Start ooc posting here

Question: is the wounded shadow dragon bleeding or showing any, um, visible wounds?

In reply to Saliq Musfara (msg # 2):

Yes, it is bleeding, dark brown/black blood

PM

In reply to Inas Eoinsson (msg # 4):

In reply to GM Bard (msg # 5):

PM

For the record: as confused as all of you are, Marissa is even more so. I don't think I can say more than that. Sigh...

Well, I'll just hope that spell does more good than harm.

This has been an odd adventure.

I'm not complaining, mind you. I think that sometimes table top offers a bit more clarity on the moving parts of an adventure.

That said, I was initially skeptical about this chapter. However, I think I'm on firmer ground now in terms of options. I just wish Marissa had her normal weapons.

Gotta work with what you have, though. Here's to nothing!

;)

Heh, heh, odd, absolutely.  I envisioned a boat trip to the Island to kill the witch.  Already a tough mission, but then a decision to sneak in the back door through the plane of Dream.    Dream was already going to be a challenge and then it veered way off course from where I thought it would go.  That's why we plays the game!

BTW, please hold on posting anything else till I post in game again, I need to do some dice rolling and figure some mechanics out before the next round.  Thanks!!

Hey, at least you got to see Rath naked. It's not a complete loss.

Just threw up in my mouth a little. LOL.

As weird as this adventure is - and as much as I want my enchanted dagger and Ring of the Djinn back I'm having a blast and I salute you GM for managing to keep things going even as we've veered wildly off. :)

In reply to Saliq Musfara (msg # 14):

Seconded. I'm sure we threw a wrench in the gears, going off to dreamland like that.

PM

In reply to Inas Eoinsson (msg # 16):

PM

Ouch! So much for being able to hold up for another couple of rounds ... !

I think I'm going to take the night to think about what to do next.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:22, Wed 20 Feb 2019.

Yeah, things are not looking great...

In reply to Inas Eoinsson (msg # 18):
PM
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:37, Thu 21 Feb 2019.

More PMs? :(

I know some things only affect a single character directly and I get that secrecy can be a good thing but it is beginning to get frustrating when only half of everything is being hidden.

FWIW -

I was looking for a rules clarification. If the ruling's in my favor, it'll help out the party as a whole. If not, then there's no point in getting everyone's hopes up.

I find it intriguing. I can't wait to be sitting around in a bar in the afterlife hearing Inas and Marissa filling us in on what we missed.

Dear gods... are uneven lost levels calculated up or down (Saliq was Level 9. Is he Level 5 or Level 4 now?)

Let's make it fair, if you make your save, you round up, if you fail, you round down.  BTW, unlike some undead, levels lost to the breath weapon of Shadow Dragons do come back after a length of time based on age of the dragon and the luck of the dice.

Okay, I saved. But I need some DM interpretation here.

I'm a dual-classed fighter 8 / cleric 5 (total levels 13). Cleric levels were gained most recently. So, would I lose the 6 most recent levels (5 cleric + 1 fighter, leaving me a fighter 7) or half of each (leaving me a fighter 4/cleric 3)?

Half of each.  Truth is it should be half of total xp's but that's just too darn hard to figure out.  :-).

Okay, my THAC0 is now 18.

Yikes.

Rath, you are correct, I'll try to get those THACO charts updated by tomorrow,  given the AC and levels its likely everyone will need an adjusted 20 to hit!  Or maybe a 19 is you are lucky!

Uh, did you mean to tell me the vision Saliq had GM Bard or is it just a grisly vision?

I plan to tell you, do you want me to PM it or just post it, I'm game either way, just still composing it :-)

Well, whatever it is it seems Saliq is going to ignore in is attempt to control/intimidate the shadow dragon(s), so actually leaving it as is works okay. :)

(He has pretty much ignored everything that isn't an absolute immediate danger and is more likely to be a trick than not - remember he told Marissa to ignore 'Ben' and he also ignored the vines choking the 'woman'.)

I don't believe it will affect Saliq's actions or this battle, or I would have posted it ahead of time.  As it comes from an evil lying witch, hard to say what it's value will be in the long run :-).

Whoo-hoo! Trident!

So, I'm fairly sure I didn't have trident specialization at 4th level, which is a shame. Can I add the magic to hit and damage bonuses for Devilsbane, or is it not that accurate an illusion?

On a side note, I was just reminded that I started playing Rath in November 2012 --6+ YEARS.

I rolled a 4 to hit, resulting in either a 5 (including STR bonus) or 6 (if the trident is magical in the same way the real Devilsbane is magical.

Let's hope Inas' contribution is a little better, eh?

I'm enjoying watching Saliq in his element here in the dream world.

I would enjoy the opportunity to continue enjoying it. :P

In reply to Inas Eoinsson (msg # 38):

Well, yes.

In reply to Aldo Rathmus (msg # 37):

Er... well I haven't actually achieved anything yet, but thank you all the same. :)

I love playing an Illusionist, especially having had the good fortune to have two such great DMs. I know Saliq doesn't have the raw power of a Magic User and I'd love to have some of the utility spells than can call on but I just love the flavour and creativity of illusions.

Rath, you can add the magic bonuses for your trident.

And I agree, Saliq redefined the illusionist class for me first as a player and since as a DM.  The unique and often unexpected ways illusions are used are inspired.   Occasionally totally messing up some great plan I have that he just crushes with some clever ploy, to which I both applaud, and grind me teeth :-).

In reply to GM Bard (msg # 41):

Wow, thanks. :)

If it is any consolation I'm definitely on my last legs though, especially after that level drain. I fear we really messed up by not focusing everything on killing the dragons first.

I have been on a remarkably unlucky streak in four different RPOL games.

Marissa, please roll a to hit for the touch on the cause light wounds, that was great damage if it works.

Significant amendment to my last IC post.  My thanks to the GM for pointing out the idea.

Well, now this is interesting......

The most terrifying thing a DM can say!

Wow... well done guys. :)

I'm relieved -- mostly because I was doubting whether it was wise for me to zone out like I did and try to do something with dream-stuff.

But now -- we are on our plane, correct?  Do we know where we are?  Or should I address this in character?

I don't think we know where we are. At least, I can't find anything in the thread. We do know that Elexi said his sister set up a base on an island, so perhaps we are on an island in the real world that's analogous to the island in Dream.

I think so too. We definitely seem to have left Dream outright.

You have an idea of your location, but not exact.

During your rescue of the Mistress on Skull Island, you discovered that the Morde Witch had been involved in that storyline and was feeding dreams to the Mistress.  Although Morde Island was cloaked by dream magic, and therefore almost impossible to find, it was believed to be close enough to Skull Island to allow for that strong of an influence.

Likely you are somewhere in that chain known as the Dread Islands about 2 days sailing to the South West of Stormhaven.

And yet, we have no boat...

:o

Gang - I've updated my character description page to include my website: www.talesofthemerc.com.

I recently published my first fantasy fiction story so I hope you'll visit. Some really good artwork, with backstory for 'The Trial' as well as some filler for the second story which will be published in April.

The series is called 'Tales of the MERC' and the first story is called 'The Trial.' It's about 20000 words - a quick read. Retail cost is $1.99 US.

You can link to the purchase portal at Smashwords.com through my website, though you'll have to set up an account to purchase it.

If you do read the story, please offer feedback. I've got broad shoulders, and can handle constructive, respectful criticism. If you don't, I'll still be hanging out here trying to save your butts from all sorts of perils...

Thanks in advance,
Mike Eschbach

I haven't had a chance yet, but I'll definitely check that out.

Thank you!

Couple of things:

You are all back to normal xp levels.

