And so it begins again...

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 1):

The doors are quite large: 10 feet high and 3 1/2 feet wide, each.

Shane, can anything be gleaned with respect to the noises that the party can hear on the other side of the doors?

For example, can the party identify what is most likely happening inside from the sounds that they can hear? And do the sounds seem close to the door, or deeper inside the mountain?

If you need for Arnan to make some sort of a roll, just let me know -- thanks! :)

Good idea, Arnan.  Thane’s about ready to push through, shield up, throwing axe in hand...

Well, it occurred to me that one or more of the characters would probably put their ears to the doors and . . . listen.

Of course, we all could just shout "Huzzah!!" and charge right in! :)

Shane,

Will work up a short IC post modeled on Rob's and my OOC discussion, and add a Perception roll at the end. :)

"Mares eat oats,
Does eat oats,
Little lambs eat ivy.
Kids eat ivy, too,
Wouldn't you?

But Bearsie eats Goblins, woo!"

There is also the drunken Half-Orc version that goes,

"Mairsy doats and dozy doats
An' liddle lamzey divey
A kiddley divey too
Wud'n yew?

But Bairzey Gobbinswoo!"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:25, Fri 11 May 2018.

 am traveling for business next week (20-26 May). As usual, the hotel I am staying at claims to have wifi access, but having stayed at this particular military hotel before, my experience has proved otherwise. Maybe some rooms might get a signal, but not the ones I stay in!

We'll see. If I drop off next week, you'll know what's up!

@Arnan ----    LOL  Love it.

@ GM ----  save travels

Glad you enjoyed it, Dalgura. I can't claim credit for it, though (other than the line about Bearsie and the Goblins) -- it's a kid's song that you can find on the internet if you go looking. :)

And yes, safe travels, Shane. I'll bet that you would have wifi access if it was *General* Shane. :)

My mother in law sings it to our kids all the time (minus the bears and goblins bit obviously).

Okay. Getting ready to head to the airport shortly. I will be out of town until 26 May. As I mentioned before, hopefully my hotel wifi will work and there will be no disruption to my regular posting schedule. Thanks!

Shane

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 12):

safe travels!

I fell at work the other day (no, not enough to do workmen's comp or anything) and am bruised a bit but will be all in fighting spirits when you return.  :)

Safe journey :)

Got older son home from college and been dealing with trying to get paperwork and everything going for him to transfer schools.  The advanced maths kept kicking his butt and he couldn't get help from the tutoring center so he's decided atmospheric science isn't for him since he has to be able to pass them to do the higher atmos stuff.  :(  He's been in a real funk, having put in two years of college now and he's likely only going to have about one year's worth of credits transfer ... if he's lucky.  It's been a mess but he's settling down some now that applications and necessaries have been made.

Glad to have you back with us, but sorry to hear about your son's difficulties. It would be tough to change schools, and also to decide that a major that he has probably been interested in for quite some time maybe isn't for him after all.

Good luck to both of you.

Changing majors is tough. I've seen a few friends and family members go through it. As Arnan said, best of luck to both of you.

As it turns out, my hotel has wifi, but a very weak signal...

So basically that means when I am off work and awake, so is everyone else, all trying to access the internet...most of them, I assume, without much luck.

Methinks time for a Civil War style firing line LOL

Out of town, back Tuesday!

Where's T. J. Jackson when you need him? :)

Tent camping this weekend with the family and completely off the grid. I will be back in touch on Sunday. Have a great weekend!

Shane

Have fun!

Have fun.  I'm away from compy most of Saturday but mine isn't so much fun.  More proctoring of University entrance exams.

Well, we survived the Great Outdoors!

We had evening thunderstorms both nights. They were much appreciated as it cooled down the night quite nicely. It was our first time tent camping here in South Carolina and it was really hot and muggy during the day. Almost unbearably so. Fortunately there was a nice lake that we spent most of the afternoon in, cooling off.

We hadn't been tent camping since Hawaii, so it was good getting back into the swing of things. Probably the biggest take-away, aside from it's hot and muggy here, is that our air mattress, after 10+ years of faithful service, will be retired and a replacement sought. I kind of want to go the individual cots route, but we'll need to do some research before investing in camping gear.

All things considered, we had a great time and it was nice being away from all electronic time-sinks for a couple of days.

There is no way I would go camping in the summer anymore!  We were over 90 degrees the last few days with scattered thunderstorms, and the rain didn't cool it down much at all.  Yup, I stay inside and have a long lasting relationship with my air conditioner.  :P


So Kira used movement, so I'm thinking she can still shoot.  She has her bow with an arrow in place, just not drawn back yet.  I always trip over my own two feet and wanted to make sure before I posted anything for her.

Go for it. It's a free action to draw and shoot a bow.

I’m confused.  I thought Morgrim took off for the barracks, followed by Thane and Dal, while Kira went after the banging noise Goblins followed by Arnan and Hengar?

Also Morgrim isn't a wolf anymore. He's a bear.

Arnan's post was confusing because he posted his character's thoughts about joining Kira, but his actions were exactly the opposite.



Kira and Hengar are in the small antechamber and the rest of the party is in the barracks.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 30):

Thanks for the clarification, Shane.

Originally I hadn't read Kira's post very well when I wrote a post for Arnan. At that point, as I was about to post the message, I realized that she had already done what I was going to have Arnan do.

I decided that having two of the party members away from the main threat (the Goblins in the barracks) probably wasn't a good idea, so I re-wrote the post to have Arnan heading in that direction.

Apparently, the re-write left something to be desired in terms of clarity. Sorry for any confusion that I may have caused. :)

Morgrim: I am not sure your character is still in dire wolf form.

He took 6 points of damage last round and dropped to -5 (he only had 1 hit point remaining when he entered that encounter). According to the PHB, you would revert to human form immediately upon assuming 0 hp and any excess would transfer to your human form.

He isn't. Morgrim turned into a bear ages ago.



Message 54.

Dal's new theory.  When praying to Sharindlar, a) be nice and say please and b) ask for help for Grim since she might think he needs it more than Dal does.  Or enjoys the comic relief of him changing back and forth.  :)

Time to get back into Grimbeast protection mode, even if his animal forms are nothing more than free hit points ;)

DM, does the door have handles that something could be slipped through to try to hold it locked?  And is there anything there that would serve as a bar?

You can make an Investigation or Perception check (DC10) as an action to try to find something in the room to serve that function.

A Goblin-leg might work. It could still be attached, even.

Just sayin' . . . :)

I’m waiting to get kids in bed before I can post tonight.

Thank you Arnan.  I know you only missed to make Dalgura feel better about only doing a couple of points of damage to her Pesky Goblin.  That's the tribe they are from, she is sure of it.  The Pesky Tribe.  It certainly is a large tribe.  We seem to be running into them everywhere.

