I have a lot of clerics who had only a brief chance to play. While my to-be-Brewkeeper of Cayden Cailean was one, here is another I think I would like to play again.
Zelligar the Mystic started in a Red Hand of Doom campaign, but had to transition to NPC when I had to take over as GM. He's versatile and fairly resilient but not super optimized.
He will focus on healing, defensive magic, and divinations (such as Arcane Eye and Clairvoyance). Probably going into the Evangelist prestige class, to maintain progression in domain abilities and channeling as well as get far more skill points for the AP's various needs. Nethys has very nice Evangelist boons.
Hamailii, you heard from Bran and Tal'ariel earlier about seeking out Zelligar. This is Zelligar. He was my PC when the game started, and then I took over as GM. Hence 'GM Zelligar.'
"Zelligar the Mystic, cleric of Nethys, at your service. I was with Bran and Tal'ariel for the raid on Vraath Keep, the defeat of Wyrmlord Koth, and the slaying of the dragon Ozzyrandion. And yes, many of my kin do like to spend their time on a good meal, but unlike most halflings I appreciate the value of a well-cast spell. I am sure Tal'ariel's Prestidigitation can make this meal the equal of many hours' labor over a stove. And those are hours that we do not have in any event. My wizard colleague Sertieren and I have been busy doing everything we can to prepare Brindol for battle. Research and crafting, mostly."
"Come in, come in!" says Zelligar. Sertieren the Wise looks up from a book at a table, then goes back to reading.
Brindol Academy is an ornate two-story building halfway up the city's hill. It is the most prestigious school in the Elsir Vale, offering courses in history, magical theory, geography, alchemy, engineering, and culture. Most courses are for adults, but half of the ground floor is a finishing school known throughout the vale for producing cultured and well-mannered aristocrats.
The two halflings have taken over the library, and placed small cots in two corners. They've clearly been here for a couple of days. Books lie open across many tables, with scraps of paper marking key references. Other pages filled with notes are tacked up (at halfling height) in various places.
"Trying to find out what we can about Tiamat. Also trying to learn how to harden stone against dragonfire."
The halfling cleric looks you over. "Bran, you look well. You too, Tal'ariel. Any progress in your magical studies?"
When introduced, he greets Hamailii (assuming Gaius is digging fortifications). "A Desnan? How fortuitous. May your travels bring you the stars," he intones politely. Hamailii can see his holy symbol of Nethys.
Upon hearing about the Ghostlord's phylactery, he says, "I think I saw a note in a margin that there exists a map showing the Ghostlord's lair... could be in one of these other books here... though it should be easy to see from the air if the tales are true. A great stone lion in the desert. Sertieren, do you recall seeing a map like that?"
The halfling wizard looks up again. "No. Do we have any food? And not magic cleric food but real food?"
Zelligar responds, "Well that's what your Prestidigitation is for. If you can't make it taste good then that speaks to your magical skill, doesn't it?"
There's clearly a bit of friendly rivalry between the wizard and the priest of Nethys.
"Tal'ariel, how good are you at Prestidigitation? Let's adjourn to the dining hall and find out."
The halflings mark their places in the books and decamp to a room with large wooden tables and benches. Zelligar grabs a platter and a crock and begins casting a spell. Ten minutes later, he has conjured bread, cheese, and stew for lunch. It's perfectly edible, though a bit bland. "Tal'ariel, want to give it a shot? And then all of you eat your fill. There should be plenty left over to hand out."
Zelligar speaks up.
"If you are going to scout the enemy camp, Iris and I will escort these folks back to Drellin's Ferry. We'll also get our orders in on any scrolls or potions you want us to ask for.
Let's weaken the bridge as Tal'ariel suggested. Iris and I can come back tomorrow, and I can prepare a Stone Shape spell to cause a total collapse on a moment's notice if needed. The bridge won't go unwatched for very long.
I have faith you will make it back, but I'll be here to ensure the bridge falls if you fail to return."
Yeah, I know it doesn't make much sense that Iris would skip the scouting mission, but it is what it is.
Okay, everyone check in!
