Wolfgang von Erzteufel's page

Wolfgang von Erzteufel wrote:

I think I'm about done with Wolfgang's conversion - comments, questions, criticisms are welcome. The statblock is up on Wolfgang's profile page, and here's a link to a PDF of the character sheet with all the details.

Two notes: 1) How are you an expert in three skills (Celestial Lore, Stealth, and Thievery) at level 3? I thought you only got a skill increase every level after 1st. 2) Infernal is still an uncommon language, even in Cheliax. The GM could just allow us to take it, which is fair, but just a note.

Celestial Lore comes from the Additional Lore feat, so it was boosted to Expert automatically at level 3. I went with this Lore because in 1E Wolfgang had a trait bonus to Knowledge (Planes) which made it his best Knowledge skill, and this was the only way I could see to replicate that mechanic.

Infernal is uncommon, but as I understand it, it is prevalent in Cheliax (per the LO World Guide) and humans from Cheliax have access to it. Per the CRB, humans know Common and "Additional languages equal to 1 + your Intelligence modifier (if it’s positive). Choose from the list of common languages and any other languages to which you have access (such as the languages prevalent in your region)." HeroLab agrees - I realize that isn't definitive, but it does corroborate the way I was reading the rules. Finally, Wolfgang spoke Infernal in PF1, so I figured it made sense for him to speak it in PF2 if he can. I can certainly swap it out for something else if I'm wrong.

Looking back at Wolfgang's 1E languages, though, makes me realize that I should have taken Halfling and Orcish in 2E instead of Jotun and Sylvan, so I'll switch those out (regardless of the GM's ruling on Infernal).

Edit to add: Revised character sheet with Halfling and Orcish replacing Jotun and Sylvan is linked here.

I think I'm about done with Wolfgang's conversion - comments, questions, criticisms are welcome. The statblock is up on Wolfgang's profile page, and here's a link to a PDF of the character sheet with all the details.

From my cursory tracking, it seems you were a bit above the level 3 baseline in 1e, so I decided to go a bit above the level 3 baseline here too. After all, evil pays well! ;)

Let me know when you're all ready to go.

Aside: I've been talking with Zelicia's character, and we're still trying to decide which archetype fits best. Any suggestions?

(Another aside: If you want an archetype that just doesn't have enough feats (or starts a bit late), I'll throw in an exception to the "must pick 2 more feats" part of dedication feats on an individual case (message me or post here, either works). The same goes for access [Sicaria can totally do Red Mantis Assassin]. The same ALSO goes for some requirements that I find a bit restricting [for example, Loremaster's Etude requires the Enigma Muse, but I feel it's a bit too restricting like that. This is the one that'll need the most whim on my end, but I tend to err on the side of the players, as 2e errs on the side of monsters in a lot of places as the rules are written. I've found the math is tight enough that a re-roll / +1 here and there really doesn't change much other than player versatility.])

Thanks, GM. Wolfgang 2.0 is a relatively simple conversion (Eldritch Trickster Rogue with the Wizard Multiclass Archetype); he's behind Wolfgang 1.0 in his spellcasting, but the cantrips are better and he gets to wear armor, which makes up for a lot. I'm working through the equipment - I don't think he'll be able to afford a bag of holding (75gp by itself), but that shouldn't be a big problem.

Have you and Zelicia looked at the Shadowcaster archetype? The focus spells are interesting, and may be as close as anything to the vanish ability her 1E archetype provided.

I guess that leads to a related question: Zelicia, have you decided on your patron/spellcasting tradition? Because although the most direct conversion for Wolfgang is to multiclass in Wizard, if you're planning to pick a patron that gives you the arcane spell list, I could tweak Wolfgang's ability scores to boost Charisma and have him take the Bard dedication instead of Wizard, so we'd have access to three of the four spellcasting traditions. It would be a pretty big personality change for him, though, to go from an 8 Cha to any positive number.

Alright, I updated Sicaria to 2e. With it I decided to finalize something I was going back-and-forth on with the character upon reflection: Sicaria’s non-binary.

