Simon Hollybaker's page

I really enjoyed being in a group that appreciated the role play aspect of the game and the GM making a supreme effort to role play all of the townspeople and other important NPCs.

Finding a balance between role play and roll play is difficult, and everyone's ideal balance is going to be a bit different.

I didn't enjoy the R-rated content, but it wasn't forced on me and I could ignore it most of the time. I do appreciate that after the beginning most of that role play moved into spoilers. Much easier to ignore that way.

What would I change? Mostly myself. It took me a long time to really figure out the dynamic in this group. I also was very impatient toward the beginning of the campaign.

I appreciate that all of you were accepting of my occasional outbursts (though most of them were voiced through Simon and were therefore in character). I also appreciate Simon for allowing me to analyze portions of my own personality that needed a little work.

I wish I had a better plan for Simon's later stages. Early on, I geared up toward support. The pivot to damage dealer worked out pretty well, but I really should have sat down to plan out a feat progression.

Yes, Brainiac, allow me to add my thanks. You are the most dedicated story teller and game manager that I have ever encountered and I greatly appreciate being allowed to experience this game.

To all the players, past and present, thank you for the fun experiences. It was a wonder being in a group that actually respects role playing, and I appreciated gaining a wider view of other player's approach to their characters.

Simon long ago realized how silly it was to compete with his father's fame. Jealousy and anger had driven a wedge into his family and separated him from those he loved.

Travelling home, he reconciled with them and regaled his family with stories of his adventures, allowing his father's admonishments and suggestions of how he would have done things differently to simply pass.

Inviting them to take part in the further exploration of the islands, he introduced Richard to Carver and his team, while setting his mother up in a position to learn more about managing the museum he began to construct.

Whether she took to that job or not, he knew that as the mother of a hero, she would have every opportunity to find fulfillment in Talmandor's Bounty.

Simon's grand book, he set aside, turning his notes over to Carver and Richard. From time to time over the ensuing years, Simon went travelling with Valentin for no more reason then to see the rest of the world and learn new experiences.

"Naturally, I will help Ema. The job isn't done until this structure is safe. Ideally, we would destroy the whole facility, but getting rid of your father's ghost so we have time to dismantle the device is near as good.

Perhaps if we go back to the library, we'll be able to find some political maps of Azlant. Knowing what we are looking for, we should at the very least be able to track the city centers to give clues on where to look. Combined with liberal casting of Find Object should speed things up."

Simon drops Seaspike and draw his undead bane longspear, stabbing out at the ghost.

Longspear,Study,Heroism,PA,Haste: 1d20 + 27 + 8 + 2 - 5 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 27 + 8 + 2 - 5 + 1 = 42
Damage,Study,PA,Bane: 1d8 + 11 + 8 + 15 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 11 + 8 + 15 + (5, 3) = 47

If I can't aid, then perhaps I can give it a shot myself, following your example

UMD,Heroism,Inspiration: 1d20 + 20 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (17) + 20 + 2 + (3) = 42

If I need to analysze it myself:

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 24 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (20) + 24 + 2 + (1) = 47

Simon rushes up, still covered in ice, waiting to take direction.

Auto Aid

Taking another 11 points of cold damage

Simon grins, finally able to take full advantage of his extract and Ema's Haste spell.

Seaspike,Study,Heroism,PA,Haste: 1d20 + 29 + 8 + 2 - 5 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 29 + 8 + 2 - 5 + 1 = 50
Damage?,Study,PA,Bane: 1d6 + 12 + 8 + 15 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 8 + 15 + (6, 1) = 46 (and Sickened)

Seaspike,Study,Heroism,PA,Haste: 1d20 + 24 + 8 + 2 - 5 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 24 + 8 + 2 - 5 + 1 = 42
Damage?,Study,PA,Bane: 1d6 + 12 + 8 + 15 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 8 + 15 + (2, 5) = 44

Seaspike,Study,Heroism,PA,Haste: 1d20 + 19 + 8 + 2 - 5 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 19 + 8 + 2 - 5 + 1 = 33
Damage?,Study,PA,Bane: 1d6 + 12 + 8 + 15 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 8 + 15 + (2, 3) = 46

Seaspike,Study,Heroism,PA,Haste: 1d20 + 14 + 8 + 2 - 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 14 + 8 + 2 - 5 + 1 = 26
Damage?,Study,PA,Bane: 1d6 + 12 + 8 + 15 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 8 + 15 + (2, 2) = 43

Seaspike,Study,Heroism,PA,Haste: 1d20 + 29 + 8 + 2 - 5 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 29 + 8 + 2 - 5 + 1 = 40
Damage?,Study,PA,Bane: 1d6 + 12 + 8 + 15 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 8 + 15 + (4, 4) = 49

Studied Strike: 7d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 2, 5, 3, 5, 1) = 25

Hold Breath (7/36)

Simon swears internally at the hampering effects of the icy prison. Swimming in pursuit of the aboleth, he attempts to position himself in a way that will force the creature into a corner.

