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311 posts. Organized Play character for Black Powder Chocobo (RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16).


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GM Black Powder Chocobo's PbP Gameday V Discussion
Missing maps Missing handouts

For your discussion needs!
GM Black Powder Chocobo's PbP Gameday V Gameplay
Missing maps Missing handouts

Dot here! Right now, I'll take the first 6 signups for the Season 7 7-11, Ageless Ambitions.

As should be noted in the title, this is part of the PbP Gameday V, which can be found here: PbP Gameday page
Request to Unchain the Eldritch Scoundrel archetype
Lantern Lodge 5/5 * RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16
1 person marked this as FAQ candidate. 13 people marked this as a favorite.

I would like to request that the unchained rogue be legally allowed to use the Eldritch Scoundrel archetype from Arcane Anthologies in PFS play.

Caveat: If the allowing the archetype for the unchained rogue is being reserved as a chronicle or boon reward, then see this a post of love for a cool, flavorful archetype.

Using Jiggy's excellent post that got Magical Knack legalized as the basis of the post and noting the copied premises below.

Premise: An option is banned only if it conflicts with the nature or goals of the campaign (unless it is reserved as a boon reward for later).
Premise: An unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel does not conflict with the nature or goals of the campaign.
Premise: The power increase of an unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel to a core rogue Eldritch Scoundrel is not greater than the power increase of an unchained rogue to core rogue for other archetypes.
Premise: The unchained rogue is not overpowered compared to other similar classes.
Conclusion: The unchained rogue should be allowed to take the Eldritch Scoundrel archetype.

-------------------------------

Reasoning:

Premise #1:

Note, this is almost exactly what Jiggy posted nearly 3 years ago and noting that I am using his words here.
As I see it, there are two ways of looking at content legality in PFS.

One method is that nothing outside the Core Assumption is allowed, unless it appears to specifically benefit the campaign. That is, when a new book comes out, we "start" with everything banned, and then Mike looks through it and sees something and says "Hey, X would make the campaign better" and makes an exception for it (i.e., legalize it).

The other method is that new content is generally legal, unless it appears to specifically hurt the campaign. That is, when a new book comes out, we "start" with an assumption that its content will be legal, and then the OPC/PFS developers looks through it and sees something and says "Hey, X would cause problems with the campaign" and makes an exception for it (i.e., ban it).

It is my understanding that the latter is the stance of PFS leadership, hence Premise #1.

Premise #2:

This section is also nearly word from word of Jiggy's argument, but repeating it as I believe this to be true for the Deep Marshall.
I am not aware of any aspect of the campaign with which an unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel conflicts.
It does not directly affect wealth.
It does not invite unregulated customization.
It does not skirt alignment restrictions.
It does not slow down gameplay.
It does not have canon issues.
It does not skirt PvP rules.

I contend that this is not the case. In fact, it cannot be this case because the Eldritch Scoundrel is legal for core rogues, and unchained rogues are legal, too, which means that both of the base parts do not conflict with the campaign system.

Thus, I contend that an unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel does not conflict with any aspect of the campaign.

Premise #3:

If the unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel is to be considered overpowered over a core rogue Eldritch Scoundrel, then the comparison must be made across other archetypes using an unchained rogue vs core rogue.
Note: I am not good at number theory crafting, so this will be a bit more subjective than I prefer.

What an unchained rogue offers
The easy part of the comparison is that the unchained version of the rogue nearly just adds or improves the core rogue abilities. There is some contention of the rogue tricks list for an unchained rogue; while I believe the unchained one is superior, the fact that it misses some recently added rogue tricks is noteworthy. Here is what is added in base abilities:

  • Finesse Training (new): This single ability allows the unchained rogue greater combat ability by granting free weapon finesse and eventually Dex for damage for a weapon of the unchained rogue's choice.
  • Sneak Attack (improved): While the core rogue has it, the wording for the unchained rogue works better as concealment no longer prevents sneak attack (total concealment still does).
  • Rogue Talents (revised): Many core rogue talents were replaced, some new ones added, some removed for unchained rogue use, and others left unchanged and legal for unchained rogue use. Overall, I believe that the updated talents are an improvement over the core rogue talents (powerful sneak/deadly sneak, minor/major magic, and resiliency come to mind).
  • Danger Sense (improved): A slightly improved version of trap sense and counts as trap sense for archetypes and prerequisites.
  • Debilitating Injury (new): Another radical new ability that allows the unchained rogue her choice of scaling debuffs to apply when sneak attacking.
  • Rogue's Edge (new): The last unique ability to unchained rogues is the ability to use the skill unlocks listed in Pathfinder Unchained. It scales slowly and in PFS, an unchained rogue will only unlock 2 skills in her normal career.

Listed here, there are three brand new abilities unchained rogues have over core rogues. As of the time of this post, there are not any rogue archetypes that replace these abilities. That means every single unchained rogue with an archetype will have those abilities over a core rogue with the same archetype. Since the unchained rogue is legal for those other archetypes, then it must be assumed that those abilities are not overpowered. Which means that if the unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel is to be considered too overpowered compared to a core rogue Eldritch Scoundrel, it must be one of the three remaining ability updates: sneak attack, rogue talents, and danger sense.

However, the Eldritch Scoundrel archetype affects all three of those abilities! The sneak attack and rogue talents are effectively cut in half and don't come online until level 3 and 4 respectively. If the unchained rogue's sneak attack and talents are deemed superior to the core rogues, the archetype actually affects the unchained rogue more negatively than the core rogue by restricting the more powerful abilities! Meanwhile, danger sense is replaced by a special magic only version of trap spotter. Again, replacing the (slightly) superior danger sense for the unchained rogue technically affects the unchained rogue more than the core rogue.

Thus, I conclude that the unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel is not vastly overpowered to the core rogue Eldritch Scoundrel as compared to other rogue archetypes that are legal for both the unchained rogue and core rogue.

Premise #4:

The only other reason why the unchained rogue would be banned is if it was considered overpowered to other classes. As the comparison to rogues has already been made, I'll go with two other classes that will be most similar to it: wizard and magus. As noted before, I am not a theory crafter and some points may be more subjective than I prefer, but please bear with the arguments.

