paizo.com Recent Posts in Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)paizo.com Recent Posts in Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)2023-10-06T07:22:19Z2023-10-06T07:22:19ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)*Khan*https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1372023-10-06T07:30:37Z2023-10-06T07:22:16Z<p>Had a fun problem with the Eels poisoning of the dinner.
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All the players and all the piratelords made the DC: 20 fortitude save… so I ruled that a couple of retainers got ill, but they were just ignored as weeklings not able to hold their liquor. (And secretly got cured by neutralize poison).</p>Had a fun problem with the Eels poisoning of the dinner.
All the players and all the piratelords made the DC: 20 fortitude save… so I ruled that a couple of retainers got ill, but they were just ignored as weeklings not able to hold their liquor. (And secretly got cured by neutralize poison).*Khan*2023-10-06T07:22:16ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)drsparnumhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1362022-04-19T13:38:07Z2022-04-19T13:38:07Z<p>My two cents to a couple things above...</p>
<p>1. If the party has see invisibility up I would give them 1 opposed perception/stealth check to spot the eel. As a player I'd feel cheated if I didn't have a shot after preparing the right counter. The party may (probably will) or may not catch him after he is spotted.
<br />
2. If the eel starts blowing up ships it is reasonable to expect the party to have dimension door, phantom steed or similar at this level to quickly reach the bay. If they don't they probably won't get a shot at saving a ship.</p>
<p>It will be a while before I can run this one but I hope to run this with as little railroad as possible within the context of an adventure path.</p>My two cents to a couple things above...
1. If the party has see invisibility up I would give them 1 opposed perception/stealth check to spot the eel. As a player I'd feel cheated if I didn't have a shot after preparing the right counter. The party may (probably will) or may not catch him after he is spotted.
2. If the eel starts blowing up ships it is reasonable to expect the party to have dimension door, phantom steed or similar at this level to quickly reach the bay. If they don't they...drsparnum2022-04-19T13:38:07ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)Crankhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1352023-02-26T19:34:41Z2019-04-13T15:18:55Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">MerlinCross wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Quick question, no where near this book but wondering what people did. </p>
<p>What was done about Tidewater Rock? Did your players just fully drop it? Move the people to the Island of Empty Eyes? </blockquote><p>They kept it as a second base of operations. After winning several ships, they gave them to their allies as a reward to go and engage in piracy in the Shackles, so every now and then they'd come back and their captains would have deposited a couple points of plunder. Plus, my party's captain married the Lady of the Rock, and she didn't care to leave, so they always had a connection back to it.MerlinCross wrote:Quick question, no where near this book but wondering what people did.
What was done about Tidewater Rock? Did your players just fully drop it? Move the people to the Island of Empty Eyes?
They kept it as a second base of operations. After winning several ships, they gave them to their allies as a reward to go and engage in piracy in the Shackles, so every now and then they'd come back and their captains would have deposited a couple points of plunder. Plus, my party's...Crank2019-04-13T15:18:55ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)MerlinCrosshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1342023-02-26T19:34:42Z2019-02-22T19:43:06Z<p>Quick question, no where near this book but wondering what people did. </p>
<p>What was done about Tidewater Rock? Did your players just fully drop it? Move the people to the Island of Empty Eyes?</p>Quick question, no where near this book but wondering what people did.
What was done about Tidewater Rock? Did your players just fully drop it? Move the people to the Island of Empty Eyes?MerlinCross2019-02-22T19:43:06ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)darth_gatorhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1332019-02-15T16:03:20Z2019-02-15T16:03:20Z<p>My players just finished the feast for the Pirate Council, and they deduced Sefina charmed the courtesan to spike Avimar's drink. They then promptly decided to go to bed.</p>
<p>So, I'm trying to decide if it's a tremendous d•ck move to have the Eel start his sabotage while the party sleeps without Sefina firing the skyrocket. It seems to be the most likely/logical course, but, based on the layout the party designed for their fort, by the time they're awoken and make it to the ships, at best they'll be able stop the third bomb (I estimate). I know that isn't a huge hit to their respect total; I just don't want to make them think I'm screwing them over.</p>My players just finished the feast for the Pirate Council, and they deduced Sefina charmed the courtesan to spike Avimar's drink. They then promptly decided to go to bed.
