For those long waits between battles and role playing.

I have closed the applications and reviewed them, choosing the five players in the group. Welcome to the game.

Birahu the Black - Human Wizard // Sorcerer
Peir Barrow - Gnome Wizard // Cleric
Penyy - Tiefling Urban Ranger // Beguiler
Rhaga the Wolfhound - Orc Scout // Barbarian
Tamyir Flameworthy - Human Paladin // Monk

Greetings everyone!

I am angry and fast. Stay behind me!

I serve Her divine flame, Mistress of Silverfire, Our Lady of the Weave.

Hello all, Tamyir, Paladin of the Mystic Fire, Holy Monk for butt-kicking goodness! Hopefully we continue after this adventure, I have some cool ideas for Tamyir.

How do all.

Hey there, I'll be your not-so-friendly neighborhood Infiltrator/Skillmaster. How do you do? :D

In reply to Penny (msg # 6):

greetings!

Well I think we should start out as a group, since it seems like we have characters of wildly different backgrounds and...probably alignments.

Perhaps we have recently saved a small village from Zhent slavers?

A group name would be appropriate as well. Sundered Stars? Wren's Larks?

Rhaga and her less famous compatriots? :p

I kinda feel like I should go Paladin//Warmage, so that we are all almost some form of arcane users, well, that and it would be cool to watch a paladin cast magic missile at the Darkness!

DM, would you be opposed to a class change to the above concept?

That is fine, makes a little more sense than Monk // Paladin.

I wouldn't go so grand as fighting off Zhent slavers Tamyir. On the other hand if we'd come in via the same route to where we are starting it's entirely possible we were travelling with the same caravan and fought off bandits.

But then again the GM might have plans for our meeting :)

Hello Birahu the Black :)

Just for the record: Penny is a mercenary/survivor type, she should be easy to incorporate. :D

Many of you have expressed a desire for more feats, and I was thinking of allowing you each 1 feat per level (replacing the feat progression 1, 3, 6, etc...)

How do you feel about the proposal?

I'm good with anything.

I could use that, as long as we don't go into any shenanigans with that. I like lots of feats and I cannot lie, you other brothers and sisters can't deny, when you look at all the nifty feats that get up in your face you get drools!

I'll happily admit to salivating shamelessly at extra feats. Ultimately you do what you're happy with though boss.

I do like characters who progress in different ways when they level up, not just HPs, saves and BAB, so a GESTALT game already fulfills that wish. However, as a non-human Penny starts out with 2 feats and the idea I have for her will force her to take some prerequisite feats that are of little to no use, hence extra feats would help with that, absolutely.

On the other hand, I also know that an interesting game is challenging the players and the more powerful players are, the more difficult it becomes to create a game that challenges without outright killing individual PCs. Having no idea which level this game takes us to, the end result at level 18 could leave everyone with 18 feats, if we're reaching level 9 at the end of the campaign 9 feats might be totally fine.

If we can balance the two that would be terrific. :)

In reply to Penny (msg # 18):

I need to get cracking on my character, Birahu the Black, Wizard||Sorcerer! Immortal, until killed! He will be staying clear of the fight! ;-)

Ah yes, behold the immortal Birahu! *grins*

Speaking of which: Penny is a beguiler, so she covers the enchantments and illusions. Not saying you should not have your own, but focusing on them might be a bit redundant. She doesn't have any blasting spells nor works with the walking dead etc.

And she's not the type to wade into the thick of the battle either...

I am going to say yes to 1 feat per level instead of the traditional progression. This should allow most of you to play what you would like to play.

Any meta magic hijinks, shenanigans, etc... will be followed by the harsh DM NO! As always, please consult the DM before building your characters around a certain concept.

Rhaga has her character sheet done, Tamyir and Penny are working on theirs, and Peir and Birahu have yet to edit their sheets yet. Please start soon so we can start the adventure.