Dai, you are welcome to re-spec if you like. Send me a PM with your proposed build.
I will send a PM to one of the prior applicants and we'll retcon them to having been among the prisoners.
Once everyone has checked in I'll get a post up (tonight or tomorrow night).
You could if you like (and send me a PM with a new concept if you do). I was also thinking of opening up recruitment again, or maybe PM'ing a prior applicant.
Well, I've got RHoD.
I've got a Pathfinder conversion of the monsters.
I think I can do any P6 adjustments as we level up.
I do need to make sure I have all the necessary map files, load them into Google Slides, and make sure I have the sharing and permissions figured out right.
I want to write a number of the longer boxed text posts so that I can post quickly when things come up. I am often posting on my phone and if I can just paste in a pre-written and formatted post from another file that will be faster.
Can you wait another couple of weeks? I've never run a PbP before and want to have as much as possible lined up so I get it right.
I'm glad we got to finish this battle! If it's the end of the game, it's a dramatic victory.
I could get RHoD, adapt it to E6 and run it myself, but it would take time to get that set up. If the GM doesn't come back in a month, I'm willing to get the module and work on adapting it. Would take maybe another month from there to do the adaptation. Then we'd resume.
"I spotted a crack in the bridge. It might take some time and effort but I think we can take this down. We can look around here for any tools we might use.
If we wait until tomorrow, I can prepare a couple of spells that might help."
"Iris, I'm sure we'll find plenty of gold here from the hobgoblins. Can you open the small lockbox in the tent? I think Dai's arrows might be in there."
"Lavinia, Dai, Alice, Greg, and... You, sir? What is your name?
Can any of you tell us anything about your captivity? Why they took you - slaves or sacrifices? Anything you overheard?
I don't know where you are from, but we are headed back to Drellin's Ferry. You can come with us if you like."
"That, Lavinia, is Bran. He's a big guy, but not usually that big. Tal'ariel's magic at work. And while he can run fast and jump far, he can't normally fly; my magic.
As you may have seen, Bran slew the dragon with his bare hands. He is quite good at what he does once can get his hands on a foe."
"I am Zelligar the Mystic, servant of Nethys. I have some ability with magic, including the power to heal."
Waves of energy radiate from his holy symbol as Zelligar uses his last Channel to heal Bran, Iris, Dai, and Lavinia - and the other prisoners if they are injured.
Channel:3d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 5) = 11 "Were these hobgoblins here your captors? Or did you encounter any that left? If you know anything about the other enemy forces, it could help us."
He turns to his fellow halfling.
"Well done, Iris! A deed of legendary daring. Staring down a dragon, tricking it, then slaying most of the hobgoblin force. With the leap from the tower for style? As impressive as Bran's feats were, I think yours will not be forgotten either."
Perception:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28 "Tal'ariel, do you see that crack in the bridge? I think we can use that to take it down and slow down the army.
First we should tend to the captives, and search for any useful items the enemy had. Then destroy the bridge and head to Drellin's Ferry."
Zelligar begins descending the tower.
"Almost, Tal'ariel. One archer left, with Iris in his face and Bran closing in. Two of the prisoners seem to be helping but they have taken many arrows.
The dragon is dead. Bran's plummet hurt them both, and seemed to break his grip, but he re-established it. I kept him conscious, though it was a near thing.
Iris was apparently inspired by Bran and jumped off a tower in a free-fall of her own. She seems okay."
I'm pretty sure Zelligar can't see what's going on, but even if he could he's too far away to help.
Channel to heal himself and Tal'ariel.
Channel:3d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 3) = 10
Zelligar fires another volley into the downed hobgoblin near Tal'ariel, to make sure he won't revive when Zelligar channels.
Magic Missile:2d4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 4) + 2 = 8
Zelligar uses his staff to hopefully finish off Bran's opponent - who had the temerity to break the wrestler's grip - then drops prone next to Tal'ariel.
Magic Missile:2d4 + 2 ⇒ (3, 1) + 2 = 6
I think they're archery specialists so creating distance is probably not the best option. I'd stay up in their faces.
