it's likely that the construct doesn't do will saves. In that case, maybe it is immune to the spell. But in my way of thinking, something attracts the attention of the construct to make it activate so it must have some perception abilities. Wouldn't it perceive the noise behind it? Maybe not having a will save just means that it doesn't have a chance to disbelieve... Whatever the GM decides.
AFAIK Constructs/Golems are only immune to most fort saves unless it specifically targets objects so will saves should be free game. They're also typically immune to any spell or spell like ability that has spell resistance. On top of those they have a list of effects they ignore, but of the illusion effects they ignore are specifically pattern and phantasm subschools.
Things like ghost sound and silent image are figments so they should work in theory since they don't have spell resistance and aren't part of their listed immunities. Plus I think it kind of tracks for arcane robots to be easily tricked by illusions as they still function off sensory information.
My biggest fear when dealing with golems specifically is that their spell immunity ability makes them immune to any spell or spell-like ability that is subject to spell resistance. Maka's kinetic blasts are the energy ones and those are a 'spell-like ability subject to spell resistance'.
Not all constructs have the immune to magic ability, but most golems do and on top of the stupidly long list of standard immunities that every constructs get which already invalidates like 90% of the shaman spell list.
I'm very glad misfortune is supernatural ability instead of spell like ability and afaik nearly nothing is immune to it.
Combined with a sizable DR that is difficult to overcome and not accounting for the disable construct spell a CR appropriate Golem is essentially this parties achilles heel.
Sometime later, once things have calmed down and Tezuzu is calmly meditating over various magical items, Quasit approaches the tengu a little bashfully.
"Hi, um, I know you're busy, but if you're... you know, talking to the spirits or whatever, maybe you could ask them about these things too."
She pulls out the pan-pipes she lifted from the satyr.
Tezuzu looks over the pipes for a moment "...Ah.. I do not really talk...never mind the details.... Yes. I will look into it."(@Lareg did Tez discover anything interesting about the pipes while examining the days loot?)
Quasit* wrote:
"I'm sure I talked to his ghost and that he did something to these. But I don't know what. And if they aren't even magical then maybe I was actually dreaming like you all thought. Or maybe he actually did do something to them, but it's just a tricky curse to snare me from beyond the grave, because that's just kinda how my day has been going."
Tezuzu looks worried for a brief moment before speaking "I am sure the true nature of things will become clear in time....best not to worry too much about it. Do let me know how you are feeling about our late goat-legged friend in the morning once the remnants of his enchantment has worked its way out of your mind fully."
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As Maka, Selena, and Findurel begin to challenge each other to a strange test of endurance involving who is better at throwing themselves into freezing bodies of water Tezuzu remarks sarcastically to the others "I do not believe I have ever witnessed a dick measuring contest where two of the three contestants where women. It might be interesting to watch supposing I am not roped into treating the inevitable prize of acute hypothermia that our foolhardy competitors would win."
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As the evenings activities wind down considerably Tezuzu drinks a bit more wine and settles near a fire intending to make due on his promise of sharing a tragic tale of his clans downfall. His voice lowers and he uses his magic to manipulate fire and shadow to create crude images to aid in the storytelling. (See post in discussion here for the story)
When he finishes he the aged crow-man looks wore out far more than he had been at the end of many of the days fights. He sips a bit more of his wine in silence.
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Findurêl wrote:
Before they go to bed, Fin asks Tezuzu a question. ”I have a favor to request, Tez. Does your message sending magic work within theses dungeons? If so I’d like to send Oparal a message letting her know our status, whenever it is convenient to you. I figured I’d give her updates after we finish each stage of Artrosa...”
Tezuzu almost smiles, as much as a his rigid beak would allow "I believe I could manage that. I have barely tapped into a fraction of my connection to the firmament today so I can spare the energy...I cannot promise the same luxury will be afforded to us in the future as it is quite a strong spell and my focus might be spent on other more pertinent things. As a favor for a friend though I shall keep your request in mind in the future. It will take me a moment to center myself and call upon the spirits needed to fulfill such a task."
Tezuzu spends a moment dedicating magic to the rest of his open spell slots and casts Sending
Before heading to bed himself does remark to his allies his words somewhat slurred clearly having had finished quite a bit of wine "I mhaay...decide to shkin wulk an' change my furm...A younger body mhay suite me better n a fight an it might be better fo our foes to not know my true form. Do not be alarmed if I take the shape of a different Tengu in the morning."
As he heads off to bed in the privacy of his tent he fishes out a drawing of his father using it as a focus to transform his body. (Casting Greater, Assume Appearance) before snuggling up with his companion Yang and falling into a deep slumber his belly full of spiced wine. When he emerges in the morning the middle aged crow's form has been replaced by a slightly shorter slightly more muscular raven like Tengu roughly half of Tezuzu's age his beak slightly smaller but noticeably sharper. His change of appearance hardly noticeable as to most other humanoids Tengu notoriously often look incredibly similar to each other.
Figured this worked more as a writing thing for backstory/exposition on Tez's clan. Tossed it here in spoilers instead of gameplay since it's a bit long. I don't think I'm nearly as good of a writer as some here, but I enjoyed writing it. Feel free to let me know what you think of it.
Broken Communion.:
"This tale begins a little over forty years ago when I was but an infant and takes place near the end of my clans journey across the frozen crown of the world after our banishment from the lands of Kwanlai far to the east."
"When the journey started out our proud clan numbered three hundred strong, but near the end of such an arduous journey we had been diminished down to just over one hundred. Early through the month of Lamashan we had settled in a valley surrounded by mountains to try and weather a terrible blizzard only to discover that the harsh weather was not the only thing to fear in the valley..."
"It was then in the middle of the night on a new moon that a war-band of frost giants attacked. The butchery that night in the valley claimed 20 of our warriors lives merely to slay two of the giants and drive the another three away. The clan sent forth scouts and consulted our council of elders on what to do. One of our sages read the stars and was able to divine a grim prophecy. The death of clan Curseclaw was to find our clan in that frozen damned valley."
"To confirm the dire prophecy the scouts of my clan reported back shortly after that the giants had established a fortified encampment and palisade blocking off the only pass out of the valley. The next few weeks were hard; the frost giants content to starve us out picking us off slowly when we sent out foraging parties as we hopelessly waited for the snowfall to relent and merely endured."
"After eight weeks of torment in our darkest most desperate of moments and on the edge of starvation our salvation arrived just before the dawn. A wounded giant red mammoth on the brink of death had wandered into our camp. A strange omen, but even stranger still it began to speak in a language none in the clan save for one of our elders understood. After hearing the beast speak she translated for the rest of our clan. The beasts name was Glosveg and it had come to us with a story of it's own and bargain."
"According to clan elder, Krejaka, the creature had been the spirit ally to a taiga giant priestess of Fandarra who had been slain in a dispute with our common enemy that we shared, the frost giants. According to the mammoth the frost giant chief Vhedkaros Hoarblood, who resided in a cave up the mountain, was the one who had slayed her master and caused the wounds that would be fatal to herself."
"Glosveg then told the elder that if our clan would vow to vanquish Vhedkaros that she would provide the three gifts of her own body and soul and that they would give us a chance to slay our common enemy and escape the valley with our lives. After some deliberation the elders of our clan agreed and Glosveg instructed our elders how to harvest such gifts before the great fiendish beast succumbed to her wounds."
"The first of the gifts came from the mammoths blood as it's magic soaked into the thick snow it transformed the frost-fall into giant bestial animals fur as white as the snow whence they were formed. As they emerged each formed a spirit bond with a member of the clan and granting them a connection strong to primal magic. The second came from the meat that provided a strange nourishment giving each member of our clan mighty strength, fortitude, and protection from the elements. The last of the three gifts came from Glosveg's bones and tusks for when specially forged into amulets, armor, and weapons held strong magic powers."
"After receiving such powerful gifts thanks to Glosveg my clan began plans for striking back at the frost giants. As irony would have it clan Curseclaw descended on the Frost giant's fortified pass at night on a new moon much like they had done to us months prior. Much blood was spilled on both sides, but at the end of the fighting our clan was victorious having slayed more than three quarters of the giants the remainder fleeing up to their camp in the caves up the mountain."