In reply to Dalgura Ironhammer (msg # 41):

Heh -- yeah, those Pesky Tribe Goblins are popping up all over the place, aren't they? :)

And I feel your pain regarding rolling low for Dal's damage. For some reason, the RPoL d8 seems to roll low for me more often than not. If I were sitting around the table, I would change it out for a different d8. :)

In reply to Arnan Aldwynne (msg # 42):

Yep Yep.  Have put dice in the time out cup before.  I've even given them lectures and point out the "good dice" and say they should take lessons from them before too.  :)

In reply to Dalgura Ironhammer (msg # 43):

I am seeing a definite male/female dichotomy regarding methods of disciplining under-performing dice. You speak of lectures and the "Time-Out" Cup.

As for me, back in the day I was more inclined to curse them and throw them on the floor or against the wall. :)

In reply to Arnan Aldwynne (msg # 44):

That is not allowed at the home where we game at.  So we all have time out cups.  When I was living with my ex, our room was gaming central.  The group of guys who gamed (it was before I got into gaming) would ALWAYS leave their dice on the floor.  My ex got tired of stepping on them so we gave them warning if they didn't clean up after their next gaming session, then anything left on the floor would be ours.

They didn't think we would do it.  We did it.

Paul showed one of the guys what happened to his favorite miniature after he stepped on it at night, not knowing it was there.  That was all it took.  Next thing we knew, the guys were doing bidding wars to get their own stuff back.  The other guys wanted to get some things from other players, etc.  1 newly bought pack of complete dice (coordinated colors - pink and black) went for (2) 2 ltrs of soda (my favor kind because I liked the pink and black colors) and the promise to take our garbage for a month and they would buy pizza for the group for the next 3 gaming sessions.

I never had it so easy for the next three months!

That collection of dice that nobody wanted anymore was my first collection of gaming dice.  I figured if I had the dice then I should perhaps learn what they were used for.

In reply to Dalgura Ironhammer (msg # 45):

Whatever works for getting more girls into gaming. :)

My daughter enjoys gaming, but understandably, I suppose (given her generation), she is more into X-Box video games than table-top stuff.

In reply to Arnan Aldwynne (msg # 46):

it was the dice as well as listening to the group for awhile and thinking "That didn't make sense.  I could do better than that."

:)

I will be traveling for work June 24 - 28 and, based on my previous experiences at this location, am anticipating limited internet access at the hotel. If I drop off for a few days, just know crappy wifi has conspired against me :)

Thanks!

Shane

This week is kicking my butt.  I will write for Thane tomorrow after work.

That said, can he get some healing?  He can heal himself with his healer's kit, so, Dal and Grim, if you want to use your spells for something else, just say so.  Just thought I'd ask before we head off against some more capable foes.

Morgrim does not have a good in combat heal. I have Goodberry for after combat, but I don't have Cure Wounds or Healing Word.

-First Circle-
1 Fog Cloud
2 Goodberry
3 Faerie Fire
4 Entangle
-Second Circle-
5 Heat Metal
6 Pass without Trace

Agreed this week has been hard to find time to post :)

In reply to Thane Harkensen (msg # 49):

I have healing word (bonus action)
Prayer of healing
cure wounds
preserve life - channel divity

I have used some of them already so I need to go back and see what is left.

As expected, I was unable to connect to the hotel wifi. I am starting to expect it may be an issue with my laptop wireless card. But, I am able to connect at home, so I don't know...

At any rate, I am back now, albeit a bit travel-weary. Look for a post from me tomorrow night, after work.

Thanks,

Shane

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 52):

Welcome back.

Sorry I did so lousy on that healing roll guys.

Oops.  Forgot that domain's of life get an extra +2 HP +2 spell level so that is an extra 4 HP Dal healed ya'll for (if you were a party member listed (including Henger) and within 30 feet.

In reply to Dalgura Ironhammer (msg # 54):

Yay!  11 hit points helps a lot!

I will post after dinner.  I can’t stand posting from my phone.

Working my post right now...

Shane,

I'm not sure I understand how the Goblin could attack Thane and then Disengage.  According to the rules, both of those count as "Actions", which are not the same as "Move".  Thus, by the rules, either the Goblin could not attack and thus use the Disengage action instead, or the Goblin attacks and then departs thus risking Thane's attack of opportunity.

Am I correct, or am I missing something in the wording of the rules?

Rob

Goblins have an ability called Nimble Escape that allows them to take the Disengage or Hide action as a bonus action on each of its turns.

Monsters don't always follows the same rules as PCs.

edit: If I had been playing them smartly, I would have had them strike and retreat throughout the encounter, but I forgot about the ability :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:56, Tue 03 July 2018.

Will post for Arnan tomorrow.

how far away are the cultists that are stuck with the vines? Or more specifically, are they within 60' of us.

also they are at a disadvantage for some things.  I don't have to roll to hit them but they have to roll for a dex save.  Would their dex save be at a disadvantage?

Yes and Yes.

Restrained creatures have disadvantage on Dexterity saving throws.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 61):

Thank you!  It makes sense that would be answer but some things that sound sensible aren't.  LOL.

Bill: Dalgura healed 11 hit points on all party members, to include Arnan, with her Prayer of Healing spell.

Wonderful! I didn't realize that her magicks healed the entire party. Thanks to the both of you :)

In reply to Arnan Aldwynne (msg # 64):

I can only do that skill like once until I rest :)

so don't go getting too much injured until I can rest.  I'm running low now.

Understood. Arnnan'll be as dodgy as he can. :)

Shane,

Are all of the visible foes now dead?

Thanks?

Yes. It looks like that is correct.

Shane, how many people can fight side by side in the hallway?

In reply to Thane Harkensen (msg # 69):

Two

Thanks!  That's what I thought but just wanted to be sure.

Kira: Are you still with us? It's been about a month since you last posted, though I have seen you log-in a few times.

Quick heads up to let everyone know I will be traveling for work, July 23rd through 27th and, given past experiences, will likely have spotty internet access throughout. Thanks!

Shane

Be safe!

Here, sort of!  Had some health issues and then computer issues, dealing with getting son transferred to nearby university.  Tried looking in with my phone but it won't let me do anything with die roller.  So so sorry!  Trying to read and catch up but see you're traveling right now.  Again, terribly sorry!

In reply to Kira (msg # 75):

Glad to hear that you are here (even if only sort of).   :)   Hang in there.

Good to hear from you Kira, although I'm sorry to hear of the issues that you have been having. Which university has your eldest picked to transfer to? I know that process has not been a fun one.

