Thandar's Third Theorem's page

Thanks for running. It was a fun session with some interesting characters. See you all around.

Third floats quietly around the corner and studies the circle from another angle. Subic was too chaotic to affect this circle of Hell's lawfulness. Acme? Sure, let us try the Acme Angular Aspect, they decide.

Arcana: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
Arcana, HP vestments: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 11 + 1 = 21
Out of Hero Points. Let's hope I don't need one for a save.

Third watches Fjorn and Dinardin engage with the ort just beside them, but no one notices the silent, invisible floating brain. They move a bit further away, just to be safe. A summoning circle. A planar rift to Hell. We just need to close it. Ah, perhaps using a Subic Systemic Sorting....

Arcana: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
Well, let's try again
Arcana, HP, vestment: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 11 + 1 = 17
Jeez, wasted the HP.

Hmm, no. I will have to try something less chaotic than anything originating from Subic.

Would dispel magic work?

Does this actually count as a hostile action? They're just trying to manipulate the magic to close the interplanar rift, not actually harm anyone....

Third watches with intent curiousity as Fjorn's horn sprays a potion across their membranes and it seeps into their bloodstream. They're even more amazed as their hands quickly turn invisible, leaving only the outlines visible to their alien eyes. Amazing, thank you Fjorn of the Kilkind Clan.

And with that, they cast a quick spell and fly up and over the heads of the orts to the far end of the catacombs before stopping a safe distance away to study it more closely.

RK on the Circle, Arcana: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
How to Disable, or if you're just giving us that in the Spoiler, What is the Routine.

◆◆ Warp Step includes 50 foot Fly movement adjusted for also going up 5 feet through Basag's square, ◆ RK on the Circle

And I'm just sayin' I'm still waiting for an answer to "how does Third become invisible?"

I am delaying (IRL, not mechanically in character) for Fjorn to either answer the question Third asked or not and post.

Third would naturally share what they know of "orts." Principally that they resist physical damage unless the weapon (or the needle darts) are made of silver. The alien mage subconsciously pats the small pouch at their hip containing chunks of both cold iron and silver for just such a situation.

Third knows they need to get to the circle to shut it down. But how...

Fjorn, what do you mean? Can you make me invisible? Then perhaps I can fly past the enemy and not draw their attention until I begin dismantling their circle, they ask the alchemist telepathically so the orts don't hear.

Meanwhile they consider what they might know of these creatures.

Tap into Blood: ◆ Attempt to Recall Knowledge; you can use Arcana (+11) instead of the skill normally needed for that subject. If you critically fail at this check, you get a failure instead.
Resistances please.

They then fire a pair of force missiles at the furthest devil, assuming that one will be the one to come after them when they get to work on the circle.

◆◆ Force Barrage vs Red, Potency: 2d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2, 2) + 2 + 1 = 7

Using that particular spell fires up what passes for blood in the alien being, and they feel invigorated by the surge.

Imperious Defense: Raw magic emanates from every cell in your body, protecting you. Until the start of your next turn, you gain your choice of either a +1 status bonus to AC or a +1 status bonus to saving throws.

Third is Expert in Arcana and +11. Though they'd also be fine doing combat, disabling the circle should be a top priority.

Invisibility would help them get up there, but they could also Fly, so we'll see what GM says about the ceilings.

Reflex DC 19, Lesser Cover behind allies: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 1 = 27

Third smooshes down behind Basag, but it's not quite enough to block the fire.

@GM: Before Third moves: How high is the ceiling? Could Third Fly over the heads of the enemies? Could he remain high enough to be out of their reach? And please confirm if the black solid lines are indeed full height walls or what.

Academia Lore: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Thandar's Third Theorem settles down in the Arcanamerium with a nice cup of tea to get caught up on grading papers for one of the Theoretical Magic professors.

I have feet, Third thinks to themself indignantly as a voice whispers otherwise across the cosmos. They just don't touch the ground. Often.

"Of course we will help. As someone I know once said, 'Paffinders always help,'" Third assures Chief Helba.

