paizo.com Recent Posts in PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2paizo.com Recent Posts in PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 22019-08-05T17:39:51Z2019-08-05T17:39:51ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2TriOmegaZerohttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#252020-01-13T18:34:27Z2020-01-13T18:33:21Z<p>Barkskin enhances his natural armor bonus. It would not stack with an amulet but does stack with his racial bonus. </p>
<p>Edit: Ah, right. May have been a typo.</p>Barkskin enhances his natural armor bonus. It would not stack with an amulet but does stack with his racial bonus.
Edit: Ah, right. May have been a typo.TriOmegaZero2020-01-13T18:33:21ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2KingTreyIIIhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#242020-01-13T18:33:14Z2020-01-13T18:01:34Z<p>Really awkward thing that I discovered: Vahlo is said to have a CL 6 potion of <i>barkskin</i> in every subtier (+3 enhancement to natural armor). Graveknight gives him a +4 natural armor bonus, but his statblocks read a +9 natural armor bonus. Where did the last +2 come from?</p>
<p>EDIT: It would make sense if the potion was CL 12 (+5 bonus to natural armor), but considering the section that says “Without his buffs Vahlo’s statistics are...” says his AC is 3 lower (the bonus from a CL 6 potion), then it makes no sense...</p>Really awkward thing that I discovered: Vahlo is said to have a CL 6 potion of barkskin in every subtier (+3 enhancement to natural armor). Graveknight gives him a +4 natural armor bonus, but his statblocks read a +9 natural armor bonus. Where did the last +2 come from?
EDIT: It would make sense if the potion was CL 12 (+5 bonus to natural armor), but considering the section that says “Without his buffs Vahlo’s statistics are...” says his AC is 3 lower (the bonus from a CL 6 potion), then it...KingTreyIII2020-01-13T18:01:34ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2Philippe Lamhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#232019-12-16T07:26:20Z2019-12-16T07:26:20Z<p>The only real question would be how many rounds does the party need to take out the groups, things happening in-between</p>The only real question would be how many rounds does the party need to take out the groups, things happening in-betweenPhilippe Lam2019-12-16T07:26:20ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2andrewwhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#222019-12-14T23:33:28Z2019-12-14T23:33:28Z<p>I just said everyone auto hit. It means you cannot crit but you also remove the auto miss on a 1. It varies a lot for melee depending on where you assume the PCs start.</p>I just said everyone auto hit. It means you cannot crit but you also remove the auto miss on a 1. It varies a lot for melee depending on where you assume the PCs start.andreww2019-12-14T23:33:28ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2TriOmegaZerohttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#212019-12-14T23:16:56Z2019-12-14T23:16:56Z<p>In the Snuffing the Torches mission, do attack rolls matter? The groups have no listed AC.</p>In the Snuffing the Torches mission, do attack rolls matter? The groups have no listed AC.TriOmegaZero2019-12-14T23:16:56ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2TriOmegaZerohttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#202019-11-14T12:45:13Z2019-11-14T12:45:13Z<p>I see no reason why they can't have both boons. But they would not earn any prestige or fame for it.</p>I see no reason why they can't have both boons. But they would not earn any prestige or fame for it.TriOmegaZero2019-11-14T12:45:13ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2Miguel Madrid del Amahttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#192019-11-14T12:37:38Z2019-11-14T12:37:38Z<p>Some the PCs that are going to play this scenario have kept this boon from The Thousand Fangs Below (AP Serpent Skull).</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Can those players choose to be a Decimerate member? Do they earn Prestige Points for it? Do they restart to earning Prestige Points and Fame from here?</p>Some the PCs that are going to play this scenario have kept this boon from The Thousand Fangs Below (AP Serpent Skull).
