I would guess the various costs and availability have little to do with in-game rationale and more to do with balancing the "fair to all" versus "attracting GMs to cons" equation, like it always has.
I mean, if no one complains about a worldwide currency devaluation of 90%, I don't think requests based on what was previously common will be very persuasive...
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
As the last duergar falls, Tarn moves to begin healing people with his wand. (If you want, go ahead and use charges, but there's only 12 left, so first come first served!
"You are a brave soul, little one, Ah'll give you that," Tarn replies to the wayang. "Perhaps your little revolt would be aided by a frontal assaul... I mean, distraction, as you are freeing your friends?"Anyone who hates the duergar cannae be all that bad, eh?
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
Remember, bless is up!
Tarn casts another boneshaker, this time directed at the red Duergar. damage:5d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 3, 5, 4) = 19 plus pull him 5' closer (Fort save DC 15 for half damage and avoid the movement). Then he steps forward and readies his hammer.
[ooc]I moved both him and I - nove him Northeast 1 square if he makes the save).
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
Tarn's eyes narrow as the dark dwarf speaks. "Ooh, he blasphemed against Droskar, did he? Well, I guess not all Aspis are all bad." He spits. "How did he blaspheme - did he have an original thought? That's not something yer DEMI-god can do, now, is it?" Tarn starts to move forward, his rage building with every step. "I guess ye can't expect much from a mere student, anyway... maybe if ol' Droskar took a night class, he might be able ta find gainful employment instead of having to leech off of morons like you filthy nhgai g'y'ai ugthai fnglathen vug'k'r!" As Tarn's voice slips into Aklo as his anger builds, he casts boneshaker at the duergar.
damage:5d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 5, 2, 1) = 16(Fort save DC 15 for half damage (not going to move him))
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
Tarn once again calls upon the blessings of the Last moon to favor them in the fight, and then fortifies his own strength. (Casts bless and divine favor.)
Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10(+2 more with stonecunning)
Once his devotions are completed, he examines the door carefully, and then nods to Sard. "Ready, aye, ready,"
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
Tarn returns Lis' hug awkwardly, as if it is a new experience for him. "Thank you, lass," he mutters, unsure of the whole situation. He gladly hands over the mask-shaped creature, wondering if his preoccupation with the creature contributed to his near-demise.
When the key is discovered, Tarn gives it a glance. "Ah expect this will prove useful somewhere, best keep it safe."
On the way out, Tarn picks up the dark dwarf's magical hammer. "I'll name you Irony, love," he whispers to the hammer. "Tha's what it'll be when I use you against your former masters."
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
Thanks, Kate! I owe you one, Tarn is one of my favorites face-to-face. Next PaizoCon, dinner's on me!
Tarn gazes into the blackness. Och, come ON! Ah thought Ah'd at least get to see the Last Moon when Ah died... maybe hear the End's Voice? Nothing? REALLY?!
Suddenly he feels a wave of pain wash over him, and a faint light becomes visible in the distance. Here we go, this is the part where the End Times are revealed to me... what do ye wanna bet that bugger Yargos Gil is involved? As the light brightens, a dark, two-headed silhouette appears in the center, growing clearer and clearer... until it resolves into the concerned faces of Lis and Sard, looking down at him with his companions in the background.
"So... Ah guess Ah'm not dead, then?" is all he can manage. Despite the fact that his torment in this existence will now continue indefinitely, he feels strangely grateful to be alive. He looks down and realizes that he's covered in several kinds of blood and not a few other bodily fluids.
"Well, Ah'll say this - death's a great muscle relaxant! Loosens everything right up! S'cuse me while Ah change my shorts," he mutters, stepping around a corner. A moment later, he comes back clean, fully healed and wielding the shield he's worn on his back most of the day.
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
So, um... while I did update to 5th level, I somehow did incorrect math on hp, *and* didn't update the profile. So, Tarn should have 35 hp total. How that plays out is up to the GM.
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
And just so everyone knows: I responded hastily without reading the full set of posts since I was at an event, and missed the huge damage the xorn did to Sard... so it's all on me for doing something so boneheaded. No fault on anyone else. Sorry I reduced the effective APL with my mistake. (Exactly the amount of damage required to reach negative Con.) :/
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
Tarns eyes widen, surprised by the force of the creature's bite! It's follow-up attack closes them, and he slumps to the floor, unmoving.
Mental note, ask for primary attack damage first...
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
Tarn sighs at the xorn loudly, shakes his head, and moves past Dewberry, climbing onto the table and moving past the xorn (provoking AO). He pulls out his heavy flail and whacks the xorn in the head, spouting some harsh-sounding curses in Aklo.
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
readied action:
boneshakerdamage:5d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 6, 6, 4) = 21 plus move 5' (I'll move him into the squeezed square with the anvil if I can, otherwise I'll leave him there) , Fort DC 15 for half damage and negates the move.
