Has been a whirlwind of circumstance and obfuscation on my end. Work remains a no go re: logging on, and I've had family visiting for a couple of weeks as well. We still don't have a home computer set up - and my wife's needed our one laptop for her night job... so all up a bit of a balls up. Won't get fundamentally better overnight - but should smooth out a bit once my folks drive back westwards on Monday.
Still dealing with the change of career as well - even though I'm three months into the role. Getting up earlier, working till later and coming home more tired and half brain dead.
I do apologize for being that arse that disappeared without word and didn't let people know what was going on. Don't have much of an excuse, but to be fairest to you all, I'll have to respectfully hand in a withdrawal from this game. My free computer enabled time is limited, and I'm paring back to just two PbPs - which are the longer running on the boards. It's been a trip, and I'll likely log on of occasion to see how it's going - and I'd also like to extend thanks and appreciation to all.
Eyes put to the novelty of sighted blinking once more he breathes a sigh of relief, bowing a short thanks to Malaswyn... before waiting until the more pious of the group are out of earshot and confiding in Kriger "Though if one were to have a single sight burnt into retina forever... I can think of worse forms for it to hold..."
When the time comes for searching he offers what help he may, knowing that others hold keener sight for details than he.
Having recentered himself Raveneau returns to a more ready and sure stance, sweeping across the floor without too much pause from his loss of sight.
Blindfight lets him move 'relatively' ok while blinded.
Taking an angled approach slightly closer to the nymph he responds "From what I glimpsed I believe I have seen worse prisons... but no beauty should be kept caged and darkened from the warmth of sun." voice low and even to pass on compassion.
Staggering Raveneau drops to his knees and centers himself against the floor. Instinct guiding him he draws steady breath to reorient what is down, up and sideways. Turning face to the beauty and standing he adopts a wider stance and cocks ears to listen.
Apologies for going missing a tad - holidays and christmas and whatnot
Raveneau puts sword to hand, but keeps it held neutral and without threat. He furrows brow and looks to make up the distance to where Kalsgrim is swiftly.
Gingerly gesturing to the disturbed earth with the point of his shortsword Raveneau asks "Malaswyn, should we turn earth once more and liberate the dead from their unwanted prison?"
Raveneau frowns as Malaswyn explains the cause and effect of Kriger's enfeeblement. Gauging the expression on the cleric's face he queries "I take it that breaking it's hold is beyond your talents until you've communed once more? I have no quarrel with standing at point... but we should be wary without the use of Kriger's... unique talents. As he is a butcher's cleaver I am but a painter's brush..."
Raveneau stands to one side and listens, features even and unconcerned. To attempt to provoke an outburst he says overloud as an aside "A pity we only kept the least of them, this one is clearly but a follower"
Raveneau shrugs, adding his two cents "Should have given her an iron chance or seen her ended... though a hunt might stir the blood" before looking to assist Kriger in any attempt to discern track or sign of her flight.
"I would agree that securing the now is worth more than pursuit at the moment. But a few evaded us... and a few can do little against this fortification prepared."
The elf beams a smile and stops his effervescent feet from moving. His blade is spun wide in a circle to spritz much of the blood from it, before it's seen back to scabbard. A deep inhalation to center followed by words "Accepted." adjusting his gaze to take in his companions and confirm that they were also willing to see the battle within the courtyard ended.
Unworried by the barbarians Raveneau lets loose a belly laugh of pleasure and smiles. To his foes he seems to offer easy target before swaying and sliding about, his blade ever hungry and flickering. "Do drop your blades when you weary, I can keep this up for an age."
Weaving out of the way of flying axes, the elf keeps his movements tight and focused. As he turns and twists, his lithe blade flickers out to scythe through defenses and leave his opponents bleeding.
Skipping back from the barbarians a tad Raveneau looks to reposition at Kriger's flank, protecting the far more threatening ranger from being overwhelmed.
Move around to Kriger and ready an attack against any of the barbarians that draw adjacent.
Current buffs: Spelldance (+30ft movement rate, +6 dodge to AC, 7/10 rounds used); Fly
Current AC: 30
Zeitgeist is pretty cool - it's got an edge of steampunk to it to go with the intrigue side of things. Another time I might, but I've got enough real life tidbits going on to not have the time at present.