"The battle however was not was not without loss. Even with Glosveg's three gifts of the sixty warriors that attacked only half remained alive and of the survivors only half still were un-maimed or not seriously wounded. It was at that point the elders and the war-leader's including my own grandfather, Thakzho, turned their back to the mountain washing their bloodstained claws of giants leaving the encampment that had imprisoned them in the valley and fled west through the pass instead of pursuing vengeance and their oath by slaying Vhedkaros in the caves up the mountain.."
"Little did they know that the prophecy that predicted we would find the death of our clan in that frozen valley still held true, but in a less obvious sense. Months after our clan's escape our diminished number now to under forty we soon discovered the curse that dishonoring our duty to Glosveg held. Every member of clan had become sterile and unable to bare a clutch of viable eggs. Unable to propagate our line our clans eventual death was assured."
"Worse still starting first with elder Krejaka the clan became aware of a wasting disease of the mind that began that to take hold of each elder member of our clan shortly after marking their sixth decade alive. It seemed Glosveg and her god Fandarra was not simply content preventing the future existence of our clan, but sought to steal the past as well. The disease eats memories slowly over years stealing ones experience and sense of self until there is absolutely nothing left."
"Some in our clan have speculated that there might be a third punishment to coincide one for each of the three gifts given, but even to this day what that punishment may be is unknown."
"And so is the grim fate of clan Curseclaw. A fate fit for oathbreakers...."
Tezuzu spends some time in silent meditation with Yang. Upon seeing Findurel disrobe and enter the baths he scoffs for a moment breaking his concentration. (Filling some of his open spell slots with mediation)
Findurêl wrote:
"..it's nice to have a home to go back to..."
Tezuzu perks up a little and gently states "A great sage once said 'Home is where you make it.'"
Findurêl wrote:
"Of course, you're all welcome to join us...but I know some of you have an...aversion...to mixed baths. Allow me just a little while longer and I'll be out...and perhaps we can let the girls have the pool to themselves, if they wish..."
Tezuzu sighs "No. I do not think I will be joining in. I can stomach disrobing around either you or Bulvi by the narrowest of margins, but I feel exquisitely uncomfortable doing so with ladies present. I shall take my bath last once the lot of you are finished." As he begins to organize the treasures they have collected today he adds "Besides I still have some work to do."
Tezuzu cracks his clawed fingers together and summons a bottle of fine wine and begins to sip on it casually. (Casting Tears to Wine) He then grasps his clover trinket and recites a few chants. (Casting Bit of Luck)
He then begins to attempt to read the auras of the days treasures. (Casting Detect Magic)
I decided to simply roll a bunch of spellcraft checks. Feel free to assign whatever item to whichever roll. If you need more just let me know. I believe the DC is 15+caster level.
After drinking some wine and fiddling with the assorted magical trinkets they've discovered Tezuzu will toss Bulvi back his ring. "I am afraid in the midst of combat your ring stopped working. It might be a side effect of the cursed magic that originally powered it fading."
Once Findurel is somewhat more decent he will tend to his wounds healing them with magic. CMW, Fin:2d8 + 8 ⇒ (6, 3) + 8 = 17(When you add 8 hours of rest natural healing puts you up to 69/70, Fin)
Tezuzu will pass more idle time focusing his magics on his harrow deck as he deals himself cards and begins to gain magical insights to the dangers that lay in wait during the days ahead...
Harrowing rolls:
Harrowing Spell description Goal: Find the keys to baba yaga's hut. Suite: 1=Str, 2=Dex, ect.. Alignment: 1=LG, 2=NG, 3=CG, 4=LN, ect.. Tez, unlucky alignment = 6, Lucky Alignment = 4.
Card Results: 1 Hammer(Str): +1 Attack roll.
1 Key(Dex): +1 Reflex save.
1 Shield(Con): +1 Fortitude save.
1 [Aligned]Book(Int): +2 Skill check.
3 Star(Wis): +1 Will save.
1 [Aligned]Star(Wis): +2 Will save.
1 Crown(Cha): +1 to any check.
Once his duties investigating the magic items and his divination complete he will stretch wearily. The wine he summoned earlier warming his spirits and dulling his senses some. "Ah?...as we make camp for the evening I do not suppose any of you might be interested in a story from the history of my clan? It is not a particularly happy one, but one close to my own heart... I could tell you the tale of the last leg of our clans journey across the crown where my people met both our salvation and the second of the great curses to befall our bloodline..."
Tezuzu steadies himself along the wall before coughing up a little blood. "You will have to give me a moment the backlash on that healing hex is...well... very unpleasant...I do wish you all would be a bit more careful."
Tezuzu draws out his healing wand and activates it.
After he catches his breath for a moment he pauses for a moment and begins to size up the gutted bodies of the frost giants and whistles "I do not suppose your opinion on allowing me to animate a vanguard has changed? It seems such a waste to leave these here as mere macabre decor and not put them to use...."
Turning back to Maka he adds "Regardless, it will take me a short while to align my energies to restore Maka's sight."
He scratches Yang's ear affectionately as he sits down and begins to meditate centering himself.
(Taking 15min to prepare remove blindness/deafness in his open 2nd level spell slot.)
Once he is done he chants a few magic words his eyes glowing turning milky white as magical energy pours out out of them and settles in his clawed hands he places them over Maka's eyes restoring her sight in a flash. "Is that better? It might take a few moments for your eyes to adjust to the light....."
Tezuzu sighs before giving a empathetic look to Sakitu "Ah.... well it is a bit more detailed that merely healing. I froze the poison in her body. Then I removed it." as he begins drawing out a few material components and a bit of chalk and begins drawing strange symbols around her body he continues "The poison was very fast acting had I been a bit slower she might have not fully recovered for a over week. Paralysis for at least a few days would have been a certainty. Right now her body is merely in a form of....shock. It is not life threatening."
As he finishes drawing the symbols and retrieving a pinch of white shimmering powder. He continues "I can restore her to top shape, but the focus I need to offer up is quite expensive and the act itself magically taxing. So do not get the idea that I can do this often. There are both physical and material limits to my ability to compensate for carelessness."
As he finishes his lecture his eyes roll back in his head and he begins to quietly chant a few words and the drawn symbols glow briefly as the powder floats above his claw and melts into a liquid that emits glowing bright light. He directs the liquid with his claw into the wound the that poisoned Quasit as its glow visibly spreads through her veins before fading away. (Casting Restoration)
Looking quite a bit more tired the crow-man leans in closer to the unconscious Quasit pausing for a moment to gently inspect her vitals before raising his clawed hand and slapping her across the face with a *SMACK*"WAKE UP. MONKEY. NAP TIME IS OVER. GET YOUR LAZY BONEY ASS UP. WE HAVE IMPORTANT THINGS TO DO." he bellows forcefully.
To be perfectly honest in that fight with the horde frost giants in the woods running away was certainly on the table for Tez. He cast that thorny entanglement spell to slow their advance and was going to use slumber hex on anything that got too close in an effort to keep them at as great a distance as possible. His mindset at the time was that if those things get close we're done for and it's time to run. That all became moot once the hut sprung to life, though. To me at least when that many giants walked out of the woods I was expecting fleeing or diplomacy were the sensible answers.
Findurêl wrote:
@Tez: As Fin said to Selena earlier, "SHUT YOUR PIE-HOLE!" ;)
@GM: Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain...
Kidding aside, grappling is one of the reasons, I wanted of the reasons I wanted to multi-class into Monk; I get Escape Artist as a class skill and its mod is much better than my CMB...it's also why I use Stealth a lot, keep my distance, and try to stay out of melee...
In fairness I did also point out that SR also knee-caps Maka, Selena, Tez, and Saki...;)
If I had liberating command on Tez's spell list I'd be sure to have one prepped just for you buddy. For those special moments when your gatling gun of a ranger just ends up bushwhacked in a tiny room with a creature with reach and grab.
Also, hover is only when not moving at all. Moving less than half speed but more than 0 is not hover.
You're right I wasn't thinking super clearly less than half speed of movement is DC 10. That's what I get for posting well past my bedtime.
