping, all of us might succeed in getting up to the building without being noticed, yes? I can provide a distration by using a Ventriloquism spell, but we would need to be close enough to use it."

Periyotro motions G'Boar to lean in closer, so they can whisper and make a plan. "I think that one might be sleeping. Do you think you could climb the wall, take out the guard? Or should we see if there's another entrance in the back?"

I'm a bit stumped for tactics at the moment. Anyone have any brilliant ideas?

Periyotro surveys their surrounding, alongside his companions. He is quite please with the way their assignment has gone so far, especially the way that he handled the 'merchant' leader. We will show him, by beating this Zamir. He'll be astounded by our success, where they have stumbled for months. Pah!

Perception, take 10: 10 + 7 = 17

The wayang then points to the top of the walls from their place hidden within the jungle, showing his companions where he can spot at least one person. He whispers "There might be more. Difficult to tell from here, yes? My people are one with the shadow, I can sneak-sneak closer. Are any of you, stealthy enough? I think we can take cover behind those trees and then quickly walk in close to the walls, on the right side of the building."

If at least one person accompanies him, Periyotro will sneak closer. Need someone with me, a big one, to take the hits when fighting breaks out. I'm stealthy, but not stupid."

Stealth, take 10: 10 + 9 = 19

That's really unfortunate. Couldn't you pick a pregen for the game this weekend, and allow the GM to bot you for the camping? We've already lost two people and are stuck with four. If you go as well, that might mean the game would blow up. :(

Periyotro makes his way over to the one that seems like the leader, waggling on his little legs as fast as they will take him. He gives the man an indignant stare and pokes at him with one of his slender fingers. "Hey! What do you mean, you? Are you just leaving us here, no? No information? Who are these bandits? Followers of Zamir, you say? Come on, speak up. We fought together. We deserve some answers."

Periyotro loads another bolts in his crossbow and send it flying after one of the fleeing bandits, making sure his aim is bad enough to miss.

He then looks around for the conditions of his companions, looking at G'Boar first. "Hikari, is he... is he dead?"

Now, where is that snake called Waman. Did he flee with the bandits, or is he cowering behind a bush somewhere?

I'll post ahead, since I probably won't get a post in until tomorrow evening.

Periyotro quickly glances over his shoulder to check whether the bandits have already taken the scepter from the wagon. If they have, he casts Ghost sound to created the effect of a hunting horn sounding, centered on him to draw attention. He then shouts in his most intimidating voice. "This attack isn't worth it. There's too many people on both sides dying! Just leave while you still can.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

If the bandits haven't taken the scepter yet, Periyotro continues the fight. See the spoiler below.

Periyotro tries to make out how the fight is progressing, which isn't easy with ambushers from both sides and the merchants interfering.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Well, that's fortunate. It seems we won't have to surrender to let them get away with the scepter. We just have to hold out long enough for them to grab what they want, and then we can chase them off.

Periyotro takes care not to look in the direction of the caravan, and then steps next to the wounded elf. He chants words of fire in a shrill voice and thrusts his bony hands forward, shooting a fan of flame. Hitting the merchant won't matter too much. It might just add to the confusion.

Burning hands damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1 (Hitting the blue bandit and the bald merchant. Reflex save DC 15 for half)

Periyotro mutters some curses at he takes stock of the situation. So, these merchants weren't our attacks after all. Well, I'll be damned if they mess up our assignment. He bobs his head in appreciation when he notices the cover G'Boar is offering him.

The Wayang picks up his loaded crossbow and shoots at the merchant due south of him. He then takes a step to take cover behind the bald merchant. Maybe if one of the merchants goes down, we could use that as an excuse to surrender. After all, they're just innocent bystanders.

Attack the blue bandit. No miss chance because of Darkvision
Attack with crossbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Agree with G'Boar and Hikari.