[Pathfinder] Two Fighters Are Better Than One

I can’t think of any real good intro text for today’s character build. So, let’s get straight to it instead:

Ping and Pong   Twin* Female Human Fighters 8 Init: +2 Perception: -2

Defense   AC: 24; Touch 12; Flat 22 CMD: 24 (26 vs Bull Rush) HP: 76 Fort: 8 Ref: 5 Will: 1 (Bravery)

Offense   Speed: 30 Melee: (Standard) Shield Bash +15 1d3+6 plus Bull Rush; (Full) Scimitar +11 1d6+2 (18-20), Shield Bash +13/+8 1d3+6 plus Bull Rush Ranged: Dagger +11 1d4+4 (10ft)

Statistics   Str 18 Dex 15 Con 12 Int 10 Wis 7 Cha 14 Base Attack: 8 CMB: 12 (Bull Rush 16) Feats: Combat Reflexes; Greater Bull Rush; Improved Bull Rush; Improved Shield Bash; Lunge; Power Attack; Shield Slam; Toughness; Two-Weapon Fighting; Weapon Focus (Shield) Skills: Acrobatics 7, Climb 5; Intimidate 13; Linguistics 2; Profession (Bodyguard) 5; Swim 2 Gear: Light Darkwood Shield +1; Cold Iron Scimitar; Full Plate Bikini +1**; Potion of Cure Light Wounds; Potion of Bear’s Endurance; Engraved Silver Armband (Jewelry – 250gp); Salve of Slipperiness***; Rehearsed Bodyguard Services Sales Pitch; Unmentionables of Resistance +1; Masterwork Daggers (2); Standard Adventuring Gear; 98gp Languages: Common, Eastern Common****; Goblin

Special Abilities Armour Training 2; Bravery +2; Weapon Training (Close 1)

* Twins, Basil! Twins!

** Thanks to Armour Training, full plate is the new chainmail.

*** Stop thinking the filthy, perverted thoughts I thought when equipping the twins.

**** Only if your game allows for different variants of common. Don’t you just love how the revised skill system allows any character a tonne of language options?

Perhaps I need to take some time to explain how this build works. Before using it in your game, though, you’ll need to check how your group/GM would interpret the interaction between the Shield Slam and Greater Bull Rush feats. Anyway, even if your group wouldn’t allow shield-bashed-triggered bull rush triggered attacks of opportunity, these two fighters could still be used as part of an interesting, and perhaps comical, combat encounter – by making clever use of Combat Reflexes, Lunge, shield bashes, bull rushes and readied actions, Ping and Pong can turn their opponents into tennis balls.

Twins, Basil! Twins!

To man this pair up, you could always consider a dwarf and halfling called Hammer and Anvil.

I chose to give them light shields and scimitars purely for look and feel reasons. To make them a bit more combat efficient, you might consider a heavy spiked shield and light slashing or bludgeoning weapon. At higher levels, take a look at a bashing enhancement for the shields (if not spiked).

You could also think about giving up the Power Attack feat tree for Weapon Finesse, Agile Maneuvers and more Two-Weapon Fighting goodness.

Be thankful that I didn’t give them any of these feats.

- jatori

Feat Discussion: Aspect of the Rock (and a hard place)

I think it is high time that I present a monk feat. The monk is one of my most favorite classes and I simply haven’t given it the feat-discussion justice that the class deserves

Aspect of the Rock [General]
Prerequisites: Improved Unarmed Strike, Stunning Fist, Power Attack
Benefit: When using the power attack feat the DC of your successful Stunning Fist attacks increases by the penalty you take due to the power attack feat.

Note this is designed with the Pathfinder version of the Power Attack feat in mind, other editions should tailor the progression of the feat presented above in a similar way.

[Random Chatter] Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever played an RPG?

There’s one thing that any true, hardcore gamer can admit to: being able to sit down anywhere, at any time, and roll some dice.  I’ve played in some interesting places in my time, including beachfronts and shopping malls. But, the strangest place I’ve ever gamed in has to be an experimental university farm, surrounded by mutant fish (perfect for that Cthulhu mythos inspired horror game) and mooing bovine (suspected to be of the Diablo II hell variety).