Saliq does not have his spellbook with him.  On the positive note, he doesn't require it, thanks to the original house rules, no praying or memorization is needed to regain spells, just rest.

Also, those rules allow you to heal hp's equal to your level during a rest period. I believe that is total levels, so if you a 6/3, you would get 9.

Finally, I may not get a post again till later in the weekend, been cramming for a performance and it has a lot of dialogue (for an amateur like myself), so once I get that behind me, hopefully my brain will recover.

Break a leg!

Not sure I'll be able to post today. Not that I have any great ideas about the riddle. But I'd like the results of the find traps spell, and maybe it would pay to search more thoroughly in that Hall of Heroes that we passed through.

Sorry for the break in action.  Between March Madness, and helping a friend who came back to town to empty her entire house in 3 days so she can sell it, I've been distracted,  I hope to get things moving again by mid-week!

All the games I’m playing on RPOL have slowed down this month. I’m guessing everything will roar back to life any time now.

Ditto.

Plus I've got work and life stuff going on as well. I've found the occasional hiatus to be healthy as well. Burn out is real.

Here is the current hp levels for everyone post resting:


PC       AC    HP    AP


Inas     10   83/36   3(2)
Rath     10   67/41   2(1)
Saliq    7    26/26   3
Marissa  8    57/40   3


You still have only your robes, wooden clubs, wooden daggers, etc for equipment.  You are all feeling the early effects of not having had a real meal or water for nearly a day.

I’m busy with family events for the next three days. I am unlikely to be online.

I will be gone for the weekend through Sunday.

I'm still here but I'm okay with taking things a little slower. :)

I had completely forgotten about this. Thanks, Astral!

Any results from the detect magic?

JFYI,  I got an out of the blue check in from Ben's person.  He's not yet at a place he can commit to returning but is alive and still around, just not much on the internet these days.

Good to know! Thanks for passing on the news.

Yes, glad to hear it.

out of town this weekend. back sunday night. fyi.

I forgot . . . check to see if the door is unlocked before worrying about how to open it.

Well done, you two!

So . . . it sounds like the basilisks don't see us?  Which means we can plan instead of launching into what appears to be a foolhardy battle?

I suppose they weren't expecting intruders to come from inside the witche's lair!

Yes, you can plot rather than attack as they did not yet notice you.  They are described as being slow, and preferring to wait for their prey rather than chase it down.  And yes, their prey usually comes down the stairs.

Wow... guess I'm even more effective than I realise! :)

Happy Easter all!

I have some OOC knowledge of clay golems that make me very, very worried.

Does Rath have a chance to know some golem lore?

As pretty high level adventurers, you would all have some knowledge OF them.  You fought and killed a flesh golem in the tower you now own.  As for detailed knowledge, anyone who wants to try can roll a d100 and if you roll under twice your level, I can give you more info.   (ie- 9th level, 18 percent chance).

16:52, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 10 using 1d100.  monster lore.

Clay golems are only hurt by blunt weapons, maces, clubs, etc.  They can be hurt by non magic weapons.  They strike very hard and can speed themselves up once in awhile. Damage they do can only be healed by time or VERY VERY high level clerics.

Yup. I think I have a cudgel, along with this stone dagger.

Let's hope Saliq can pull a miracle.

Uhm . . . yeah.  Because the only blunt weapon I have (I think) is the pommel of the stone dagger.  And that probably doesn't count.

Head butt!

Is that one weapon, or two?

Thank you, thank you, I'm here all week! :)

You each have the equal of a club

The dragon-golem is large, right? So 1d3 damage from a club.

Away from my books but I'm hoping a djinn might be of some help here!

Yes, 1d3 plus any bonuses :-)

Having a medical procedure done on Tuesday. May be out of it for a couple days.

Hope all goes well with you procedure!  I will post when I can as well but next weekend my wife and I are taking my mom on a trip to France and England for a week.   Posting may be slower there.

Trust me when I say: I'd rather go to France.

Thanks for the well wishes...routine procedure, preventative in nature. I'm fairly certain they won't find anything, but, well, you never know.

Thinking positive thoughts.

Seconded, sending positive vibes Marissa.

Very kind. Thanks. NPC me as necessary - I go in tomorrow, will be a groggy afterward then Wednesday I have a busy day. Next post maybe Wednesday night, more likely Thursday night.

Good luck!

Easy peasy - good for another 100,000 miles.

:)

Great to hear it! :)

Easy peasy sounds great!  So glad.

I am leaving tomorrow and will be both busy and possibly internet deprived for the next 10 days.  I will try to post or at least check in when possible.

Safe travels

Btw: I have one more first level spell slot if someone is in dire need of healing.

In reply to Marissa Ehridol (msg # 100):

Save it for an emergency, I say.

Sounds good. Marissa needs some sleep to recoup.

Nice map, by the way.

Yeah, I really like the map. :)

A question: do we have our equipment back now? I'm a bit unclear on that.

No one has any equipment back except Saliq, who now has his one ring. Rings of that type are bonded and cannot be removed or separated from the owner by force while still on the prime material plane (unless removed by the owner).  It didn't have that in effect in Dream but once you crossed back to the Prime, the ring returned to its owners finger. Your stuff is safely left at Elexi's (you think).

got it. thx.

Are we still invisible?

Yes

Smart, Saliq...well played.

Don't over worry this point,  while its true that Astral is not with you at the moment, rest assured, you will see her again soon.  She revealed to the water her true deepest desire, which was for her family.   And was shown that she still has a living brother, and also the first step on the path to find him.   It is a short side trip for her, but should not affect whatever you decide to do next.

My recommendation, although you are free to go anywhere you want, would be to return to the Elexi's to retreive your stuff.

That was my thought as well -- also, to report back to him what we've done.

I'm down with that.

Same here. Saliq still has to liberate the dream beings.

And if things go badly and we have to kill the warlock ... we’ll, I won’t complain.

Inas is just going along with the flow, but I felt bad putting that IC.

Well done and well played!!   I will be cleaning up some details over the next few days and will update XP's, treasures, etc.  Feel free to explore or work on things in Stormhaven either ic or ooc, or if you have things you want to RP during this wrap up please do!!

Some character updates are Needed, congratulations--

Saliq on reaching 10th level!

Inas on reaching 9th level!

Marissa on reaching 8th level and 6th level!

Rath on reaching 6th level!

Yes! Thanks GM. :)

That was a very strange, but very fun adventure. Dreams, dragons, witches, ships... *giddy grin*

So of special note Saliq can now cast 5th level spells. Some interesting potential choices there.

More important (from a narrative perspective) Saliq has finally hit 'name level' - he is now a full 'Illusionist' (though to be honest I sort of prefer the Osric name level term 'Master of Phantasms'.)

Anyway as a name level magic user or illusionist I can rise in the Wizard's Guild which might offer all sorts of interesting opportunities for roleplay and adventure - for Saliq obviously, but also for his friends.

---

OOC: 21:48, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 4 using 1d4.  Hit Points.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:08, Tue 04 June 2019.

Not much changes for a cleric moving from 5th to 6th -- an extra 3rd level spell, which isn't bad.

It certainly kept me on my toes. I didn't know which way we were going to land. I feel like Rath has hit a crucial juncture ... but I'm not yet sure what that means for this character.

It might take me a few days to respond with the denoument to this adventure (or else maybe I'll get it done tonight).

Nice post Rath.  Enjoyed every bit of it.  Any we approach 4000 posts!

Agreed, it was very well done! :)

Definitely captured the mood of your character. Nicely done.

Thanks. I thought it was bit over-wrought. I'm glad it went over well.

Nah, this is fantasy. There's no such thing as overwrought in fantasy. No melodrama or overplayed either. LOL.

