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If you've read some of my previous posts, I have a ranger that's had some fun times with a level 3 party that also had a Wizard and Oracle.
Our quest continues. XD
Our party of 5 level 6's (Me (CG Ranger(Wizard) heading for AA), Soon to be Mystic Theurge (LN Wizard/Cleric), Fighter (NG Viking), Alchemist (CN Insane) and Paladin (LG, former Oracle) were ambushed by some bandits
Yes, we were actually ambushed by bandits.
We lived the dream!
Well, more accurately, they tried to ambush us. I spotted them (Favored Terrain AND favored enemy! That's rare! :D), and put an arrow into the Lookouts head before he'd even finished sighting his bow. No time to order their surrender. :/
My pet Roc dragged another out by it's neck, which I thought was rather overkill, but if the GM wants my Companion to be a Brutal bloodthirsty killing machine, who am I to argue? XD
The Wizard/Cleric used some weird Fear effect thing, and 9 of the apparently 16 bandits failed badly. The Alchemist exploded two of them, and the Paladin crit one hard enough he did a passable Garen impression.
One round, 5 dead, 9 in fear, 2 unaffected.
Bandits PANIC.
Leader (One of the unaffected) starts sprinting away, the other unaffected and several of those who weren't as affected by the fear are screaming and trying to crawl out of their little murder holes and flee us.
Viking uses his move action to try and get closer to the apparent Bandit Leader.
I use a Run action, and get ahead of him, ordering him to stop. He does, crying in terror.
Wizard/Cleric hits them with a Mass Hold-person.
Fights pretty much over.
My character was actually feeling pretty guilty, it was almost a massacre.
(16 CR 1/2's was... underwhelming, but hey, random encounter and all that. Sometimes that's how it ends up.)
We round them up, tie them up, and spend about 15 minutes arguing IRL about what to do with them (It ends up being considered In Character too). Paladin thinks we should release them, but turn in the Leader. I think we should head for the nearest town and turn them in, not completely trusting the government of the nearest City. We argue for a few minutes, with my character (Who's spent the last decade acting as a sort of bounty hunter in the area) refusing to release bandits where they could start to prey on less well armed travelers.
The Paladin insists that we cannot delay, and if I will not release them out of a fear of them committing more evils, then we should just kill them where they stand.
Wizard chimes in here, refusing to kill enemies that have surrendered, and that we should turn them over to the rightful authorities. Killing is the States right, not our own.
I reiterate that I desire to hand them over to the rightful authorities, because it's their job. If she has no chance to capture them, then she'll kill them, now though, there's no reason too.
Paladin argues that that is what the City will do, I argue that we are not the city. GM confirms (When I ask, using my Profession (Bounty Hunter) as a "Knowledge" check essentially) death is what awaits the Bandits. Commissioned adventurers are permitted to bring in bandit heads (Holy crap! XD) and get paid for it, but, you need to be commissioned to execute bandits, we are not (I am).
Paladin argues we have no provisions for them, I point out that they should have their own. GM confirms that all but one have 3 days worth of rations, Leader has about 3 weeks. Plenty for us to get to the city.
Paladin points out that it would make our cart harder to move. I took out rope, said we could tie them to it, they could walk, we could walk slower.
Paladin argues it will delay us. I point out that a day or two extra won't cause us any problems.
Paladin argues that this could fatigues us, going longer and with more to carry/pull/watch. I point out that I'm a Ranger, half my first level spells make long distance travel stupidly easy.
Wizard asks for a vote, Me, the Wizard and the Viking vote to take them with us to be turned over. Viking says he's voting specifically that his honor dictates that killing a helpless opponent is disgraceful, and is really voting against killing, not so much for turning them in. Paladin votes to kill. Alchemist votes that we decide soon, or he's going to likely do something we all regret (Insert slow crazy smile).
So, we proceed to take them with us. We finish confiscating their equipment (Except armor, we confirmed that they were not wearing much clothing beneath their armor, so we let them keep that). I find a gold arrow with a heart on it's arrowhead in the Leader's equipment. In fact, it was likely the arrow he had readied. I try to get the wizards attention, but he was busy arguing with the Paladin.
Bandit leader is wearing an eye patch, and due to both paranoia and curiosity I inquire about the condition of his eye. He refuses to answer, so I angle him away from his men (And our party), and carefully tilt it open.
Eye's fine. And the makeup he has around it is quite well done too.
Yep, guy's wearing makeup.
After a few moments thought, I ask him if he'd like for me to remove his makeup, he does, so I do, making sure no one else sees that, then bring him back to the group sans eyepatch.
