Xian Jin's page

We have several casters in the party, so I thought I'd be useful and try to make a character to boost them. In some fore thought I know this will be good when we hit 7th level or so when we start facing creatures with SR. But didn't think it was so bad at starting levels.

I'm playing a low level magician and was wondering if anyone could give any advice on how to best use Dweomercraft. We are 1st (soon to be second level) so it is unlikely that we will see any creatures with spell resistance or have access to spell that require a caster level check. Our casters are smart enough not to cast in combat, and none of our casters rely on ray spells. Am I over looking something, should I change my spell selection (What spells should I be using as a bard with Dweomercraft)?

BTW here is Dweomercraft:
Dweomercraft (Su): A magician can use performance to manipulate magical energies. Allies of the magician gain a +1 bonus on caster level checks, concentration checks, and attack rolls with spells and spell-like abilities. This bonus increases by +1 at 5th level and every six levels thereafter. This ability relies on visual and audible components.

I'm glad to hear you are getting through this. Its one of the few times being stubborn is a good thing. My personal view is it takes work being happy, but the work pays off in the end. So big props to you Drula.

As for Val's game, I know you will be a very important part of the group. Especially since you are the only one that can cast cure spells. 8)

Keep the smiles Dru

Great to hear you are doing better.

I'm sorry I haven't written much in the last few weeks. I've been terribly busy at work and at home. My mother just came for a surprise visit before she goes on her real vacation.

I hope you're not out of contact for too long.

BTW, what's the temperature where you are at? I've heard on the radio record temperatures across the US.

Sorry, but my posting the next two days will be spotty. I have a meeting the prep for.

Happy 4th of July. How was it for everyone?

Sorry all, yesterday I was out of office for a full day meeting. Hate those things.

I spent less than a month playing basic D&D when I was 10. I wanted so badly to play ADnD with my older friends but they said I had to wait. I think my continuous whining broke them.

By the time I was in high school, the gaming group I was in stopped DnD completely and we were using various systems.

I'm still around. I really like the character I designed. What changes would I have to make?

So Drula, tell us about the friends you are making with the hospital staff?

Welcome back Drula. I'm glad to here that you are feeling a bit better. Feeling better is a good step.

I remember when I was confined to a bed. I got a bit depressed. All I could do was watch TV and I tell there's not much on that is worth watching.

Good luck Drula.

I do think focusing on what you like and doing those things are very important to being happy. In general I've come to believe that being happy takes effort and patience. It doesn't just come to you, you have to work at being happy.

I once thought that doing nothing made me happy. I became miserable very quickly but didn't realize how unhappy I was for a while. And after that it took me time to figure out that doing things I liked made me happy. I know it sounds stupid but that was what it was like. Doing things I like allowed me to think less about how miserable I was or how mean the world was to me.

I don't find much inspiration through religion. The important things in life, my wife, family, friends, dog, are all on the top. Then there are the things I like to do: eat, do my martial arts, game, write. Those are the thing that make worthwhile for me. And I do a lot for them. When I was single I spent much of my time trying to keep up to date with friends and relatives. Its not easy and take effort. But like most good things eventually you will see the rewards.

I know that right now it is hard to keep and make friends, but let's try and work on that. Even if your friends are on-line. There are any number of forums to talk about things you find important. Being able to express oneself is empowering as well as therapeutic.

Well, I am no counselor, but I do know friendships are a good thing.

As far as hope being the doorway to disappointment. That's very Buddhist of you to say. I've tried to eliminate expectation but that's hard. Have you tried reading about Buddha?

I think there is a difference between expectation and striving for a goal. I know that expectation leads to suffering but I'm unconvinced that having goals and dreams are the same.

Well, let's have small goals, nothing with a deadline but something that you enjoy. Why not work on you character?

I wouldn't call them delusions but goals. Its always good to have goals.

I think your counselor is right. A positive attitude is much better than a negative one. I recall reading a book about Alex Ross, comic book artist who is known for his photo realistic artwork. I'll paraphrase: Having a choice to believe in two myths, one that you are born, have a dream, work towards that dream, grow up, eventually have to give up the dream for reality or you are born, have a dream, work towards that dream, grow up, eventually have your dream come true, which do you want to believe in?

Now both are myths, in that they leave a lot out and are not a complete picture. I know one is more likely than the other but I would rather believe in one over the other. That is the delusion I afford myself. And for the most part it works for me.

I roleplay for the escapism too. I enjoy playing pretend, even facing un-winnable odds. That's because I enjoy the playing more than the winning. Finding enjoyment in the path is more important than the goal (in my opinion).

Wow, that's really heavy. I can see, now, how you are depressed.

Let's take death off the table for a moment.

What do you like to do? I mean, obviously you roleplay, but what about these games do you like?

Are there counselors at your facility that you could talk to?

I don't think it matters where you begin. Just start talking well listen (or read) and then ask questions or tell you something we are thinking that might help.

I think we should have a separate thread, but I don't know how to start one. So I guess we can use this space until JZ starts another.

Right now I can't post more than twice a day on the weekdays. On the weekend I may not post at all.

So Drula what would you like to talk about?

Well this is very little band width compared to all the boards that are going on. And its not like they are monitoring us.

If they do object to it, they will probably ask us to stop and not kick us out. They wouldn't want us to stop buying their stuff. So let's take this one day at a time and cross that bridge if we come to it.

