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"I understand Vrald's hesitance in regards to Tig-0, but I agree with Khamul and Contessa; he is a good robot at... heart." Simon shrugs. "My vote is for carefully reactivating Tig-0. I doubt Tig will object to being somewhat restrained and monitored. He seems to find some enjoyment in service; this way he would still have a 'life.' And I'd be able to interact more with my first robot friend."
As the noise subsides, Simon groggily returns to the battle. He moves closer to the Salamander; using his magic to Command its action. Simon will move up 30' and attempt to cast the spell Command on the Salamander (DC 16 Will Save). The specific command will be Approach. If successful, the Salamander must take the following action on its next turn: Approach: On its turn, the subject moves toward you as quickly and directly as possible for 1 round. The creature may do nothing but move during its turn, and it provokes attacks of opportunity for this movement as normal.
Simon dashes forward to reach Vrald. Noticing that his companion cannot reach the flying Salamander, he retrieves a Potion of Fly for his friend. Acting quickly, he simultaneously uses his Hypnotic Stare on the Salamander and psychically targets it with a spell. First Round Action: Simon takes a Double Move Action towards Vrald. Second Round Action: Simon retrieves a Potion of Fly (Only a Move Equivalent Action from Haversack). He Stares at the Salamander as a Swift Action, then vertically projects a Cone of Fear to catch it without catching allies as a Standard Action (Simon can cast with both hands occupied as a Psychic Caster).
Hypnotic Stare Effects: -2 to Will Saves, -2 to Attack Rolls, enables Painful Stare 1/Round, can affect enemies immune to Mind-Affecting effects (Psychic Inception). Painful Stare Effects: +3 additional precision damage the first time the enemy takes damage in a round (totaled from triggering attack before applying DR). Additional damage increased by +2d6 if increasing the Mesmerist's own damage. Fear Effects: 30' Cone-Shaped Burst; SR: Yes; DC 18 Will Save vs. Panicked Condition; Shaken Condition even on a Successful Save. Panicked Condition: A panicked creature must drop anything it holds and flee at top speed from the source of its fear, as well as any other dangers it encounters, along a random path. It can't take any other actions. In addition, the creature takes a –2 penalty on all saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. If cornered, a panicked creature cowers and does not attack, typically using the total defense action in combat. A panicked creature can use special abilities, including spells, to flee; indeed, the creature must use such means if they are the only way to escape. Shaken Condition: A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. Shaken is a less severe state of fear than frightened or panicked.
There are different ways of approaching combat. The following is just my opinion and not the only right way. I see Pathfinders as an elite team, especially around mid to high tier. The people you play with can change a lot, but it's always possible to coordinate actions and tactics. In my region I and many other players regularly use small unit tactics during scenarios. This includes tactical movement, target focusing, flanking, and area denial/battlefield control. We keep charge lanes clear for each other, we "double up" on damaged enemies or high-value targets like casters, we synchronize actions with Ready/Delay etc. We give ourselves a rough six second limit on shouted communication in the heat of battle, but we extensively discuss our abilities during briefing and other lulls in activity. I believe this can be done free of metagaming and strictly in-character knowledge and communication. I have tried to use my character tactically this game while staying true to his "character" and personality - skipping combat rounds for Diplomacy, using control spells in place of outright hostile actions, never actually raising a hand to damage anyone and so on. I usually discuss my character's abilities extensively, in-character. In this case I did not wish to needlessly delay everyone before the adventure started, especially when I am not familiar with PbP yet. :)
Simon attempts to decipher the Runes on Portal 5 and 6.
Feeling that the time for Diplomacy has passed, Simon attempts to disable his foes. Simon cannot both move and cast, as this is a surprise round. So he will use his one action to cast Confusion, catching as many enemies as he can without hitting allies (15ft Radius). Should be able to hit all of them, but he will prioritize the Salamander. Confusion Effects: 170' Range; 15' Radius Burst; 7 Round Duration; SR: Yes; DC 18 Will Save vs Confusion (Only One Initial Save) This spell causes confusion in the targets, making them unable to determine their actions. Roll on the following table at the start of each subject's turn each round to see what it does in that round. 01-25 Acts normally
A confused character who can't carry out the indicated action does nothing but babble incoherently. Attackers are not at any special advantage when attacking a confused character. Any confused character who is attacked automatically attacks its attackers on its next turn, as long as it is still confused when its turn comes. Note that a confused character will not make attacks of opportunity against any creature that it is not already devoted to attacking (either because of its most recent action or because it has just been attacked). "Isolate any enemy that is not affected by my spell! Leave Confused enemies to their own devices until they become a threat!"
