For my first character, I am making a Halfling bard for an upcoming Pathfinder Society Organized play game, but I have some questions concerning his creation.
First, I have chosen the Sling Staff for his ranged weapon, but I'm not sure which damage size is appropriate since these staves are supposedly made for Halflings.
Secondly, does the Halfling proficiency with the Sling Staff translate into any kind of proficiency bonus to his attack rolls?
Thirdly, I also bought him a scorpion whip. Does one use the normal CMB bonus in order to trip or disarm opponents using a whip?
Lastly, my Halfling is a follower of Calistria. If I were to take the Summon Monster I spell, would I be able to re-flavor the monster so that it is a swarm of wasps rather than a fire beetle or snake?
Forgive me if these questions are naive or elementary.
Since no one has jumped in to help, I shall endeavour to do so! If I'm wrong, perhaps my incompetence will inspire others to correct me.
First, I have chosen the Sling Staff for his ranged weapon, but I'm not sure which damage size is appropriate since these staves are supposedly made for Halflings.
If I recall correctly, halfling sling staffs are martial weapons for halflings, meaning that a bard would have to take a martial weapon proficiency to get access to them as a halfling (or a level in a class that can use them, like fighter). The damage size would still be as listed (small).
Secondly, does the Halfling proficiency with the Sling Staff translate into any kind of proficiency bonus to his attack rolls?
It doesn't come with a proficiency bonus, but avoids the -4 normally incurred from using a weapon with which you are not proficient.
Thirdly, I also bought him a scorpion whip. Does one use the normal CMB bonus in order to trip or disarm opponents using a whip?
It would use normal CMBs for disarm and trip. It would be small damage dice, and has reach--but keep in mind that it still doesn't threaten, even though it deals lethal damage. The big advantage is that you can drop it if you fail on the maneuver to avoid the return maneuver...anbd that you can use it at range, usually avoiding the AoO.
Lastly, my Halfling is a follower of Calistria. If I were to take the Summon Monster I spell, would I be able to re-flavor the monster so that it is a swarm of wasps rather than a fire beetle or snake?
I'd have to leave that to a PF Society player--I'm just the tabletop sort. I *think* there are at least a few reflavored summon monster spell lists for each deity, but I can't recall which issue of the adventure path had calistria. Something in second darkenss, I think.
Those are good questions--welcome to the boards! I think someone will be along to give you a cookie soon if they haven't already.
Thank you Fizzlebolt for the great responses. It hadn't occurred to me at all that the Sling Staff was a martial weapon. Thank you for bringing that up. I will change his ranged weapon. You have been a huge help though. Also, if anyone knows where I can find that Calistria Summon Monster spell, it would be greatly appreciated! =)
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a sling staff for a halfling will use the small chart, since halflings are small, and deal 1d6 damage.
The halfling proficiency with sling staff means that he treats it as a martial weapon instead of an exotic weapon, which basically saves the character a feat to be able to use it. It doesn't provide an extra bonus on attack rolls.
You use the normal cmb stats with the whip.
You won't be able to switch creatures out from the summon monster lists. Each creature per level is balanced against the others and against the spell level. Also, swarms have some major benefits which makes them unsuitable for a first level spell. If it helps, you'll get to summon giant wasps at 4th level :/
You should hit up the pathfinder society forum and ask about path variants for summon spells. Off the top, I don't remember any, but it's worth checking.
And don't worry about the questions, that's what the forums are here for. You can't learn the answers if you don't ask the questions :P Also, I would be very, very bored if no one used the forums :/
a sling staff for a halfling will use the small chart, since halflings are small, and deal 1d6 damage.
The halfling proficiency with sling staff means that he treats it as a martial weapon instead of an exotic weapon, which basically saves the character a feat to be able to use it. It doesn't provide an extra bonus on attack rolls.
You use the normal cmb stats with the whip.
You won't be able to switch creatures out from the summon monster lists. Each creature per level is balanced against the others and against the spell level. Also, swarms have some major benefits which makes them unsuitable for a first level spell. If it helps, you'll get to summon giant wasps at 4th level :/
You should hit up the pathfinder society forum and ask about path variants for summon spells. Off the top, I don't remember any, but it's worth checking.
And don't worry about the questions, that's what the forums are here for. You can't learn the answers if you don't ask the questions :P Also, I would be very, very bored if no one used the forums :/
Great! Thanks for the response Magicdealer. I've switched out the Sling Staff for a regular sling, so he won't need to take a feat for the martial proficiency.
PF AP #17 had the Calistria chapter, I believe. It included 4 bonus summons for Priests of Calistria (including a giant bee [I] and a hellwasp swarm [VIII]) but I don't know if (a) this would be acceptable for a non-cleric, or (b) if it is acceptable for organized play.
PF AP #17 had the Calistria chapter, I believe. It included 4 bonus summons for Priests of Calistria (including a giant bee [I] and a hellwasp swarm [VIII]) but I don't know if (a) this would be acceptable for a non-cleric, or (b) if it is acceptable for organized play.
Awesome, I just bought the PDF online! Someone just told me that these extra rules are not legal for play, but I want it for the lore if nothing else.