Welcome to the OOC thread!
You guys have been traveling together for a few weeks now. You all arrive in Lurion in the late afternoon with the intention of settling for the night so feel free to not only discuss your interactions thusfar on the trip, but also how you're arriving. In addition to the tabards, the government will provide each of you with a combat trained light horse with barding bearing the symbol of Cheliax as well.
Also, keep in mind that each one of you was recommended by someone. If you haven't thought of it yet, think about who that might have been. Your PC doesn't even necessarily know who it was, and the government was looking for loyalty at all levels of society. They specifically wanted the group to seem like Cheliax wasn't filled solely with Asmodeus worshiping, racist, aristocratic humans.
Once everyone has checked in, I'll start the IC posting, but don't feel rushed on this background tying. It's more than acceptable to keep discussing it even as we start the IC work.
We've got a rogue, battle (melee) cleric, and the last reservation is likely to be a melee fighter. If that doesn't end up happening, I'll pull another melee from the thread, but we should have three people typically standing in the face of the bad guys. And the back line isn't squishy, you as a fighter, a bard, and then one arcane caster. I'm not terribly worried about having enough people that can stand there and harry stuff.
Bard Lucrezia reporting for duty. :)
Reporting for duty ^^
Decius Norfire shall wait his chance in another game xD
Hafdan Jelspar, mechanic for the crown, reporting for duty.
And Lucius, we rogues are only squishy if you can find us first. ;-)
Most importantly, while rogues don't take hits, they provide AoOs that keep control of the enemies and help keep things away from the back row. Especially given that I'm the one making the enemies, I think you'll be fine with three people in melee.
That said, as we move forward in the next day or so, please talk here about the leg of the journey you guys have undertaken so far. If you have any questions or requests for information about the trip, etc. post that here too. The assumption is that, by the time the IC thread starts, your characters are already on their way so they won't have anyone right there to ask =P
I fixed the IC thread issue. Should be live here.
Heya folks, finally checking in. :)
All selections have been made. I'll be posting in the IC thread shortly. Again, please use this thread to talk about the trip together so far so you all have a bit of background on what to expect from each other. Remember, it has been a couple of weeks since you were assembled at the Citadel and, other than stops in small towns, it has just been the six of you.
Hooray, I made it... That must have been a difficult selection. I will try not to let you (or the party) down.
I don't like the new Spellbook rules, but I guess its fitting.
Okay... so where is everyone (characterwise) from... =)
You see a young man of no more than 25 years of age with very short black hair You see him in what seems to be a military issued breastplate. He has a sword in a ceremonial scabbard by his side as well as a bow strapped to his back.
"I am Private Lucius from House Cassius of Egorian. It is good to meet you all. What part of glorius Cheliax do all of you hail from?" The last sentence a lot more casual than the rest of his statement.
"I am Magister Bealzius Cremnor of the Academy of Egorian."
He is a dignified older gentleman, almost middle aged. His head has been shaved bald and inked with the mark of Infernal Binding. His whitening beard is trimmed and bound in a dignified fashion.
"I'm a Sword knight at the Service of Cheliax and Iomedae"
A warrior in white armor with a red cloak, typical of those in the service of Iomedae.
"Iomedae? That weak-- err. Yes, I see. How delightful."
In an attempt to change the subject, slightly, after the social faux pas, "Have you ever seen The Three Maids of Valencia?"
Couple of OOC notes first:
Halfdan: Your strength/dexterity at 17/15 might lead to awkwardness later on. Since you're going for two-weapon fighting you'll need to get to 19 Dex for greater two-weapon fighting. Which means all stat increases will need to go to Dex until 20th level when you'll finally be able to increase strength. That's all a long ways away. What I'd recommend is either going 16/16 or 18/15. But this is mostly a mechanical thing and a lot of factors might change what happens that far down the road. (At the levels where GTWF is available you'll probably be looking at stat bumping books). So it's not essential that it be changed obviously, just a note that it might make the earlier levels easier.