[Spoiler omitted]
Can those players choose to be a Decimerate member? Do they earn Prestige Points for it? Do they restart to earning Prestige Points and Fame from here?Miguel Madrid del Ama2019-11-14T12:37:38ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2Philippe Lamhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#182019-10-07T13:55:47Z2019-10-07T13:55:47Z<p>What struck me when I played that one was how impactful it was of not being good-aligned. I remind the chaotic good aasimar fighter getting sent out of space and the neutral good life oracle not faring much better. Felt very lucky playing a lawful neutral swashbuckler. Really felt having a big touch AC saved my life (having uncanny dodge too).</p>
<p>Luckily we skipped the optional encounter, because I would say this would have put us in a much harder position.</p>
<p>I'll GM these in a not-so-distant future. I tried to offer these a couple of weeks ago but it didn't happen. But either as a GM or as a player, same response : yikes party balance. We missed an arcane spellcaster, and that contributed to make things more difficult. The other group was slightly more unstable on physical abilities but had a much better divine/arcane spellcasting which helped them deal with things quicker (they played in 14-15, but if they had similar levels than us, they would still have been faster)</p>What struck me when I played that one was how impactful it was of not being good-aligned. I remind the chaotic good aasimar fighter getting sent out of space and the neutral good life oracle not faring much better. Felt very lucky playing a lawful neutral swashbuckler. Really felt having a big touch AC saved my life (having uncanny dodge too).
Luckily we skipped the optional encounter, because I would say this would have put us in a much harder position.
I'll GM these in a not-so-distant...Philippe Lam2019-10-07T13:55:47ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2andrewwhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#172019-10-06T20:12:51Z2019-10-06T18:31:41Z<p>One last couple of issues.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>One last couple of issues.
[Spoiler omitted]andreww2019-10-06T18:31:41ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2andrewwhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#162019-10-06T18:05:39Z2019-10-06T18:04:56Z<p>I ran this last night, after action report below. A couple of other issues cropped up I wasnt sure about. </p>
<p>1. You get 4 stabilisation points if you disable all 3 pylons. The four player adjust removes one pylon. I assume the group gets an extra point if they disable both of those? It was how I ran it. </p>
<p>2. I was a little unsure how you got a point from dealing with the gangs working for Torch. If you take them out in 1 round you dont get hit back. If it takes longer they are automatically neutralised. Do you have to take them out in 1 round to get the point? If so are these effectively automatic stabilisation points?</p>
<p>OK, on to the after action report. I will pop it into a spoiler just in case. </p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>I ran this last night, after action report below. A couple of other issues cropped up I wasnt sure about.
1. You get 4 stabilisation points if you disable all 3 pylons. The four player adjust removes one pylon. I assume the group gets an extra point if they disable both of those? It was how I ran it.
2. I was a little unsure how you got a point from dealing with the gangs working for Torch. If you take them out in 1 round you dont get hit back. If it takes longer they are automatically...andreww2019-10-06T18:04:56ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2Linda Zayas-Palmerhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#152019-10-01T14:04:06Z2019-10-01T00:01:49Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">andreww wrote:</div><blockquote> Thanks for this Linda. I did have another issue crop up now I have finished prepping this, how do players qualify for the Bag of Contingencies boon? </blockquote><p>[Spoiler omitted]andreww wrote:Thanks for this Linda. I did have another issue crop up now I have finished prepping this, how do players qualify for the Bag of Contingencies boon?
[Spoiler omitted]Linda Zayas-Palmer2019-10-01T00:01:49ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2andrewwhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#142019-09-30T18:45:20Z2019-09-30T18:45:20Z<p>Thanks for this Linda. I did have another issue crop up now I have finished prepping this, how do players qualify for the Bag of Contingencies boon?</p>Thanks for this Linda. I did have another issue crop up now I have finished prepping this, how do players qualify for the Bag of Contingencies boon?andreww2019-09-30T18:45:20ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2Linda Zayas-Palmerhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#132019-09-24T20:00:22Z2019-09-24T20:00:22Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">andreww wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I have started to prep the stat blocks for this and have some questions/comments. </p>
<p>As previously mentioned there are a couple of references to using Easy/Average/Hard DCs (one in the sword sidebar, love its abilities by the way and one in the ritual, there may be others). I assume we just grab the DCs from Part 1?</p>
<p></blockquote><p>Leaving those references in there was an error. For those who do not have Part 1 on hand, here's the chart.
