The Savage Tide [OOC]

[lostsole31]

@srgonzo (& Tacitus): Sorry, buddy. I have actually had gaming time the past few days, but I had such work to do on a whole NPC adventuring group, and then the PC for the same campaign, and then the introductions.

Also, when I got back to gaming this past week - because I've been at my bestie's house in VA - I operate by working on the games that are at the bottom of my subscription queue ... so you can imagine that I've got catchup to do with a few more games, as well you know. Next is Starfall, followed by Shattered Swords, followed by Savage Tide.

And for all that ...

PersonMan: Nope. In fact, I'm leaving VA this morning. Tonight I get to Dandridge (TN) to visit family - so definitely no updates to any games tonight. Then, over the three days after that I'm travelling - so it's a crapshoot at that point based on how tired I am from driving and Internet at the hotels.

At the end of next week, however, I should be all caught up with everything.

[PersonMan]

PersonMan: Nope. In fact, I'm leaving VA this morning. Tonight I get to Dandridge (TN) to visit family - so definitely no updates to any games tonight. Then, over the three days after that I'm travelling - so it's a crapshoot at that point based on how tired I am from driving and Internet at the hotels.

All I can do now is wonder how one can afford what appears to be a massive amount of non-vocation-based traveling. I'm sure that my perception is a bit skewed(after all, if someone talked to me last summer they'd probably be surprised by all of my moving around), and summer is probably a hotbed of visits for you(not unlike it is/was for me).

Well, "see" you then, then.

EDIT: Also, I'm not sure if it says more about me that I thought "True Neutral" when I saw TN, or that it took me a while to recognize which state you meant(Tennessee, right?).

[srgonzo]

@PersonMan That's what retirement's all about, right? Besides, the main thrust (heh, heh. I said "thrust.") of the trip was the stage combat school which, if I were any kind of serious actor, would be all over like white on rice. Of course, I've given some thought to being a combat choreographer (I like fighting), but I wouldn't really know where to start.

@lostsole Dude, while I am actually complaining, I also understand. Take it as an "I miss you" kind of thing. If I had my way, I'd have a character in each of the games my friends are running, but then I'd never get any work done. It just so happens that I've got a minimal amount of work to do right now, and I'm itching to game.

[lostsole31]

I'M BACK!!! I've been itching to get to the next phase of Savage Tide.

I've updated sheets with item distribution. Items given to party because of better replacements are Darrius' hand crossbow & studded leather, which with resale is 37.5 gp to the party. Since Quickslayer (not Quicksilver, srgonzo) was part of this, he gets a share for 5 gp, 3 sp, 7 cp to each participant (and the permanent party funds).

[lostsole31]

So, we are now looking at setting up for 4th ECL before we get too far along ....

PersonMan/ Celiss Nightrom At next level, you will have 18 skill points to spend. (Don't ask. Just accept happily.) You will not be allowed to have more than 4 ranks in any given skill (as always). A suggestion would be to put 2 ranks into K: Religion to help you with your future requirements as a tattooed monk (way down the line).
>>>>The following skills are class skills, if you wanted to open up ranks in any new skills. (Obviously, once a skill is opened up as a class skill, you're golden to increase ranks in it at any time in the future.)
>>>>>>Bluff, Craft (any), Fly, Gather Information, Knowledge (Any), Linguistics, Profession (any).
What two 2nd-level wizard spells will you be researching to pen into your book @ 4th level?
While we're at it .... at 5th Wizard you will get two spells at 3rd-level, and one will obviously be haste. You have to spend the whole level casting nothing but haste as a 3rd-level spell (or you can't become a swiftblade). That said, what do you want that 2nd-spell to be?...........................................

Tacitus/ Darrius Wavebreaker You are getting 13 skill points for next level. Where do you want them to go?
At this point in your training, there is nothing more Quickslayer can teach you. From here on out, it is up to your meditation and research to help you advance as an incarnate......................................... ...

srgonzo/ Ka'Xet Moakh Kahir We still haven't chosen your feat for 3rd-level. This is highest priority! - Psionic Shot, being a psionic feat, would aid your ranged combat and give you more hit points...
You should have a total of 29 skill points, but you only have 21 purchased. You need to allocate the other 8 points.
These two things must be taken care of ASAP, before figuring for next level training.

[PersonMan]

So, we are now looking at setting up for 4th ECL before we get too far along ....

PersonMan/ Celiss Nightrom At next level, you will have 18 skill points to spend. (Don't ask. Just accept happily.) You will not be allowed to have more than 4 ranks in any given skill (as always). A suggestion would be to put 2 ranks into K: Religion to help you with your future requirements as a tattooed monk (way down the line).
>>>>The following skills are class skills, if you wanted to open up ranks in any new skills. (Obviously, once a skill is opened up as a class skill, you're golden to increase ranks in it at any time in the future.)
>>>>>>Bluff, Craft (any), Fly, Gather Information, Knowledge (Any), Linguistics, Profession (any).
What two 2nd-level wizard spells will you be researching to pen into your book @ 4th level?
While we're at it .... at 5th Wizard you will get two spells at 3rd-level, and one will obviously be haste. You have to spend the whole level casting nothing but haste as a 3rd-level spell (or you can't become a swiftblade). That said, what do you want that 2nd-spell to be?

Skill points:

2 to Know(religion); 16 remaining
1 to Diplo, Disguise, Intimidate; 13 remaining
1 to Spellcraft, Sense Motive, and Stealth; 10 remaining
4 to Bluff; 6 remaining
2 to Linguistics; 4 remaining
1 to Know(arcana, history, the planes*)
*2 to the planes, for possibly obvious reasons

EDIT: I'm not sure yet. I'll pick later, once I've slept.

We're using Pathfinder spells, right? I just want to make sure so that I don't end up getting unsure in the middle of selection.

[lostsole31]

PERSONMAN

We are not yet using Pathfinder spells, but PHB. This is still v3.5 (edit: v3.625) for now..... That said, if there is a spell that doesn't exist in PHB, and doesn't have a parallel in 3.5, either, then let me know.

EDIT: Wow, shipwreck, I am looking at your sheet right now. It seems like you added those skill points in. No, no, no ... this is part-and-parcel of why I don't want the players doing this. No, the +18 skill points is planning for next level, not what you have now.

Also, in using ... and saving!?! ... your character sheet as a scratchpad for advancement, somehow you gave yourself an extra skill point. By this, I mean that your sheet - after I took out all the other things - reflects 35 skill points, and not the 34 you should have.

Here is what I have for you and your 18 skill points at next level
1 rank to Diplomacy [2 total] – xxx – xxx.
1 rank to Disguise [2 total] – xxx – xxx.
1 rank to Intimidate [2 total] – xxx – xxx.
1 rank to K: Arcana [4 total] – xxx – xxx.
1 rank to K: History [3 total] – xxx – xxx.
1 rank to Linguistics: Sylvan [2 total] – xxx – xxx.
1 rank to Linguistics: Undercommon [2 total] – xxx – xxx.
1 rank to Sense Motive [4 total] – xxx – xxx.
1 rank to Spellcraft [4 total] – xxx – xxx.
1 rank to Stealth [4 total] – xxx – xxx.
2 ranks to K: Planes [4 total] – xxx – xxx.
2 ranks to K: Planes [4 total] – xxx – xxx.
2 ranks to K: Religion [4 total] – xxx – xxx.
2 ranks to K: Religion [4 total] – xxx – xxx.
4 ranks to Bluff [4 total] – xxx – xxx.
4 ranks to Bluff [4 total] – xxx – xxx.
4 ranks to Bluff [4 total] – xxx – xxx.
4 ranks to Bluff [4 total] – xxx – xxx.

[PersonMan]

PERSONMAN

We are not yet using Pathfinder spells, but PHB. This is still v3.5 (edit: v3.625) for now..... That said, if there is a spell that doesn't exist in PHB, and doesn't have a parallel in 3.5, either, then let me know.

EDIT: Wow, shipwreck, I am looking at your sheet right now. It seems like you added those skill points in. No, no, no ... this is part-and-parcel of why I don't want the players doing this. No, the +18 skill points is planning for next level, not what you have now.

Also, in using ... and saving!?! ... your character sheet as a scratchpad for advancement, somehow you gave yourself an extra skill point. By this, I mean that your sheet - after I took out all the other things - reflects 35 skill points, and not the 34 you should have.

Here is what I have for you and your 18 skill points at next level
1 rank to Diplomacy [2 total] – xxx – xxx.
1 rank to Disguise [2 total] – xxx – xxx.
1 rank to Intimidate [2 total] – xxx – xxx.
1 rank to K: Arcana [4 total] – xxx – xxx.
1 rank to K: History [3 total] – xxx – xxx.
1 rank to Linguistics: Sylvan [2 total] – xxx – xxx.
1 rank to Linguistics: Undercommon [2 total] – xxx – xxx.
1 rank to Sense Motive [4 total] – xxx – xxx.
1 rank to Spellcraft [4 total] – xxx – xxx.
1 rank to Stealth [4 total] – xxx – xxx.
2 ranks to K: Planes [4 total] – xxx – xxx.
2 ranks to K: Planes [4 total] – xxx – xxx.
2 ranks to K: Religion [4 total] – xxx – xxx.
2 ranks to K: Religion [4 total] – xxx – xxx.
4 ranks to Bluff [4 total] – xxx – xxx.
4 ranks to Bluff [4 total] – xxx – xxx.
4 ranks to Bluff [4 total] – xxx – xxx.
4 ranks to Bluff [4 total] – xxx – xxx.


...Oops. I probably really shouldn't do stuff like this at like 10.30 anymore, sorry.

Yeah, that allotment is good. I'll pick spells once I get back from today's hike.

[lostsole31]

Also, you need to take out 1 rank of a skill to bring your current from 35 to 34 ... but I'd prefer if you tell me than simply do it.

[PersonMan]

Alright. I'll take 1 off of Disguise, then.

Taking a look at spells now.

2nd level spells: Bear's Endurance, Scorching Ray

At 5th level, I'll take Haste and Displacement.

[lostsole31]

Alright. I'll take 1 off of Disguise, then.

Taking a look at spells now.

2nd level spells: Bear's Endurance, Scorching Ray

At 5th level, I'll take Haste and Displacement.Yup .... at the outset, you aren't used to your physical changes and you are just getting used to moving in your own body .... so no ranks in Disguise is a good call for this level. At later levels, this is much more muteable depending on your focus.

Roger that on the spells, thanks!

[srgonzo]

I went ahead and made changes to my character sheet. I added 1 rank to each of my knowledge skills that were at 1, one rank to Handle Animal, and one rank to Psicraft.

Psionic Shot was where I wanted to go.

[lostsole31]

srgonzo, Skills updated. Feat updated and printed on your sheet in the feat writeup AND hit points adjusted to reflect ... jeez, dude, you're a friggin monster!

Psi powers updated!

Now, for next level ....

You have 11 ranks coming your way for skills. No skill can have more than 4 in them once you reach 4th level. One goes to maxing out Mental Focus (duh!), meaning you have 10 ranks with which to choose where they go.

Since next level will be Ranger 2, you'll be picking up Two-Weapon Fighting as your combat style feat, as discussed, to be better in melee and missile fighting.

Also, you get a +1 to an ability score at 4th level. What ability score are you going to boost? Being an all-around combatant, I recommend bringing Dex up to 16 ... which gives you immediate benefit as it gets to the new category. This will help with your weak touch AC, your shooting, and your 3 DEX-based skills. As a soulbow, Dex will become your biggest focus. You will never be a great nomad (10th max), so INT is your top ability already. You got tons of hp's, and CON doesn't even help Concentration anymore, though Fort is (nominally) your weakest save. STR is nice, but as you'll end up more archery, accuracy is more important. WIS could be popped to an 18, and it might seem useful: Perception, Stealth, Mental Focus ... and would be my second choice, as it would also boost Will saves. CHA is right out, and does nothing for you. Better to invest in skills if you really cared then waste your precious ability increase on that.

Looking to the future ... will you always lead Nomad before Ranger in advancement? I am E-mailing your TGS (Training-Gestalt Sheet). I sent it to your gmail account.

[lostsole31]

Tacitus, sorry if you felt dropped in the cracks, buddy. Sometimes I overfocus on what project at a time on 'down-time' ... which often means one person at a time. Please accept my apologies if you felt unloved. We really love you, we do, we do, we do! I think I slid past you because we are pretty good with you except ...

Anyway, all I need from you to sort out your next level (Incarnate 4// Rogue 2/ LA 2) are your skills. You'll be getting 13 skill points. Where do you want them to go?

Also, is there anything Darrius wants to accomplish during downtime, or do you just want to progress?

[lostsole31]

srgonzo, loving the pidgin Common. That said ..... however much it entertains you to have people go "What?", at least give a spoiler with what you really said, allowing those with a better ear or understanding of you (over time) to make perfect sense of it ... while baffling those NPCs which are truly unknowns. Don't worry, you will still confusticate Korian ... but Lazer has a keen ear and a solid understanding of paralanguage, and has a better chance of figuring that out. The DM, on the other hand, just sees words on a screen.

[srgonzo]

No worries. I'll provide spoilers next time. Ka'Xet effectively said he doesn't mind delaying gratification for the purposes of purchasing the Heward's.

[lostsole31]

Actually, I understood him quite well this time. But you use bizarre, obscure string-associations with modern pop culture that flummox the DM.

[srgonzo]

I couldn't remember the droog-speak well enough to have him just use that, and I don't think Planescape slang was extensive enough. It's a hodge-podge of that, Cockney rhyming slang, and whatever else I can cobble together. Frankly, it's pretty challenging to write his dialogue.