That being said, Sicaria will keep using she/her pronouns, because 1) I’ve been referring to the character as “she” this whole time and habits are hard to break, and 2) research into the matter (since me be straight white cismale and didn’t know this inherently) shows that some non-binary people actually do opt to use gendered pronouns, and I believe Sicaria would still refer to herself as such, even if only out of habit.

Thanks for telling us more about Sicaria, and I wouldn't have known about the pronouns, either.

That...seems like a lot. The rules (based on this table) recommends a lump sum of 30 gp for a brand new 2nd-level character. Granted, we've been level 2 for a bit, so that's probably higher (to include an additional 2nd-level item each, so about an additional 30 gp into the lump sum for 60 gp).

Sorry if I'm backseat-GMing here, just that 90 gp lump sum seems like a lot to me.

But we’re level 3 (recommended starting WBL is 75gp), and partway towards level 4 (starting WBL of 140gp). Without knowing for sure how close we are to level 4, setting it at 90 seems like a reasonable compromise to me.

Either works for me. On balance, sooner is probably better than later for Wolfgang, as I think Wolfgang 2.0 is a slight upgrade over the original thanks to Second Edition cantrips. On the other hand, he'll never be able to spam invisibility the way he could have in 1E starting at 4th level.

Also, changing editions in the middle of combat isn't unprecedented.

GM - re your RSS app, that’s similar to what I do. I have notifications of new posts that pop-up on my phone and iPad by connecting the RSS feed through IFTTT.com. It works, although if too many notifications come through while I’m not available to check, I may miss a few. Definitely better than not getting the notifications at all.

I think running Marc and Zeke as an NPC combo makes sense until we clear the fort. I can’t see a new player wanting to join partway through combat anyway. Hopefully after we've finished off the last of the cute nasty little leshies and their pals, the Miscreants will be able to return to Longacre and can pick up a new member there?

Hi, all. I don’t know if we’re still considering continuing this AP as a 2E conversion, but if we are and we’re going to recruit one or two new players, I know that can be awkward on an open forum thread. I’ve used Discord chats for this purpose in other PbP games; if that works for you, please join the #hv-recruiting-discussion chat on Tusk the Half Orc's Discord server.

Wolfgang wrote:

Wizard Multiclass Dedication at level 1 but opens the complicated question of how that interacts with the free archetype variant rule

You get the Multiclass Dedication at level 1, and then are stills subject to the typical restrictions (must take 2 more feats from the dedication before you can pick up another), meaning you'd get a free "level 2" feat for your Wizard Multiclass Dedication, effectively moving you one feat further along the Dedication than you'd otherwise be. (EDIT: As there isn't actually a level 2 feat, I'd let you just take Basic Arcana at level 2)

Mastermind with Free Archetype may end up the better option overall if there isn't a worthwhile extra feat.

Thanks for clarying that, GM, that could work. I’ll try building Wolfgang 2.0 that way and see how it compares with the Mastermind version.

I've spoken with Zelicia and continuing in 2e is also her preference, especially since she's a big fan of 2e (not so much 1e).

We'll still need to recruit one more player, but I'm much more confident in our ability to pick up an additional 2e character. Speaking of: Are there any players in particular you think I should reach out to? Or should I go to one of the various places to recruit players on the forums here and take somebody that seems the best fit?

I’ll give it some thought this evening, but my experience with 2E is still pretty limited, so I’m happy to defer to the rest of you.

1E, 2E, makes little difference to me as far as this AP goes.

The character and story are not grabbing my attention. Also, no offense to anyone, but we started this combat sequence three months ago. I don't expect that to pick up with the addition of new rules.

That issue seems to broadly encompass every game on these forums, and is a major reason I am moving away from these forums.

Sorry to see you go, Marcianus. I enjoy playing with you, and I liked your character concept here.

