Ruben Lachance's page

GM did you get my last private message about whether I should build to level 9 and if I should build with any wealth in mind?

Well if it weren't for some divine intervention he probably would have gone insane. Which he may have anyway to some degree..

Actually Inquisitor of Desna fits well here. His name means luck and she has the Liberation domain which is perfect

Ok so having reviewed the available classes I think I can retain continuity and also fill roles that could use some bolstering.

Essentially, looking at a ranged build.

I can either do that as a bard and be more support with a little ranged, or as an inquisitor and be more ranged than support.

I'm liking the idea of inquisitor at the moment. Ruben was already a follower of Calistria and after being trapped in a statue for months he would definitely be out for revenge.

Now I admit I haven't read through the circumstances of his petrification but even if the person/people directly responsible for that are gone, I'm sure he would be angry enough at the meta-situation of what's happened to Cauldron.

Nice, thanks guys.

I am working on a concept for Ruben which I think is pretty cool and fits what's happened to him. Will run it by GM in a PM and see what he thinks.

Thanks Maxim, nice to see you did right by him :)

Awesome, thank you guys.

I am open to filling any role you feel you have missing.

GM, do you want Ruben to come back specifically for continuity (in which case I would stay some kind of bard) or would an entirely new character be permissible to better fill a void? (again more than happy to start levels behind even with a new build)

If I were to stay as Ruben it would be hard to explain an additional 50+ skill points and a whole load of new abilities from where he left off. I guess my preference would be a new character, but it's your game and you are best placed to say what would fit for the group and where the game is currently.

I enjoy arcane characters generally and 6th level casters - especially Magi, Investigators and Occultists.

Ok cool. I mean I am hoping that Rutseg will let me level up at least a little and I've asked whether I can rebuild completely but keep the same character. Or I guess draw up a new one entirely depending on if you feel there is a role you are missing.

In all seriousness though, I know what it's like to play a game like this over several years and you all become a close-knit team. If you think I might disrupt that then it may well be better to continue as 5.

In the meantime I'll wait for the GM to come back to me.

"You guys got yourselves in a whole heap of trouble without me." Ruben says, flashing that charming smile. "Figure I'd better see what I can do to help you out. Listen, it ain't that me leavin' and you dyin' would be on my conscience or anything, more that I don't want any of you hauntin' me. I hate it when that happens."

He shrugs.

"Plus I'm broke."

Hey guys! GM Rutseg reached out. If you haven't found a replacement player and still think you can squeeze me in, I'd be more than happy to rejoin! This is totally your game and I'm an outsider here so I don't want to shake things up or step on any toes. I'm here to answer the call if you want me :)

Yes can you please set it as inactive for me please GM?

Thanks guys and good luck!

Hey guys, I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to be forced to bow out of this one.

I hate doing this and have only done so once before in pbp games because if I commit to a game I feel like it is also a commitment both the GM and other players.

But I've had a recent change in my work that means I am travelling a lot and my time for games has really been squeezed and unfortunately I think this one has to give.

I haven't been following along as well as I should and definitely not contributing the way this game deserves. So anyway I just wanted to say I really enjoyed playing with you guys and hope to do so again in future but for now Ruben has done enough to ease his conscience, made a quick buck and is going to go back to delighting and subsequently disappointing the ladies of Cauldron.

:)

Treasury sounds good to me. Ruben says with a sly grin

Ruben on the other hand is only too interested in the loot to be taken from the hobgoblins, thinking as he is about bills he has to pay and a few of the leads he has drying up the longer he is down here.

He gives the hobgoblins a swift kick to make sure they aren't playing possum before going through their belongings without compunction.

Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 1

Ruben blocks the counter-attack, steel clashing on steel but as he turns the blade aside he lunges clumsily and the hobgoblin easily avoids the blow.

Boo

Seeing that the enemy has no intention of surrendering, Ruben rushes forward and slashes with his blade instead.

Charge, Red: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 = 11
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10

And continues his assault relentlessly.

R2, Red: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8

You better surrender 'less you want to lose that other arm, sunshine! Ruben growls from the doorway.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

He is probably now shaken

Guys I am travelling with work and my access is spotty.

Ruben sheathes his sword and returns to the shackled boy.

This time, he carefully works at the lock with his picks until he hears it click.