So, to get back on the topic of group building. Do we have a clearer idea how the PCs met and why this motley crew would stay together?

To help with this, Penny has a mercenary mind, so as long as she believes staying with the group is benefitting her, she will stay.

In reply to Penny (msg # 23):

My Office quit working, my chargen is a Visual Basic program called HeroForge that is Excel based, ordered Office 2021 and hope my program runs there, and I'll catch up quickly. I used to have an IQ of 135, I think it is 70 now. I'll finish him this weekend one way or the other!

If you need help I can lend you a hand, have been playing DnD3.5 for over a decade and unless you expect an optimized character, I'm sure we can patch together something interesting :)

Sorry to hear about the mental issues, anything that can be done about it?

In reply to Penny (msg # 25):

getting old. I've been playing 3.x since 2000. Thanks, I may take you up on that!

I'm working on it, busy with work this weekend.

Tamyir views himself as an arrow of Mystra, seeking out corrupted spellcasters and dispatching evil villians with the strength and spells of his will. He upholds good above law, but only just. Tamyir would prefer to do things legally, but sometimes evil hides behind the facade of the law.

Tamyir has some different abilities compared to most paladins, but he sacrificed some features to gain them. His warmage is as usual blasty blasty, but as a follow of Mystra, he prefers to use his martial skills rather than his spells to overcome his foes.

Sheet is half done now! I'm getting there, ready tomorrow I think! Woooooooot!!! ;-)

In reply to Birahu the Black (msg # 28):

Feats at regular intervals, or one at every level? ;-P I'm greedy ;-)

In reply to Rhaga the Wolfhound (msg # 9):

Birahu's Band ;-P I don't usually name my groups, so I'm not the one to ask.

In reply to Birahu the Black (msg # 30):

5,400GP starting gold? What is allowed, what is verboten?

Just need my gear and spells, otherwise done now, suggestions?

Nobody appears to be here, so sad, I'm getting shit done finally and have time to chat and plan.

I'd stick to the books in the character creation thread.

In reply to Rhaga the Wolfhound (msg # 32):

Oh I'm using them and what the DM told me. How many magic items we allowed? Or didn't he say?

Yes, 5,400gp starting. As to items, I was already told that MIC was most likely not accepted, all other books rarely have useful stuff for little money.

In reply to Penny (msg # 34):

No Healing Belt then, no problem as long as we have a medic/cleric!

Fortunately, Penny is a tiny bit of a ranger and has a wand of CLW...

In reply to Penny (msg # 36):

Excellent, I bought a Type I Bag of Holding and a Ring of Prptection +1 Gear done now.

In reply to Birahu the Black (msg # 37):

Ready for inspection DM!

In reply to Penny (msg # 25):

No, just getting old. 61 now. Still have most of my faculties, just no short term memory.

No problem Birahu, I'm sure we will all get there :P

Looking forward to get going... :D

In reply to Penny (msg # 40):

We done with our sheets and ready to roll yet? Peir? You need help?

I was done a few days ago, aside from almost forgetting the spell component pouch that I almost always forget to do.

In reply to Peir Barrow (msg # 42):

I'm done now too. I guess we're good then! ;-) Sweet!

I am done as well, waiting for the DM for final approval.

I am going through character sheets today, and I plan on starting (hopefully) tomorrow. Next few days are busy, but I should have time to post the intro.

Well, Tamyir is pretty much done. As of our last adventure, he has learned to tap into the Weave and become a locus of healing. Healing spells cast near him heal extra hps.

Sorry about the delay. I am going to set up a test encounter for the group so we can get a feel for your characters abilities.

A large Red Dragon, or a LARGE Red Dragon?

Because whether the dragon is 8 ft long or 64 ft makes a big difference in the decision making process. :)

Hey Rhaga, I don't think the Watcher wants to eliminate us in one breath, so I'm convinced it's just 'juvenile' as we are only level 4 :D

And this is a test run as well, so you all can get an idea of your abilities. IF death happens, it will not have an impact on the actual adventure.