And like that we are over 4,000! Congratulations guys! :)

I think I can say with only a touch of arrogance that we are an awesome group with a wonderful DM. :)

We are awesome. We're like, the champions or something.

LOL!

I think one of the things I like best in this game is the flow of the game. There never seems to be an inordinate amount of time spent doing non-adventure related stuff. I enjoy moving from challenge to challenge.

That said...we've all gotten to the point where more challenging adventures await. I can't wait for the next one!

I have been wanting to share my appreciation for the DM. As players, we hit a number of spots of slow posting, maybe waiting for someone else to make a decision, and GM Bard just pushed things forward without taking away PC agency.

I for one, thoroughly enjoy the excellent play and posting of this particular group. Getting to 4000 posts is quite a milestone for any group, but if you add this to the original its over 12500, not sure any of you were original to the very first, but still amazing adventures.

Although you do have an annoying habit of outsmarting or getting around my very best attempts to kill you off :-).

For instance, going through Dream was a real curve ball.  Had you taken Marissa's ship to the Island of the Morde Witch as I expected, you would have had all your equipment (which would have helped), but you'd have had to fight much, much more and face many traps and pitfalls, all BEFORE you got to her and her Shadow Dragon guards.

Then, there was no way to hurt her without disabling her protective shell, and that only by solving the riddle.  Testing that riddle (HEROES) had a lot of dangers, evil and deadly and gory if you were wrong.  Instead, Rath just stabs her through the heart by saying a prayer and going for it.  Should NOT have worked but characters do get that divine intervention roll and I rolled a 100.  And so it worked.  Funny how it all works out sometimes, but I love that about this group.  You all use your own skills and wits to great advantage.  And are honest enough to be faithful to your characters when their personalities would do something that you just know might be dangerous.

I will try to get out some individual posts to each of you over the weekend based on your time spent in Stormhaven, I'm going to say about 3 weeks which includes a week in the middle to say your goodbyes to Astral.  But needless to say, something has changed in Stormhaven, and not for the better.....

Well that sounds portentous. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was going to ask about that, because it was clear that our choice was unexpected.  Thanks for filling in that detail.  And kudos for responding so well to our unpredictability.

Yeah, couldn't put it better myself. :)

I do feel a bit bad for Marissa that we spent such little time at sea. We'll have to have an adventure on (or under?) the waves at some point.

That said I'm very interested in events in Stormhaven. I think we've reached the point were we are pretty significant players in the city so intrigue and mystery 'at home' could be a lot of fun. As I said I'd be very happy to play around with the Wizard's Guild.

I was not original to the game, but close. I joined Stormhaven: City of Adventure at the start of Chapter Two in November 2012. And it's still on RPOL -- not yet marked for deletion.

link to another game

I'm a baby to this adventure, very much a latecomer, but I've enjoyed the roleplaying here, which has been excellent. All of you are great players, and GM Bard's the glue that's held things together.

And no worries on my end regarding sea time, though a waterborne adventure would be a good time. That said, despite four years in the Navy, I worked on aircraft, so my real life seamanship is somewhat suspect. Maybe I could get a dragon to fly around on - LOL!

Forgive my silence, RL / ie-work, has been crazy and I have some folks on vacation this week to add to load, it has sucked all my creative brain down the tubes for the moment :-),  I'll be posting later this week.

That's ok; your post reminds me that I was supposed to do something . . . I wanted to trace back and find the name of the "high ranger dude" (not real title) that I communicated with eons ago so that I can respond IC to Saliq.

Thanks for the heads up GM, don't worry real life happens to us all! :)

Regarding originals I think i'm the only one since day one, which is a weird and terrifying thought. I mean I'm way too young to have played 1st edition in 'real life' (born late 1981), so it is kind of surreal this and its predecessor have been the longest running games I've ever been in!

I think that's really cool, Saliq. What's funny, is 1981 was when I bought the Player's Handbook. I was 12. LOL.

In reply to Marissa Ehridol (msg # 140):

Heh, that is very cool Marissa. I got my first Player's Handbook (for 2nd edition) when I was 13. :)

The edition I played by far the most in face to face terms was 3.0/3.5 but even though I loved it at the the time I really fell out of love with it in the years since. I much prefer the early editions (and 5e for slightly different reasons.)

I still play 3.5 face to face. I don't worry about the version so much as the folks I play with. The group I game with are just really good players and I've split the DMing with a guy who (if I'm being honest) is better at it than I am. He's a real story teller. I think we're playing this weekend...have to check with him on that.

I don't remember with certainly, but I must have picked up my first PHB in '80 or '81, when I was about 13. I still have it, along with the DMG and MM. They don't bind books like that anymore. Damn durable.

Much as I love those books and this game, 1st and 2nd editions were crappy game systems. (Only masochists would play a 1st level thief or wizard.) I did love the flexibility that 3E offered, but when I was done with it, I was done with it. I fell in love with 5E, but the shine has worn off and I'm seeing the flaws. Still, it's the best D&D to date. A few house rules and campaign-specific changes to races and classes, and some imaginative enhancements of the monsters, and it would be great.

New editions are what keeps Hasbro shareholders happy. ;)

Any thoughts on which 5th level Illusionist spell I should pick up guys?

Chaos and Maze are pretty good offensive magics, though a bit visually drab for my tastes. Shadow Magic, apart from its wonderful name would allow me to cast Fireball or Lightning Bolt (sort of.)

Demi-Shadow Monsters is an improved version of a spell I already enjoy and nicely creative. Project Image is potentially fun, but might be more useful for a Magic User. Major Creation could be useful but we have a djinn who can help us there.

Shadow Door is an interesting defensive/distraction magic and Summon Shadow provides Saliq with some nicely creepy servants.

Any thoughts?

Project image is very utilitarian and very effective. It would be a spell I would (and did to great effect in another game). Demi-Shadow monsters are good, too. Frankly, you can't really go wrong at fifth level. I tried to pick to my character's strengths, along with her whims (she was a gnome). Do you have Wraithform? That's a good spell, too - think it's 3rd level?

Marissa has stated my thoughts quite nicely.  You can't really go too wrong, and much comes down to the "flavor" of illusionist you want to play.

I suppose my issue with Project Image is that Saliq already can create an illusionary 'duplicate' of himself with his existing spells. Now obviously Project Image has strong advantages too, but the ability to cast spells 'from' the duplicate is less useful than it would be from a Magic User since I don't really have those sort of attack spells.

Demi-Shadow Monsters and Shadow Magic are thematically attractive because they seem like a step forward in Saliq's power - they draw upon shadows to make illusions more real. Indeed the Holy Grail of illusionist magic is the 7th level aptly named Alter Reality.

Heh, I suppose what I'm saying is Saliq really needs to start unearthing illusionist spell books! Maybe then I'd have more than one new spell. :)

My best friend was one year above me in school but 2 years older, I was like a year younger than all the kids in my class.  His brother was a year older yet.  And their dad was a game fanatic.  Cards, board games.  He was German and fascinated with history, particularly WWII.  He had a huge table in the basement with (War of the East) and (War of the West) playing on either side.   If you don't know those games, it had thousands of (i believe they were called chits), moving war pieces.  He would play the German generals, and let his sons play the allied generals.  Since I was so young, I got to play the incidentals (like Holland).  I was good at math and strategy, I ruined Germany's plans once as Holland.  We got the ODND boxed set the year it came out, and were instantly hooked.  I played a LOT growing up, ODND and then 1st Edition.  I wasn't thrilled with 2ed, so mostly continued in 1st games. Dabbled just a little in 3rd but by then was all online so never got hooked into it.  I like 5th so far, but haven't played it all that much but see some good in it.

Very cool GM Bard. :) I've read homages to those epic board games in the Knights of the Dinner Table comic, even if I've never tried them myself.