But as they float into the room and behold the power of the circle, they stop in awe of its intricate arcane energies.

Ah, yes, Olinda used an Ong'ian Knot, a nice attempt to tie the divine and arcane together, but very susceptible to being undone with a Makati Maneuver, Third recalls as they manipulate the circle.

Arcana (E): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

As a bit of the circle depowers, Third moves on to the next segment of the summoning ritual. Hmmm. That part looks like a Quezon Quantum Query, but how would a Golarianite even know of those? Well, that doesn't matter,

Arcana (E): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Ah, I see. Perhaps it was not what I thought it was.

Third gently floats up to the door and applies a little psychic pressure to the hinge to keep it from squeaking.

Crafting: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Careful not to get too close to the drugged-up Ulfen, Third floats over to join the group and comments on how varied and useful Fjorn's concoctions are. They echo the mad alchemist's sentiment of being ready to proceed.

third floats past Granny with a bobble of respect for the fellow caster. They turn their attention to Marius. You should not have grabbed my colleague. It does not actually protect you to do so, they transmit straight into Marius' tiny pea-brain before inflicting the fear of the floaty brain upon him.

◆ Fly 20, ◆◆ fear, Will DC 20 from Purple Marius

Pleased with how well the previous spell worked, Third opts to (how do the humans say 'rinse-wash-repeat'?) cast the same spell again.

Acid Grip, Potency: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (8, 7) + 2 = 17

Then they cast a simple shield spell, fully expecting Olinda to target their fragile self.

◆◆ acid grip DC 20 Reflex. ◆ shield

Third doesn't need to be the genius that they absolutely are to tell that the Lady is the Caster. Whether of an arcane or divine bent is irrelevant at this point. They float to the side to get out of "fireball formation," and call forth an ephemeral, taloned hand which grips her by the throat, burning and pushing her backwards.

◆ Fly, ◆◆ acid grip. Reflex DC 20

Acid, Cayden's Crowd, Sorcerous Potency: 2d8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1, 1) + 1 + 2 = 5
Potency is a Status bonus, so not sure if they stack.
On any result except a Crit Success, she is moved between 5 and 20 feet straight back (West?) See the linked spell please. Would pushing her off the platform result in a fall?
On a Failure, she takes 1d6 persistent acid damage and a -10 foot penalty to her Speed.
Geez! Really? Snake eyes for damage from a Rank 2 spell!

Third studies the street as they rise slightly to get a better view.

Society: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

But fails to spot a clear way through.

Crafting DC 17: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Third peers into the alley and spots a mine. But when they try to disable it, they fail to account for how mundane, non-magical, and frankly archaic technology of these devices.

Third is caught a bit off guard by the swarm of imps and just instinctively lashes out with their mind. A blast of mental energy shoots forth, zapping the nearest imps and frying their tiny brains.

Ranged Attack, Bonus, DC 19: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 1 = 19

Seeing how the fires are propagating across the floor, Third floats straight up into the air to stay out of their reach. They try again to manipulate the arcane energies of the brazier.

Arcana: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Huh, that worked last time....

◆ Fly, ◆◆ Arcana to Disable
Floating just high enough to not get singed if when GM drops a flame on Third's square, but not so high as to take them outside the allowed distance to do the Disable.

Third floats up toward the brazier. Not toooo close, but close enough to get a good look at it. Ah, an artifact incorporating a physical religious symbol with the arcane energies of diabolism. This should be simple enough to undo... they thinks to themself as they manipulate the magical signature of the brazier.

Arcana (E): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

I think that should help some, they state via telepathy to Basag with a slight tone of satisfaction.

◆ Fly, ◆◆ Arcana to Disable

Why does Third only get 2 actions? He used 3 actions in round 1, and 3 in round 2. The RKs were both in Round 1. Round 2 was move and cast.

Assuming he has 3 actions in Round 3, he plans to move closer to the brazier and do Arcana to disable.

Third watches as Basag disappears into the darkness. Assured now that this is indeed something magical, they recall some of Thandar's other writings about unraveling magical effects.