Don't think I didn't consider leaving you here, you brat. he says, only half joking

Needing no further encouragement, Ruben hacks at the lemure once more having turned aside it's clumsy slash.

Attack, AS: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8

Ruben strides forward beside Ryan and hacks away at the creature before them

R1 attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10

R2 attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10
R2 confirm: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5

Hey listen you snot nosed little bastard, you want to try this? Ruben shouts at the mewling kid. We're risking our asses here!

He continues to curse the ungrateful attitude of the youth as he works furiously on the shackles.

Disable device: 1d20 ⇒ 7 (Sigh)

Screw this, it ain't happening. He must have the key on him and that's the only chance we've got to get you out of here so shut your mouth and try not to draw attention to yourself. Ruben warns, once again ripping his longsword from it's sheathe.

Ruben's looks up from the boy as the doors swing open to the west.

He curses foully as he sees an already bad situation getting steadily worse.

Give yourself an exit, LaChance, don't be a god*amned idiot who dies being a hero

It isn't heroic, but I'd like to use a Hero Point to cast Expeditious Retreat if I may. Ruben doesn't like the look of this at all and he doesn't plan on dying down here.

He gathers what power remains inside him before sheathing his blade and withdrawing his thieves' tool.

Round 2

Disable device: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Try as he might, the shackles on the boy remain stuck fast.

Realising that attacking Kazmojen directly seems fruitless, Ruben turns his attention to the boy next to him.

We're going to get you out of here, kid. he says earnestly.

GM, am I able to free him either by attacking his shackles or through disable device?

Guys, Kazmojen must have an AC of 21 or 22 or so. That means I only have at best a 25% chance to hit him and that is going to drop to 20% when inspire runs out.

That doesn't even take into account his regeneration.

I think the smart play is going to be to get the kids and escape because I don't think we will take Kaz and Prickles in a fight.

Attack, Kaz: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 1 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 13

Ruben dashes past Kikinnin and slashes at Kazmojen with his gleaming blade.

I totally agree it would break invisibility. That's why I moved behind the cover of what I hope is a pillar before I cast it :)

Suddenly, chaos erupts. Spells and alchemical items fly and the roar of explosions and the Howler are deafening.

Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Ruben covers his ears as the huge monster roars but he wills himself forward toward the fray.

He focusses on the half-dwarf, realising that he is in charge here and therefore the real threat.

They reckon that urgosh never misses. Well, let's see about that...

The weapon is suddenly coated with thick, greasy oil that makes it difficult to hold on to.

Using my last spell, his weapon is now Greased. He needs to make a DC 13 Reflex save when he swings it or otherwise drop it.

Get the kids out of here and hit that big bastard with everything we have, don't give him a chance he ain't gonna give us one! Ruben roars.

His invisibility holds firm but he does what he can to inspire the others to action, hopefully the violent kind.

Begin last round of inspire courage, lingering performance takes it to round 3

No chance to post today guys, heading out all day and then seeing Civil War :)

If we're going to do this, let's do it. Figure this spell isn't going to last much longer. Ruben says, hefting his sword and shield.

Ruben will follow in and attack after any alchemical items have been deployed on Kaz/tiger

I only have one round of performance left

There they are! But what the Hell is that thing? Ruben hisses in JJ's ear. The others need to know, we throw ourselves at that thing and we're going to be in trouble - but if we do nothing then we'll never see those kids again.

I'm going to head back and let them know what's going on.

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 1 + 20 = 37

Assuming I make it back ok, I will tell them that Kazmojen looks like a badass and he has a demon-tiger thing with him that is frankly terrifying.

Ruben approaches the disguised JJ quietly and lays a soft hand on his shoulder, sure to follow it up quickly with;

Shhhh.... it's ok kid, it's me. Listen, we gotta get a move on here. I ain't gonna be invisible much longer, I'll have to turn back to the others before they see me. We need to know numbers and where Kaz and the kids are.

I can't back you up much longer. They've got a bunch of crossbows loaded and primed back there. If you can lead any of them back, they'll get a nasty surprise. Just keep that in mind if you need to make a quick getaway.

Yeah I believe with disguise self you can change the appearance of weapons as well which is probably a good idea because otherwise the hobgoblins might also realise not many of their kind where two short swords :)

Will eventually try to keep within 30 feet of JJ

Ruben tries to follow after JJ. He slips through the door and looks around.

