Thanks!
I just looked over the regional feat again. Wow. It actually kind of overlaps with some of the Beta monk abilities. In the beta, eventually a monk's unarmed strike counts as adamantite. That feat lets me do it a LOT earlier at the expense of ki points.
Oh, and thanks for the welcome, Taliesin! I'm really looking forward to this!
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Thanks!
I just looked over the regional feat again. Wow. It actually kind of overlaps with some of the Beta monk abilities. In the beta, eventually a monk's unarmed strike counts as adamantite. That feat lets me do it a LOT earlier at the expense of ki points.
Yep, and you can potentially have all six special properties by 11th level, if you were to take this feat again at 7th, 9th and 11th levels, since you already have Magic and Adamantine, and you automatically gain Lawful at 10th level. It'd be nifty have a character of only 11th level able to beat DR/Epic defenses! Of course, you don't have to take that feat again at those levels, I'm just saying you could. Also, I'm not sure, but I think the ki pool may stack with what you already get from the monk class. It doesn't say that it doesn't stack.
I think I'm going to avoid it and explore some other feats, just because I'd feel guilty if I went after all of that in such a short time. :)
But I am really tempted to go after silver or cold iron. I guess it depends on how things actually go in the game.
I have no idea what to think about the ki pool stacking. I really wish it said something about that matter. It sounds like it would increase a monk's ki pool by more than what a single feat should, compared to a feat I think I remember in the Beta that increased a barbarian's rage points, and they got more rage points than monks got ki points.
I'm really not the most mechanics-savvy player though...
Rule of thimb is it stacks unless it says it doesn't.
Alright, here's a background for your approval. Rather than a wizard/fighter progression leading up to geometer, I think wizard/monk may be better:
Unknown to any outside clan Durduum, the secret of the runes remains hidden even to the artisans that use them in their craft. The symbols originate from a magical round shield the clan’s had in its possession for generations, the Seal of Duror. None of the clan’s smiths have been able to decipher the ornate script that covers the shield’s surface, though through trial and error they’ve been able to capitalize on the symbols in the creation of new items. The Seal is a treasure never spoken of to any not born into the clan, and only made available to such individuals once their arcane training has formally begun.
The secrecy surrounding the Seal of Duror, the care with which it has been protected, has resulted in the creation of a coming-of-age challenge among the young of clan Durduum; all born into the clan know of the shield, but the location of its vault and the wards in place to protect it are not revealed until they begin training in the clan trade. As a result it’s common for each successive generation of dwarves to challenge one another to locate and touch the clan treasure before these secrets are made known to them. The practice is actually encouraged by the clan’s elders, who secretly watch the efforts of the young dwarves in order to ensure the safety of the next generation, as well as to close off the methods discovered by their industrious offspring so that those outsiders cannot use them to uncover the secret of their techniques.
As a result of the challenge few begin their training without having at least seen their clan’s treasure, and Yurgan was no exception. But when the young dwarf witnessed the shield, he recognized a pattern in the glyphs; a set of three ancient dwarf runes, hidden within the rest of the script, and traditionally used to notate the key to a map or cipher. Yurgan’s discovery was dismissed by the rest of the clan as folly, but the dwarf became convinced that the shield did not bear a message but in actuality was the key to understanding something else entirely.
This conclusion stayed with Yurgan as he began his training as a wizard, and he soon decided he would prove his discovery to be true. In addition to his normal studies, the young dwarf would go out of his way in his efforts to study dead languages and scripts. After learning all he could within the walls of Janderhoff, Yurgan set off to pursue his goals elsewhere in Golarion. His travels led the dwarf across much of Varisia and the Storval Plateau, traveling as far as the City of Ciphers itself, but after decades of search and few results he resigned himself to abandon his quest, sure to be seen as his folly, and return to the land of his kin.
It was only after Yurgan returned to Janderhoff that his search showed promise. His studies and travels having placed him in a unique position to identify and decipher obscure script, it was only sensible that an adventurer bearing a ancient book of clan Durduum’s unique runes would be directed to the wizard. The tome, nearly as old as the clan’s treasured Seal, was exactly what Yurgan had been seeking for much of his life. Using the shield as a key, he was able to decipher enough of the text to determine it to be a spellbook and training manual detailing a method of applying mathematical logic and order to draw out arcane magic.