Bealzius: You really need to list all of your cantrips (you can ask DM Morvius what non-core book cantrips you can have). The reason that it's important is that you only have so many pages in your spellbook and cantrips all take up one page each. Also, you have 7 first level spells, not 3. (You can only cast 3 per day total, but you should have 7 in your book).
DM Morvius How strict are you going to be about carrying capacity and such? I noticed that most of us don't have any encumbrance listed.
As to the trip:
If anyone attended the Spring Equinox Dies Irae in Egorian then you'll know who Marc Baradin is before you meet him. Over the several week travel he'd be happy to talk, but quickly realizes he doesn't have much to talk about. He knows very little about the world outside of his former life, but he's very happy to hear about it from everyone else. During the course of the trip you may notice that he usually sleeps in his Breastplate as if he were never taught not to. He's usually stiff in the morning, but no worse for wear.
My name is Marc...Baradin. Of...Egorian, I suppose. His sword and armor are relatively plain, but his shield bears a marking similar to House Thrune's. I'm told we'll be doing quite a bit of traveling together. It's nice to meet all of you.
Couple of OOC notes first:
Bealzius: You really need to list all of your cantrips (you can ask DM Morvius what non-core book cantrips you can have). The reason that it's important is that you only have so many pages in your spellbook and cantrips all take up one page each. Also, you have 7 first level spells, not 3. (You can only cast 3 per day total, but you should have 7 in your book).
If you can point out the rule that allows that, I would love to. I looked under both Wizard rules and Magic rules in the pfsrd. I thought there was a rule that let Wizards start with all cantrips (excepting opposing schools) and a certain number of 1st level spells. But I can't find it now. I think they changed the Spellbook Rules with the release of Ultimate Magic, now it looks like Spellbooks just come with cantrips and you have to pay additional money to put the 1st level spells in, which I have diligently done. I'll look again on paizo's and see if I can find it, but the d20pfsrd.com website doesn't have it on there anywhere. :(
Edit: Found.
You see a cheerful and lovely young woman in her early 20s with long, wavy black hair in loose fitting tunic and pants of a deep blue hue, with black leather boots up to her knees. Her cloak is a deep indigo and if you happen pay any attention to her hair, you may notice that the enameled hair clasp keeping her hair out of her face appears to be in the shape of Desna's holy symbol.
"Greetings to you all. I look forward to getting to know all of you during our travels. Be warned that I tend to sing alot while I travel."
True to her word, Lucrezia does indeed sing a lot, though at least she does so quite well. If asked about her hair clasp she happily admits to be a loyal follower of Desna, just as mother was. She is also very interested in hearing any stories or songs that people are willing to share.
Couple of OOC notes first:
Halfdan: Your strength/dexterity at 17/15 might lead to awkwardness later on. Since you're going for two-weapon fighting you'll need to get to 19 Dex for greater two-weapon fighting. Which means all stat increases will need to go to Dex until 20th level when you'll finally be able to increase strength. That's all a long ways away. What I'd recommend is either going 16/16 or 18/15. But this is mostly a mechanical thing and a lot of factors might change what happens that far down the road. (At the levels where GTWF is available you'll probably be looking at stat bumping books). So it's not essential that it be changed obviously, just a note that it might make the earlier levels easier.
Hmm. Originally I had them as 15/17 but switched them because of a feat thought that then changed. But you're right, looking at the feat tree, that would probably be the best bet.
DM Morvius, I'll be switching that back and adjusting my build accordingly.
Also realized I needed to update the two-weapon attack string as well, forgot I only get to add 1/2 Str bonus to off hand weapon.
If you can point out the rule that allows that, I would love to. I looked under both Wizard rules and Magic rules in the pfsrd. I thought there was a rule that let Wizards start with all cantrips (excepting opposing schools) and a certain number of 1st level spells. But I can't find it now. I think they changed the Spellbook Rules with the release of Ultimate Magic, now it looks like Spellbooks just come with cantrips and you have to pay additional money to put the 1st level spells in, which I have diligently done. I'll look again on paizo's and see if I can find it, but the d20pfsrd.com website doesn't have it on there anywhere. :(Edit: Found.