Findurêl wrote:
Tez, you mentioned we have 7 minutes of fly time; I was thinking we had only six since I thought it was 1 min/CL and I thought you only used your Shaman level. While I'm glad we got another minute from what I was thinking, how does that work?
Previously I had a trait (magic knack), that raises you CL by 2 equal up to your HD which is useful when multi-classing something that I was doing. When Lareg decided to let me use my full character level for purposes of spell progression I asked if it affected CL as not having the minimum CL for spells you have access to gets kinda wonky and was told it does I then asked if it was possible to switch my trait which became moot to something else which I did.
Findurêl wrote:
So are you saying when we make our Fly checks, we can add +7 to our Dex? I'd get +13 that way and should be able to pass most of my checks if I wished to fly at a greater angle than 45 degrees...is that right?
Yes, and no. You would get +3 from the spell and +4 from gaining good maneuverability so with your Dex that would be +13. The DC for moving less than half speed would be 10 so you auto-pass that so as long as you 5-ft step every round you shouldn't have much issue. The DC to hover in place if you're prevented from 5-ft stepping or if you simply choose not to is 15 so anything besides a roll of a 1. To fly upwards at a degree sharper than 45-degrees is DC20 so you need anything above a 6.
However, since you can take a 10 on skill checks when you are not distracted or in immediate danger, essentially outside of combat, Finn along with Quasit should be able to ascend at the full 90-degree angle straight up forgoing the need to move laterally. Functionally it makes sense that Maka with her fire-jets and the giant burdened Bulvi would be less maneuverable than the two most dexterous characters.
YMMV though by table. Lareg doesn't seem the type to get too far into the weeds on the minutia of the more fiddly rules and has spoken about his focus being a fun story, which I agree with wholeheartedly, so this probably all just a trivial discussion for the fun of it rather than anything I would consider terribly important to the actual game.
So my divination turned up that the affliction was outside Tez's divine power to alleviate and that it would likely turn her into such an undead creature, did the second question of what it is turn anything up? Curious to know if we have any idea of the creatures resistances, weaknesses, or special abilities outside of probably undead and spawn-creating.
...earlier.
Tezuzu awakens from his stupor cursing in various languages gripping his head in pain "By the gods that feels like a hammer being slammed into the back of your skull." At first he is mildly confused by the appearance of a new centaur before his body language softens some once arrangements for Erdija's transport are made.
He grimly mentions to the rest of the group softly "...I am afraid this is outside of my abilities to solve...but perhaps with some study or a relic from the trove of knowledge Artrosa is surely to hold maybe we can find a way to remove this evil." avoiding the rest of the groups gaze he sighs "I suppose I should send word ahead to her tribe"
He will kneel down drawing out a dagger from his boot and cut a tuft of hair and squirrel it away. Drawing out his wand he softly whispers "Apologies, this will only hurt for a second" as he delicately shaves off a fingernail sized portion of the 'shadow flesh' and stores it away in a small vial for future examination before casting another healing spell from his wand for good measure.
CLW, Erdija:1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Turning to the centaur he says "Best of luck to you, travel safely."
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As they travel Tezuzu keeps an eye out for any birds nearby once he locates one he will cast Animal Messenger on one tying a small scroll with a message in slyvan with twine to its leg.
Message:
'Erdija injured by undead. Precarious affliction. Sent to Vurnirn with ally. Needs healer. -Regards Tezuzu'
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Later that evening...
Tezuzu will work on his crafting project for the evening finally finishing the lucky medallion. As his listens to Findurel's song he doodles with parchment and ink drawing the closest approximation of the creature that had attacked them earlier in the day.
He approaches Findurel shortly after his song and asks quietly "Are you fine? Turning to wine to dull your unpleasant emotions.... can be a seductive path, one that can ruin a man. If you need a... friend... to shoulder any burden that weighs on your mind you have my ear, for the moment at least."
Once watches have been sorted out Tezuzu will create a small pool of water by digging a hole in the dirt and lining it with whatever he might find around camp setting the new mirror in said hole.
He exhales calmly before drawing on his very strongest magics clutching the drawing of the shadowy creature in one of his claws as a bright light flows into the mirror from the other as it begins to glow in the pool of water with a singular purpose he peers intensely into into the reflective surface with one hateful thought in his mind.*
*(Casting Scrying Target: Shadow creature that ambushed us, DC 18 Will-Save. Modifiers: +0 'First-hand' knowledge, -2 penalty to it's save for the likeness of Tezuzu's drawing. If on another plane it gets a +5 to it's save.)
Tezuzu listens quietly to both stories arms crossed. Once Erdija finishes hers he comments "Hmmm...outside a few kellids warriors and trolls I haven't met many people who look down on women. Quite the contrary given the powerful fear the witches often instill.... Such a foolish concept."
Try as he might he can't help from getting drawn into Quasit's fantastical tale as he goes from mildly listening to sitting on the edge of his seat. Once she finishes he straightens out his posture and in attempt to retain his composed demeanor adds cooly "I liked Guilfoyle the duck"
Tezuzu's color is unusually pale after the nights rest. He sits quietly and brews some tea. He lets out a slight chuckle warming some after hearing Quasits performance and adds with a broad unrestrained grin "You might want to think about some flute lessons since we are so flush with coin. You certainly can afford it." as he rubs his nose compulsively while still clearly flawed it's off-center bent is obviously in the opposite direction that it had been the day prior; evidence of a crude attempt at fixing new 'costume' readily apparent to anyone who looks closely.
When Findurel mentions him and his sending spell he will curtly give a polite bow to Oparal before uttering hesitantly "Yes...Findurel seems to be...fond of you.. I might contact you through other means as well. For such sort distances birds are less taxing to convince than wind spirits to carry words."
He give a cold measuring stare a while longer than might be polite towards Oparal before nearly forgetting to add "Oh and safe travels." and returning to his tea.
Once Oparal has left he will attempt to gather the rest of the group and recount his experience the prior night hands still shaking somewhat as he drinks tea to calm himself "...So I gathered you together to share what I had the unfortunate experience of discovering last night..." he twiddles his fingers in apprehension as his voice gets lower dramatically "I managed to siphon...well...a collection of memories from the Akashic record. While they are imperfect it helped shed some light on what we may have to face moving forward..."
He will then ramble on a bit about the ruins of Artrosa being sure to mention the important parts including that it's a series of 3 monolithic statues with a labyrinthine fortress built inside each connected in a fashion similar to the planar magic in Baba Yaga's hut overseen by a warden. Baba Yaga established it to keep the forces of a demon lord Kostchtchie at bay, but only spent a short time there, and this is likely the motivation for the frost giants and the demonic creatures we dealt with last night as they are likely allied with this demon or worship him. Countless adventurers have attempted to explore the stronghold, but none have returned.
There's a lot of info to exposit so feel free to take a look at the spoiler that Lareg posted in discussion on Artrosa as Tez will generally share most of that information.
I linked it earlier but here is the loot sheet I was using to track things. Linky It's editable by anyone so if anyone wants anything you should mark it on the notes/claims tab.
I don't really find the Mirgus locker all that interesting so I would be happy to sell it if you all like if we can find a way that works RP wise. The hyperboreal robe sells for less than purchasing a +2 cloak of resostance and does a bit more so I definitely want the party to keep it, but Tez doesn't need exclusive claim on it I am fine if anyone wants to keep it instead.
IIRC correctly Fin wanted one of the +1 bracers of armor? Either Saki or Selena the wand of silent image?
I believe we need to buy another wand of CLW just to keep stocked up. A few scrolls here and there wouldn't be a bad idea either.
@Lareg: Everything loot wise should be identified, but I don't believe we got prices listed on the non-magic treasure we've collected. I'll list it here:
I believe Quasit took a 10 on appraise back in the centaur camp with aid and magic wine to hit a DC20 so we shouldn't have trouble nailing down what it's all worth if we want to forgo rolls.
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@Saki Tez would happily send a magical message to Saki's parents if you like. We can RP that if you want I'll drop a hook that he sent a message to Solveig once I get a post up.