He's going to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, about a half hour drive.  He'll be living at home and he's working at Wal-Mart as a cart pusher.  The higher maths just kicked his butt and he knew he couldn't progress with the atmospheric science degree without a good grasp on them (most of all without a passing grade).  So he's switched majors to History with emphasis on secondary education and going to get a side of coaching.  He'll be able to teach and coach grades 6-12 and it's really something I think he'll do well with, probably better than forecasting.  It was heartbreaking to give up the dream he's had since kindergarten and he admitted he should have given up sooner, but it wasn't all for nothing.  He made some good friends and got some life experience.  When he first came home, he was really depressed but after meeting with the advisors and other staff, he's really perked up and excited about school starting soon.

Do we all want to take a short rest?  I’m for pressing on but then again the only rechargeable thing Thane did was heal himself.  He can still use the healer’s kit once each for everyone else.

Wildshape is on a short rest cycle. Morgrim would benefit immensely from a short rest.

He still has 1/4 lvl 1 spell slots and 2/2 lvl 2 spell slots for the day. They recharge on a long rest.

My spells renew on long rests.

Anything that will benefit Morgrim immensely is a good thing, in my opinion. :)

I'll vote for a short rest.

In reply to Arnan Aldwynne (msg # 82):

He does have a tendency to show off after short rests but then he does it so well.  :)   If a short rest lets him do shapechange then I will be in favor of it.  Do we get some hit points back after short rest?

I'm enjoying my mobile bag of hit points support role, especially since we have so many damage dealers on hand to cut down whatever Morgrim engages.

Ok, short rest.  Thane is more than happy to pull guard.

Okay. Let's assume the party rests for an hour. Go ahead and update your character sheets accordingly and post your next intended action.

oh yeah....Dwarf and Charisma...while I AM charismatic, the dice roller doesn't think I am so I will not look this time (CHR is only a 10).

Got to have faith in yourself, Dal ;) Morgrim carries himself like a much more charismatic dwarf than he deserves to be.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 88):

Yeah but you get to extra points because of the neat shapes you change into.  Besides you're my brother...you have to say that.  :)

So, we ready to jump through the looking-glass?  I’m concerned about all that black ice and the mental difficulties it poses.  Do we have any means to mitigate that or boost our saves against it?

Morgrim is ready. Do and hope (and fix things later).

I don't have anything.  I need a long rest before getting ANY spell back.

No time like the present I suppose.  Thane is ready.

Just a heads up that I will be camping at the beach with my family Thursday to Saturday and will be completely off the grid.

Thanks for the heads-up. Enjoy! :)

Have fun!  It's good to go off grid sometimes.

Back home from two awesome days at the beach! Quick trip, but it's so hard to get campsite reservations for this particular state park and we could snag up a two-day block of time.

I will review game threads, etc. and get us started again shortly.

Thanks!

Shane

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 97):

Welcome back! Glad to hear that your trip to the beach went well!

Yay for good trips even if they're short!!  Younger kiddo had his first week of school and settling in well.  Older starts classes Monday.  Can't say how happy I am to have a few hours to myself each day again.  :P

So much for any hopes of a diplomatic solution...

Was there ever a hope of a diplomatic solution? :)

Is this a surprise round? Do we get to act again before they go?

I fear that with two Dwarves in the party, a low-Charisma Human (Arnan) and two others who don't strike me as diplomatic-leaning types (Kira and Thane), we'd have been out-diplomaticked pretty quickly:

"Sure, we'll leave all our weapons and cold-weather gear for you. We'll be going now -- sorry to have been a bother!" :)

I'll post IC for Arnan some time later today or this evening.

Valid points all (although Morgrim seems to rock charisma checks unexpectedly), but I was rather referring to the overwhelming proximity of black ice. None of the enemies have proved receptive to diplomatic efforts while under the sway of this stuff. We've already tried, and we lose surprise by trying a diplomatic approach which is unlikely to succeed anyway.

stomach flu...off to bathroom again...

carry dal with you.  not sure how long this will last.

In reply to Dalgura Ironhammer (msg # 104):

Sorry to hear it. I *hate* the stomach flu!

Hope that you feel better soon.

Added one more line of speech to my earlier post for Thane.

Clarification questions: is an Intimidation attempt counted as an action?  And what kind of penalty would there be for attempting to Intimidate again after a failed attempt?

Dal slowly waves a hand, the one not holding the bowl in case she doesn't make it to the bathroom.

Hi guys.  I feel a little better.  Hope to post by weekend.

Yes. Intimidation would be an action. The DC might be higher after you've already failed once, If they weren't afraid of you the first time, why will they be the second time?

Glad to have you back, Dal :)

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 109):

That’s what I thought.  Will make a meaningful post tonight.

Ditto on that. Your Dwarves are tough -- I have confidence that you will pass your next Con check! :)

*hugs Dal*  Hope you are feeling even better by now!  With the start of school, there are the joys of new germs for everyone!  My younger son had a bit of a bug and I had to get him out of school early Friday, running a temp and nausea but thankfully no vomiting.  He was just fine by last night so grumped off to school this morning.  :P

Yeah, it's a bummer when, as a kid, you are sick all weekend and then get well just in time to go back to school on Monday.

Come to think of it, recovering just in time for work on Monday ain't much fun as an adult, neither. :)

getting sick as an adult?

is that even allowed?

Heads up: I am going tent camping with the family this weekend and will be completely off the grid until Monday. I plan on riding a lot of mountain bike trails, swimming in lakes and drinking frosty beverages around campfires.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Shane

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 116):

Sounds like a great weekend -- enjoy!!

You are doing something very right with your life, Mr. DM sir.

It sounds like a busy but fun weekend.

Back home from an excellent long weekend out in the great outdoors. Will be looking through all my games this afternoon and posting updates later today/tonight.

Thanks!

Shane

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 120):

Welcome back.

Went to Gatlinburg over the weekend and half the family came home with sinus infection / bad head colds.  Feeling better now and will write for Thane tonight.

Will wait until tomorrow morning for Kira and Dalgura to post and then post on their behalf to keep the game moving through combat.

Just so everyone's on the same page, we're really close to concluding this adventure. Assuming everything goes well from here on out,there are like two more set-piece encounters and then we move into wrap-up mode!

So close...

:)

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 124):

woo hoo!  That's great.  Hear that furry butt?  (morgrim)  We might survive this.

I've enjoyed it immensely :) Looking forward to seeing where it takes us next.

For a second there I thought that you were talking about Thane. :)

In reply to Arnan Aldwynne (msg # 127):

I was thinking of just throwing out the title and see who claims it but it's heard to not think of BearGrim.

I mean, its not wrong.

In reply to Dalgura Ironhammer (msg # 128):

It could be considered a form of evolutionary progress in the far North of Faerun. :)

Sorry guys ... pain level increased to the point I was having to just rest last week.  I had checked in and meant to post but wasn't concentrating well.  I refuse to take the stronger pain meds because they make me so sleepy and sick to my stomach so dealt with Aleve and hot packs.