Sure: Second paragraph under Spellbooks.
The Core book just mentions cantrips, whereas UM says all cantrips in the Core Rulebook (minus your opposition school spells, of course), but you might want to ask if you can include the cantrip from AVP (as there is only one) or some of the cantrips that were supposed to be included in UM, but were cut (available here.)
You see a relatively attractive man in his late 20's, his dark hair kept about shoulder length and tied off into a tail. He wears the light armor common amongst the scouts and skirmishers of the Imperial Armies. There is a definite gleam in his eye, whether of mischief or something darker it's hard to tell but he's been an affable companion so far.
I too look forward to traveling with everyone. Quite the mix we have here but that's what makes life interesting and grand Cheliax such a powerful land.
For all: Please do record and monitor your encumbrance. Don't worry about weight for basic clothing and do keep in mind that you do have horses where you can store a number of things if needed.
Also, regarding the tabards and barding, I'll let you know OOCly that no one will actually require you to use them if you don't want to. It would be good to have some symbol of your allegiance, but if you want to do it another way, that is totally up to you. On the flip side, if you do choose to use the tabard and/or barding, feel free to customize them. You will be storied heroes so if you want to hang trophies, have rescued villages write on your tabard, recolor portions of it, or whatever, feel absolutely free to do so.
For Bealzius: The cantrip from APG and the ones linked are fine with me if you want them.
For Hafdan: You'll want your STR to still be at least 16 (for the +3) so as noted, either a STR/DEX of 16/16 or 18/15 is probably better than 15/17 as the 17 in DEX isn't really doing anything for you. Other than qualifying for the feats, having a DEX higher than STR doesn't do much for you and having the extra hit and damage is probably good at low levels.
Over the course of the several weeks of travel it's clear that while Marc is relatively clever and perceptive, he doesn't know too much about, well, anything. He's open about the fact that he used to be a slave (seeing no reason to lie as most people he's met either know or could guess) and that he used to serve Lord Versilius Thrune. But he doesn't seem interested in talking about his time as a slave. He doesn't appear ashamed, so much as he seems interested in keeping his former Master's privacy.
For Hafdan: You'll want your STR to still be at least 16 (for the +3) so as noted, either a STR/DEX of 16/16 or 18/15 is probably better than 15/17 as the 17 in DEX isn't really doing anything for you. Other than qualifying for the feats, having a DEX higher than STR doesn't do much for you and having the extra hit and damage is probably good at low levels.
So I can't pull off a 16/16 legally, the point buy system won't allow it without killing some of my other stats and I want to keep him fairly well rounded. It's either 15/17 or 17/15. The two weapon fighting is really a prereq for the PrC, which is what I am most concerned with; I hadn't actually planned all the way to 20th and Greater Two Weapon fighting in the build.
The only option, if DM Morvius was ok with it, is having my stats be the base 15/15 and then instead of adding the +2 human racial to one of them to get the 17, splitting it between the two stats and adding +1 to both, which would then allow for 16/16. But its clearly not allowed in the rules so it would require DM approval.
If not, then I would probably lean with the DM on this one and go 17/15.
"Hail and well met, Kendall. It is good to see another follower of the Inheritor." As Lucius looks to the warrior priest.
"Another one from the capitol? It is good to have another from my home city." He says when when Marc announces where he's from.
Lucius will salute Hafdan when he notices his army issued armor as a sign of respect.
When Lucrezia starts singing, you see his demeanor relax and he seems to get lost in it. After a few minutes however, he shakes his head as if to clear it and focuses back on the road as if nothing happened.
For all: Please do record and monitor your encumbrance. Don't worry about weight for basic clothing and do keep in mind that you do have horses where you can store a number of things if needed.
Also, regarding the tabards and barding, I'll let you know OOCly that no one will actually require you to use them if you don't want to. It would be good to have some symbol of your allegiance, but if you want to do it another way, that is totally up to you. On the flip side, if you do choose to use the tabard and/or barding, feel free to customize them. You will be storied heroes so if you want to hang trophies, have rescued villages write on your tabard, recolor portions of it, or whatever, feel absolutely free to do so.
