OOC comments here for the next chapter.

If there are cannons, can muskets and pistols be far behind?

Puts different complexion on combat.

In reply to Klale Tsolo (msg # 2):

A table top D&D module I ran for years slowly introduced things like pistolas and muskets. Of course, they were gnomish engineering and 3 shot revolvers that could load things like crystallized fireball spells... but I digress. Good times. Hopefully we get to delve further into being absolute pyromaniacs and blowing up bad guys with an extreme prejudice exploring more of this superb twist on Middle Earth.

I will give till this afternoon for any further replies or questions, then I will move forward.

I think I forgot to write down the stats for the Sash that Toben told us from when he identified items.  Does any one remember where that was posted?

Chapter 5: OOC

link to a message in this game

Based on how the loot what distributed back in chapter 2:

Ano also has the spear:
* Spear of Elemental Damage.  Has the ability once per round to shift elemental alignment as a free action.  Adds +1 damage (not attack) and counts as a weapon of that element.  Includes but does not seem to be limited to: fire/ice, water, earth, wind, lightning, sonic, poison (does not actually work like poison), holy, demonic, necromantic, spirit (can hit incorporeal creatures).  Spear is made of some unknown black non-metal (not a magical property so can't identify through magic) that is about half the density of mithril and just as strong if not stronger.  Klale might be able to help further.

Klale has the shield:
* Shield of Arcane Dome - three times per day the bearer of this shield can summon a spell at caster level 20 that acts like a Shield Spell except it protects the bearer and everyone within a 10' circle behind the bearer.  It blocks all non-magical arrows, magic missiles, and magical projectiles of up to 3rd level magic.  There is also something about dragons, but the identify spell is hazy on that point.

Actually I couldn't use the spear and I gave it to Saris.

Ahh, gotcha!

I'm putting the game on indefinite pause.  Too much going on in my life right now to keep up.  I'm sorry.

Thanks for letting us know; please return when you can.

I appreciate letting you know.  This has been such an amazing story so far and I will definitely keep a spot open for it if you decide to return to it.

I hope we can all keep in touch at least a little.

Sorry to hear it, but when RL calls, you gotta answer!

Thanks for the heads up, and please let us know when you decide to come back.

No need for apologies my friend. Even if the story were to end at this point and never pick up again, it has been extremely fun, well done, and exactly what I had hoped for. I hope your real life endeavors come to satisfactory conclusions in your favor. I'll keep you in my prayers.

In reply to Eru (msg # 10):

Totally understand, and appreciate all of the wit, charm, and creativity you've put into this already. Props for taking the necessary steps to balance life well.

My personal storm has abated somewhat, though I'm still dealing with some emotional water damage.  However, school is ending for the summer and I feel like trying to continue on.  Anyone still here?

Present, welcome back. Glad things have settled down a bit for you!
This message was last edited by the player at 12:06, Wed 15 June 2016.

Red three, standing by.

Red four standing by

Yes, as you will.

Naow we jus be needin' tha wee one

(anyone know him outside of rpol?)
This message was last edited by the player at 21:25, Thu 26 May 2016.

I do, I can ping him and see what his status is. I think he may be out of town right now though :)

Phineas snaps out of his slumber and somehow immediately to attention with a snappy salute, which looks completely out of place on him. "Ready for action!"

Oh, OOC. Riiiiiight.

Gold Leader, this is Rogue Squadron. We are go for launch.

Weapons hot boys! Just like we practiced in the table top simulations!

Stay on target.

Stay on target....

I've got a bad feeling about this…

No, I'm here.  Been herding cats (small children) all weekend.

Klale, let me know if you can't see your new thread: Chapter 6.1 - Forging the Future.  If you can, feel free to start posting in it.

I plan to split up the group for a bit, run you solo or in pairs for this chapter.  This will give each of you a chance to develop your characters a bit more, find out who and what they are in relation to the duchies, which are an integral part of this era in Middle Earth history.  I'm hoping for a lot more player led story in this chapter so that we can find a balance between us moving forward.  Feel free to take your character where they wish to go within the limits of the evens surrounding you.  Each of you will be given a set of challenges to face that I hope will give you opportunity to grow your characters and draw out their personalities more.

When we come back together for chapter 7, the characters should be significantly more powerful and comfortable with themselves within the framework of the changes going on in the duchies and in the world.  Including the return of magic.