GM, Sicaria, Zelicia - understanding that we haven’t made a decision yet… if we continue forward converting to 2E, I’m trying to decide between rebuilding Wolfgang as an Eldritch Trickster rogue, which gives him the Wizard Multiclass Dedication at level 1 but opens the complicated question of how that interacts with the free archetype variant rule, or as a Mastermind rogue with the Wizard Multiclass Dedication as his free archetype dedication feat at level 2. Any thoughts or suggestions? Have any of you played an Eldritch Trickster rogue in 2E? Neither build will give Wolfgang the spammable invisibility he was building towards in 1E, but I could work towards Shadowcaster or Shadowdancer starting at level 8, either of which could make up for it.

Sorry for my delayed response - busy couple of days at work and at home (and yes, I'm still working from home, so that means I've just been busy). I think I'm with Sicaria - I'm not sick of 1E, but I'm only in one ongoing 2E game (Sicaria's player's converted Hell's Rebels) and I'd really like the opportunity to play with the shiny new toys a little more. And as the only other original player still standing, I'd like to stick with the AP if possible. I understand if it doesn't work out, but I'll be happy to keep twirling Wolfgang's moustache if it does.

(Yes, I'm going to spend the rest of the night rebuilding Wolfgang under 2E rules just to see how it goes, why do you ask?)

Sorry for the delay. This whole jumping across the gap thing seemed like a good idea at the time, but now I'm flummoxed - I'm not really sure what good Wolfgang can do here. He's probably going to end up getting himself almost killed, again.

Wolfgang moves stealthily up to the door and (assuming it's closed) cracks it open to peek inside.

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Perception, darkvision: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

To be clear, the controls for the bridge don't have an obvious crank outside of the building, though you can make a safe assumption at where the controls are based on the fact that whoever used them needed line of sight.

I'm a little confused - there's no visible crank, whoever released the ropes on this side needed to see Zeke step onto the bridge to get the timing right, so... can Wolfgang see a window on the structure that might indicate where the controls might be inside?

*Player pumps fist*

Marcianus opened that door a LOOOONG time ago

Oh. Well, then, I guess Wolfgang's going to do this now. Sorry for the retcon! Keep your fingers crossed - he only has a 50/50 chance to make it.

Wolfgang jogs a few feet into the little room, then turns and picks up speed before leaping off the edge of the platform, arms and legs pinwheeling as he flies across the now-bridgeless gap towards the other side.

"Oh, shiiiiiiiiiii ---"

Acrobatics vs. DC 20?, long jump, 10-foot running start: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Oh, gods DAMMIT!

Wolfgang sighs, steps over, and checks the door behind him for traps.

Perception, trapfinding: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 9 + 1 = 24

Assuming he doesn't detect any traps:

He opens the door and looks inside from the doorway, then turns to the others. "I think I'm going to have to jump for it, and I need a little more room for a running start."

"Which witch? Our witch? Why ... ah, well. Never mind." As the archer slumps into unconsciousness and starts bleeding out, Wolfgang turns away and shoots an arrow at the red leshy, then moves up closer to the bridge. "We must not let them get away!"

Shortbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 81d6 ⇒ 4
Sigh.

Wolfgang draws his bow and fires an arrow at the gray archer.

Shortbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 121d6 ⇒ 2

Wolfgang would be happy to make a loan at very reasonable* rates.

*For certain values of reasonable. Restrictions may apply. Terms and conditions subject to change without notice.

Understood, GM. It has been harder for me to keep up with PbP this spring and summer than it has been in a while, for alternating work and personal reasons.

“Ow! Dammit! It’s another archer.” Wolfgang takes a step back and uses his tail to yank a potion from his bandolier. He sheaths his rapier, then pulls the cork from the vial with his teeth and gulps down the contents.

Potion of cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

5’ step; use prehensile tail to retrieve small object as a swift action, sheathe weapon as move action, drink potion as standard.

"Of course you are." Wolfgang snickers at the diminutive leaf people and steps up to stand next to Sicaria. The tiefling yanks a vial of alchemist's fire from his bandolier and chucks it at Green (easiest target without cover).