So, where’s the strangest place you’ve ever rolled some dice?

- jatori

[Bardic Performance] Help a Fellow Roleplayer Make it Big

A few weeks ago, I reported that one of my old university RP buddies and his brother entered SA’s Got Talent. Well, today, I have some good news: the two brothers made it to the top 21 finalists (you’ll see them on SABC 2 on Wednesday night). Voting details will follow later, but for now, you can check out their fansite or follow them on twitter (@louisandwillem).

- jatori

In other news, I’ll be selling sordid DnD stories to the local gossip magazines. Ka-ching.

[Cape Town] LFR Weekend – 7 November

If you’re in Cape Town over the weekend of the 7th of November, you may want to check out the Forgotten Realms weekend happening at Outer Limits. Pop over to the Cape of Games blog for more info.

- jatori

[Durban] Game Day – 14 November

Once again, I’ll be hosting another game day in Durban.

Venue: Destiny Bookstore, Windermere Centre, Durban

Time: 10:30 am for 11:00 am

Price: Free!

I met some potential new RPG players at a Halloween party… on, um, Halloween. I promised them that I’d run a simple RPG session for them at the next game day. So, I’ll be running a short Pathfinder adventure for them (module, level etc. still to be determined). Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a second GM to run a second table, so, instead, PB will run a few Dominion games for those that don’t get a chance to RP. Unfortunately, the RPG table only has 3 spots left, so bookings are essential.

As always: No gaming experience required.

- jatori

[Pathfinder] Animal Companions

Familiars, cohorts and animal companions – they offer so many great role playing opportunities and mechanical benefits, but, far too often, they end up being more of a chore than anything else. Today, I present a ranger NPC and a slightly different approach to animal companions.

Ewod Lock   Male Dwarf Ranger 8 Init: +2 Perception: +13 Darkvision 60ft; Stonecunning

Defense   AC: 19; Touch 12; Flat 17 CMD: 23 (Bull Rush 27; Trip 29) HP: 84 Fort: 9 Ref: 9 Will: 5 (Hardy)

Offense   Speed: 20 Melee: (Standard Action) Falchion +9 2d4+13; (Full Attack) Falchion +7/+2 2d4+13 and Armour Spike +7/+2 1d6+3 Ranged: Longbow +11 1d8+3 Spells Prepared: 1 – Delay Poison, Pass Without Trace; 2 – Barkskin; Windwall

Statistics   Str 17 Dex 14 Con 14 Int 13 Wis 14 Cha 5 Base Attack: 8 CMB: 11 (13 Trip) Feats: Combat Expertise; Endurance;  Improved Trip; Improved Two-Weapon Fighting; Improved Unarmed Strength; Power Attack (Taken into account); Two-Weapon Fighting Skills: Climb 9; Handle Animal 8*; Heal 11; Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 5; Knowledge (Geography) 11; Knowledge (Nature) 12; Perception 13; Stealth 10; Survival 13 (17 Track) Gear: Silver Dragonhide Breastplate +1; Masterwork Falchion; Masterwork Silvered Armour Spikes; Cloak of Resistance +1; Masterwork Composite Longbow (Strength +3); Wand of Cure Light Wounds (10 Charges); Spyglass; Climber’s Kit; Healer’s Kit (10 Uses); Puppy Purse (Saddle); Potion of Bear’s Endurance; Doggy Biscuit of Endure Elements; Potion of Bull’s Strength; 30gp

Special Abilities   Dwarf Traits; Combat Style (Two-Weapon Fighting); Favoured Enemy (Dragon +2; Human +4); Favoured Terrain (Underground +4; Urban +2) Hunter’s Bond (Animal Companion); Swift Tracker; Track; Wild Empathy; Woodland Stride