I'd love to try OD&D. I have the Rules Cyclopedia on PDF somewhere, which I know isn't the very early stuff but it looks like a very fun game.

In defence of 2ed I think what it did best was setting. Arabaian Adventures (and if we ever take an extended trip to the Empire of the Burning Sands that book and the Land of Fate might be useful!), Planescape, Spelljammer, the green covered 'Historical' books (I have the Roman and Greek books and even though I've never gamed with them they seemed fun.)

I love games with chits! Or I used to. When I had young, strong eyes. Mostly I played an array of the old two-player TSR mini-games. And Car Wars. Wait ... did Car Wars have chits? Star Frontiers.

I have that Rules Cyclopedia also (in book form), but I haven't done much with it. I do think I like it better than AD&D, but without experience it's hard to say.

Good points, Saliq, about the 2nd edition settings. I have a 3E/d20 version of Spelljammer in a Dragon Magazine that I was dying to try, but I didn't have a game going at the time. I worry about cultural insensitivity, but I do like the Arabian- and Asian-inspired settings that have been released.


***

And, I'm eager to jump into the IC thread, but I have some writer's block going on, so don't feel like you need to wait for me.

I played table top games around the time I started 1st ed. We also used the tables to set up armies and shoot rubber bands at the soldiers. That was always fun - the army with the most soldiers still standing won. LOL.

Just good stuff, Aldo! Compelling.

In reply to Marissa Ehridol (msg # 153):

Thanks!

In reply to Marissa Ehridol (msg # 153):

And only my mama calls me Aldo.

Sorry, Rath. LOL.

A quick story - my first character on RPol was back in 2009 - we were playing the village of hommlet. I was a burly male human fighter with a lot of swagger, almost no intelligence, but a bastard sword made up for the lack quite keenly. I named him after a bar in State College, PA, home to my alma mater. The bar was called the Skeller. The name was Rath. So Rath Skeller was my first official character on Rpol.

I think you do more justice to the name than I did, however. FWIW.

That is pretty wild Marissa. :)



Yeah, I'm a big fan of Zakhara (Arabian Adventures) and Kara-Tur (Oriental Adventures.) The former I was around for and still have a couple of the books, though I've never actually played a game. I thought the Sha'ir (a wizard subclass based around dealing genies) was incredibly cool, and to be honest still do. The Land of Fate itself seemed to offer a lot of opportunities for adventure - intrigue in vast and cosmopolitan cities, adventures on the high seas, exploring mysterious islands and forgotten ruins in sweltering jungles.

As for Oriental Adventures my initial interest in that was spurred after buying several second hand copies of Dragon in the early 1990s (which was also how was introduced to earlier AD&D generally.) I particularly one issue (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.../Dragon_magazine_151) where the combination of fantastic art, bizarre monsters ('what is a  Wang-Liang?') and general coolness ('you mean I can play a literal shapechanging fox?') won me over. Eventually I ended up buying PDF copies of Oriental Adventures and Kara-Tur. In retrospect - and keeping in mind my playing experience is non-existant - the rules seem unbalanced and overcomplicated, but the setting and character concepts still resonated with me.

I agree cultural insensitivity can be a concern, but I think when handled well there is a lot of great material there. :)

BTW DM I like having the solo posts viewable by all the players.

I can see that those worlds are a great addition, and reading what I wrote about 2nd ed. sounded like I had reasons not to like it.  It clearly fixed a lot of the problems with 1st, but we'd become so comfortable with that format and had long since established a bunch of common house rules for our games that also plugged those holes, that I just never played much of 2nd.   I have played in many rpol games in that 2nd ed format and enjoyed them immensely.

I also have a Rules Cyclopedia, and it has that ODND flavor, but the original set was more like a big pamphlet.  I might still have it in my attic, but it was very minimal stuff.   We didn't even use a DM for quite awhile as we learned, it had a random dungeon generator (just roll for the next corridor/door/room or random monster).

Okay, I'm inspired. I just dug out my old 2e Al-Qadim and 1e Oriental Adventures. I haven't looked at them in years.

In reply to Aldo Rathmus (msg # 161):

Cool, let us know what you think. :)

I was rereading the rules and I forgot how ridiculous the illusionist requirements are - a 15 Intelligence and a 16 Dexterity! Unless Unless the Wizard's Guild is absolutely massive the number of illusion specialists are probably countable on one hand in the city. Certainly I'm guessing the ratio in the Guild strongly favours 'normal' Magic Users.

Many of the more perplexing rules -- such as the requirement that illusionists have a 16 dex -- are often accompanied by amusing explanations/justifications. :)

Indeed, of the users of magic (non-divine), I envision only about 5% are illusionist.  And within the Wizard's Guild, the percent is even smaller only 2-3%.

The other 2-3% belong to the Thieves Guild, who are also known for a high dex, and have use for illusions in their lines of work as well.

So, hearkening back to those bygone dates, we had a pretty good strategy if we wanted to play an illusionist or a paladin or a monk or other interesting classes. We ignored the rules. It seemed to work for us. LOL.

;)

Heh, that sounds about right. :)

While the requirements are ridiculously high I'm not entirely against the Illusionist class having slightly tougher minimums than regular Magic Users. It makes illusion seem rare and mysterious, even among spellcasters and just a different sort of magic.

GM Bard I assume Chip was advanced enough in his studies to have hit first level as a Magic User? Saliq is still concerned, but at the moment he's thinking more 'greenhorn adventurer in over his head' than 'basically a mundane.'

I didn't recognize the name Cavalrix's Keep, but I remember the Horned One. I just read through the archive of that battle. Oh, the gore and the glory!

Saliq is thinking how to get to Windham quickly, so I suppose he'll have to look at hiring a horse - I assume he can find a dealer in Stormhaven?

Saliq, yes, hiring a horse would no problem.

Also, you mentioned magician's powered by Gen, have you read the teen books of Bartimaeus?


Finally, I may post later tonight, but I might fall asleep first.  Family trip today took me about 450 miles roundtrip.  There was a time that wouldn't wear me down, but now days, whew, I feel like did something other than sit and steer!

I haven't read them GM, but checking wikipedia they seem like fun. Of course Saliq already has a Djinn friend. :)

And don't be afraid to get some sleep - a well rested GM is a more lenient fresh GM!

Yeah, reading is a lot of how much you like a writers style, storylines,  etc, but I've enjoyed all of Johnathon Stroud's books, and I've read them all.   The Lockwood and Co. series is fun, and Bartimaeus is such a smart mouth (but funny to me) character.  And his vision of an England where magic is the privy of the wealthy/powerful people is well done.  And in Lockwood, an England where the ghosts, dead, etc are rising in increasing force (with a good reason as you eventually find out), also very clever.   I tend to really enjoy good teen books (ie Harry Potter / Hunger Games) because I can mostly just enjoy the ride.

I like the flavor of Al-Qadim, but I'm not sure how it would work in practice. It seems like a great setting for a a pair of characters, but I can't see how it would work in a more traditional D&D-esque multi-character party. My take-home after a brief review is that D&D is just the wrong ruleset for the tone I'd want to go for in an Arabian adventure.

And, now that I think about it, I have much the same opinion about Oriental Adventures.

Huh, I admit it has been a while since I've read Arabian Adventures but I can't say that ever struck me as an issue.

Oriental Adventures as written has balance issues including the fact that the basic thief equivalent (Yakuza) had absurdly high attribute requirements and the Ninja was overly complicated. I think I was running an OA game I'd have to do some tinkering.

In response to y'alls post, I found myself writing a novel about TSR, OA etc. Then I deleted it. You're welcome.

LOL!