Alchemist's fire, ranged touch attack vs FF?, 2nd range increment: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 151d6 ⇒ 6
(+1 point of splash damage in 5' radius; target takes another 1d6 fire damage next round)

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

The rustling in the trees above seems to be coming from a small creature that appears to be made entirely of leaves. It's carefully watching from above the half building on the middle-left platform (the one the tokens are currently on)

Wolfgang's head snaps up to glare at the leaf-creature staring at them from the trees above the half-done building. He points at the thing with his rapier.

He hisses at it, "What the Hell are you supposed to be? Get down here, now!"

I'm sorry, folks. Our little three year old cat is very sick, and we've been focused on her for the last couple of days and will be through tomorrow.

Wolfgang quickly checks the platform and the bodies of the archers for anything that might be useful or of value, before turning to the ladder. When Sicaria is ready, he climbs down as quietly as he can.

Perception, take 10: 10 + 9 = 19

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

"Maybe. But if she does, you won't be around to find out." Wolfgang lunges at the remaining archer with his blade.

Mwk rapier, flanking, sneak attack!: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 2 = 161d6 + 4 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + (3, 2) = 12

Thanks, Sicaria!

"Do you think I look like a Hellspawn? Thank you. Maybe all this exercise is finally paying off." The tip of Wolfgang's tail wipes some of the sweat from his forehead and flicks it at the red archer as the tiefling steps in front of him.

Mwk rapier, flanking, sneak attack!: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 2 = 231d6 + 4 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 4 + (3, 1) = 12

It takes three levels and a feat to get Wolfgang his two little sneak attack dice, and what happens when he finally has a flat-footed opponent? Snake eyes. There ain’t no justice.

Wolfgang snarls when his rushed initial lunge at the archer misses, and tries again.

"I said, I am sure that they will be put to good use!"

Second change sneak attack!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 181d6 + 4 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + (1, 1) = 9

"So, what do you think those jailors even did with those weapons? I heard they didn't all make it back to the armory."

Wolfgang steps around the tree trunk rising through the center of the archers' platform, drawing his masterwork (not cold iron) rapier.

"Don't worry about it. I'm sure they'll be put to good use."

Sneak attack!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 91d6 + 4 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 4 + (2, 4) = 16
Drat!

”…eventually.”

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Sicaria grabs the chalk and writes down on the page. Forest fire destroys evidence.

You and I sneak up on archers, Zel and Marc take care of wolves? Catch both off-guard?

Wolfgang thinks for a moment, then nods. Let's tell the others the plan, he writes, and begins to head back to Zelicia, Marcianus, and Zeke as quietly as he can.

Thanks, GM, that's helpful. I am (as Marcianus's player knows from our several years of PbP together) occasionally prone to coming up with wildly overcomplicated plans to avoid obstacles that aren't in the scenario and that the GM never planned to add. Put that tendency together with a character who is a cowardly, magic-using, sneak thief - that is, a PC who is built specifically to come up with overcomplicated solutions to threats nobody else sees - and this is the result. Substantive post to follow this evening, but I'm good following Sicaria's plan.

If the archer's nest is 30' up, it's going to take us 2 full rounds at 1/4 speed to get up there, right? I think our best chance might be for Wolfgang and Sicaria to try to sneak up the ladder and take out the archers before they can sound an alarm, but if there's any sniping at them from the ground, wouldn’t they still alert the rest of the camp that they were under attack? (I suggested starting a fire because it would focus the Glorious Reclamation bandits on fighting the fire, which wouldn't have to have been caused by an attack).

Any other ideas for a distraction that wouldn’t destroy the evidence of the camp (which I hadn’t thought about) that also wouldn't prompt a general alarm? Alternatively, Zelicia, Marcianus, and Zeke could be ready to start a distractionif W&S blow a stealth check (or just start shooting/casting, or take out the wolves), then we might still have a chance to take out the archers before they realize we're there.