Wan-Wan   Small Yorkshire Terrier Init: +5 Perception: +5

Defense   AC: 21; Touch 17; Flat 15 CMD: 19 HP: 43 (5 HD) Fort: 7 Ref: 9 Will: 2

Offense   Speed: 40 Melee: Bite +6 1d4+2

Statistics   Str 14 Dex 20 Con 16 Int 2 Wis 12 Cha 6 Base Attack: 3 CMB: 4 Feats: Dodge; Light Armour Proficiency; Mobility Skills: Acrobatics 9; Perception 5; Stealth 11 Gear: Black Studded Leather Barding +1; Silver Collar with Inlaid Jade (500gp); Eye Patch

Special Abilities   Evasion; Link; Low-Light Vision; Scent; Share Spells Tricks: Attack; Come; Defend; Down; Fetch; Perform; Stay; Track

Notes:

The normally gruff, stoic and downright rude dwarven ranger, Ewod, shows a very uncharacteristic level of affection towards his animal companion, often spending a fortune on puppy salon treatments and chic puppy apparel (including an expensive jeweled collar and customised carry pouch).

In combat, Wan-Wan tries to aid his master by using the Aid Another action and attempts to get into a flanking position. Ewod gets a +1 to his attack rolls against anybody that injures Wan-Wan in any way. If Wan-Wan is slain in combat, Ewod immediately enters a rage (as the Barbarian class feature) for 5 rounds. I’m sure most GMs would allow these ad hoc bonuses, simply because the idea of Wan-Wan is, um, rather special.

When making a full attack, Ewod, uses his unarmed strikes to deliver trip attempts. At level 9, you might consider the Stunning Headbutt or Stunning Kick to Groin feats.

Image Jacked From Wikipedia

- jatori

[Pathfinder] 101 uses for a 10ft ladder

When designing and equipping a character, I tend to purchase a few mundane items to better flesh out the character concept. For example, my shapechangers come complete with a full wardrobe (for any situation and either gender); my transmuters carry around spices, cooking equipment, fine wine and several spell slots dedicated to Baleful Polymorph (it’s probably not cannibalism that way); and my physicists all carry crowbars. So, it was only a matter of time till I concocted this monstrosity:

Carter  Greyling   Male Human LG Paladin 8 Init: +0 Perception: +0

Defense   AC: 19; Touch 10; Flat 19 CMD: 24 (26 vs Overrun) HP: 84 Fort: 11 Ref: 5 Will: 9

Offense   Speed: 20 Melee: Stairway to Heaven (Ladder) 10ft reach +9 1d10+15*; Paddle of Justice (Oar) +9 1d10+15; Silvered Spiked Gauntlet +10 1d4+8; Cold Iron Spiked Gauntlet +10 1d4+8 Spells Prepared: 1 – Lesser Restoration, Magic Weapon; 2 – Bull’s Strength

Statistics   Str 19 Dex 10 Con 14 Int 8 Wis 10 Cha 14 Base Attack: 8 CMB: 12 (14 Overrun) Feats: Catch Off-Guard; Improved Overrun; Power Attack (taken into account); Toughness; Transcendent Mercy Skills: Craft (Woodworking) 3; Perform (Air Guitar) 6; Sense Motive 8 Gear: Masterwork Full Plate; Masterwork Spiked Cold Iron Gauntlet**; Spiked Silvered Gauntlet +1***; Wand of Cure Light Wounds (10 charges); Cloak of Resistance +1; Ladder; Oar; Pig****; Javelin of Lightning; Universal Solvent; Scroll of Delay Poison (CL 5); Adventuring Gear; 297gp; 8sp

Special Abilities   Aura of Courage; Aura of Good; Aura of Resolve; Channel Energy +4d6; Divine Bond (Weapon); Divine Grace; Divine Health; Lay on Hands 6/d +4d6; Mercy (Diseased, Sickened); Smite Evil

* With the Magic Weapon spell and his Divine Bond, Carter can swing around a +1 Holy Ladder <groan>

** The phrase “Filthy Hippiez” is crudely scratched on the back of this left-hand gauntlet.

*** The words “Vamp”, “Ratpeople” and “Lawyer” are carved into the back of this right-hand gauntlet.

**** Yes, a pig.

- jatori

[Blog Carnival] Maybe I should include this in my new player interview kit

This month’s blog carnival topic, Morality: in-game and RL, is quite a whopper of a topic. There’s just so much that I could write about, but luckily, this month’s theme comes with its own internet quiz meme-like list of questions. Memes. I love them. And as some regular readers may know, I was killed by and then replaced by a self-replicating meme 5 months ago.