Unchained Rogue Eldritch Scoundrel vs base wizard (no archetypes)
At level one, the unchained rogue will have the following class abilities/features over the wizard.

  • 2 more skill points per level. Higher compared to a wizard, but worse than a rogue without an archetype.
  • Higher HP: Always meaningful at the low levels.
  • Better weapon proficiencies: While the wizard can only use five weapons, all simple weapons and a few specialty weapons are at your disposal.
  • Finesse training: Free weapon finesse at level 1.
  • Trapfinding: Bonus on finding and removing traps and can remove magical ones looking at you explosive runes.

Meanwhile, the wizard has over the Eldritch Scoundrel:

  • School powers: These vary by the specialized school, but it will vary from minor defensive buffs to some offensive abilities to supplant the low level spellcasting. In either case, it's another option for a wizard besides 'cast a spell' and 'hit things with a stick'. Also, unless you go universalist wizard, this means an extra spell per day, too, all at the cost of making some spells harder to cast.
  • Free Spell Focus feat: From PFS rules, it replaces the Scribe Scroll feat you would gain, making your spells of choice harder to resist.
  • Arcane bond: You get your choice of cool little intelligent companion that grants some passive buffs or the ability to get an extra spell cast per day.

Same between the two classes:

  • Armor proficiency: Neither one can wear armor without risking arcane spell failure, nor have proficiency in any armor.
  • Base spellcasting ability: Both classes can only cast a base single level 1 spell without having an high intelligence. Of course, a wizard can increase that based on school choice and arcane bond choice, but ignoring those abilities, both classes cast the same base number of spells from levels 1-2.
  • Same starting initial BAB progression: From levels 1-2, both classes will have the same BAB score.

Comparing the two classes, the eldritch scoundrel will have more melee options thanks to finesse training, while the wizard can get more magical abilities and potentially more spellcasting.

Jumping to level 3, both classes begin to diverge greatly. The unchained Eldritch Scoundrel will get a far greater melee ability with another BAB increase, sneak attack, dexerity modifier to damage for a weapon of her choice, and effectively trap spotting for magical traps and 1 more level 1 spell/day over the base wizard spellcasting.

Meanwhile, the wizard will hit level 2 spellcasting. It doesn't seem like much as a single line, but the wizard will add 1-3 spells per day he can cast, at a minimum equaling the total number of spells per day as the Eldritch Scoundrel and more than likely being superior and that is not even counting the new spell options granted to the wizard. At this point, trade off between the two is melee options for the Eldritch Scoundrel for more powerful spells.

Level 4 is where the Eldritch Scoundrel arguably sees a power increase over a wizard. The Scoundrel now gets his level 2 spells, albeit wizard base spellcasting will have at least 1 more level 2 spell over the Eldritch Scoundrel. The Scoundrel, though, will get Debilitating Injury for a nice melee debuff and now get her first rogue talent for more supporting options.

But at level 5, the wizard takes the reigns once more and holds onto them for the rest of their career. The unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel will still have 1 more BAB over the wizard, more HP, and now gain a Skill Unlock, but the wizard gets 3rd level magic while the rogue will have to wait another 2 levels for such power wherein the wizard will be touting 4th level magic. And as a bit of extra icing on the cake, the wizard also gets a bonus feat, too (which could arguably be seen as equal to the Skill Unlock the unchained Eldritch Scoundrel gets).

Thus, I believe that the two classes are somewhat equal at low levels before the wizard's greater spellcasting ability will significantly overshadow what the unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel can do. The Eldritch Scoundrel will have better melee abilities than the wizard to make up for the weaker spellcasting.

Unchained Rogue Eldritch Scoundrel vs base magus
The comparison here will be easier to account as both use the same spellcasting progression and have the same HD and BAB increase. Thus, looking at the initial abilities at level 1

unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel over base magus

  • More skill points: Same as the wizard, the Eldritch Scoundrel will enjoy 2 more skill points over the magus.
  • Finesse Training: Free weapon finesse and eventual Dex to damage.
  • Trapfinding: To find and remove those hard to get to traps, including magical ones.

Base magus over unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel

  • Better saves: The magus has 2 high saves versus the rogue's single.
  • Better armor profiencies: Can wear light armor and cast spells in it, too.
  • Better weapon proficiencies: All martial weapons encompasses what the rogue can use and then some.
  • Arcane pool: A scaling buff to the magus' weapon
  • Spell combat: Two weapon fighting where one of the weapons is a spell.

Comparable between the two classes:

  • Spell list: The magus has a smaller spell list, but has plenty of solid offensive spells and will get some spells at a lower spell level as compared to when the Eldritch Scoundrel will get it. The Eldritch Scoundrel, though, will have a far wider spell selection at her disposal.

In this case, at level 1, the magus is more melee suitable with better weapon and armor choices as well as the ability to buff the weapon right at the get go. The magus will have spell combat, but the accuracy hit at level 1 is noteworthy. The Eldritch Scoundrel has more skill options and gets a bonus feat effectively. At level 1, I call it a wash between the two classes.

At level 2, the magus is superior offensively with spellstrike being added. The Eldritch Scoundrel only gets evasion. Magus is superior at this point.

Level 3, it balances out with the unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel now having Dex to Damage and sneak attack while the magus gets his first magus arcana to enhance his abilities. These vary, but effectively, I see the two classes as closer to equal at level 3.

Level 4 is similar as the unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel gets Debilitating Injury as a debuff and her first rogue talent while the magus gets Spell Recall to improve his spellcasting potential.

From this point on, the magus slowly gets more unique abilities while the unchained rogue only gets a skill unlock for something unique. The magus offensive power goes up with the arcane pool becoming more powerful, heavier armor potential, and bonus feats while the unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel will just add to the sneak attack dice and rogue talents.

Overall, while I see the magus as somewhat superior offensively due to spellstrike and better defenses, the Eldritch Scoundrel has more passive abilities that will remain useful if spellcasting is not an option. The Eldritch Scoundrel will also have a better choice of spells to choose from as well.