So, I'm trying to decide if it's a tremendous d*ck move to have the Eel start his sabotage while the party sleeps without Sefina firing the skyrocket. It seems to be the most likely/logical course, but, based on the layout the party designed for their fort, by the time they're awoken and make it to the ships, at best...darth_gator2019-02-15T16:03:20ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)Uri Mecahttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1322018-08-06T23:18:47Z2018-08-06T23:17:34Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">quistar wrote:</div><blockquote> Looking at the dire circumstances the cyclopes of the island face (extinction via starvation), it makes sense that, if the heroes are able to figure this out somehow, they would try to ally with the cyclopes, offering food and general weal in exchange for their help defending the island against intruders.</blockquote><p>My group is playing this now and I've always had this potential outcome in mind for them. It can work if you say it can. My party will have to deal with <i>hostile</i> cyclopes. There will be clues about the cyclopes' plight:
</p>
<ul><li>the party cleric knows Gholgan. He'll hear the cyclopes refer to then as "food!"<li>the party will come across the remains of corpses of the large creatures they've slain, all the meat removed: the Shark-eating crabs and the giant anaconda.<li>The party already knows the cyclopes can raid the fort. The party also understands why. They don't particularly have anything against the cyclopes at this point so parleying with them is certainly an option.</ul></p>
<p>I figure so long as they can successfully communicate to the cyclopes that the party is willing to assist in feeding them and succeed at their diplomacy attempt, they could work out a pact that might allow them to borrow the cyclopes' holy artifact (that gem) </p>
<p>The script does mention a cyclops druid gone fishing off-scene. This can be potentially recruited for their fleet in the next volume. Even if it's just a huge raft with jury-rigged sail. Or, if the party does eradicate the cyclopes in Sumitha, the druid and her party can return to exact revenge...</p>
<p>Can go either way for my group. Hope you have fun with yours!</p>quistar wrote:Looking at the dire circumstances the cyclopes of the island face (extinction via starvation), it makes sense that, if the heroes are able to figure this out somehow, they would try to ally with the cyclopes, offering food and general weal in exchange for their help defending the island against intruders.
My group is playing this now and I've always had this potential outcome in mind for them. It can work if you say it can. My party will have to deal with hostile cyclopes....Uri Meca2018-08-06T23:17:34ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)quistarhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1312018-07-05T03:04:37Z2018-07-05T03:04:37Z<p>Thanks Cuup...I got Peril and Plunder and it gives some good rulesy guidelines for handling a Diplomacy effort with difficult opponents. I am thinking of adding a cyclops mystic/oracle type to possibly help make this possible, though the party bard will have to push his Diplo-nut powers to make it happen.</p>
<p>Andrew <:-{}</p>Thanks Cuup...I got Peril and Plunder and it gives some good rulesy guidelines for handling a Diplomacy effort with difficult opponents. I am thinking of adding a cyclops mystic/oracle type to possibly help make this possible, though the party bard will have to push his Diplo-nut powers to make it happen.
Andrew <:-{}quistar2018-07-05T03:04:37ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)quistarhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1302018-06-18T01:11:35Z2018-06-18T01:11:35Z<p>I was thinking more specifically for advice relating to the cyclopes in mod 4. I have some ideas on how the PCs could try making peace, though I'm certain it wouldn't be easy...the cyclopes would certainly attack on sight, for food if nothing else, making that method an uphill struggle. They'd also have to pass up on a lot of loot, which for them is a secondary consideration, but they'd be willing to do that.</p>
<p>Andrew</p>I was thinking more specifically for advice relating to the cyclopes in mod 4. I have some ideas on how the PCs could try making peace, though I'm certain it wouldn't be easy...the cyclopes would certainly attack on sight, for food if nothing else, making that method an uphill struggle. They'd also have to pass up on a lot of loot, which for them is a secondary consideration, but they'd be willing to do that.