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<div class="messageboard-quotee">andreww wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
The tactics on the Nightshades for tier 14-15 and 17-18 seem to be reversed. 14-15 shows as using quickened cone of cold but it doesnt have it, 17-18 shows quickened unholy blast, it has cone of cold instead. Do we just swop them around?
<br />
</blockquote><p>Yes, just swap them.
<div class="messageboard-quotee">andreww wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
Vahlo uses his fiendish boon in all tiers but only adds unholy. He gets more than a +2 benefit in every tier. Its worth noting for people running that he cannot add any more as the weapon caps out at +10 effective bonus.
<br />
</blockquote><p>That's a rules wrinkle we ran into with this. An opponent with a weapon so powerful he couldn't apply the full extent of this class abilities. #Firstworldantipaladinproblems
<div class="messageboard-quotee">andreww wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
Vahlo's cruelty DCs are not correct in anything other than high tier. They are largely not listed, there is a passing reference to DC27 in his tactics. This is only right for tier 1718. Tier 12-13 should be DC22, 14-15 should be DC24. I assume you dont want us stunning level 12 PCs for multiple rounds with DC27 effects?
<br />
</blockquote><p>The passing reference came from a copy-paste error in tactics. Please use 10+1/2 antipaladin level+cha mod as normal for the rules of the cruelty ability (which comes out to DC 22/DC 24 as andreww notes).
<div class="messageboard-quotee">andreww wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
The advanced daemons in tier 1718 have the wrong devour DC, it should be 27. Looks like the effect of the advanced template on it was missed.
<br />
</blockquote><p>Yes, its supposed to be DC 27 as listed in the special attacks, rather than 25 as listed in the special ability block.andreww wrote:I have started to prep the stat blocks for this and have some questions/comments.
As previously mentioned there are a couple of references to using Easy/Average/Hard DCs (one in the sword sidebar, love its abilities by the way and one in the ritual, there may be others). I assume we just grab the DCs from Part 1?
Leaving those references in there was an error. For those who do not have Part 1 on hand, here's the chart. [Spoiler omitted]
andreww wrote:The tactics on the...Linda Zayas-Palmer2019-09-24T20:00:22ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2andrewwhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#122019-09-23T23:00:05Z2019-09-23T23:00:05Z<p>Also a couple of other things to note. </p>
<p>The Helm gives Vahlo true seeing, this isnt listed in his senses. </p>
<p>He casts non detection himself to get a better caster level (which helps with his tactics). However, the Helm grants the same ability, presumably using its caster levdel as a base? It says it works like an amulet of proof against detetcion and location. It sets the caster level DC base don its caster level. I would expect the decemvirate helm to use its own. </p>
<p>Vahlos caster level is also inconsistent. At 1213 and 1415 it is class level -3 (which is right), at 1718 it is his full class level.</p>Also a couple of other things to note.
The Helm gives Vahlo true seeing, this isnt listed in his senses.
He casts non detection himself to get a better caster level (which helps with his tactics). However, the Helm grants the same ability, presumably using its caster levdel as a base? It says it works like an amulet of proof against detetcion and location. It sets the caster level DC base don its caster level. I would expect the decemvirate helm to use its own.