My take: Supplemental products (which Paizo pioneered) weren't particularly compelling to TSR mgnt in the 1980s. Their bread and butter were the overarching campaigns like Temple of Elemental Evil and The Giants/Descent into the Depths to go along with the hardcover rulebooks. Unfortunately, as TSR started faltering in the mid 80's, the quality of design of those products began to fail. OA was a mess - great concept, but EGG seemed committed to layering rules upon the existing rules with no appreciable effect except to make the game more confusing. the Dungeoneering guide and Wilderness guide were irrelevant - by the time they came out, most of the folks I played with had pages of house rules that handled things like non-weapon proficiencies and other things found in those books. These inconsistencies carried over to 2nd edition which, for me, was the worst. (but that's a different rant).

Anyway, neat conversation. Cheers!

Heh. :D

A few of the old OA classes made it into 2nd edition as Kits and seemed a bit more balanced and less rules intensive - the 2e Ninja was essentially a modified Thief with an odd background and a few exotic weapons and skills, though The Complete Ninja's Handbook by the late, great Aaron Allston introduced several variations and also 'Shinobi' - which were Kits for other classes that were part of a Ninja Clan (one could for instance be a 'Shinobi Cleric' or 'Shinobi Ranger.') It wasn't without its own issues but that was a fun book, and even introduced a few alternate takes on the concept to run Ninja/Shinobi as a Tudor-era western style secret service for instance.

Have I been unable to find Rath?
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 02:23, Wed 26 June 2019.

I will wait for the answer to that before I post IC.

Inas and Rath can have already talked, or be together at the moment, I'm flexible, RP it however you wish, I'm just running a few threads to begin setting the stage for the end of all.....er, for noble and good purposes.

Tch, tch, forgetting about enemies can be a bad habit :-).  Speaking of which, you might want to glance back at posts #25-51 or thereabout of the Canyon Falls thread.

Thanks for the refresher.

GM, what is the weather and time of day like where Saliq is? Is it clear or overcast? Dark, darkening or still light?

Slightly overcast, but not raining, mid-day.

Ugh. I had forgotten that little bit.

I think I'm posting in three different time-frames now.

I'll try to keep it all straight.

If Rath goes looking for Saliq to pass on Inas' news about the ogre mage, will Saliq be in Stormhaven, or is he already heading out on his own?

It's confusing but don't fret the timelines, it'll work out.  I think Saliq has left by this time.

Marissa -

Rath's hang out is the Rusty Nail.

That's right. Thanks.

Folks,  just to simplify things, as you wrap up your current adventures, and that should happen in a few days more rpoling, I'm going to convene everyone at the Rusty Nail, at sundown, the timing should be close enough :-).

Sounds good. Thanks for the update.

Sounds good. :)

mm...good!

So, if there is any bits of the interludes you want to go back and RP, feel free as well, don't want to short change anyone who wants to explore something.

I also have no pre-planned next adventure.  You have some rumors, maybe noticed some things you want to explore or research.....I have many possible directions but its your game to explore

I mentioned before that I have the Rules Cyclopedia and I've bought a few of the old  gazetteer series over on DMs Guild. Currently browsing through the Dwarves of Rockhome.

I've never actually played original flavour 'Basic' D&D but I have to say I like a lot of the style I've read. Those of you who have played it how does it compare to AD&D?

I played AD&D first. Basic was okay, I liked Keep on the Borderlands as an opening adventure...but I think I got it in my head that Basic was competing with AD&D (keep in mind, I was 10 or so when I started playing) and I wanted to stay true to the hardcovers - again, a kid's perspective. I also thought the artwork on AD&D was better, which seemed important to me at the time as well.

I also played AD&D first, although I had a copy of the Basic set along with Keep in the Borderlands.  AD&D seemed to provide more details/rules/controls than Basic, which is either good or bad depending on your perspective.

I think it makes sense, given the evolutionary process of the game from something that was originally very free-form to slow and gradual codification of rules.

I didn't play enough Basic to make an adequate comparison. When we started, my group didn't have a clear idea that AD&D and Basic D&D were really two different games, so we combined the two with some confusion. We didn't implement all of the advanced rules anyway (speed factors, to hit adjustments vs. AC types, etc.). The race as class mechanic of basic did not appeal at all to me at the time, but now I think it works well enough.

The few Basic D&D games I've played on RPoL were very short-lived and pretty boring, but that wasn't the system's fault.

One thing about RPol is that it's almost perfectly suited for long campaigns. Dungeon crawls are difficult, even modules with pre-planned encounters can get boring after awhile, especially if you've played them before.

In reply to Marissa Ehridol (msg # 198):

Except for player and DM attrition. That has done in several potentially excellent long term campaigns for me. I think it's tough for a DM to deal with turnover. I've been considering for years running a game here, but between my technical ineptitude for presenting maps, the likelihood of players coming and going, and the consistent demands on free time, I haven't worked up to it yet.

Maybe when I'm retired.

I've DM'd two pretty good campaigns - the first was the Melford campaign from Dragonsfoot (I didn't bother w/ the mystery, and did a LOT of editing of the main story lines, but, especially early on, it was a LOT of fun.). It got weird at the end. I tried to integrate the Giants campaign into the story arc. Between player attrition and a bit of burnout on my part, I quit it. The campaign's still up, for anyone who wants to read it - the name of the campaign is Besieged.

When Photobucket got screwy w/ all the ads, I paid for the subscription to Imageshack for all my maps. Better site, even when photobucket was reasonable w/ the ads. No terrible lag for waiting on downloads...

The second is "In Search of the Unknown." That's just a tough module to play, tbh. But I'm using as the precursor to 'The Land of Song' (again, Dragonsfoot). I'm using the Greyhawk setting, hoping that once we get to the Frost Barbarians that the Wilderness will make the campaign more fluid and exciting. Not there yet, though...the characters seem intent on exploring every niche in Quesqueton...LOL. If any of you are in my game, feel free to consider this an augury!!! Ha!

I have very fond memories of In Search of the Unknown. What a goofy dungeon!

I'm awfully beat tonight. I'll try to post later, but maybe not until morning.

I do want to say that I'm finding this interlude incredibly interesting!

It's interesting this conversation.  I played the basic intro set, but I don't recall the rules cyclopedia ever crossing my path till way later in my years.  It has a lot of that early simplicity which is fine,and I have no problem playing in its system at all.  Like many, I went straight to 1st Ed. but we never used any of the more cumbersome bits.   All those weapon adjustment factors, etc.,  not bad concepts, but really unplayable.  I too was drawn (no pun) into the artwork, it fueled the imagination of my youth.

I find on rpol, its a really hard balance.  You simply cannot run a good. long campaign, IMO, without good long term players.  That's tough to get.  I've had some great games, back on pbem.com that were going great for years, with 3 or 4 excellent players, and a few who came in went, but a great core.  And in a long campaign, there are story arcs, clues, history.  I had one I was loving and then two core folks left, both for good reasons, but they held so many of the backstory knowledge, and were such driving forces, the game just withered.

I've seen skilled GM's manage to keep a good game going without a long story arc, so if someone falls out, its easier to replace and keep going.  But I'm not good that, nor usually does it keep my interest for that long.   But I try to learn from both as I go along.

I think most of us are at that point in life where we begin to get nostalgic about gaming back in the day. The beauty of it wasn't the systems, it was the story arcs. No one cared that the rules were bent because none of us knew any better. The only thing that mattered is that it was totally unique from anything we'd ever seen before, and that made it special.

Only later did most of us realize that the d20 system was just...better. But something about picking up an old 1st edition handbook, or even the basic set, gets the blood flowing.

Eh, as long as we're having fun, all is well.