Tezuzu will sleep in later than is usual for him and spend a decent amount of the morning in his tent. After meditating to regain his magic he tries his hand and transforming himself into an approximation of the dead merchant using his notes. Casting, Greater Assume Appearance
Upon emerging from his tent stands a close but flawed approximation of one of the bodies Tezuzu had been fiddling with the night they stayed in the hut. His nose clearly misshaped and larger than originally "Tada!" he proclaims happily to the rest of the group a silly grin plastered all over his face.
He experimentally pushes on his cheeks with his fingers "This feels so strange. It is certainly going to take some getting used to. These facial muscles and lips are....weird...are there any tricks to preventing them from reflexively expressing your emotions?" As his grin begins to turn to a frown he continues "No matter how hard I try they keep shifting based on my temperament and it is quite distracting."
As his frown turns to contemplation he adds "I cannot say it is a bad as I thought it would be. I feel weirdly smooth and cold without my feathers though..." as he licks his fingers and slicks back a few out of place hairs continues rambling a bit "....and do not get me started on nipples...I have much higher respect for you all for putting up with them all your lives. These fleshy nubbles are absolutely awful."
"It is the tradition of most who live in these lands to burn their dead. I believe this is in part because the ground is so cold as to prevent ground burial much of the year. The closest I've seen to a corpse would be the frost giants that you all left behind. I trust that isn't what you have in mind."
Tezuzu shakes his head before quietly muttering "No, I do not think it will...forgive the strange question there were plenty of corpse peddlers in Whitethrone I am not entirely accustomed to traveling where customs are different."
Bulvi wrote:
"Grave robbing rarely goes down well with people so not drawing attention... surely there is another way. Perhaps we can use a more mundane kind of disguise?"
Tezuzu looks shocked for a split second "Grave robbing? Oh heavens no, I would only need a fresh corpse for a short while...So more like grave... borrowing? I suppose mundane disguises will have to suffice for Findurel." Turning his head back to Bulvi "Speaking of which for a human I find your form quite stout and aesthetically pleasing. Should you the worse come to you and you perish, I would of course try to find a way to bring you back to life, but in the interim would you hold any objection to me...borrowing your good looks? While you are not using them of course."
Selena Snoe Yelizaveta wrote:
"You ever heard of twins? Copy one of us and claim to be a twin."
Tezuzu looks towards Selena seemingly confused for a moment before he begins to apologetically lecture "Oh? No, the magic I practice is sometimes called 'face-stealing' It can be done if necessary without a body on hand, but the creature must be dead. You see.. a living creature is still using it's identity so drawing it out and capturing it to use a guide for transmutation complicates matters when the soul is still attached. If you would like to know more I have little problem teaching you; you just need to ask. Politely of course."
With a bow Tezuzu will return to his tent to catch up on his sleep that had been interrupted.
No worries, buddy. Just figured I should elaborate why I was asking.
I can use ritual hex to select a new hex daily 'semi-reliably' as long as I pass my checks. It requires passing a few skill checks that will autopass on a roll of 1 in a few levels. With a risk that is unpleasant if Tez fails.
The two crafting hexes I can choose are craft wondrous item and brew potion. So anything on the Wonderous Item list or any potion depending on which hex I choose at the start of the day. The DC is equal to 5 + CL of the item. So no magic armor, weapons, rings, wands, staffs, scrolls for me.
You increase the DC by 5 for every requirement in the item you don't meet besides the crafting feat. So it's a bit easier if one of the spells required is on my list and I can prepare it beforehand but not strictly necessary.
At the moment I can hit a DC 16 unassisted going up to a DC 19 if I took the right hex in the morning. (I didn't, wanted to repair those items with the make whole spell.) So the highest CL item i can make with no risk right now is an item at CL 11 lower if there's a bunch of spells as reqs that I either cant prepare with an open spell slot or aren't on my list or that one of the other caster can't provide to meet the req.
The real bottleneck is crafting can only accomplish 1000gp of base price in work a day. Sometimes APs specifically call out that you should fudge that limit since they tend to keep the party moving leaving little time for downtime and spending 4 days to make a single belt or headband is often not in the cards.
IC I was hoping to use the spell divination to determine if staying in the settlement for a few days would put us or the hut at risk. As it's a pretty straight forward 'hey DM if we do this will it be bad?' spell. Maybe that might convince Q to give the green light to let us spend a few days to convert some of our wealth into magic items for the party.
Tezuzu shrugs cheerfully "I guess you all are far too lush on wine to fly safely." and he casts his spell on himself and soars up towards the nights sky to get a better view of the stars and moon. Popping the top off his waterskin and taking a swig of wine he admires the heavens and wistfully drags his claw through a cloud. 'It has been an awfully pleasant evening' he thinks to himself as he basks in the freedom of the sky.
Realizing his time unencumbered by gravity is limited he lines himself up with his sleeping quarters before beginning a free-fall towards the ground letting the adrenaline and g-force swash over him before the spell kicks back in and slows his decent before coming to the ground outside the tent.
Overhearing both Findurel and Selena discuss sleeping arrangements Tezuzu interjects "Findurel, you know, you do not always need to be the one to give up your comfort for others sake. Your altruism is noble, but I get the odd feeling that you are far too keen to punish yourself to make others happy."
He chuckles at Selena's comment and adds sheepishly "Oh? I am sure that if you explained your position as an elegant woman of noble blood to chief Kaag he would be more than happy to arrange for a private tent."
After preparing his sleeping space he will yawn and mention to Finn and Bulvi "I took a bit of magic from that strange dream creature we encountered yesterday, so if you have any trouble sleeping I could solve your problem if you like." and with that he settles in for bed reading his puzzle book before cuddling with Yang and hexing his fox and himself with the slumber hex.
Puzzle Book INT check:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 DC 10; Failure
Awaking to the empathic feelings of Yang's panic at smelling something other-worldly approaching Tezuzu will stand up grumpily clearly annoyed before his eyes go wide hearing Findurel's shouts. He mutters an incantation and his feathers harden.
Round 0; Actions:
-Tez- Move Action: Stand up from prone.
Standard Action: Cast Barkskin
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-Yang- Move Action: Stand up from prone
Standard Action: Assume Battle Form, grows to a medium sized creature.
Free Action: 5-ft Step behind Tez putting Tez between the creatures and Yang.
I mean the original release of D&D in 1974 had Hobbits, Balrog, and Ents. All of which got their names changed to Halfling, Balor, and Treant due to threats of legal action from the Tolkien estate. So there's that.
Not to mention the decades of influencing the fantasy genre before the release. Even if Gygax by his admission isn't the biggest fan of Tolkien he grabbed a lot of influences from multiple sources including Tolkien and most of the others besides Tolkien that he looked to for influences can draw influence to Tolkien in one way or another.
Plus D&D is a game constantly evolving and overtime it's certainly picked up a lot of things that invariably have Tolkien's DNA in it.
Things certainly would be quite different if not for Tolkien. I believe the last fantasy book I read was the The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss the 2nd book in the 3 part King Killer Chronicles. I am still waiting for book 3 to get published nearly a decade later. :(
@Fin: You don't get a lot of use out of your ranger spells, but I figured you might take a fancy to the Blend spell if you haven't already seen it.
It's an elf only spell, lasts a good while, and boosts your stealth to another +4 making your minimum roll a terrifying 28 in your favored terrain. I thought it was worth a mention since your role as our sneaky scout is pretty well established.
"Honestly though Tez, I think your time might be better spent looking over these amulets or going around the library. Leave the pig roast duties to someone else. And why drag the thing here to cook it? Obviously this cauldron isn't meant for that sort of thing. If we're gonna cook it, let's butcher it and roast it near where it is now. Then we can cut off our roasted hunks of meat and bring them wherever we want and not have to deal with bones and guts and stuff on Zorka's nice floor."
Tezuzu nods quietly at her suggestion and gives a formal bow before asking "I shall spend my time looking over some of the items we have collected and attempt to discern their magical properties then....and I have a bit of magic left today. I shall transmute some of that pond water into a barrel of wine. For the feast."