Sorry everyone! Family had doctor's appointments today. GM Rutseg, both Mesmeric Mirrors were triggered, so they are down. However, remaining images from the initial trigger persist for 7 Minutes. If it's within 7 Minutes before this combat, they're still around. If longer, they're gone. Will update sheet. :) Edit: Oh, False Life is still up if 7 Hours have not passed since we first found Tig. I believe Resist Fire is down if 10 Minutes has passed.
I checked this some weeks ago and it is indeed as you say. You can use a slot for a lower level spell. The spell does not change at all, the DC and everything else is like if you cast it with the corresponding spell slot. Thank you! Usually it's not that great to use a high level slot for a lower level spell, but when it's the only thing you have that can affect stuff, it's pretty cool. :)
This is the last of my spell power for Glitterdust... may need to burn my more powerful spells to fuel them. Simon thinks to himself. Simon will use his last Level 2 Spell Slot to again cast Glitterdust on Tig-0, seeing that there's enough room to catch him without affecting allies. Glitterdust Effects: Spell Resistance: No; 170' Range; 10' Radius Spread; 7 Round Duration; DC 17 Will Save vs. Blinded Condition (New save at the end of every round); Affected enemies are covered with glitter for the full duration regardless of save, the glitter fully outlines invisible creatures and gives a -40 penalty to Stealth checks.
Simon makes a mental note that Glitterdust affects robots like Tig. As Tig is already blind, he risks a different spell to gauge similar defenses. Simon will attempt to cast Ill Omen on Tig. Spell Resistance does apply to this spell, as does Spell Immunity if Tig has it. Because of Psychic Inception, it can possibly affect Tig despite being Mind-Affecting. It has a 50% chance per round of working. 7 Round Duration, but only the very first two applicable rolls. Ill Omen Effects: SR: Yes; No Saving Throw; 40' Range; Enemy must roll twice on their next 2 d20 rolls and take the lowest. If the enemy is able to identify the spell, such as from Spellcraft, they can spend a Move Action to negate one reroll per Move Action.
Sensing Tig-0's clearly hostile intent, Simon reluctantly prepares for battle. "All right, Tig. We had some good times, my friend." He says sadly. Simon uses his Move Action to move up 30' and get within 30' of Tig-0. He uses his Swift Action to target Tig-0 with Hypnotic Stare. Although Tig-0 is a robot, Simon can still affect all enemies immune to Mind-Affecting due to Psychic Inception. Hypnotic Stare Effects: -2 to Will Saves, -2 to Attack Rolls, enables Painful Stare 1/Round, can affect enemies immune to Mind-Affecting effects (Psychic Inception). Painful Stare Effects: +3 additional precision damage the first time the enemy takes damage in a round (totaled from triggering attack before applying DR). Additional damage increased by +2d6 if increasing the Mesmerist's own damage. For his Standard Action Simon casts Glitterdust on Tig-0, unsure of Tig-0's capabilities, but knowing that it at least does not allow for Spell Resistance. Glitterdust Effects: Spell Resistance: No; 170' Range; 10' Radius Spread; 7 Round Duration; DC 17 Will Save vs. Blinded Condition (New save at the end of every round); Affected enemies are covered with glitter for the full duration regardless of save, the glitter fully outlines invisible creatures and gives a -40 penalty to Stealth checks.
Simon forces himself to smile at Tig, trying his hardest to suppress his shock. "Tig, Buddy... I don't think that's what Karamoss wants. It's just that salamander they were talking about, Jethzerai. You overheard us talking about him, didn't you? We need to stabilize the portals. Stabilize, not overload. Ok Buddy?"
