Rashed Al-Amin's page

Helix Missionary here with a fire-based, damage-dealing sorcerer. I believe I built to PFS rules, from my knowledge of what they are (don't play it myself). He's built as something of a one-trick pony, but it's a pretty good trick; I also built him envisioning how I'd actually play such a character, for what that's worth. Let me know if you see anything that should be changed.

I'd say so. We'd probably want to lean toward a RAW understanding of the rules, insofar as the writers probably intended, just to avoid too many personal biases or considerations coming through, should questions arise. Hopefully things will be pretty straightforward, though.

Nice thing is we'll be coming into it freshly rested, so nobody's at a disadvantage from the situation beforehand. Should be a fun time!

I suppose if we want that's something we could do, sure. Just meet in the open field and have a free-for-all?

Let's see how many of you I can knock out and keep alive before the rest gang up...

Having some issues updating Rashed's profile at the moment, but I'm ready to go. He's gained HP, +1 to his Reflex save, skill points, and a new Mercy. He's also retrained Iron Will to Weapon Focus (longsword) in order to qualify for Slashing Grace (longsword), and swapped Merciful Scimitar for Blade of Mercy--the grace of Sarenrae has granted him the skill to use this new weapon.

also, just so everyone knows, i plan on advancing everyone at least 5 levels. There are certain rooms that once you hit them, youll go up a level. Plus, the added bonus is every time someone dies, everyone else will go up a level.

Hear that guys? We'll be making it to level 13.

AND NOT ONE LEVEL HIGHER ON MY WATCH

On another note, GM, how do you feel about retraining in this game? I specifically ask because the Holy Avenger is a great weapon that I could make good use of... if I were capable of using it to its potential with my build. If I can swap a feat (and, ideally, a trait) for another at this level, in addition to the feat from leveling up, I'd be quite capable of using the weapon. Is that allowed, or no? I fully understand if not.

EDIT: To be more specific, I'd look to swap Iron Will for Weapon Focus (longsword), which would qualify me for Slashing Grace (longsword) so I could use the Holy Avenger properly with my build. Additionally, if you'd allow it, I'd love to swap my Merciful Scimitar trait to Blade of Mercy--although I'd just as soon not have the +1 to nonlethal damage that trait provides, as it's already a better version of what I have (albeit with a religion requirement).

Fortitude: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

Rashed gasps in pain as the rain twists into an acidic downpour, eating at his skin and gear, burning where it strikes him. He lunges forward into the cave, seeking only to avoid the burning rain.

Rashed had bedded down for the time being when the windstorm crops up, and he wraps his keffiyeh about his face, shielding him from as much of the dust and dirt as possible. Between the weather, the soft kick, and Gorthug's softer grab, he's quick to rise and start moving after the others, glad for the prospect of shelter.

If/when the lightning strikes Thadeus, Rashed cries out for the dwarf to hurry to him. "I have some healing yet, friend! Best we escape this storm ere it strikes again!"

I'm also out of the military loop myself, but I'm familiar with the need for taking care of mental health and coping with things. Like everyone else has said, take all the time you need and make sure you're okay as the top priority. I'm loving the game and am happy to continue, but health always comes first!

Rashed frowns as Walay disappears into his own quarters, and turns to Zorgax. "I will take my share of the watch. I know Gorthug offered his own share already. Regrettably, I will need a full night's rest, but I will remain awake for what I can--ideally for the evening, or early morning just before sunrise."

Rashed pauses from his collection of items and clicks his tongue. "My apologies, I forgot in the business at hand. Stand still just a moment, please." The paladin places his hands on Zorgax's shoulders and closes his eyes, murmuring a prayer to Sarenrae. A moment later his hands glow with golden energy and the half-orc's wounds begin to knit shut.

Lay on Hands: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 3, 4) = 11
Lay on Hands: 4d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 1, 1) = 6
Lay on Hands: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 1, 4) = 12
Lay on Hands: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 1, 4) = 12
Total of 41, which brings you close to full and you should top off with a night's rest. Those were some truly pitiful rolls.

Rashed steps back after nearly half a minute, frowning as he looks at his palms. "Perhaps I call on her grace too often in a short time. I only hope the Dawnflower continues to aid us here."

Rashed sighs as the half-orcs reaffirm his position as 'boss,' and listens as suggestions and requests are made regarding the gear. He ignores Walay's snide commentary on bravery and caution, and turns to hear each statement while looking at the speaker. Thankfully, much of it is parsed out without his input, and by the time things come back around to him, he need only nod.

"It seems cool heads prevail once more. I agree that the equipment should be shared where best fitting, whenever possible. And accords have been made where there is contention. I would have the holy sword, if only for an additional blade, and to befit its purpose. In fairness for keeping gifts divided, I would also take the amulet of armor, although the bracers seem fitting for your steed, Zorgax. Those without healing should take the potions of that nature, I will take those that save from poison or curse, as I believe I am among the healers of our group? If any else would have them, I am happy to offer them up."