He will then collect a large pile of books and set himself up out of the way of the others sipping on freshly transmuted wine, examining magical trinkets, paging through some books, and frying up some oysters in boar fat. Casting Tears to wine to turn a barrel of pond water into some nice wine that will grant a +2 bonus to Int/Wis skill checks for an hour.
Big ol list of spellcraft identify attempts for Lareg:
*Note I am using up the last two luck points from the bit of luck spell as well as one skill bonus from my harrowing earlier in the day*
As Tezuzu is frying up some oysters paging through a book he looks up at you when you ask him about monk training "Oh....uhhh...I am not the best teacher and it's been quite a few years since...well, but I suppose I could show you some basics."
"You know training your body is important, but any run of the mill common man can keep a fit physique if one follows the typical motions. The tricky part is expanding your consciousness to become one with the energies of the universe..." and with that he will begin to teach Findurel some basic breathing techniques and meditation fundamentals.
After he thinks he might be getting the hang of it a little he will add "So this is a good practice technique, but it might be a bit painful at first. It took me quite long in my youth to master it..." He will grab a his dagger and dig out a coal from the small fire he was using to fry up the oysters and balance it on the flat of the blade.
"You see the most difficult part of opening you mind up the ebbs and flows of energy in the universe is overcoming the sort of a prison constructed by your own sense of being...in order to truly predict the flows of energy it helps to be able to disassociate yourself from your own body." with that he holds up the palm of his left claw scared by quite a few old burn marks. "It is not pleasant, but the ability to maintain meditative focus with the adrenaline of combat or a fresh knife wound is a skill that is difficult to master...once you are comfortable meditating practicing with a hot coal will help you refine that skill...just keep a few clean bandages on hand and most burns will heal well enough overnight."
Quasit:
Once there is a moment Tezuzu can catch her alone Tezuzu will approach Quasit "So...I have given it some thought...and our arrangement we made outside of Whitethrone. Well it has run its course upon entering this hut."
Scratching the back of his head neurotically clearly a little uncomfortable "You asked earlier if it is no longer the case that I would follow your orders. Given that our deal has expired I...well I find myself free of that obligation....However, it has not gone unnoticed that I faltered in that promise near its end a failure I intend to compensate you for sometime soon."
In a clearly rehearsed fashion he kneels down and "While nothing would make me happier than to spend the next few weeks pillaging this hut of its secrets I find myself conflicted... as uncomfortable as it makes me...I have grown fond of this group. I suppose my action here should make up for my previous indiscretion. To that end I would like to pledge my service in traveling to Artrosa and aiding you all in finding more clues in locating Baba Yaga. I will follow your orders...to the best of my ability and not because you have had the role of our leader thrust upon you; but because I believe in you, your strength, and your cunning."
After letting a moment silence linger he will add "If you will have me of course."
----
Once Tezuzu recommitting himself to aiding the group has been taken care of he will turn his attention to business as he begins to prattle on "I can be ready to travel by tomorrow morning if needed. However there are plenty of tasks I can set my self to. For starters I feel uneasy abandoning this hard fought prize of ours we do not know how long it will take the witches to track it down. With some of the tea leaves I have discovered I can divine if they will locate it within a week if I can scrounge up the incense needed around here."
"I also have a few bodies to preserve lest they begin to rot and possibly spend some time to commune with their ghosts, Findurel mentioned the possibility of one of those corpses impaled outside the hut possibly being another of Baba Yaga's riders, but I am more worried about what mysterious force slayed Bragda. There is the matter of those robes to repair as well as other broken magical items not to mention simply identifying those that still allude me. I could also re-purpose some and craft some specialty equipment for us or cast a few more divinations as well as make use of that cat to scout the surrounding countryside free of any risk to ourselves..."
Realizing he has been rattling on he will stop himself "To put it bluntly is a lot I can do, but it's tempered by how long we are willing to rest here. We can leave in the morning if you wish it, but I can accomplish most if not all of what I can do in three to four nights, but any time spent I can work with. It is your call to make and I will prioritize whatever you wish if need be."
So I've made a list of items & loot we have collected since just before the dragons tower over this weekend. Sorry I have been a bit scarce over the weekend.
I've broken it into identified items, valuable items in need of appraise check, and unidentified magic items. I've included who has been given or is holding any given item as stated in posts for and for vague items like unidentified wand/potion I included what fight we picked it up for ease of backtracking for Lareg.
I have also added it to a quick dirty google excel sheet that tabulates prices. I might do more with it later it currently excludes any items a character has claimed: Link
Identified items:
+1 Longsword (Bulvi)
+1 Longsword (Selena)
Masterwork [+2STR] Composite Longbow
Masterwork [+2STR] Composite Longbow
+1 Scale mail
+1 Ring of Protection (Quasit)
+1 Heavy Wooden Shield
Adamantine Warhammer
Scroll of Blink
Scroll of Scorching Ray
Scroll of See Invisibility
Wand of Silent Image (12 Charges)
Wand of True Strike (5 Charges)
Everbloom's Rose (+1 Morning Star, w/ special effect)
+1 Amulet of natural Armor (Given to Q by Fin)
3 [Broken] Masterwork Rapiers
[Broken] +1 Bracers of Armor
3 Potions of CLW
10 +1 Cold Iron Arrows (Assuming Fin)
30 Arrows (Assuming Fin)
Ice Diamond Necklace (100gp)
Migrus Locker Spectacles of Understanding (Tezuzu)
Library Room Book Portal Book
Universal solvent
Unidentified magic items:
Ice Trolls Battle Axe w/ Lock Motif (Bulvi?)
Cauldron
Serpentine Owl Figurine
2 [Broken] Magic Bracers
Silver necklace with a pearl pendant
3 unidentified potions @Bragda's former camp
Magical Quiver @Bragda's former camp
[Broken] Magical Sickle @Fight with witch
1 unidentified wand @Fight with witch
Magical Robe @Fight with witch
Elixir of Love
Hexing Doll
Bead of newt prevention
Restorative ointment
Seer's tea
Unguent of timelessness
Raven Amulet (Artrosa)
Raven Amulet (Gold)
Raven Amulet (Dragon)
Appraisal needed items:
Lewd Sketchbook
Jeweled Trollhound collar
Snow Globe
Gold Censer w/ platinum inlay of Desna's holy symbol
5 Tourmalines
10 enormous pearls
Gold Locket
Blue Quartz Tiara
With that we also collected: 2,192.76 gp in coins of various denominations.
If anyone has a claim on any of the items or you find I have missed something let me know.
I'll post some more RP stuff a bit later this morning in gameplay.
Tezuzu snorts at Quasits comment as he pulls out a glass and begins pouring wine while continuing to read the book he has open by the fire. "You know if I treated every one of you monkeys like you should all be friends because of your tiny rubbery noses, flappy puffy mouth holes, and dinky eyeballs you would think me mad."
He will flick past a page with his claw and dismissively continues "I mean... what kind of rude creature just moves into someone's house, treats it like their own, and...." he pauses a realization dawning on him in the moment as he sits by the fire and pages through books that are not his. "Never mind. Forget I said anything I suppose we do have some things in common, it is still not a sufficient enough in quality to pledge friendship." he mentions with a huff as he goes back to reading quietly only pausing every few moments to occasionally scratch Yang's ear and glance quickly at the rest of the party.
Awfully presumptive of you all to assume Tez is into bird people. Or lady-bird people.
The only real thing I would suggest is that if we have the jump on it, than it is flat footed. Flat footed creatures outside of combat reflexes can’t make AOOs. If that’s the case it would lose out on its AOO vs Selena.
That’s 10 damage off her total damage taken which would put her down, but not dead.
Not sure if you want to roll with that, but I would prefer it to dealing with another dead Selena and the possibility of Selena 3.0
Tezuzu will momentarily wounded by Quasit's look "Yes, it is too risky to bring you along, but you will serve us well guarding our flank."
Once Tezuzu is out of earshot he will mention quitely "Leaving her here is a good compromise. We do not need kill her, but I object strongly to letting her return to the garrison. We do not know how long this mission will take and any potential that could lead to winter guard reinforcements is not one I would sign off on. I also want no hand in whatever Iron Guard or Herald blood she might spill once she is out of this place."
