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After several days of traveling, you and your companions are at last approaching the small village of Grimmsgate. The narrow road that leads for miles through this forest is overgrown with weeds, beginning to blend and disappear entirely back into the wilderness. Indeed, everything you have seen since the last real signs of civilization has had the same feeling of slow retreat and disintegration. More than once, you have passed by strange signs and indications – bones arranged in a circle around a human skull; a small, red-stained wicker basket by the side of the road; an unmarked grave in the dappled shade of the trees. Finally, though, you see ahead of you the distinctive hill upon which the village of Grimmsgate is built. At the top, there is a small cluster of buildings – you can just barely see the half-collapsed roof of the old Temple of Law that was once said to be the pride of the village. Even at this distance, the place looks run down. Although the village is not fortified, the hill is very steep and only one path leads up to the top.
Hey everyone, I was unable to join the last S&W game so decided to drop a line here and check if there are other 'like minded' players out there who would be interested in playing/DMing with this OSR style ruleset. I think I would be interested in DMing something taking place in 'The Lost Lands' setting by Frog God Games somewhere along the line, but before getting into it I would prefer experiencing the rules from a player perspective. So I guess the bottom line is I am looking to understand if there would be enough interest from potential players and/or DMs out there. All hail Tsathogga!
Hey everyone and welcome to the continued Discussion for our Old School gaming.
A recap of what brought us here: - The interest thread started out as 'Delving into OSR with classic / older D&D Modules', but by the end of it had changed a bit, depending on whether you consider AD&D2e OSR or not;
I have been going over the rulebook, and deciding if I want to just give it a try 'as is', or add some houserules off the bat (we are not creating characters yet, so please do not go into a rolling rampage :D). These are currently under consideration (compiled from several different sources): Character Creation
Miscellaneous
(once there is a clear decision on everything, I will produce a 'Character Creation Basics' blurb as a reference)
A few last notes: There is an 'experimental' side to all of this - I am choosing AD&D2e because I feel like it fits the bill, and can be easily molded to run old D&D, while still providing an interesting enough framework to build characters and play with. However, it has been MANY years since I played AD&D2e, and nothing insures this will be the perfect fit throughout. So I am counting on you to have some flexibility (as will I) as we move along, and understand this is not a closed environment - we can/should make modifications if we believe them necessary. And if after some time we come to the conclusion AD&D2e is not the right option for this purpose, or we are not enjoying the experiment... Heck! We can try something else! Now let me know your thoughts about it all, if you are still interested, etc ;)
Hey everyone, I have this idea running around in my head for some time now, so I intend to move forward with it in 2023. The plan is to find an OSR system (or a mix of them) which can be easily used to run old D&D modules, for a couple of reasons: - I realize when you revisit things you are nostalgic about, sometimes they reveal themselves as a disappointment, and I am sure some of these modules might not have weathered the test of time in the best of ways, but I still want to play them. There are a lot of 'iconic' adventures I never put my hands on as a player or DM, so I would like to revisit them;
After some investigation, I cannot say I have been particularly efficient in narrowing them down, but I think the gist of it comes down to what kind of OSR ruleset I want to use, and I 'think' I have settled on a retroclone. Since I want to start simple, I am inclined to go ahead with using one of Swords & Wizardry, OSE Essentials, or Basic Fantasy RPG. (for the sake of reference, other systems I have looked into have been Castles&Crusades, Five Torches Deep, White Hack, Black Hack, Astonishing Swordsmen and Sorcerers of Hyperborea, etc.) Some of the 'reasoning' on what I am looking for: - Should fit (almost) seamlessly with OD&D and AD&D;
So that is the pitch - would there be interest out there in delving into such an endeavor? Playing older D&D modules while we experiment with an OSR ruleset? I will emphasize the 'experiment' side of things, since it may take some time to find something which appeals and works well for all, and we may never reach that goal ;) Let me know your thoughts!
Hey everyone, I have been unsuccessfully trying to join a D&D5e game for the better part of last year. Admittedly I also tried running one, but things unfortunately did not pan out as I would like them to… I am an almost complete noob with 5e, even though I have played all the editions before - and as with everything in this www of ours, I have read all sorts of opinions on the system, from saying it is a waste of space, to being complimented as the best system in the market :D Since nothing replaces one’s own experience, I decided to invest time in looking for a PbP game to test the waters with a simple, straightforward Paladin build, but it hasn’t been easy so far - not that many 5e games here on the Paizo forums (as expected I guess), and I have tried other forums (which shall remain nameless) with the same lack of success, and actually some disappointment at the community in terms of behaviour, activity, PbP ethics and so forth. This is a sort of ‘Interest’ thread, but in reverse, so as the title says, if anyone has been feeling an unstoppable urge to run a D&D5e game which accepts inexperienced players, please do not hesitate! I think we have very good player/DM dynamics in these forums - so it would be good to have a shot at trying a new system in this environment. Cheers!