Counteract the darkness, Rank 2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Probably not enough.
Counteract the darkness, Rank 2, Hero Point Vestments: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 1 = 30
That better be good enough!

Bolstered by Thandar's own Theorems, Third flies forward, ready to confront the brazier shortly.

◆◆ Dispel Magic, ◇Blood Magic*, ◆Fly
*Blood Magic: Casting a sorcerous gift spell grants either a +1 status bonus to AC or a +1 status bonus to saves for 1 round.

"There is a ... " Third begins to say something about the brazier when the whole area around it goes black. A string of alien words(?) that sound like a lute fighting with a bagpipe come from the floaty brain's mouthparts.

"Pardon my shobad. That was quite rude and unnecessary of me to swear like that. There are several magical effects going on here, and I should like to see them more closely before I act," they say as they fly into the room and alight within sight of some of the individual fire spots.

GM, I'd like to RK on the fires themselves, to see how they can be put out / disabled. This would be distinct from the RK on the brazier, I think, but would use the same roll(s) as above.

◆ First RK, ◆ Fly, ◆ Second RK

Third looks at Kosh and Fjorn dubiously. Clearly fetching buckets of water isn't something the Contemplative can do easily with their tiny little stick arms. But they do note something Basag says. "Black flames are unusual on any world, except perhaps one with a significantly different atmosphere. But then, we likely would not be able to breathe. Nevertheless...." Their musing trails off as they consider what they might know.

Please roll me a Recall Knowledge about what are clearly magical flames using Arcana +11 (E). Note that if Third fails, they have the Cognitive Crossover feat which would trigger a free reroll using Society at +9.

Hearing the commotion up at the front of the crowd of refugees, Third moves forward, though they do so carefully so as not to startle the drunks.

"You mentioned the Bumblebrashers. What more can you tell us?" they ask.

Since Third was the First to get volunteered, he'd be leading one of the groups from the first place we visited, Cayden's Keg.

Third finds themself being followed by several of the Caydenites and initially finds the experience quite strange. Usually, Golarianites flee or scream or throw rocks at one such as them. But this group seems quite nice. They engage in a lively conversation about the tenets of Cayden Cailean with the priestess Brynne Taithe, discuss the various types of alcohols with the bartender, and even answer young Roger Woodall's many questions about Akiton. It seems that there are at least some on this planet who can accept a contemplative as they are.

At the Great Dreamhouse, Third initially remains outside to keep an eye on the Caydenites. After Priestess Taithe takes command of them for a few minutes, Third is freed to attempt to find ways to boost the healing magics with more arcane methods. This is exactly the kind of research they came here to do - meta-mixing and inter-crossing of the existing magical traditions!

Arcana (E): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

@Players: I nominate Granny or T3 for Guide Civilians

Third can herd civilians. It'll improve their Initiative by allowing them to roll Diplomacy, and their Exploration Activity is usually detect magic or Avoid Notice, so no loss to the party from doing this instead.

"Thank you for the offer, but I will have to forgo imbibing your alcohol, as it does not agree with my alien physiology."

As they enter the bar, they cast a simple spell to help them navigate the social situation.

"And you you are correct, Priestess Taithe, no member of my species has ever been a Hellknight, and we are indeed friends," Third says as they float through the door. They turn slightly to the fresh-faced youth reloading his crossbow and give a salutary bobble before moving on.

"And that is exactly why we are there today. The Pathfinder Society has been asked by the Eagle Knights to help evacuate civilians from the city. Both they and the Hellknights are amassing large armies, and this city will become even more of a battleground than it already has been. We urge you to come with us to a safer area south of the river, at least just until the fighting is over."

Diplomacy, Read the Air: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 1 = 30

Third floats along the ground to the goblin and assures him that the Pathfinders will do their best. "Where in the city did Chief Helba and the others normally reside, and where might they be now?" they ask.

Nice slide ;) I will abstain from making any suggestions as to the order, and just second Basag's suggested route.

Third listens intently to the discussion of local geopolitics. They've certainly made an effort to learn it since being stranded on this planet, but the history here is so subject to the whims of the winners that every reading requires a further delving into the historiography of the account.