Sighing somewhat relieved as they walk "I will say, it is a weight off my shoulders not having to travel with that mutt. I am not fond of winter wolves at the best of times. Outside a few rare ones they tend to not make the best of traveling companions. Plus there are fleas to consider."
As they look over the equipment Tezuzu will shake his head at Findurel's request waving his still glowing claws "Until I discharge this necromantic energy I am afraid my ability to read magical auras is on hold." he adds with a hint of snark "And given your luck shooting lately that could be quite a long time before I am able to find a use for it."
The first is nice to get two attacks for ambushes with readied actions, but the second lets you do it as a standard action. Allowing you to Move via stealth and ready two strikes should anything spot you is really nice. Pairs really well with your role of being our scout. Also really useful anti-caster tool for interrupting their spells.
As for monk training? Tez would likely be willing to train you on the spiritual side of things, but the actual monk training he wouldn't really want to share as it reminds him of family and he doesn't like to acknowledge too much he even has it publicly.
@Lareg, I will come back to it at level 7, I am guessing once we cream all the bozo's in the forest and grab the hut we will likely level. IIRC it's the end of the book. As for taking another level of Monk; from both the meta mechanical aspect of not wanting to miss out on early shaman spell progression I also have a narrative reason he shy's away from monk training tied to personal reasons. So I wouldn't really be considering it till 11th or 13th level after some character growth anyways, your gracious deal aside.
It would open up more spells so I can be less stingy with them and provide some more utility, but I'm well aware of the potential of sparking an arms race of you needing to modify encounters. The DM always ends up winning those and it also means he has to do more work. I would still like to consider it, though.
Maka in a 30ft pit having to make a dc 20 climb check per move action to move at 1/4th her speed and take 1d6 each time sounds nasty and might take the whole combat. So this is my loopy idea to try and fix that. Let me know if I need any other rolls for this to mechanically work or something since this isn’t a typical set of actions.
Tezuzu grabs the 50ft rope and grappling hook he had prepared to offer Maka and Findurel earlier before they climbed up the tree on their own from his belt loop and quickly chirps to Yang as he takes hold of the other end of the rope in his mouth.
Yang will dart forward dropping the end of the rope down the hole before returning to Tezuzu’s side. Tezuzu will move towards the closest orbiting boulder to the pit and attach the grappling hook to it. He shouts out ”Maka grab the rope!”
Combat stuff, R1:
-Tez- Move Action: Draw grapple hook move towards, floating boulder.
Standard Action: Attach hook to boulder.
If he is unable to get within touch range of boulder or he needs to toss the hook here’s an attack roll. Unattended objects are typically AC 5 but if it’s moving it could be higher that’s your call Lareg.
-Yang- Move action: move to pit grabbing the end of the rope in mouth.
Free Action: drop rope into pit.
Move Action: returning to tezuzu’s side.
I am hoping that the fact that these boulders are moving somewhat fast could potentially yank Maka out of the hole at the end of R1. No access to computer this morning so move me wherever appropriate or I can do it this afternoon. Tez nor yang will not end their turn within 5ft of the pit for obvious reasons.
Both me and Maka played this AP many years ago. I think we left off just as we got to the hut, which I believe is the end of book 2 or really close to it.
The awkward moment leads her to change the subject quickly. She narrows her eyes a little as she asks Tezuzu "What was the gruesome thing you had to do that you couldn't tell anyone about back at the tower?"
Tezuzu becomes anxious and nervously fiddles with his robes as his voice lowers to a wisper "Well, we should not speak of it in front of the children. If you are sure you want to know hand me your handy magic sack and I shall tell you. Lets go to another room away from the children's ears."
Given the opportunity away from the children Tezuzu will fish out the ball sized object wrapped in a torn blanket and stuff it into his own pack. Looking up at Quasit he says with a tinge of guilt in his voice "Well...to put it delicately...and remember I did say this was morbid before..." he pauses unsure if he really wants to continue "There is a ritual that can be used to communicate with the spirits of the dead. It can be used to gleam a few answers from the spirit every week, but over a long enough period of time you can gain quite a bit of information and insight."
He looks around nervously and continues "I am unsatisfied merely disposing of the witch and her minions. There is far too much filth that could have had a hand in what went on in that tower.....I intend to use the notes and approval documents and more gruesomely the late granny Nann's head, which I have collected as an unfortunately necessary component to that ritual, to discern a list of garbage who might have been involved....and then well...prevent them from doing something as vile again."
His eyes widen and dilate as though Quasit is some kind of predator "It is considered unnerving and gross by most and it was not the time to explain at the tower. I hope that is acceptable for you and that you do not share this with the others as it has been informed to me that it tends to 'creep people out'." he then will bow profusely as a servant might "And my apologies if it is not acceptable, of course."
Tezuzu ponders grimly for a moment "The dog's behavior was unexpected, but from my understanding they share the troll's regenerative capabilities. I might surmise that its cruel owner had a uniquely sadistic advantage in training it. A troll's cruelty knows no bounds and to be paired with an endless ability to heal....." he shudders thinking about it. "Imagine having the intelligence of an infant and being flayed apart every time you ignored a command. Pitiful creature in a way, but it does help to shape the context of it's behavior when you think about it."
As he pats Quasit's shoulder he tries to comfort her "The only person whose fault it is, is that awful troll. He is the one who spent his last spiteful moment slaying that child. Not you. It is good to self-reflect on your own actions in attempt to better yourself but..." he stops patting her shoulder "..dwelling on it and assigning all the blame onto yourself is merely self-flagellation. It won't improve you and it won't undo the past."
He sighs deeply "I do not know if frankly there is just something inherently wrong with me or if growing up here amongst the cold cruelty of this city has tempered my feelings... but to be truthful I feel 'almost nothing' after having witnessed today's horrors.." he lets that notion linger in the air for a moment before continuing "..and what truly frightens me is that there might come a time when it is not just 'almost nothing', that this place will eventually grind me down and instead of 'almost nothing' there will be a void and my heart will become as cruel and cold as this damned frozen city."
He shakes his head trying to dispel his dark notions "I am hoping to find a way to work towards more permanent solution for this city. I think that the knowledge and resources locked away in Baba Yaga's Hut might hold at least a clue to that end."
Tezuzu looks repulsed for a moment eying the handkerchief "It has served its purpose. I do not cry often myself so no need for haste in replacing it..." he pauses for briefly considering something "....you snotty little monkey." he jokes tussling Quasits hair playfully. He does his best attempt at a smile in spite of his beak's rigid physiology making that task near impossible.
"But what's the point of a name? The last thing we want is to advertise ourselves. We're not hero bandits hiding out in the local forest, and we aren't here to inspire anyone. We have a job to do. We can make up names when we're finished, if that day ever even comes. Heck, you can write a book about us."
Tezuzu looks insulted for a moment before he regains his composure softens slightly before responding with vigor "A name creates a shared group identity one that we can draw strength from.... Something to become a part of that makes us more than the sum of our individual selves....Naming our group solidifies the concept of us coming together and gives it power in our minds and hearts...It is symbolic yes, and it might sound hokey to you, but I feel that something so simple could be an anchor for us all and there are rough waters ahead. We do not need to advertise it"
Realizing he sounds much more passionate than he intended he tacks on "In addition it could not hurt us so what's the harm, I have already started writing our book, and I have read a few essays on team-building it is crucial to establish a team identity as some claim raises performance and productivity by at least 10%"
Done with his pitch he turns to the others and asks "Do any of you have any good ideas for a name? I am partial to 'The Riders of Summers Thaw', but I am very open to ideas."
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Quasit* wrote:
"Have you ever watched someone you love slowly strangling and just wishing with all your heart that they'd just die and be at peace? And then when it was finally over, realizing that he's really gone and you'll never know him again? My stomach still twists in a knot, just thinking about him."
Tezuzu will nod sympathetically his eyes watering briefly but not shedding any tears "Not literally, but you could that would be a very close figurative description of how I lost my grandfather...so I guess I understand the feeling."