Despite his success, the barbarian horde still seeks to depart. Feeling the momentous nature of Kriger's blows and knowing his own blade is far less efficacious at cutting so deep, Raveneau seeks another tack. Picking out the nearest barbarian with a sack upon his shoulder he surges forward, leaving the staff of fire in his wake. Rising with a leap a flash of steel leaves his scabbard and crosses through the air, passing near to but not touching the man bearing the sack. Instead the slash seeks to cut the fabric free and seek the sack's contents spilled...
Swift action for Arcane Strike before moving up to a target and attacking with his sword to sunder the sack. He is attempting to cut free the sack without damaging any contents with his blade.
Sunder Attempt: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18 for 1d6 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 3 = 12
Current buffs: Spelldance (+30ft movement rate, +6 dodge to AC, 6/10 rounds used); Fly
Current AC: 30
After realization of build-boo-boo, I'll roll with the rod option.
Completely understand that they'll just get up and get moving again... but Raveneau's looking just to slow them down, and maybe get a few sacks dropped and left behind.
Frowning at the departing foes that do not seem interested in engaging, Raveneau surges forward with rolling motion looking to put himself within a knot of the thuggees. Finishing with a capoeira styled turn, the elf taps the ground with a thin rod as he turns. With a thrumming of solid sound the ringing tone of the rod builds over the span of instants and surges with deafening and destructive sonic force to wave over the tiger'd lords. Raveneau lands catlike upon the balls of his feet unaffected by the roiling tumult.
Move 60ft into a knot of barbarians, then activate rod of thundering force.
20ft radius burst (centered on Raveneau), DC 19 Fort save or they are knocked prone and deafened for 1d4 rounds.
Current buffs: Spelldance (+30ft movement rate, +6 dodge to AC, 5/10 rounds used); Fly
Current AC: 30
To be fair, I think Raveneau's sword is still sheathed, so no AoOs from him.
The dancer is caught mid-stumble and the barbarians manage to forge past him unhindered. Recovering his stance and pose, he surveys the field...
OM - he has a 60ft move, would he be able to get to a position where he can cut off the path for the fleeing barbarians with a River of Wind? - it's a 120ft line effect.
Or - can he get into the midst of them with that 60ft move, to catch a bunch in a 20ft radius burst for his Rod of Thunderous Force?
(20ft radius DC 19 Fort or they fall prone)
You instantly transfer yourself from your current location to any other spot within range. You always arrive at exactly the spot desired—whether by simply visualizing the area or by stating direction. After using this spell, you can't take any other actions until your next turn. You can bring along objects as long as their weight doesn't exceed your maximum load. You may also bring one additional willing Medium or smaller creature (carrying gear or objects up to its maximum load) or its equivalent per three caster levels. A Large creature counts as two Medium creatures, a Huge creature counts as two Large creatures, and so forth. All creatures to be transported must be in contact with one another, and at least one of those creatures must be in contact with you.
Could go either way? - it's clearly an end of turn for the caster... just not sure about the cast-ee
Oooh... tempted and torn... but ultimately the dance wins over the diva...
Current buffs: Spelldance (+30ft movement rate, +6 dodge to AC, 4/10 rounds used); Fly
Current AC: 30
Raveneau's peripheral vision takes in the vista before him... the descending diva, the craven barbarians and the rapidly dwindling numbers of giants. A morality play runs through the elf's head in slow motion, defining and deciding his view and actions to follow. A belief in choice seals Pavetta's fate, the effectiveness of arrows and lion the courtyard... so his eyes and attention turn to the barbarians. It was after all... unkind of them to flee without offering him a turn...
A call is given "Hark! - Some villains flee the piece!" pointing towards the departing barbarians before the elf turns back and runs towards Kriger. Drawing near the elf has a fiery look of excitement upon his face, whispering sotto voce "Come..." He then focuses his mind and states flatly "Non est hinc"
Move 60ft back to Kriger, then cast Dimension Door (bringing him along if he's willing).
Aim to appear ahead of the barbarians if possible, or at least in a position where pursuit can occur.
Space folds and the elf and man disappear from view... reappearing distant and where craven foes await their measure. Once arriving though, Raveneau staggers a moment as his gut churns and he needs regain his bearings.