Hi everyone, I am an almost complete PF2E noob about to play a Ranger with an Animal Companion. And my question is exactly as the title says - I have taken Precision, Gravity Weapon and Hunted Shot. STR14 and DEX16. At level 2 I will grab an Animal Companion, and the feats to improve him as we go. With this kind of setup, if a ‘normal’ enemy (not a BBEG) moves up into close quarters with me, I draw a morningstar and a shield and go to town with him. How well will I fare? Apologies if the question seems absurd, but I am just trying to get a feel for the relative power levels in PF2 :) Thank you in advance for any feedback! Cheers,
Talking about this. I mean, a Wizard can easily use this.... Hmmm... 7+ times a day right? Am I the only one to think this may be a tad over the top? It certainly is enough to break the balance on any melee encounter I think. Heck, +4 on Saving Throws will put a dent on any magical based encounter also :/ And this is a +4 flat bonus from level 1. Feels way too strong when compared with other level 1 School powers. Also, I do not see any duration - how long would the bonus be valid for?
Hey everyone, I have tried PF2 a couple of times but have not been captivated by it at all. Both my attempts were in PFS, and that may have contributed to my dislike? Everyone I played with was really kind and cool, but most players in PFS are usually more interested in ‘getting the job done’ so they can get to the next scenario, plus they already have their ‘combo’ characters, acting faster than I can follow and doing things I do not understand :) But the fact is most everywhere I turn, I keep reading good things about PF2 and I don’t want to miss out on the possibility of playing with a great ruleset. So like the title says I would like to join a game which would allow me another chance at understanding and learning more about the game system, mechanics, etc. I would like to experience the good things of PF2! If anyone knows of such a game, or would be on board for setting one up, just drop me a line. That is all! Albion
You were told that Madame Freona’s Tea Kettle was the place where adventurers could find work and avoid the hassle associated with other places in Phlan. So far, that has been true. Madame Freona, a stout and officious halfling who runs the establishment with her five daughters, has proven an excellent hostess. Although you have had to share a common bunkroom with several other adventurers, the evening meal was excellent and the atmosphere pleasant. You are preparing to bunk down for the evening when one of Freona’s daughters peeks into the room. She calls a few of the adventurers, including you, into the hall. “Pardon my interruption” says the halfling girl named Reece, one of Freona’s five daughters, just shy of adulthood. “A chap just came into the common room downstairs and asked me to fetch you. Something about some coin needing to change hands for an easy job.” She plays with her curly red hair nervously.
As usual, Bard’s Gate Market District is busy with the coming and going of merchants and the bustle of vendors selling their wares. Streets are full at all hours of the day and night, and the houses are new and well maintained, except maybe closer to the Canal District… Though many of the shops close their doors at night, the taverns and alehouses stay open quite late. The district is then lit by lamplights evenly spaced along the spacious streets, which are able to accommodate carts flowing in both directions. The main streets are set with stones, though the lesser streets and alleys are packed dirt. Here one can deal in and find almost anything - bakeries, produce and livestock, butchers, fish mongers, sellers of salted meats, stables, sellers of beasts of burden or small, nondescript taverns, alehouses and inns. There are very few buildings that are only residences, as those that do live here do so above their shops. The quarter is heavily patrolled, both by the District’s well-trained watch and by the Lyreguard as they come and go to the Keep from the West Gate. In addition, there is no lack of mercenaries and sell-swords accompanying merchants or seeking employment. The Triangle, so called for being the conjunction of three of the busiest streets in this city quarter, is completely packed. Surrounded on all sides by curiosity shops, mostly dealing in low-priced knickknacks and trinkets for visitors and tourists, stalls with good luck charms, whistles, miniature lead and tin soldiers stand side by side with vendors selling bottles of beer and meats of uncertain origin cooked on sharpened skewers. But one of the main attractions of The Triangle, is the Adventure Board! While many prefer to announce their job offers on ‘The Lyre Valley Beholder’, which has a definitely more official tone to it, the Adventure Board has become something of a well known attraction in the Market District - not only to those seeking real employment, but also as the reported starting point of many epic tales, and perhaps as many tragic ones. The large, sturdy wooden board mixes real and fake job announcements in a hodgepodge of scribbled papers, painted wanted signs and well printed contracts. Parents pick up their children for a better look at this or that advert, or even at the occasional crude drawing of the dangers to face or hunt - a one eyed nasty orc, a gigantic skeletal bird, a monstrous dog faced creature, and even a magnificent Red Dragon! The quests and missions range from common, such as escorting a caravan, to the amazing, like hunting the aforementioned dragon. For some reason, one of the adds in particular caught your eye - penned with impeccable handwriting, it seems to strike a chord between something real and perhaps…. An adventure? ==================================================================== Adventurers needed! Seeking the aid of able-bodied entrepreneurs! Wilderness expedition in the Stoneheart Valley, and exploration of a Wizard’s tower just a few days from Bard’s Gate. Excitement, life experiences, and strong friendship bonds guaranteed, as well as equal shares of all gold or valuables recovered! Looking for the opportunity of a lifetime?! Come and present yourself at The Starving Stirge Inn on Sistersdag, 18th of Mithrond, and we will make things happen! Gubble, Wizard, Scholar, and Soon-to-be your fellow Travelling Companion.