Vahlos caster level is also...andreww2019-09-23T23:00:05ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2andrewwhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#112019-09-23T21:57:24Z2019-09-23T21:57:24Z<p>Also, the tactics for the nightshade suggest that true seeing defeats mind blank. I had always assumed it to be the other way around. Is that meant to bbbe specific to this creature or an indication of the regular interaction of these spells?</p>Also, the tactics for the nightshade suggest that true seeing defeats mind blank. I had always assumed it to be the other way around. Is that meant to bbbe specific to this creature or an indication of the regular interaction of these spells?andreww2019-09-23T21:57:24ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2andrewwhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#102019-09-23T20:55:09Z2019-09-23T20:55:09Z<p>I have started to prep the stat blocks for this and have some questions/comments. </p>
<p>As previously mentioned there are a couple of references to using Easy/Average/Hard DCs (one in the sword sidebar, love its abilities by the way and one in the ritual, there may be others). I assume we just grab the DCs from Part 1?</p>
<p>The tactics on the Nightshades for tier 14-15 and 17-18 seem to be reversed. 14-15 shows as using quickened cone of cold but it doesnt have it, 17-18 shows quickened unholy blast, it has cone of cold instead. Do we just swop them around?</p>
<p>Vahlo uses his fiendish boon in all tiers but only adds unholy. He gets more than a +2 benefit in every tier. Its worth noting for people running that he cannot add any more as the weapon caps out at +10 effective bonus. </p>
<p>Zurnzals CMB numbers are sort of wrong, or at least if you use them as is they are. The default numbers are correct in a general sense but do not account for the ability to add things like enhancement bonuses for certain types of maneuvers which is important given he uses trip and disarm. </p>
<p>Likewise Vahlo's CM values do not account for his desecrate bonus or the benefit of the locked gauntet which is worth keeping an eye on. </p>
<p>Vahlo's cruelty DCs are not correct in anything other than high tier. They are largely not listed, there is a passing reference to DC27 in his tactics. This is only right for tier 1718. Tier 12-13 should be DC22, 14-15 should be DC24. I assume you dont want us stunning level 12 PCs for multiple rounds with DC27 effects?</p>
<p>For people running Vahlo at mid and high tier that arrow deflecting buckler is an important bit of kit it is very easy to miss. </p>
<p>The advanced daemons in tier 1718 have the wrong devour DC, it should be 27. Looks like the effect of the advanced template on it was missed. </p>
<p>Overall I like the look of this a lot, plenty here to challenge even a well prepared party.</p>I have started to prep the stat blocks for this and have some questions/comments.
As previously mentioned there are a couple of references to using Easy/Average/Hard DCs (one in the sword sidebar, love its abilities by the way and one in the ritual, there may be others). I assume we just grab the DCs from Part 1?
The tactics on the Nightshades for tier 14-15 and 17-18 seem to be reversed. 14-15 shows as using quickened cone of cold but it doesnt have it, 17-18 shows quickened unholy blast,...andreww2019-09-23T20:55:09ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2TriOmegaZerohttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#92019-09-12T03:02:57Z2019-09-12T03:02:57Z<p>Part one timed out in the morning GenCon slot but we were in the final battle at that point. So five hours is safe. Part two went much faster but we were a lot looser with things on Sunday night and there was at least one encounter that got bypassed. (Zurnzal sulks if you counter his party trick with Particulate Form.) Assuming you aren’t taking much in the way of breaks, nine hours should be plenty.</p>Part one timed out in the morning GenCon slot but we were in the final battle at that point. So five hours is safe. Part two went much faster but we were a lot looser with things on Sunday night and there was at least one encounter that got bypassed. (Zurnzal sulks if you counter his party trick with Particulate Form.) Assuming you aren’t taking much in the way of breaks, nine hours should be plenty.TriOmegaZero2019-09-12T03:02:57ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2FLitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#82019-09-12T02:45:15Z2019-09-12T02:45:15Z<p>Can anyone tell me what the approximate run time of parts one and two are? I am trying to determine if a 9 hour slot will be long enough.</p>Can anyone tell me what the approximate run time of parts one and two are? I am trying to determine if a 9 hour slot will be long enough.FLite2019-09-12T02:45:15ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2Partizanskihttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#72019-08-26T15:12:21Z2019-08-26T15:12:21Z<p>Some of the DC's say Easy/Average/Hard, but for some reason I cannot find the chart that explains what the numbers for these DC's are actually laid out?</p>
<p>If I don't find anything, I will go back to part 1 and grab those DC's</p>Some of the DC's say Easy/Average/Hard, but for some reason I cannot find the chart that explains what the numbers for these DC's are actually laid out?