That sounds like a great idea.  I would love to have a chance to build on my character.  I really like Ano from a mechanical stand point, but I'm starting to realize the quiet monk who is good at fighting doesn't have much to offer the group outside of combat or from a role playing perspective.  I would be glad to expand his range a little bit through some roleplaying.

dis gone be gud

Each of you should now be able to see the chapter 6 sub-thread that applies to your character.  Feel free to start posting there.

In reply to Eru (msg # 32):

Will OOC chats still be carried out in the general chapter 6 thread, or will be using OOC sub-threads for the mini-chapters?

To preserve my sanity, OOC will remain here.

Shoot, I did roll for initiative earlier today when I posted but forgot to include it in my post.  Now I feel really dumb forgetting to post a roll like that.

Tell you what, I should have checked the dice roller, too, so let's do these guys on the current initiative however it washes out, then we'll move forward from here to the next group with that other.  Will that work?

Ya that sound good.

In some instances, I'm going to have to try to keep the timelines parallel, especially here early on.  Later in chapter 6, perhaps not so much.  If I don't post in your thread, or if the story seems to move a bit slow, for a couple days here and there, I apologize.

Totally understandable.  Far better then getting to the end of the chapter and having to wait a month for everyone to catch up.

I was wondering how that was going to work. Sounds like a good plan.

Don't forget to check PMs to keep things moving.

In reply to Eru (msg # 41):

Nice try sneaky DM. The last time I paid attention to my PMs, I ended up in a magically induced coma for 2 weeks.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:57, Wed 22 June 2016.

*best Han Solo innocent look*  What?

Still recovering from my vacation (three little kids).  I'll post tomorrow.

Been updating the wiki some.  Feel free to add whatever you feel is necessary or cool that applies.

http://5thagedivergent.wikia.com

Pretty cool seeing our exploits laid out on the wiki, nice work!

Thanks.

Chapter 4 synopsis up.  Feel free to add to it or send suggestions to me as you see fit.

http://5thagedivergent.wikia.c...r_4?venotify=created

We may also have a couple of more players joining us soon.  Perfect time, too, as we are likely coming back together somewhat.

In reply to Eru (msg # 48):

More players? Woot!

Should be interesting.

Sweet, that'll be fun!

At this point, Klale rejoins Toben and Ano in the main thread of the Duchy of Therion.  Ourn and Phineas are still out on their mission and unaware of what will transpire in the main thread.  Be sure to keep player and character knowledge separate. :)

Phineas looks around, surprised. "Who said that? And what are 'player and character knowledge'?" ;)

Thanks for catching me up.  I had a crazy weekend and it slipped my mind.

:)  No worries.  Glad you are okay.

How many columns of troops was there?  Is there a specific one Ano was placed in?

5 columns.  Ano is an irregular and can follow, be in between, lead, whatever he feels most comfortable doing.

That's so cool! Almost a little jealous me and Phin are missing the battle, but we rogues is gotta rogue stuff.

Klale, STR at 30 was temporary during the battle of Basarshakath.

Oops. I just notices that on the line and just below the 30 is an 18. Apologies.

You guys made flechette shot guns and a gatling gun?! COOOL!!!!!

Not Gatling.  It's single barrel and overheating at the moment. :)

I bet some Chill Metal would be useful right now. Toben is in no position to assist though :/

Sorry for the delay of game Phin. Been a bit under the weather and had to have a doctor cut on me. Haven't felt like doing much other than writhe in pain mostly lol.

Glad you're better. Does Thereonites (sp) mean we good guys are menaced by the cloud?

That's the way it reads to me...

Yes.

Seems to Klale that the obvious idea is to move (though I don't know if any bodies also go up in flame). May we have a diagram, possibly even in alphanumeric symbols as to what is where?

I'll draw a map and put up a link later.

Thank you.

Hopefully this will help folks visualize.

http://5thagedivergent.wikia.c...tle_of_Therion_Duchy

Klale and Ano, are you going to try anything or are you just waiting on me?

Sorry I have been thinking and meaning to post.   I think Ano can make it through the cloud.  I'm just not sure what good that might do us.  I could possibly use my Kornari punch to clear soe enemies away.

Anyone have any ideas

So did the blast of wind thin out the cloud and undead in the direction of the black works entrance?