Simon smiles at the azer. "Our Society is generally interested in technology, but that is not our current mission. Right now we need to stop Jethzerai and the attacks on Scrap Heap. Can you tell us where he is, or who else may be working with him? He continues. "As for returning you home; our organization is extremely powerful and well-equipped. We are not able to do so personally, but Planar Travel should be within the means of our senior members, or with the use of our other technology."
Simon, having sheathed his blade, lowers the cane as well. His eyes stop swirling and return to normal. "Yes, as far as I'm concerned you and your sisters can go in peace. We could use your help though. I know we just fought, and it was incredibly unfortunate... but can you give us any information on what's happening? Who is Jethzerai? Why did you want these... pieces? Can we help you find your way home?"
The game is really great so far, everyone! :) GM Rutseg, I apologize for the heavy book-keeping on my character. I roll vs. Spell Resistance for some spells and not for others because my main spell, Glitterdust, does not allow Spell Resistance. My apologies if I was unclear. Hypnotic Stare is only on one character, so Green should not be affected. Only Blue. Sorry! Lastly, Contessa's Mirror Images should have popped up by now. I don't know whether they will miss or not beforehand, so I must use them against the first attack with no knowledge of the attack roll. Thank you very much. If there's anything else I need to clear up, please let me know. :)
Concerned that Vrald is facing two enemies at once, Simon attempts to deprive the Chainsaw-wielder of her weapon. Simon will cast Command on Chainsaw Blue, commanding her to Drop her currently held item. If the spell succeeds, she must drop her weapon on her turn and cannot pick it up until the turn after.
Simon advances 10' to the edge of the hall. He notices one of the azers wielding a gruesome, exotic weapon. Simon focuses on the azer, and his eyes begin to swirl. (Hypnotic Stare on Chainsaw Blue)
Simon will cast Glitterdust to catch Blue and Green. If it is impossible to center it without hitting an ally, he will choose another action; i.e. he will never take an action that includes an ally in the AoE. Glitterdust Effects: Spell Resistance: No; 170' Range; 10' Radius Spread; 7 Round Duration; DC 17 Will Save vs. Blinded Condition (New save at the end of every round); Affected enemies are covered with glitter for the full duration regardless of save, the glitter fully outlines invisible creatures and gives a -40 penalty to Stealth checks.
"Damn it all, Tig!" Simon shouts in exasperation. Seeing that the Azers have taken up combat positions, he resigns himself to the impending battle. His main goal is to minimize the violence on both sides.
Simon will take a 5-foot step closer to the action as long as he feels reasonably safe behind his allies. He will maintain formation while doing so. If a hostile creature is within 30 feet:
Simon will use Hypnotic Stare on that enemy (Swift Action).
Hypnotic Stare Effects: -2 to Will Saves, -2 to Attack Rolls, enables Painful Stare 1/Round, can affect enemies immune to Mind-Affecting effects (Psychic Inception). Painful Stare Effects: +3 additional precision damage the first time the enemy takes damage in a round (totaled from triggering attack before applying DR). Additional damage increased by +2d6 if increasing the Mesmerist's own damage. If multiple hostile creatures are within a 10-foot radius:
Simon will tactically center a Glitterdust to catch as many enemies as he can in the radius without hitting allies. If it is impossible to center it without hitting an ally, he will choose another action; i.e. he will never take an action that includes an ally in the AoE.
Glitterdust Effects: Spell Resistance: No; 170' Range; 10' Radius Spread; 7 Round Duration; DC 17 Will Save vs. Blinded Condition (New save at the end of every round); Affected enemies are covered with glitter for the full duration regardless of save, the glitter fully outlines invisible creatures and gives a -40 penalty to Stealth checks. If there is only one hostile creature within 40 feet:
Simon will cast Ill Omen on the enemy and hope to pierce Spell Resistance.
Ill Omen Effects: No Saving Throw; 40' Range; Enemy must roll twice on their next 2 d20 rolls and take the lowest. If the enemy is able to identify the spell, such as from Spellcraft, they can spend a Move Action to negate one reroll per Move Action.