In reply to Kira (msg # 131):

Hope you are feeling better Kira.

In reply to Kira (msg # 131):

Sorry to hear that you weren't feeling well, Kira. Hope that you are feeling lots better this week.

Just as a heads-up, Hurricane Florence is making her way toward the southeastern US right now, and it's like to be (at a minimum) a very wet, breezy weekend for us here in midland SC.

I am not overly concerned about our safety, as we are pretty far inland, but it would be naive to think there will be no impact with a Cat 4 hurricane plowing into the area. If I drop off for a bit, it's mostly likely due to downed trees messing with power, etc.

Thanks!

Shane

You guys should really consider moving to Canada. We have it pretty good here. Just sayin'.

That is true in reference to more than the weather. :)

Good luck, Shane! Hopefully it won't be too bad, but as you say, losing internet access is a reasonable expectation.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:58, Tue 11 Sept 2018.

So... how are we all feeling about climbing those stairs? Morgrim has another wildshape and some spell slots. I think Dal is all spent. Thane could probably patch some folks up with his feat. I'm not sure resting in the tower of black ice is a great idea.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 137):

As much as I'd love to rest and get spells back, I do NOT want to rest here.

Alright, well N of 2 says no to resting. Thane can we get some cheap healer's kit heals in before we climb?

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 139):

Yes, I’ve got quite a few healing kit uses left.  I’ll post in the morning, a mundane healing for anyone who is hurt.  Great idea!

Grim,

I don't recall, but did you give out Goodberries to us?  Thane already used his feat on himself right before this fight, and can't do it again until we take a short rest.  He could use some healing since we're taking a moment to do that, but it's not critical.  Still have second wind after all.

I did. I handed 1 out to everyone, but I can't speak to who used theirs and who saved them. I held on to five in reserve. 5hp back if you like. I'll gladly take a use of the healer's kit in bear form.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 142):

I haven’t used it yet, but surely will!

And you got some health back.

How did I overlook Kira?  Seriously, must be getting dislexic.  Thought she was 21/21.

If you’d rather save that berry, I’d happily expend a healing kit use.  You’ll get back 8 hp as a minimum.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:46, Fri 14 Sept 2018.

*chuckles*  Kira is small so easy to miss ... :P  She'll go ahead with the berry too as the 8 will bring her back up to full.  She still worried this might not go well but she'll go down fighting.  :D

Please post your current hit point totals after finishing up with heals, etc.

Morgrim remains in Brown Bear form with 22 of 34 hp.

He has full health in his regular form.

In reply to Kira (msg # 145):

I rolled 13 hit points for Kira.  You can save that berry!

Also, Thane eats his berry and brought up to 27 hit points.

Arnan is at 28 of 28. :)

Dalgura  at full hit points = 24/24

(she didn't get hit.....this time)

Looks like we have dodged a huge bullet here in the midlands of SC. We've had pretty much non-stop light rain and periods of stronger winds last night, but nothing like what occurred north of us...especially in NC. It's still raining now, but nothing more than what you would see in a good warm front or the like.

No storm damage here. No power loss. No flooding, at least in my neighborhood. The base where I live just went into storm recovery mode and are allowing mission essential people to go around and assess damages. We're still pretty much locked down inside our homes though. I think I might kill my kids...

In all seriousness, we have some friends who live about 2 hours north of us that had a part of their roof ripped off the house and no longer have a backyard fence. They are also now being told to evacuate their home because they expect the river that runs through their city to flood, a mile wide!

Yikes!

Glad to hear you guys are all alright!

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 151):

Great news!

Kira is at 21/21 and tucked the goodberry back into her pouch for later.  Thanks Thane!


Glad to hear you're okay DM!  Watching the news of what's going on over there is heartbreaking and I hope things clear up soon.  Just stay safe and lock yourself in the bathroom now and then to avoid the kids.  Though you'll likely see little fingers waving at you from under the door and hear them still ... :D

Glad everybody is safe.  A friend of mine lost electricity for 30 hours.  I also heard that a lot of the times, people forget about the aftermath like dams over flowing and rivers flooding etc.

Stay safe

Glad to hear that you and the family (especially the kids) made it through your mandatory in-home detention phase with no casualties. :)

As Dal says, stay safe.

Exactly how high up is she drifting? Out of melee range?

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 157):

40 feet

Been fighting some kind of early fall but this week.  Came home from work last night and went right to bed.  Feeling better today and should post tonight after Saturday responsibilities are done.

Of course, if anyone else wants to speak up, feel free!  Don’t let the 8 INT, 10 CHA fighter be the primary spokesman LOL
This message was last edited by the player at 19:14, Sat 22 Sept 2018.

Can’t speak in bear form :( Biggest drawback of having a Druid as a face.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 161):

I growl in your general direction!  :)

The boys last grandparent passed early Friday morning (just after midnight) and they have understandably been in a funk.  They are with their father this weekend to grieve as a family, which is good since yesterday I was hit with the stomach flu.  Not feeling too spectacular today but trying to get posts made while it's quiet.  I don't think you guys want Kira to say anything because she definitely isn't diplomatic.  Her instinct right now is to just make the floating woman a pin cushion.  :P

Okay. Going to wait for a possible response from Thane, who seems to be leading the parlay with the Ice Witch, and will move the game along by tomorrow evening if he doesn't post by then.

In reply to Kira (msg # 163):

Very sorry to hear of the death in your family, and your illness. I *hate* the stomach flu -- not that it cares, much.

Hope that everything improves soon for you and yours.

I'm sorry to hear of your loss Kira.  Ugh on the stomach flu.  It's terrible this year and this time of year.  Get better please.

Dal doesn't really want to say much right now.  Conflicting dieties is one thing, stupidity is another.  If it can be talked out that means Dal doesn't have to do healing which is a good thing.

She will, however, fight when she has to (and knowing that diety probably will--you didn't read that GM).

Do we want to take a moment to talk battle tactics?  If we were sitting around a table together, I’d bet my bottom dollar we would be.

Kill the wizard?

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 168):

Yes, but should everyone engage in that, or do we need to have a couple or a few take on the ice thingies?

Personally I'd drop the wizard first. Only Arnan and Kira can really engage the Mephits, and Mephits are most dangerous when you kill them anyway. They all explode.

Back in the day when the world and I were both younger and I was learning the game, I was taught to go after the weaker, more numerous foes first, then work together to take down the bosses (and lesser bosses).

That would imply that Arnan, at least, should mayhaps target the Mephits.

Unless I was taught wrong, of course. Like those duck and cover drills that were supposed to protect us if the Russians nuked us . . . :)*

*PS. Which is silly, because everyone knows that a Vault-Tech vault is the only safe haven!
This message was last edited by the player at 16:43, Tue 25 Sept 2018.