Yurgan was able to convince the adventurer to sell both the spellbook and a masterwork quarterstaff reportedly found with the item, well preserved and easily just as old. The adventurer claimed that the items had been found in a ruin somewhere in the central Mindspin Mountains, but that he had gotten so lost after their recovery that he knew of no way to locate the site once again. Unwilling to abandon the trail yet again, Yurgan began the painstaking task of deciphering the runes and studying the methods contained within.
The initial chapters of the tome proved easy enough to decode, but those that followed involved diagrams and a logic structure beyond the dwarf’s capability to grasp. Still, these first chapters were enough to set Yurgan on the path to learning the methods necessary to unlock their meaning. He took to his studies, employing the methods described within to strengthen both his body and mind, hoping that by walking this long-forgotten path he may finally convince clan and kin of the truth that remains a mystery even to them.
As far as Miho and her oath, are these oaths usually broad and sweeping ("I will crush evil wherever I find it"), or more specific and localized ("I will see the Princess safely delivered to the Rebellion")?
If I recall correctly, the broad and sweeping oaths are best left to paladins and others with similar levels of devotion; the kensai's oath is usually more specific and focused, though something that the individual can devote the entirety of their life fulfilling.
If we're talking Star Wars here, Chewie's life debt to Han would be more along the lines of a kensai's oath.
As far as Miho and her oath, are these oaths usually broad and sweeping ("I will crush evil wherever I find it"), or more specific and localized ("I will see the Princess safely delivered to the Rebellion")?
I think it's more along the lines of "I will do whatever Hans says, no matter what common sense tells me."
I think it's more along the lines of "I will do whatever Hans says, no matter what common sense tells me."
I think that would most definitely qualify.
:P
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RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16
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It's a surprise to no-one that the combination of Pathfinder Beta rules and psionics is causing friction.
How do you want to handle the skills:
* Autohypnosis
* Concentration (Does a psionic character get Spellcraft as a class skill? How does that make sense?)
*Knowledge (psionics)
Is there a Psion analogue to the Wizard's arcane bond object?
Do psionic characters get any minor at-will power-like abilities, analogous to 0-level spells?
As far as Miho and her oath, are these oaths usually broad and sweeping ("I will crush evil wherever I find it"), or more specific and localized ("I will see the Princess safely delivered to the Rebellion")?I think it's more along the lines of "I will do whatever Hans says, no matter what common sense tells me."
;)
I'm still hunting for a proper avatar. If only the Irori one was just a little more androgynous... Other than that though I think I'm completely done as long as everything checks out alright!
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It's a surprise to no-one that the combination of Pathfinder Beta rules and psionics is causing friction.
How do you want to handle the skills:
* Autohypnosis
I hadn't thought about it, but I'm glad you brought this up. I have always thought that Autohypnosis was almost too powerful to be a skill. It seems that it would serve more appropriately as a Psionic Feat.
* Concentration (Does a psionic character get Spellcraft as a class skill? How does that make sense?)
*Knowledge (psionics)
For a psionic character, Concentration would be absorbed into the Psicraft skill, just as it is absorbed into the Spellcraft skill for non-psionic characters. If we go with the "psionics is the same" option, then there would be no game-mechanical difference between Psicraft and Spellcraft. I don't really see a need to make any changes to Knowledge (Psionics), it's just another one we can add to the Knowledges list. Any character, even non-psionic characters, could take ranks in Knowledge (Psionics). The Knowledges, after all, aren't fixed - the ones in the book are suggested common ones, but even the book says that there could be other knowledge fields added at the DM's discretion. However, I have to draw the line at Knowledge (Mating Habits of African Water Buffalo). There are some things we simply shouldn't know!
Is there a Psion analogue to the Wizard's arcane bond object?