Andrewquistar2018-06-18T01:11:35ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)Cuuphttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1292018-06-12T11:31:54Z2018-06-12T11:31:54Z<p>Check out the <a href="http://paizo.com/products/btpy99se?Pathfinder-Module-Plunder-Peril" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Plunder and Peril Module</a> - there's an encounter where the PC's are expected to meet and humor an Adult Brine Dragon in order to gain permission to search his territory for a certain object. The Module gives you interests and tactics that the PC's can utilize, as well as subjects and actions that anger the dragon. This is the closest thing I've personally seen to what you're looking for. Also, Plunder and Peril takes place in the Shackles and is for Players of levels 4, 5, and 6, so you could use stuff from it right now if you wanted!</p>Check out the Plunder and Peril Module - there's an encounter where the PC's are expected to meet and humor an Adult Brine Dragon in order to gain permission to search his territory for a certain object. The Module gives you interests and tactics that the PC's can utilize, as well as subjects and actions that anger the dragon. This is the closest thing I've personally seen to what you're looking for. Also, Plunder and Peril takes place in the Shackles and is for Players of levels 4, 5, and 6,...Cuup2018-06-12T11:31:54ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)quistarhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1282018-06-12T06:21:22Z2018-06-12T06:21:22Z<p>I have an unusual question to pose for folks familiar with this module. It revolves around Severe Diplomacy, or attempts at it.</p>
<p>My gaming group is one that, if at all possible, will always try diplomacy if it seems feasible. They're also not the bloodthirsty types and avoid combat if it doesn't make sense to them. Looking at the dire circumstances the cyclopes of the island face (extinction via starvation), it makes sense that, if the heroes are able to figure this out somehow, they would try to ally with the cyclopes, offering food and general weal in exchange for their help defending the island against intruders.</p>
<p>The problem is, I'm not sure if it can happen, or how easily.</p>
<p>I've only started really reading this module (I'm 1/3 of the way through the second one in the series, I have a ways to go before they get to the Island) but I'm not seeing any indications of plot points that cater to a diplomatic approach. Our bard may just have the mad skills to make peace with at least some of the cyclopes, in which case they might be able to get an audience with the Great Cyclops. If they do, however, I don't have any guidelines for handling it. I can probably come up with a few things on my own, but I'd welcome any suggestions from readers on the board that are familiar with The Island of Empty Eyes. Thanks!</p>I have an unusual question to pose for folks familiar with this module. It revolves around Severe Diplomacy, or attempts at it.
My gaming group is one that, if at all possible, will always try diplomacy if it seems feasible. They're also not the bloodthirsty types and avoid combat if it doesn't make sense to them. Looking at the dire circumstances the cyclopes of the island face (extinction via starvation), it makes sense that, if the heroes are able to figure this out somehow, they would...quistar2018-06-12T06:21:22ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)Uri Mecahttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1272018-04-21T20:32:35Z2018-04-21T20:32:35Z<p>I've noticed it. I haven't run the Island under constant precipitation. They've had some and will get more, for sure, but I admit I mostly hand-wave it.</p>I've noticed it. I haven't run the Island under constant precipitation. They've had some and will get more, for sure, but I admit I mostly hand-wave it.Uri Meca2018-04-21T20:32:35ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)Cuuphttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1262018-03-20T17:30:04Z2018-03-20T17:30:04Z<p>Looking at a map of the Shackles, it occurs to me that the Isle of Empty Eyes is about as far north as Tempest Cay, which would give it the same weather modifiers (+36 when rolling random weather). This means there's just under a 20% chance for no precipitation, and the rest of the time it's at least raining. I've never really pictured the Island of Empty Eyes as a storm-worn island similar to Tempest Cay, but it would appear that it is. Has anyone else noticed this? Have you run the Island of Empty Eyes under constant rainfall and storms?</p>Looking at a map of the Shackles, it occurs to me that the Isle of Empty Eyes is about as far north as Tempest Cay, which would give it the same weather modifiers (+36 when rolling random weather). This means there's just under a 20% chance for no precipitation, and the rest of the time it's at least raining. I've never really pictured the Island of Empty Eyes as a storm-worn island similar to Tempest Cay, but it would appear that it is. Has anyone else noticed this? Have you run the Island...Cuup2018-03-20T17:30:04ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)Cuuphttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1252018-03-08T12:12:44Z2018-03-08T12:12:44Z<p>Unless it's a Material Component for the spell/ritual, which would mean it gets destroyed/used up during the process.