If I don't find anything, I will go back to part 1 and grab those DC'sPartizanski2019-08-26T15:12:21ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2Philippe Lamhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#62019-08-20T13:54:02Z2019-08-20T13:52:38Z<p>The group we had for the scenario. We were playing 17-18 with 4-player adjustment. No hard mode like in part 1 because the archer felt unsafe doing so (understandably, as hit points and armor class weren't great) : </p>
<p>Me as a Swashbuckler 15/Vigilante 1/Bloodrager 1
<br />
Life oracle 16
<br />
Fighter (archer) 16
<br />
Fighter (TWF with shield) 16
<br />
Paladin 4/Rogue 12</p>
<p>I will speak only about the mechanical aspects since I already wrote on the plot on the "What did you choose" topic. We convinced the excsinder archon to guard the remaining documents without much difficulty given the life oracle and myself had a pretty good diplomacy bonus. The dominate on Janira was quickly dispelled, and we suffered quite a bit of damage against the undeath pillars, but otherwise it was fine.</p>
<p>The fight against Zurnzal and his acolytes wasn't difficult. They all hit hard but otherwise don't have a big resilience. He tried to get the death attack on the life oracle and it initially succeeded, but using the reroll and it failed at the end (we didn't know about the possible negotiation tactic). I was at 5ft. from him at the moment of his attempt so when it was my turn, I did the 5ft. and I attacked five times getting past his orc ferocity. He has a decent number of HP but the AC clearly wasn't on par (I did roll nicely though so it helped). The alchemists were taken out in short order thereafter.</p>
<p>Against the variant nightcrawler, we spent some resources because the archer got heavily hurt. Not a long fight but it's clearly designed to waste resources.</p>
<p>First fight against Vahlo :
<br />
Not being able to see invisibility or sensing him in another way brought some scare in the start. I had to blindly try to locate him hoping I could pinpoint the location. So I went first, where he was probably located. This is where being Lawful Neutral saved my character because he didn't get smited. That gave time for the others to organize and arrive proper. The archer was an aasimar so when the smite arrived on her, she got quickly smoked (although not dead). The paladin/rogue then took a big dent, which was made worse given she was a tiefling (although high AC prevented some of the worst hits). The Life oracle wasn't empty yet but Heal/Mass Heals were flying all over the place. It lasted a number of rounds I do not remember. We finally defeated him once.</p>
<p>I'll say that not having to face the astradaemons due to the adjustment helped a lot. With them as meatshields and decent harassers, it could have turned out worse. There's a small problem of having single-enemy encounters, that it's easier than having a slightly diminished (wouldn't have minded the sickened condition) but still having the minions. </p>
<p>Second fight against Vahlo :
<br />
Everybody got back up, and the fact that Vahlo wasn't invisible anymore made things quicker. But we were distracted by the Pathfinder ghosts so we couldn't put him away that quick. Some character got their wisdom lowered, compounded with the aura of cowardice, that was, yikes. It was more brutal than the first encore because it was more direct. I was afraid the life oracle had nothing left, she probably had little more than a couple of level 5 slots. Moderate fortification on the armor and very high AC against good-aligned characters didn't help.</p>
<p>The scenario has a good lore and is a nice story conclusion to PF1. Just that mechanically, a more balanced group could possible stomp on the scenario if not hard mode. The other table played on 14-15 hard mode because they were only 4 players, but banishments and other niceties made their life much easier.</p>The group we had for the scenario. We were playing 17-18 with 4-player adjustment. No hard mode like in part 1 because the archer felt unsafe doing so (understandably, as hit points and armor class weren't great) :