Now that we have everyone gathered, I will just lay it out in the open - most of you know my thoughts about gaming in general, and PF in specific, what bothers me, what frustrates me and what I like about it. Some of you will know this better than others because you have most likely been a victim of one of my ‘old gamer’ rants, etc :) In any case I just wanted to invite you all for a brief discussion before we even get to the gist of it, the setting, character creation, etc. It took me a while just trying to decide what could make for an interesting game to such a varied and experienced group of players, and also which game system to use, but so far my plan is as follows: - I want to start small, so this will mean level 1 characters and a sort of ‘introductory’ adventure for now. Depending on the pace, the success (or not) of the game itself, our ‘feel’ for the setting, etc, we may level to 2 shortly after or not. It is open ended for now; - The setting will be a small corner of the Lost Lands, by Frog God Games. I know some of you will be familiar with bits and pieces of it (FGG has some pretty well known titles like Rappan Arthuk and Slumbering Tsar, just to name a few), while for others this will be completely new (for me it is very new, apart from RA and ST). That is one of the many reasons which made me choose this one - I wanted to get away from Golarion (for some reason the lore is not working out for me), and find something that would give us all a ‘new…ish’ and ‘unknown…ish’ feeling. The Lost Lands seem like a good setting for that; - The game will be themed. Adventure options/possibilities will present themselves, but hopefully others will be originate from your characters. I guess we can call it a ‘mixed’ sandbox environment of sorts, in which there will definitely be one (or more) over arching plot, driving adventures and paths to follow. But also room to play around with character ambitions and backgrounds. But not to worry, the ‘amount’ of Sandbox will adapt to you, so as not to paralyze the game; - The system will be Pathfinder First Edition. I know it was not the main preference for all of you, but it is the system I am currently most familiar with, as well as the majority of you I believe. I am not going to put up a lot of restrictions on character creation upfront, but I will have some more notes on the subject further along during this ‘Discussion’. On the table were also D&D5E (which lost to PF1 due to me being much more familiar with PF), and PF2 (I can’t put my finger on it yet… But I have now played it a couple of times and I don’t like it. Also I am definitely not familiar with it); So starting with these notes, what are everyone’s thoughts and/or questions? Does this sound good?
Hi everyone, You all ‘kinda’ know what this is about - so just feel free to dot in, and we’ll get the ball rolling. I have been (still am) on vacation and mulling things over in my head by the pool or at the beach, so once we are all here I will open the Discussion thread. Then we can start trading some ideas and details. Let’s do this! ;)
First a disclaimer - this is NOT a Recruitment Thread. There is no reason to submit characters, though character related questions are welcome (because they can serve as an example for what we would be trying to put in place), as well as any others :D With that being said, I am pondering running a Sandbox-y game (or maybe not) surrounding the infamous Zelkor's Ferry (you are all seeing where we may eventually go with this, right?). For this, I would like to have strong, well rounded characters which make sense - but the thing is, I don't want to fall inadvertently victim of PF's well known power creep, ending up with a skewed game in my hands, or having to go head over heels modifying every single encounter to make it appropriate to broken characters. So the plan would be something along the lines of: --------------------------------------------------------- - PF1 character starting at level 2 (probably);
--------------------------------------------------------- Though sandbox-y, I would expect the group's earlier endeavors to be be related with discovering the surrounding region and wildlife, urban events related with the local inhabitants, exploration, etc. And we would see where it would take us. As per my usual self, I prefer to start small and grow, than be overly ambitious and never get things off the ground. The most relevant question of all here is - would there be interest in participating in such a game? What are the positives and negatives you see, if any? Shoot away, ladies and gentlemen!
You were told that Madame Freona’s Tea Kettle was the place where adventurers could find work and avoid the hassle associated with other places in Phlan. So far, that has been true. Madame Freona, a stout and officious halfling who runs the establishment with her five daughters, has proven an excellent hostess. Although you have had to share a common bunkroom with several other adventurers, the evening meal was excellent and the atmosphere pleasant. You are preparing to bunk down for the evening when one of Freona’s daughters peeks into the room. She calls a few of the adventurers, including you, into the hall. “Pardon my interruption” - says the halfling girl named Reece, one of Freona’s five daughters, just shy of adulthood. “A fellow just came into the common room downstairs and... Momma said come fetch you, on account of he wanting you for an easy job. Or something to do with coins. I am not sure...” She plays with her curly red hair nervously, waiting for your reaction.
