Best way to deal with high altitudes?

[BlingerBunny]

I'm trying to find an effective way to help the party ascend the Kodar Mountains towards the spires of Xin-Shalast, and I think I've found a loophole in a magic item.

Ring of Sustenance + Endure Elements.

As written, the ring continually provides its wearer with life-sustaining nourishment.

As I've interpreted it, this would also include oxygen, because the body can't process nourishment without oxygen which, in itself, nourishes the body. Would this mean that with a ring of sustenance, I could survive in an environment with little to no oxygen?

I'm betting this isn't what they intended, so I want to add endure elements for the climate issue.

I'd appreciate some feedback and maybe some alternate ideas that are more feasible and affordable?

[Bellona]

I would not allow a Ring of Sustenance to supply oxygen. The ring costs only 2,500 gp, while a Necklace of Adaptation (which specifically can supply fresh air, etc.) costs 9,000 gp. It makes no sense (and would be "over-arguing" the definition of "nourishment") that the ring would be able to provide the same effect as the necklace.

Endure Elements is only effective for temperatures within a certain range of extremes. (I can't remember if the Kodar Mountains and any possible "death zone" would go beyond those extremes.) It does not fix any problems with bad air, vacuum, etc.

Aside from the Necklace of Adaptation, there are other options available. For example, there is an elixir (the GM should know about this one). It might be pricey, but that shouldn't be much of a concern/obstacle for a party that far along in RotR.

The Air Bubble spell (UC) might be of use. Just remember to apply both rules and common sense if you are making a custom item. No new item should do more while costing less than a pre-existing item.

My final comment: the BBEG's lair is located where it is because it will be hard to approach. It's not meant to be easy or cheap! :)

[RuyanVe]

Greetings, fellow traveller.

Note that I am GMing this AP and I'd be reluctant to help my players in this matter as I think when they're ready to confront the BBEG in his lair, they should be powerful/resourceful enough to find a way on their own, but as my PCs already missed out on one magic item I think I might have to nudge them in a similar direction later on, too.

So: you could give them/hint at life bubble.
The spell should be on somebody's list and its duration is quite long.

Ruyan.

[BlingerBunny]

I'm the only full-caster in the group, and I'm only a Sorcerer. The other casters are a goblin bard NPC and a multi-classed Oracle/Inquisitor. I'm looking an effective solution. I don't even know when we're going to head up into the mountains, because we've returned to Sandpoint after defeating Mokmurian.

I've got to help the group prepare for this because there will be a change in leadership. The rogue of our group is the leader, and I'm about to use my favorite new spell on him, if he doesn't stop pushing for running into Xin-Shalast immediately.

I'm going to sell the robe of runes to fund my next project, making necklaces of adaptation for the group. What would the price variation be for adding Endure Elements to the item, allowing for cold climates?

[Bellona]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but at this point does your party even know _how_ to find Xin-Shalast? If not, then that alone should discourage any over-enthusiastic heading off into the wild blue (or white in this case) yonder.

The Kodar Mountains, IIRC, are Avistan's version of the Himalayas. Approach with all due caution, and have at least some sort of plan for how to find that city.

While it may hurt for a class with limited spells known, you might want to learn Mordenkainen's Mage's Magnificent Mansion when you can. Every party in the wild needs a nice, cushy spot to retreat to when the day's travels are done. :)

[RuyanVe]

My bad. Sorry, I thought you, the OP, was a fellow GM.
Hm. The casters in your group are rather limited concerning spell selection...
I'd check for a wand of endure elements. 50 charges cost you only 750gp--get three or four of them and you're set.

Otherwise I agree with Bellona. The Kodars are not to be trifled with and finding Xin-Shalast is not (meant to be) easy.

Ruyan.

[Bellona]

BlingerBunny wrote:

What would the price variation be for adding Endure Elements to the item, allowing for cold climates?

I'm not an expert at this, but the final (selling) price I think would jump from 9,000 gp to 12,000 gp.

Math for a continuous spell effect (CRB table 15-29):
1 (spell level) x 1 (Caster level) x 2,000 gp = 2,000 gp

Because it is effectively an additional ability being put on a pre-existing item which does take up a body slot (CRB p. 549):
2,000 gp x 1.5 = 3,000 gp

Necklace of Adaptation (CRB p. 524) = 9,000 gp

plus continuous Endure Elements: 9,000 gp + 3,000 gp = 12,000 gp

Note that the Endure Elements part might be easier to dispel if it's put in at caster level 1 (which covers 24 hours). If you want/need/must put that spell in at the same caster level as the Necklace of Adaptation itself (caster level 7), the price goes up:
1 (spell level) x 7 (caster level) x 2,000 gp = 14,000 gp
14,000 gp x 1.5 = 21,000 gp
9,000 gp + 21,000 gp = 30,000 gp

But as I mentioned above, I'm no expert at this, so I'm not sure which caster level would be required for that Endure Elements.

[JohnHawkins]

Endure Elements is not enough. Barring some possible solutions which are not for players you need wither Life Bubble or Necklace of Adaption.

And of course waiting around in Sand point for a few months could have consequences. Rune Lords rise in their own time of course and may not wait around for heroes

edit a page of spell knowledge 5th level should give either the Oracle or the Sorceror the ability to cast Life Bubble for less than the cost of multiple Necklaces of Adaption

[BlingerBunny]

I own the anniversary book, and I was supposed to be the GM, but the original group fell apart and my friend took up the mantle later on when we could get a new group together.

I've read a good portion of it, and I've done my best to avoid meta-gaming with the knowledge I have. I remember Karzoug's Robes of Xin-Shalast has Endure Elements in the construction requirements, which is where I believe he's getting the freedom to survive in the death zone.

Also, the reason the Rogue wants to just immediately go there is because it's a city MADE OF GOLD. He's not thinking it through all the way. So, we're going to Sandpoint to find a map of the Kodar Mountains, we've found a hole in the ground and we're going to investigate today. Wish us luck!

[Nathan Monson]

good luck, I know what's down there.

[RuyanVe]

Nathan Monson wrote:

good luck, I know what's down there.

Hehe.

Coming back to your plan: selling the robe of runes from Mok will definitely be a start.
Combining the necklace of adaptation with endure elements cast from a wand sould do the trick.

I hope you made it back to the surface!

Ruyan.