Me as a Swashbuckler 15/Vigilante 1/Bloodrager 1
Life oracle 16
Fighter (archer) 16
Fighter (TWF with shield) 16
Paladin 4/Rogue 12
I will speak only about the mechanical aspects since I already wrote on the plot on the "What did you choose" topic. We convinced the excsinder...Philippe Lam2019-08-20T13:52:38ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2Cirithielhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#52019-08-11T15:37:07Z2019-08-11T15:37:07Z<p>My rofl-stomping group reported for part 2 of the mission last night, but without their Life Oracle. The Oracle was apparently just slowing them down as we completed the scenario in about 4 hours (compared to 7 hours for part 1).</p>
<p>Everyone was glad, if confused, to see Eliza at the Wounded Wisp. Speculation of what she was doing in Absalom instead of Galt led to the off the cuff suggestion that she might be a member of the Decemverate. A quick chuckle around the table at the unlikliness of that and they were prepared to hear her out. Eager to do her bidding, they made straight for Skyreach, flying over the front gate, but leaving it locked. As soon as they noticed buildings on fire, undead wandering aimlessly, and unknown people sneaking around the grounds, their energies were diverted from Skyreach to the more immediate problems. </p>
<p>They quickly mopped up the various problems and “scared straight” some agents of GM Torch. Who promptly spilled the beans about Zurnzal in the Repository. </p>
<p>One petrified Arcanist later, and the PCs finally found out the location of Vahlo. And Torch. The storming of Skyreach is back on!</p>
<p>Aside: The other table was splaying Serpents Ire so we had a two-Zurenzal evening. Everyone had a chuckle about being in two places at once, once they realized who my group was pumping for information. </p>
<p>The fight atop the towers was a letdown since we only had 4 players, so there were no minions to take the PCs attention from the main guy. Knocked him out in one round. Once everyone got blown to the Wall, they were both horrified to see the fully healthy halfling and amused that the imposing Taldan man was actually a halfling. He made it to two rounds this time, and had the chance to smite the halfling paladin of Chaldira. But even my dice wanted him dead and three nat 1s in a row later, the PCs got the upper hand, and the graveknight fell to a well-timed arrow from GM Torch. </p>
<p>The PCs drew weapons as Torch approached, but were willing to listen once he dropped his bow. As the pile of items on the ground grew, so did their sympathies for him. By the time he offered to answer all their questions, there was no thought of killing him. </p>
<p>Of course the first question hey ask is one Torch couldn’t answer. (Since the info wasn’t in the scenario!) They wanted to know the names of the other two Decemverate members that he had incriminating information on. </p>
<p>The next question was how he knew Vahlo was a graveknight. The little history lesson made the paladin turn white realizing that it could have easily been her, as he was once also a halfling paladin of Chaldira. That couldn’t have worked out better if I’d planned it. And it caused the paladin to be a little more understanding about Torch’s actions. </p>
<p>After confessing all, Torch is going to go spend some time on the tropical island owned by one of the PCs. A nice little vacation where they can keep an eye on him. </p>
<p>The PCs were ready to take up arms gain when two of the Decemverate strolled up, but quickly calmed when Eliza revealed herself. When she made her speech about passing the helm to another, every member of the party literally put their hands out to take it. </p>
<p>And Fade to Black........</p>My rofl-stomping group reported for part 2 of the mission last night, but without their Life Oracle. The Oracle was apparently just slowing them down as we completed the scenario in about 4 hours (compared to 7 hours for part 1).