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
"Och, don' even bother trying to talk to a duergar... they're barely even intelligent," Tarn mocks. " 'You must be here to die,'" he imitates the duergar unflatteringly. "Come ON, are those really the only two choices your puny brain can envision?"
Tarn moves past Dewberry and faces the xorn. "Now, this Xorn here... there's an intelligent creature! Not evil and stupid like a duergar. This one knows right from wrong, and also how to do simple addition. He understands that he's on the losing side if he fights... and is it really worth dying for THAT idiot?" He gestures to the duergar again. "I don' think so."
Move action to move, ready a standard action to cast boneshaker on the duergar if the Xorn attacks.
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
4 average charges from my wand used.
"Yer pardon, Tanbaru... I was thinking of another flying face guy I know with a similar-sounding name."Being perfectly serious... Mummy's Mask spoiler, so I won't get into it.
Before opening the door, Tarn will bring the blessings of Groetus upon us, so that we may all face the the world's ending with misplaced confidence. bless
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
Tarn uses his wand to heal his own wounds, as well as anyone else's who needs it, feeling somewhat guilty for not being able to find the path around all the duergar. Let me know if you want charges from my wand instead of your own!
Once ensuring the group is fully healed, Tarn turns his attention to the door. "Ah, the music o' the forge," he mutters. "Wonder what these evil buggers're making? Any idea, Pendaru? "
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
Power failed in the middle of a post... back now!
Tarn shivers slightly as he lets the mask settle onto his face. "Ah've heard about beings like you, but Ah never thought I'd meet one meself!" He keeps up a constant if whispered conversation with Pendaru the entire way through the tunnels. Nothing critical, more about his kind, if he has relatives, what daily life as a mask is like, etc.
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
Knowledge (planes):1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Tarn looks at the floating mask askance. "So, ye're a prisoner here, are ye? I don' think ye're a prisoner anymore... c'mere!" Tarn will go up and gently pick up the mask, examining it carefully. If the creature permits, he will don the mask.
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
Tarn grimaces as he looks at up the stairs. "Stupid dark dwarves, can't just stand on the ground..." He starts toward the stairs, then stops. "Och, forget it," he mutters, sheathing his axe and letting his eyes roll back. Calling upon the void, he takes control of the blue deurgar's skeleton, and tries to yanks it off the ledge!
5-foot step, move action to sheath weapon, standard to cast boneshaker at Blue - Damage:3d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 3) + (6, 6) = 19, Fort save DC 15 for half damage. If he fails, he moves 5' to the right, and falls to the ground.
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
Tarn moves forward and pulls out his battle axe, moving up to the blinded duergar. "We should keep one alive for questioning," he muses, looking at his sharpened axe wistfully.
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
Tarn shakes his head at the party's decision, but doesn't object. Seems that by taking a bribe for leaving this thing alive , we've shown what Pathfinders are made of, all right...
Arriving at the stone staircase, Tarn frowns. "Who would build such a useless stair? If they could fly, why have stairs at all? if they canna fly, how do they get up there?" Tarn will examine the area for other possible paths before handing one end of his rope to the best climbing in the group.
"Here, tie this off when you get up there... "
Tarn will wait until the rope is attached before ascending.
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
Tarn glares at the creature while drying himself off and wringing the water out of his beard. At the mention of the Aspis and the Society, he snorts. "Interestin' how from the outside the two groups seem alike," he mutters, shaking his head. Not very different after all, really...
"Ah guess ol' Aram Zey'll be a bit vexed that the Aspis are here in his private playground," he mutters. "I canna say I'm surprised... the Aspis seem to get wind of anything the Society does, sooner or later." He shakes the water from his ears, and then hefts his crossbow meaningfully towards the fey. "So, shall we finish this fella and get on with it?"
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
Tarn concentrates again, using his brain drain ability on the fey creature. cold damage:4d4 ⇒ (1, 4, 1, 4) = 10 Will save DC 15 negates, and I get the effects of detect thoughts on him as well if he fails the save.
Brain Drain:
Brain Drain (Su): You can take a standard action to violently probe the mind of a single intelligent enemy within 100 feet. The target receives a Will save to negate the effect and immediately knows the source of this harmful mental prying. Those who fail this save are wracked with pain, taking 1d4 points of damage for every oracle level you possess. After successfully attacking with this ability, you may use a full-round action to sort through the jumble of stolen thoughts and memories to make a single Knowledge check using the victim’s skill bonus. The randomly stolen thoughts remain in your mind for a number of rounds equal to your Charisma modifier. Treat the knowledge gained as if you had used detect thoughts. This is a mind-affecting effect. You can use this ability once per day at 1st level, plus one additional time per day at 5th level and for every five levels beyond 5th.