Can spell casting be interrupted via melee attacks in this edition of the rules?

I think it very much depends on the fight.

I went after the weaker more numerous foes in the battle against the bear clan chieftain, partly because I could be fairly sure I would drop at least one or two of them every round. There's no wounded status in 5e. You're either fully functional and dangerous, or dead. If you can't reasonably expect to knock out the smaller stuff in one or two rounds I'd argue to focus fire on the big baddie.

If Arnan and Kira do nothing but attack the Mephits and both of them hit, with 21 hp they may be fortunate enough to kill one.

And to Thane's question, no. You can't interrupt a caster.

I have a rules question for you, Shane. It has to do with reactive actions.

I am considering having Arnan make a Battle-Master's Maneuvering Attack versus one of the Mephits (assuming that the Attack hits). That has the benefit of adding an extra d8 to the Damage, plus allowing Arnan to name a PC (in this instance) who can use a reaction to move up to half their normal distance.

My thought is to have Arnan confer the reactive movement bonus upon Kira, who can hopefully use the extra movement to move to a position where she can hide and gain the Advantage on her Attack (and thus, the Sneak Attack bonus).

Kira would then be able to act normally upon her turn this round, plus having the benefit of the extra reactive movement.

Do I have this analyzed correctly, rules-wise?

Thanks.

No. Kira would not gain an extra reaction. She could use her reaction to gain the ability to move up to half her speed without triggering an opportunity attack. But doing so would expend her reaction for the round, assuming she hasn't already used it for something else.

Reactions are covered under PHB p.190. When you take a reaction, you can't take another one until the start of your next turn.

If a spell has a duration that indicates Concentration, taking any form of damage will force a caster to make a Concentration (Con) check to keep the spell active. The DC is 10 of half the damage taken, whichever is higher.

Thanks for the replies, Shane and Morgrim.  After playing every single edition of AD&D, my rules knowledge is a literal soup of concepts, some of which is good and some of which is best left forgotten!  I don’t always have time to check the book.

Anyway, perhaps a good arrangement for our fight is thus:

Attack Akar Kessel: Grim, Thane, Kira (melee to get sneak attacks from flanking), perhaps Hengar as well.

Attack the Ice Mephits: Arnan, Dalgura (you have fire cantrips, right?  Might be good against icy things), and most likely, Hengar.  We can’t ignore the mephits.

Who is providing light?  4 out of 6 of us need light to fight most effectively.  Maybe plop a light spell on Thane’s shield or chain mail cap or something along those lines.

Dal has radiance cantrips and the save is Dex based. It will be hard to hit those buggers.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 178):

Thanks big bro for answering.  Work has been a .... Ice Queen.  :)

Yes, I am going through my available spells right now.  Don't have much since I haven't had a full rest.

Who gets to use Advantage against Kessell?  I have made an attack against Kessell (a hit) but before I roll a second D20 to perhaps change that hit into a critical, I guess we need to know if it is being retroactively applied to Mogrim or applied chronologically to Thane.

Technically it goes to the next person to attack. If you were going to delegate, I'd delegate Kira since she has sneak attack and the possibility to do the most damage.

Morgrim hit with both of his attacks anyway, barring a casting of shield.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 181):

I read that it would be the next person who attacked after me.  I don't think that I can delegate it.  That would be a GM determination.

In reply to Dalgura Ironhammer (msg # 182):

In the strictest sense, it would be Thane.  My attack roll is in the log.

I'm away tomorrow and Sunday for a quilting retreat.  Will check back Sunday night.

Hey Grim -

How about this tactic.

Thane grapples Akar Kessel to keep him from casting spells.  GrimBear and Kira slash/pierce/bash said undead mage.

Would that work?

Grappling doesn't stop you from casting in 5e. It imposes the grappled condition.



There isn't a good way to stop a caster from casting in melee. DM is correct about concentration effects, but you can't stop instantaneous casts any more except with counterspell or by imposing a condition that prohibits casting like silence.

We've done 47 damage to him and he's got 112 health. We're best off beating him down I think.

Also, BearGrim, Thane and Hengar should keep as spaced out in melee as possible. Not sure what he has prepared but I don't want to line up targets for burning hands or the like.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 186):

Well, poop.  We'll just wear him down then.

Now, Silence is a cleric spell, and if Dal had it and Thane grappled the wizard so he couldn't leave the area of effect - then we'd be cooking with gas.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 189):

But she doesn't have it.  She is very low on spells.  so don't get hit because healing isn't on the list.  She is soon having to go into melee with it.  I have to concentrate on the remaining spells, even Bless, so it is going to be the smashem time soon.

Dear sister, you have bless? And you've been holding out this whole time??

;)

Bless is one of the best level 1 spells a cleric can have prepared. We may need it for the witch's fight.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 191):

Nah, we're probably gonna need Summon Kickass Army instead.

Unfortunately my choice of 2nd level spells has not helped much. Heat Metal should be good - except all of our enemies seem to be naked. And Pass Without Trace is great for sneaking, but we've not really had much call to do that.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 191):

My dear stinky brother.  If I had used Bless before we wouldn't have it for the fight the witch time PLUS you guys were keeping me busy using healing spells and such.

Personally Bonni doesn't think it is as good as in the old days.

"Bless up to three creatures of your choice within range.  Whenever a target makes an attack roll or a saving throw before the spell ends (concentration up to 1 minutes), the target can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to the attack roll or saving throw."

With bounded accuracy +1d4 on attacks and saves is a big benefit. Remember concentration checks are a Con save, so cast on Dalgura it helps her maintain concentration on that spell.

I agree though, save it for the witch. I expect we'll be making more saves.

That's why I'm playing a fighter this time around.  My spells are:

Smash in Skulls with Flail,
Lop off Body Parts with Hand Axe,
and Poke Interesting Holes at a Distance with Crossbow.

;)
This message was last edited by the player at 01:31, Sat 29 Sept 2018.

I'm playing a banjo playing monk in another game. I've put his spell list down as:

Cantrips:
Minor Banjo
Banjo Shillelagh

Level 1
Dueling Banjo
Wrathful Banjo
Banjo Smite

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 197):

That's funny.  I like it!

I'm actually tempted to take a level in druid so I can legit cast Shillelagh on the banjo and go to town.

I inadvertently took an extra action with Akar Kessel and discovered it when I was reading through the post. He has multiple actions as an ability, but I took one too many. The only save you need to make is vs the ice mephits.

Edit: I just accounted for Dex Save. Hit point total is now 3, so still Bear form.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:36, Sun 30 Sept 2018.

Got it. Morgrim makes his save then and keeps his form for at least one more round.