[lostsole31]

Gang, I've posted here on OOC and sent Tacitus a PM, and no response. He's been pretty active this whole time on the boards, though. I think we might've lost him without his giving us a courtesy note.

[Tacitus]

Gah, I had thought I'd checked on this thread and done something about it. >.< I'm fairly convinced that I must have dreamed replying in two or three threads the one day.

Lets see, skills...
1: Acrobatics
1: Disable Device
1: Perception
1: Stealth
1: Intimidate
2: Athletics
3: Bluff
3: UMD

And, for reference, the huge amount of work it takes to write accents and dialects is why none of my characters ever deal with it.

[lostsole31]

Tac, when you finally get to swordsage, what Discipline Focus will you choose?

...and maneuvers? but at least Discipline Focus?

[Tacitus]

Hmm... ECL 4 is Rogue, right? And ECL 5/6 are Swordsage? I'm suddenly having a brain fart, because that sounds right, but I can't find the last T-G sheet.

Anywho, if its Rogue at ECL4 like I'm figuring (and the 13 skill points seems to agree), then he'll have an IL of 3 when he gets his first level of Swordsage, meaning he can snag 2nd level maneuvers.

Off the top of my head, Shadow Jaunt (Shadow Hand 2, standard action teleport) is a big yes, and Island of Blades would be his stance. After that, I haven't nailed down other maneuvers yet. Cloak of Deception and Wolf Fang Strike seem probable, though Wolf Fang Strike might be better for when he drops shields in favor of the Swordsage AC bonus, ie 2nd level.

As for Discipline Focus... I'm not 100% certain. I'm tempted to focus on Shadow Hand weapons and pick up the Shadow Blade feat for Dex to damage, but that more of a metagame stab-happy urge. On the other hand, he's got claws, and if he picks up a Kurki that suddenly means the discipline focus applies to his stabbing method and to his claws. Though, again, probably much too meta-gamey. Seeing as he'll be focusing Shadow Hand maneuvers it is probably more appropriate that Shadow Hand should be his discipline focus to start off.

[lostsole31]

Rogue at 4th ECL ... which is what we've been working, and swordsage at 5th.

Okay ... it's not meta-gaming at all. I know, I'M the one who's saying something a player is NOT meta-gamey. (Shut up, srgonzo! :smallwink: )

It simply makes perfectly total sense. Shadow Hand just makes sense. To me it's a 'duh' ... because you have so much essence that is shadow! As a dark (draconic) human, you are inextricably linked to the realm of Shadow and infused with shadow-stuff; thus your cool abilities (higher speed, super Stealth bonuses, hide in plain sight).

On the other hand, you might find that a total overkill ... which I'd understand. So, Tiger Claw also ... just. makes. sense. You got claws. This is new. You might not suffer penalties using them ... but maybe Darrius doesn't feel confident with these things, so he explores options that might help him with that. Quickslayer does killer damage with claws ... but much of that is ridiculous size and strength. He has tons of melds that can help him add claws and the like ... but that is where you and he drastically differ, for your focus on goodness gives you other abilities (i.e, the difference between totemist and incarnate). Soo, you go to either Celiss ... where the claws are a backup (and even possibly annoying) ... or, more likely, to Korian.

Sunshine (well, actually, Dark Cloud) ... if you haven't figured out by now that Korian is a Tiger Claw-focused swordsage, I need to cyber-kick you, honey. That is the reason I keep hinting and hinting to you (specifically) about his unique and interesting fighting methods. Even if you go the route of Shadow Hand, he can help teach you the rudiments of 'his unique and interesting, focused way of approaching combat.' His whole reason for learning something like that ... rather than becoming a barbarian (which might've made much more sense and is his race's favored class) is: a) surviveability, as most of them rage themselves to death from their internal blood berserk alone; and b) building on that, the mental focus is what he uses to overcome and suppress this blood rage ... or even, on rarer occasions, to force himself into a blood trance before he takes damage. To add further to this, you have listed that you want to learn Adaptive Style at 7th level ... which is a feat he already has!

I think it still is more keeping in theme for you to be Shadow Hand, but he can introduce you to folks at the Arena. During this downtime that is where Korian will spend a lot of time, as he is joining Zelkarune's Horns (the gladiatorial circuit). Tiger Claw makes a good backup.So, what about the other schools as a focused discipline?
* Desert Wind: Possible, but not really thematic for a guy who is more water-based and dealing with darker matters than bright fire, or who is from an acid-spitting (more earthy) dragon on another part of your lineage. And look at the weapons, which doesn't really with the small, light weapons you've been using ... though, of course, that simply changes with choice of weapons for you. You are an outstanding acrobat, however, and there are some good adaptability things to get out of this.
* Diamond Mind: Probably your third best choice. Given your extremely meditative full-bore focus on your incarnate class, thematically this is pretty good. Rapier might be classic, but as an aquatic guy ... imagine using the trident, huh? Pretty bitchin' for the water warrior.
* Iron Heart: As you become a swordsage, you are going to have to ditch the shield, at least by 2nd level swordsage. It will gain you nothing with the AC bonus of the class ... which works for flat-footed AC, is lighter, inflicts no ACP, and the list goes on. You are the strongest guy in the party (not counting Korian when he rages), and if you end up putting one ability score increase from level to Strength, vice just Constitution, you will truly be a monster doing even more damage with two hands. This style not only focuses on nasty cutting weapons, but also includes a decent secondary defensive trance concept that works well, conceptually, with the incarnate. All that aside, however, it is pretty meta-gamey to choose this out of the blue ... at least without a good backstory (which wins points with me if I like it).
* Setting Sun: Though it deals with a deceptive style, it just seems far more ascetic and 'monk'-ey than you seem. A a focus, it makes no sense to me for you, though your might enjoy the odd maneuver for a nice surprise to an enemy.
* Stone Dragon: Pure, brutish physique. I think of all the schools, this one is at the bottom, even lower than Setting Sun. It seems to totally defy everything about the way you've played your character and the concept of adaptability with your skills and incarnate. Doesn't mean you can't do it ... it just seems the weakest from an RP standpoint.

Now that I've done this super-babble breakdown, by the maneuvers you have chosen, you have already basically decided Shadow Hand or Tiger Claw, so it really only comes down to the choice between those two. My money is on Shadow Hand: not only is it the most thematic for you, but even though Korian can teach you the focus of Tiger Claw himself, it would seem better that you each focus on something different, rather than being a full protege of the beast-man ... kinda stealing his schtick. Besides, what a great dynamic duo ... the brute killer and the assassin (of goodness, of course). That divergent focus is to be had at the Arena.
EDIT: Wolf Fang strike makes sense at 2nd level, so let's do that then...

So Shadow Jaunt, Cloak of Deception ... and one other. Island of Blades stance (also Shadow Hand). Dude, there should be no question ... Shadow Hand as your primary. As a DM, I really can't allow you to have soo many Shadow Hand maneuvers, and then you take a one maneuver and call that your focus? No. Also, I know it doesn't state it implicitly in the rules, but you definitely would not be choosing a Discipline Focus for a school in which you have no maneuvers yet.

[Tacitus]

>.> Swordsage's can't learn Iron Heart, so I dunno why you commented on that one.

So lets see... 6 maneuvers known with 4 readied, and a single stance

1. Shadow Jaunt [SH-2]
2. Cloak of Deception [SH-2]
3. Shadow Blade Technique [SH-1]
4. Mountain Hammer [SD-2]
5. Sapphire Nightmare Blade [DM-1]
6. Emerald Razor [DM-1]

1. Island of Blades [SH-1]

5/6, along with probably a change to my skill points for some Concentration, to reflect the focus and meditation, 4 as one of those ace in the hole surprise bits despite being far outside his normal fighting style (and thus unexpected), and 1-3 because they're SH.

Unless, of course, you might be willing to allow an ocean-themed homebrew discipline (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101214), in which case 3-6 would probably be replaced and/or rearranged.

[lostsole31]

Looks good, and yeah ... I dunced it.

I'm usually not one for home brew. That said, I'll try to take a look at it over the next day. Expect a "no," however, just to be safe.

[srgonzo]

srgonzo, You have 11 ranks coming your way for skills. No skill can have more than 4 in them once you reach 4th level. One goes to maxing out Mental Focus (duh!), meaning you have 10 ranks with which to choose where they go.

Argh. I'll have to do that from the house AFTER I get on the stick with finishing the finishing touches to my new computer desk, reconnecting all of the computer items, and catching a moment to look at the TGS.


Since next level will be Ranger 2, you'll be picking up Two-Weapon Fighting as your combat style feat, as discussed, to be better in melee and missile fighting.

Copy, check.


Also, you get a +1 to an ability score at 4th level. What ability score are you going to boost? Being an all-around combatant, I recommend bringing Dex up to 16 ... which gives you immediate benefit as it gets to the new category. This will help with your weak touch AC, your shooting, and your 3 DEX-based skills. As a soulbow, Dex will become your biggest focus. You will never be a great nomad (10th max), so INT is your top ability already. You got tons of hp's, and CON doesn't even help Concentration anymore, though Fort is (nominally) your weakest save. STR is nice, but as you'll end up more archery, accuracy is more important. WIS could be popped to an 18, and it might seem useful: Perception, Stealth, Mental Focus ... and would be my second choice, as it would also boost Will saves. CHA is right out, and does nothing for you. Better to invest in skills if you really cared then waste your precious ability increase on that.


DEX it is.


Looking to the future ... will you always lead Nomad before Ranger in advancement? I am E-mailing your TGS (Training-Gestalt Sheet). I sent it to your gmail account.

Can you send it to my work e-mail? Also, I thought that was supposed to be circumstantial. If I'm being more Nomadish, then I should advance as a Nomad, but if I'm being more Rangery, then I should advance as a Ranger, yes?

[lostsole31]

Can you send it to my work e-mail? Also, I thought that was supposed to be circumstantial. If I'm being more Nomadish, then I should advance as a Nomad, but if I'm being more Rangery, then I should advance as a Ranger, yes?
First, yup, 10 skill ranks to figure (the 11th was Mental Focus).

It's up to you, I wasn't sure as far as when or what. Nothing requires you to go in a pre-conceived pattern. The only thing we need to make sure of is that your Nomad and Ranger levels are always within one of each other .... otherwise, 20% multiclassing penalties. And since there aren't two different pools of XP's, this really ends up as an effective 20% penalty on your soulbow/soulknife side.

EDIT: I sent the TGS to every conceivable E-mail I have for you...

[srgonzo]

Can we just get as many of my one-rank skills up to two, two to three, etc. after boosting Mental Focus? I just don't want to hold up play because I'm slow.

[lostsole31]

Less on specialization (other than MF), and more on all-around competent. Got it. BTW, check your PM regarding Starfall.

[lostsole31]

5/6, along with probably a change to my skill points for some Concentration, to reflect the focus and meditation, 4 as one of those ace in the hole surprise bits despite being far outside his normal fighting style (and thus unexpected), and 1-3 because they're SH.

Unless, of course, you might be willing to allow an ocean-themed homebrew discipline (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101214), in which case 3-6 would probably be replaced and/or rearranged.
Concentration is now Mental Focus. I'm sending you your TGS.

PLEASE DO NOT CORRECT AND SEND IT BACK TO ME!!! You've done it twice, so I'm pre-empting this. Every time you send the TGS back with your corrections, I have to pore over it to find the changes. Just tell me what changes you wish me to make ... using basic text ... here on OOC ... and I'll make them.

I really like Ocean Tempest school. I really do. But not as written. And I am just not going to pore over and over the suggested corrections and so forth. So, while I like the idea ... the answer is will have to be no, sorry.

[Tacitus]

Alright, I'll have to glance at the sheet when I can get my email to work again, which probably won't be tonight.

As for the discipline, no worries. I wasn't really focused on it or anything, I just came across it and was like "ooooh, shiny." XD

[lostsole31]

Tac, I mentioned it above ... did you want to boost STR instead of CON next level? It'll bring STR to 18, and all that entails ... and you are slowly working towards entering a class that will have you a little more melee focused (and your CON is already stunning). Otherwise, STR is at that no-benefit-having odd number. Also, while CON is a 'prime requisite' for incarnate, its usage as such is really not as critical as INT for a wizard or DEX for a rogue.

[Tacitus]

Hmm... aye, the +1 Str would likely be more useful, both for the time being and concerning future plans.

So yeah, +1 Str instead of +1 Con, but everything else seems to be in order.

[lostsole31]

Got it ... will adjust.

[PersonMan]

Hmm... aye, the +1 Str would likely be more useful, both for the time being and concerning future plans.

...Says the one who's been knocked into negatives more times than the rest of the party put together.

*cough*

[lostsole31]

...Says the one who's been knocked into negatives more times than the rest of the party put together.

*cough*
Wow .... that's just .... wrong. :smalltongue:

[lostsole31]

So, I have to admit that I read a chapter at a time ... several times. That said, I did not read the full 750 or so pages of the module. Now, I find myself in this chapter knowing the layout of the Vanderboren Manor. It is not large enough to accommodate an adventuring group. Also, your pay (100 gp/ month) was originally meant to include lodging and your own board. There never was an agreement for an entire adventuring company to room on the property ... and it is crowded to do so.

You do come together to train, and there actually is a training room at the Manor, but you need to find your own lodgings. It is a new month, and this is something you'll have to figure out. I will assume, for now, that you all choose the "Moderate" upkeep (as found in the DMG = 45 gp/ month). Any less, and you are poor representatives of your noble patron; even this might be a little light. You can do more if you'd like, depending on how you wish to be perceived ... for example, Lazer is choosing "Good" upkeep so he can be perceived better. Sheets have been updated.