Lavinia can use her healing hex on Dai if need be. Iris is clearly the biggest threat but she has great AC and is at full HP so who knows what the enemies will do.
Zelligar takes a single move (I believe this puts him immediately SE of Bran) and fires a third volley of Magic Missiles at the archer in the SE tower.
MM:2d4 + 2 ⇒ (1, 1) + 2 = 4 Can edit Google Slides on my phone but not Google Drawings
I don't know how far negative he was, but you did just do an additional 14 damage before Zelligar channeled. Didn't think I'd roll that well, but even so he was probably dead already.
If he was at -1, got knocked down to -15 and survived, and is now at +1, well, you still go before him.
And if he's dead, you've got your potion in hand (and are at 45 HP before drinking it).
"Might and Magic; a potent combination."
Zelligar channels the power of Nethys.
Channel:3d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 4) = 16 "Let's go save the day some more. Go help Iris, I'll take these guys."
He crawls 5' towards the towers.
5th and last round of deflection aura starts now.
The blinded hobgoblins get new saves again at the end of their turn.
Zelligar is waiting until Bran acts; he wants to channel but doesn't want to revive the dragon.
We've had good breaks and bad breaks in this fight. Just the way it goes.
Maybe Dai and Lavinia made their move a bit too soon and took a lot of damage, but they are in a better position now with Iris there to help.
The archers' aim was exceptional, and two arrows sink into Zelligar's chest. Somehow, perhaps through his magic, he remains alive.
"You've done it, Bran! Praise Kurgess. Now stay down and drink your potion before tackling the archers."
Zelligar gives up Murderous Command to heal Bran, then drops prone. Round 4 of deflection aura.
CLW:1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Zelligar was hoping to draw the archers' fire away from Bran, and it worked. That's why he didn't drop prone after healing Bran.
They got some lucky shots, but he's tougher than he looks and isn't too concerned. Remember, if he does go down, he automatically stabilizes.
What he does next depends on whether or not Bran dropped the dragon with all that damage.
Bunch of blinded foes and you're a rogue! It's like your birthday, Iris!
Bran has a few options. Full attack and grapple? Dragon gets a full attack if he doesn't drop it.
Full attack fighting defensively? -4 to hit, but dragon is prone so +4 there, and +3 AC is nice.
Stand, attack, and 5' step? Dragon can only counter-attack with the bite (I think) and provokes an AOO if it moves. Not sure the terrain allows a 5' step but maybe to the NW?
Zelligar is down to one CLW (1d8+5), then Channel or the wand.
Zelligar will move due west of Bran (if someone can get that for me) and sacrifice Sound Burst to heal him.
CMW:2d8 + 5 ⇒ (3, 7) + 5 = 15 Bran took 14 from the dragon after DR, so now back up to 22, and all the non-lethal damage is gone
Round 3 of deflection aura starts now.
Draconic:
"You will never defeat him while I live, hatchling." Hoping to motivate a breath weapon attack on its next turn. May be in vain, but he doesn't know how long I can keep healing Bran and so may want to take me out.
Well there is always Additional Traits.
My cavalier had Called. When a charge does 3d8+120 damage and you only miss on a 1, rolling a 1 sucks. Similarly for Bran.
Should we survive, reroll spells and abilities are a priority for Zelligar.
Damn! Wish I had built to give rerolls. So used to them being available in PFS.
But it is still prone, so there's that.
Since Bran doesn't actually qualify for the Secret Knowledge trait (unless he truly worships Norgorber), there is this:
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/traits/faith-traits/called/
CMD is now +2 deflection because Zelligar moved so you are in range of his aura. In the future will prep Shield of Faith to use on Bran since it will do double duty.
I think Bran is at 20 HP with 4 NL (plus the 10 fake HP from rage). Zelligar will heal Bran next round, couldn't get there in a single move. (Not meaning to nitpick, but we are all very invested in Bran's continued survival and every HP counts.)
But he's pinned the dragon and hit it with a 90-foot freefall piledriver!