Catching up now ... two visitations and two funerals last week sort of took a lot out of me.  My little man is dealing, will get better with time but his behavior has been out of whack as expected.

Thane?  Did you use the advantage from Dal's spell the last time?  I think it was you who attacked after me.

Pretty sure he did.

He did.

Just wanted to make sure.  Between being away, coming back to work, and headaches, I wasn't sure.

I am super sick right now.  Been down since Wednesday night.  Might be flu - fevers, sore throat, fuzzy headed, weak and sleepy.  Lots of sleeping going on.  Thane will continue to attack Kessell.

In reply to Thane Harkensen (msg # 207):

Sorry to hear it, Rob. Hope that you feel lots better, soon.

I would have Dal do some healing on you but she's low right now.  So you'll just have to settle for Hugs and best wishes...

Get better soon please.

*winces and hugs*  Sorry to hear the nasties got you Thane.  Hope you get better real quick!

In reply to Thane Harkensen (msg # 207):

Sorry to hear that. Get well soon.

I will NPC Thane until you return. Thanks!

Check your character sheet, Arnan. Pretty sure all of us should have silvered weapons. There was a crate of the in the second act and we saved some for all of the PCs.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 212):

Thanks Morgrim.

Truth be told, I'm not very good at noting various details on my PC's Character Sheet, once the game gets under way. It's good to know that Arnan has some silvered arrows [I'll drop back and edit his IC post when I have the time (my posting window is about to close)], but I don't believe that I ever notated Arnan's Character Sheet on this point.

It really helps to put the post in the right place ... leaky brainpan!!
This message was last edited by the player at 19:25, Mon 08 Oct 2018.

Wishing a happy Thanksgiving to our Canadian player and his family. :)

Thank you sir! Enjoying it muchly!

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 216):

:)  Glad that you are having a great holiday....being a dwarf means you know how to enjoy it so I would expect nothing less.

The box of empty wine bottles is filling up pretty quickly :)

I’m feeling much better now.  Appreciate the well-wishes.  I’ll post tonight for Thane, but I’m nervous about resting while Kessell is lurking somewhere.  Can he be tracked down by scent?

Good question!

14:26, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 18 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 13,7.  Scent: Advantage (bear).

Morgrim does not smell Akar Kessell nearby.

You should have thrown ale on him first.  Then he wouldn't be able to hide from Morgrim.  :)

Ha!! Spoken like a true Dwarf! :)

Hey Bill...what sort of impact (if any) do you expect from Hurricane Michael?

Thanks for asking. As you probably know, it is supposed to make landfall on the Gulf of Mexico side of the state some time tomorrow or tomorrow evening.

We are on the Atlantic Ocean side of the state, due east from Jacksonville. So, a little wind, a little rain -- probably much like what y'all experienced with the previous hurricane.

That's assuming that the storm heads off to the north and east after it makes landfall, as expected; as you know, these things can be unpredictable, and if it were to head due east (or only slightly north of east) after making landfall, then all bets are off.

Hope that it doesn't dump too much bad weather on you as it heads northward.

In reply to Arnan Aldwynne (msg # 225):

Yeah. Here in the midlands of South Carolina, we're expecting a windy, rainy day and possibly tornadoes that break out as the storm pushes inland. We're prepared for the worst and hoping for the best. That's all you can really do :)

All of you please be careful and safe.  Remember Dal is out of healing spells so can't help you there.  Both her and I will continue to keep you in our prayers though.

Hugs.

All in favor of a short rest?

Aye.

In reply to Thane Harkensen (msg # 228):

Aye

Yup!  Need to use some hit dice or if Thane has more healing kit uses just to try to survive the next encounter.  :)

Just a note: if Thane used his healing kit ability on you already, he can’t do that for you again until you’ve taken a short or long rest.

Aye. Sorry to be a bit tardy on the vote.

I have expended two Hit Dice worth of healing, and Arnan has regained 25 of his 28 Hit Points. Is there any reason not to expend the third Hit Die and top off the tank, so to speak (i.e., is there a benefit to be gained from holding a Hit Die in reserve)?

Thanks.

Spend it all. We have one encounter remaining before this campaign wraps up! :)

Can everyone post their current hit points after spending hit dice in this thread?

Thanks

31

Morgrim is back to 27/27 hp. He regains his uses of Wild Shape on the short rest. He has 1 level 2 spell slot remaining for the day.

Dal is at 24 of 24 hit points after short rest healing (2d8)
This message was last edited by the player at 22:28, Sun 14 Oct 2018.

Dal, did you use the short rest healing option?  Grim can explain the rules, I’d have to consult the book.

In reply to Thane Harkensen (msg # 239):

Never knew about that so didn't use it either time.  Not sure I needed it last time.  :0  Yo brother!  If I take back the comment about eating beans will you explain about short rest healing?

You get a pool of HD equal to your level. You can roll them during a short rest to regain health, and add your con modifier.

As a level 3 cleric you have 3d8 hit dice you can roll. You get half of them back when you take a long rest.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 241):

Thanks!

I will roll a couple of them.

updated my post after short rest healing of 2d8, I am at full hit points.  Thanks guys.

Okay, it looks like all the PCs will be back up to full hit points for the final confrontation with the Ice Witch!

Good luck!

As a heads up, I will be tent camping this weekend (Friday to Monday) and completely off-the-grid.

Then, I will be traveling for business Monday to Friday (Oct 22-26). My hotel says it has wifi access, but we'll see whether I can actually connect! :)

Thanks,

Shane

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 245):

Thanks for the heads-up. Enjoy the camping (which is pretty much a given), and good luck on the business trip. :)

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 245):

Have a great trip :)

Been a fairly busy week at work (long days) and I still haven't packed for our camping trip this weekend OR my business trip on Monday afternoon. :)

I might be able to get to a set-up scene tonight after work, but we'll see how it goes.

Thanks for your patience and understanding!

Shane

No worries Boss!  Have fun on the trip.  We'll be here.  :)

Am I the only one whom this reminded of the iconic "Darn this dress!" scene when Marilyn Monroe walked over the updraft blowing up from a subway grating?

Meh, probably . . . :)

In reply to Arnan Aldwynne (msg # 250):

hehe.  It just seemed like a good phrase to use.  :)

I haz dumb question!  Is it possible to sort of dive and slide along the ice, sort of through a space between the black ice statues while they are occupied with the big guys to get closer to Hedrun?

Sure. Anything is possible. The area is still considered difficult terrain. You could make an athletics or acrobatics check (DC15) to avoid provoking an opportunity attack as you slide through the ice statues.

Failure would likely mean you bump into the statues and the statues would get an opportunity attack on you while you're prone.

To be clear, we can't get around the statues to attack Hedrun directly?

Can we shoot between / past the statues?