Note: It should be mentioned that in fact a core rogue eldritch scoundrel would be incredibly underpowered compared to a core rogue without an archetype at levels 1 and 2. It would be an inferior wizard or magus without any other class abilities excepts casting 1-2 level 1 spells and some cantrips. Even at level 2, the only thing gained would be evasion (a passive, defensive abilitiy) and another level 1 spell, making it far weaker than the wizard in spell potential, having the same BAB as the wizard, the lack of school powers, and the lack of an arcane bond. Compared to the magus, the magus is better armored, and will have spellstrike and spell combat come online at that point as well as the arcane pool ability to enhance his weapons. And without the unchained rogue abilities that keep the Eldritch Scoundrel capable compared to those two classes, the core rogue Eldritch Scoundrel is markedly inferior.

Thus, comparing the unchained rogue Eldritch Scoundrel to a base wizard and base magus, I contend that it is not overpowered compared to the other two classes.

With all those premises made, I conclude that the Eldritch Scoundrel should be a legal archetype for the unchained rogue to take.
Petition to legalize the Deep Marshal magus archetype
Lantern Lodge 5/5 * RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16
1 person marked this as FAQ candidate. 9 people marked this as a favorite.

I would like to request that the Deep Marshal magus archetype from Arcane Anthologies become legal for PFS play.

Caveat: If the archetype is being reserved as a chronicle or boon reward, then see this a post of love for a cool, flavorful archetype.

Using Jiggy's excellent post that got Magical Knack legalized as the basis of the post and noting the copied premises below.

Premise: An option is banned only if it conflicts with the nature or goals of the campaign (unless it is reserved as a boon reward for later).
Premise: Deep Marshal does not conflict with the nature or goals of the campaign.
Premise: Deep Marshal is not overpowering or identified as a must have that will override other magus options.
Conclusion: Deep Marshal should not be banned.

-------------------------------

Reasoning:
Premise #1:
Note, this is almost exactly what Jiggy posted nearly 3 years ago and noting that I am using his words here.
As I see it, there are two ways of looking at content legality in PFS.

One method is that nothing outside the Core Assumption is allowed, unless it appears to specifically benefit the campaign. That is, when a new book comes out, we "start" with everything banned, and then Mike looks through it and sees something and says "Hey, X would make the campaign better" and makes an exception for it (i.e., legalize it).

The other method is that new content is generally legal, unless it appears to specifically hurt the campaign. That is, when a new book comes out, we "start" with an assumption that its content will be legal, and then the OPC/PFS developers looks through it and sees something and says "Hey, X would cause problems with the campaign" and makes an exception for it (i.e., ban it).

It is my understanding that the latter is the stance of PFS leadership, hence Premise #1.

Premise #2:
This section is also nearly word from word of Jiggy's argument, but repeating it as I believe this to be true for the Deep Marshall.
I am not aware of any aspect of the campaign with which Deep Marshal conflicts.
It does not directly affect wealth.
It does not invite unregulated customization.
It does not skirt alignment restrictions.
It does not slow down gameplay.
It does not have canon issues.
It does not skirt PvP rules.

I contend that this is not the case.

The one point that the Deep Marshal affects wealth is that at level 3, it grants free ranks in Profession: Miner which can be used for Day Job checks. However, even with good boons, this doesn't add up to a lot of gold over the standard PFS career. Assuming a solid 25 for the Day Job check for 50 gold a session, playing normal progression, and only playing 1XP scenarios or modules, that is only about 1,350 gold between the beginning of 3rd level to level 12.

Thus, I contend that Deep Marshal does not conflict with any aspect of the campaign.

Premise #3:
If the Deep Marshal is to be considered overpowered, then it needs to be compared to the base magus.
Note: I am not good at number theory crafting, so this will be a bit more subjective than I prefer.

Deep Marshal vs base magus

Pros over base magus

  • base medium armor access and gets heavy armor access far sooner than the base magus.
  • At 3rd level, gets 1/2 the enhancement bonus to caster level while wielding dwarven themed weapons or the full bonus to overcome SR checks.
  • At 3rd level, gets bonus ranks in Knowledge: Dungeoneering and Profession: Miner and uses the Intelligence modifier instead of Wisdom modifier for the Profession: Miner.

Cons under base magus
  • Can only use dwarven themed weapons for the three core magus abilities: arcane pool, spellstrike, and spellcombat. Note that these weapons do not work very well for burst spell strikes due to the low crit threat range as compared to other popular magus weapons (rapiers, scimitars, etc.)
  • Gets less arcane pool points compared to the base magus at 1/3 magus level + Int modifier instead of 1/2 magus level + Int modifier. Over a standard PFS career, this accounts for 2 fewer arcane pool points by level 12.
  • Does not get a magus arcana until level six as the ability that replaces the first arcana at level 3 isn't an arcana itself, so the magus arcana class feature does not exist yet. This also means FCB that add magus arcana or feats to add more magus arcana cannot be selected until over halfway through a deep marshall's career.

Even comapred with base magus
  • Adds some wizard crafting, earth-themed, and abjuration spells to the magus spell while losing enchantment, illusion, or necromancy spell capabilities. I see this as even as the useful spells lost are arguably even with the useful spells gained.

To me, it seems somewhat even. The deep marshal has more defensive options between better armor earlier than the base magus and gets abjuration spells for other options I admit this is subjective, and depending on playstyles, this may be more or less point of contention. Offensively, the weapon selection is more restricted, but this is balanced by the potential caster level increase and bonus to spell resistance checks. The base magus, meanwhile, can use any weapon he/she feels like using and can more often get spellstrike crits using the higher crit range weapons that the Deep Marshall cannot use.

One thing that should be noted is that the caster level increase can never exceed +2 as the caster level increase is 1/2 the weapon's enhancement bonus and weapon enhancements cannot exceed +5. This also means that the weapon needs to have a +4 modifier to get the +2 CL boost. The absolute earliest this could occur would be level 5 as it would require using a +2 enhancement bonus via arcane pool and having a +2 weapon which requires 27 fame, with level 5 being the earliest that can occur. That will eat up about half a PC's wealth in most cases. The most obvious benefit will come from spells enhanced by Intensify Spell or those few spells that provide additional rounds/effects based on level (acid arrow and scorching ray come to mind).