Taking another 11 points of cold damage

He stabs out with seaspike again.

Seaspike,Study,Heroism,PA: 1d20 + 29 + 8 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (5) + 29 + 8 + 2 - 5 = 39
Damage?,Study,PA,Bane: 1d6 + 12 + 8 + 15 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 8 + 15 + (6, 3) = 46 (and Sickened)

Reflex,Heroism: 1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 19 + 2 = 26

Simon avoids most of the ice, but becomes entangled. (Takes Cold Damage equal to CL, I believe?)

Moving next to the aboleth (possibly provoking), Simon studies it and stabs at it with Seaspike, but the ice constricts his movements.

Seaspike,Study,Heroism,PA: 1d20 + 29 + 8 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (1) + 29 + 8 + 2 - 5 = 35

Hold Breath 3/36

Ah! I missed the Cleansing Flame, I was going off of the +1 bonus from the Aura.

That +2, with the non-primary target reduction, is just enough to allow Valentin to save on the second bolt as well.

If it matters to the aboleth... Simon is actually holding his breath now. Just realized I didn't cast Water Breathing today.

Reflex,Heroism,Aura: 1d20 + 18 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 18 + 2 + 1 = 31
Reflex,Heroism,Aura: 1d20 + 18 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 18 + 2 + 1 = 31

Simon easily dodges the lightning, and his magical resistance allows him to ignore the remainder.

Quaffing an extract of Transformation, his handling of Seaspike becomes subtly more balanced and dangerous.

Jumping into the water, he swims toward the southern aboleth.

Assuming the Azata was able to get through the barrier. If not, he would make a different move

Simon hands Terana an extract of True Seeing to Terana as he draws Seaspike.

Looking up at Ochymua's illusory form. "You offer us a choice between slavery and a chance at true freedom. Certainly you don't expect us to take this offer, so why waste words?

We, on the other hand, offer you a better bargain. Depart this world with the rest of your kind and never come back and you can have your life."

"Wait! I can scout out the complex magically so we know where to expect resistance and what form it will take. It will only take a minute."

Simon quaffs his extract of Arcane Sight and sends the eye out.

Simon studies the closest construct, draws his longsword, and moves forward.

Sword,Study,Heroism,PA: 1d20 + 21 + 8 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 21 + 8 + 2 - 4 = 40
Damage,Study,PA: 1d8 + 12 + 8 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 + 8 + 12 = 39 (and Sickened)

(Just realizing now that I need to use Studied Strike to get a Blinding Strike. Doesn't make much sense here)

Simon stays quiet, a look of grim determination on his face.

After his daily preparations, he heads to the portal with the others. Once on the other side, and sure that they are momentarily safe, he motions the others to wait, sits down, and quaffs an extract of Arcane Eye to get an idea of the layout of the facility and any defenses.

Simon is Immune to Illusions that provide a saving throw to disbelieve.

His long term buffs will be:

Mutagen
Barkskin
Heroism
Resinous Skin
Resist Energy (Electricity)
Protection from Evil

Simon will provide Victrix and Terana with Heroism as well.

Valentin will cast Magic Circle against Evil and keep near Ema.
- (The whole party will keep within 10ft at least until the first combat)

He will also cast Delay Poison on Simon and Victrix
- Only two memorized and Terana's saves are awesome already

Sorry, I have been quite busy the past week. I should have a chance to respond to the Game question this afternoon.

Simon Investigator 17

New Talent: Blinding Strike - Can attempt to Blind the target of Studied Combat (only works on creatures with 2 eyes unfortunately)

New Feat: Improved Iron Will (I simply couldn't find a feat I actually wanted to take...)

Valentin Cleric 14 - Nothing to speak of

Never heard of throneglass before, so I had to look it up.

Cool ability, yet I question the value of the material.

The entirety of throneglass in the entire universe was formed from a single skylight fused together from the impact of a world-ending meteor strike.

Yet, making a weapon out of throneglass only adds 13,000gp to the value of the weapon?

That'll do, Pig. That'll do. :)

Simon moves past the elemental attacking Terana, absorbing an AoO as he does so, then activates Displacement on Terana.

Snapping out the wand of Displacement, Simon touches Victrix.

"Why has Axis not simply destroyed this facility long ago? That would have saved much trouble.

Regardless, everything we have seen so far has been examples of knowledge taken too far. I agree that it should all be destroyed. I am fine with leaving items here."