</p>Unless it's a Material Component for the spell/ritual, which would mean it gets destroyed/used up during the process.Cuup2018-03-08T12:12:44ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)Neil Spicer (Contributor, RPG Superstar 2009, RPG Superstar Judgernaut)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1242018-03-07T23:56:37Z2018-03-07T23:56:37Z<p>Just my two cents, but I think it should still be there. Only Bikendi's spirit passes on into the Dimension of Dreams. The stone is a physical thing. So, it stays behind.</p>Just my two cents, but I think it should still be there. Only Bikendi's spirit passes on into the Dimension of Dreams. The stone is a physical thing. So, it stays behind.Neil Spicer (Contributor, RPG Superstar 2009, RPG Superstar Judgernaut)2018-03-07T23:56:37ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)Darius Darkblade aka Legionare (alias of divineshadow)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1232018-03-07T22:42:24Z2018-03-07T22:42:24Z<p>So does the wizard take the dreamstone with him when his soul departs or is it still there with the pc who's body he used?</p>So does the wizard take the dreamstone with him when his soul departs or is it still there with the pc who's body he used?Darius Darkblade aka Legionare (alias of divineshadow)2018-03-07T22:42:24ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)LittleMissNagahttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1222018-02-15T06:43:11Z2018-02-15T06:43:11Z<p>Elven Gunslinger. The racial Con penalty hurts. She's not outright in the negatives, but her hp isn't exactly stellar. Good Dex though.</p>
<p>Normally they negate some of that by careful battlefield positioning, but that's tough against a super-stealther with great reach. By the time you know you're in a battle, getting out is hard.</p>
<p>...The whole party's just countered hard by that monster, at any rate. Witch doesn't like to be grappled, and doesn't play with spells that'll one-shot an encounter on her own (she usually supports), sneak attacks and crits are negated and both our best melee types rely on those pretty well, and the Gunslinger could probably finish the fight single-handedly if she could stay out of range, but getting back away from this thing's a tricky prospect.</p>
<p>Freedom of Movement is not a bad idea. I'll suggest it as an anti-grapple option, since they've basically struggled with grapplers all campaign.</p>
<p>Ultimately though, I think I'm just going to replace the Great Mother with one of those weird Cyclopes with the eye and mouth on their torso, from (I think) Bestiary 5. Say he had a wish already used, giving him summon monster (or something) as a one-use SLA, or as a Contingency sort of thing, or something. He can summon some dinosaurs, run to get backup while the party fights those, etc. Should be fun.</p>Elven Gunslinger. The racial Con penalty hurts. She's not outright in the negatives, but her hp isn't exactly stellar. Good Dex though.
Normally they negate some of that by careful battlefield positioning, but that's tough against a super-stealther with great reach. By the time you know you're in a battle, getting out is hard.
...The whole party's just countered hard by that monster, at any rate. Witch doesn't like to be grappled, and doesn't play with spells that'll one-shot an encounter...LittleMissNaga2018-02-15T06:43:11ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)Cuuphttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1212018-02-13T12:34:16Z2018-02-13T12:34:16Z<p>Between the Slam and Constrict damage, it's doing 69 damage on average, which is definitely a hefty amount, but I feel like the Gunslinger should have at least survived the surprise round (assuming they had at least a +1 Con), unless the Great Mother rolled really well.</p>
<p>As for how to deal with it: With a 10' movement, I'd say they're golden as long as they attack with range (stay 20' away to prevent a charge, and then an additional 20' to keep out of its reach; though looking at the Sumitha map, the area may be a bit too close-quarters to do that very successfully...). It also has Light Sensitivity, so adding bright light will tack on a -1 to its attack rolls.</p>
<p>Assuming the group is level 10, the Alchemist can go to town and buy a scroll of Freedom of Movement and add it to his Formula Book. If he has the Infusion Discovery, he could then pass out a couple of Elixers of these to whichever PC's plan to fight it up front. With Freedom of Movement, the Great Mother's DPR is immediately halved, making her much more manageable.</p>Between the Slam and Constrict damage, it's doing 69 damage on average, which is definitely a hefty amount, but I feel like the Gunslinger should have at least survived the surprise round (assuming they had at least a +1 Con), unless the Great Mother rolled really well.