[PersonMan]

Hmmm.

I assume that Celiss still has that apartment she started out with? She'll probably just stay there.

[PersonMan]

Sorry for the delay today. When I first checked the forums they were backing up, and I forgot to check my subscriptions until now.

[srgonzo]

Argh. It's a really irksome thing to go through the process of coming up with dialogue and having to write up the rolls, just to roll a natural '1.'

[lostsole31]

... which means you threaten a fumble, and would roll again just like with a crit.

When anyone rolls a Nat-1, just as with threatening a crit, you threaten a fumble, so reroll (in IC, not OOC) an attack roll with the same exact bonus as the errant roll, and roll % as well while you're at it, and then a d20 ... a flat d20 with no bonuses.

For now, though, I'll do it for you to not hold up anything.

[srgonzo]

Argh. This guy needs 'fumbles' as a nickname.

[PersonMan]

I love how Celiss' AOOs are bringing these things down, but her in-turn attacks aren't even scratching them...

[Tacitus]

*yawn* My action for this round is at the bottom of the previous page as I tossed it up even if it was a wee bit out of turn. 15 to hit, and if so 6 piercing damage, 3 sneak attack.

And no, no real changes to the action. If it doesn't go down before my turn comes around again I might kill off the stealth method and shock it a good 4d6 and see how it feels thereafter, but eh.

[lostsole31]

Tacitus, yeah, it's rare, but it's happened before. Every time that happens, I tell myself to read the previous page when a new one pops up. And I do that for awhile ... then forget ... then it happens again.

srgonzo, who you callin' trig?

[srgonzo]

Lazer was the one who got the reference.

[lostsole31]

LOL, actually the DM got the reference, but sure. :smallwink:

[PersonMan]

After going so long just beating stuff up, it's nice to feel like a spellcaster again.

[lostsole31]

Which, if taken in respect of your career path, makes perfect sense. Your days of being a monk are over .... at least for a long while. Your devilish side is great for combat, true. But honestly it gives you more gains in magical power, even if it augments combat, but especially in the realm of social agility. Also, though your Telgakaar pursuit (aka, swiftblade) is decidedly martial magic, it is important to note that your primary class ... and the one off of which you build ... is wizard.

[srgonzo]

Folks, sorry, but I'm on leave right now, so I haven't exactly been spending much time in front of the computer.

[lostsole31]

Understand. If it looks like you won't be able to log on consistently in 3-day gaps, please let me know and I'll run Ka'Xet (and Annie in Starfall) until you are AUR.

Enjoy your leave!

[srgonzo]

I'll be home and formulate my response when I get there.

[PersonMan]

Honestly, Ka'Xet's dialogue sounds hilarious when it's been 'translated', so to speak.

By the way, I'm a little iffy on the rules for natural weapons but, due to the secondary attack bonus on the sheet, am wondering...could I flurry and have four attacks at +4/+4/+0/+0?

If so, that'd be pretty nice. If not...well, three attacks isn't bad at level 3.

EDIT: And I'm also looking for a good moment to have Celiss throw out a Darkness without it screwing with the party too much but still being a 'what in all of the nine hells just happened?' moment. I can honestly say I'm looking forward to it.

[srgonzo]

Thanks, I appreciate the support.

[lostsole31]

Despite being pseudo-magical, no ... mindblades are not considered magical weapons until such time as a soulknife can make it into a +1 weapon.

[Tacitus]

Ah, so its your ruling then (or its not the soulknife out of the SRD). Thats cool, I just noticed it off hand and my brain was like waitwut.

[lostsole31]

I just looked at SRD. Help me find it ... and be exact ... and it's good to go.

[Tacitus]

Mind Blade (Su)

As a move action, a soulknife can create a semisolid blade composed of psychic energy distilled from his own mind. The blade is identical in all ways (except visually) to a short sword of a size appropriate for its wielder. For instance, a Medium soulknife materializes a Medium mind blade that he can wield as a light weapon, and the blade deals 1d6 points of damage (crit 19-20/×2). Soulknives who are smaller or larger than Medium create mind blades identical to short swords appropriate for their size, with a corresponding change to the blade’s damage. The wielder of a mind blade gains the usual benefits to his attack roll and damage roll from a high Strength bonus.

The blade can be broken (it has hardness 10 and 10 hit points); however, a soulknife can simply create another on his next move action. The moment he relinquishes his grip on his blade, it dissipates (unless he intends to throw it; see below). A mind blade is considered a magic weapon for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction.

A soulknife can use feats such as Power Attack or Combat Expertise in conjunction with the mind blade just as if it were a normal weapon. He can also choose mind blade for feats requiring a specific weapon choice, such as Weapon Specialization. Powers or spells that upgrade weapons can be used on a mind blade.

A soulknife’s mind blade improves as the character gains higher levels. At 4th level and every four levels thereafter, the mind blade gains a cumulative +1 enhancement bonus on attack rolls and damage rolls (+2 at 8th level, +3 at 12th level, +4 at 16th level, and +5 at 20th level).

Even in places where psionic effects do not normally function (such as within a null psionics field), a soulknife can attempt to sustain his mind blade by making a DC 20 Will save. On a successful save, the soulknife maintains his mind blade for a number of rounds equal to his class level before he needs to check again. On an unsuccessful attempt, the mind blade vanishes. As a move action on his turn, the soulknife can attempt a new Will save to rematerialize his mind blade while he remains within the psionics negating effect.

Feature gained at 1st level is the mind blade, marked as [Magic] for DR. Later in the description it is noted as improving with level, entirely separate from the [Magic] DR tag.

[lostsole31]

Righteous, thanks. I had actually read it several times before ... because by its very nature it seems like it should be magical, but I didn't see it.

Ka'Xet did full damage this time (we're not backtracking before that).

[lostsole31]

TO ALL GAMES: Sorry for slower postings, friends. I am doing 22 credits in college, but most specifically right now I am in a choir, and trying to prepare 10 songs as solo possibilities, to be readied by September 18th, in addition to my schoolwork (the choir is extra-curricular). I am not saying I won't post, however .. just that I have a slower 'reaction time' which may exceed the standard 'three-day turnaround' til at least after next Sunday.

DMs of games in which I play, feel free to co-opt my character - within the realm of that PCs capabilities, knowledge, and your observance of my play - so as not to be some 'shadow entity' that disrupts the game through absence. Feel free to use this time to 'plot foil' through that character, as well.

[lostsole31]

Sooooo ... Celiss would stay where she is .... directly in front of Darrius ... which is more the 'back line.

The party is attacked from both sides. Two pirates remaining to the front. and the monkey-thing to the back.

Tacitus, your turn ...

[srgonzo]

I'm getting the distinct impression that Ka'Xet might want to keep his mouth shut before attacking. Unfortunately for his to hit ratio, his commentary amuses me.

[Tacitus]

Crit Confirm MTA: [roll0]
Crit Elec: [roll1]

[srgonzo]

Once again, Ka'Xet really needs to stop talking while he's fighting.

[lostsole31]

Damn, Dave ... you just can't get a break.

One game where your psion is unconscious.

Another game where your team leader had to take a break for a good cry.

And now with possible permanent eye and throat injury, bleeding on the deck of a pirate cove run amok with 'zombies' (a la 28 DAYS LATER, vice formal 'D&D' zombies).

[srgonzo]

That's ok. If they die, I get to roll up new and interesting characters. If they don't, and there's permanent damage, then I have an interesting twist on the toon. Either way, I'm having fun and it's a good story.

[lostsole31]

Well, at least I got that much going for me. Glad the story's got you!

[PersonMan]

Rrrg. The Tangled Web is being annoying right now - I keep trying to log in, but since I mistyped my username once it keeps changing it to Scargee whenever I want to enter it.

Anyways, I'm glad that there's a situation where I can have Celiss accidentally whip out one of her new SLAs without ruining everything for the party.

[srgonzo]

Russ,
Despite the fact that I bitch and moan whenever bad things happen to my characters, this is still fun for me. I suppose if I didn't bitch and moan about it, then I wouldn't have much buy-in for my characters. Granted, I'm still trying to develop some sort of identity for Ka'Xet (other than his unique mode of speech), but my characters are pretty likable guys.

[PersonMan]

I looked at my sheet again and noticed the natural attack thing again-so, could I flurry for 4 attacks, or could I not use the claws and a flurry in the same routine?

[lostsole31]

The rules (for now, unless I see something superceding them in the future) allow for monk unarmed combat and two-weapon fighting. This means:
* First, your unarmed attacks are primary ... you'd be using head/horn-butts, elbows, knees, feet ... but not fists.
* Second, your natural attacks would all be secondary attacks.
* Third, you suffer the normal penalties for two-weapon fighting. Your unarmed attacks would be 'primary hand' and your natural attacks would be 'off-hand weapons.' You don't have the Two-Weapon Fighting feat. Natural/ unarmed attacks are all 'light weapons.'
***** So, your unarmed attacks would not only suffer the normal (-2?) flurry penalties for a low-level monk, but you would suffer an additional -4 penalty.
***** Your natural (non-unarmed), secondary (aka, off-hand) attacks not only suffer a -5 penalty attack bonus, but they also suffer the -8 penalty for being a light off-hand weapon for a non TWF person. That's a -13 attack penalty.

You might shrug and say, "Meh, why not?"

Well, the answer is potentially deadly to you. In gestalt games (such as this one), I use super-crits (as we recently saw twice with the cook's strikes vs Ka'Xet) as well as fumbles. Fumbles are if you roll a natural '1' on an attack, you 'threaten' a fumble. Roll again using the same attack bonuses, and if you'd miss the AC of your opponent, you not only miss but you 'fumble.' I then go to a chart, roll %, and something bad happens. It could be as simple as slipping and falling ... all the way up to impaling yourself on your weapon (or claws, etc.).

The reason it is important to understand this, is that if your strikes have little chance to hit, then throwing out multiple attacks that are not likely to hit is risky since you have more chances to fumble - and in turn suffer a large attack penalty so that a threatened fumble is a likely REAL fumble.

It's akin to thrashing about wildly and throwing yourself off-balance for little gain. At higher levels, it's a worthwhile risk ... but at low-levels, spinning out of control is deadly to yourself ... and with some fumble results ... even your own teammates.

[srgonzo]

Ok, the loss of an eye, I can handle, but I do have to ask if this becomes a cosmetic issue, or is there a game mechanic involved? If there is, I'd think Ka'Xet's future as a soulbow is in question, since he doesn't have the two eyes necessary for proper depth perception. Besides that, he's been operating more as a melee combatant than a ranged weapons expert. Do you have any thoughts on this, Rusty?

The loss of the voice, on the other hand, is just hilarious. Now he's going to try to communicate like a dolphin or something.

[PersonMan]

I fail to see how this is different from before. ; P

[srgonzo]

Previously, Ka'Xet communicated with words, and by the grace of the DM, I was allowed (read: encouraged) to provide a translation. Now Ka'Xet has to find a way of communicating without talking, and this time, I don't know that I'll be allowed to provide a translation to indicate intent.

Great, this means I have to actually invent a language based on non-vocal sounds, doesn't it?

[Tacitus]

Time to learn Drow Sign?

[srgonzo]

I guess. I'm a fairly intelligent guy (sometimes), but I don't think I'm up to inventing an actual language, though I think in my language, I'd put the adjective after the noun, so you'd know what you were talking about before you started describing it.

[lostsole31]

Ok, the loss of an eye, I can handle, but I do have to ask if this becomes a cosmetic issue, or is there a game mechanic involved? If there is, I'd think Ka'Xet's future as a soulbow is in question, since he doesn't have the two eyes necessary for proper depth perception. Besides that, he's been operating more as a melee combatant than a ranged weapons expert. Do you have any thoughts on this, Rusty?

The loss of the voice, on the other hand, is just hilarious. Now he's going to try to communicate like a dolphin or something.You didn't lose a tongue, your voicebox was punctured ... so no don dolphin noises.

Don't worry, the doctor - if his opinion can be trusted - says that your voice should actually heal in a couple of hours, if not overnight. He's worried about the eye, though ... normally, it might have been something that might take a few days to heal. But it was given at just the right time and hurt you so badly, that your eye might not heal properly without major magic. It is hard to tell at this time. On one hand, the eye is the fastest regenerating organ in the body; on the other hand, there is a point at which damage to the eye's parts can no longer be healed.

For now, Lazer will fashion a makeshift head-bandage/eye-patch from his healing kit. If it does turn out to be permanent ... at least Ka'Xet will more than fit into the seafaring-themed campaign. YARRR!

On a mechanical note ... the eye injury causes no penalty on ranged attacks. You basically suffer a -4 to Perception checks regarding vision other than small details (i.e., -4 to Spot, but not Search).

I guess. I'm a fairly intelligent guy (sometimes), but I don't think I'm up to inventing an actual language, though I think in my language, I'd put the adjective after the noun, so you'd know what you were talking about before you started describing it.
Already answered ... no need, your voicebox should be good in short order. You just need a little bit of time, and definitely some water.

P.S.: You can't just 'pick up' drow sign language like other languages. There are no treatises on the subject, nor any self-help courses or DSL courses (not to be confused with ASL - Americal Sign Language) adult night classes.

[PersonMan]

Now is the time for natural 1s on Bluff/Sense Motive checks and ensuing hilarity when everyone thinks Ka'Xet is saying something ridiculous when he's just saying 'hi'.