Hi everyone, I am playing in a game of Rise of the Runelords, and we are lacking a divine character. At level 4, I am playing a strange mix between Brawler/Fighter/Monk2, but was thinking if I could take a different path from here onward, by changing classes to either.... Cleric, or Sacred Fist (since my character has ties to the church in Sandpoint), or... Inquisitor? To try and shore up some of our lacking divine power. As I see it, a straight up change to cleric (don’t think there is any archetype with martial arts inclination?) would be the best option - I know my character would be at a serious disadvantage as far as caster level goes, but he would have an average combat chassis (probably will not scale very well as he levels up, because monk abilities will not progress), while being a full divine caster. What do you think? Any ideas on how to go about this one? I could try and push to scratch the character and create another, but I purposefully do not want to do that. I want the group to continue forward organically, even if the mechanical options before us are not the optimal. But it would be great not to cripple myself too much in the process :D
Hi everyone, lately I have been wanting more and more to get back into DMing/GMing, so decided to drop a line and see who would be interested in participating in a low level PbP D&D 5e introductory adventure. Admittedly I am more familiar with PF as a player and as a GM, but PF has been taking a route I am not very happy with - I feel like the amount of options and complex trait/feat/class/archetype abilities/magical items seems to be leading most people to create characters as an amalgam of numbers, and mechanical ways of breaking the system. To a point that I would only feel comfortable GMing with severe restrictions on allowed books. So instead of that, and to make a long story short, I decided to try my hand at a different system - hence D&D5e. Some information about myself: - I have GMed many times for my tabletop gaming group over the years in several systems (including D&D up to 4e), but my familiarity with D&D5e is superficial, so this will be a learning process, and patient/understanding players will be required ;)
I think this is the gist of it - anything you would like to know, just ask. And let’s see if we have enough interest to achieve critical mass on this one.
I have been really wanting to get back to DM/GMing, and I think the PbP medium is a right match, for several reasons. I have been playing PF1e for a long time now, but as a DM I feel like I need something more self contained, and with less moving parts than PF. Combine this with the fact D&D was my go-to RPG for many years (as DM up until 4e), and my will to give 5e a try, and my decision was made (kinda). After some soul searching, I decided to run Defiance in Phlan - it seems simple enough to not cause too much derail (even though we know players will derail stuff :D), and a safe environment to allow me to start 'learning the 5e ropes' That being said, and before venturing into it - any advice? :D
Hi all, Wanted to ask around if anyone knows of a way of doing a granular search of adventures/scenarios by main NPCs, or something along those lines. For example, I know it is very specific, but if I wanted to find an adventure based around a dwarf (or dwarves), or based on elvish history or artifacts, would there be a way to search for these? I am looking specifically for fantasy adventures, mainly PF ones, but D&D or other 3.5ish system would work. Turning to the forums, to see if anyone is aware of such a search engine? Thank you in advance! Albion.
Hi everyone, I am looking for advice on a well rounded region which could serve as a backdrop for (perhaps) a mini Pathfinder 1e campaign starting at level...2. I have a lot of ideas rolling around in my head, but to keep it simple - the plan is to manage a sandbox-y kind of game, in which players are free to move around and chase their adventures (or be thrown into some if necessary), but since my days of having the availability to spend hours pondering about adventure hooks for my group of players, and designing the encounters, are long gone, I am looking for something which will make my life simple, while allowing me the opportunity to improvise and change stuff as we go. We can discuss it further, but some of the things I am looking for/trying to accomplish: - Getting back into GMing without being overwhelmed with too many things at once;
That is all I have for now - hope it is enough to get the ball rolling :D Thank you in advance for any possible suggestions!
Hey everyone, Usually I come to the forums with very convoluted questions, but this time around I have a more... Straightforward one :D What 2nd level spells would you advise for an Inquisitor Archer? I am getting two 2nd level ones with my level up, and honestly there are so many good options (Align Weapon, Bloodhound for the combo, Boneshaker, Ghost Whip, Invisibility, See Invisibility, Litany of Duty, etc etc) I am having a hard time deciding... Which ones would you consider 'essential'? Thanks!
Hi everyone, After much hesitation and back and forth, I have decided to take a plunge into PF 2e. And I would like to start off by re-enacting an old concept of mine. A no-nonsense ex-army sergeant who has been through a lot. One of the things he has learned in recent years is a strong arm and a nice blade will usually not be enough to win you a scuffle on its own - you need to use your brain. And if you manage to have a handful of people you can trust with you, then you have got a real chance to succeed. He has been in prison, and served in the military - at the end of it all he came out acting rugged and callous at first sight. Those who care to look a bit deeper however, are many times surprised at the lengths he will go to stand by the ones he believes in. I would like to roleplay his Inspire Courage as something along the lines of 'barking orders' or shouting advice amidst a fight. Insults at the adversaries also works :D Crunch wise... In PF1 he was an half-orc, STR based Fighter 2(or Ranger2)/BardX with a reach weapon. Above all he would be a versatile character, perhaps not fully decked to be a frontliner, but compensating with magic, tactics, and a strong blade arm. In PF2e I have absolutely no idea :P I am thinking definitely a martial bent character, but with as many options as possible, a tactical mind, etc. My first impulse would be either a Fighter with the Bard Archetype? Or would it make more sense the other way around? Any advice would be welcome - as you can see I having some doubts where to begin. Thanks!