Current buffs: Spelldance (+30ft movement rate, +6 dodge to AC, 3/10 rounds used); Fly; Wind stance (20% concealment against ranged attacks)
Current AC: 30
Raveneau's pulse rate spikes as the stones from the giants fly, and does not calm when the missiles fly foul. He hears the words of the duchess that should have been silenced... but does not have time nor attention to attend them whilst the dance is in play. Seeing it more wise to keep distance rather than approach, the elf picks one of the scorched giants and speeds through the crowd.
Though his path is not straight, it ends with him in front of a wall once more, solid stone at his back. Drawing a hand from sky to breast to forward gesture three rays of intense heat scorch out towards his prey.
Catching a pair of them is good with me - it's a standard fireball from the staff of fire, so 20ft radius.
Upon the words filtering down to his ears from the balcony above, Raveneau is already stirring to visceral action. He sways left before lurching right to thrust the newly acquired staff of fire forward with his right hand. The motion is accompanied by words of coaxing "Nunc volare ignis" and the burnished wood responds in kind.
A roiling ball of constrained flame is birthed from it's tip, screaming forth and upwards to a spot in the air above and between two of the brutish giant's heads. It reaches the end of its tether and with a dull thump and roar a sphere of scarlet inferno swells to encompass the giants while leaving men unscathed.
Fireball: 10d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 5, 3, 5, 5, 5, 2, 1, 3) = 35 Reflex save DC 17 for half
2/10 rounds of Spell Dance used. 2 charges used from staff
At the release of the globe the lithe elf continues his spin, backing up towards a nearby wall and settling into a crouch with left hand grazing the flagstones... waiting and watching cat-like before springing into action again.
Said sotto voce to Kalsgrim "Fine words... but I sense the dance draws near... and I must answer it's call." Taking his leave with an elaborate bow, Raveneau puts his back to the balcony and backflips over it into the air. Lazily spinning around to right himself towards the courtyard he puts the staff of fire betwixt himself and giant, wide grin on his face and eyes aflame with intent...
Spending 1 point from arcane pool to begin a 1 minute spell dance, followed by swift action for fly from his Spell Dance ability.
He hasn't let fly yet... but are the giants grouped close enough that he could use the staff of fire to conjure a fireball to air burst and sear their heads, while leaving the warriors on the battlements / ground unscathed?
After living as an expatriate for 11 years I find that alot of the people who learn english as a second language have a much better grasp on the grammar and sentence structure than native speakers.
Raveneau inclines his head in approval of the plan and readies himself to follow Kalsgrim. Keeping his sword in sheath at present, he tucks the staff of fire under his arm... holding it as though a baton in a regimental parade. Casting the arts arcane that he knows through his mind, he tempers enthusiasm with restraint when planning how he might join the fray below.
At Numesti's words he remains still and dispassionate, weight delicately balanced to provide him with the leverage to either advance or retreat with impetus and speed.
Other Mastermind - is there a path that Raveneau might take from the balcony to a secondary position (another balcony or relatively flat roof) if combat breaks out?
Just to split up the targets the giants might need to aim at.
Raveneau takes the staff from Malaswyn gently, before taking a swift two-step backwards and holding it up to the light. A few moments spent regarding the burnished wooden staff before the elf slowly exhales and closes his eyes. Rising up on the balls of his feet, Raveneau begins to twirl the staff within his hands... a look of intense concentration upon his face. The spinning staff is then joined by a shuffling turn of the man himself, communing with the item in his own way.
Then with a sudden burst he gives a half leap and brings the staff down upon the ground base first with a resounding crack. Upon impact a ring of crimson flame births from the staff's tip, rolling down it's length and over his hand before dissipating with a susurrant sigh upon the floor. Reopening his eyes Raveneau inclines his head towards the generous cleric and states "I believe we have an understanding...."
As the others search, Raveneau is unable to remain still... moving lithely across the floor and spending equal time considering the recalcitrant ex-ruler and the uncowed forces without.
Raveneau checks his person, righting his belts and ensuring his blades are well stored... ready for use after but a moment's pause. He doesn't speak to the truth or falsehood of her claims, but more to the urgency of the situation "Choices need be made and talk of that which she does should not be swift or rushed... it might be best to see her quiescent and act with steel afore we let fly with words again."