He sighs and looks around. "Much as I dislike such thinking, keeping the cursed items with us may prove useful. Should the need arise, sending another to the Abyss, or using the cursed magic to strangle them, could make a difference between living and dying in this place. Is that everything?"

Rashed barely spares a scathing glance over his shoulder at Thadeus--clearly the paladin is no fan of warmongering. "I am no one's boss, nor do I seek submission. Only peace where it is possible and cool heads. Fools rush in. The wise learn caution." He folds his arms and shakes his head. "As for our findings, I am in no position to say what is whose. I do not know what they are, beyond what little has been shared by our flighty mage friend. I have need of none of them; though I champion righteousness, swords and shields of that nature ill fit my skills. The gear should go to those who would use them best."

He sighs and looks over Gorthug and Zorgax. "I can heal your wounds if you wish. Moving on while injured is a poor idea."

"Honor? Challenge? I see no duel between warriors Herr, I see the petty squabbling of fools. Fierce hounds who find themselves unleashed, and cannot control their tempers against snapping at their fellows." Rashed scowls and turns toward Gorthug. "The both of you. Speaking of honor and cowardice. Is there honor in throwing away your life to prove yourself better, only to die alone in turn when another might have saved you? Is there bravery in playing the fool and rushing headlong into your own doom? Or are both of your heads so full of ego that your ears do not hear?"

The paladin sheathes his sword, although considering the speed of his draw, there's little doubt of his readiness. "The longer we fight one another, the longer we remain captive. The longer our enemies can prepare against us. The fewer of us alive, working together, the smaller our chances of surviving. I for one have no intention to die for the whims of some fiendish sport. I would think honorable warriors would feel the same." He holds a steely gaze with each of the others for several moments. "There may be time for dominance and killing one a other later. For now, we should focus on survival. For that, we must work together. As equals."

Seeing as no one else has the ability to beat that roll, Rashed is guaranteed to go first.

The first trade of blows between the orcs is rapid and fairly decisive. For a moment, it seems there may be an offer of peace, but that offer is denied. Zorgax seems unlikely to let the insult slide, but in a flash, Rashed is standing beside him, scimitar drawn and poised to strike.

"Stop this," the paladin intones, his voice far harder than it has been until now. "There is no grace or honor in wanton slaughter. You play into our captors' hands, nothing more. And I will not allow such callous bloodshed."

If Zorgax or his pets make any motion of anything but ceasing the fight, Rashed's scimitar arcs out in a lightning-fast slash, lashing the orc without drawing lifeblood.

Readying an attack.
Scimitar Attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27
Nonlethal Damage: 1d6 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21

Initiative in Separate Post: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
For those wondering: +6 from Dexterity, +4 from Improved Initiative, and +2 from the Swashbuckler Initiative deed.

Rashed also picks up the intensity of the ensuing fight and readies to intervene, his own blade sliding easily from its scabbard. The golden fire that danced along its blade has faded away, but it still gleams in the sunlight, the marvelous adamantine of its curved edge shining with sharpness.

Initiative: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

Rashed was standing by Gorthug away from the others when this started, so I've moved him to a location closer to that on the map. Now to decide how best to keep this from going too far... Might be knocking some people unconscious if it comes to it.

Rashed frowns as tensions rise, and he steps between the half-orcs, turning his gaze from one to the other. "I do not speak your tongue, but I know threats when I hear and see them. Whatever anger is between you, let it go. Now is not the time for fighting among ourselves. Or would you play into the whims of our captors so easily?" The paladin shakes his head. "Rest is a fine proposition. It clears the mind and dulls cruder emotions. Although perhaps some space would also do us well."

Rashed only folds his arms as Zorgax groans and mentions 'clear thinkers.' To Gorthug, he nods with a thin smile. "You have my word that I'll try to keep everyone from dying in their sleep, or waking. I need my rest, but I'd be happy to stand watch as you take yours."

Rashed bows his head slightly in greeting as each of the others introduce themselves. He frowns as Zorgax trots away on his ethereal warcat, and it deepens slightly when Thadeus walks over as well. But he merely folds his arms and stands waiting while the others go over the items they've found here. "Should there be anything you have no need or desire of, I may take a look," he says aloud, not particularly to anyone. He has what he truly requires already, but more equipment is always a boon... if only because it won't be in the hands of more suspicious characters.

Ouch, best of luck, man.

Rashed gives a smile and a nod as the others begin discussing their strengths and beliefs. "The Lord in Iron is a fearsome and respectable god, indeed. Never have I known his devout to shirk from battle. I would be honored to have such fine warriors as allies."

He turns to Zorgax next, looking quizzically at the half-orc due to his use of the orcish word. "No, friend. I am here as are we all, as a captive prisoner of this... trial, so it seems. And I am a true servant of the Dawnflower, trained in her ways of peace and light. Mine is a path of redemption, not wrath. There are very few who are beyond saving; only the foulest of fiends, and those who consort with them, need be 'cleansed,' as you put it. And..."