As for how to deal with it: With a 10' movement, I'd say they're golden as long as they attack with range (stay 20' away to prevent a charge, and then an additional 20' to keep out of its reach; though looking at the Sumitha...Cuup2018-02-13T12:34:16ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)LittleMissNagahttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1202018-02-12T23:03:25Z2018-02-12T23:03:25Z<p>So... The great mother.</p>
<p>Party's been doing great so far. Some tough fights, but they've managed. Then they got to this one. With stealth like that, nobody saw it coming.</p>
<p>Surprise round: Gunslinger is dead before she knows what's happening.</p>
<p>Round 1: The mother wins initiative. The alchemist is dead.</p>
<p>Our rogue-ish type makes her knowledge check, says to the witch "I hope you have something, because this thing is immune to the storm of crits and sneak attacks I usually make, and the remaining 7.5 damage per round isn't gonna cut it."</p>
<p>Nope.</p>
<p>The last two try to make a run for it. AoO. Witch is dead.</p>
<p>We're going to do a do-over. Any ideas on fixing this encounter up into something that's not quite so insurmountable?</p>So... The great mother.
Party's been doing great so far. Some tough fights, but they've managed. Then they got to this one. With stealth like that, nobody saw it coming.
Surprise round: Gunslinger is dead before she knows what's happening.
Round 1: The mother wins initiative. The alchemist is dead.
Our rogue-ish type makes her knowledge check, says to the witch "I hope you have something, because this thing is immune to the storm of crits and sneak attacks I usually make, and the...LittleMissNaga2018-02-12T23:03:25ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)Cuuphttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1192017-12-14T15:32:38Z2017-12-14T15:29:28Z<p>Taking a second look at Cyclopes, a Critical hit from their Greataxe deals on average 52 damage (without Power Attack), which would bump up a confirmed Critical Called Shot (for all but the tankiest level 10 PC's) to a Debilitating Called Shot.</p>
<p>Again, it's not gonna connect every time, since Called Shots take a penalty on attack rolls, but if each Cyclops attempted this, odds are, one or two of them will confirm.</p>
<p>Take a Debilitating Called Shot to the Chest (-2 penalty to attack roll): A debilitating blow to the chest deals 2d4 points of Constitution damage and exhausts the target. A successful Fortitude saving throw (made after the Constitution damage is applied; DC 29, since the save DC is equal to the AC hit by the attack roll) reduces the exhaustion to fatigue. If the saving throw fails by 5 or more, the creature's internal injuries deal 1 point of Constitution damage in any round the creature takes a standard action. The internal injuries can be healed by either a DC 25 Heal check or by healing as many hit points as the debilitating blow dealt, whether by magical or natural means. The creature also suffers the effects of a called shot to the chest (any skill checks caused by the hit (such as an Acrobatics check while balancing or a Climb check while climbing) take a –2 penalty.)</p>
<p>That's a pretty unexpected turn of events from a creature whose CR is half your level, and many other [-2 penalty] Called Shots are available to pick from.</p>Taking a second look at Cyclopes, a Critical hit from their Greataxe deals on average 52 damage (without Power Attack), which would bump up a confirmed Critical Called Shot (for all but the tankiest level 10 PC's) to a Debilitating Called Shot.
Again, it's not gonna connect every time, since Called Shots take a penalty on attack rolls, but if each Cyclops attempted this, odds are, one or two of them will confirm.
Take a Debilitating Called Shot to the Chest (-2 penalty to attack roll): A...Cuup2017-12-14T15:29:28ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)Cuuphttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1182017-12-12T23:33:13Z2017-12-12T23:33:13Z<p>Another way to get the most out of your Cyclopes is instead of saving their Flash of Insight ability to confirm a crit, preemptively use it to set up a Critical Called Shot. Worst case scenario, you fail to confirm, but still deal normal damage and get a secondary Called Shot effect; best case scenario, you confirm the crit, deal extra damage, and get a very satisfying Called Shot effect, usually dealing ability damage, or at least applying a hefty penalty. Even if confirming the critical Called Shot is next to impossible with rhe PCs’ AC, once they realize what you’re going for, it’ll really ratchet up the tension as they wait in fear for you to roll that natural 20.</p>Another way to get the most out of your Cyclopes is instead of saving their Flash of Insight ability to confirm a crit, preemptively use it to set up a Critical Called Shot. Worst case scenario, you fail to confirm, but still deal normal damage and get a secondary Called Shot effect; best case scenario, you confirm the crit, deal extra damage, and get a very satisfying Called Shot effect, usually dealing ability damage, or at least applying a hefty penalty. Even if confirming the critical...Cuup2017-12-12T23:33:13ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)Crankhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1172017-12-08T17:24:28Z2017-12-08T17:24:28Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Cuup wrote:</div><blockquote> Don't forget that Cyclopes have Ferocity, so they go on fighting well after the party brings them to 0 hp. </blockquote><p>True, but it doesn't matter so much when they're up against a group of level 10 PCs with haste and mage armor, bumping their AC up to around 25-30. With a +11 to hit, that means a Cyclops needs to roll 14-20 to hit (with the exception of their flash of insight).