On the topic of the remaining foes, Raveneau offers "We've means and ways to an end... I'd sooner peel the onion by layer than attempt to slice it through entire, but my blade is to your will" gliding across the floor as he refrains from staying still.
He narrows eyes at Pavetta as she turns aggressive "Ware your words milady... lest we move from words."
Feats:
Arcane Strike: as a swift action, gain +3 to attack and damage for 1 round.
Blindfight: reroll miss chance due to concealment. Invisible attacker gets no advantage against me. No need for Acrobatics skill checks to move at full speed while blinded.
Combat Expertise: can take a -2 on attack and CMB to gain +2 to AC.
Disruptive: DC to cast spells defensively increases by +4 for all enemies that are within your threatened area. This increase to casting spells defensively only applies if you are aware of the enemy's location and are capable of taking an attack of opportunity
Dodge: +1 dodge bonus to AC
Weapon Finesse: can use Dex mod instead of Str for melee attacks with eligible weapons.
Traits:
Racial Traits:
Favored Class – 6 of magus arcana, 4 of HP
Class Abilities:
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: all simple and martial weapons. Light armor which can be worn without incurring the normal arcane spell failure chance.
Spell Combat (Ex): As a full-round action, he can make all of his attacks with his melee weapon at a –2 penalty and can also cast any spell from the magus spell list with a casting time of 1 standard action. If he casts this spell defensively, he can decide to take an additional penalty on his attack rolls, up to his Intelligence bonus, and add the same amount as a circumstance bonus on his concentration check. If the check fails, the spell is wasted, but the attacks still take the penalty. A magus can choose to cast the spell first or make the weapon attacks first, but if he has more than one attack, he cannot cast the spell between weapon attacks.
Spellstrike (Su): whenever casts a spell with a range of “touch” from the magus spell list, he can deliver the spell through any weapon he is wielding as part of a melee attack. Instead of the free melee touch attack normally allowed to deliver the spell, a magus can make one free melee attack with his weapon (at his highest base attack bonus) as part of casting this spell. If successful, this melee attack deals its normal damage as well as the effects of the spell. If the magus makes this attack in concert with spell combat, this melee attack takes all the penalties accrued by spell combat melee attacks. This attack uses the weapon's critical range (20, 19–20, or 18–20 and modified by the keen weapon property or similar effects), but the spell effect only deals ×2 damage on a successful critical hit, while the weapon damage uses its own critical modifier.
Spell Recall (Su): swift action he can recall any single magus spell that he has already prepared and cast that day by expending a number of points from his arcane pool equal to the spell's level (minimum 1). The spell is prepared again, just as if it had not been cast.
Arcane Movement (Su): whenever casts a magus spell, gains a competence bonus on Acrobatics, Climb, Escape Artist, and Stealth checks equal to the spell's level until the beginning of his next turn.
Dance of Avoidance (Su): while wearing light armor or no armor, gain a +2 insight bonus to Armor Class.
Improved Spell Combat (Ex): when using the spell combat ability, receive a +2 circumstance bonus on concentration checks, in addition to any bonus granted by taking an additional penalty on the attack roll.
Fighter Training (Ex): counts 1/2 his total magus level as his fighter level for the purpose of qualifying for feats.
Magus Arcana: (3 +1 FC)
Close Range (Ex): can deliver ranged touch spells as melee touches.
Lingering Pain (Su): can spend one arcane pool point as immediate action after hitting target with weapon. All damage is considered continuous damage for concentration checks prior to magus’ next turn.
Spell Blending (Ex): select one spell from wizard spell list and add to spells known. Or two spells if level is 1 lower than highest I can cast. (Ray of Sickening, Touch of Gracelessness)
Disruptive (Ex): gain Disruptive as a bonus feat.
Arcane Pool:
Arcane Pool (Su): At 1st level, the magus gains a reservoir of mystical arcane energy that he can draw upon to fuel his powers and enhance his weapon. This arcane pool has a number of points equal to 1/2 his magus level (minimum 1) + his Intelligence modifier. The pool refreshes once per day when the magus prepares his spells.