Like a good student, they remain quiet as the more knowledgeable speak, and then ask a simple question though in a surprising way. They broadcast telepathically to the party and the Venture Captain, both to acquaint them with this mode of communication and to ensure that the question is heard beyond the din of the army's preparations.

Venture Captain, you said we are to check on three locations. What locations exactly, and what can we expect to encounter at each?

Slide 3 has the blank map, but he said "check three of the locations I’ve marked on the map."

I tried PbD and didn't like it. It moves too fast for me, especially in my previous life when I wasn't online 24/7.

I'm still in the Lodge but just for Cayden's Ascension online Con this coming weekend.

Third shakes hands with Fjorn using the upper right of their limbs and bobbles in the air once slightly as if bowing. They begin to speak, but stop, resisting the urge to explain who Thandar was and the importance of their theorems, most notably of course the Third. "Thank you, Fjorn. But worry not; this is not my first mission as a Pathfinder, and my magics and mental powers have proved sufficient so far. Not that I will be rushing forth into the breach, obviously," they finish with a laugh and Fjorn is sure that he hears the laugh both audibly and directly in his mind.

At Granny's introduction, Third bobbles in the air again in greeting. They opt not to pet Hungry, fearing that such a beast would likely find their small hands a bit too irresistible as a snack.

Full disclosure, I'm running this in PBP currently.

I've added a slide to the Slide Deck for character art in case anyone else wants to post other art of their characters than the default PBP avatar. Since Paizo still has no Contemplative avatar for the forums, I added some art of Third to the slide.

A giant floating brain comes flying across the formations of troops. "Giant" in that it's an exposed brain nearly as large as a beer-barrel with an atrophied body hanging beneath it.

Thandar's Third Theorem (the name of the giant floaty brain) is used to the effect they have on most people of this planet. They barely even notice the gasps or how activities come to a halt as they pass. From their altitude of 20 feet or so above the crowds, they scan the troops looking for Venture Captain Brackett whom they were told would have their assignment.

They spot a small team assembling near the Venture Captain and float down to join them.

"Hello, you are the Pathfinder team, I presume?" they say aloud so as not to startle anyone with a telepathic greeting as they smoothly descend to the field. Hovering just above the dirt, their feet - though clad in lightweight soft boots - don't quite touch the surface. The atrophied body with 4 thin arms hanging below the giant brain is clad in simple traveler's clothes. They bear no weapon or gear except a small pack upon their back and a wayfinder dangling from a thin belt at their waist.

"I am Thandar's Third Theorem, but please just call me Third for simplicity."

Third is set up on the Macros and slide. They're very squishy, so please no friendly fire unless absolutely necessary (I'm not objecting outright.)

Provision = Rank 2 scroll of heal given to whomever can cast it (Granny, I presume?)

My measly 2 glyphs don't add anything to the pile already on the table :)

I signed up with my level 4 Contemplative imperial-bloodline sorcerer. I have another level 4 I could bring, a Commander instead. But that's it in my stable that hasn't already played this.

Having all of our martials on a level bump isn't very promising, especially if we don't have good in-combat healing.

Thanks everyone for this my first run of Third in PBP. It gave me a chance to flesh out some personality for them. Thanks of course to our great GM, and to the wonderful Author of this fun scenario.

Thandar's Third Theorem is quite happy to partake of the crab cakes and other tasty seafood. They reluctantly follow everyone else down to the docks, though they're hopeful that perhaps there will be a food stall selling something else new for them to try. (Running that big brain and telekinetically flying everywhere takes a lot more energy than one might assume.)

They fly around the upper parts of the mast and out on the yardarms to look the ship over, but of course, they know little of ships so it's more of a casual tour than an inspection. It also keeps their toes well away from any rats (and their eyes from Irina's ire).

Eventually, they decide that it's time to go. Thank you everyone for a most successful mission. I do hope to work with you all again soon. With that said, the giant floaty brain heads over to a ship bound for Absalom to continue their magical research at the Arcanamerium. Though there might be a short stop at a dockside food stall for some "provisions" for the trip.