Not yet.  It only dissipated the cloud to the south and thinned the undead in that direction.  It has not yet made its way around to the sides and north and seems to be weakening.

Ok so the black works entrance was north and the castle was to the south.

Just a heads up.  We are southwest of Jacksonville and in the path of Matthew.  My connection will by spotty for the next few days and maybe even week.

In reply to Eru (msg # 77):

Ditto. Stay safe and dry buddy

Good to know.  I have thanksgiving this weekend so I won't post to much anyway.

Stay safe.

In reply to Ano (msg # 79):

Canadian Thanksgiving?

Yep

Alright guys.  Someone's gotta step up and take the lead here.  The duke will support with his army, but he won't dictate the mission to kill the mages.  He doesn't believe he has that kind of authority over you.

I'd like to move this forward and wrap up chapter 6 before Thanksgiving. :)

I'm all for leading a strategic strike on them. Toben has a couple tricks up his sleeve. Himself plus 3-4 capable soldiers (I'm assuming Klale and Ano would be a part of it) should do the trick, in theory. Getting out will be the tricky part, but I may have an idea for that.

So Klale is attacking one of the mage in the tent and there is still one standing outside his tent?

Yes.

Ok I just got a bit turned around.  I'll post today with an attack

Toben is currently waiting for everyone to declare their actions before taking his action during the surprise round.

Ano, ever seen "One Punch Man"? Cause that's all I could picture with your last post.

I have and I like the comparison.

With feeling, one hopes.

Oops.   I total misread that.  I thought Plame was attacking a troll instead of Saris.  This is bad for us.

Plus Klale has a magic sword.  Sweet.

What are the plusses for in immobile target?

IIRC, an immobilized target is considered helpless... much like a sleeping or held one, which is a +4 to hit in melee.

I believe you can also attempt a Coup de Grace

Klale nicks the helpless victim.

23:09, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 2 using 2d6.  Coup de Grace. Double is 4 add 4 is 8.

Good thing I didn't have to roll to hit.

Ourn and Phineas...will we ever get together?

We're still alive buddy. Been through some interesting times to say the least, and it ain't over yet. We'll have a few good stories to tell when we meet up again ;)

Klale is close enough to charge/attack.

Ok that was cool.

So... do we call him Toben the Grey, or Toben the White now? :P

No idea what you're talking about... :)

He isn't even visible right now.

Toben the..clear..ish

... the translucent

For what looked cool, hopefully it didn't just make a mess of things :/

W-who said that?

Hey gang,

I've been thinking about this for a while, and as much as I really enjoy gaming with all of you, I'm afraid I'm going to have to step out, at least for a while. The facts of Real Life are that I'm juggling work, single fathering a good portion of the time, playing with a couple of bands (also cutting back here), preparing for a wedding, and supporting friends and family going through health struggles. It's too dang much, alas.

I'm happy to keep on for a bit if it helps us get to a more natural transition point, but should plan to wrap things up by about the beginning of December.

I thank you for what has, without a doubt, been the best D&D campaign I've gotten to be a part of. Eru, you've done tremendous work, both administratively and creatively, with herding things along. Sure do appreciate all of that work. And the rest of y'all have been fantastic teammates. What fun, what adventures.

Appreciate the opportunity, and I look forward to crossing paths again when circumstances are easier!

Cheers,
Phineas (Sean)

Sean, it has been a pleasure having you.  Thank you for your kind words and the escape you've helped give me from those same real life concerns.  I totally understand.  You have a place here should you choose to return.  I can handle Phineas denouement to the end of the chapter and find a place for him to temporarily retire.  You are welcome back any time.

Wish you the best, man.  Good luck with the little one(s) and the bands and the wedding and the rest!
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:19, Tue 15 Nov 2016.

It's been a pleasure posting with you. I'm sad to see you go, but RL priorities always come first. I hope to see you back here at some point. :)

Being able to have a 1 on 1 dynamic these past couple of months in our side arc has been awesome Sean. I've thoroughly enjoyed gaming with you, and I wish you the absolute best in life my friend. Here's to hoping that maybe one day, we can do it again.

As a side note, I never properly told you that your she-goat comment with the ninja star throw nearly made me spit my drink out at work because I was laughing so hard. That was grade A+ material there.