"I suppose this was actually to train agents on ways to detect a hidden enemy or perhaps a specific person within a crowd.

Regardless, the room is empty, so we can simply walk across."

Keeping an eye out for hidden traps, Simon walks over to the far door.

Perception,Traps: 1d20 + 24 + 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 24 + (6) + 10 = 52

Simon groans when he sees the submerged stairs. "I thought we might be able to stay dry for a day."

Rather than change armor, Simon asks Valentin to cast Water Breathing on him and switches to Seaspike.

"These wings all sound unpleasant, but Detection Training seems the least unpleasant. Let's start there."

Simon shakes his head while examining the corpse of the aboleth and the gateway. "Did they bring doom on themselves by exploring where they shouldn't? Or were the aboleth always here?"

Simon shrugs and sighs. "Questions for another time, I suppose. Our path is clear, so let's depart."

Waiting for the gates to sync up, Simon prepares to jump into the third wing.

With the trouble he has been having hitting the mezlan so far, Simon decides to swing his sword a bit more carefully.

Sword,Study,Flank: 1d20 + 19 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 19 + 8 + 2 = 47
Damage?: 1d8 + 9 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 8 = 19 (and Sickened)

Does the Thundering effect still happen?
Confirm?: 1d20 + 19 + 8 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 19 + 8 - 4 + 2 = 37 Thundering: 1d8 ⇒ 1 (Fort DC 14 or deafened)

Sword,Study,Flank: 1d20 + 14 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 14 + 8 + 2 = 35
Damage?: 1d8 + 9 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 8 = 21

Sword,Study,Flank: 1d20 + 9 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 8 + 2 = 32
Damage?: 1d8 + 9 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 8 = 23

With no more need for words, Simon attempts to slice the mezlan apart before he can cast more spells

Sword,Study,PA,Flank: 1d20 + 19 + 8 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 19 + 8 - 4 + 2 = 33
Inspiration: 1d8 ⇒ 6 (39 total)
Damage?: 1d8 + 9 + 8 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 8 + 12 = 31 (and Sickened)

Sword,Study,PA,Flank: 1d20 + 14 + 8 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 14 + 8 - 4 + 2 = 22

Sword,Study,PA,Flank: 1d20 + 9 + 8 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 8 - 4 + 2 = 18

Well, those are some awesome die rolls...

All right. Well, I have some alkalai flasks, so once we get him down I should be able to break his regeneration (not sure if Ema has Acid Splash or not)

It isn't an ability though, which is why I am not sure.

The bite of the Hungerer does 2d8+10/19–20/×4 plus 2d6 acid damage.

Monstrous Physique III is the spell I would use. I don't see anything in the spell description that talks about elemental damage from natural attacks.

---

Hero Lab doesn't list the acid damage (though it does list the wisdom drain which is surprising), so maybe not.

If I polymorph into a creature that has a bite that inflicts acid damage, do my bites inflict acid damage?

Seeing that Ema had no better luck taking with this Mezlan than he did with the other ones, Simon shakes his head in wonder.

"You've waited here for ten thousand years and you never even bother to take a look out at the rest of the world? How long were you planning to wait?"

Sighing, he begins trying to think of a way to disable this creature's regeneration. In the meantime, he moves to flank the mezlan and attacks.

Sword,Study,PA,Flank: 1d20 + 19 + 8 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 19 + 8 - 4 + 2 = 30
Inspiration: 1d8 ⇒ 1 31 total to hit

Damage?: 1d8 + 9 + 8 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 8 + 12 = 35

Got it. My mind is not connecting all of the dots with the information we have learned about Xanderghul. I'm going to have to go back over stuff and try to piece it together...

Simon considers the alleged ambassador warily. Remembering how well the last conversation went, he is reluctant to speak first, but feels the need to ask some questions.

Bowing his head, he tries to treat the man respectfully. "Greetings, Harighal. I am Simon. My companions and I represent a small community on the island of Ancorato.

What is your purpose here in the testing wing if this facility?"

Know(Hist) T10 = 38

Do I know who the Runelord of Pride was? Is that Runelord one who has previously woken and been defeated in prior APs?

Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 27 + 1d8 ⇒ (13) + 27 + (8) = 48

I suppose I should actually look at the map, sorry.

I would prefer to check the door in this room.

Simon stands over the pools of goo long enough to make sure the mezlans are completely dead.

He shakes his head in wonder that anyone would willingly allow themselves to be converted into a creature like that. It must have been far different times. Perhaps our lack of understanding of this mindset is what keeps us from fully understanding the artifacts left behind.

Wondering if the equipment should be destroyed before the construction process can be reverse engineered, Simon eventually decides that there are more pressing concerns and heads back into the hallway to check the next room.