The Bandit Leader acts oddly around me, and when I try to Sense Motive, the GM tells me that the Leader apparently finds my character to be quite attractive.
Oh.
Uh.
Okay.
Huh.
Well, I did play a Female character intentionally, so I could learn more about female characterization (I have a hard time writing Female characters).
Still, threw me for a loop, did NOT expect that.
Well, away we go!
Paladin nitpicks and argues the whole way, most of which with the Wizard about spell details and such. never get a chance to have him look at the arrow, and I forget about it.
Hell, I even forget to add it to the Party Loot list.
Get to city, turn over bandits, actually get paid (Which surprised me, 50g a head too).
We end up with 2K to split 5 ways, and nearly another 400 for a party account when all our misc and gold is counted. Which is nice, since we hadn't earned/found a damn thing for the last three levels (Wizard activated a CR 16 Construct (Actually, looking back at the Construct, I think CR 16 is LOW for it's capabilities) that took our lunch money, and our toys).
We restock, and are about to start the next part of our Quest, when I notice the time, and point out we should be heading out IRL.
We do so.
As we do so, I remember the arrow, and both I and the Wizard roll a few skills checks.
We end up with this:
Un-named Arrow (I'm naming it "Cupid's Arrow")
+4 Gold Arrow, Returning, Unknown effect
Unknown effect: Damage from the arrow can instead be negated (After rolling it), and the target makes a will save where the damage is the Save DC. Upon failing, the the target will fall madly in love with the next person they see. Unknown duration, unknown strength, unknown nature, unknown unknown unknown. The Wizard rolled a 40+ spellcraft on top of a 38 or so Kn:Arcana, and was unable to find out more than that.
Oh, expect that it's an artifact of some sort.
And now my character suspects why their group was ambushed, especially with the Leader's constant glances. D:
Problems with arrow: Can it really be toggled on and off by the person firing? Or can the arrow do something on it's own? My character is the only one that really does archery, and she doesn't like the idea of mind alteration/control. Specifically has Enchantment as one of her Barred schools. She also doesn't trust something of this potential power in the hands of anyone outside the party (And possibly the party too, though it is the party's loot, not just mine).
being bale to figure out how to bypass the "Charm" effect would be nice, a +4 arrow? Hells yeah! RETURNING?! OMG YES!
I'm running a MW Composite Longbow, so this is a potential awesome thing.
Which terrifies me. XD
No way I get to just use it, no consequences.
So, Ideas? XD
I can see why a CG wouldn't like using mind control, but equally I reckon a Chaotic would/could have a great deal of 'innocent' fun with such an item.
I know that any of my CN (as well as NE and CE) bow-using characters would have traded in the party bard for an arrow like that.
I like playing out emotional tussles so I'd probably be always thinking 'mustn't use it.., but that apprentice/guard/milkmaid is so gorgeous..., mustn't..., maybe once...' and so on. As a weapon it is obviously useful, but as an RPing tool it is even better.
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Keep it in a metal scroll tube, maintain a magic aura spell on it (or at least try to if/when you feel you need to - it's a 1st-level "spell slot tax" on days you cast it, but its duration is 1/day), remember it's there, and keep an eye out for the PERFECT occasion in your adventure for which to use it.
I can see why a CG wouldn't like using mind control, but equally I reckon a Chaotic would/could have a great deal of 'innocent' fun with such an item.
Oh, if it ends up having a duration of a few minutes, or just a few rounds, probably. :D
It's if it had an indefinite duration, or something prohibitively long...
I know that any of my CN (as well as NE and CE) bow-using characters would have traded in the party bard for an arrow like that.
I want to use this Arrow SO BAD. +4 arrow of returning, ALL OF MY WANT! XD
Yeah, part of the reason why she's holding onto it, she's tempted, she knows others would be as well.
I like playing out emotional tussles so I'd probably be always thinking 'mustn't use it.., but that apprentice/guard/milkmaid is so gorgeous..., mustn't..., maybe once...' and so on. As a weapon it is obviously useful, but as an RPing tool it is even better.
Hmmm... hadn't thought of that. Already learning things.
Thank you! :D
Keep it in a metal scroll tube, maintain a magic aura spell on it (or at least try to if/when you feel you need to - it's a 1st-level "spell slot tax" on days you cast it, but its duration is 1/day), remember it's there, and keep an eye out for the PERFECT occasion in your adventure for which to use it.
Oh, THAT is interesting. Definitely will have to do that, regardless of what we decide to do with it, that defensive measure is a damn good one.