[srgonzo]

Wow, the damage is only temporary? I'm almost a little disappointed by this, as I think it would have created some hilarious situations.

[lostsole31]

Sorry, gang ... RL has been very busy of late. But, I'm back in.

[PersonMan]

Well, there's my crit confirm, since you said double posts are what we should do for that.

[lostsole31]

*poke* .... Tacitussrgonzo? I'll be co-opting later this afternoon if no response.

EDIT: Tac is up.

[PersonMan]

Claws +5/+5 means I can use both as primary weapons, right? I'm fairly sure, but I'm inexperienced enough with natural weapons to be insecure about my decision...

If not, reduce the bonus to +4 and I'm flurrying instead.

EDIT: Forgot I had my sword in one hand. I'll go for Claw/Punch. Wait...Would that be +5/+5, too? Or +5/+0(using claw as a secondary)?

Eh, screw it, I'll just flurry. Nevermind.

Oh, yeah, and my dodge is on this thing.

[srgonzo]

Sorry. I've been a little preoccupied lately.

[Tacitus]

Unless my shift gets changed around (again...after only two days) I'm going to be working quite a bit, on long hours during the weekdays so I probably won't be active except weekends.

[lostsole31]

Thanks for the heads up, Tac. You'll see my posting has slowed - apologies to all - but I'll co-opt Darrius if we're at the beginning or middle of the week when it is time for your turn.

[srgonzo]

And the hits... Well, there aren't any hits to speak of. Therein lies the problem. :smallfurious:

[Tacitus]

X.x Oh god dammit. So they've changed my schedule (AGAIN) so I'll be working Thursday through Sunday. Still the same long hours, but different days. Thank you for handling Darrius thus far.

[PersonMan]

Posting this from my iPod Touch has been a nightmare...

But it was either this or risk forgetting to post. Marvel at my dedication to this game.

[lostsole31]

Great. I'll now call you Captain Marvel. :smallwink:

[lostsole31]

Sorry, gang ... Thanksgiving vacation, now followed by preps for finals, final performance in music theater workshop, and beginning tech week for a show.

[PersonMan]

Understandable.

The dice clearly want to help you by reducing your workload via the reduction of enemy actions you need to take by 1. 15 damage is pretty nice...

[srgonzo]

I certainly hope that was good enough to hit the dude-thing.

[PersonMan]

Crit. Oh yeah. Happening just as I bring out another of my new tricks.

Oh, yeah, and a crit. confirmation roll that doesn't suck. That's (if these are normal mutant exploding pirates) 14 damage, that might bypass whatever DR they're packing...

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuun. Lots of it.

[lostsole31]

29 years of RPGs, and counting ...

[srgonzo]

Um, happy anniversary? You posted this on multiple threads.

[lostsole31]

Sure, but that was to openly celebrate to my many players, DMs, and fellow players. You happen to be in three of my games.

Aren't you blessed, hmmm? :cool:

[lostsole31]

A ding is heard above Celiss, Darrius, and Lazer. Adjustments won't occur until you've had some rest (as in, a full night of rest).

[PersonMan]

Cool.

This is the only game I've been in in which I've leveled twice.

[lostsole31]

Yes, but this was actually the third levelling, since you are now at 4th level. Well, at least after you get a chance to rest and process all this, which the underway return to Sasserine should provide. Congrats! :smallwink:

[PersonMan]

Yes, but this was actually the third levelling, since you are now at 4th level. Well, at least after you get a chance to rest and process all this, which the underway return to Sasserine should provide. Congrats! :smallwink:

Ah, well, three times now.

My former statement is still correct, though.

[lostsole31]

That's hot. :smallwink:

[lostsole31]

With 18 STR, Darrius has now fully cemented his normative slot as the party 'muscle' ... being ousted only by Korian when he is in a blood rage, or any other member of the party when under the effects of Celiss' casting of bull's strength. 18 STR and 20 CON ... yeah, he's a muscleman that's grown an inch and put on 12 pounds of muscle. :mitd:

Tacitus, I went over the numbers, you've been running around with one more point of essentia than you should've been, but now you are in line as you should be at a total of 5 essentia, this includes totals for class [4] and feat [1 for indigo strike].

Next, soulmeld capacity ... there may be some confusion, so here goes. Base cap of 1 for ML level. Then, add +1 for the overall expanded soulmeld capacity. The +1 for the feat is only granted to one specific soulmeld, determined at the time of meldshaping ... not to all melds. So, even though you can slosh around essentia at will, only one meld in a day (unless you spend an hour to reshape your melds) can go the full 3 points.

I've zeroed out your melds, but still have them listed (and your character sheet marked) as if they were your current melds. Please think about what the party is about to do (go through Sasserine to try to stop an attack on Vanderboren Manor), and then tell me here in OOC ... do not set up on your sheet, please ... but tell me what melds you are shaping, which meld is getting the ESC feat max bonus, and what you are binding (because now you can bind to hands or feet, not just crown).
...........................................

PersonMan, please review your sheet very, very, very carefully ... stats, SLAs, and the additional note added for race under "Private Notes."

At this new level, you can either keep the ring at a +1 light fortification 'shield' ... or change it to either giving you a flat +2 shield bonus or +1/ +1 as it was before. Do you wish to change to full shield or to a different +1 property? What you choose stays that way for all of 4th level.

Also, please set up your spells for this coming adventure. Note the updated # of spells based on level and INT ....

[PersonMan]

...........................................

PersonMan, please review your sheet very, very, very carefully ... stats, SLAs, and the additional note added for race under "Private Notes."

At this new level, you can either keep the ring at a +1 light fortification 'shield' ... or change it to either giving you a flat +2 shield bonus or +1/ +1 as it was before. Do you wish to change to full shield or to a different +1 property? What you choose stays that way for all of 4th level.

Also, please set up your spells for this coming adventure. Note the updated # of spells based on level and INT ....

This is where I have to ask: we're using PF armor/shield abilities, right? I thought we were, and if so there aren't many options. If we aren't, then I'll be doing some more looking around to see what there is to choose from.

This is the only game in which I open up my sheet like a small child opening a bag of candy.

EDIT: Oh, yeah, and this is the first time I've had to say 'metamorphoses'.

[lostsole31]

This is where I have to ask: we're using PF armor/shield abilities, right? I thought we were, and if so there aren't many options. If we aren't, then I'll be doing some more looking around to see what there is to choose from.

This is the only game in which I open up my sheet like a small child opening a bag of candy.
Nope, still v3.5 ... DMG, MIC, and so forth.

:smallsmile: Not many players would allow their character to progress in this way without having clearly delineated numbers for themselves beforehand. Glad you likey.

Tacitus/ PersonMan, let me know once you have chosen/ apportioned melds, or set up your spells, and we'll continue ...

[PersonMan]

Wow. Fast reply.

Alrighty, then. I'm writing up an IC post, then I'll pick spells and shop for ring abilities.

EDIT: I think I'll go for +2 Shield bonus, none of the +1 special abilities really look worth it (Blind your allies 2/day! Gain a bonus to AC against an attack you've yet to encounter in this entire module! Gain a 25% chance to ignore a type of attack that has only come up very rarely in this module!).

[lostsole31]

+2 shield armor bonus it is! It's kind of funny, but you and Darrius both survived destruction by dint of light fortification - you from the ring, and he from his pauldrons. Ya' never know when that ignoring of crits comes in hand and saves your life ... that one time. But, yes, the extra + to AC might keep the crit from happening, anyway.

[Tacitus]

Huh, I haven't fiddled with the distribution aside from OOC notes in the IC of -1s and +1s, so I'm not sure how it got all out of sorts. I thought I was working on 1 Mantle, 1 Pauldrons, 2 Gauntlets, or something of the like. Think I had the focus in the gauntlets, but didn't ever actually hit 3 Essentia in them for the day, hence all the damage rolls at 3d6.

Also, my number of Melds is wrong. Should be 4(I)+2(F), as I'm getting both the Dragon Mantle and Worg Pelt from feats.

I'm currently debating between the Pelt Bound to the Feet, the Gauntlets Bound to the Hands, and Sighting Gloves bound to the Hands with a Dissolving Spittle.
Hmm... that last one wouldn't work very well, though. The precise shot is nice, but the essentia investment in the gloves would be meaningless. Then again, the ranged DPS would be useful...

So lets see.
1. Adamant Pauldrons [Shoulders, Unbound]
2.
3.
4.
F. Worg Pelt [?,?]
F. Dragon Mantle [Heart, Unbound]

Hmm... I don't suppose anyone else has any insights to give over the boat-ride home? >.> I'd go ask IC, but I've spent too much time thinking and now I need to head to bed. >.<
Down to these options:
Sighting Gloves [B], Dissolving Spittle [+], Crystal Helm
Lightning Gauntlets [B+], Crystal Helm, Acrobat Boots
(Pelt [B, Feet]), Lightning Gauntlets[+], Acrobat Boots, Mantle of Flame

[lostsole31]

Tac, yup, sorry about melds .... 6 it is.

The below assumes that you have spent some time discussing the nature of incarnum with Lazer, as far as you understand it, as you've researched, and as you've been taught from the totemist side (as tutored initially by Quickslayer).

If it comes to blows, then Lazer assumes two terrains. First would be the hallways, rooftops, walls, courtyards, and lawn of Vanderboren Manor - mixed, but primarily CQB. If there is some sort of chase before/ after of some kind, then it might be in the streets of Sasserine himself. He happens to know that the group will return in the middle of the Wormfall Festival, which means that the streets will be insanely crowded. Understand that the advice given below is NOT DM mouthpiece, though nearly, but colored through Lazer's concepts, beliefs, and knowledge.

Expected opponents, unknown. There may be mixed 'adventurer' type groups, but honestly Drevoraz (unknown quantitiy) is likely to be a bruiser and/or sneaky pirate type being Captain Javell's first mate ... and likely more competent individually than any member of the group. Since her ship was destroyed, and it is unlikely that Drevoraz is going to storm the manor himself, he will have to find quick help ... and that is usually more muscle than mental. Don't cross out that possibility, but expect more physical combat if combat cannot be avoided.
Set #1Crystal Helm: Giving bonuses vs charms and the like, only an idiot spellcaster, or a desperate one, or one with extremely specific tactics in mind, would target you. The glowing blue stuff all about you reeks of someone skilled with mental resistance, as does your bizarre mix of heritages, and you are already (one of) the best in the group at resisting mental attacks.
* The deflection field that is set up should you invest soul energy is always useful, but you can't make it as good as a protection from evil spell cast on you from Lazer ... assuming the enemy is evil. Such a spell also protects against a variety of dangers (+2 all saves), not just mental attacks, but again only if the enemy is evil, and yet also stops cold any active attempt at mental command, in addition to hedging out conjured creatures.

Dissolving Spittle: See below regarding ranged combat, but if ranged option is chosen, than bypassing armor - to overcome the lack of Ka'Xet's training to shoot into melee - is quite helpful. It can do varying levels of damage (weak to good), but is devastating when you use it from surprise.

Sighting Gloves: Given a crowded battlefield/ CQB ...

Unless there are more opponents like the savage pirates that are damn hard to hurt via other means (unlikely, we hope), then you've gotten to a point that you are so strong, that if you used an actual weapon you'd really land a hurting. Given that, if armed with normal weaponry, you have an even chance of hitting a moderately armed opponent - or one that is lightly armed and relatively agile - does the extra ability to bypass armor with lightning gauntlets matter ... and at what investment of soul energy when compared to the power of your own strength?

It is true that you are better in melee than ranged, but given others with more focused melee training than yourself, then trading up for some accuracy and using your stealth to attack with surprise for withering strikes is key when CQB demands an economy of whom to send to the front lines. This becomes even better with dissolving spittle (q.v.).

OVERAL PROGNOSIS: The thing is, while you'd make a great secondary archer, aiding Ka'Xet, you have what Korian and Ka'Xet lack .... similar combat experience, brute power, defense (compared to Ka'Xet), and staying power. In fact, you have this regardless. Ka'Xet actually has great staying power, still more than you (Lazer is impressed with his ability to take punishment), but his defenses are considerably less and he is better as a missileer. Korian and Celiss have greater defensive skills in melee, confounding in fact, though their power may be moderate.

In the end, however, their defenses and tactical skill will win out over your slightly increased damage-dealing, and even that will be mitigated. Korian's martial maneuvers and multiple weaponry have the advantage of frequency-over-effect that you lack, as does Celiss when she lets her fists fly. For you to match this, you have to put all of your essentia-ducks into lightning gauntlets to compare. Being a stealth-archer, second to Ka'Xet's primary skill, would make this the best option ..... possibly.
Set #2...Acrobat BootsIf expecting CQB in corridors and the like, this is a dangerous temptation. If in a chamber where you tumble around something to get in a good flank, okay. But if in corridors or massed side-vs-side, even putting all of your essentia into this - and therefore limiting the power of your lightning gauntlets, means you are flying by the seat of your pants in Hope with a capital 'H' that you can tumble right through enemy positions. You are the team's best acrobat, tied with Korian ... and these boots would significantly increase that ... but Lazer doesn't feel that you are trained enough to make such maneuvers with enough of a safety margin. If you fall because you try and can't get through a position, you are extremely vulnerable.

Lightning Gauntlets: Capable weaponry if you put a lot of your soul energy into this, and bypasses armor, but is only marginally to mildly better than you just wielding a sword and stabbing with your full strength, taking energy away from other melds that would make good effect of essentia input.

Crystal Helm: See above.