I can't say that I have experienced depression on the scale you are talking about nor am I a physician, but I've had small bouts. I found that it is an evil cycle: One is depressed and unmotivated to do anything, but that makes you even more depressed. I found for myself the best way was to see my friends, talk to them, do things with them. Once I got into a habit of doing things was when things got better for me. But that first step every morning is the tough one.

If you want we could open a specific thread for you and we could just talk about stuff if you like. Sort of a support group if you want.

I am truly sorry to hear that. Best wishes goes out to you.

That's what I was afraid of...

"Stay here," Xian says to Maester Grump. Looking at the others, "Let's go." Off Xian runs towards the Old Hambley's farm.

Who is all here? Have we lost people?

"Get a hold of yourself man," Xian says with a forceful gaze.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Xian didn't like Val's answer either, most for the same reasons. He would have to press it later. It was getting late. "Yes, we can continue tomorrow."

Xian looks at his companion and asks, "Who are your enemies that might do this?... or even have the power to do this?"

Xian stands up, "I think we are done here." he says as he get ready for the sanitarium.

"So she was demanding with his time? But you said he had other women?" Xian tried not to show is frustration with the man.

Is Ibor holding back something? telling the truth?
sense motive 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 (using lucky)

"Hands full? What do you mean?"

"So you came in this morning and found that... that mess... And you hadn't noticed anything out of the ordinary? Who else was Banny seeing?"

"Hmm... has Banny been acting out of the normal in any why recently? Do you know if he met anyone unusual or done... something different?

Xian gives an understanding nod, "I need to know what happened here. Let's start with what brought you here this evening?"

"Friends dead. Yeah, I've been there. I've seen things that I don't want to relive but I do. You know what helps? It's not bottling up inside, it is letting it go. And the only way to do that is to talk about."

Thought you were going to do the rolling. No matter...
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Calmly Xian approaches, "I'm sure you did but I'd like to hear it again, then you can go. Tell us what happened, please."

Xian headed down stairs to see Ibor. He hoped Drula followed. He didn't want to do this alone.

In the profile section put your character sheet. Use the Edit Profile in the upper right.

In the recent posts you can see what you have written.

alright so here's the dumb questions (again) and again because I can't spare the time to look around... Where's the game? This is the OOC thread right? Is there a game thread already?

Also what do I need to do to Kiera to bring her up to par?

Try this:

As for 'par', do you mean character sheet wise or game goings on wise?

Yeah, Dread okay-ed the War College Fighter from the Pathfinder Campaign Setting Book(Page 45).

It is 4 skill points plus Int Mod plus human plus favored class equals 9, so it would be 9x4.

Strangely my copy of the book is telling me that at 1st level to do this: (4+Int Mod) x 4.

Hmm...that's strange, it would mean my first attempt was valid...

EDIT:
Due to Lin Tai being a 15pt character, you okay-ed me to up him to a 20pt character, new Int-modifier is 3.

That sounds pretty cool. What is the draw backs you get in exchange for 4 skill points?

"Ibor is a good lead, I'll go now..." Xian says as he makes his way to the door, then stops, "Can you track the creature after it left the marsh?"

Xian waits for the spell casters to respond to his question.

OOC: someone wants to make a Knowledge Arcana or some-such about a creature that might do this?

Xian experiences have been hunting humanoids, monster hunting was not something he was an expert in. "Does anyone know of a creature that can turn flesh foul like this? It is unnatural, perhaps magic?"

Xian staggers back as he lets the ax go. Taking a minute to compose himself he thinks at what he has seen.

I'd like to just review: Wounds are rotten, but the rest of the bodies aren't, right? How old (rough) would flesh have to be that rotten?

Xian frowns and takes a step back. Looking from body to body he walks to the ax and knees to inspect that. At first he doesn't touch it only looking at it only after he is satisfied that he has gotten what he can from looking does he pick it up.

Perception on the ax
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Xian arrives and scans the room then heads for the bodies and begins to inspect them He takes his time first examining the wounds, checking how they were killed, estimating what type of weapon if possible, then he goes through their pockets and clothes.

Can I take 10 for the perception check? if not then use this
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Hello Kiera

The short version of the answers:

DM Dread went MIA
DM Cam stepped up
DM Cam likes this format better
DM Cam thought having Cam around was a conflict of interest

"I think Messrs refers to Messengers," says Xian and then looks to the Sheriff for confirmation.

Not to belabor the point but Tari did you take your +2 stat due race?

"Let's get to the mill and see what is there before deciding on what to do after that." Xian says impatiently.

I actually prefer PF over DnD when it comes to point buy. PF makes so much more sense

As for the craft alchemy comment, it was for Lin Tai to find his niche.

I've looked at some character sheets we don't have anyone who can disable devices.

My bad, Val has Disable Devices. You already have a few craft skills why not add more to craft alchemy and become the MacGyver of the group.

Sorry, finials just got sprung on me and I'm getting my but kicked.

I'm going to try and post ASAP, but I have little idea what's in character.

Seriously, what's my niche? All I got going for me is fighting and making things go boom.

Well making things go boom is good. With your +2 to any stat you could add to int and get 4 more skill points. I've looked at some character sheets we don't have anyone who can disable devices. With your gun smithing skill it wouldn't too far fetched that you might have that skill as well.