If he is honest with himself, he thinks all hobgoblins look alike, but at least he is familiar enough with JJ's disguise to know which was the kid and which are the enemy.

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 + 20 ⇒ (10) + 1 + 20 = 31
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Ruben takes the potion of Invisibilty and heads back toward the way JJ went. It isn't like him to put himself in harm's way but he feels like the kid is getting conned here, sent out like a patsy to see what's going on and just hope no one questions him. Sure he might look like a hobgoblin but if they get into conversation with him that's only going to end badly.

He listens intently for any sign of trouble, waiting to run to JJ's aid.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

I'm getting a little confused too. Just to clarify, are we off talking to the goblin while JJ is in the lion's den?

Ruben takes the flaak and enjoys a long swallow of the fiery liquid.

Actually yeah I do. he replies. Only yesterday I woke up next to a beautiful lady. Reckon I've been away long enough for her to recover for round 2! he laughs, tipping a wink to Marigold.

Seriously though, Maxim, gotta have an exit strategy here. Kids or no, I ain't planning on dying today.

Ruben snatches up bolts and starts loading them into cradles but he grumbles the whole time.

Kid's taking all the risk here. They discover he ain't what he's pretending to be and he's dead, no question. He's just too young and eager to please to know to say no.

I'm telling you guys, if this goes south and Kazmojen is everything the legends say he is... Well we ain't as well prepared as we shoulda been.

An' I'll be skinning out. Reckon I want to save these kids as much as anyone else, but sometimes you got to know when you're dealt a bad hand.

Apologies guys, the site went down for me last night as I was posting. I'll try to update this morning

I reckon we're light, no offence but we saw what trouble you and JJ had with that hob back there with limited magic backing. Kaz gonna be a tougher nut to crack.

You saw this Kazmojen? Who is he and what is he doing here, selling you all as slaves? Who to? Ruben asks a series of rapid fire questions

That counts double for me, kid. Ruben says, picking through the gathered loot.

We're all in pretty strung out shape here. I saw we fall back and return at full strength.

Doesn't full plate have to be resized for the wearer before it can be used?

Ruben rejoins the others and, when he sees Kikinnin wearing the bloody armor of their fallen enemy and carrying the head of the hobgoblin grimaces.

That's a nice look. Matches your sunny disposition and the severed head really accentuates your cheekbones.

It is said in dark jest though and he claps the dwarf on the shoulder.

They won't mess with you now mate, not after they see what you done to their master.

Yeah if we ever get out of here. Sorry to say, Maxim, this place ain't what you billed it to be. Ruben says.

He looks over the room again.

All this food is mouldy. Ain't no one used this place for a while. But I definitely heard someone. They must have legged it when they heard us coming.

We should get after them, I reckon.

He checks the door to the north, making sure they won't be leaving enemies behind them.

Nice one, Maxim. Wish it were something stronger though. Ruben replies as he takes the vial and downs it in one.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Couldn't hear kids. But voices nonetheless, dwarf and one outhouse dark things most likely. So I don't think we're done with wet work just yet.

He scans the room,looking for any sign of the people he heard or where they might have gone

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Maxim! Don't run off, there could be more in there and remember what happened to... the other one... Ruben shouts, not remembering the name of the former member of this party.

Ok GM, if I can't get to those sleeping hobgoblins, Ruben will go with Maxim toward the sounds

You hear anything through there, Stogey? Ruben asks.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Yeah. Ruben agrees as he passes Maxim, also admiring his work on the hobgoblins. We got the bastards on the run now. If they can just sort that big bugger out we can call it a day.

He slams the southern door shut once again and then follows after Marigold toward the sleeping hobgoblins, determined that they would never again wake.

Round 15

Move action to close door, move action to move up to sleeping hobgoblins

Round 16

Full round coup-de-grace

Damage: 2d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 5) + 6 + 2 = 19

She can't bloody understand me! Ruben shouts over his shoulder to Maxim. Just like all the other women in my life! he jokes.

Well Hell, why not? If this hobgoblin was going to take him down better he die with a smile on his face. And he was going to make sure, just like in the advice he gave JJ, that this hobber would never forget him.

He slashes his blade vertically upward toward the thing's groin.

Attack, AS: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 11