OVERALL PROGNOSIS: Poor. Would be better in known open area combat, or if acrobatic expertise - even with acrobat boots - was better. But not good at this time and inviting too much risk.
Set #3...Most has already been discussed, except ...
Mantle of Flame: Great war-of-attrition weapon, especially in its ability to unerringly hurt opponents that you may have trouble hitting with high defenses and the like. You could do some massive damage if you essentia jack this and the lightning gauntlets.

PROGNOSIS: If you really want to go toe-to-toe, this is phenomenal against either fighting a lot of poor attackers that have trouble against your defenses to begin with, and are easily dispatched by the combination of the lightning gauntlets, and punished for those rare times they strike you. Also effective against tougher opponents whose hardy armor you might not normally be able to penetrate with weapons, and even their skill is punished with pain. If you are going to be a mauler ... than it is this over adamant pauldrons. Just remember ... easy muscle is often sneaky-types as well as bruisers, so you never know when those adamant pauldrons save your hide. Also, it is doubtful that you will face evil incarnate that can overcome the weapon resistance offered by the pauldrons.
Lazer suggests the following ...

Your strength lies in flexibility and utility. Yes, you can become a powerful melee-ist or stinging secondary archer. The thing is, each of these sets demands you focus on a role, thereby removing that flexibility. He suggests the following ...

Heart: Dragon Mantle
* 0 Essentia - how likely are energy attacks, and essentia can be shifted if an energy slinger shows up.

Shoulders: Mantle of Flame
* 2 Essentia - wicked retribution. If in streets or courtyard, you can't hide in plain sight in the sun, anyway. And in lesser lighting, you can still HiPS, but they can only target your space, not you.

Hands: Sighting Gloves
* Bound, 1 Essentia - Almost-always-hit, and with Precise Shot-like skill.

Throat: Dissolving Spittle
* 2 Essentia - 2d6 acid damage for an average of 7 or so per strike from relative safety in back lines.

Feet: Worg Pelt
* 0 Essentia - If they find you, they deserve to. Don't bind ... you are so fast already, will it matter in CQB?

Arms: Bluesteel Bracers
* 1 Essentia - Your best weapon is first-strike damage, but your ability to ensure first-strike is really only moderate (i.e., so-so initiative modifier), so the initiative advantage + dissolving spittle is a nice bonus.

PROGNOSIS: Obviously, the essentia wouldn't be like that. You'd probably max sighting gloves and dissolving spittle, then max bluesteel bracers and mantle of flame in melee. The setup here is for outstanding secondary archer (or even primary) who can then rush in with devastating melee and retributive attacks .... just use your short sword (or masterwork dagger if you really want accuracy). In this, you are a devastating missileer who makes an equally bloody melee-er to replace wounded ranks, making you the ultimate utility fighter in the party. And with Lazer's newfound ability to fly, he might be able to open you up for more flanking opportunities with you on the front line, rather than trying to vie for a backline.

[Tacitus]

Hmm... actually, that seems pretty good. The gloves won't do anything for essentia use (unless the Spit is able to be treated as a ranged weapon, which I didn't think it was by typical 3.5 definitions... same reason Inspire Courage doesn't boost Eldritch Blast damage, I thought), but it seems to work.

Exp Capacity on the spit, because 4d6 is better than 3d6.

[lostsole31]

Hmm... actually, that seems pretty good. The gloves won't do anything for essentia use (unless the Spit is able to be treated as a ranged weapon, which I didn't think it was by typical 3.5 definitions... same reason Inspire Courage doesn't boost Eldritch Blast damage, I thought), but it seems to work.

Exp Capacity on the spit, because 4d6 is better than 3d6.
If we're talking dissolving spittle, and I'm sure we are, it is a ranged weapon ... or rather, a ranged, weapon-like supernatural ability, in the same way as eldritich blast is a ranged SLA, and scorching ray is a ranged weapon-like spell. The sighting gloves do give that bonus to attack rolls, as a result.

BTW, inspire courage doesn't work on eldritch blast not because it's not considered 'weapon-like' ... but inspire courage only increases damage on melee weapon damage rolls, not any weapon damage rolls. That said, your sneak attack does work with dissolving spittle.

Understand all for setup ...

EDIT: Since things can slop around a lot, but you don't know what the first round of engagment might bring, I put 1E into everything but Worg Pelt ... you can react suddenly with missile or (if you have it out) weapon, and even burn attackers some.

[lostsole31]

Wow, y'all .... *bump*?

[srgonzo]

Sorry, but I've been working on my daughter's bat mitzvah. In what may become a tradition for Jewish Mexicans, we catered with tacos.

[lostsole31]

Kosher tacos, of course ... no cheese on them, right?

Oh, wait, yer one 'a' dem "Reform" Jews, huh?

Lazer would be so disappointed. :smallwink:

[srgonzo]

Actually, there was no dairy on any of the tacos. We keep "kosher-style" at the synagogue.

I wasn't really sure how I'd be able to stop the float, but I figured tall, yellow and speedy could get people running away in fear.

[lostsole31]

I had rolled hidden Perception checks for you and Korian, and the measure of success, not just a binary yes/no success, defined how much time you had. This is why Korian seemed to have a free round on you. And you're exotic, not scary ... not really at all, actually.

A float isn't getting a lot of attention, and it won't be until the third round that people are going to start running and screaming in fear en masse (because of the float, not really you). The folks in the tavern that the float with the hanging and currently lit lanterns are on are a different story, however. :smalleek:

[lostsole31]

Delivering my computer to shop to ship to HP to fix my internal speakers/ soundboard. It's gonna get dicey around here. Well, actually, less dice-y, but you know what I mean ...

[lostsole31]

And here is where we grind to a halt until I get my computer back up and running.

On that note, Best Buy sent me a Geek Squad notification that allowed me to track progress of my 'puter. It actually has been fixed and was shipped back yesterday. So, it should be only a couple of days ... much quicker than I had hoped.

[srgonzo]

That is, I say, that is good news.

[PersonMan]

Going out on a limb here and assuming that I've at least heard of Darkness the spell during my studies.

[lostsole31]

Oh, yeah ... definitely. The precepts and boundaries of both darkness and deeper darkness, at least from a theoretical standpoint, are well known to you.

[PersonMan]

Cool. I think it makes sense for her to figure out precisely what her fiendish lazer eye beams SLAs do, as she's a wizard rather than some random schmuck who sudden shoots lazers has SLAs.

[lostsole31]

She doesn't shoot lasers .... but she does travel with a heavy Lazer. :durkon:

[Tacitus]

-_- Ya know, I don't mind both attacks missing (for I'm sure they will... and okay, I mind a little, but it happens), but having the same result for two d20s is just insult to injury. What'd I ever do to you, forum roller?

And yeah, the cloak probably isn't the best idea in the crowd, but he's not happy. >.> As far as most people know, he probably caught on fire from all that alchemist fire being thrown around. >.> Yeah, totally.

[PersonMan]

In my RL game yesterday we got an entire group of enemies to surrender, so it's kind of funny that I'm basically doing the same thing here (although with more dialogue).

[lostsole31]

Guys, I'm sorry. But with tech week and opening a show, then getting ready for midterms and the final weekend here, and being sick on top of that, I've been OOC until now. I'm back, and thank you for your patience!

In other news, I am co-opting Annie (and srgonzo's other characters in other games) for now because he is moving his family and changing duty stations. Once he gets settled (or Internet is more sure for him), he'll be back in the driver's seat.

EDIT: I've E-mailed you a general overview of Vanderboren Manor, with West being the top of the map.

[lostsole31]

Bump to Celiss (PersonMan)! :smallsmile:

[PersonMan]

Ah, I see it now. Subscription didn't update while I was minding the gap, I guess.

Postin'.

[PersonMan]

The Tangled Web isn't coming up for me at the moment, I'll have to try it again in a few hours.

[srgonzo]

Ka'Xet's mindblade gets stronger with experience, so he wouldn't use a rapier. It would deter from his ability to further enhance his mindblade (and eventually, his soulbow)

[lostsole31]

Outstanding RP! Good.

This leaves Tacitus ... and you never know when having a magic weapon on hand is good. As a rogue, he should also appreciate the value of having a weapon that doesn't leave such "distinctive" markings as acid or lightning. :smallwink:

Tac, do you take the rapier +1 for your own?

[Tacitus]

Sorry, I've been with limited internet lately. >.<
Aye, Darrius will keep the rapier on hand, but won't actually have it drawn.
And he'll pass on the capabilities of the melds he recognizes, which mostly comes down to a shocking grasp, the same mantle he's got, and ability to see well and see through deceptions.

On another note, move action to hand it off and a readied action to grab it is how I've seen it work. Dunno where I've seen it, though. >.> The FA action is almost about the same as a readied though, so it doesn't matter overly much.

Note to self: max dragon mantle and melee the bitch.

[lostsole31]

Rapier: Understood.

RP what you say, please ... or are you telling me what you intend to do on your turn because you want me to run it because of your Internet?

What .... bitch? Drevoraz?

Also, you won't be able to do anything .... including vocals for passing on info, until it is your turn for this first round.

[Tacitus]

>.> Right... Well, I may or may not have the internet issues resolved, so a basic framework of my action if I can't get around to making the net work in a day or so after my turn comes up.

So, on his turn will include a bit of dialog (Bua Gorg's melds, and the strange incarnum thing about the blade that he doesn't quite get [but I'm guessing OOC blademeld? It'd be the first time I'd seen it used, ever]), shifting his own essentia into dragon mantle for the ER and... brainfart... bluesteel bracers? And then melee with Bua Gorg if possible.

[lostsole31]

Okay-dokey, Tac.

[lostsole31]

3 hps .... that's how close Lazer was to being dropped .... 3 hps.

[PersonMan]

In my last attack, you mention Celiss using a rapier.

After she gave one to Lavinia. Do I have two rapiers?

[lostsole31]

No, sorry. Typo ... meant short sword.

[lostsole31]

Gang, I wanted to apologize .... I was crushed by everything from finals, finals performances for music theater and dance, voice juries, auditions/ callbacks for summer Shakespeare in the park, a one-day scenario training job with police, and complications with my illness. I should be back online in the next few days.

EDIT: In other news, I realize that my subscription page didn't update. I still have myself as the last poster, while Darrius posted days ago. :smallmad:

[srgonzo]

Well, it looks like he self-stabilized, barely, but he did it.

[lostsole31]

Well, that little xeph is pretty tough.

[srgonzo]

I'd be happier if he were a little more accurate.

[lostsole31]

You'll get there, little buddy. Remember that your primary strength is actually intellect and a flexible array of abilities and knowledge, but you suffer for it now at the lower levels. You are also only 3rd-level like Korian, rather than 4th like the others.

[srgonzo]

Darn that pesky level adjustment.

[lostsole31]

Well, both of you also showed up to the party later. The originals (2 PCs and 1 NPC) went through the majority of a mini-adventure together, and Korian was found on the ship the heroes liberated after a major (for 1st-level guys) ship battle.

The nice thing here is that you earn XPs as 3rd-level, meaning that you get more per defeated baddie so that actually brings you closer to the others. And since there are so many combats "today" (in the game) .... everything from the stiltwalkers to all of these bullywugs, etc .... that's a lot of recovery ground. I've actually seen it once wherein because of being lower level, and his buddies were just barely the next level above, a player ended up having MORE XPs than his buds simply because he got more-per-kill as a lower level.

[lostsole31]

Guys, I apologize. I was overwhelmed by so many things at once, and then I needed a mental health break from gaming. You may know what was going on from FB, from family, or what-have-you, but possibly at different degrees.

I am happy to answer any questions you may have.

Other than that ... Game on!

[Tacitus]

*shambles past* Damned work ****ing with my schedule. Gorram 5am bull****...

>.> This is my friday, so I should be coherent enough to make a post this evening, hopefully. >.< I take it with Bua dropped we're out of rounds?

[lostsole31]

Yup, out of combat rounds.

Congrats, guys! Bua Gorg was a 6th ECL NPC villain with 96 hit points. KA-POW! Good job dropping him, Tac. You usually do great at softening up baddies, and yet it usually seems to be somebody else finishing them off. It's pretty nice that you get the glory-drop this time.

What do you all do?

[srgonzo]

Ka'Xet is going to try to heal up as best as he can for the next pounding.

[lostsole31]

Tac, I tend to be more cautious with Taking 10. Stabilizing, by its very nature in trying to save a life, is stressful. What you basically have told me, however, is that you're not really trying when the result of Taking 10 would be failure.

In that regard, you unenthusiastically look at Bua's wounds, but don't do too much about him, waiting for Lazer ...

[PersonMan]

I posted, but it's invisible. Maybe you can decloak it with a blank DM post and then edit in the results of my action?

[lostsole31]

As expected, there is a *DING!* above the heads of Ka'Xet Moakh Kahir and Korian Silversides as they finally meet up with the rest of you 4th-level monsters! :smallsmile:

[lostsole31]

PersonMan, go ahead and read the opening section of the Player's Guide to Sasserine in the .pdf. It's not what Celiss knows already ... but what Lazer and Lavinia can tell her. Saves me from having to re-type everything.

[lostsole31]

I am beginning a week of a Music Theatre Intensive that will have me living on campus and being an RA/ Counselor. I will not be done with that until after August 5th. I doubt I will get a chance to play or run anything in that time.

[srgonzo]

No worries. I'm starting back with collegiate education, and I've got a PGA golfer visiting Monday and Tuesday.

[PersonMan]

Advancement stuff:


Skills:

1 in Acrobatics
1 in Diplomacy
1 in Intimidate
1 in Knowledge (Arcana, History, Religion, The Planes)
1 in Spellcraft

Feat:

Skill Focus (Spellcraft) (seeing as I never use UMD and have no ranks in it...)