This is definitely a fight where I'd be trying to break her concentration at every opportunity.

Correct.

The statues rushed you at the platform as soon as you entered the sanctum. I guess you could move past the statues to get to the Ice Witch (difficult terrain the whole way), assuming you make your Dex check to stay on your feet, but doing so would provoke an opportunity attack.

As far as shooting through statues, yes.

Remember, as long as the ice storm continues to sleet down on you, all attacks are at disadvantage due to the poor visibility.

This is one the reasons the humble light spell is so darn useful...or is the lack of light not the cause of disadvantage?
This message was last edited by the player at 01:42, Tue 23 Oct 2018.

I recognise Hedrun is pretty scantily clad at the moment - is she wearing anything metal whatsoever?

EDIT: Also, can Morgrim target the statue attacking Thane? Or is it too far?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:04, Tue 23 Oct 2018.

In reply to Thane Harkensen (msg # 258):

heavily obscured is caused by ice storm, not lack of light

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 259):

She is not wearing any metal.

Yes, morgrim can attack statues

Did Hengar not heal up during our short rest?

In reply to Thane Harkensen (msg # 262):

Npc's don't have short rest hit dice.

Have flu.  hope to post tomorrow

In reply to Dalgura Ironhammer (msg # 264):

Hope you feel better soon!

In reply to Dalgura Ironhammer (msg # 264):

Ack!  Get well soon :)

*hugs Dal*  Having my own issues, thankfully not the flu but haven't been very mobile the last few days.  Catching up now!

Is Kira restrained like the others since she slid past the statues?  It was her intent to get on Hedrun's side of the line and be able to harass/attack her.

Yes. Everyone is encased on a wall of icy thorns. Kira is about 5 feet distant from the Ice Witch. So she can move to get closer, but will incur damage doing so.

Does standing one’s ground and engaging in melee cause damage?

Also, is Thane adjacent to Hengar?  Thane can heal him again because we all took a short rest.  Or Thane can try to protect him with shield play until we down one or both of the statues.

PCs can remain stationary and fight the statues without suffering ice spike damage.

Yes. Let's assume everyone in melee against the statues are adjacent to one another

Out of interest is Kira a swashbuckler? Otherwise I don't think you can apply sneak attack damage this round if you intend to attack Hedrun. There's nothing to confer advantage and no other adjacent PC.

Will post IC for Arnan some time today or this evening.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 272):

Yup, I went Swashbuckler for her.  :)

Awesome :) good choice. Definitely my favourite.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 275):

That explains all of my brother's leaping around.  :)

Please note that I have finally cast bless which covers Fuzzybutt Morgrim, Keira, and Thane.  :)  Sorry.  Could only do it for 3 people.

I’ll write for Thane tonight.

That was cool.  Going to try to take down one of the statues this round so that next round I can get to Miss Chillyness herself.  Now, don't you be getting impatient!

I was assuming that Thane would be the next adventurer to attack Hedrun. I suppose that the Advantage bonus from Arnan's Distracting Strike would carry over into the next round and could be used by Kira, as long as her attack occurs before Arnan's (the wording for this maneuver says that the Advantage bonus applies to the next attack against the distracted target, as long as it occurs before Arnan's next turn).
This message was last edited by the player at 22:36, Tue 30 Oct 2018.

In reply to Arnan Aldwynne (msg # 279):

I think the melee is too thick for Thane to get there this turn.  Besides, he’s trying to keep Hengar from dying in the current round.  Already made dice rolls versus the weakest statue.  It should die this round from Thane’s folllw-on attacks.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:26, Tue 30 Oct 2018.

Understood. No worries. An Advantage for Kira's Sneak Attack is not a bad thing. :)

Nicely done, Kira!

A natural 20 on a death save immediately stabilises you and returns you to 1 hp. If DM allows it, you wake up.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 282):

if you want to roll a natural 20, death save is one of them.  :)   Nicely done Kira.

Hmm. I didn't realize that was a rule. I thought a natural 20 just counted for two successes.

Learn something new every day!

Yeah. Kira regains consciousness 1 hit point and is prone at the Ice Witch's feet.

OOOO!  I thought it was just two successes as well and was thrilled to have that ... though now she will be quite aware of the OWIES she has.  :P  Of all the times to get a nat 20, yes indeed it's good to have it on a death save.


Edit:  AHA!  Went and looked in my PHB ... my tabletop GM flubbed up.  :P


This message was last edited by the player at 20:29, Wed 31 Oct 2018.

Nice, Kira! You can blow on my dice any time! :)

Oh don't say that ... usually I fail on rolls!  LOL!  Now and then though, when it really seems bad, the luck god is kind.  For now, Kira is likely to play possum until some others can get there to help.  I don't trust the luck for the next time she is about to die.  :P

In reply to Kira (msg # 287):

and what is the plus to an attack roll when you are at the feet of the person you are attacking?  No wait.  Bad Dal..Bad Bad Dal.  Want Kira to remain alive.

Dal shuts up.

Disadvantage on all attack rolls while prone.

I am at a retreat tonight through Saturday night.  Connectivity is terrible.  Lost my post 3 times already so just did a simple one to keep things moving.

I am at a retreat tonight through Saturday night.  Connectivity is terrible.  Lost my post 3 times already so just did a simple one to keep things moving.

In reply to Thane Harkensen (msg # 291):


To compensate you for dropping some of your posts, it sends some of them twice. :)

Reminder that Kira is still under the effect of Bless which applies to saving throws (including death saving throws)!

Also, everyone has inspiration, Hengar included! Now would be a good time to start using it!

Thankfully I didn't need the extra d4 this time for the Dex Save but glad she should be able to utilize it for the Death Save.  Since she just went unconscious again, I wait until the next round to do the Death Save ... right?  *desperately trying to prolong things*

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 294):

Remind me what inspiration does?

Reroll any d20

Technically you will make the Death Save at the same time as your Dex saving throw. The lightning damage occurred on the Ice Witch's turn, so your turn is now up, in which Kira is unconscious and making death saves...

Somehow I totally failed to write that down.  Anywhere.  Thanks, Grim!

EEEEK!  I was cringing as I clicked "ROLL" and oh my goodness she saved again with a nat 20!!  Bless her little heart!!!

I think Kira might be the chosen of Tymora with rolls like that! Good job!

Dal thinks that Kira is lucky but also is thanking Sharindlar's blessings upon her.  Not to mention you other two.

Sorry I'm not in combat but think it is important that I keep concentrating to have the bless stay up.  An additional d4 for attacks and saves is good right now I think.

Concentrating doesn’t take an action :) you can still cast as long as the other spell doesn’t also have the concentration tag!

Sacred flame is fine.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 303):

Thanks brother.  I'll try sacred flame this time as well as concentrating.  Hopefully she won't dodge it.