Enjoy the weekend folks. I'll be in and out, might not post till Sunday.

GM does that name mean much to Saliq, or should I remember it and having the dark haired male equivalent of a blonde moment?

It is not a name Saliq knows or has ever heard before.  His homeland is very large, and he left in a hurry, but its a little surprising that someone would know him that he knows nothing about.

Marissa, remember our renovated tower is actually conveniently located in Stormhaven.

I did know that, but Stormhaven's a big place. Also, Marissa, being a woman, is being nosy.

:p

I'll get something posted in response to the DM's last question (what to do next) sometime today I hope!

For Marissa's part, hunting mind flayers seems in order.

So, I have this amulet that allows Rath to cast commune once per adventure at the expense of an action point. I get five yes/no questions.

It might be better to save this for later in the investigation, but if anyone has question suggestions, let me know. And don't let me forget about this!

I hate yes or no questions. LOL.

First one that comes to Marissa's mind is: Is Digdug well?

After that, we should be narrowing down where the Flayer's lair is.

I bet if we ask the kid enough questions, we'll be able to ask pinpoint questions specific to the butt faces.

Are they searching for dragons? Are they searching for Astral?

Been on the road for a few days so little time to post, will try to catch up today.

Marissa's going to stay in the conversation until she's satisfied that the boy tells all he knows.

I'll have something to post in the next day or two.

Family Reunion on Long Island from the 2nd to 11th of August. I will have my computer, and will check in periodically, but it's the first full fledged reunion since my Dad passed in 2016, so my focus will be elsewhere.

Feel free to NPC my character as needed. And if she get's killed, I'll look forward to rolling up another one!
This message was last edited by the player at 13:54, Sun 21 July 2019.

Before I post anything IC, I'm wondering if my foray to the docks revealed anything, or the game picks up me getting there?

Sorry if things seem slow, and don't feel rushed or pressured to pick a path.  I am developing a few things and hopefully setting up the stage for a few things well down the line.  There are no wrong directions, but I won't leave it wide open forever, a clear path or two will develop soon....

Of course, those will likely be paths to dea....um, glory.

No need to apologize.  I kinda like this.

Who's to say that the heroes correctly ascertain the greatest or most immediate threat?  Or the best place to start?  I think this uncertain, "feeling out" period is appropriate.

Apologies for my own absence, I was away on a family holiday to Porto which was fun if exhausting. Back to business now! :)

Are Lord Kazmerak and Windham from adventures prior to my taking over Inas?

His encounter pre date this iteration of the game, back from Stormhaven: City of Adventure.   In the thread about what came before, the synopsis of "The Horned One" mentions him hiring the party.   In truth, I believe the party went there on several occasions, but both the Mayor and local townsfolkes hold the heroes in very high regard for some of the adventures that have protected their village.  The Mayor is a bit of a nervous nelly, all proud official but rather helpless most of the time if faced with any real situations.

I think so. We first met the inhabitants of Windham in the original game in towards the end of 'Chapter 5: the Darkness Below' (message #511) and the chapter immediately after that is about freeing the villagers from the Dread Ogres.

Windham itself is an independent big village/small town (about 80 buildings) which forms a loose alliance with Salt Flats and Newstead. We (the group) own a bit of land there too.

Thanks for the quick lesson!

Okay, wow lots to think about here.

I get the feeling that we might be hitting the point were we have to decide whether or not to become movers and shakers. Not just individually powerful adventures but actually socially powerful people. That could be disastorous very cool. :)

Yeah, that’s a difficult transition for Rath. Should be fun!

"Difficult" is insufficient to describe it for Inas. :)

Gone tomorrow and for the following 8 days after. Should have internet access, so I expect to be able to post at a modest rate.

I'm over the hump and should get back to regular participation starting tomorrow.

In reply to Aldo Rathmus (msg # 230):

And now I guess I'm holding off until Saliq lets the others know what's going on with our guest. That certainly changes things!

This isn't about Saliq looking to go on a date Marissa's mother.

Really!

I'm back.

This is a really good thread. Enjoying the back and forth.

I have enjoyed it also, excellent role playing!

As I have it, it seems:

Everyone is going to be making fake arrangements and indications that you are leaving town.  Doing this, while also:

Rath is heading to hire some guards and speak with Rose.

Marissa is heading to see if she can get an audience with Lord Thyrandas III.

Saliq is heading to the Wizard's Guild to see if anything is up.

Inas, what will you be doing during these times.

Skulk around town trying to pick up on information and other oddities.  Like Batman would. :)

Batman it is, I like it!  I'll work on a post for tomorrow to move things along.

Out of town with unexpected internet limitations. I’ll be back in a couple of days. I’m mulling over Rath’s next move. Sorry if I’m holding things up.

If it’s not to meta-gamey, I’d like Rath to head to the guild to track down Saliq at about the time Saliq leaves to head for the Church.

BTW, I don't want it thought that the first time he said it was confusing; it was clear the first time.  But I thought the usually unflappable Inas would be . . . er, "flapped" by this, and would confirm it to make sure that he heard it right before acting.

It's an in-character thing. :)

I got that, the cat just wanted to be darn sure he was getting his future fish :-)

I think he's earned that.  And maybe a cool looking cat-cape -- if he doesn't think the other alley cats will make fun of him.

JFYI,

I have Inas and Marissa meeting up at the tower,

Rath and Saliq meeting up in the street but about 1 hour ahead in time of the others meeting.

Please continue to post, but Rath/Saliq have a bit of time to catch up if they wish

Is Marissa still present when Ines arrives?

Yes  Marissa is home

Marissa, just to keep you posted: my response will depend on whether I find the falcon is still flying and if so whether anything comes of it.

Got it. Thx!

Flayers. Humanist heretics. Ogre-magi. Immortal assassins....and they say the old town is getting boring...he, he, heh!!

Easy for you to say: you know all the plotlines!

lol

Give me a day - I'll be online tomorrow, but want to do some research on clerical spells that might be helpful. I'd do it today but, well, college football.

:)

Sigh. Couldn't help myself - we may wish to visit the prior seneschal to see if he's alive as we make our way to dinner. I'm not declaring any actions yet, but something to consider. Maybe use one of the falcons as a messenger (or the little owl).

Something to think about as we're making plans. Now, back to college football pregame...

I'll be mostly off-line on Sunday and Monday.

What are our options:

Marissa goes in alone.

All four of us go in.

Two of us go in, the others try to infiltrate.

One of us waits outside, two go in, Salig uses alter self to change his appearance and enter.

Just spitballin' right now. These are four accomplished adventurers, surely we can come up with a decent plan. Nows the time to discuss and plan.

Sorry, feeling stuck. I'm hoping something will dislodge soon and inspire me to ... something.

Is the new seneschal in attendance?

No where to be seen.

Apologies for my spotty attendance. Birthday yesterday and I was a bit busy.

hope it was a good one!

Pretty good thanks! Not one of the big years so mostly small family stuff. :)

Glad is was a good one. Hope you have many more.

Can I redo my actions, given Rath's info?

Yes

The implications as to stay vs as to go, are rather big, so I'm going to wait for a unanimous decision.   Not to meta game, and you probably got this but in case my writing muddied the water, you can surmise:

The intruders came in through the front doors, dressed like you in an illusion of some kind.  They fought their way down to the Mayor's and to most, and tried to attack him.  Using a djinni, they also smashed down the back door and likely killed those back door guards, and then, they (well you)  killed four house guards that came to defend the Mayor (or so it would likely seem).  There will be some confusion to the events of course.

Yeah, let's face it: we're damned if we do, and damned if we don't.  We aren't picking a way out; we're picking which hell we want to be in for a while.  :)

Sorry, dropped off there for several days. I'll be back on track later today.