<p>Sometimes I don't understand the encounters in these APs. They often seem so ridiculously easy. Are they intended to be challenging? If so, CR 5 monsters up against level 10 PCs seems like a crazy oversight. Ishtoreth is a CR 12, but I foresee them knocking him out in two or three rounds due to action economy.</p>Cuup wrote:Don't forget that Cyclopes have Ferocity, so they go on fighting well after the party brings them to 0 hp.
True, but it doesn't matter so much when they're up against a group of level 10 PCs with haste and mage armor, bumping their AC up to around 25-30. With a +11 to hit, that means a Cyclops needs to roll 14-20 to hit (with the exception of their flash of insight). Sometimes I don't understand the encounters in these APs. They often seem so ridiculously easy. Are they intended...Crank2017-12-08T17:24:28ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)Cuuphttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1162017-12-07T14:10:32Z2017-12-07T14:10:32Z<p>Don't forget that Cyclopes have Ferocity, so they go on fighting well after the party brings them to 0 hp.</p>Don't forget that Cyclopes have Ferocity, so they go on fighting well after the party brings them to 0 hp.Cuup2017-12-07T14:10:32ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)Crankhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1152017-12-07T04:46:26Z2017-12-07T04:46:26Z<p>I have a 5 PC party and they had no trouble with Bikendi (although one of them died against an Animate Dream...). They'll probably hit the level 10 sometime in Sumitha. If I want it to be a challenge, I'm definitely going to have to buff it up. Either buff up the cyclopes themselves (which is what I'm leaning toward) or add more.</p>I have a 5 PC party and they had no trouble with Bikendi (although one of them died against an Animate Dream...). They'll probably hit the level 10 sometime in Sumitha. If I want it to be a challenge, I'm definitely going to have to buff it up. Either buff up the cyclopes themselves (which is what I'm leaning toward) or add more.Crank2017-12-07T04:46:26ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)Rorrynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1142017-12-06T00:47:33Z2017-12-06T00:46:19Z<p>I had to buff up my encounters for the cyclops in Sumitha, also added more to account for a 5-6 PC/NPC party, & my players went in a level lower then intended. They still crushed it.</p>
<p>My group almost TPK'd with fighting Bitkendi. Possessed Sandara and then everyone started failing Saves</p>I had to buff up my encounters for the cyclops in Sumitha, also added more to account for a 5-6 PC/NPC party, & my players went in a level lower then intended. They still crushed it.
My group almost TPK'd with fighting Bitkendi. Possessed Sandara and then everyone started failing SavesRorryn2017-12-06T00:46:19ZRe: Forums: Skull & Shackles: Island of Empty Eyes (GM Reference)Crankhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oke2&page=3?Island-of-Empty-Eyes#1132017-12-01T19:35:55Z2017-12-01T19:35:55Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Cuup wrote:</div><blockquote> Since the PC's are in a situation that lets them retreat and re-prepare almost indefinitely, I'd say absolutely yes. </blockquote><p>Now that I'm looking more closely at the encounters in Sumitha, I'm a lot less concerned about that ability. Pretty sure the PCs are going to steamroll this dungeon.Cuup wrote:Since the PC's are in a situation that lets them retreat and re-prepare almost indefinitely, I'd say absolutely yes.
Now that I'm looking more closely at the encounters in Sumitha, I'm a lot less concerned about that ability. Pretty sure the PCs are going to steamroll this dungeon.Crank2017-12-01T19:35:55Z