Everyone was glad, if confused, to see Eliza at the Wounded Wisp. Speculation of what she was doing in Absalom instead of Galt led to the off the cuff suggestion that she might be a member of the Decemverate. A quick chuckle around the table at the unlikliness of...Cirithiel2019-08-11T15:37:07ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2Davor Firetusk (alias of Jason Belter)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#42019-08-10T04:38:22Z2019-08-07T13:32:17Z<p>Played last night, as an avid Torch must die person. I was impressed at the writing to clear everything up. We made a different choice in the scenario, largely because even if there was a lot of ends justifying the means reasoning (which arguably was the problem he was trying to solve originally) he came off as sincere and the magnitude of the events was pretty epic.</p>Played last night, as an avid Torch must die person. I was impressed at the writing to clear everything up. We made a different choice in the scenario, largely because even if there was a lot of ends justifying the means reasoning (which arguably was the problem he was trying to solve originally) he came off as sincere and the magnitude of the events was pretty epic.Davor Firetusk (alias of Jason Belter)2019-08-07T13:32:17ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2TriOmegaZerohttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#32021-07-30T08:15:08Z2019-08-05T20:04:52Z<p>I thought this was the only way to reconcile the different views on Torch. It doesn't excuse his actions but keeps a consistency of motivation across the years.</p>I thought this was the only way to reconcile the different views on Torch. It doesn't excuse his actions but keeps a consistency of motivation across the years.TriOmegaZero2019-08-05T20:04:52ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2Cirithielhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#22019-08-06T03:42:32Z2019-08-05T18:43:20Z<p>I disagree. </p>
<p>I believe his story about faking his betrayal in Rivalry’s End. That little speech he gave never meshed well with how he acted in other scenarios. It felt fake at the time. </p>
<p>I see Torch as a man driven by the need for justice. Certainly bitter and resentful, but also a champion for those being abused. And, to him, the “abused” are the Pathfinder agents. He has demonstrated that he is willing to do what needs to be done in order to protect others, even if those same people will vilify him for his actions. But also a man who is not going to complain if serving justice means he can serve a side of revenge on those that wronged him in the past. Chaotic Good, leaning Chaotic Neutral. The kind of man who belies that the end justifies the means. </p>
<p>I am glad to see that the Emerald Sage Jewel healed some of his scars. Perhaps it’s healed his soul a bit too.</p>I disagree.
I believe his story about faking his betrayal in Rivalry’s End. That little speech he gave never meshed well with how he acted in other scenarios. It felt fake at the time.
I see Torch as a man driven by the need for justice. Certainly bitter and resentful, but also a champion for those being abused. And, to him, the “abused” are the Pathfinder agents. He has demonstrated that he is willing to do what needs to be done in order to protect others, even if those same people will...Cirithiel2019-08-05T18:43:20ZForums: GM Discussion: PFS 10-23: Passing the Torch 2pjrogershttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ofl?PFS-1023-Passing-the-Torch-2#12019-08-05T17:39:51Z2019-08-05T17:39:51Z<p>I ran this twice at GenCon, and I’m curious how folks handled or plan on handling the character of GM Torch.</p>
<p>I had a little trouble with what I saw as an overly sympathetic portrayal of GM Torch in this scenario. After some thought, I played him as a very obsessive fanatic, able to rationalize any action as justified by his pursuit of Vahlo and willing to sacrifice others’ lives for his obsession. Then with Vahlo’s death, GM Torch comes more than a little adrift mentally as the one thing that has given him purpose for all these years is gone.</p>
<p>This had an effect on the encounter with Zurnzal as the PCs didn’t have too much trouble realizing that Zurnzal thought Torch and this raid on the Grand Lodge were nuts while Vahlo was on the loose and the Whispering Tyrant was besieging the city. In both games I ran, the PCs saw that Zurnzal didn’t want to be there and let him go in return for his information on Vahlo and Torch.</p>
<p>I’d appreciate others’ thoughts and approaches to this (or any other) element of the scenario.</p>I ran this twice at GenCon, and I’m curious how folks handled or plan on handling the character of GM Torch.
I had a little trouble with what I saw as an overly sympathetic portrayal of GM Torch in this scenario. After some thought, I played him as a very obsessive fanatic, able to rationalize any action as justified by his pursuit of Vahlo and willing to sacrifice others’ lives for his obsession. Then with Vahlo’s death, GM Torch comes more than a little adrift mentally as the one thing...pjrogers2019-08-05T17:39:51Z