[srgonzo]

I sent an e-mail with my character updates.

[lostsole31]

Got it. Thank you both!

[Tacitus]

Dingaling Dragons
Skills, a total of... 11 points?
1-5: Mental Focus +5 to 5
6: Stealth +1 to 5
7: Perception +1 to 5
8: Martial Lore +1 to 1
9: Disable Device +1 to 5
10: Sense Motive: +1 to 1
11: Acrobatics: +1 to 5

Also, its not listed in the TG Sheet, but
Rapid Meldshaping 1/day
+1 Essentia

>.> I've got a few ideas for non-training stuff for doing during downtime, but I'm supposed to be getting ready to go to work. >.< Whoever thought a afternoon->night shift is a good idea needs to be shot.

[lostsole31]

Tac, wow, I'm sorry. I forgot about your incarnate side, which really is your main focus in life. Swordsage and rogue are just interesting addenda to that.

Yup, please send me anything that might relate to your own in-town agenda. (Actually, that's for everybody.)

PersonMan, soooo .... does the woman with obvious touches of the diabolic, and increasingly at that, accept the sponsorship into the Dawn Council?

[PersonMan]

Oh, right, I knew I was forgetting something.

Hmmmm...Sure, Celiss'll go for it.

[lostsole31]

Research more into personal heritage, specifically any named draconic ancestors. Seek potential divination to aid if book research turns up nothing, or at least get an estimate on spellcasting costs for such.

Indeed, attending service at the Azure Cathedral when possible. Not a devout believer, but having come from the seas the Cathedral is really the only place for him in the ecclesiastical of the city. He hopes his money is being put to good use, but certainly doesn't brag or draw attention to his tithe. He's doing it because he thinks its right and 'good', whether it actually is or not.

Thinks of Cross, the Darrius Cross mentioned in his backstory after whom he is named. Still has some desire to meet his namesake, but until he can set aside the time to head to Fairwind Isle to follow up on his investigations there isn't much to be done.

I'm not sure of Darrius is aware of the restrictions on magic items in the same slot as a bound chakra. If he is aware, he'd be looking into ways around it, for his own future reference. Not a high priority at all.

I'm sure there isn't exactly a Magic Mart around, but picking up a +1 Resist to Saves or Enh to Natural Armor wouldn't hurt, He'd make inquiries, but it wouldn't take up too much of his time.

Bluh... feels like I forgot something...

As for questions, my brain is done for, so I can't think of any. X.x
Considering how late in this it took to find out what you want to do about backstory, it may have to come later. Besides, you've been working your ass off with learning how to be a swordsage. It is definitely not about "just having the XPs and 'poof', you're a swordsage." It's hard, hard work. This affects both your heritage and your namesake.

Lower affiliation costs are fine and taken care of by Lavinia. However, no matter what your "upkeep" is you have to pay cash from your own stores for NPC spellcasting and magical items, unless of course, you have a friend with the appropriate spells and they're willing to cast them. Non-magical goggles would be fine w/ your upkeep. Magical items are actually easier to procure than you think. Classic adventuring gear can be purchased through the Seekers, or with Celiss through the Witchwardens ... at full price, of course.

The meld-vs-magic choice is one of the most basic things Quickslayer would have taught you. You know about it.

When you get to 8th level, what ability score will you be trying to raise? Of course, that may change later, but there is some direction to which your self-improvement is going.

[PersonMan]

So, I was thinking that this trip to the isles (potentially just the bathhouse side quest, depending on how long it runs) would be a sort of character development mini-arc for Celiss, where she considers how much she's really been removed from people all her life and how that's changed now.

At the end of it I'll probably have a decisive answer to the Tolin Question. Oh, and a better motivation*. I looked at the one I wrote up on page 1 and it seems...pretty generic. Besides, plenty of things have changed since then.

*Rhyme not intended.

EDIT: Oh, in a couple of days I'll be going to Wales until the 22nd, where I'll be without Internet. I'm leaving on the 9th.

In a normal game, I'd say 'NPC me' but seeing as I'm 50% of the players in this campaign at this point, it might not be 'worth it', so to speak. What do you guys think about it?

[lostsole31]

You're 1/3 ... you're NPC'd. The bathhouse quest will likely not be over, given pbp, and that would just weigh things down even more.

[lostsole31]

I was going into the thread to NPC Darrius' action when ... I see his post, but it wasn't updated in my queue.

Le sigh. :smallsigh:

[lostsole31]

srgonzo, activating burst is only a SwA (swift action), and unless otherwise noted, manifesting a power (skate) is a SA (standard action).

That means you have a MA (move action) remaining. What do you do?

[srgonzo]

I edited my post, and I'm aware that I may be provoking AOOs.

[lostsole31]

PersonMan, I have seen this phenomena .... very, very rarely. I have seen it in all but three sheets over the last three years.

What I'm guessing is that the file itself is kaputsky. Once that particular file has issues, then the same thing happens in the same way .... everything below the armor/ protective items blocks goes away. Every attempt to add data into it fails.

There is a problem with multi-editing as well, but it doesn't wipe data. By multi-editing I mean that both of us (who have editing rights) have the sheet up at the same time. The person who first had the sheet up "wins", and no matter how much data the second person tried to enter, it looks like its in there for a little while before it drops out. That obviously is not what is happening here.

So, no matter what we do, your current profile is cooked. A new profile must be made.

Please send me a copy of your "secure location" data. Then, create an entirely new profile "Celiss Nightrom1" and provide me with editing rights and I'll go through the work of writing everything back in. Keep and update your files in your secure location, but we'll see how this works. Again, this has only happened thrice in three+ years, but once it happens to that specific profile character sheet, there's no stopping it.

[lostsole31]

So, because of lost character info, PersonMan had to make a new character sheet. This also happened to one of srgonzo's character sheets in another game.

Okay, gang. Copy down all of your character information somewhere as a backup. There has been something going around on TTW that is knocking data off of everything below the armor blocks on the character sheets. It's not common at all, but assuming it won't happen to you is dire, indeed. I think there is some type of download/backup on your own profiler (not through someone with editing rights, such as myself). I haven't been able to get it to work for me, so I am in the process of the ol' copy-&-paste of the big text, and a quick blurb on skills and equipment. Feats I pretty much have, as you have seen, from your TGSs.

PersonMan, still waiting for a quick-sheet of your stats. Regardless, we shall press on heroically.

[Tacitus]

fffffff- you jinxed me. Its gone. T__T

I'll see if I have a backup anywhere already, but it'd be months old by now.

[lostsole31]

And so, it begins .... :smallsigh:

I'm afraid to look at other NPC files.

[lostsole31]

Please do the following, because I cannot do it on my Profiler when I'm given editing rights of your character sheets. For any sheets you have on TTW (The Tangled Web) ... I know you probably haven't signed in for awhile, but please sign in.

On your Profiler on TTW, transcribe your data elsewhere ... all of the data you have at the top of your sheet. Delete the old file, and then start a new file with your character's name (which makes it easier to find anyway, other than "Skulk"). Take the data you had before from the old sheet, and put it in this one. Try to put in as much of the lost data as possible.

1) Go to your Profiler. This is the TTW page that lists all of your character sheets.
2) Click on the 'Edit' hyperlink to the far right of each character.
3) At the very bottom of this Edit sheet for the character, click on 'Download.'
4) Save the file where you will. Update this often so it does not fall too far behind.

EDIT: Wow. I just looked. srgonzo, Ka'Xet also got ripped. That's all characters in this game. Wow. Insane. I'm sorry buddy. That's two of your characters now. :smallfrown:

[srgonzo]

Um, that's ok. I'm pretty sure we can go ahead and rebuild him. I think I'll have to look into character sheets for my iPad and go from there. It isn't that big of a deal.

[lostsole31]

I also sent everyone whatever info was last on their TGS' via E-mail.

Yeah, this game is on hold until reconstruct happens.

I E-mailed TTW Webmaster, and they were in the midst of physically moving servers to a new location. He's gotten only a handful of complaints (the rest are probably silently crying out "Why!" to the gods), and he has no idea why it's happening.

[srgonzo]

I tried the 'Contact Us' link as well. For some reason, when I tried to reconstruct Annie, the information didn't stick. Given the weird state of my brain and this strange fatigue that seems to plague me, I can only seem to get one character done at a time.

[lostsole31]

Okay, I think we have a solution. I doubt any of your saved your sheets as an XML file?

Make sure you do not have your character sheet in another browser.
Go to your Profiler on TTW.
Click on the "Edit" hyperlink on your ORIGINAL character sheet, not the new one.
Click on "Download" at the very bottom of the Edit sheet, and save it .... where-ever.
Drop that browser page, and then bring up TTW again.
Go back to TTW>>>EDIT (character).
Select "Browse" and go to where you saved that XML file for Annie.
Select "Upload." It may take several times because of TTW tricky server stuff right now.

[PersonMan]

After some procrastination I'm finally rebuilding.

In the process I realized that:

1. Almost all of my feats are bonus feats.

2. I have more feats than many characters get in their entire 20 level career.

[lostsole31]

1) Many would consider that so many feats smells of what players call "cheese."

2) Cheese tends to smell.

3) You have smelly feat(s).

[PersonMan]

In my experience, only cheese that either tastes bad or mediocre smells. Seriously, all of the cheese I like doesn't smell.

Hey, can I calculate my skills with retroactive skill point increases? If not, could you tell me when I got my Int bonuses? I just realized I don't have that information on me (and since you're here I can ask you instead of trawling through the OOC and IC).

[lostsole31]

It doesn't matter, I don't "retroactively" apply skill point increases. I just make sure at the level at which you gain an INT bonus that brings you to a new category, you have the appropriate number of skill points. That "no retroactive" rule pisses me off, because INT does very little for most characters, at least in regard to many other scores, and characters need all the skill ranks they can muster.

You have a total of 52 skill points. Some are allocated specifically as follows for your current level:
4 ranks: K [Arcana, Planes, Religion], Mental Focus, Spellcraft
3 ranks: Acrobatics, K [History]
2 ranks: Diplomacy, Intimidate

I know this, because you were going to increase all of them by 1 rank at next level based on your TGS. I know you are also competent at Athletics, Acrobatics, and some on Perception.

[lostsole31]

Gentlemen, please check your personal E-mail accounts.

Brief: I wish to drop all of my other games but this one. Obvious rework for characters and a means (which I have) for keeping character data.

srgonzo is in two other games of mine, and the same other player is in those two games. I am inviting that other player into this game so we can have four PCs. I know that some might balk at that because of turnaround time, but I have been a player in a game that has been running a long time with several players @ 17th-level gestalt.

I think we'll be fine, and I do hope you'll stay on. Again, please read your E-mails.

[lostsole31]

Awaiting a final decision from PersonMan concerning retraining, then only a tiny adjustment, and Celiss is done.

srgonzo started working on Ka'Xet and I have editing on his sheet.
* Dude, his name is Ka'Xet Moakh Kahir??? Not that I'll confuse the file name.

Tac, I sent you a friend request on MB. I'll assume MB is far more capable in keeping itself whole, so back to the old way ... you create the sheets and give me editing permissions. Remember Pathfinder ... CM calcs and the "+3" misc-mod for class skills is there, so that helps. Files:
* Darrius Wavebreaker
* A file named for your martial maneuvers. (I had called the last one Darrius' the Daredevil's Maneuvers, but call it what you want.)

[PersonMan]

I think I'll go with the retraining. I was sick on the weekend and the start of the week was busy for me, but now things are mellowing out a lot more.

EDIT: Hey, is Tolin still 'into' Celiss despite the recent changes? I just thought of that while reading the most recent Big Exposition Post. By the way, I think I'll take this opportunity to say that I really like them.

[lostsole31]

I'll adjust for your retraining tonight.

Just like some men of his type, his interest in you appears to have passed.

Right about the time your form descended from somewhat infernal to wholly diabolic. :smallfrown:

EDIT: After all of the pain and suffering ... not only is TTW back up and running again, but everything from the last save is there.

We'll still continue now with MB, if for no other reason than it has the Pathfinder setup for skills and CMB.

Tac, no need to make a file for maneuvers ... I have TTWs.

[lostsole31]

I never actually asked any question for player's actions. It was simply RP. Since there is nothing, I assume I shall continue?

[PersonMan]

Alright, working with the assumption of 5400 GP (normal WBL), I think I'll go for a Hat of Disguise (1800 GP), with the rest coming from the MiC (which I can't get to until tomorrow).

[lostsole31]

9,000 gp for WBL ... but no more than 5400 gp on any single item.

The +1 rapier (arcane bond) and the silvered masterwork dagger of the Witchwardens are both 'free' (not part of WBL), as is the Ring of the Tel-gakkar. Your spellbook is likewise free.

You actually had picked up a nice item in your travels: a ring of swimming (+5 competence). Now, you recently learned the basics of swimming as part of your sailor-training. (Previously, you couldn't swim at all so you would've been the classic drowned-in-a-pool person.) Still, it gives a pretty good bonus in this kind of campaign. It costs 2500 gp.

Hat of Disguise (1800) is definitely a good idea for you, though I would carefully read what that means, since it is based on disguise self. You would still need a form that includes wings, though your tail is minor enough you could hide that. It's quite alright, unlike alter self, to simply look human (perhaps like the old Celiss, because you know her so well) with much more attractive wings than your black-trimmed, red scalloped ones.

If you keep these two items, that would be 4300, leaving you with 4700 gp. You don't need to purchase 'standard adventuring equipment' ... unless you wants sunrods or specialized equipment. But mundane gear like rope, backpacks, bedrolls, etc. .... those are all held as supplies in the ship's hold.