Thus, I conclude that the Deep Marshall should be made for PFS play. The archetype trade-offs are fairly even and it does not disrupt the campaign setting or organized play rules.
Can you Vital Strike with a double-barreled musket that uses the attack action to fire both barrels?
Lantern Lodge RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16
2 people marked this as FAQ candidate.

I would like to know how Vital Strike works, if at all, in the unusual situation listed in the title.

From the latest errata in Ultimate Combat, it is an attack action to simultaneously fire both barrels of a double-barreled musket. Likewise, the wording of Vital Strike is 'When using an attack action...', so Vital Strike should be usable with the double-barrel fire attack action. However, Vital Strike then states that using it is a single attack at your highest base attack bonus.

This takes some weird turns in that there are three ways this can pan out:

1. Vital Strike cannot be applied in this situation as Vital Strike specifically claims that it must be a single attack and firing both barrels with the attack action produces two attacks.

2. Vital Strike applies, but only to one of the attacks as Vital Strike states that one attack deals additional damage.

3. Vital Strike applies to both attacks as Vital Strike was printed before methods of getting multiple attacks using the attack action did not exist and the feat needs to be 'modernized' to account for new features (much like the Spell Mastery FAQ).

RAW, 1 and 2 are the strongest contenders as option 3 doesn't work RAW and requires an update to the Vital Strike feat to work, but it is a possible solution to this conundrum if Vital Strike is to work with all attack actions.

Thank you for reviewing this and I look forward to a possible PDT response.
GM Higaki's Dragon's Demand Discussion
Grand Lodge
Belhaim map combat map

First discussion post!
GM Higaki's Dragon's Demand Gameplay
Grand Lodge
Belhaim map combat map

Introduction post here!
GM BPC's Scions Trilogy PbP Recruitment

Temp
GM BPC's Scions Trilogy PbP Discussion
Deepmarket handouts Deepmarket maps

Starting thread for discussion
GM BPC's Scions Trilogy PbP
Deepmarket handouts Deepmarket maps

Starting thread for the campaign!
Aetherling
Lantern Lodge RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16 , Dedicated Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7, Star Voter Season 8 aka Black Powder Chocobo
1 person marked this as a favorite.

This small humanoid bears large gray eyes. Its round head is supported by a lithe, narrow frame.

Aetherling CR 5
XP 1,600
N Small fey
Init +6; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, force sight 60 ft.; Perception +13

----- Defense -----
AC 21, touch 13, flat-footed 19 (+4 armor, +2 Dexterity, +4 shield, +1 size)
hp 52 (8d6+24)
Fort +7, Ref +8, Will +8
Defensive Abilities aetherwall

----- Offense -----
Speed 30 ft.
Melee dagger +7 (1d3-1/19–20)
Special Attacks force javelin
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 8th; concentration +11)
Constant—mage armor, shield
At will—mage hand

----- Statistics -----
Str 8, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 18
Base Atk +4; CMB +2 CMD 14
Feats Great Fortitude, Improved Initiative, Stealthy, Weapon Finesse
Skills Escape Artist +15, Knowledge (arcana) +9, Knowledge (geography) +12, Perception +13, Sense Motive +13, Stealth +19, Use Magic Device +15
Languages Canto, Undercommon
SQ force alteration

----- Ecology -----
Environment underground
Organization solitary, squad (3-4), or team (5-8)
Treasure standard

----- Special Abilities -----
Aetherwall (Sp) Aetherlings are able to string together aether strands to form a defensive barrier. As a standard action, an aetherling can create a 5-ft. square of force similar to a wall of force that lasts for 1 round. An aetherling can maintain its aetherwall as a move action, extending the duration another round. Up to nine aetherlings may form their aetherwall next to an existing one, each expanding the original by an additional 5-ft square. An aetherwall can be dispelled by a DC 19 dispel check, the DC increasing by 1 for every two aetherlings supporting the aetherwall.

Force Alteration (Su) Aetherlings manipulate force effects with the same joy and effort as children playing with clay. As a standard action, an aetherling can touch a force effect and make a dispel check against it. If successful, the aetherling alters the effect’s shape, reforming up to a 10-ft. square area. When used on a force effect that grant an AC bonus, the aetherling may reduce the AC bonus to 0, negating the effect. If the effect is on a creature, the aetherling must succeed at a melee touch attack to use this ability.

Force Javelin (Sp) As a standard action that does not provoke an attack of opportunity, an aetherling can launch a projectile of force at a target that strikes as a magic missile with the Toppling Spell metamagic feat (Ultimate Magic) and deals 1d8 points of force damage + the aetherling’s Charisma modifier.

Force Sight (Su) An aetherling has arcane sight to 60 feet, but only to discern force effects such as mage armor or wall of force.

Hidden and reclusive, aetherlings have lived in small villages dotting Nar-Voth since leaving the First World millennia ago, drawn to the numerous pockets of aether trapped within the massive cave system. When the dark fey arrived, most of the aetherlings fled to hidden and isolated caverns to avoid joining the Court of Ether’s vile populace.

Aetherlings are unique in that they can see and touch aether in all of its forms and as such it drives these fey to experiment and perfect their gifts. Their creativity shines brightest when creating elaborate aether art that only they can appreciate.

Typically non-aggressive, a single aetherling prefers to use stealth to avoid confrontation. If noticed, the aetherling will try to slow down an enemy before making an escape. In larger groups, though, they work together to form defensible lines from which they can launch accurate strikes, picking off one foe at a time.

An aetherling stands roughly 2-1/2 feet tall, weighing around 30 pounds.
The Gravepit Basin of Fallen Sercai
Lantern Lodge RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32 , Dedicated Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7, Star Voter Season 8 aka Black Powder Chocobo
4 people marked this as a favorite.

The Gravepit Basin of Fallen Sercai
Paizo Blog: Invasion of the Pawn People!
Lantern Lodge RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16

This is win just for the WBG pawns.
So far I've seen....
Lantern Lodge RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16 , Dedicated Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7, Star Voter Season 8 aka Black Powder Chocobo
8 people marked this as a favorite.