The dragon is Large in size. Knowledge Arcana checks to know more.

Put the Knowledge check in as part of my action DM.

In reply to Peir Barrow (msg # 51):

You running the module Sons of Gruumsh DM? Never played it, I hope we can make this a long running campaign and we all have a hell-u-va good time!

It is a semi short adventure. If everyone is willing, afterwards I will probably continue on with some custom adventures.

For those who rolled above a 25, this little information.

Sounds good, looking forward to it :)

Went ahead and posted for Tamyir to get to the next round. Natural twenty with the smite evil... just wow at the dice roller on this site.

In reply to He Who Watches (msg # 56):

Just wait for the 1's around the corner! Thanks for running, This PC is what I've been wanting to run for awhile!

I will remind you to use the dice roller in this game for your rolls.

Penny, 4 points of damage for the first round of the spell, plus 13 rounds of effect against Draxis.

Birahu, your Magic Missiles dealt 8 damage.

Peir, your attack missed with a 13.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:14, Wed 08 June 2022.

...it's 18. That's why I posted 18. Where'd the extra -5 come from?

*Looks at the dice roller*

My roll is in there. As are Penny's and Birahu's

My apologies then, it was not there when I was checking it over...weird. Never mind my previous post then. I was looking through and it did not show the rolls, so I was confused. Very weird.

Phone posting? That sometimes swallows it.
No worries, RPOL can be weird at times.

You should have links on the lower right hand side of the portraits, one of them 'rolls', it should take you to the dice roller log filtering the respective character's rolls. That may make things easier :)

I am going to a concert tonight, so I will update tomorrow.

Enjoy!

Thank you. Toad The Wet Sprocket, Gin Blossoms, and Barenaked Ladies, been waiting a few years for the tour for my wife's graduation.

Penny still has a few rounds of her spell to go, so if anyone has spells or attacks that can hit Draxis at the distance he is at, you may make one last attempt to fell the drake. Penny, go ahead and roll for the remaining rounds, total damage.

So, if he used the Withdraw action, he is roughly 150 ft off the ground (because even though it was a double move, with a poor Maneuverability for flight, it would only be half-speed flying upwards), right?

He moved 60ft up (120ft) and 30ft forward for the first part, then another 150ft forward for the second part (in essence double flight speed).

If I read it correctly, half speed for height rates and the rest being forward momentum.

And with that last post, the Test Battle is done. Congratulations on overcoming the dragon!

So you know how others act in battle and some of their abilities.

If you want to update your characters after this battle, you may. Do not consider any resources used as expended. If you decide to change any part of your character, just let me know in PM what your changing.

I think we can start the adventure tomorrow if there are no major changes.

I really need to up my ranged game somehow.

That worked out well! We did a ton of damage, it didn't have much left. Our wounded heroes need healed, much experience!

Well one thing is for sure: Penny is designed for infiltration and subterfuge, not to engage an enemy like a dragon. However, I'm convinced she can distract the minions.

I will just say this, a dragon with full hit points is nothing to sneeze at when it comes to absorbing damage. It should be fun if you run into Draxis later.

Penny, good spell choice/timing with the power word pain, that really put a dampener on Draxis' parade. I feel like against humanoid opponents, your character might be a bit more useful, never fear.

Rhaga, perhaps Javelins? To make the most of your strength. That or mighty composite long bow?

Tamyir, one thing to note, your retributive spell feat and battle blessing feat provide the equivalent (swift vs immediate) per round ability, so in the future, make sure to bare that in mind. It isn't a huge issue in the last battle, but action economy... Thank you to the player who pointed that out.

In discussion with a couple players over character changes, hopefully by tomorrow I can have it worked out so we can start.

Heroforge is fun.

I can see that it is :D

In reply to Penny (msg # 76):

How many guards are there?