You may have noticed my note on your spell sheet. You have the basic 19 cantrips from SRD, and you may choose another cantrip from another source. Wizards start with all of the 'standard' cantrips known (in my campaign) ... not EVERY cantrip in existence. They have to be researched like any other. The facet of this is economy of space. Cantrips take up space in your spellbook. Currently, your spellbook is about 1/3 full with the spells you know.

Speaking of which, you may want to make sure you have materials on hand with which to pen in new spells .... or to Scribe a Scroll. I will allow you to have a "pool" of costs for the following: spell transcription, scroll creation, and spellcasting.
* The funds you put in the spell transcription pool are to (attempt) to write in a new spell you might find into your spellbook.
* The funds you put into scroll creation, which are separate from above, are for materials you take with your for Scribe Scroll.
* The funds you put into your spellcasting are for costly material components. Foci (plural of focus) do NOT go into this pool. You must pay for all foci separately and are marked as separate items. Any focus costing more than a gold piece (for example, the prism/ lens for read magic has no cost, and therefore is 'free') must be purchased. Unlike your brilliance (see below), if you need a focus and don't purchase it before you leave ... and the ship doesn't have such a thing ... looks like you'll be without the use of that spell until you hit another port. I don't think you have anything like that, however.

The purpose of this is so that you don't have to get down to the obsessive-compulsive aspects of trying to figure out everything you need. With a 22 INT and being 27 years old with Spellcraft +19, it is assumed you are the 'Batman' (and with your wings, somewhat literally) of having just the right component at the right time.

[lostsole31]

Midterm papers to write.

In the meantime .... PersonMan, as above.

ALCON .... RP break if you want one.

[PersonMan]

Alright, I'm finally getting around to this. I actually have everything I need (internet and my books) so it's time to sit down and buy stuff.

I think I'll go for the ring, bringing me to 2.2 k gold.

After that purchase I'll put 200 each in spell transcription, scroll creation and spellcasting, so I have 1.6 k left.

I'll save that for now, I'm hoping to get a Lesser Pheonix Ash Threat weapon crystal with it later.

[lostsole31]

.....I'm hoping to get a Les/ser/ Pheo/nix/ Ash/ Threat/ wea/pon/ cry/stal with it later.
Ooooohhh ... sssss .... I'm so sorry, man. I don't allow any item that is more than 8 syllables in length, and this one is ten. :tongue:

[UserClone]

Think that Willie will go fer Dark Red, if'n it arn't already took.

[PersonMan]

Ooooohhh ... sssss .... I'm so sorry, man. I don't allow any item that is more than 8 syllables in length, and this one is ten. :tongue:

No problem, I'll call it a PhAt WepCry.

...This makes, admittedly, less sense than any other abbreviation I can think of.

[lostsole31]

DarkRed for a blooded sailor seems just fine, User!

[lostsole31]

Fun stuff, the most unlikely (or, perhaps, the most likely) member of the crew singing a shanty and doing quite well at it. :smallcool:

I'll be posting a big post this evening, hours-in-a-day willing ...

[PersonMan]

Sorry for not mentioning this sooner, but my ability to post will be severely limited for the next few days as I look for the German (roughly) equivalent to an internship. I'm posting this because I have a few moments, but I might be able to sneak in a post later today.

Tomorrow I should be able to reply, though.

[lostsole31]

Okay, thanks for the heads-up. I was primarily waiting for One-Eye, but I was willing to just shunt to you. UserClone was helping with response and cleanup of Hurricane Sandy.

[Tacitus]

So, what happened exactly? I'm assuming she was going over on the net seat and something happened and she went down, but otherwise I'm terribly confuzzled. X.x

[lostsole31]

Of course you're confuzzled, you are unable to respond yet. :smalltongue:

One of the pulley ropes for the net seat snapped, and then Lirith and seat dropped into the drink between the ships.

[Tacitus]

Ah, then I find it terribly ironic that the person in charge of rigging and things would have such a fate befall them.

[lostsole31]

Is that what the captain feels, or is that what Tacitus feels?

But, yes, it is strange that the ship's rigger is the one upon whom this accident has happened.

[Tacitus]

Its almost entirely out of character. Darrius might find it ironic after, if she ends up being okay, maybe.

[UserClone]

Freeeddddooooommm!

[lostsole31]

If a comet fell on PersonMan's character .... whose turn it is, by the way ... :smallconfused: ... what would you have?

A Celiss-tial Cometary Collision.

A-ahahahahahahahahahah!

Yeah. *bump*

[PersonMan]

I didn't even realize it was my turn in that fight.

[lostsole31]

Sorry, maybe it was an updated subscription in IC? That's why I *bumped* OOC

[lostsole31]

*bump*

Happy Thanksgiving!

EDIT: One of the players that was left out of the loop when I dropped all games to focus just on this one was HappyPersonx7. UserClone and srgonzo both played with him in Starfall, and he is my nephew.

Normally, I would ask the "table" to let him in, but considering how he was simply left behind leaves him with no game. He came on Giants, at my invitation, to play in a game that is now done. He went to boot camp and returned to tell me that he is ready to play D&D again. I just sent him a detailed message concerning character possibilities. He will probably use a toned down (but gestalt) version of Jer'el (which User and gonzo both know from the game Starfall).

[UserClone]

Welcome back, HPx7, and congrats on the accomplishment of finishing boot camp! Welcome to the military, young man!

[lostsole31]

UserClone ... *bump* ... you're up. However ....

Since all PCs are belowdecks and readied for bed if not asleep, you have to take an action to get up. You would only have "reasonable" equipment on you, and light weapons or one-handed on or nearby.Since this isn't a combat scenario, I allow those not in combat to grab a weapon as they go from prone to standing ... just as a move action. IN combat, however, rules are normal. The act of getting up from prone is not a "movement" but a move action and you can't grab a nearby weapon as you do so with a single move action.Then, you'd have to make your way to the nearest hatch ... One-Eye to rear hatch from scullery, and the rest from forward hatch from crew berthing. The first person there likely opens the hatch. And then there's climbing out and assessing the situation while those on watch hopefully give reports.

Everyone can state their action now .... it's just that we are on One-Eye's technical initiative, but that doesn't matter as much. What's important is that everyone has a few rounds, and I'm curious if anyone .... such as Celiss, has any pre-combat, MA or SA actions desired, or if Captain Wavebreaker wants to set up his incarnum before he even gets there. What weapons are drawn, if any, etc.

I'll edit IC.

[UserClone]

Whoops, didn't even notice that!

[srgonzo]

Ok, I've been doing a little soul searching, and I've come to a conclusion that I need to go ahead and peel myself away from this group. It has nothing to do with the speed of play or the people who are playing around our digital table. Rather, it's the real world things I'm doing these days. Between my career, teaching myself college algebra after not having taken a math class in 20 years, kids, and the various and sundry other things that take up time in my life, there isn't enough of me to go around. Frankly, I don't think I can commit enough of my time to this venture to actually make a contribution. The past few times I've posted an action of any sort, it seemed to me that I wasn't really even trying, and that's not the way I like to play. So, that having been said, it's been fun. Thank you for that, and I hope you all continue to game both digitally and around a table with some friends.

Sincerely,
Dave

[lostsole31]

Dave,

I've been seeing the posts on FB, and knew a lot of what was going on anyway. I'm sorry that you have to peel off, especially since you've been gaming (at-table and digitally) since .... what? ... 2007. Five years. Holy crap, that's a long time.

I'll still bother you on FB every now and then, and keep tabs on how you're doing. Good luck making chief, kick butt in college, and keep your four girls (wife + 3) happy. Who knows? Maybe we'll see you back on the boards again when things calm down?

ALCON: Ka'Xet will have a life, and not simply be an automaton. However, he is less likely to go on adventures so much as be OOD while away teams are out.

Currently, this means that our players are definitely UserClone, Tacitus, HappyPersonx7. I don't know about PersonMan. The last two times it's been his turn, I've had to take it for him. I will PM him and see if he is just busy for the time, or if his interest in the game has waned.

[lostsole31]

And thus we have our formal introduction of our new player HappyPersonx7!

Tacitus, UserClone, PersonMan (if you are still out there), please make him feel welcome OOC.

IC, of course, he's mighty suspicious.

Of course, Celiss did say "the stink of virtue," which implies three things:
a) First, it would seem that this creature is good.
b) Celiss can detect that which is good, which she has not (openly) mentioned before (if she knew).
c) It is possible from her obviously accidental outburst that she is fighting a tough battle, and possibly losing, in keeping a lid on her diabolical heritage.

[Tacitus]

Welcome indeed, to this most horribly mutated group of PCs. XD

[UserClone]

I beg your pardon!
Willie is not mutated.
Maimed, yes, as he is missing an eye.
Mutated he is not.

[lostsole31]

Pretty true, Tac. While not a "core" race, One-Eye has absolutely no templates ... just a good ol'-fashioned darfellan, just as Ka'Xet is a straight-up xeph. In fact, One-Eye is the only PC who has the same class on each side ... no dipping, diving, or PrC-ing.

[lostsole31]

If no one comments on the newcomer .... which should bring some comments, shouldn't it? ... we will fast forward to the next morning. I'll only leave a day or two open for that.

[lostsole31]

Tacitus ...

PersonMan ...

UserClone ....

HappyPersonx7 (though he is in AIT) ...

Is anyone out there?

*bump*

[PersonMan]

This is one of the situations where I'd just be waiting for someone else to start speaking or doing something in real life, too.

I'll post in a few, though.

[lostsole31]

UserClone has dropped. Not because of the campaign, but because his interest in d20 has waned and he is travelling to more storyboard type media. Just wanted to let everyone know. But at least you have an interesting cook.

Happy, yes ... don't ask me if you should reply via PM. Just do it. If you want to clear up anything to make us feel comfy as players but you are tightlipped, RP why that is so. But I can't tell you how to RP.

Tacitus/ PersonMan ... Xmas is over, and we are just about into the new year. I sent you all personal E-mails, but received nothing. Person, it was >10 days since you said you might say something, and I since posted.

Tac (aka, Captain...) what about you?

[PersonMan]

I think I'm going to bow out of the campaign. I haven't been able to keep up enough interest in the story or the character to really continue, so I think I'll just end my part here rather than letting it shrivel up and die. At the very least, everyone's going to know, rather than people wondering.

[lostsole31]

It's been a long and fun ride, PersonMan.

Tacitus? The campaign won't die, so don't decide based on two current players. There can always be colonists on board or on the Blue Nixie that could be exceptional (read: recruited players). New players normally jump at the chance to play gestalt on the high seas.

Also, to clear some things up, just in case it seems like there is an overload of NPCs capable of advancing are Korian, Cohen, Celiss, and One-Eye. All of the other NPCs onboard (Venkalie, Veldirose, Forol, etc.) are fixed-level NPCs. Celiss might be fixed to the ship ... I'll have to figure that one out. One-Eye, as the cook (and master-at-arms), it would be up to Tacitus if he goes on away teams or not.

[lostsole31]

Happy, it looks like Tacitus left us without saying goodbye, unless something is happening of which I am unaware. I've tried several times to PM him, notify him in this OOC, and even E-mail him ... all to no avail.

Tacitus, if you do happen to show again, Darrius is still yours to jump back into.

For now, Happy, this campaign is a solo campaign ... all for you. Meanwhile, I will attempt to recruit one or two other players. Sound good?

[PSinger]

Hi, Happy!

I'm a friend and classmate (sorta ... I'm theatre tech and he's a performer) of Rusty, and I've played with him in other games.

We chatted, and instead of making a new character, I'm being allowed to settle into Celiss Nightrom's scaly skin. Boo! :sabine:

[lostsole31]

This information is included on the first post for easy reference ...

... aaaand, the OOC for The Savage Tide. Welcome to the Varsity Squad, adventurers!!

Colors are getting out-of-hand for me. So, re-doing the chart found at the beginning, but starting here...

{table=head]Character/ Color |Player |Race |Class/ PrC |Role/ Specialty
Captain Darrius Wavebreaker of the Sea Wyvern | PC | Amphibious dark draconic human male| Incarnate of Good 5// Rogue 2/ Swordsage 1 | Ship's Captain; Aquatic & Stealth Expert; Super-Adaptable power set with incarnum, allowing to set up roles as necessary
Mr. Cohen (Rabbi-Doctor Eliezer (Lazer) Whuraili Cohen ben Mordechai of Clan Ironoath of Oriadeth) |NPC | Possible Half-Celestial (?) Sea Cliff dwarf male |Healer 5 |First Mate and Ship's Surgeon; Healing Expert; Polyglot & Diplomat; Aquatic Specialist
Celiss Nightrom |PSinger |Diabolical heritage, specifics unknown, former human female|Monk 2// Wizard 5 |Ship's Mage; Melee-Arcane Abilities with some hell-powers; Temporal Studies Theorist; Amazing Scholar
Jer'el |HappyPersonx7 |Chameleon Cecalia male |Ranger 6/ Order of the Bow Initiate 1 |Recently rescued and made a deckhand; Archery and Aquatic Specialist
Korian (Silversides) Hleidson |NPC |Anthropomorphic Wolverine male, with unknown extra |Swordsage 5 (used to calm his bloodrage) | Not officially a crew member; Melee, Athletic, and Survival specialist
Mr. Kahir (Ka'Xet Moakh Kahir) |Semi-Active NPC |Xeph male |Soulknife 5// Nomad 3/ Ranger 2 | Ship's Pilot; Mobility and Navigational Expert; Secondary Archer
One-Eyed Willy |Semi-Active NPC |Darfellan male |Gunslinger 5// Swashbuckler 5| Ship's Cook & Master-at-Arms; Firearms Expert; Secondary Swordsman[/table]

All other NPCs are Red for male and Magenta for female.