Pearl of Power (1st level, 1/day) {purchased from Chronicle sheet 7-14}
Belt of Mighty Constitution +2
Cloak of Resistance +2
Headband of Mental Prowess {INT/WIS +2 (Sense Motive)}
Pearl of Power (1st Level)
SCROLL: Lesser Restoration (x5)
Wand of Cure Light Wounds {remaining charges 41/50}
Wand of Endure Elements {remaining charges 40/50}
Wand of Enlarge Person {remaining charges 46/50}
Wand of Mage Armor {remaining charges 40/50}
Wand of Magic Missile {remaining charges 33/50}
Wand of Shield of Faith {remaining charges 50/50}
Other Gear
longbow, longsword, backpack, bedroll, belt pouch, hemp
rope (50 ft.), holly and mistletoe, pot, torch (5), waterskin, winter blanket, holy symbol of Nethys, spellbook, 1506 gp,
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Special Abilities:
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Cleric Channel Positive Energy 2d6 (3/day, DC 11) (Su) Positive energy heals the living and harms the undead; negative has the reverse effect.
Cleric Domain (Destruction) Granted Powers: You revel in ruin and devastation, and can deliver particularly destructive attacks.
Cleric Domain (Knowledge) Granted Powers: Your are a scholar and sage of legends. In addition, you treak all knowledge skills as class skills.
Elven Immunities - Sleep You are immune to magic sleep effects.
Elven Magic +2 to spellcraft checks to determine the properties of a magic item.
Destructive Smite (6/day) (Su) Make a melee attack and add +1 to the damage.
Lore Keeper You can touch a creature and learn about its abilities and weaknesses. With a successful touch attack, you gain information as if you made the appropriate knowledge skill check with the result equal to 15 + your cleric level (1) + your Wisdom modifier (3) (19).
Low-Light Vision See twice as far as a human in dim light, distinguishing color and detail.
Physical Enhancement You gain a +1 enhancement bonus to one physical ability score. (Constitution)
Telekinetic Fist As a standard action, ranged touch attack deals bludgeon damage vs. foe within 30'. Deals 1d4 points of damage, +1 for every 2 wizard levels. (6x/day)
Background:
Torn between faith and tradition, child of a single parent and seemingly alone in the world, Fethril has only recently found success. Following his faith (and heart), he has finally found friendship, love and a purpose. While the mystery of his mother still exists, Fethril is happy for the first time.
Ten-minute-background: Hide
Essential Things
1) Fethril’s mother left the elves for unknown reasons when he was very young and his father, Fallon, forbade him from asking questions about her as it was distracting Fethril from his arcane studies. The fact that his mother left was often used by others to tease and bully Fethril as he grew up. He remembers has come to suspect she was a priestess, but has no idea what could have forced her to leave the enclave (or Fethril) behind.
2) Fethril often felt he was an outcast. As he studied the Arcane Arts, he heard a calling from Nethys. The voiced promised that should Fethril follow the path, he would never be alone again.
3) Fethril’s devout worship of Nethys has caused a rift between him and his father. Fethril was cast out from the elves for putting his faith before his dedication to the arts.
4) Fethril has become involved with Varra Coppersmith, human daughter to a wealth moneylender. Knowing he will need her father’s approval to wed, Fethrtil has been on the lookout for opportunities to earn enough money and status to be accepted.
5) In the seminary, Fethril met and befriended Bonnel, a human. Many years of study and several evenings in taverns have seen the two become the best of friends.
Goals
1) Fethril would like to find is mother and learn the reason she left.
2) Fethril wants to appease Nethys, and earn the respect of Alden Coppersmith, by becoming the foremost practitioner (and ‘ambassador’) of dual casters and increase the sphere of influence Nethys has in all kingdoms.
Secrets
1) Despite all outward appearances, Fethril does not know what he would do if forced between the love of his life and the strength of his soul. To date, his commitment to Nethys and his desire for Varra has never come into conflict.
2) Unbeknownst to Fethril, Bonnel has always been jealous of the elf for being both a divine and arcane caster. Bonnel is charismatic as well as politically savvy and uses that to move up the ranks of the priesthood. He works behind the scenes to hinder Fethril, both professionally and personally. Bonnel has been trying to manipulate Varra into leaving Fethril.