What are your limits as a player?

Any action that would in any way hamper the fun for the rest of my group. I don’t always get it right though, but I try to learn from my mistakes.

How evil can you be?

Pretty darn despicable, but only on the very rare occassion as a player. As a GM, however, I sometimes take being evil too seriously (note: this does not mean vindictive and mean-spirited), trying my best to unnerve and unsettle my players. Unfortunately, the players end up unnerving and unsettling me more often than the other way round.

Do you just like to play by alignment or do you like a more realistic moral system?

This really depends on the genre and system. The alignment system of DnD is such an integral part of DnDness for me that I can’t play DnD or craft a character (Craft a Character is a 7th level item creation feat) without writing down LG in the alignment box. Then, when playing with WoD, I really get into the vice/virtue system, using it to help flesh out my characters. In BESM, I base character morals on how long they take to power up their big finisher moves.

What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done as a player?

Destroyed the world. Seriously. My character accidentally fulfilled the criteria for the end of the world prophecy. That was the last time I deliberately set out to play CN. LG is so much safer.

How much difference is there between your real life morals and your in-game morals?

As a player, not too much. Sticking with the DnD examples, I tend to stick to a select few alignment choices (LG, NG, LN and occassionnally LE) and then I tend to hammer my interpretation of those alignments to match my RL morals. Works every time.

If a God mandates Kolbolds are evil and must be destroyed, could your character kill a Kolbold pup in cold blood?

Sadly, I must confess to playing the occassional religious zealot and they would follow divine orders to the letter. However, most of my characters tend to be either agnostic (and only carry silver symbols to use as improvised weapons against vamps and wererats) or intelligent/wise enough to question authority when they realise that blindly following a law/order/divine mandate is not necessarily the best course of action. Of course, any attempt to discuss my character’s views and share her concerns with the powers-that-be ends up with the rest of my party getting bored and then starting a thieving and/or killing spree. ^_^

- jatori

P.S. You can see PB’s answers to these questions here.

[RPG Blog Carnival] What goes around, comes around

The carnival this month is about morality.  Given that this is a bit tricky to write about, I’ll be using the questions posed in the post about this months topic, with a final thought at the end.

What are your limits as a player?

My characters tend to be chaotic and as such they add to their code as they go along. Betrayal can be ok, sometimes, if the price is right. I’d happily kill anyone deemed evil, but if something doesn’t feel right about the situation it won’t happen. I’ve found though, that if there’s a paladin in the group I tend to go overboard with the wanton destruction.

How evil can you be?

Pretty darn evil, I don’t have this nic just for the fun of it. Although I’m not the organised take over the world kind of evil, it’s all about the destruction, peeving off the biggest person I can find and kicking ass.

Do you just like to play by alignment or do you like a more realistic moral system?

I prefer a more realistic system, alignment tends to be restrictive because we all have different views on what stands for what.

What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done as a player?

I suppose it would be the death of  umm 15 peasants because they were in my way.

How much difference is there between your real life morals and your in-game morals?

There is an entire universe between my real life morals and my in-game morals. In game I let loose and don’t really care about the consequences, in real life it’s all about the consequences. Although  both in-game and out karma tends to be a factor.

If a God mandates Kolbolds are evil and must be destroyed, could your character kill a Kolbold pup in cold blood?

I’d probably try to keep it and raise it. Baby animals are my weakness.

———-

When we game we tend to look at morality in terms of alignment choices or your level of humanity, but do this arbitrary choices really reflect the characters moral code, or even your own? Probably not, but it does help to have something to fall back on when your character needs to make those really tough calls: kill the baby or go against orders? My experience has tended to go along karmic lines…when ever my rangers acted against nature, they would die at the ‘hands of nature’. If calling it karma doesn’t work for you how about cause and effect? Clearly everything you do has a consequence/ripple effect on everything else. I figure that, that’s how morality works…we have the code to shape our actions.