He pauses for a moment, his eyes unfocusing and glowing with light for a few seconds. Then he shakes his head and smiles. "I do not sense such a one among you. I would be your ally, a true sword at your side, if you would do the same. I am a capable warrior, possessed of a healing touch, and the divine grace of Sarenrae. To my dying breath, I will aid you against whatever darkness will befall us."

Likewise, my Perception check was generally to notice anything that would be of obvious interest to a paladin of Sarenrae. And I resent the holier-than-thou comment, even if it's very true for pretty much the whole group :P

Rashed turns swiftly toward the explosion, his hand falling deftly on the hilt of his scimitar, but he doesn't draw the blade. After a moment, he nods to Thadeus and eyes the table sidelong. "Indeed. I've little doubt our 'benefactors' have much at heart besides our own best interests." So saying, he begins to examine the various objects very carefully.

Might be worth pointing out that I can't actually use wands or scrolls or the like--my archetype trades out spellcasting so I don't have a caster level or anything like that. I do still very much have Lay on Hands, though, so healing isn't off the table for me.

Having finished off the monstrous figures with his new companions, Rashed spends a moment in reflection and silent prayer, and then sheathes his blade. The heavenly fire is concealed, but he knows it is yet ready should it need drawn once more. (The bonus lasts for one minute per paladin level, so quite a while yet if things go south immediately.)

Approaching the table, the man smiles as he sees the others picking over its contents, and one apparently summoning a beast of some power. "Sarenrae's light upon us, my friends," Rashed says. "I take it you also were brought here to fight or be killed?" He extends a hand in greeting. "Rashed Al-Amin. I hope to have a prosperous journey with all of you. Together, I've no doubt we can survive greater perils than this first trial."

Once introductions are made, Rashed will also examine the table, although he has little understanding of magical things--if he spies anything that is apparently or obviously useful, he will examine it closer, albeit with an untrained eye.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

No, I intended to wait until they got close enough to counter-charge. But that being the case, and Rashed not being an idiot...

Before leaping into the fray, Rashed first draws his bow, nocking arrows with expert precision and grace. "Sarenrae grant a swift cleansing of your soul," he whispers, and lets loose a flurry of arrows. (Smiting as stated, but I'll do two rounds of shooting the bow first. Not sure on the exact range penalties, so you can apply those; each range increment is 110 feet.)

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15 Wow, just... wow. I don't suppose this would count as a fear or disease effect?

Rashed's nose rankles at the scent wafting on the wind, and he sighs as he sees the figure with the sword barely break stride. The others might falter, but it seems that one is beyond surrender. He eyes the horde as best he can, trying to determine any information about them, and brandishes his scimitar. With a prayer, the weapon burns even brighter in the sun, the light flashing along the fine edge of its blade.

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21 Hoping to identify any information about these creatures: type, weaknesses, so on. Based on that, Rashed will activate his divine bond; if the creatures (particularly the apparent leader) are evil outsiders, he'll make his scimitar holy, and if not, he'll make it keen and merciful (assuming they aren't something immune to nonlethal damage).

Finally, when the creatures seem poised to run him down, the man surges forward with a shout. "If not redemption, purity!" He rushes headlong toward the shadowy humanoid, his scimitar an arc of radiant sunlight in his hand, and leaps into the air with a slash of the blade.

Swift action to declare a use of smite evil, targeting the shadowy humanoid figure, and then either charging or readying to charge depending on the precise distances of the rounds--basically hoping to rush in and strike this thing. I'm rolling assuming it's an evil outsider of some sort since that's my guess, but if not, subtract 1d6 and 8 points of damage.

Scimitar Smiting Charge: 1d20 + 15 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 15 + 3 + 2 = 31
Damage: 1d6 + 2d6 + 15 + 16 ⇒ (6) + (6, 1) + 15 + 16 = 44

Rashed shields his eyes deftly as he comes to, the dirt not so unlike the shifting desert sands he's lived in for many years. The horde of approaching monstrosities, on the other hand, are rather unusual, as are the cages of force and the other figures near him. With a casual flick of his arm to shift his shawl and cloak, he draws his scimitar, the blade shining in the sunlight. "Stand fast, friends! Such creatures of darkness are no match for the truth of day."

He steps forward, eyeing the horde and chanting a prayer just loud enough to hear. His eyes meet the strange creatures and he spreads his arms wide. "If any among you would come in peace, or accept that I mean you no harm, stand down. I swear upon my life you shall not be struck down, should you choose against violence. This I offer now."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

Really don't expect it to do anything, but feels like I should try. Rashed will also look around for anything that seems useful as he makes his speech--he's not stupid, and fighting twenty-some ravenous monsters isn't wise. Is there another opening in the hills we could make for? Anything useful-looking on the table?

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

Sarenrae's blessings upon you all! I will of course be happy to lend healing to our cause. Although I can't promise an unlimited supply, since I've really just got Lay on Hands to work with.