Hey everyone, As the title suggests I am looking for help on building a character just like that on a 15 pt buy at level 1 (slow leveling progression, so should be playable decently right off the bat). Race is custom (+2STR, +2WIS, -2CHA, +2 Natural AC, Gore Nat. Attack) Am still playing around with stats and the best way to build such a character concept, but my first instinct has been obviously Sacred Fist. Something like: STR 17
Feat: Dodge (any suggestions on this one?) I am a bit confused as to what my Flurry of Blows attack bonus should look like, but I guess +1/+1? AC seems to be sitting around 17 which is not too bad. Seems like a solid character at level 1 (apart from that horrid 2+Int skills), but I have read a lot of stuff around the forums regarding Sacred Fists being 'broken' or something along those lines, and that one is better off with straight up Warpriest even if for an unarmed combatant? I am not familiar with the class (never played one), so I just wanted advice on building him, and make sure I am not heading into some sort of dead end with a character which will not be fun to play in the long run. Any advice is welcome. Thx!
After many years playing RPGs (a lot of them in Fantasy Settings, and a lot of gaming with AD&D, 3.5 and Pathfinder), me and my regular gaming group have come to the conclusion there are a LOT of iconic modules/adventures/scenarios/campaigns we have actually never played through. Of course this is no biggie, and we all know some of the modules will probably look very strange in content and mechanics, when we look at them under a more modern light. However, we would still like to experience them nonetheless, and have been debating the best way to approach this idea. My group is all familiar with PF 1st edition, so the idea which is currently being more accepted in our midst is either looking for those modules converted directly to PF, or to D&D 3.5 or even 3.0. The fact that a lot of these conversions already exist is a plus. But I was thinking... What about the possibility of actually using the game versions for which these iconic adventures or campaigns have been designed for? Obviously this depends a lot on the group and DM being willing to learn/re-learn/remember older versions and mechanics, etc, but is it even feasible? Do you think it has the potential to be fun? Or most likely frustrating and a disappointment? Let me hear your thoughts on this. And thanks!
There are a million questions I would like to ask regrading this one, but I will start simple and take it from there. I have a STR based melee half-orc Ranger2/Bard5 in Kingmaker (no spoilers please), and I was planning on making him a Dragon Disciple. For several reasons: - Style and originality (I get the feeling there is a certain degree of coolness and variability to be attained as a Dragon Disciple, which is different from 'simply' being a Ranger/Bard). And it resonates nicely with the character, the more I think about it; - Melee efficiency while maintaining skills, spells and social capability. Can be done like this, right? - So far I have been a second line melee bruiser/buffer. Our Rogue/Slayer and Vigilante (Dex based Aldori sword) hit HARD, but we do lack a core 'tankish' character that can add STR to the mix. That would be me; - I have always pondered the combo but never actually went through with it. So I am at that moment when I think to myself - why not? --- He is currently built as a melee hitter, with Arcane Strike, Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Iron Will (I may still be in time to change this one out) and Power Attack. Usually wielding a reach bardiche, or 1h + shield if needed, inspiring others, using Mirror Image, you know the drill. I like the character mix, but now am looking for more uniqueness, so was planning to take the Eldritch Heritage (Orc) feat tree until I can grab the STR boost, and couple that with Dragon Disciple to bring some serious pain into the fold. Would go up to Bard7/Ranger2, then swap to DD (for 4 levels?) and take it from there. What do you all think? Ever played a similar build? Was it fun and interesting, while capable? Looking for advice and opinions. Thanks!
I just wanted to ask around if anyone has used the Horizon Walker Prestige Class recently, but NOT for a dip to help with the Dimensional Agility feat chain, and instead because of the possibilities/advantages it offers when plane hopping/travelling - was it worth it? Did it make for a decent Planar Survivalist/Guide Character, or would there be other, better options?
Hi everyone, I have been running my years long tabletop gaming group through a PbP experiment using Crown of the Kobold King (there will be some light spoilers below, so please stop reading if you plan to play this one). We have played many times and many games over the years, but system mastery has never been a thing, so some of the challenges become WAY more harder than they could be. Anticipating this + the fact we are talking about an older module + the fact we are kinda getting burned out on starting 1st level characters from scratch, I let them begin at 3rd level. Without knowing every in and out of it, I am pretty knowledgeable regarding PF 1st Edition so the idea behind the game was to give the PbP medium a try and see how it works out for our group specifically, while running a more or less straightforward adventure which should not give them too much trouble, and allow further understanding of the rules for all of us. ----- Things did not turn out like that, but still they plodded onward more or less successfully until reaching the kobold warrens. It is irrelevant how, but all hell broke loose, and now the PCs are pretty banged up and kinda cornered into a position where they somehow have to negotiate with the kobold tribe. I intend to just roll with it, so I thought a good twist/follow up for this one was the fact the Truescales have actually been pushed out of their caves by some 'foul “creeping shadows” which rose from the dark caves below and withered their finest warriors to skeletal husks' - so a result for the negotiations with the PCs could be agreeing to have them explore the 'evil below', in exchange for releasing the children to return home with Edgrin for example. What I am looking for are suggestions for modules/scenarios/adventures which could be adapted to this situation - I imagine some underground exploration coupled with lurking evil (undead spring to mind, but there are so many other options), etc. I would go freeform adventuring and improvise stuff as we go but... I am looking for something more self contained and ready to go (I am working from home as many others, but I am indeed working :D). I plan to level them up to 4 (or maybe even 5) - we have known each other for many years, and leveling has always been a slow process in our games, so I have no qualms in allowing them to just gain two levels instead of one, so we can continue our experiment. Any ideas/suggestions on adventures which I can adapt to this one would be very welcome, and thanks in advance!