I just noticed that Wolfgang has a scroll of monkey fish, which he can cast on himself to get up the tree a little faster (it gives him a 10' climb speed, so that's one double move and a move action). It lasts for one minute, so he can cast it a little ways off from the camp to avoid being heard.

GM - How hard will it be to climb the tree, and how high are the archers? Is there line of sight between the archers and the wolves?

Wolfgang sighs and nods, and puts the alchemist's fire and thunderstone away. Clearly anxious, the tiefling points to the archers, then points to the wolves. After a few moments of incomprehensible gestures with his hands and tail, he shakes his head in annoyance and pulls a stub of chalk* from his belt pouch, followed by his spellbook from his pack. Flipping open the acid-stained back cover of the volume, he hurriedly scrawls across the endpaper.

"Take archers 1st --> wolves bark/howl? Take wolves 1st --> archers shout/shoot? Distraction to remove 1/other?"

Wolfgang shoves the book and chalk at Siciaria and points to the blank final page.

*Somehow I have created a character who regularly scribes spells into a book but doesn't own a pen or even a piece of charcoal. Lucky for Wolfgang, chalk comes with whatever kit he bought starting out.

All, in case you haven't seen it, there is another excellent Paizo Humble Bundle running now, the Pathfinder Second Edition Bestiary Humble Bundle. If you pay $25 or more, you receive the following PDFs:

- PF2 Core Rulebook
- PF2 Bestiary
- PF2 GameMastery Guide
- Lost Omens World Guide
- Lost Omens Gods & Magic
- The Extinction Curse Adventure Path
- Pathfinder 2E GM Screen
- Adventure: Little Trouble in Big Absalom
- 3 Second Edition Quests
- 3 Second Edition PFS Scenarios
- 6 Flip-Mats, 2 Map Packs
- 10 ebooks from the Pathfinder Tales short fiction line (before most of the novels)

If you increase your payment to $35, you receive all of the PDFs and a physical copy of the PF2 Bestiary (shipping not included).

I already have all the rulebooks and adventures, but I may still get the bundle just for the PDFs of the flip maps and map packs.

Wolfgang checks the flasks of acid and alchemist's fire held in the loops of his bandolier, then pulls another three flasks of alchemist's fire out the bag of holding. He silently offers the three vials to Sicaria before reaching back into the bag and retrieving a small rock. He holds it up with a grin, mimes throwing it, and covers his ears, mouthing "BOOM!" in case the assassin missed the point.

Any sense as to how dry the forest might be, and which way the wind is blowing? Wolfgang is more interested in flushing out the rebels than starting a forest fire and accidentally burning down the Whisperwood. But if that what it takes...

[dice=Stealth]16

Wolfgang's shoulders tense, rising to his ears at the barely audible whisper of the assassin's footsteps. He turns to glare at Sicaria.

Only one charge needed to bring Wolfgang up to full, Zelicia, thanks!

GM - If we're only an hour before sunset, I assume there are plenty of shadows from the trees?

Wolfgang nods without enthusiasm. "Right. But I should probably take advantage of the shadows and sneak in closer for a better look, shouldn't I?"

Sticking to the darkest areas possible, Wolfgang tries to spot any guards or other security measures around the camp and get at least some idea of how many people are inside. He moves slowly, particularly because he has to watch for observers and traps from above as well as on the ground, and does not get too close to the encampment (for whatever value of "too close" makes sense).

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

(GM - reminder that Wolfgang has alarm sense if he passes within 10' of a magical trap, and +1 to find any trap from trapfinding.)

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Grumble mumble mumble

Wolfgang looks pleased at the halfling's bow until he realizes it's too small for him to use. He tries his strength on the weapon stuck in the wall...

Strength: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

... but when he yanks on the weapon's grip, his sweaty hands slip and he falls on his backside.

Muttering to himself in irritation, the tiefling stalks around the outside of the ruin. When he spots the trail leading deeper into the woods, he groans and slinks back through the growing shadows to tell the others.