This is one of the reasons I wish they would hurry up and come out with the Pathfinder revision on psionics, so we don't have to guess at how they're going to do it. But since we are still at the guessing stage right now, my guess is that they'll make Psicrystal Affinity an automatic feat at 1st level for Psions. On the other hand, the Psion is probably more analagous to a Sorceror than to a Wizard, given their spontaneous ability to manifest powers (plus, they get power points out the wazoo!) But I'd say the most analogous thing to the arcane bond would be Psicrystal Affinity.
Do psionic characters get any minor at-will power-like abilities, analogous to 0-level spells?
Good question. Right off the top of my head, I'd say that minor 1st Level powers like Mindlink and Detect Psionics would make for good psionic "cantrips." I'll look over the list of 1st level powers, and make some comparisons to the Cantrips list, and come up with a comparable number of at-will powers.
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As far as Miho and her oath, are these oaths usually broad and sweeping ("I will crush evil wherever I find it"), or more specific and localized ("I will see the Princess safely delivered to the Rebellion")?I think it's more along the lines of "I will do whatever Hans says, no matter what common sense tells me."
;)
I'm still hunting for a proper avatar. If only the Irori one was just a little more androgynous... Other than that though I think I'm completely done as long as everything checks out alright!
Everything I saw looked okay. I'm still trying to decide the best way to work out your slavery and ownership, and I'll sleep on it tonight. I should be able to work you into the game tomorrow evening after I get off work. Any characters that aren't done by tomorrow, we can just work in as they come.
Gotcha! Fixed it now, thanks!
It's great!
Do you mind if I take a passive approach towards controlling him(that is, letting him operate as an NPC entirely and just noting when I'm trying to use his abilities like Bestow) or did you want me to be more active with him? I've never actually had a familiar before, so I'm not sure how it usually works. ;)
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It's great!
** spoiler omitted **
You can take a passive approach, that's fine. I already have an NPC page made up for it, too. A couple things I'd like for you to come up with - a name for the monkey (it can be the same name as the old man had, although you haven't made one up yet), or it can be a new name you give it once you realize that it's staying with you. Also, just for flavor, I'd like you to come up with a nickname or some phrase that the old man used to use a lot, something that might give you a clue if and when the monkey ever speaks.
You can take a passive approach, that's fine. I already have an NPC page made up for it, too. A couple things I'd like for you to come up with - a name for the monkey (it can be the same name as the old man had, although you haven't made one up yet), or it can be a new name you give it once you realize that it's staying with you. Also, just for flavor, I'd like you to come up with a nickname or some phrase that the old man used to use a lot, something that might give you a clue if and when the monkey ever speaks.It's great!
** spoiler omitted **
The old man's name: Zahi Djalinn
The monkey's name: Jalii
I kind of like the idea that he teasingly called her "dancing girl" because of her fighting style, and that he used the phrase "Step lively, girl. We haven't got all day!" even though Neevan would always follow his orders immediately and always outpaced him. I imagined him still being somewhat spry and energetic when he first bought her, but he still kept using the phrase and enjoyed the irony as his health got worse. I can see him even saying it on his death bed.
(boy I'm glad I saved before hitting "submit")
Hello. This is Benedetto, Chris Mortika's psionic character. I took the concept from a PC I'd been running in a late, lamented PbP here, converted him to Pathfinder and advanced him to 6th Level.
Basic concept: hick from the border between Ustalav and Last Wall, from a town where the folk have "that look" about them. He went a'wanderin' when it became obvious he was beginin' to show signs of his great-grandpappy's ancestry.
Here's the build:
Point Buy Strength 11, Dexterity 12, Constitution 12, Intelligence 14, Wisdom 17, Charisma 12
Race Human: +2 to Wisdom, proficient in scythe, favored class: Ardent (Comp. Psi), additional language: Undercommon.
First Level Ardent, Mantles: Deception, Guardian. Powers: Psionic Charm, Deaden Blow. Skills: Heal, Intimidate, Knowledge (history), Knowledge (nature), Profession (bodyguard), Psicraft. Feats:Illithid Heritage (Comp. Psi, pg. 61), Inquisitor (EHP, pg. 48).