This is a homebrew item far as I know, so speaking with your GM on its limitations would be the best bet. What with the checks you made I draw the conclusion that your GM desires for you to find out those limitations by yourself. You could likely interrogate the bandit leader for setting related information on the arrow like perhaps where he got it. If he has already shucked the mortal coil speak with dead is easy to use. Quite frankly what should worry your character more than this arrow is the possibility that there could easily be more of them in the hands of others. Sounds more like an apple of Eris than a well meant arrow of love to me. Could also be an impromtu hook to return the item to the temple of the love goddess so that it might be returned to its proper owner.
I'll have to check, probably leave the arrow with the wizard when I do. The government of the city we're in is competently corrupt. Their guards do their jobs yes, but...
If I can swing it, I'll try. That IS the most straight-forward...
Ooooh. Hm.
Gonna talk with the GM, he can be pretty forgiving about when IRL collides with IG, especially since we have so many new and inexperienced players. might be able to swing a small/quick retroactive conversation due to the Paladin's bickering.
And yes, pretty clear he wants us/me to figure this out.
Mechanics wise IF the arrow is an enchantment effect, it would be safe to use on:Constructs, Undead, Swarms, Oozes, Plants, and Vermin on account of being immune to both charms and Compulsions.
Secondly the damage=DC limits its use in the hands of a normal human with a mundane bow. bows are difficult to stack damage on, so unless your GM permits stuff like sneak attack to add to the bows DC *bad idea* then the arrows save will remain in the low teens at best. if it does stack than he is going to regret his decision once you gain the L3 arcane archer ability and can toss into shocking grasp into this thing. invisibility on the arrow itself + shocking grasp means that the dutchess of city X is now in love with hobo Z and you have blackmail for plotpoint Y.
I know that once it's fired, is has 6 seconds to do whatever, and then it's back in the quiver. XD
Aside from that, I think we'll need to experiment to find out.
Right now, aside from critting, I can hit for Damage+Arrow+W.Focus+P.Blank+Composite+Favored Enemy
So, at max, that's: 8+4+1+1+5+4=23, min would be:1+4+1+0+5+0=9
Yeah, I'll point that out, just in case he hadn't considered it yet.
Thanks! I'm sure the GM will appreciate that! :D
Kinda surprised no one commented on the Paladin. XD
It's a homebrewed item, so you'll have to ask for sure.
However, if you're quoting your GM verbatim, 'can' means optional.
I figured I would use my necromancy powers and animate that beaten horse to ride on to the question you were asking rather than sounding the alarm that someone is having badwrongfun.
Nah, I get it. XD
Just surprised is all, I have a tendency to want to be complete and accurate, and didn't feel comfortable typing "Didn't get more info cause Paladin was being himself.", since it wouldn't be accurate, and we could have been treating him poorly.
Also, it was Cathartic.
you likely want to make your scroll tube of concealing out of lead on account of leads properties to negate most any divination spell I can think of off the top of my head. Saves you a slot and some trouble if it turns out the item actually is an artifact and is unable to be concealed by Magic aura.
Oooooh, interesting, is there a place to look up stuff like this, cause, god that sounds awesome. :D
It's a homebrewed item, so you'll have to ask for sure.
However, if you're quoting your GM verbatim, 'can' means optional.
When I asked if "Can" meant optional, I was told, "You'll find out".
So, I guess we will. XD
Maybe I'm paranoid, but that's a big giant red flag for 'Aw, HAIL no.' If I don't know precisely how it works, I don't go near it. :)
Maybe I'm paranoid, but that's a big giant red flag for 'Aw, HAIL no.' If I don't know precisely how it works, I don't go near it. :)
Yeah, my cautious player senses are ringing all kinds of red flags right now. XD
This seems like the ideal item to use animal testing for, it doesn't really matter if your dinner is in love with you, or you can potentially use it on a wolf or some other pack hunter and hope for a brotherly/protective love effect then test it's duration. There are plenty of kinds of love that aren't lust.
Wonder how much cats cost. XD
Though squirrels are likely free.
Well, GMs exact words were "Madly in love", unsure how that would apply, but something to look into.
You might also see if "the next person" includes the person effected (i.e. a mirror). Forced narcissism would be much more morally acceptable than forced love, I think. Or see if it works at all on a blind person.
I am in the "play with it" (carefully) camp, though getting a smith to melt down some lead and coat the thing is a good idea. If it is an artifact then the heat shouldn't be anywhere near enough to damage it.
Oh, I certainly want to play with it, I was just worried from my lack of Pathfinder Knowledge, you guys have helped a lot, should be able to play with it without worrying too much now. :D
Be REALLY careful. The phrase "madly in love" sets off HUGE alarm bells in my head, as a GM.