"We're down on spells and all of us are still injured, although we ought to be able to handle the latter problem as long as there are charges left on that infernal healing wand." He looks from Marcianus to Zelicia, unsure who has the wand at the moment.

"We need rest to get back our other resources, but if more of these Iomedan bastards are hiding out in the woods, they could come back to the fort at any moment and murder us in our sleep. Much as it pains me to admit it, our best chance to get a look at them before they know we're coming - or if we see an opportunity, to do unto them as they so desperately deserve - would be to go now. I would be delighted to be persuaded otherwise, though."

I'm going to pause here for a bit. Had quite an off week. Work's been rough. Will continue the narrative when I start feeling better.

I’m sorry for my own absence last week. I’m hopeful this coming week will be less crazy at work so I’ll be able to post regularly when you’re ready to continue.

Hrmmm. Much as I might like to, I can’t stay in this fog forever.

After a moment of hesitation, Wolfgang sprints through the mist and up the stairs behind Sicaria. He takes a looping path on the platform, ending to the halfling’s side. Just before he steps into reach of her spear, he drops his bow and draws his rapier (still enchanted with magic weapon), aiming it at Jexxi’s neck.

“Sorry I’m late, Sicaria. Did I miss anything important?”

Dang it, I said in my last post that I moved back into the mist towards Sicaria and I was sure I moved my token on the map. No idea why it didn’t stick. GM, assuming you don’t object, I’ll move it now.

Wolfgang winces as he pulls out the spike that the manticore managed to tag him with just as he darted into the mist. Snarling at the wound, he pulls a potion from his belt and gulps it down as he takes one more step towards the stairs.

Cure light wounds, CL1: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

The tiefling cringes against a pile of rubble as a figure materializes in the mist behind him and moves past him. He chuckles quietly in relief when he recognizes Marcianus.

“Your fog is useful, again,” he murmurs. “Can Zeke hold off the beast long enough for us to come up with a plan?”

No worries on my end - I'm going to be busier at work than usual through June 1. I should still be able to post daily (or daily-ish), but if I'm delayed, that's why.

Wolfgang fires another arrow at the manticore, but when he sees the damage Zeke and Marcianus are doing to the hybrid beast he decides to join Sicaria (and, without knowing it, Zelicia) near the entrance to the Reclamation's encampment and runs back into the mist.

Shortbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 91d6 ⇒ 6

Wolfgang moves quickly and quietly through the mist and out into the clear, then fires a cold iron arrow at the lion-headed beast.

Stealth, moving 25' (more than half speed but less than full): 1d20 + 9 - 5 ⇒ (18) + 9 - 5 = 22

Shortbow, cold iron arrow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 191d6 ⇒ 2
Sneak attack damage, if applicable from Stealth check: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6

What in the Hells is that thing?

Knowledge (arcana)?, guidance: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 1 = 27
(Add +1 if it should be Knowledge (planes) instead)

Wolfgang snarls and sheaths his rapier, then draws his bow.

I should have explained that Wolfgang's goal is to take an attack of opportunity against anyone who comes through the doorway (passing through a threatened square. I'll post it in a spoiler here just in case.

Wolfgang snarls in discomfort and annoyance at the high-pitched alarm. "Damnation! Get ready, people; these bastards had an alarm that triggered when we came through the gate!"

The tiefling casts magic weapon on his cold iron rapier, then moves stealthily through Marcianus's conjured mist to the wall of the gatehouse, and waits next to the doorway in the edge of the fog for someone to come out.

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

@GM - I’m sure it didn’t make any difference in this encounter but your Perception macro for Wolfgang is still using his modifier from level 2. He’s at +9 now.

"Hold on a moment." Wolfgang leans over to examine the portcullis.

Is this still working, even though more than half of the walls have tumbled down? Hrmmm.

Wolfgang inspects the gate and surrounding area for traps and alarms (including the possibility that the gate just squeaks loudly).

Perception, trapfinding: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 1 = 27

(Reminder: his alarm sense gives him a GM-rolled secret perception check if he's within 10' of a magical trap!)