Sorry I was also caught up in other things. Back to the game! :)

A search engine on RPoL would be very nice.

Yes it would. DM, can you point us to the thread when this book first came up and when we gave it to the flayers?

The book was originally found in Syrix's lair on the Skeleton Island, where you released a Mindflayer along with the bard from the ice.


The book was used by Saliq in the Quest for Seven Falls Canyon, to end a battle that was going poorly, and help free Astral,  check back to around post #195 - 202.   I especially enjoyed Rath's assessment of that particular deal.  Maybe Rath is a fortune-teller :-).

And that is exactly what I meant. Great post, Inas.

Thanks, even though you're making me blush.

But seriously, my stabs in the dark are right only 25% of the time.

But they're guided by really strong intuition...so even your wrong guesses are at least reasonable. Half the time I feel like I'm grasping at straws...

Heading back to France tomorrow for a week to check on progress on my house over there and hit a few places I want to see.  Been to Mt St Michel a few times but we are spending the night at high tide, no tourists, the place surrounded by the ocean,  plan to wander the ramparts late at night, kinda  bucket list thing for me.  Minas Tireth by night....ahhhhh.   Anyhow, I'll still mostly have internet access and shall post as time allows.

Um, take me with you, please. I've always wanted to visit Minas Tireth.

Sadly, my trip was cancelled.  About an hour before we left for the airport, our dogs stole a small metal tin my wife uses to carry Advil in and chewed it open.  Our 7 month old papillon puppy ate several (we think 3 or less but who knows).  Advil is highly TOXIC for dogs.  We rushed her to our vet who immediately referred to the Virginia Tech VetMed Hospital for intensive care.  They were not optimistic at first, but she's is hanging in there and doing slightly better, they said from the beginning it might 5 days before we know how it ends, so we are giving her out positive thoughts.

Maelstrom can before whirlpool, or can be used to describe a storm of violent energy, even the center of a political upheaval, violent uprisings, or just a weather storm.

I will pray for your pups. Hate to hear about furry loved ones in distress.

Oh, that's bad news. I'm sorry.

And I know what a maelstrom is. Rath doesn't. :)

lol

Very sorry to hear about your dogs GM. I really hope they pull through. :(

Thanks to some very good medicine and care, our puppy is doing great!  Whew.

As for some more light reading, you might also want to glance over the Canyon Falls Quest from about 45-85 on the posts.

I need a vote: majority wins unless you want to argue it out:

1) you follow the compass and try to retrieve the first page

2) you stay where you are and face whatever justice Stormhaven has for you

3) you make further, quick consults (gods, ghosts, djinni, other?)

4) you try to figure out where Ingelbern went and go after him

5) other?

I sort of vote for Inglebern in the in-character thread before seeing this OOC poll, but that was only because Inas suggested it. Rath is likely to lean toward whatever course of action Saliq supports.

I still have very serious misgivings about helping the mind flayers but I'm willing to go talk to Ingelbern first.

SPOILER:

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
No way in hell that Rath will be giving the mind flayers those pages. Just saying.

---

I vote for 4, on the theory this our best/only chance to do that.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
And on the theory that since I originally suggested it, I shouldn't be wishy-washy.

---

I made a couple suggestions. They don't seem to be taking, and I'm good with that. I'll do what the majority suggest. Seems possible a sea journey might be drawing near regardless, at which point I'll put all of you to work in the bilge.

I noticed a few of the old maps were no longer showing, I updated a few and added them to the adventure maps thread.

I am leaving town today, returning Sunday.  Travel days will be hard for posting; not sure about in between.

I added one more map, a bit closer up of the Hinterlands (hand drawn but not too bad), with several of the key places you have been around the Stormhaven area and beyond.

Great, we're on our way! I'm eager to see what the next chapter has in store.

I was checking languages on character sheets and noticed almost everyone only has common, and maybe one other language, unless it was class related.   You can add more languages based on intelligence, class, level, etc. in some instances.  Might be a good time to audit your sheets and make sure you are taking advantage of all that you can.

Can we ascertain how many dwarves are under the arch?

It appears to be three.

I just want to say that I inherited this character; it was long ago, but I didn't create him.  So, I'm not responsible for what I consider the rather unhelpful language choices that were made.

You mean you don't find Brownie to be helpful :-).

I can't remember ever encountering one in any game that I have ever played.

Do the elves look like adventuring types or more like, say, merchants?

They do not look like experienced adventurers, but maybe explorers.

Hope everyone has a chance to relax and enjoy Thanksgiving with family or friends.  Best to you all!

And to you!

Hunh. This is ... not so good.

That was kind of my thought as well. Maybe try dispel magic on the beastie?

Oof... well guess my theory was right anyway!

An interesting fact, and this was no ordinary Clay Golem, but even the lessor Clay Golem, injuries done by it can only be healed by a cleric 17th level of more.  Have you ever seen a 17th level cleric before?  Played one?  At 17th level, a cleric can cast ANY cleric spell in the handbook, so its a weapon to counter that for sure.  At 16th level a cleric can raise the dead, but not use a cure light wounds against a victim of a clay golem.  That, to me, if very intriguing.  Have a great weekend.

Well. I put off posting on Tuesday and then lost track of the days.

I guess I'll just lie here.

Intriguing, eh? Right...

Yeah, I'm not sure intriguing is quite the word I'd use...

Yeah, that was just a bit tongue in cheek. Wonder how we're gonna find a 17th level priest...

My internet access has been more limited than expected. I’ll be back home on Thursday.

Happy New Year guys! :)

Happy New Year.

Ditto!

I'm home after a week away. After a long day of traveling today with very little sleep, I'm not feeling the happy new year yet.

Happy and Healthy New Years to all.  Like Rath, I am not feeling it yet, but I'm pretending until I do.

I completely missed the Derien the door warden was here. I really need to read more carefully.

Rath's last post cracked me up, and I really needed a laugh tonight, thank you!!

Gang:

When life reaches critical mass and fun isn't fun anymore and when I spend more time worrying about the games I play instead of enjoying them, it's time for me to hit the master reset button.

The past six months have been trying for me. Real life has intruded in an ugly way, and I'm just now getting over the hump. Doing so has brought me to the brink of exhaustion, and despite a rigorous exercise routine, I find my health slowly deterioriting.

Worse, I haven't published any stories since April '19. It is my passion, and yet I spend more time on RPol than I do following my dream. That's a problem for me.

Please understand, I'm not blaming anyone but myself. And this is a great game. By with my interest for the game waning, I find my efforts to be less than quality, and you guys deserve better than that.

With that in mind, I'm going to bid you a sad adieu and wish each of you the very best in what life has to offer. And if the fates allow, I will stop by again sometime down the road to spend a bit of time with you.

Feel free to visit my website: talesofthemerc.com if you like military fantasy. Also, take a look at my FB author page: tales of the merc if you have a moment to spare.

Thanks for the privelege of letting me tag along for a bit. Best wishes to you all.

Mike Eschbach

Mike, sorry to see you go. I do understand and hope you find a better balance.

 It's been a great run!

I too am sorry to see you go.  You have been a fantastic player and I greatly enjoyed your play.  Still, I have always maintained that RL>RP, and you must do what you think is best for you.  And I completely understand that when a game begins to feel like an obligation or a job, it isn't a game anymore.

Please do stop in whenever you like.