There are four guards at the gate, two on the outside, two on the other side.

In reply to He Who Watches (msg # 78):

Are they allowed to accept the silver toward a beer? Trying to make friends. ;-)

Bah, who needs friends when you can just charm them to do your bidding *evil grin*

;)

In reply to Penny (msg # 80):

I'm feeling this game! Enjoying your world He Who Watches! Thank you for having me!

No problem. I will update either tonight or tomorrow. Family event.

Expect an update after work tonight.

Here comes Penny... at least her human image :D

https://www.deviantart.com/lat.../Penny-wip-921431096

In reply to Penny (msg # 84):

Very nice, I like her a lot!

Thanks, I need an additional spot light to get rid of the shadows on her face but otherwise it is pretty much what I was aiming for. :D

Sorry about the delay all, things went downhill for my mother this weekend, hopefully updating tonight.

In reply to He Who Watches (msg # 87):

She'll be in our thoughts, hope she is well.

Sorry to hear boss, real world takes priority always.

True, I appreciate the comments. My mother has been on dialysis for years, and over time it wreaks havoc on the circulatory system. After enough time, strokes are common side effects, as well as diminishing brain mass. Although she has been in a home for the past few years, her quality of life has been far better than it was before. Her memory is the hardest part to cope with, when she does not recognize one of her sons...it's hard. We are talking with her in her lucid moments, discussing hospice and how she would like to spend the last of her days. Her partner came up with a beautiful idea, and my brother and I agree it would be a... blessed way to go. Her, her partner, her beloved cat, renting a beach room so that she can spend her hospice days near the ocean, surrounded by love.

Thankfully, we all met years ago to finalize the will and medical directives, and her partner has experience with dealing with our very flawed healthcare system and takes no sheete from anyone. If my brother and I decide to go visit, I will give notice for the game.

That is sad news, even if you were aware the time would come eventually. Thank you for sharing this with us, I understand it's not always easy. It is good to know they made arrangements in advance and the idea to spend your days with those you love and where you like it is a blessing. Most people don't have that luxury, God bless her.

In reply to Penny (msg # 91):

agreed, how old is she? My mom was 64 when I lost her, my dad was 63, I'm 61 so I think about it a lot now.

Literally she just turned 67, Birthday over the weekend.

The only thing I will say is having your will set up as early as possible, and if you have extended savings or properties, have a living trust set up asap. It is a little pricey to set up (between 500-2000 dollars) depending on your needs, but it spares your loved ones having to go through probate (which can cost quite a bit more, and normally does).

In reply to He Who Watches (msg # 93):

Wow, your mother is young too! That makes it all the worse. In my prayers.

Oh dear, I agree that's quite young. My grandparents lived until 67/69 but my parents have made it to 74/75 and they are comparatively healthy, probably because they stayed active. So I'm very grateful for that. Take as much time as you need for your mother.

Sounds like you've got some great plans to make the most of the time you have with her boss, best of luck with that.

Yeah wills, need to get mine sorted. While I'm still working at somewhere that helps cover it as part of that.

In reply to Peir Barrow (msg # 96):

I need one too, me, my wife, and my roommate are all 3 disabled, we share the house and living expenses, if one dies, the others are homeless most likely.

Man, I'm sorry to hear about your mother's health issues Boss. My condolences.

I am a 24/7 live in hospice nurse/caregiver, so I know how painful these times and choices can be. But it sounds like you have a solid plan, and I wish you and her only the best.

Ow, total respect for the being a home/hospice caregiver. I cannot think of a tougher job out there, especially emotionally.

Thank you. Yeah, it can be rough. But it allows me to get to know some really cool people, and work from home. That's why I might vanish for a few days if there is a medical emergency.

Expect an update in the next day or so, busy weekends.

And so it happens, an update at last!

Thanks boss.

Will update soon, different work schedule this week. Apologies.

No worries, we'll be here :D

Don't worry, real world takes priority.