Second Level Ardent, Mantle: Mental Power. Power: Mind Thrust. Skills: Heal, Intimidate, Knowledge (nature), Knowledge (psionics), Profession (bodyguard), Psicraft.
Third Level Ardent, Power: Cloud Mind. Skills: Heal, Intimidate, Knowledge (history), Knowledge (nature), Perception, Psicraft. Feat: Illithid Skin (which marked him as obviously no longer human).
Fourth Level Ardent, Power: Damp Power. Skills: Heal, Intimidate, Knowledge (history), Knowledge (nature), Knowledge (psionics), Psicraft. Attribute: Wisdom.
Fifth Level Ardent, Mantle: Fate. Power: Clairvoyant Sense. Skills: Diplomacy, Intimidate, Knowledge (history), Knowledge (nature), Profession (bodyguard), Psicraft
Sixth Level Flayerspawn (Comp. Psi, pg 30), Power: Illithid Blast (1/day), Skills: Perception (x3), Psicraft, Stealth. Feat: Illithid Grapple.
Benedetto is displayed in a more coherent form on his homepage.
Magical and Psionic Stuff
Amulet of Natural Armor +1, shaped like an octopus.
Chain shirt +1
Cloak of Resistance +1 decorated in the livery of a professional bodyguard guild.
Djore: Sensitivity to Psychic Impressions, 20 charges left. This djore is built in the form of an elaborate prism. Activating it requires a full minute and either sunlight or a light spell.
Gloves of Object Reading, (EPH, pg 174).
Headband of Inspired Wisdom +2 (Pathfinder Beta, page 377) (the green gem is set in a black band with gold lettering, spelling out "great power requires great sacrifice" in Undercommon; if anyone wears it for longer than 24 hours, his irises fade to white)
Potion of Glibness.
Scythe +1
Shard providing a one-time boost of +7 to an Intimidate roll. (It makes a quiet sussurant noise when held.)
Otherwise, he's carrying a backpack with conventional and alchemical stuff.
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(boy I'm glad I saved before hitting "submit")
Hello. This is Benedetto, Chris Mortika's psionic character. I took the concept from a PC I'd been running in a late, lamented PbP here, converted him to Pathfinder and advanced him to 6th Level.
Basic concept: hick from the border between Ustalav and Last Wall, from a town where the folk have "that look" about them. He went a'wanderin' when it became obvious he was beginin' to show signs of his great-grandpappy's ancestry.
Here's the build:
** spoiler omitted **Benedetto is displayed in a more coherent form on his homepage.
Magical and Psionic Stuff
...
Cool. I'll take a look at him this evening when I get back from work.
I've been laid up for 2 weeks recovering from spinal bacterial managitis. I'm back for the most part now and ready to join in if you'll have me.
As far as oaths go I think they tend more towards broad and sweeping.
It's described as one the DM uses to motivate the player and as a hook to motivate the entire party.
Examples include a lord of the same alignment, an organization of same alignment and goals, a deity or an ideal.
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I've been laid up for 2 weeks recovering from spinal bacterial managitis. I'm back for the most part now and ready to join in if you'll have me.
Glad you're back! My niece had the same thing last year, but it was the viral kind. You're lucky, the bacterial kind can be quite deadly! I figured something must be up since Astinos hadn't been posting in Val's game either.
As far as oaths go I think they tend more towards broad and sweeping.
It's described as one the DM uses to motivate the player and as a hook to motivate the entire party.
Examples include a lord of the same alignment, an organization of same alignment and goals, a deity or an ideal.
Let me think on it a bit, and I'll get back to you. Or, if you want to come up with the oath yourself, it could relate in some way to the monstrous army and potential invasion. Or, on a more specific level, and one which relates to Yalla, it could relate to the thefts of several artifacts by hobgoblins and such from various temples and monasteries (if you have access to the Tome of Battle: Book of Nine Swords book).
Glad to be back, and alive! Hellish 2 weeks and at least a month of recovery time.
I'll look at Tome of Battle, hell I may even take a few levels of Warblade at some point.