Once she finishes speaking and begins sobbing in earnest Tezuzu pauses for a moment unsure of himself before softly placing a clawed hand on Quasit's shoulder. His touch is razor sharp and would normally be a little unsettling, but there is a gentle care in how lightly and carefully he places his hand. "Hey now, it's not your fault. If you need to let it out..... go ahead." he reassures her and with his other claw he hands her a handkerchief and a water-skin of spiced wine.
I’ll mention again since it may have been overlooked, Fin’d like the serpentine owl, if no one has a better use for it...think it would be very useful for a scout...
Sounds good to me. It is worth quite a lot of money. If we don't use it by the time we get to the next point we can sell gear we can revisit if we want to get rid of it or not.
Findurêl wrote:
I'm likely to hold him back in most encounters as Ranger animal companions are weaker than other classes' counterparts and we want to keep him alive...
I know that struggle getting mage armor on Izzy would probably be a good idea. I've been using the Shield Companion spell to keep Yang relatively safe. There are two versions of it Rangers get imho the better version of Shied Companion. It lasts for a long duration which is nice.
I shall get wondering hex at 7th level and will pick up Life Link I'll have 6 links to choose from I'll include Izzy on that list. At the same level I should be able to craft some items. One that I am going to make for Tez and Yang is Shawl of Lifekeeping I could potentially make one for Izzy as well.
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Will have my character update this evening. Here is my roll for HP, 1d8 ⇒ 5
Tezuzu beams as Solveig and Bella embrace and will chirp "I do not require your thanks; it was my pleasure to play my part in freeing bella and punish the trash that held her and the children captives" Nodding to Solveig he asks "How long of a window do you believe we have to infiltrate the market square and get to Baba Yaga's hut, considering the turmoil the Iron Guard's uprising will last? I have some bodies to preserve and divination's that would be useful towards our ends, but if we have less than a day of respite I would reconsider in favor of haste."
Turning to Quasit and the others "Is now a good time to share a drink in memory of Selena and our victory? Perhaps we could hear Bella sing and determine what we should name our little intrepid group?"
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As Quasit is connecting with the children over the harsh subject of loss over some peas Tezuzu will approach and begins pulling out some of the toys and books that he swiped from the clock-tower and distributes them to the kids along with his delicious dried bugs to the more daring of the children. He will overlook all of them and speak as Yang jumps out of his carrier case in his smaller cuter form. "You have all been through a lot, but I have heard the best medicine for tragedy is a little bit of joy. My furry little friend here needs to get some exercise. I bet some of you are good hiders. Yang here loves to sniff out children that are good at hiding. Who wants to play hide and seek? Best hider get's a super special prize."
Once the children are busy playing with Yang he will glance over at Quasit and softly say "You did the best you could do....I swear to you that we will bring back the kid and Selena. I just need a little time to figure out how to do that."
With an air of awkward optimism he gently mutters "In times like these I like to think that those that have been left behind would not wish for us to be overtaken by the despair from their loss and instead look forward and remember them with warmth. However, if you ever need to bend someones ear you have mine at the ready and if you are ever up to it I would love to hear more about your brother."
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After everyone gets settled for the evening Tezuzu will take a warm bath scrubbing furiously to get the grime of troll blood, soot from the oven, and the unpleasant memories of how his own hatred for the witches drove him to abandoning Selena to the ovens burning maw.
Despite his efforts he never feels quite completely clean.
On the reincarnate items you really have two options: Single use, Spell-Completion. Or Single use, use-activated.
Spell-Completion (i.e. A scroll) = 1700gp
Use-Activated (i.e. A potion/oil) = 2400gp
If you opt for a scroll Tez can activate it. It would require a CL check of 8. So anything other than roll of a 1 and he passes; is very unlikely to create a scroll mishap should he fail.
Alternatively this item exists and is 100gp cheaper than the scroll and is use activated. Depending on the moon you get two d100 rolls instead of 1.
Once I level I shall have wondering hex up and running and thus life link most days with 5 spots open for it. Should help us avoid a similar problem.
"Seems a bit extreme, but then someone used kids to make guardian dolls. Something to be stopped for sure, but I don't know if it was planned or even allowed. The children were not exactly in bonds earlier, and if they were expected to be a meal, I'd think they would be bound in some way."
Heal Skill:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Tezuzu adds analyzing the situation "Children are rather easy to manipulate; and young livestock are often praised for the tenderness of their flesh. It would be easy to fatten them up without them even knowing their fate."
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Sakitu wrote:
"What? Uh. Why is that here?" She asks the question but it's obvious that she doesn't really want to know. She's grateful when everyone's attention turns to getting into the next room.
Upon hearing the question Tezuzu happily begins to explain "Well you see Sakitu, it's all perfectly healthy, when a male troll gets lonely..." he abruptly stops his explanation a little embarrassed not realizing the rhetorical nature of the question and wanders off back to the door they are attempting to breach and gets ready.
Tezuzu will translate the giant he overheard "One of them just said 'Be quiet' they may not be as helpless as they seem." he mentions as he and Yang dash towards the closest troll. He clenches his claw into a fist and slams it down hard onto the trolls head as Yang Shih follows up with a viscous bite aimed at an artery.
Combat stuff:
Move Action: 30ft to I1.
Standard Action: Powerful Smash
Swift Action: Hex Strike (Misfortune)
*Note: -4 to the trolls AC vs melee atks if prone, Another -2 to AC & no Dex bonus if closed eyes count as blinded.
Saves for I1:
Misfortune (DC 16, Will, Su) Failure = Roll twice take worst on all d20 rolls, 1 Round.
Touch of Fatigue (DC 14, Fort, Spell) Failure = Fatigued, 4 Rounds
Powerful Blows (DC 13, Fort, Ex) Failure = Dazed, 1 Round.
Put my combat stuff in spoilers so it's not an eyesore. Hopefully those crits confirms are not completely out of the question if they're blind and prone. -6 AC with no DEX to AC could put a 9 over the edge?
Three crits on the same troll, wow it's just not his day is it.
"Oh uh, being clean is important. No peaking, no boys, got it!"
Tezuzu will move to intercept hurricane Makas path ”I do not believe you have ‘got it’, Maka. I am not sure what the norms are where you are from, but in most civilized society it is frowned upon to mix baths.” He will wag his hand in a condescending manner as he continues ”So please put Quasit and Sakitu down and follow me. We shall be joining Bulvi and Findurel for our bathing.”
If you haven’t caught the hints Tez has been laboring under the assumption Maka is a man. Tall athletic build, short hair, bundled up in winter clothing. Easy enough mistake for his birdbrain to make.
For reference my own preference for house rules is almost word for word of the same as Obirandiaths.
I would like to make it clear that the matter of fact manner that those that support the idea that it doesn't work is based upon the bias of how those particular individuals think it should function rather than a misinterpretation of the English language.
To be perfectly up front and to not obfuscate the clear answer as though it was a disagreement among opposing opinions here's the language:
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Shocking grasp (SRD)
CRB 'Shocking Grasp' wrote:
When delivering the jolt, you gain a +3 bonus on attack rolls if the opponent is wearing metal armor (or is carrying a metal weapon or is made of metal)
Other than deploying the spell with a melee weapon attack instead of a melee touch attack, the magus spellstrike ability doesn’t change the normal rules for using touch spells in combat (Core Rulebook page 185).............Basically, the spellstrike gives the magus more options when it comes to delivering touch spells; it’s not supposed to make it more difficult for the magus to use touch spells.
Touch Spells in Combat - 'Holding the Charge' (CRB) wrote:
Alternatively, you may make a normal unarmed attack (or an attack with a natural weapon) while holding a charge. In this case, you aren't considered armed and you provoke attacks of opportunity as normal for the attack. If your unarmed attack or natural weapon attack normally doesn't provoke attacks of opportunity, neither does this attack. If the attack hits, you deal normal damage for your unarmed attack or natural weapon and the spell discharges.
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Nowhere is there any evidence that I'm aware of that changes how the rules are expressly written or anything concrete that supports the personal opinion that it doesn't function in such a way per RAW.
It seems pretty clear in my opinion unless I'm fundamentally misunderstanding the language.