Mike,
Thank you for your and time and excellent posts, you really took on and brought Marissa to life!  Take care of yourself and I hope things are going to be great for you in 2020.  Drop me a line from time to time.  Robbie

Good Morning, based on the feedback I've received, it seems that for many factors, it may be time to halt this game.   Not one to completely give up so easily, as I truly believe this is such a rare and gifted group of players and characters, I believe a time of rest and reflection is called for.   I myself have several major commitments of my time running through this winter, the last of which should wrap up mid-May.  On June 1st, I will reach out to each of you to see if your batteries are recharged and want to re-start from where we left off (with a bit of a restarting reminder of where that is exactly, and probably a mild simplification of the plot).  If not, at that point I will officially take the game down. If it goes down completely, expect an invitation to a new 1st level start up game to follow that I will post to the whole, but will send personal invites to each of you (as well as some of the others who have come and gone from here).

Regardless, it has been my distinct honor and pleasure to both play and Gm with you all.  Only a few times in my long life have I encountered such an excellent group of true role players with flair, intelligence, humor, and dedication in spades.  Thank you for the great ride!  Robbie

Wow, I'm sorry to see you go Mike. I think you did a superb job with Marissa and I hope I can roll the virtual dice again with you some day. Take care of yourself my friend!

As for the game, I admit I've been distracted the last couple of months but I would hate to see this go under. We have a great group and a great DM. I understand that real life is a thing and I guess recharging batteries is a good idea. Whether we start new characters or (I hope) pick up where we left off I'm with you for the long haul. :)

I just also want to give special thanks to our great DM. Robbie, you really put terrific work into this and I'm very grateful.

I concur; I said it in response to Mike's question and I say it again publicly -- stepping in for DM Pawn was not easy, and you did a tremendous job.  I'm sorry to see the game/world grind to a close, but anything you ever run I'm interested in.

I look forward to assessing the group status in a few months and figuring out the next steps. I'm staying pretty low-profile on RPoL for awhile, with only one or two active games, but I'll respond to any activity here or on rMail.

Hope everyone is staying safe, healthy, and doing the right things to protect yourselves!   I've been under the gun at work, I'm a director at a retirement community of over 500 residents who average in age over 75, I ain't no spring chicken myself, so we are doing all we can and still who knows!

I do miss this game and have been making some notes and plans, so if everyone is still willing and able, I plan to  revive it in April.   All my best, Rob

Thanks for checking in Rob and I hope things stay okay in your neck of the woods. Weird to think how things have changed since only two months ago, even if my own Ireland is less badly hit than many places.

I'm still game to... um... game. :)

My workplace is in complete upheaval due to state issued stay-at-home orders. If I'm breathing in April, I'll let you know.

I'm alive, well, and coping.  And still in whenever.


Stay safe all.

We're past the layoffs and ramping down operations, and we've set up our holding pattern at work. I have some attention and desire now for games. Ready when you are.

Excellent summaries. Thanks!

As Rath has discovered, I have updated the "what went before, journal" with some of the highlights.  Much was left out but hopefully it is enough to fire those memory banks.  I recommend reading it from the very beginning, not just the last few new entries.


I will also update the "setting" to add in some of the interesting characters and places you've run across as a reference chart, that may take more time but I can do it as I also remember them :-).

That said, I have advertised the game to possibly add another character or two if I get some good inquiries.  I also encourage you to comb through your character sheets, remind yourselves of what magic items you have, and in general, your equipment, stats, etc.


In a couple of days I plan to open a new topic, part 2 for Peryn's Crag, it will begin several days after the party has arrived in the healing town, from there, we will go LIVE again.  I've missed you and the game, sharpen those blades, fill those component pouches, study those books, the journey begins anew!!

I have to admit I'd forgotten a lot the nitty gritty. To get me back in the mood I've been reading ancient Dragon magazines. :)

Hmm, I need to update my spells. As a 'name' level Illusionist (though as I've said before I prefer the OSRIC 10th level title 'Master of Phantasms') I can cast 5th level spells and I haven't picked one yet.

Magic items... Saliq has the Jambiya Moonblade (+1 Dagger) and his magic ring - I know I had the rules for that somewhere but I seem to have lost them somehow. GM, I know it protects the wearer against the elements and summons El Kabah the djinn but does it have any other factors?

Incidentally I must invest in something properly protective soon!

pm

In reply to GM Bard (msg # 333):

Thanks!

Guys which would you prefer I take for my 5th level spell Shadow Magic or Shadow Monsters?

In reply to Saliq Musfara (msg # 334):

Shadow Monsters is a 4th level spell, isn't it? Do you mean Demi-Shadow Monsters? I'm not a fan of Shadow Magic, but if that seems fun, then by all means go for it!


___

I think I have a firm grasp of Rath's abilities and magic items.

Sorry yes, I did mean Demi-Shadow Monsters. I have Shadow Monsters already, but Demi-Shadow Monsters would give me better pseudo-minions. Shadow Magic meanwhile would allow me to actually inflict some damage

Another possibility is Chaos. I tend to prefer the illusion end of magic but that could be very useful to the group, as could Major Creation.

OK, I have to say it . . . whenever I see El Kabah's name, I think of this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eIQt9kbk7g

Hi everyone, "Doc" here ... glad to be part of the game.

Uh... huh. I have to admit that's a new one to me.



Welcome Durnin! :)

Never seen that one, Inas, that might be hard to forget :-)!!

Hey hey, gang.  Nemble checking in!  A gnomish one-handed thief who found his way to Peryn's Crag for some restorative magic.

Stoked to be coming on board.  Working with GM Bard to get a final draft ready to go.

Welcome, new players. I look forward to getting to know you.

And welcome Nemble! :)

I'm sure we'll get in-game introductions but I'm Saliq, an Illusionist from the Empire of the Shifting Sands.

When we all get introduced you'll learn to call me "Doc" ... I've got a knack for healing folks but I crack locks and heads just about as well.  I'm also a champion arm wrestler so we've got that going for us too. :)

Nemble and Doc, you should have editable character sheets now.

Woot!  Will get going right away.

I'm probably done with my character...

8.2 has been posted, feel free to interact. Its a long post but a bit of recap and restart. Since you don't know everyone in the room, feel free to describe yourself most dramatically as you interact for the first time, or not :-).

so sorry for the delays folks.  posting now.

I went down the rabbit hole googling one-handed gnomes.  Stumbled onto some story boards for the movie, Legend, for a scene that never made it into the final film.

It sort of fit perfect into what I had in mind, so I yoinked the pictures.

This message was deleted by the player at 01:31, Tue 21 Apr 2020.

Is Durien still around?

Durien is likely still in town, but not at the Inn presently.

Durnin "Doc" is easily found around town.

Durien is the Doorwarder for the Mage's Guild back in Stormhaven, he helped get Ingelbern to Peryn's Crag.  Similar names but very different folks :-)

I forgot all about Durien. I really need to get my head in the game!

Dang .. sorry for that mixup.  Durien and Durnin .. sounds like Dwarf problems :D

I've read That-Which-Has-Gone-Before ... but IC, Nemble is unaware of the party's recent adventures.

In reply to Nemble (msg # 358):

I played in the adventures, read the summaries, and I'm still lost, so ... .

Use the compass.  :)

Any chance Nemble can use some downtime to research golems a bit?  He doesn't really have any contacts in Peryn's Crag, but he'd be willing to hire a sage or something.

Before seeing the travelers, did my owl see anything?

In reply to Inas Eoinsson (msg # 362):

No all was clear at the time

I hope it's not dead.  Inas and I would probably cry. :(

Same here. :(

It isn't a real owl, only if the feather is destroyed is it gone.  It can be killed but it can be summoned again the next day.

Whew!  Thanks for making me feel better.

So I'm guessing now isn't the time to tell the fairies that we're helping an Illithid?  :)

In reply to Nemble (msg # 368):

Ssshh! ;)

Work has been rough for me, leaving me little energy for the game. I'm here but silent  for now. Feel free to NPC me as needed.