Hi everyone, I am building an Eldritch Scoundrel for the first time, and would like to have some advice on how to go about the crunchy bits. So far he looks like this:
Half-orc unchained rogue (eldritch scoundrel) 1 (Pathfinder Player Companion: Arcane Anthology 23, Pathfinder Unchained 20) CG Medium humanoid (human, orc) Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +4 -------------------- Defense -------------------- AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10 (+3 Dex) hp 11 (1d8+3) Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +2 Defensive Abilities sacred tattoo[APG] -------------------- Offense -------------------- Speed 30 ft. Melee dagger +3 (1d4+2/19-20) or . . longspear +2 (1d8+3/×3) Space 5 ft.; Reach 5 ft. (10 ft. with longspear) unchained rogue (Eldritch Scoundrel) Spells Prepared (CL 1st; concentration +4) . . 1st—mage armor, vanish[APG] (DC 14) . . 0 (at will)—daze (DC 13), detect magic, message -------------------- Statistics -------------------- Str 14, Dex 17, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 8 Base Atk +0; CMB +2; CMD 15 Feats Arcane Strike, Weapon Finesse Traits fate's favored Skills Acrobatics +7, Disable Device +8, Intimidate +5, Perception +4, Sense Motive +4, Spellcraft +7, Stealth +7; Racial Modifiers +2 Intimidate Languages Abyssal, Common, Draconic, Goblin, Orc SQ orc blood, spells, trapfinding +1 Other Gear dagger, longspear, eldritch scoundrel starting spellbook, thieves' tools -------------------- Special Abilities -------------------- Arcane Strike As a swift action, add +1 damage, +1 per 5 caster levels and your weapons are treated as magic for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction. Darkvision (60 feet) You can see in the dark (black and white only). Orc Blood Half-orcs count as both humans and orcs for any effect related to race. Sacred Tattoo +1 to all saves. Spells Can cast wizard spells with the number of slots of a magus. Trapfinding +1 Gain a bonus to find or disable traps, including magical ones. --------------------------- The baseline idea for the character is an arcane enhanced scout/information gatherer. But I would like to give him an interesting, perhaps versatile combat mode, and thought a reach weapon might do the trick? The longspear gives me the 'Prince Nuada' feel, and I like that. I thought of grabbing Exotic Weapon Proficiency, but cannot do it at level 1. I am not a big fan of having a character depending on a particular type of weapon to be effective though... Also read somewhere in the forums that grabbing Quicken Spell at level 1 would be a good investment in the future, but I am not sure the game will go that far. One of my other doubts is if it would make sense to swap his stats around a bit, and make STR the main stat instead of DEX? So I would welcome any general advice on Eldritch Scoundrels and all of this :D Thanks!
Hi everyone, I have a couple of doubts regarding the the Forge Spurned (LINK) - For starters the description states 'Space 5 ft.; Reach 5 ft. (10 ft. with soul chain)', but also states 'The soul chain is treated as a flaming spiked chain', and spiked chains do not have Reach, right? - Also, assuming the Soul Chain attacks with Reach, if someone steps up close, does it mean the chain cannot attack any longer, unless the Forge Spurned takes a 5'step back? Am I reading this wrong? Thanks for any input guys.
Assuming the heroes cast Grease before the bad guy arrived on the scene. Once the BBEG gets there, would it make any sense to give him a roll to spot the 'layer of slippery grease' on the floor? Then on an additional note - would/should the BBEG be allowed some sort of roll (Int?) to realize that is a possibly slippery puddle? Thought about Spellcraft, but there isn't a magical effect anymore, just grease on the floor. What do you guys think? Am I over-complicating? What DCs do you think would be applicable, if any?
Hi everyone, As the title says - I am sitting at level 7 with a straight up Fighter2/Rogue5. He is melee, and fights with two daggers. Some relevant info on him: STR 14
Main items (magical and otherwise): Dagger +1
Feats are: Combat Expertise, Dodge, Mobility, Power Attack, Skill Focus (Bluff), Two-weapon Feint[UC], Two-weapon Fighting, Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus (dagger) Recentely he has gotten his hands on around 8500 gold to spend - I can always begin working on upgrading my armor, weapon, rings, cloaks, etc. However I do not have many experience with med-high level characters, so I was looking for any suggestions from those more experienced than me. Some of my considerations: - If I want to continue being the rogue, maybe Stealth will not be enough anymore. I may need to complement/add to it?