My first two items to vote are a pair of wondrous items.
Earthcracker
Lantern Lodge RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16 , Dedicated Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7, Star Voter Season 8 aka Black Powder Chocobo

Earthcracker
Aura moderate transmutation; CL 11th
Slot none; Price 20,340 gp; Weight 14 lbs.
Description
Molded and crafted from raw iron ore, this +1 thundering earthbreaker bears the coolness of loose soil while grasped.

Three times per day as a standard action, the wielder may slam earthcracker at the ground of an adjacent square, causing earth and stone to rise and fall from a violent wave that travels in a 30-foot line from the impact square. All of the affected squares become natural difficult terrain. The wielder may make a free trip attempt at a single creature within the affected squares and cannot be tripped back if the attempt fails. If the trip roll is a natural 20, the creature is also subjected to the thundering effect from earthcracker as the ground below it explodes in a cacophonous explosion that showers the area with earthen debris.

Construction
Requirements Craft Magical Arms and Armor, blindness/deafness, move earth; Cost 10,340 gp
GM Higaki's Long Distance Rise of the Runelords Discussion
Lantern Lodge

Here's the thread for non-gameplay related posts. This can be out of character talks, bs'ing, campaign questions... whatever really. Just make sure if follow's Paizo's posting guidelines :)
GM Higaki's Long Distance Rise of the Runelords
Lantern Lodge

Hey guys! First post for our game! I'll put my 'house' rules and character creation limits on the Campaign tab. I'm looking forward to this :)

Dave
Unable to send gift pdfs: site losing gift recipients on postback
Lantern Lodge

Howdy,

I'm trying to order some Pathfinder Society scenarios to some GMs for this weekend, but I have been unable to complete my order.

After I select the gift recipients, clicking on any of the other payment buttons causes the site to forget the selected recipients. This includes the Confirm Order button. When going to that page, the Digital Gifts button is in red and the Place Order button is disabled.

Is there a way to get this order processed by this afternoon?

Thanks in advance,
Dave
GM Dave's Kingmaker
Lantern Lodge RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16

Hey guys, welcome to the board! This thread will be used to supplant our Kingmaker game outside of sessions. Hoping I can find a way to add the kingdom spreadsheet as a linked file, but we'll see.
GM BPC TK2's Excellent PFS Adventure Discussion
Fort Inevitable Map map Gardens map

Welcome to the Discussion!
GM BPC TK2's Excellent PFS Adventure
Fort Inevitable Map map Gardens map

Welcome to the new gaming thread for a new set of adventures!
BPChocobo's PbP Gamethread for Cool and Attractive PCs Discussion
Lantern Lodge RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16

Dotting for others :)
PFS PbP Gameday 3 - Carrion Hill Recruitment (lvls 4-6)
Lantern Lodge RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16

Hello there Pathfinders!

I have a spot up for some Pathfinder Society module adventure! This will be to supplant a somewhat established group that has run through some Thornkeep, but are off level for the next stage. Thus, Carrion Hill will be used to gather the party's strength and take a breather from the horrors beneath the River Kingdom town. After Carrion Hill, we will be heading back into Thornkeep to finish the last two levels.

I'm looking for someone to be in a mixed group that has:

A rogue with a touch of arcane shadow
A balanced melee oracle of metal
A warrior priest of Trudd
A sorcerer of mysterious origins.

What I want:

Legal PFS build within levels 4-6. I'd like steady posting as I'm trying to push a module through the Gameday. Preference will be to those who have not played Thornkeep: The Dark Menagerie and Thornkeep: The Sanctum of a Lost Age.

Please post your PC by Thursday Oct 30th and I'll leave the party to decide on which PC to join the adventure. Then we'll get started on November 3rd.

Good luck and happy die rolling!
BPChocobo's PbP Gamethread for Cool and Attractive PCs
Lantern Lodge RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16

Dotting, making the initial post here!

Welcome to the regulars :)
GM BPC's PFS of Awesomeness Discussion!
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BAM!
GM BPC's PFS of Awesomeness!
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Placeholder text for the first game!
Paizo Blog: Harrow: Past, Present, and Future
Lantern Lodge 5/5 *
2 people marked this as a favorite.

Gambit-style Warpriest, here I come!
GM BPChocobo's PFS PbP - Thornkeep Level 2 - The Forgotten Laboratory Recruitment

Hello,

I need one or two willing participants to dare enter the second level of Thornkeep. This will be run for PFS credit, so only level 2-3 PFS characters please. Because this is a dungeon crawl, majority of the RP will be done with your teammates. The base team is:

Halfling fighter
Elven magus
Human monk
??? cleric

I'll accept the first two applicants who have fully filled out PFS character profiles on Paizo's site. I use Google images for battle maps.

Looking to get this started before the end of the week!
BUG: When selecting multiple recipients for an online gift order, site puts all of the items to one recipient
Lantern Lodge

Hello,

Over the past few months, I've had issues trying to gift multiple PDFs for different recipients on the site. When doing so, after selecting each person who would get the PDF and continue to checkout, the page then shows only a single recipient instead of the multiple recipients. Out of four attempts, only once has it worked correctly. This has caused me to purchase several scenarios one at a time, at the very least an inconvenience and at worst could cause potential issues with my card (showing multiple transactions for the same amount in a short period of time may raise flags with my bank and lock the account).

I would greatly appreciate you looking into this issue and getting it resolved. Please let me know if you need any information regarding my occurrences with this bug.

Sincerely,
Dave
Online PbP Gameday - BPChocobo's Thornkeep Level 1
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Howdy!

Creating this so there's a tab for you. Please introduce yourselves as you await your orders in Adril Hestram's large office in the Grand Lodge of Absalom. Also, if you haven't, please read the Campaign tab to read about my rules for this PbP. I'll be fully ready to go tomorrow evening, so thank you for your patience!
Online PbP Game Day - BPChocobo's Thornkeep Level 2
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Howdy all! Please read the Campaign notes thread to check my setup for this. I'll be fully ready to go tomorrow night. Until then, please introduce your PC's to each other either in the gameplay tab or the discussion tab as everyone awaits their orders in Adril Hestram's large office in the Grand Lodge of Absalom.
GM BPChocobo's PbP Game Day - Thornkeep Level 1 Recruitment

Howdy! This post is only to make this easier to find for those who signed up on the online PbP Gameday on Warhorn.