3) Alden Coppersmith is not all that he seems. No one is certain where his wealth came from. He has underworld connections, but there are rumors that he ‘made a deal’ to become rich and powerful.
4) Fallon secretly worships Nethys. Years ago, an avatar appeared and informed him it was the will of Nethys that Fethril be cast out into the world. Fallon believes both he and Fethril are undergoing a test to prove themselves for some greater purpose. Fallon has surreptitiously been following Fethril’s progress.
People
1) Bonnel is a mover and shaker, climbing up the political ladder. He maintains his ‘friendship’ with Fethril until he can use him for the greatest advantage. To that end, he does what he can to assist Fethril publically if for no other reason than to be able to take credit for his success. Bonnel also spends time subtly driving a wedge between Fethril and Varra.
2) The Coppersmith family. Alden has made a deal to become the rich and powerful man he is today. Eventually he will find himself in a position to pay back whomever (or whatever) gave him his money. Varra cares very deeply for Fethril, and could see marrying him one day, but she has started to question how committed Fethril is to the relationship.
3) While being unable to directly aide his son, Fallon would indeed try to assist him if able to.
Memories
1) Fethril has fleeting memories of his mother. He remembers her ivory skin, raven black hair and ice blue eyes, but little else. Fethril will often unconsciously hum Elven lullabies his mother sang to him.
2) Fethril fondly remembers the first time his father allowed him into the study and saw him wield magic. It ignited something within him. Whenever he sees or encounters magic new to him, he gets that same jolt of excitement.
3) Fethril will never forget the first time he made love to Varra. From the scent of her perfume to the way she glistened in the candle light, all of it is etched in his mind. The auburn haired girl is the only girl he has been with.
Design Notes
Fethril has lived a difficult life. His father would never tell him why his mother left and continued to push him academically. Being good was never enough for his father. Eventually finding solace in his spiritual side, Fethril began to explore his faith, leading to being disowned by his father. It was at this lowest moment of his life when Nethys spoke to him, promising that he never need be alone. Making his way to a larger human city, Fethril joined the seminary so he could explore his potential. Things slowly turned around. He found acceptance in the church, met a true friend and fell in love.
[spoiler=PFS Blurb]
Player: Tim P/TriShadow
Character: Fethril Support
PFS #: 151777-12
Faction: Scarab Sages
Day Job: [dice=Craft (Alchemy)]1d20+8[/dice
SESSIONS
01 - 7-14 Faithless and Forgotten, Part 1: Let Bygones Be (1/2/505)
02 - 6-10 The Wounded Wisp {SLOW TRACK} (.5/1/215)
03 - 6-05 Slave Ships of Absalom {SLOW TRACK} (.5/1/257)
04 - 6-08 The Segang Expedition (1/2/509) {Purchased Pearl of Power , Wands of Cure Light Wounds, Mage Armor, Magic Missile (Bought with Prestige)}
05 - 6-06 Hall of the Flesh Eaters (1/2/507) {Purchased spells 10gp (x2)}
06 - 6-15 The Overflow Archives (1/2/506)
07 - 6-18 From Under Ice (1/2/529) {Purchased Wand of Endure Elements with Prestige}
07 - 6-09 By Way of Bloodcove (1/2/1258) {Purchased Expeditious Retreat, Feather Fall, Mount, Obscuring Mist)
08 - 6-11 The Slave Master's Mirror (1/2/1277)
09 - 6-19 Test of Tar Kuata (1/2/1288)
10 - 5-12 Destiny of the Sands, Part 1: A Bitter Bargain (1/2/1850)
11 - 5-14 Destiny of the Sands, Part 2: Race to Seekers Folly (1/2/1864)
12 - 5-16 Destiny of the Sands, Part 3: Sanctum of the Sages (1/2/1864)
13 - 6-03 The Technic Siege (1/2/2550)
14 - 6-07 Valley of Veiled Flame (1/1/2557)
15 - 4-17 Tower of the Ironwood Watch (1/2/2512)