The statue probably has the worse dex save and finishing it off frees up Hengar and Thane. I’d try to kill it this round. It doesn’t have much health left. Morgrim will be fine for another round.

Kira’s tough!  Thane was right to pick her out of the crowd :)

Jeez, Morgrim's one tough Damage-Sponge. And he can deal out the Damage, too. Glad that he's on our side!! :)

In reply to Arnan Aldwynne (msg # 307):

Yeah, that's my brother.  It's not only his head that is thick.  :)  Gotta love him.

That’s basically all moon druids are :) Two wildshapes per rest, and a few utility spells to keep them interesting.

Got lucky again, not as lucky as the other two times but hey!  So far she's hanging on ... though you all probably heard her squeak out something that rhymes with duck ...  >.>   <.<   >.<

Don't forget you are still covered on saves from the Bless Kira.  :)

I haven't and glad it's there if I need it!  So far I've not had to use it but her luck can't hold out forever so my fingers are crossed you all take the biddy out or my next two rolls save too.  :)  Just taking a little nap like the queen she dreams of being on day.  LOL!!

16:14, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 22 using 1d20+1d4 with rolls of 20,2.  Dex save.

Natural 20 on my dex save chief. Can I chose to fail it and protect Kira instead?

Sure

Done. Morgrim takes Kira's damage.

Dal, reminder that I handed off a healing potion to you in the last chapter. I don't think it ever got used. Resuscitating Kira would be a good use of it I think :)

Dal, the Ice Witch is dead already.

In reply to Thane Harkensen (msg # 316):

Eh, maybe Dal *really* didn't like her. :)

Yes but since I couldn't give a healing potion to Kira because of a missed dex save, and I could do my healing as a bonus action but only if I could cast a cantrip with cast time of 1 action (which sacred flame does).  So I cast my cantrip so I could cast my bonus action spell.  :)

And yes Arnan, Dal REALLY doesn't like her.

Shane,

Is the updraft that the adventurers rode up to the Sanctum still functioning, now that the temple is starting to collapse?

If so, perhaps there is some way to reverse the winds so that they can be ridden down to the lower level.

If not, a more mundane way of getting down may need to be used -- such as tying a couple of lengths of 50-foot rope together, tying off the end, and climbing down.

It's still functioning but the currents are highly erratic due to to he tower collapsing on itself.

Dalgura: Please also make a DC10 Concentration to determine whether the Bless spell is still active after taking damage.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 321):


18:55, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 12 using 1d20 with rolls of 12.  concentration check.

Not sure if I would get any adds to it or not.

It's a Constitution check. The target number is 10 (or half damage, whichever is higher), so a 12 is sufficient.

You can always make a bonus action once per round. You don't have to spend a regular action to have the option.

Blasting the Ice Witch a little more doesn't hurt, but it doesn't actually help you either :)

Oh I don't know.  I felt a lot better blasting her.

I suspect that it is fun to toss in a "Take that, bitch!" parting shot. :)

Hold on Kira, going for the standard "Evac then treat" option here...

Make sure Morgrim isn't at a deadfall before you throw yourself over. Morgrim is testing the currents because he knows hes the most likely to survive a full on plummet from this height if it doesn't work.

I absolutely love you all.  It made me cry reading how Morgrim sacrificed himself to protect Kira.  She adores the dwarven siblings and has grown to love everyone in the group.  Not sure right now where she stands hp wise.  I know Dal gave her 7 points but she was at -13.  Is she stable and awake or still unconscious?

Actually, PCs don’t into negatives anymore.  You get stuck at 0, and the death save mechanic is used to see if you recover consciousness, or “bleed out”.    Or am I not square with the 5e rules?

Yeah. No negative hit points. The only reason you track negative hit points is because death automatically occurs anytime a character takes damage equal to their negatibe hit point value.

Yeah. Kira is conscious again the moment she receives any healing. Let's assume she comes to consciousness as soon as Thane carries her outside the collapsing tower.

A thrilling conclusion to a great adventure :)

Well done and well-played, everyone! And many thanks for a fun campaign, Shane! :)
This message was last edited by the player at 01:03, Wed 07 Nov 2018.

That was a nail biter.  Glad that I was able to give some healing to you Kira.  Hopefully you and I can get a long rest soon.

Thanks for the kind words.

I'd like to give Arnan and Thane an opportunity to post and then I have a wrap-up post and Epilogue to close this thing out!

Always a great feeling to complete an adventure, but especially so in PbP, as games that conclude are the exception rather than the rule.

YAY!  Awww  Kira.  Loved your post.  :)  Congrats everybody.....we survived...so far anyway.  :)

I'm posting tonight.  Busy week!

Let me echo the thoughts already expressed - this was a great, fun, and well run campaign!  Thank you, Shane, for running it, and thank you fellow players for being a part of it :)

~Rob

I purchased the Legacy of the Crystal Shard adventure in September 2016 and had only played 5th edition a couple times prior to deciding to run this as my very first 5e adventure. What initially drew me to the adventure was its focus on story, the three different paths the adventure could go and the idea of choosing one path would lead to consequences in the other two paths.

As I mentioned to Bill and Rob when I first approached them in October 2016:



By this time in November 2016, Bill had recruited all of you to round out the cast and we were in the midst of character generation, waiting for the holidays to pass to begin the game. We launched on 1 January 2017 and worked through the adventure over the next 22+ months. I kind of figured it would take about 2 years to complete the adventure and had hoped we could retain all of the players to see it through the completion. We only lost one along the way, which is kind of remarkable, so thanks for all the help in vetting the cast, Bill!

Overall, I enjoyed the adventure as well. It was definitely a challenging adventure to run due to its relatively non-linear presentation and the fact the mechanics were sketchy and/or based on early "D&D Next" assumptions. But I liked the overarching story of 3 separate villains mucking up Icewind Dale and felt like you guys had an opportunity to shape the history of the region through your characters' actions.

In hindsight, I think I could have done a better job selling Akar Kessell as a villain, but his main role was as a villain in the Dwarven Valley, and your character sacrificed that hook in favor of the other two hooks. So you really didn't get to learn much about him and he is only in the final act as a hanger-on and not the main villain.

Splitting up the party was also a drag. During that time, I started having doubts on my ability to see this game through to completion and was happy to work everyone back together and phase out the non-contributing party member who caused the split in the first place. Things definitely got better once the two groups reunited, at least from my standpoint. Note to self: don't allow PbP parties to split up anymore. It never works out well!

At any rate, I am curious to know what you specifically liked or didn't like about this adventure, the way I ran it, writing/posting style, etc. Any feedback is appreciated, as I am always working to improve my craft and get better as a storyteller and DM.

Thanks again!

Shane