So sup!
GM BPChocobo's PbP Game Day - Thornkeep Level 2 Recruitment

Hello! This post is only for those who arranged to play this on the online PbP Gameday on Warhorn to make it easier to find.
GM BPChocobo's PbP Game Day - Thornkeep Level 2 Discussion
Fort Inevitable Map map Gardens map

Hello my players!

As a heads up, I'm going to be out of the state until October 6th, so we're going to have a day or two late start. Gasp!

If you have a problem with this, I'll make sure and reserve my GM 20's just for you.

So a few things I'd like to note:

1. If you would, either a quicklink or brief overview of stats to always display on your character post's would be nice (either in the Race or Class section of the character sheet). Makes it easier for me to do quick references.
2. I use Google Docs for maps and will take your PC avatars and drop 'em in the appropriate map. I'll have a few map links under my name between the town of Thornkeep, the floor you're on, and finally a special combat map for better tactical planning.
3. For combat, I roll initiatives and play things roughly in turn order. You can feel free to post ahead of time and I'll allow another post to change your action if its invalidated (example, attacking a target that is just felled by another player).
4. I'll eventually need everyone's email address so I can email out Chronicle sheets at the end of the session. I do send out unique chronicle sheets that also note any expenditures as well as the Day Job check results (since those are now allowed for modules).
5. For prior character activities, I'm going by the honor system here: as long as everything is noted on your character page, I'm going to be alright with it. I may review PC's just to make sure everything looks good. If you'd like to note previous scenarios, please note that on your character page.
6. My best posting time is in the 10am-5pm MST range, although I'll try to check on things in the evening when I can.
7. Please PM me if you have any questions!
GM BPChocobo's PbP Game Day - Thornkeep Level 1 Discussion
Niswan map Ebon Destroyers handouts Combat map

Hello my players!

As a heads up, I'm going to be out of the state until October 6th, so we're going to have a day or two late start. Gasp!

If you have a problem with this, I'll make sure and reserve my GM 20's just for you.

So a few things I'd like to note:

1. If you would, either a quicklink or brief overview of stats to always display on your character post's would be nice (either in the Race or Class section of the character sheet). Makes it easier for me to do quick references.
2. I use Google Docs for maps and will take your PC avatars and drop 'em in the appropriate map. I'll have a few map links under my name between the town of Thornkeep, the floor you're on, and finally a special combat map for better tactical planning.
3. For combat, I roll initiatives and play things roughly in turn order. You can feel free to post ahead of time and I'll allow another post to change your action if its invalidated (example, attacking a target that is just felled by another player).
4. I'll eventually need everyone's email address so I can email out Chronicle sheets at the end of the session. I do send out unique chronicle sheets that also note any expenditures as well as the Day Job check results (since those are now allowed for modules).
5. For prior character activities, I'm going by the honor system here: as long as everything is noted on your character page, I'm going to be alright with it. I may review PC's just to make sure everything looks good.
6. My best posting time is in the 10am-5pm MST range, although I'll try to check on things in the evening when I can.
7. Please PM me if you have any questions!
Blog: Pathfinder! In! Spaaaaaaaaaaace!
Lantern Lodge

I can't help but think of this video after seeing that title :P
Advice on minor story tweaks for Season 2 Shadow Lodge scenarios
Lantern Lodge 5/5 * Venture-Lieutenant, South Dakota—Rapid City

Hello!

I'm looking for good ideas on how to do minor rewords/plot changes to have some of the Season 2 scenarios make a bit more sense as far as Shadow Lodge history goes.

I have the general idea of playing the offshoot Shadow Lodge as terrorists still using the name despite Torch joining the Society to act as its watchdog, but I'd like any other ideas, particularly for rewordings of some specific Shadow Lodge themed scenarios I have. This list includes

-The Mantis' Prey
-Shadow's Last Stand pt1 & pt2
-Wrath of the Accursed
-The Dalsine Affair

Any advice on this topic would be appreciated!

Sincerely,
BPC
Western South Dakota Pathfinders Roll Call
Lantern Lodge 5/5 * Venture-Lieutenant, South Dakota—Rapid City

Hello,

I'm slowly in the process of trying to start up a Society lodge in Rapid City, South Dakota. So far I have my regular group of players who I've gotten nearly to level 3, plus a couple of others for 7 regular players. I'm looking to expand this and hopefully find a GM or two to increase the numbers. Post a shout out if you're in the Black Hills area and are interested in playing!
Full Name

Karu Sÿdan
Race

| HP: 27/27 | AC: 17 (11 Tch, 16 Fl) | CMB: +5, CMD: 17 | F: +7, R: +5, W: +4 | Init: +3 | Perc: +8, SM: +2
Classes/Levels

| Speed 20ft | Animal Focus: 3/3 | Spells: 1st 4/4 | Active conditions: None.
Gender

Female NG Dwarf Hunter 3

About Karu Sÿdan

Karu Sÿdan
Hunter 3

ATTRIBUTES
STR 16
DEX 12
CON 15
INT 13
WIS 14
CHA 8

STATS
Age 42
Alignment NG
Gender Female
Initiative +3
Languages Common, Dwarf, Giant, Goblin
Senses Perception +8
Size M
Speed 20ft
Type Humanoid (Dwarf)

OFFENSE
BAB +2

Giant-Sticker Spear
Attack 1d20+6 2 BAB + 3 Str (or +4 Str)
Damage 2d6 + 4 Str
Notes 10ft reach, brace, +4 when flanking, crit provokes AoO for AnCmp

Dwarven Ram Hammer
Attack 1d20+5 2 BAB + 3 Str (or +4 Str)
Damage 1d8 + 2 Str
Notes x3 crit, 10ft throwing range

Snag Net
Attack 1d20+3 2 BAB + 1 Dex
Notes ranged touch attack, causes ‘entangled’ (-2 to hit, -4 dex)
DEFENSE
HD 27 3d8 + 2 Con/Level + 1 FCB / level
AC 17 10 Base + 6 Armour + 1 Dex