For Hafdan: You'll want your STR to still be at least 16 (for the +3) so as noted, either a STR/DEX of 16/16 or 18/15 is probably better than 15/17 as the 17 in DEX isn't really doing anything for you. Other than qualifying for the feats, having a DEX higher than STR doesn't do much for you and having the extra hit and damage is probably good at low levels.So I can't pull off a 16/16 legally, the point buy system won't allow it without killing some of my other stats and I want to keep him fairly well rounded. It's either 15/17 or 17/15. The two weapon fighting is really a prereq for the PrC, which is what I am most concerned with; I hadn't actually planned all the way to 20th and Greater Two Weapon fighting in the build.
The only option, if DM Morvius was ok with it, is having my stats be the base 15/15 and then instead of adding the +2 human racial to one of them to get the 17, splitting it between the two stats and adding +1 to both, which would then allow for 16/16. But its clearly not allowed in the rules so it would require DM approval.
If not, then I would probably lean with the DM on this one and go 17/15.
I think going 16/18 after your racial modifier would be the way to go, so you can get Greater Two Weapon Fighting. Besides having 2 odd stats is painful.
I think going 16/18 after your racial modifier would be the way to go, so you can get Greater Two Weapon Fighting. Besides having 2 odd stats is painful.
Well I want to keep the 14 in Cha for the PrC later in the build. The other stats aren't necesary for any kind of prereqs but I'd rather have a +1 in a bunch of stats than a +0 but jack up 2 of my main ones, at least that's how I usually try to build my characters out.
Well I want to keep the 14 in Cha for the PrC later in the build. The other stats aren't necesary for any kind of prereqs but I'd rather have a +1 in a bunch of stats than a +0 but jack up 2 of my main ones, at least that's how I usually try to build my characters out.I think going 16/18 after your racial modifier would be the way to go, so you can get Greater Two Weapon Fighting. Besides having 2 odd stats is painful.
Going Red Mantis Assassin from the Inner Sea World Guide. Gets a small amount of Cha based spellcasting. I'm going Rogue with a dip or 2 into Fighter, then RMA which combines the two classes really well.
Well I want to keep the 14 in Cha for the PrC later in the build. The other stats aren't necesary for any kind of prereqs but I'd rather have a +1 in a bunch of stats than a +0 but jack up 2 of my main ones, at least that's how I usually try to build my characters out.
I think you could actually sacrifice the Wisdom 12 if you wanted to. It gives you a very small boost to perception and will saves at the cost of making your main stats awkward. A 10 isn't bad and not really all that worse than a 12 (the difference being between average and ever so slightly above average). But if you'd prefer a 12 in it, I'm not sure it's that big a deal.
I think you could actually sacrifice the Wisdom 12 if you wanted to. It gives you a very small boost to perception and will saves at the cost of making your main stats awkward. A 10 isn't bad and not really all that worse than a 12 (the difference being between average and ever so slightly above average). But if you'd prefer a 12 in it, I'm not sure it's that big a deal.
Well I want to keep the 14 in Cha for the PrC later in the build. The other stats aren't necesary for any kind of prereqs but I'd rather have a +1 in a bunch of stats than a +0 but jack up 2 of my main ones, at least that's how I usually try to build my characters out.
I think you could actually sacrifice the Wisdom 12 if you wanted to. It gives you a very small boost to perception and will saves at the cost of making your main stats awkward. A 10 isn't bad and not really all that worse than a 12 (the difference being between average and ever so slightly above average). But if you'd prefer a 12 in it, I'm not sure it's that big a deal.
Hmm if I drop one of the 15's to a 14, and take 1 point out of Wis, that would let me get the 3 points I would need have one 16 and then I could put the +2 human bump into the 14 to give me the other 16. Thanks Marc, your suggestion helped grease the wheels of my oh so slow cogs.
DM Morvius, please check out my stats when you get a chance and let me know if my math was indeed correct.