Third is unsurprised that someone tried shooting them. They focus slightly on the one that did - the monkey with the Blue necktie on - and call forth a minor curse upon it before summoning a dust storm from the northern volcanic mountains of Akiton to envelope both of the monkeys out on the pillars.

ancesteral memories at Blue (who now takes a -1 status penalty to their save against...) ash cloud. At the start of their turn: DC 19 Fortitude save. Fire damage: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5

Third gently floats up to the deck of the Eaglet and turns to face their accuser.

"Captain Conziva, we did not kill your crew. While we certainly could have, we only took them as prisoners. However, allow me to demonstrate the power that you face, that you might consider joining with us instead of opposing us."

The tiny thin fingers of Third's primary arms trace intricate symbols in the air while they speak in arcane words not familiar to those of this planet. Suddenly a tendril of lightning snaps down to strike Captain Conziva from the clear blue sky above punctuated with a crack of thunder.

Thunderstrike H2, Potency: 2d12 + 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 12) + (2, 3) + 2 = 23

◆ Fly, ◆◆ thunderstrike signature spell Heightened to Rank 2 plus Sorcerous Potency. DC 19 Basic Reflex. Note: "A target wearing metal armor or made of metal takes a –1 circumstance bonus to its save, and if damaged by the spell is clumsy 1 for 1 round."

Third will take an oak potion and hand it to Capt Kortos for her to use while on the row boat out to the ship (she seems to get stabbed a lot more than he does.)

I know the scenario only mentions Climbing as an option, but I presume Third can just Fly up there instead without having to make a check.

Thandar's Third Theorem checks in with their Academic Advisor at the Arcanamerium. They would much rather be working on their own magical research, of course, but this pays the bills. They spend several hours checking student essays to make sure there weren't any Magical Intelligences (summoned Celestials, for instance) used to write them.

Academia Lore: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

DC 15 = 1.6 gp

Recognizing the trouble Chis is having, Third switches to Tien wherein the words "cereal" and "serial" are not homophones.

Serial murderer? Not in the slightest. I would refer you to the ancient Shobad warlord Van-Ver who slew over 1 million enemies with only his own hands and handheld weapons. I killed a rat that tried to bite me, then put another to sleep after your first unwarranted admonishment. Do you never kill, Miss Irina? the Big Head asks with irritation in their mental voice.

"I believe that is a complete report," Third nods as they take a sip of the excellent tea. "I suspect Captain Kortos has more complete notes and a better understanding of the political and tactical situation than I do, though."

They set the tea cup down and retract their mouth-straw to sample some of the fruits. "Are these muskmelons, by chance? The pirates did mention that Captain Conziva has a soft spot for a certain baby gorilla named ... something nautical, I believe ..." Third's eyes pass around the room as they think and settle on the Andoran Navy Lieutenant with the strangely nautical name. "Port, Abaft, Poopdeck?" they muse. "Ah, no Flotsam it was, and said gorilla has a penchant for muskmelons we were told."

Being extremely careful not to get any of the alcohol in or on themself for fear of the horrendous side-effects, Third mixes the Sauerton Red with some other ingredients, lacing the brew to have similar effects on the hapless pirates. Thankfully, one of the sailors adds a few drops of some of his own "special sauce" making the mixture that much more effective.

Crafting, StSY: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 1 = 25

That's a Crit, and closes out this Obstacle.

Third sees the giant spider climb to the roof and realizes they could simply fly upwards to follow. But then they look at Capt Kortos and realize there's no way she's getting up there without help. Third draws a scroll from their pack and casts helpful steps configuring it as a staircase for a large creature.

Burning a consumable for the automatic Crit.

That said, I feel like having a native Fly Speed should allow an automatic regular success.

Hoping to exploit the pirates' views of foreigners, or foreign aliens as the case may be, Third speaks unnecessarily loudly in the choppy Tien dialect of a stereotypical Po Li mainlander.

Society, StSY: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 1 = 13