SAVES
Fort +7 +3 Base +2 Con +1 Shake It Off, +1 Trait (+2 vs spells, spell-likes and poison)
Refl +5 +3 Base +1 Dex +1 Shake It Off (+2 vs spells, spell-likes and poison)
Will +4 +1 Base +2 Wis +1 Shake It Off (+2 vs spells, spell-likes and poison)

SKILLS
9 / Level (6 Base + 1 Int + 2 Background)

Climb +6 +1 Rank +3 Class +3 Str
Kn Dungeoneering +7 +3 Rank +3 Class +1 Int
Kn Geography +7 +3 Rank
Kn Nature +7 +3Rank +3 Class +1 Int
Perception +8 +3 Rank +3 Class +3 Wis +2
Spellcraft +5 +1 Rank +3 Class +1 Int
Stealth +7 +3 Rank +3 Class +1 Dex
Heal +8 +3 Rank +3 Class +2 Wis
Swim +9 +1 Rank +3 Class +3 Str
Survival +8 +3 Rank +3 Class +2 Wis
Handle Animal +5 +3 Rank +3 Class -1 Cha

Notes
Gain half level to survival when tracking.
+2 perception to notice unusual stonework such as traps and secret doors.
+1 bluff, sense motive, and perception.
-3 ACP, but does not apply to climb and jumping skill checks.

FEATS
-Outflank (Teamwork): Whenever you and an ally who also has this feat are flanking the same creature, your flanking bonus on attack rolls increases to +4. In addition, whenever you score a critical hit against the flanked creature, it provokes an attack of opportunity from your ally.
-Combat Expertise: You can choose to take a –1 penalty on melee attack rolls and combat maneuver checks to gain a +1 dodge bonus to your Armor Class. When your base attack bonus reaches +4, and every +4 thereafter, the penalty increases by –1 and the dodge bonus increases by +1. You can only choose to use this feat when you declare that you are making an attack or a full-attack action with a melee weapon. The effects of this feat last until your next turn.
-Pack Flanking (Teamwork): When you and your companion creature have this feat, your companion creature is adjacent to you or sharing your square, and you both threaten the same opponent, you are both considered to be flanking that opponent, regardless of your actual positioning.
-Shake It Off (Teamwork): When you are adjacent to one or more allies who also have this feat, you gain a +1 bonus on saving throws per such ally (maximum +4).

TRAITS
Giant Slayer: +1 trait bonus to Bluff, Perception, Sense Motive. +1 to hit and dmg vs giants.
Life of Toil: +1 trait bonus to Fortitude saves
Reactionary: +2 trait bonus to Initiative checks

SPECIAL ABILITIES
Hunter
Proficiencies: A hunter is proficient with all simple and martial weapons and with light armor, medium armor, and shields (except tower shields).
Animal Companion: gain an animal companion.
Animal Focus: give a permanent bonus to your companion, and spend a swift action to gain a bonus for a minute. You can do this your level times a day. Bonuses: + 2 str / dex / con, +2 attack on AoO and +2 AC vs AoO, +4 to perception / climb / swim & acrobatics to jump / stealth / gain 10ft scent / gain evasion / gain +5 ft movement / gain darkvision.
Nature Training: A hunter counts her total hunter level as both druid levels and ranger levels for the purpose of qualifying for feats, traits, and options that modify or improve an animal companion.
Wild Empathy: A hunter can improve the initial attitude of an animal. This ability functions as a Diplomacy check to improve the attitude of a person. The hunter rolls 1d20 and adds her hunter level and her Charisma modifier to determine the wild empathy check result. The typical domestic animal has a starting attitude of indifferent, while wild animals are usually unfriendly. To use wild empathy, the hunter and the animal must be within 30 feet of one another under normal conditions. Generally, influencing an animal in this way takes 1 minute but, as with influencing people, it might take more or less time. The hunter can also use this ability to influence a magical beast with an Intelligence score of 1 or 2, but she takes a –4 penalty on the check.
Precise Companion: At 2nd level, a hunter chooses either Precise Shot or Outflank as a bonus feat. She does not need to meet the prerequisites for this feat. If she chooses Outflank, she automatically grants this feat to her animal companion as well.
Track: At 2nd level, a hunter adds 1/2 her level to Survival skill checks made to follow tracks.
Hunter Tactics: At 3rd level, the hunter automatically grants her teamwork feats to her animal companion. The companion doesn’t need to meet the prerequisites of these teamwork feats.
Teamwork Feat: At 3rd level and every 3 levels thereafter, the hunter gains a bonus teamwork feat in addition to those gained from normal advancement. The hunter must meet the prerequisites of the selected bonus teamwork feat. As a standard action, the hunter can choose to learn a new bonus teamwork feat in place of the most recent bonus teamwork feat she has already learned. In effect, the hunter loses the bonus feat in exchange for the new one. She can change only the most recent teamwork feat gained, and must meet the prerequisites for the newly selected feat. A hunter can change her most recent teamwork feat a number of times per day equal to her Wisdom modifier (minimum 1). Whenever she gains a new teamwork feat, her previous teamwork feats become permanent.
Dwarf
Defensive Training: Dwarves gain a +4 dodge bonus to AC against monsters of the giant subtype.
Hardy: Dwarves gain a +2 racial bonus on saving throws against poison, spells, and spell-like abilities.
Stability: Dwarves gain a +4 racial bonus to their Combat Maneuver Defense when resisting a bull rush or trip attempt while standing on the ground.
Greed: Dwarves gain a +2 racial bonus on Appraise checks made to determine the price of non-magical goods that contain precious metals or gemstones.
Stonecunning: Dwarves gain a +2 bonus on Perception checks to notice unusual stonework, such as traps and hidden doors located in stone walls or floors. They receive a check to notice such features whenever they pass within 10 feet of them, whether or not they are actively looking.
Darkvision: Dwarves can see perfectly in the dark up to 60 feet.
Hatred: Dwarves gain a +1 racial bonus on attack rolls against humanoid creatures of the orc and goblinoid subtypes because of their special training against these hated foes.
Weapon Familiarity: Dwarves are proficient with battleaxes, heavy picks, and warhammers, and treat any weapon with the word “dwarven” in its name as a martial weapon.