Haha! Thank you all for the kind words. I sure do appreciate the camaraderie, friendship, and fun. If life settles down sufficiently, you can be sure I'll return eagerly.

I would welcome the continuation of the many adventures of Phineas and Ferb. :D

Sorry to hear you go Sean, I really enjoyed having Phineas around.  Thank you for helping to make this game as awesome as it has been.  Best of luck in the real life.

When something has to go, it has to go. Live long and prosper. Replacement player (who is willing to do a lot of reading)?

Phineas will 'retire', but there is another...Skywalker.

At this point, with the holidays and travel, posting will be sporadic at best.  I'm not saying you shouldn't post or can't post, but I don't expect it.  What I will do is post up a summary of events to wrap up this chapter based on statement of intentions by players.  If you have anything you would like to do before your next adventure (which will not be near Therion), then let me know via PM.  There will be some significant physical rewards in the 4 chests, some clues to move things forward, and a substantial amount of coin (several thousand in gold) so if you have something you would like to do with that either as a group or individually, let me know.

Klale - I suspect about a week's available down time if you have something you would like to forge in the Black Works.

Ano - You seem to be investigating something, but I'm not sure what you have in mind.

Toben - working on dispelling magic on the chests and destroying the altar (you'll need Saris' help).

Ourn - cracking the traps and mechanical locks on the chests

All - resupply, spruce up the tower, rename the tower

I'll get that summary up asap.

My vote is investing a significant chunk of the gold in to fixing up our new base of operations, since it isn't decrepit, but isn't exactly livable either. Specialty stuff like Klale his own personal forge, me some sort of alchemist style bench for work with poison, Toben's very own Gandalf room, and whatever it is monks do besides meditate for Ano ;D - maybe a training room or something for practicing combat moves and farming a skill point or two here and there.

Just spit balling ideas at this point, I'm entirely open to group consensus.

Also, anyone got an idea for a name for the place? It's currently known as Summer's Hearth, which doesn't suit a band of tough and deadly adventurers (and a blundering assassin who can't get right...)

Wizard's Tower!!!

*maniacal cackle*

Oh, the fun that can be had designing one...


I've always like the name "Haven" as a base of operations. Kinda fits here too given the amount of strife in the area.

A strong hold would be sweet.  Definitely a good place for the money to go.  I like the name 'haven'.  If you wanted to take it one more step, seeing as we are the protectors of the Fallen stars we could call it "Stars Haven".

In reply to Ano (msg # 118):

I dig that name

I'm assuming there are people from the dutchies we can hire to fix the place.  We could even have a room set aside for Phin, just in case.

Seems like we have some neat magic stuff now.  I'm guessing people have an idea of what they want.

Klale shakes his head. We know about earth, and maybe water. I bode we'll not be staying here. And I bode there may be inimical forces looking to locate us, easier if we're at one place for too long.

^I think Klale's above post belongs in the IC thread somehow, but this is out of character here. :)

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.  I am back and ready to get going with chapter 7, but there are some loose ends to tie up here.  I will handle any PMs and side quests before we conclude chapter 6.  If you aren't back yet, no worries.  You won't get left behind.  I don't plan to start up chapter 7 until at least middle of next week.

Sound off if you are ready to go!

I'll be back home by sunday and ready to go by then or Monday.

Present.

Alive and well enough

Eru, since Toben is more or less identifying everything for the first several days after the battle, would it make sense to post all his findings in the loot/xp thread?

Seems like it might be more manageable there.

Sounds good.

Plan to post Monday.

Anyone have any preferences on which of the items we found they would like.

In reply to Ano (msg # 129):

The daggers.

Klale has the book of glyphs. BTW, what about Coll?

Sooooo...what are we doing?

Sorr guys, I was crazy slammed at work this week. Will hopefully post this weekend

Sorry. Been busy too.  Getting ready for a new baby coming on Monday.  I'll try and post tonight.  My post next week might be a bit slow.

I think heading to the mountains is the best course of action.  It is the only discord we currently know of.  Ano will follow that path of logic if you need to move on and I'm a bit slow

In reply to Ano (msg # 134):

Congrats, best wishes, and best of luck to ya!

Sounds good.  I will get the new chapter up tonight headed into the mountains.

Ano, congratulations and best wishes with the little one!

I forgot to mention that I would like the Steel Fans of Deflection if now one minds.

All yours.