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
Tarn continues to hold his breath, and uses his interstellat void ability as posted above. (Sorry, posted out of order again.) He'll then work on escaping the watery prison that is making his braided beard float around like a face full of tentacles.
Please go ahead and roll whateve I need to escape being entangled... I'll do it this round if it is a move action, or next if it is a standard or full round action.
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
Tarn shakes his head and is about to shout his warning again, when the "treasure" transforms into Definitely Not Treasure. Wha' under tha final moon is tha'?
Tarn moves to the edge of the pond, invoking the favor of Groetus to bring this foul beast to a quicker end than that which we all face.
bless, +1 morale bonus to hit and on saves versus fear
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
"Hmm, seems to be an illusion... I'm thinkin' a trap o' some sort. Let's stay oot a the water, in case some beastie comes lookin' fer a meal."
Tarn starts pulling out some rope, preparing to cross the river (assuming that's where we're heading). "We're lookin' for these dwarves, not on the hunt for baubles. Best keep to our task."
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
Tarn follows along, trying to remember what he can about Duergar. Did my Knowledge checks net me anything? Tarn hasn't seen them before, so he'll fall back to his training.
As we approach the water, Tarn will also cast detect magic, and scan the surroundings. Once Ostandiel makes his request, Tarn will also study the items. "Who would be so careless as to drop this in the water, an' no come back fer it?" he wonders aloud.
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
Tarn listens to the story sadly, his concern finally breaking through the reserve. "Yer master, what were they called?" he asks, as gently as he can manage.
Not sure if the second roll technically applies, but there it is anyway.
Derail on PFS Knowledge skills:
Since it is technically legal for the GM to exercise discretion in how they give out information on a successful Knowledge check, here's the system I use:
If you have ranks in a Knowledge skill, I assume you know the basics of any creature with Base CR<Character level. Name, creature type, scariest ability, biggest immunities. If you roll really well, or make the roll but have ranks = character level in the skill, I give you pretty much everything that seems "important".
If you have encountered a creature with that PC before, I assume you remember the basics as well. If we follow the rules purely RAW, it would be meta-gaming to have a cold iron weapon without having ranks in Knowledge (planes) or (nature).
The system I proposed once to PFS leadership was that your PC auto-knows details of any creature whose base CR < character level IF you have ranks in the appropriate Knowledge skill = 1/2 character level AND you own the Additional Resource it comes from. Didn't fly.
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
Tarn listens silently to Aram Zey blather on about his pointless goals, and then sighs mightily. "Vera well, we'll talk to another group of dwarves and convince them to part with a relic of their history to satisfy your curiosity about wha' will happen when you stick it all together. I'm ready to go."
--- Later, when we arrive at the vilage...
Perception:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
"Oh, this place looks inviting! So much for a nice tavern stop a'fore we head into tha mountains," Tarn mutters to no one in particular. "Looks like Zey still needs practice with his aim, using this tapestry."
Tarn loads his crossbow and looks around, his gaze setting on the <something> to the southwest. "Wha's tha', then?" he asks, pointing at the whatever-it-is.
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
We were going wait a day, so Tarn could summon an earth elemental to go and get the instant fortress for us...
Once back at Tar Kuata, Tarn will seek out Menkha, spending some time with her and telling her the tale of the adventure, if she seems interested. He'll also try to understand a bit more about the appeal of the ascetic lifestyle she's chosen.
Other than that, he'll wait for his companions to conclude their discussions. if he sees the champion who we were forced to fight atop the tower, he'll again try to console her for her unfair loss against us. If the head of the order is around, Tarn will avoid him if possible, sneering at his heartlessness in destroying his "champion"'s confidence by forcing her to fight the four of us for his amusement.
"Och, this beastie is immune to pretty much any form of energy except sonic, an' I think it's venomous as well," Tarn yells to his companions. "Ye might try to avoid letting it bite you," he suggests helpfully.
I did a double move this round and drew my crossbow, plus the knowledge check, so I'm done.
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
Tarn hustles across the stony floor, drawing his crossbow and trying to think back to his time in the great libraries of Tar-Kazmukh. Wha' kind o' beastie is this alien horror? Looks a bit like a shoggoth, but there's no way these twits could o'summoned one... gibbering mouther? Some kind'eh ooze?
Dwarf PFS 15998-5 Oracle of the Dark Tapestry 5 | AC 19 T 10 FF 19 | HP 36/36 | F +2* R +1* W +4* | Init +4 | Perc +5*
Tarn moves to where he can see the Doomknight, and calls upon the Void to destroy the man's mind! (Interstellar Void revelation, 4d6 cold damage, Fort DC 15 halves)
Tarn will follow up with his other oracle revelation, brain drain (see my profile), and then cast boneshatter unless someone needs healing. I'f unlikely to be able to post until late tonight again, the band is playing the Winnipeg Folk Festival and there's no wifi.