Wow, I think finally I've got my build down pat. Numbers are crunched and I don't think there's anything left to wring from it. Thanks for all the help and hopefully no one else notices something I've missed cause I'm getting a headache. ;-)
Stats look good to me.
Over the course of the trip, Bealzius keeps his nose in his spellbook for the majority of the time, though he does sometimes turn to discuss theoretic binding principles, laws and mathematics of dimensional portals, and the primary principles of arcane dynamics, with anyone who might be mildly interested.
A tiny compsognathus with a fiendish grin normally lives in the cage that hangs at Bealzius side, but occasionally Threx is let loose and he perches on Bealzius's shoulder and reads or examines the spellbook the wizard is looking at. When Bealzius is busy studying (the best he can from horseback), Threx seems to be his traveling eyes and ears, making high pitched squeaks and chirps or occasionally a musical trill.
Couple of more notes:
Bealzius: You have plenty of gold. I'd suggest buying some paper rather than taking pages out of your spellbook. As I mentioned earlier, it's important to keep track of the pages in your spellbook as there are only 100, and spells take up a specific amount of space. Once you've filled one up, you need to get another book.
Also, you have listed that you have all cantrips but detect poison, read magic, and ghost sound. Keep in mind that you also don't have detect magic. And also remember that while you don't have read magic in your spellbook, you can prepare it without a spellbook (though it will take the place of two cantrips, as usual). It's actually easier to list all the cantrips that you do have, so that when cantrips are added in new books you know whether you have them available or haven't transcribed them yet. And it adds a whole line to your character sheet, so it's not exactly a huge waste of time or space.
Sorry for my few posts but I been having internet problems hopefully will solve them soon enough or at least I'll be able to post from work during the mornings/noon.
Sorry for my few posts but I been having internet problems hopefully will solve them soon enough or at least I'll be able to post from work during the mornings/noon.
Going to give it a couple of hours and then just skip Kendall in the combat if no posts appear by then. So everyone else be ready and you are still welcome to post what you are doing in the first full round.
I was gonna post but I'm after the spiders in initiative. I can post what I plan on doing if that is better for the game flow.
I was gonna post but I'm after the spiders in initiative. I can post what I plan on doing if that is better for the game flow.
Yes, as DM Morvius mentioned, please post what you'll do. (You're certainly welcome to make conditions on each of your actions and I'm also sure that if something unforeseen happens DM Morvius will let you change your action). But if people wait for their turn combat rounds could be drawn out for days.
I have posted in case the spiders are not dead by the time my turn has come around.
Well I will try harder to post more, because this group really post a lot more than the usual ^^ game. Sorry if I have slowed down the things.
Just FYI for the group, I will be out of town this weekend. I've got the ol' smart phone so this hopefully won't impact anything.
DM Morvius, if I'm lagging behind and slowing things up for combat, it's safe to assume that I will attempt to sneak attack via stealth or flanking during my turns, if you want to make any rolls for me. As I said, hoping this will be a non-issue but just wanted to give you the heads up.
Just FYI for the group, I will be out of town this weekend. I've got the ol' smart phone so this hopefully won't impact anything.
DM Morvius, if I'm lagging behind and slowing things up for combat, it's safe to assume that I will attempt to sneak attack via stealth or flanking during my turns, if you want to make any rolls for me. As I said, hoping this will be a non-issue but just wanted to give you the heads up.
No problem, I don't think it will disrupt the flow of combat either, but I've got your instructions if needed =) Have fun.
Looking through gear lists to check on the new food situation, I just noticed something:
Bealzius, you should take off the 5g and buy a spell component pouch. I'm fine with it having happened prior to game start, I just didn't notice it before and, of course, I'm sure you want one =P
Also, for anyone that hasn't done their encumbrance calculations yet, please do so. Especially including any rations carried from the point of reaching Rundun on. As I'm fairly sure you'll be heading off to deal with a problem and not stopping in a town for at least a few days and may decide to travel without your horses for a portion of the time, having your encumbrance calculated is important.