It can mean everything from "unquenchable desire to be with" all the way up to "willing to kill anyone else who looks at the subject".
That is something not to be trifled with.
Still, I agree it could be fun. And I'm planning to use something like it, now.
Keep in mind that the returning property returns to the spot from which it was thrown just before your next turn. Bare in mind I said THROWN. Typically this property is only allowed to be placed on a thrown weapon.
BUT this is your campaign and I'm all for creating unique circumstances and items. I would figure out how your GM intends this item to work.
Then, I wouldn't experiment on animals, I wouldn't experiment on anything. I would shoot this arrow at my two biggest enemies and play them against each other. Clearly your GM has a story to tell with this arrow. Ride the unknown and be surprised along the way.
:)
If this is a low magic/gold game, I'd sell it. This arrow has no tactical value than fun for the GM. As others have already said find out as much as you can so that you don't walk into a 'pawn shop' saying "I found this magic arrow in the the road and I don't know much about it but I think it's worth a bunch of money...." Just like on those Pawn reality TV shows. If the GM is willing to let this one item go, you can get some useful items from the sale.
Be REALLY careful. The phrase "madly in love" sets off HUGE alarm bells in my head, as a GM.
It can mean everything from "unquenchable desire to be with" all the way up to "willing to kill anyone else who looks at the subject".
That is something not to be trifled with.
Still, I agree it could be fun. And I'm planning to use something like it, now.
Yeah, originally I thought this is what it meant, but the guy above raised a valid point. All we know is what the GM told us IC, we could be wrong, so, more skill checks! XD
Otherwise, this is gonna be tough to figure out.
Keep in mind that the returning property returns to the spot from which it was thrown just before your next turn. Bare in mind I said THROWN. Typically this property is only allowed to be placed on a thrown weapon.
BUT this is your campaign and I'm all for creating unique circumstances and items. I would figure out how your GM intends this item to work.
Then, I wouldn't experiment on animals, I wouldn't experiment on anything. I would shoot this arrow at my two biggest enemies and play them against each other. Clearly your GM has a story to tell with this arrow. Ride the unknown and be surprised along the way.
:)
Oh, plot point, could be that. Hm.
Oh, he did tell me that it returns to the quiver it was pulled from at the end of the round. I didn't mention that earlier, because I didn't know returning was normally thrown only.
I had asked a question about it (In relation to how enchants work), the Paladin was the most experienced player we had, and he gave me a lecture on how "Arrows can't have returning, blah blah break, blah blah won't work, blah blah GM is wrong.". I probably need to stop asking him for PF and DnD advice, the only homebrew/rule fudging he likes is his own, and he refuses to consider anyone else's. So, he strictly by the rules only. :/
But he knows so much! XD
Edit: Too clarify, I listen to almost all advice he gives, he really IS very knowledgeable. However, sometimes he hears a question, and ignores the premise of it (We have this item already, it works, can you tell me more?) and instead focuses on a tangential part of it (It shouldn't work, and here is why), ignoring the fact that the tangential part doesn't matter much (GM says it works). This isn't the first time he's given me this. -_-
Thankfully he's a asset to the party, and a good friend, as long as we don't let him make moral decisions. XD
If this is a low magic/gold game, I'd sell it. This arrow has no tactical value than fun for the GM. As others have already said find out as much as you can so that you don't walk into a 'pawn shop' saying "I found this magic arrow in the the road and I don't know much about it but I think it's worth a bunch of money...." Just like on those Pawn reality TV shows. If the GM is willing to let this one item go, you can get some useful items from the sale.
Pawning would work, but I'm pretty sure the bad guys would acquire it, and use it against us. XD
We had a LOT of gold/magic items, powerful ones at that (We raided an abandoned mage college), but our Wizard got the stuff taken away from us (He reactivated the "CR 16" construct that guarded said college, it was not amused, and took everything back).
Still we need funds! Could be a good option.
Wonder how much cats cost.
Reminds me a Bard I once ran, Mufasa: Grand General of the Felintus Legion (yah, he used handle animal to lead a bunch of stray cats around on grand adventures. Bardic music works great as long as you have enough allies)
Handle ALL the animals! Wild Empathy for EVERYONE! :D
Thanks all, between everything here I'd say we've got a pretty good indicator of how dangerous this is (And how fun it could be), and a substantial amount of information we need to gain before we respond in any way. :)
Paladin did not make sandwiches for the bandits, paladin falls.
Oh god, how did I miss this? XD
You win sir!
I Think it sounds great. Find some thing/person/animal you want and fire away. And og it turns out badly your PC Will regret it and all this is a great oppotunity!