SPELLS
Cast / DCs are Wis-based, spells are from the Ranger & Druid list.
0-Level Spells (X/Day)
Detect Poison
Detect Magic
Light
Mending
Guidance
Create Water

1-Level Spells (4/Day)
Keep Watch
Resist Energy
Windy Escape
Cure Light Wounds
Summon Nature’s Ally I

ANIMAL COMPANION
KARJYS the Grizzly Bear
Str 18, Dex 14, Con 15 (13), Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 6
22 HP | 40ft speed | Medium size | animal subtype | low-light vision, scent.
Feats: Toughness, Power Attack, Shake It Off, Pack Flanking, Outflank
Skills: +6 Stealth, +5 Perception, +8 Climb
Offense: +6 bite 1d6+4, +6/+6 claws 1d4+4
Notes: +4 to hit when flanking, -1 to hit and +2 to damage from power attack
Defense: AC 18 (10 + 2 dex + 3 armor + 3 NA)
Saves: +6 Fort / +6 Ref / +3 Will - has Evasion
Gear: masterwork hide shirt, exotic saddle pack and carrying add-ons.
Notes: Animal Focus goes into +2 Con by default.

EQUIPMENT
Gold: 45 gp
Load: 0 / 76 lbs (Light) 77–153 lbs (Medium) 154–230 lbs (Heavy)
Combat gear: Masterwork Giant-Sticker, Ram Hammer, Slag Net, Dagger, Agile Breastplate.
Consumables: Scroll of Faerie Fire (x4), Brightest Night (x2), Feather Step (x4), Lead Blades (x4), Magic Fang (x4), Magic Weapon Oil (x2),
Other gear: Wand of Cure Light Wounds (48/50), Ioun Torch (x2), Deluxe Wilderness Kit (hunting knife 2 gp 1 lb, whetstone 2 cp 1 lb, bucket 5 sp 2 lbs, shovel 2 gp 8 lb, hammer 5 sp 2 lbs, 2 square yards canvas 2 sp 2 lbs, fishing line and hook 1 sp, flint and steel 1 gp, iron pot 5 sp 10 lbs, signal whistle 8 sp, large tent 30 gp 40 lbs, waterskin 1 gp 4 lbs, 2 vials antitoxin 100 gp, climber’s kit 80 gp 5 lbs)

BACKGROUND
BACKSTORY
Karu’s life has been anything but easy. Born to a dwarven couple from the Iron Peaks, she never got to meet her father as he died during her pregnancy at the hands of giants. The full story of how he died isn’t known to Karu, but it caused her mother such grief that eventually the poor woman’s heart broke and stopped ticking when Karu was but twenty-four - while old for a human, this is well before a dwarf, especially a sheltered one, reaches adulthood.
Her father, instead of fighting the giants like the rest of the settlement, tried to escape the attack and got gutted by a group of Hyena Skull goblins. These goblins shadowed the giants wherever they went, picking up whatever they left behind. Karu knows no better than that he died fighting the giant menace.
To avoid shame and ridicule from her dwarf brethren, Karu’s mother traveled up and down the Yondabakari River. She kept telling Karu that as long as they followed Desna’s starspun path, they’d be alright. She offered her services as a practiced healer, but more often than not was too short on coin to make sure they always had a roof over their heads. Making a virtue of necessity, Karu picked up hunting, but as she lacks a natural talent for bows, it wasn’t until she apprenticed with a grizzled old halfling ranger that she learned how to hunt.
As her mother passed, her new mentor became the father she never had, but he too came to pass eventually. A late-thirties Karu traversed the Sanos Forest and Mushfens, knowing no better than life to be an experience of solitude. It was in the Malgorian foothills that she stumbled upon a young cub, its mother gone - slain by hunters perhaps? With it being late fall, the cub would never survive winter on its own and so she adopted it best she could.
Many years later, the two are now looking for a home as the experience of being alone - even though she always has Karjys with her, is starting to gnaw on her. Stories of an ancient holy place of Desna have drawn her to Sandpoint and whilst not a priest or devout follower by any stretch of the imagination, the young dwarf feels the need to get more out of life. Surely she isn’t to roam the wilds by herself forever? What about all these stories of friendship and comradery? Of chivalry and romance? Of waking up to the smell of fresh bread? Argh, why had she let that gnome peddler convince her to buy a bunch of his old pocket books?!

APPEARANCE & PERSONALITY
Rugged and stout, Karu has pleasant enough features for a dwarf but lacks any and all refinement. She’s impressively tall for a dwarven woman and has calloused feet and hands, a sure sign she isn’t one of those lazy no-good sorts of women! A wide variety of tiny scars and discolorations mar her body, but luckily for Karu, her face has barely been touched.

Her pierced ears rock a set of silver rings engraved with runes of protection. The beads woven into her hair are marked with Desnian symbols of guidance and luck - allegedly. The halfling merchant told her so, after all. When on the hunt, she applies woad to her face and that of Karjys. She swears that it brings them luck.

While not superstitious, Karu does believe that when something that goes right once and then twice, it ought to be done that way again and again in the future. She can be rather rigid in her ways and has trouble following others when they’re suggesting something rash - patience is key! So her mentor had told her and hey, he was a hunter who died of old age! Still, she yearns to experience a sense of companionship and friendship, and is willing to blunder into situations to make it so. Awkward and reclusive, Karu has come to Sandpoint to take another step forward - as a person, as a hunter, as a Sÿdan.

Karjys, while a grizzly bear, looks like a domesticated animal thanks to him wearing a hide vest made from boiled deer skins. The armor is adorned with dwarven runes of strength and protection, and the bear carries around its neck a sizable decorative silver chain. On this chain bungles a silver coin, decorated with a howling dog. A traveling Magnimarian whose profession wasn’t entirely clear to Karu gave this to her, saying it truly belonged to Karjys. To those in the know, it is a holy symbol of the agathion empyreal lord Lorris.