Thanks in advance for any possible advice/suggestions guys.
Hi everyone, So... I've never played much Starfinder before, apart from with a pre-gen. I will be joining a group for a Starfinder AP at level 2, but my system knowledge is really lacking :P I was planning on playing an Operative (the group has two soldiers and a mechanic so far) and would like to know if someone can give me some pointers on how to build it - idea is a agile, fast paced guy wielding two guns (just think that's cool) at range or at point-blank melee range, if he is engaged (something like... John Wick :D). Can this be done? Can someone point me in the right direction? Thank you in advance!
Good morning everyone. I come looking for advice on building a switch hitter alchemist (kinda, because he would be more focused on melee). I am starting a game at level 1, and had initially planned to play a Bloodrager 1/Investigator X (Empiricist) melee monster. But as the group began forming I realized we may have already too much 'melee' characters (at the moment we are Wizard, Cleric, Paladin, Fighter and me). An archer Bard would probably be the perfect fit here but... I have played one for 5+ years and now would like to change somewhat. Did look at other brutal archers like the Inquisitor but... Truth is I don't think I want to play an archer :P That being said, and because I have always wanted to try out an Alchemist, I thought about going in that direction - my idea was: - Still be a melee guy for starters (high STR + Power Attack + 2h weapon);
He would look something like: Half-Orc STR 17 (15+2)
Lvl 1 - Barbarian 1 (Savage Technologist): Seems like an all around good choice for the Str/Dex/AC/Ref/Will bonus?
Plan is to continue progressing as Alchemist BUT dipping one level in either Brawler OR Free Style Fighter for the Martial Flexibility (it offers a lot of options if I am playing a switch hitter, right? Apart from all other possible combos here, maybe I don't even grab Rapid Shot and leave it only to take with this when needed? Don't know, seems like a good option) Feats (really torn on the order for these - he will be mainly a melee combatant, so I guess it makes sense taking Power Attack earlier? But then again he DOES have Rage and Mutagen so... Not sure)
Discoveries
There are a lot of moving parts, so any input would be welcome. What do you guys think? Thanks!
Hello everyone, I am trying to build some sort of 'Arcane Unarmed' combatant. After digging around for a while, I've come across a few different ideas, and even after actually building them, I am slightly in doubt which one would work out better (assuming a 25pt buy) - a few examples are: - The Esoteric (I think I would dip monk because Flurry and Wis to AC - makes sense?) - The 'regular' Magus or Kensai (again I think I would dip monk). Not 100% sure of what the advantages of one may be over the other... - A mutant made of Unchained Monk1+Unarmed Fighter1+Witch3+Dragon Disciple+Something :D Has anyone had any experience with such a build? Fighting with your bare hands, mobile, unarmored, and boosted by Arcane Power? :D
Good afternoon everyone, I'm trying to build a Magus (again..), but since there are so many options on how to go about it, and since I never played one for any decent amount of time, I would like to have your assistance with it please. Any feedback and tips are welcome. First off, I don't want to build a one trick pony, or a guy that pools all its resources into one or two fights per day (Am I wrong off the bat playing a Magus?) - I want a balanced melee character who can stand decently on his own two feet without MUCH magic, and then uses said magic to complement his fighting prowess, with outstanding Action Economy. (So far I am not delving into Archetypes until my understanding of my own characte is at least decent - I know Bladebound and Hecrafter and many others are good though) What I have so far - STR based Magus: This one by itself is a tough choice. My reasons for it are the fact I don't want to be tied to a single weapon, or dependant on an enchant or whatever of the sort (which I feel happens in most cases with Dervish Dance and the Scimitar, or Fencing Grace, or Agile enchantments on weapon A). I have the feeling being STR based makes me more versatile in this aspect. I may be wrong - again I admit my ignorance; - Half-Orc: I know Toothy can be used in some combos (even if I don't know exactly what feats are needed, etc), but I am chosing Half-Orc more because of the Sacred Tatoo's boost to saves with Fate's Favored (which I can make use of with a Wand of divine Favor also); - Stat spread at level 1, something like:
- Traits: Fate's Favored and does it make sense to grab Gifted Adept (Frostbite) if feat is as below? - Feats: Rime Spell - Spells of choice would be Shield and Frostbite - Weapon and Armor: Most likely Scimitar + Lamellar Studded Leather to start with This is just my initial plan. Is it decent to start with? Am I beginning already fundamenally wrong somewhere? I have alot of follow up questions - is there a problem if I want to take Power Attack along the way? What about Combat Reflexes? Can I play the Magus under a logic of a Reach combatant? Etc, etc. But let's take things one at a time :D Cheers, and thanks for any possible advice.