Expect an update tonight.

Hey! - That's how you play a negative charisma modifier! :P

In reply to Penny (msg # 108):

I think we're all doing good! I'm having a good time!

In reply to Penny (msg # 108):

The player approves. The character tries to sooth troubled waters :)

Quick check before I post IC GM.

Default rules are that whenever someone is subject to a saving throw and makes it they know someone has tried to affect them. They may not know the effect or who did it but they know something happened. Is that what you're sticking to this game since that affects the answer to the suggestion of Detect Thoughts?

As you describe it, yes.

Unless there are any other questions, I will advance the game tomorrow. If you have specific questions, go ahead and post them, along with any actions you will be using.

Thanks GM.

So.

How about them fictional sports teams?

I suspect *fictional sport team* will triumph in their upcoming match against *other fictional sports team* due to the recent strong performances by *fictional sports player*, the excellent support provided by *fictional sports coach* and of course extensive bribery of *fictional ref.*

There's also a helicopter whirring overhead which suggests either an accident on the nearby motorway or some sort of more serious issue. So I've double checked the locks on the doors and windows before posting :)

I agree with you. Because our *regional sports team* has a strong professional rivalry with *another regional sports team* and our local culture dictates that we imitate this rivalry with *sports franchise fans from that regional location* or we will not be performing our duties as *sports franchise fans from this regional location*, and nobody wants that.


This message was last edited by the player at 22:05, Fri 12 Aug 2022.

I actually do have a soft sport for many sports.

That said I do also believe every single sport should make sledging at the worst levels of cricket an acceptable part of the game.

I prefer the side with the most points, unless that isn't the game we are playing.

In reply to He Who Watches (msg # 119):

There's always a lot to recommend them.

After a crazy weekend of work+hard drive failure, computer is back up. Will update asap.

Welcome new person.

Indeed, welcome to the party!

In reply to Peir Barrow (msg # 122):

New Tamyir?! Excellent! Thank you He Who Watches, we needed him again!

Sorry to hear of the computer issues, I've had my share this year, I trashed Windows 10, not easy to do.

Happy to be of service, both to the party and to Mystra. :D
I've been a gamer for many decades, so I'm looking forward to this.

In reply to Tamyir Flameworthy (msg # 125):

41 years for me.

In reply to Birahu the Black (msg # 126):

Sounds like we're close in age, then. :)

In reply to Tamyir Flameworthy (msg # 127):


61

56.

In reply to Tamyir Flameworthy (msg # 129):

You're a baby in diapers! ;-) young whippersnapper. Only old people here now, young are on their phones.
..................

35.

In reply to Rhaga the Wolfhound (msg # 131):

You are young.

And so the first week of college begins...again. Will update ASAP.

And I just hit 40 this year to add to the list.

You don't ask the age of a lady.

That said, welcome Tamyir, we've missed you... kinda. :D

Sorry, will be away for the weekend and unable to post anything significant. Back on Monday :)

Enjoy the trip.

Have fun!

I'm back. It was nice to see the family again, it's been a year, so that was good.

Sorry for any delays in posting, busy week. Will get a post in this weekend.

Updating ASAP

Morning came, I gather? :D

Sorry Rhaga has been rather silent. She didn't have much to add in a Dwarf bar.

Racial tension!

Quite understandible, I was expecting a few of them going for your throat actually.

You may have seen the images in Penny's profile and I was wondering if I should try to create some for each of you. Though I have to admit that they will probably not be 100% of what you imagine them to look like.

Considering this is an adopted character, I would have to ask permission from the DM, but otherwise - as has been said in the funnies - I have some ideas.

Last login of our GM was Sept. 23rd, anyone heard of them through other channels?

In reply to Penny (msg # 145):

22nd, more than a month, I guess this game has ended?

Yes, i guess we lost the DM somewhere along the line. Hope they're okay and it's just normal life stuff.