The recent revelations leave him speechless and a bit unsure of himself. Quietly, he pauses outside the doorway to see if the others are following.

Simon remains adjacent to the two Mezlans, continuing to burn them.

Acid Aura: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 6) = 7(Reflex DC 18)

He adds a few sword slashes.

Sword,Study,PA: 1d20 + 19 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 19 + 8 - 4 = 35
Damage?: 1d8 + 9 + 8 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 8 + 12 = 30 (and Sickened)

Sword,Study,PA: 1d20 + 14 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 14 + 8 - 4 = 37
Confirm?: 1d20 + 14 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 14 + 8 - 4 = 22
Damage?: 1d8 + 9 + 8 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 8 + 12 = 35 (and Sickened)

Sword,Study,PA: 1d20 + 9 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 8 - 4 = 18

The sneak attack tells me that the two are flanking Terana. Simon will wait for her to move out of the flank before taking his turn

Simon steps adjacent to the two Mezlans and quaffs an extract of Elemental Aura, choosing Acid. Not positive if that provokes

Acid: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10 Plus they are Sickened and 1 point of ongoing damage for 5 rounds. Reflex DC 18 halves the damage and negates the extra effect.

"Mezlans?! I thought they were made up."

What does Simon know about them?
Knowledge(Dungeoneering): 1d20 + 15 + 1d8 ⇒ (9) + 15 + (6) = 30

Simon steps up and swings his longsword at the nearest Mezlan.

Longsword,Study,PA: 1d20 + 19 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 19 + 8 - 4 = 40
Confirm?: 1d20 + 19 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 19 + 8 - 4 = 25
Damage?: 1d8 + 9 + 8 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 8 + 12 = 37 (and Sickened - if applicable)

"They appear to be quite mad, as might be expected if they have been trapped here for multiple millennia. We likely have no option but to defend ourselves without a Calm Emotions spell"

"Thassilonian? That is a surprise. They are minions of Xanderghul, the Runelord of Pride and think we work for the veiled master.", Simon exclaims just before his body is wracked by electricity.

Reflex: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (8) + 20 = 28

"Perhaps they can be reasoned with yet."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 + 1d8 ⇒ (20) + 6 + (7) = 33

Realizing that going into battle with no magical protection, but facing the fact that his typical buffs have long expired, Simon quickly drinks extracts of Cat's Grace and Blue, then begins leading the party to the left, planning to check the first entrance he comes to.

Looks like I never healed from a previous battle, so that actually dropped me

Shaking his head at the failure of his ploy, Simon draws the longsword and moves toward the closest construct.

"We apologize for the attempted deception and for this unfortunate violence. It is obvious that your programming is in error and Jazradan thought you might respond better to Lurisian's name.

We do not seek your end, but are prepared to perform our duties regardless."

Sword,Study,PA: 1d20 + 19 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 19 + 8 - 4 = 29
Damage?,Study,PA: 1d8 + 9 + 8 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 8 + 12 = 32

Simon fixes a bored expression on his face as he steps forward to speak. "Maintenance. Lurisian sent us to take a look at the Overseer. Records show it is past time for regular maintenance."

Bluff,Inspiration: 1d20 + 9 + 1d8 ⇒ (5) + 9 + (8) = 22

Simon shares what he has been able to learn and then has Terana lay out the portable hole so he can begin loading it with the books that remain.

"We have learned everything we can from this wing, it seems. We should head back and move on to the next wing to locate all of the keys."

Can anyone else get use from the Wis bonus from this ioun stone until we have to use it? Valentin would likely gain a couple of spells and DC bonus.

Simon stares in awe at the longsword from the museum, amazed at the devastating wound it dealt. Carefully stowing it, he looks around at the library and the task ahead of them.

After a few minutes of browsing, the remainder of his mutagen fades and his features soften to normal again. Beginning to pick out possibly meaningful books, he grunts to the others.

"This is going to take a while. You might want to make yourselves more comfortable."

I am going to hope that Taking 10 will be enough here.

Knowledge(History) T10: 10 + 23 + 5 = 38

After research, Simon will also use the Scholar's Ring to cast Legend Lore on the Synchrony Device.

Simon moves around the fiend, pulling his new longsword. He positions himself to flank with Terana and swings.

Longsword,Study,PA,Flank: 1d20 + 21 + 8 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 21 + 8 - 4 + 2 = 44
Confirm?: 1d20 + 21 + 8 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 21 + 8 - 4 + 2 = 34
Damagex2,Study,PA, Thunder: 2d8 + 24 + 8 + 24 + 1d8 ⇒ (7, 3) + 24 + 8 + 24 + (8) = 74
(and Sickened, DC 14 Fort or deafened)