1.) The spell confers a +3 bonus to an attack roll to deliver the spell. Since it's doesn't say 'melee touch attack to deliver the spell' it applies to unarmed strikes, natural attacks, and spellstrike all of which hold the capacity to do damage on their own and hold the possibility of being a miss in their own right without the bonus.
2.) There's an developer quoted in the official FAQ that supports it functions the way it's written.
3.) Nowhere that I'm aware of is there anything in the books that says spellstrike changes the way the spell functions.
While the way people think the rules should work has discussion value it is erroneous to support that they do function in that manner. This is a question posted in the rules question section not the house-rules section. So if you're looking for a clear cut answer and I assume you are then the answer is, Yes. AFAIK.
If you want peoples opinions on how it should work that's a different matter entirely.
I will add my vote to bumping the FAQ on this question, though. As any rules clarification is always nice.
Killing evil a bit dishonourable or caddishly, does not make one an evil agent, as long as you stick to knocking off evil and don't go slaughtering good or neutral kiddies. Rogues kill evil by stealth and when they are helpless all the time. As do high initiative rangers, barbs, fighters, wizards, etc etc etc.
I would agree in so much that it doesn't make one an agent of evil, but I still believe it to be an evil act in of itself without the benefit of further any further perspective.
Taking into account a few questions:
What did performing a Coup de grace accomplish?
They where seemingly attempting negotiations with goblins, correct?
How does simply silting the helpless presumably bound goblin's throat further that task?
In light of apparent failure to reach an amicable ends in negotiations, would silting the goblin kings son's throat in front of him further persuade him furthering the stated goal?
To me the implications set forth by the OP seem to paint a picture of one along these lines: The character specifically slit the helpless prisoners throat in front of his father to meet out punishment for not meeting the party's demands in negotiations. In a coldhearted callous and unnecessary manner meant to inflict emotional harm upon his foe.
IMHO; Further context or a more elaborate view of circumstances could effect the situation at hand, but I believe the above has been at least implied and as such would definitely qualify as an evil act in my book. It only holds more weight if the character in question shows little remorse for such behavior or takes it a step further and indicates that the character derived any measure of joy or pleasure inflicting such a trama upon his foe.
I'm sort of in the middle on this as I understand why it's rather powerful, but I'm not on board calling it overpowered or thinking it's a sufficiently deserving thing to bar from play.
Hands down it's very good at low levels and the action economy with no save keeps the ability useful and still effective for all 20 levels. That said I still think the witch does it better at higher levels despite the action economy hit and lack of a save favoring the oracle.
In my opinion the oracle is still a poor class compared to other full-casters and there are a lot more potent abilities other classes get at level 1 (I'm looking at you Summoner + Archetypes). It's very good yes, but arguably the witch is comparable if not better and the DC-Oracle has to pay a hefty cost of admission to simply get the ability. In comparison to an Oracle's Awesome Display or Side-Step secret there are stronger options for an oracle to examine aside from misfortune that don't carry a terrible cost to gain access.
This has me interested, but I'm a little fuzzy on a few things?
1. Do we choose weather or not we want to be an Aristocrat or an Assasin? Are we automatically Aristocrats? or is the role handed out to us? I have one role in particular that I'd like to try. Do I have to claim it?
2. Should I make an Alias or just post under my regular Alias?
3. Do we only only post through PM or do we post on a messageboard?
From the types of games I've played that follow a similar fashion the GM assigns roles based at random and sends them out via PM everyone keeps them secret/or not depending on rules.
Speculation and/or roleplay revolves around the game thread usually. Depending on the GM, votes for who to kill/expose/lynch/hang is sometimes or usually handled in the game-play thread while the assassins/werewolves/mafia usually conspires among themselves via PM and try to act innocent in the gameplay thread.
Not sure if we need an alias, but I'm certain it wouldn't hurt.
The game mostly devolves into wild speculation, bandwagon lynch mobs, deception, guesswork, secret pacts, cliche formations, betrayal, and impassioned pleads of innocence or fiery claims of others guilt.
Also.....*Bumpity bump*
Edit: I remember seeing another thread where thoughts of this game sprung up when the PM function came out.... Here. I'll send a PM to those that expressed interest there an attempt to draw others into the fold. Since it couldn't hurt to try. :p
I'm a convert to the d4 over the d6 in terms of rolling for stats.
I'll post up comparisons using anydice for a few methods. It'll show average roll, standard deviation, and provide graphs and tables for those interested:
What I've found is that the 4d4 method gets rid of the nasty problems of the d6 method of yielding a stat below 6. It also has a lower standard deviation, for those less mathematically inclined means less character power disparity between attributes where one player might roll a 30+ equivalent point buy while another rolls a below 15 point equivalent point buy.
It's average is only slightly higher than a d6 methods and it produces more well rounded attributes with higher probabilities of rolling 12-17 and a slightly lesser chance of rolling an 18.
Personally I prefer a point buy, but if it's a choice of rolling methods I prefer a d4 based dice pool or 5d4 drop lowest +2. 3d6 roll in order is a bit archaic and takes a ton of power away from the player during character creation.
I do think the d4 deserves more note in character creation rolls as opposed to the more prolific 4d6 drop lowest method.
But if you have a citation, then fine. It's not a big deal. Just intrigues me is all.
I'll echo this sentiment exactly.
@RD: Eh, just paying you a compliment. Whenever I see a post by you on rules clarifications or in a looser discussion I generally find you either correct or things or your opinion on matters that call for it to be agreeable. So when something catches me off guard I assume you know something I simply don't.
Downsides to the Magus:
-Spell resistance
-Elemental resistance
-A 3/4th BAB class
-Prepared Caster
-Below Average CMD for a melee class
-Limited Spell List
-Partial Caster
They're a good Gish class and considerably powerful in general, but they're not broken good. A lot of the same ire that's directed at the Magus can easily be directed towards a properly built druid.
Once they run out of spells they're effectively worse than a fighter and there are considerably many ways to leverage their weakness against them. I can elaborate further if you wish.
@Iced2k:
It's a flawed argument that some people propagate as the Magi using arcane mark with spellcombat/spellstrike is cheesy. To that end it probably is a little cheesy. It is however, not overpowered or outside the rules. The latter often argued against to to impose the house rule of saying it doesn't work due to a belief in the former.
Any spell that requires creature/object touched is subject to an attack roll if the creature/object touched doesn't wish to receive the spell (usually in combat). It doesn't matter what the spell is it's even done in situations that would benefit the target (Bulls Strength, ect..).
Cure [X] Wounds spells harms undead creatures and requires an attack roll to touch the unwilling target and the spell description doesn't ever state at any point that it requires an attack roll against creatures, yet it does because of the following rule.
Relevant Rules:
'CRB combat section Casting a spell Touch Spells wrote:
"Many spells have a range of touch. To use these spells, you cast the spell and then touch the subject........... You can automatically touch one friend or use the spell on yourself, but to touch an opponent, you must succeed on an attack roll."
Spellstrike wrote:
At 2nd level, whenever a magus casts a spell with a range of “touch” from the magus spell list, he can deliver the spell through any weapon he is wielding as part of a melee attack,
Common flawed arguments against the tactic come in the following flavors:
But, It doesn't require a touch attack in the spells description.
-There are considerable spells that don't require a touch attack in spell description. See Cure [x] wounds, and possibly a few others. Also re-read spellstrike.
But, It has no benefit in combat.
-Irrelevant, and also not true. An opponent that turns invisible or otherwise hide can now be spotted with detect magic. An opponent that wishes to conceal their identity will have that option closed to them. An opponent with Thief scrawled on their forehead is easy to track throughout a town/city. To name a few easy examples.
But, It's totally over powered.
-It usually requires proper positioning or a concentration check with varying chance of failure and imparts a -2 to both attacks. It's no more overpowered than TWF, a Monks Flurry of Blows, or Cleave.
But, It's an exploit they didn't design for it to be used that way.
-They haven't removed it or errata'd it out of existence either. It works as RAW and has a legitimate use. Those who designed the class likely aren't twiddling fools and seeing the words "Range: Touch" and having designed spellstrike it's unlikely they wouldn't be aware of it's effects. They put it on the class spell list and to insinuate they weren't aware of it's implications is calling them stupid.