Knowledge Pool (Su): At 7th level, when a magus prepares his magus spells, he can decide to expend 1 or more points from his arcane pool, up to his Intelligence bonus. For each point he expends, he can treat any one spell from the magus spell list as if it were in his spellbook and can prepare that spell as normal that day. If he does not cast spells prepared in this way before the next time he prepares spells, he loses those spells. He can also cast spells added in this way using his spell recall ability, but only until he prepares spells again.
Spell Dance (Su): expend 1 point from arcane pool as a swift action to gain a +30 enhancement bonus to his movement rate and a +6 dodge bonus to Armor Class against attacks of opportunity provoked by moving through threatened spaces for 1 minute.
Once per spell dance as a swift action, may use one of the following on himself as a swift action: blur, fly, or haste. These abilities last for 1 round. Or can take a swift action to use dimension door as a spell-like ability once during a spelldance.
Known Spells:
1st: Burning Hands, Magic Missile, Mount, Ray of Enfeeblement, Shield, Touch of Gracelessness, Ray of Sickening 6 +2 +2
2nd: Cat’s Grace, Frigid Touch, Pilfering Hand, Scorching Ray 2 +2 +2
3rd: Displacement, Force Punch, Greater Magic Weapon, Lightning Bolt, Ray of Exhaustion 2 +2 +2
4th: Stoneskin, Wreath of Blades
Rod of Thunderous Force (1/day can slam rod against ground. 20ft burst – DC 19 Fort save or fall prone and be deafened for 1d4 rounds. Wielder unaffected. Force and sonic effect)
Belt of Tumbling (+4 Competence on Acrobatics to move through threatened space)
Tunic of Careful Casting (+2 on Concentration checks)
Acrobat Slippers (retain Dex to AC while climbing, running or using Acrobatics to move on narrow surfaces / uneven ground. Also +2 competence to CMD against trip and on Reflex saves vs falling prone)
Cloak of Resistance +2
Vambraces of Defense (+1 Deflection to AC. 1/day as immediate action, deflect a ranged weapon as if with Deflect Arrows feat)
Found my almost there crunch build from before - reposting it here for easier reference. Most likely I'll stick to it pretty close at any rate.
Kingdom: We do as we did before. Either some players are into it and run it on the separate thread, or we use a more descriptive approach.
Loot: No accounting of loot. Characters get WBL when they reach a new level, which they can spend as they see fit, with a maximum of 33% of WBL on a single item.
I never quite read into the detail of the kingdom rules, so I'm happy to support as a qualitative comment maker and decision discusser.
For loot - thoroughly in support.
As a side note - I think I lost my notes for Raveneau, so I'll need to rebuild him as well.
1. HP: I wish for the characters and the baddies to have more hp. For characters, I’m thinking 1/2 HD + roll. This means a d10 HD would be 5+1d5, etc.
2. Combat and Theatre of the mind: I’ve been thinking of ways to make encounters more easy to handle. I suggest we step away a bit from precise mapping and use broad mapping and descriptions, playing it a bit looser. This article is a good description of what I have in mind.
1. No issues with this. 1/2 HD + roll is the way that another of my DMs runs things and it works quite well.
2. For PbP I do like theater of the mind as an approach. So no issues there. Some of the corners in the system need a bit of sanding off to fit it in, but with a good trust betwixt DM and player it's a rewarding approach and allows (IMHO) for a bit more of a cinematic approach to storytelling.
1. How many of you have read chapters 4, 5, and 6 of the AP?
2. I would like to adapt the chapters of the AP as needed.
3. Also, I wish to make it more about the characters and how they make the AP unique through their decisions, their kingdom-building, and their interaction with NPCs.
1. I have read chapters 4, 5 and 6... though not in massive detail and it was a few years ago now. I have a vague recollection of overall themes, but no real specifics.
2. Absolutely no problem with liberties small or large being made within the AP.
3. Similarly no issues with this approach. Fleshing out the bones (so to speak) helps to make a more satisfying and involving experience. A roleplaying choice is a lot more weighty when it's less 'left or right at the intersection' and more of a 'Sophie's Choice'.
Looking around to see that only the opposition still lies bloody and broken Raveneau shrugs and instead turns his attention to stripping corpses and still breathing fallen of all of value...
Detect magic assisted looting of the fallen