Hi everyone, I am playing in a 'hard' game (along the lines of RA or Slumbering Tsar), and my current group is composed of an Unbreakable Fighter (along the Bodyguard, Combat Reflexes line), a White Mage Arcanist, and a Zen Archer. This is the result of a split up brought about by some really unusual turn of events, through which my main character (Warpriest), our main healer (Priest of Sarenrae), and our Rogue got 'separated' from the rest of the group (not going into much detail here). That being said, I would like to fulfill the group's need for some added melee punch, divine power and scouting ability (fact is our Zen Archer is a previous player, now being played by the GM :D) - and I thought the Sacred Huntsmaster Inquisitor (even though not a full fledged divine caster) could pose a good option. Here is what I have so far: Edrax:
Edrax
And Lagash the Leopard: Lagash:
Lagash CR – Leopard N Medium animal Init +5; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +6 -------------------- Defense -------------------- AC 22, touch 15, flat-footed 17 (+2 armor, +5 Dex, +5 natural) hp 51 (6d8+18) Fort +8, Ref +10, Will +3 (+4 morale bonus vs. enchantment effects) Defensive Abilities evasion -------------------- Offense -------------------- Speed 50 ft.; sprint Melee bite +7 (1d6+8), 2 claws +7 (1d3+8) -------------------- Statistics -------------------- Str 18, Dex 21, Con 16, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6 Base Atk +4; CMB +6; CMD 23 (27 vs. trip) Feats Light Armor Proficiency, Pack Flanking[ACG], Power Attack, Weapon Finesse Skills Acrobatics +5 (+13 to jump), Perception +6, Stealth +12 (+16 in undergrowth); Racial Modifiers +4 Stealth in undergrowth SQ animal focus, devotion Other Gear leather armor -------------------- Special Abilities -------------------- Animal Focus (Su) As a swift action, gain bonuses from emulated animal(s). Devotion +4 (Ex) +4 morale bonus on Will saves vs. enchantment effects. Evasion (Ex) No damage on successful reflex save. Low-Light Vision See twice as far as a human in dim light, distinguishing color and detail. Pack Flanking If you and comp are adj or share square and threat same target, you're considered flanking. Power Attack -2/+4 You can subtract from your attack roll to add to your damage. Scent (Ex) Detect opponents within 15+ ft. by sense of smell. Sprint (1/hour) (Ex) Can move ten times normal speed (500 feet) when you make a charge. Trip (Ex) You can make a trip attempt on a successful attack. Now... I am unsure about a lot of things, but before I start shooting away, I would like to have you guys input on Feats, and on the animal companion set up for starters. Do they seem like they can be up to the task I described (mainly the number of AC skill points makes me want to cry)? Thank you in advance for any advice.
And I would obviously like some advice/input on it ;) The base idea is a whirling Dervish of Doom (Dawn), shining the light of Sarenrae wherever she goes (and she will be going to a VERY dark place believe me) - since the game is Gestalt, I decided to go Bard/Paladin as the Core, because Paladins are a bomb and because I think Bards complement them VERY nicely as far as skills and spells go. I also decided to go mainly melee (though not exclusively) because well... Scimitar and style :D The character comes in at level 5, so I have: Classes side ONE of Gestalt: Bard (Dervish of Dawn) 5
Already I sense she is all over the place, but please bear with me for a few more seconds - I will try to explain this mess :D #1: She is going to be running around swinging her scimitar like there is no tomorrow, and is basically a melee character, so I would like to have the following feat chassis running at level 5: -- Feats -- Lvl1 (Bard1/Paladin1): Fey Foundling
I am on the fence on a LOT of things, namely: - The plan is to be Paladin from here onwards (though I may consider another level of monk for Crane Wing for example, or of Fighter for another feat), but still it kinda feels I already went too many places with my first five levels. What do you think?
---------------------------- We are using Automatic Progression, and she has 5k gold to spend. Stats are generated with fixed array 16,15,14,13,12,11, so at level 5 Gestalt, as an Azata blooded aasimar, the character wades in at: STR 13, DEX 16, CON 14, INT 11, WIS 16, CHA 16 AC: 22 = 10 + 3[Dex] + 3[Wis] + 1[Dodge] + 1[Armor attunement +1 (maybe clothes or bracers?)]+ 1[Deflection +1] + 3[Fighting Defensively w/ Crane Style] -- Important Note --
To Hit: +6/+6 +5[BAB] +3[Dex] +1[Weapon attunement +1] +1[Weapon Focus] -2[Fighting Defensively] -2[Power Attack] Damage: +8 +3[Dex] +4[Power Attack] +1[Weapon Attunement +1] -- Important Note --
==================== There are still several considerations regarding traits, spells, etc. But I wanted to hear your opinion on what I have so far, in regards to dealing decent damage, having great defenses overall (AC, defensive spells and Saves), and being versatile as far as Skills go (thanks to the Bard side). And also if she could be put into practice in another, better way.
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