[MikelaC1]

Has anyone claimed blue for speech. If not, Desiria will.

[lostsole31]

Blue? For you?? What a strange, bizarre, and absolutely fantastical choice, and inexplicable deviation from your other favored colors. :biggrin:

[MikelaC1]

For some strange reason, when I first joined GiTP, the box to change color of your post wouldnt work for me. I had to manually type in color=blue and since I didnt want to guess at what the other color names would be, I just stuck with blue. Creature of habit, I guess.

[lostsole31]

Oh, and Desiria? As in Desire? Just as with colors and races, you sure do like to stay within the same focus for characters (and worlds/ gods :smallwink:).

Just as long as you don't send me a sampe character picture of another woman (like you did in our first game) that cannot possibly have a digestive system, would hardly be able to breathe, but would never fear of drowning (even though this last is useful in an aquatic campaign). :smalltongue:

[DJDeMiko]

Howdy all. I am DjDeMiko and I shall be joining you Playing Hifestus Smithson, the ifrit rogue/fighter blacksmith and entrapeneur.

I like purple, is it available?


Lost - you should have access to my character now and I couldn't find any character sheets named ezekiul :( But its the sort of thing I would name a character, maybe it has a different title?

[lostsole31]

Welcome, purple is available ...

Ezekiul is still another player's character sheet with permissions granted me by DJDeMiko on the Tangled Web site. He was a paladin in the Starfall campaign wherein you all had starsign-based tattoos and there was threat of a duergar invasion. You weren't in the campaign very long. Unlike many players who just surreptitiously drop out without ever saying anything (like Tacitus here), when I looked at "last posts by" for you, some time had gone by and it seemed like you stopped gaming entirely. This was over two years ago.

[HappyPersonx7]

Really sorry I haven't been on in forever. Our wifi has been down since about Sunday evening, and our platoon sergeant didn't even know we HAD wifi until about Thursday, apparently, so it took a little longer to get it fixed... it seems to be working now, though, so hopefully I'll be able to get back on again.

[lostsole31]

LOL! Lucky you. You had gone over three days and I was going to write a post last night (streamrolling you), but I had trouble with Internet and went to bed instead. :smalltongue:

Yup, hopefully you'll get more time. But, please, if it looks like you're going to be doing any kind of maneuvers that might take you out of the 3-day window (or even a 2-day window to be sure), please let us know.

[lostsole31]

Hefestus and Desiria, please describe yourselves.

You don't have far back at all to see the description (for later) of Korian (though neither of you know any special spoilered info) or for Jer'el. Go back a couple pages and you'll see descriptions and names for other members of the crew.

[DJDeMiko]

Just so you guys know, I rarely, if ever, post on weekends.

[DJDeMiko]

Lost - I was thinking about Hifestus and I thought hammers might be better thematic wise. Since we haven't gotten into combat yet, I didn't think it would matter much if I switched?

(I realized over the weekend that I made a blacksmith that uses axes to fight and hit myself in the head, Perrin much?)

I would pick light hammers, though if there was a "light warhammer" option I would pick it instead. I would keep the same magic bonus's and just switch my feats/abilities to refelect light hammers instead of boarding axes.

It's weird, with swords and axes, there are light (can be thrown, low damage) - light (can't be thrown, more damage) - one handed (can't be finessed, more damage)

But with hammers their is just (light, can be thrown, low damage) and one handed (can't be finessed, more damage)

I wonder why they didn't make a 1d6 X3 on crit light version

[lostsole31]

Just so you guys know, I rarely, if ever, post on weekends.
Thank you for the update. I still try to go by the 3-day max limit so as not to make three other players wait longer than that, but assuming consistent posting from all players this shouldn't be a problem for you.

Lost - I was thinking about Hifestus and I thought hammers might be better thematic wise. Since we haven't gotten into combat yet, I didn't think it would matter much if I switched?

I would pick light hammers, though if there was a "light warhammer" option I would pick it instead. I would keep the same magic bonus's and just switch my feats/abilities to refelect light hammers instead of boarding axes.

But with hammers their is just (light, can be thrown, low damage) and one handed (can't be finessed, more damage)

I wonder why they didn't make a 1d6 X3 on crit light version
A) It makes way more sense. Why the hell would someone with no shipboard experience be expert in such a nautical weapon? And the smithy aspect makes more sense anyway.

B) As far as all the rest, light hammers are good for you nonetheless. There is no "light warhammer" and you'll have to live with that part.

If you've ever actually seen a light hammer .... which were primarily used by Vikings as softening up weapons (thrown just before a charge or when a little further back on the beginnning of a charge) ... you'd know that it is very light all things considered. Look at the "2 lbs" of weight listed. It makes sense that a bludgeoning weapon that is significantly lighter than a mace doesn't have any greater ability to crack bones. You are a strong warrior, but strength is not your forte. (Strength no forte ... like saying strength is not your strength. :smalltongue: ) This means that light hammers don't have as much impact on what you can carry, as compared to a 5-lb warhammer that has the weight necessary. Not a lot of light weapons have greater than x2 crit factor.

These are finessable, perfect given your agility, and the Light size means that if someone grabs you (because, see above, strength is not your best quality), you can still fight in the grapple instead of feeling useless.

Here is another balancing point. Only a starknife (whatever) compares with the light hammer for thrown range at 20', vice the normal thrown weapon range of 10'. With greater damage, the light hammer is superior.

Final analysis: same damage and weight as short sword, lacking injurious ability, but excellent throwing range as standoff weapon (or even for someone who likes throwing this weapon). Not a bad weapon, but people usually look at the crit column ... and most people don't find a light hammer "sexy enough."

Next ... you don't get to choose your own incarnation of "Taboo Proficiency" drawback. It is specific. Since you need your martial weapons proficiency, it takes up your heavy armor proficiency. That might remove a feat if you traded out (and as a rogue, should've for medium/ heavy armor). I still haven't done the final audit of either sheets. But if you get rid of the drawback instead, you'd have to get rid of the 4 skill points you had gained.

[DJDeMiko]

Thank you for the update. I still try to go by the 3-day max limit so as not to make three other players wait longer than that, but assuming consistent posting from all players this shouldn't be a problem for you.

A) It makes way more sense. Why the hell would someone with no shipboard experience be expert in such a nautical weapon? And the smithy aspect makes more sense anyway.

B) As far as all the rest, light hammers are good for you nonetheless. There is no "light warhammer" and you'll have to live with that part.

If you've ever actually seen a light hammer .... which were primarily used by Vikings as softening up weapons (thrown just before a charge or when a little further back on the beginnning of a charge) ... you'd know that it is very light all things considered. Look at the "2 lbs" of weight listed. It makes sense that a bludgeoning weapon that is significantly lighter than a mace doesn't have any greater ability to crack bones. You are a strong warrior, but strength is not your forte. (Strength no forte ... like saying strength is not your strength. :smalltongue: ) This means that light hammers don't have as much impact on what you can carry, as compared to a 5-lb warhammer that has the weight necessary. Not a lot of light weapons have greater than x2 crit factor.

These are finessable, perfect given your agility, and the Light size means that if someone grabs you (because, see above, strength is not your best quality), you can still fight in the grapple instead of feeling useless.

Here is another balancing point. Only a starknife (whatever) compares with the light hammer for thrown range at 20', vice the normal thrown weapon range of 10'. With greater damage, the light hammer is superior.

Final analysis: same damage and weight as short sword, lacking injurious ability, but excellent throwing range as standoff weapon (or even for someone who likes throwing this weapon). Not a bad weapon, but people usually look at the crit column ... and most people don't find a light hammer "sexy enough."

Next ... you don't get to choose your own incarnation of "Taboo Proficiency" drawback. It is specific. Since you need your martial weapons proficiency, it takes up your heavy armor proficiency. That might remove a feat if you traded out (and as a rogue, should've for medium/ heavy armor). I still haven't done the final audit of either sheets. But if you get rid of the drawback instead, you'd have to get rid of the 4 skill points you had gained.

I actually didn't trade out, I thought it might be cheesing, but I could realllyyyyyy use the skill points. Does that mean I get two drawbacks? One for heavy and one for medium?

I am still going to have him hating wooden weapons and armor, in addition, he will only wear leather that is heavily metal'd up :)

[lostsole31]

I actually didn't trade out, I thought it might be cheesing, but I could realllyyyyyy use the skill points. Does that mean I get two drawbacks? One for heavy and one for medium?

I am still going to have him hating wooden weapons and armor, in addition, he will only wear leather that is heavily metal'd up :)
It's not cheesing when I give it to you and it never helps. Yes, you can choose two drawbacks dropping you to only light armor proficiency, but gaining 4 skill points. Cold aversion would be your 3rd (max) drawback.

Do you still want Shield proficiency? If not, that can be traded out for a feat.

[lostsole31]

I actually didn't trade out, I thought it might be cheesing, but I could realllyyyyyy use the skill points. Does that mean I get two drawbacks? One for heavy and one for medium?

I am still going to have him hating wooden weapons and armor, in addition, he will only wear leather that is heavily metal'd up :)
Also, light hammers are one of the few "hafted" weapons that are normally strictly metal for balance.

[MikelaC1]

Hey, I did ask the captain for permission to come on board. Saw the protocol on an episode of Star Trek (TNG).

[DJDeMiko]

Just to clarify, are we sleeping on a sheet on the ground or in hammocks?

I feel like in 3.5 there was a feat chain that let you use bucklers while dual wielding with no penalty. Any idea?

I can take 3 drawbacks, each armor type, shields and cold vulnerabilities are drawbacks? So I have 4 options and need to pick 3? I am getting confused here :)

[MikelaC1]

I feel like in 3.5 there was a feat chain that let you use bucklers while dual wielding with no penalty. Any idea?


There is, I think it is called Improved Buckler Defense or Improved Shield Defense or something along those lines. Its in Complete Warrior, that I know and I know about it because one of my old dual wielding PCs used it so that she could have a shield as well.

[MikelaC1]

Heres the link

http://dndtools.eu/feats/complete-warrior--61/improved-buckler-defense--1449/

[DJDeMiko]

Heres the link

http://dndtools.eu/feats/complete-warrior--61/improved-buckler-defense--1449/

Yowza, that seems too awesome :) It's like "hey remember how you had to choose between damage and survivability . . . screw it, have both."

[lostsole31]

Hey, I did ask the captain for permission to come on board. Saw the protocol on an episode of Star Trek (TNG).
Uh-huh. Because ST:TNG protocol trumps the DM's 20 years as a retired Navy veteran, combined with his long-standing knowledge of naval and maritime history. Hmmm ... :smallconfused:

Just to clarify, are we sleeping on a sheet on the ground or in hammocks?

I can take 3 drawbacks, each armor type, shields and cold vulnerabilities are drawbacks? So I have 4 options and need to pick 3? I am getting confused here :)
A) Hammocks, not bunks.

B) No more than 3 drawbacks, each of which provides +4 skill points.
The cold vulnerability is ONLY a drawback for 4 skill points.
Each turn-in of armor/ shield proficiency is either a free feat or +4 skill points.
* You still can't choose more than 3 drawbacks, but no limit to feats.

Yowza, that seems too awesome :) It's like "hey remember how you had to choose between damage and survivability . . . screw it, have both."
Okay, we are starting to hem-and-haw here by the sounds of things. I don't know if this is just standard OOC banter, or a request to change things around.

Also, what about light hammer? I never heard anything one way or the other. This business needs to be locked down.

[DJDeMiko]

Light hammers yes

Not hemming and hawing, just have more feats/skills than I thought and was trying to decide what to do with them.

I am going to drop medium armor as well and use the feat to pick up point blank shot and if you are ok with it, switch two weapon defense for improved buckler defense. If not, I will keep two weapon defense.

That should give me 3 drawbacks. No heavy armor, no med armor and cold vulnerable.

[lostsole31]

DJ/ Hifestus

You correctly calculated your Armor Training for ACP and Max Dex, but you gave yourself 1 extra point of AC. Corrected.
You cheated yourself on skill points. You should have 72, vice 68. Trust me, or I can send you the file with the chart.
Scorpion Whip is an exotic melee weapon with which you have no proficiency. This seems to me to be metagaming/ min-maxing for all manner of CM bonuses when your background has absolutely nothing to do with it. Nothing. There is no in-character reason at all why you would place such a vast fortune on not just one, but two magical weapons that you don’t know how to use. Get rid of them, refund yourself the money, and find a better way to spend your money. Such weapons don't even make sense for the environment (jungle surrounding urban). Don’t even take non-magical versions.
I put Point Blank Shot as your 5th-level feat.
Might put some of that extra gold from cashing in your scorpion whips for a magical buckler...

[DJDeMiko]

Lost - scorpion whip was changed to axes which were changed to hammers.

My original character concept had a background for scorpion whips, which I changed and then changed and then changed :)

I thought I pulled all mention of the whip, my bad :) Where did I leave it?

I want all of my abilities and feats to represent wielding two light hammers and a buckler.

The gold won't change to much as his hammers will be +1 magic.

[lostsole31]

Umm, Mikela? What injured crewman?

[MikelaC1]

Umm, Mikela? What injured crewman?

Watching to see if one gets injured, in which case she will offer aid. Also watching to see if someone appears to be struggling with a current injury, in which case she will aid as well. If neither is going on, she just gets to know the lay of the ship.