If Contessa or Kujo are attacked (Regardless of Turn Order): Now that Simon has acted and is no longer flat-footed, the first attack against Contessa, Kujo, or both will trigger Mesmeric Mirror. This will give them 2 Mirror Images against the triggering attack. Any remaining Images persist for 7 Minutes against further attacks. This is a Free Action available outside his turn, so he can conceivably trigger both in one turn if conditions are met.
Simon does not recognize the creatures on his own, as they are outside his area of expertise. Once Khamul identifies them, he begins to formulate a plan of action. "Thank you, Khamul! I will adjust my tactics accordingly."
If neither side has taken hostile action:
Simon will attempt a Diplomacy check to resolve things peacefully. Just like Vrald, he only speaks in Taldane.
"Greetings! We mean you no harm! Please, allow us to negotiate and settle any issues peacefully."
If a hostile creature is within 30 feet:
Simon will use Hypnotic Stare on that enemy, if a Swift Action is legal in a Surprise Round (Table Variation).
Hypnotic Stare Effects: -2 to Will Saves, -2 to Attack Rolls, enables Painful Stare 1/Round, can affect enemies immune to Mind-Affecting effects (Psychic Inception). Painful Stare Effects: +3 additional precision damage the first time the enemy takes damage in a round (totaled from triggering attack before applying DR). Additional damage increased by +2d6 if increasing the Mesmerist's own damage.
If multiple hostile creatures are within a 10-foot radius:
Learning that the enemy has Spell Resistance from Khamul, Simon will tactically center a Glitterdust to catch as many enemies as he can in the radius without hitting allies. If it is impossible to center it without hitting an ally, he will choose another action; i.e. he will never take an action that includes an ally in the AoE.
Glitterdust Effects: 170' Range; 10' Radius Spread; 7 Round Duration; DC 17 Will Save vs. Blinded Condition (New save at the end of every round); Affected enemies are covered with glitter for the full duration regardless of save, the glitter fully outlines invisible creatures and gives a -40 penalty to Stealth checks. Spell Resistance does not apply to this Spell. If two hostile creatures are within range, but one is already blinded:
Simon will cast Ill Omen on the enemy that is not Blind, and hope to pierce Spell Resistance.
Ill Omen Effects: No Saving Throw; 40' Range; Enemy must roll twice on their next 2 d20 rolls and take the lowest. If the enemy is able to identify the spell, such as from Spellcraft, they can spend a Move Action to negate one reroll per Move Action.
Simon speaks more gently this time, having grown familiar with the robot and its idiosyncrasies. "Tig-0, this is another situation where we should prioritize haste above propriety. I request that you take us through this other tunnel. Again, we will be able to stop further vandalism much more quickly if we take the shorter route."
Simon thinks for a moment, trying to structure his thoughts in such a way that Tig-0 will understand. "Tig-0, my friends are correct. If we follow the shortcut, we can expeditiously stop the vandals before they cause more trouble. Taking the original route will give them additional opportunities for further damage. The shortcut is a logical designation!"
Simon smiles mischievously at Tig-0. I am model designation Sim0n Alpha. The date of my construction is 10 Pharast 4696." He chuckles to himself, then continues. "Do you know the combat capabilities or tactics of these malfunctioning units, Tig-0? Anything you can tell us would be helpful. Either way, I am ready to continue onward. From behind, of course."
So my shaman is busy in another game. I can offer you my Skald level 6 that can indeed use said wand, and cast a little healing himself. He is pretty good in melee as well. Or if the group needs better heals I'll play Shine, my level 7 gnome cleric of Sarenrae. I'd rather roll with the Skald but if the party feels we need the channels I'll do that. Whichever one you would like to play is fine by me. They both sound really cool.
Simon winces as the creature draws too close for comfort. Regardless, he takes no hostile actions towards the robot. "Who is Tig-0? What is obstructing the access route, and how can we clear it?" Simon lowers his voice to a whisper as he addresses the party. "I hope we're not the obstructions they're talking about..."
I think Skorne is our only party member who can use CLW without UMD. My UMD is relatively high, but shuts down the Wand (for me) on a 1. If we rotate Wands, I can use those other ones. As long as I don't roll a 1 on all of them. :P (On my phone now, which is why I haven't posted in Gameplay yet. Very difficult for all the tags and involved actions. Will post at home). |
