Sorry, newbie question about the dice roller - is there an efficient way to roll six sets of 4d6 and drop the lowest die, or do I just make six individual rolls?

Generally I'm not so lawful more neutral towards chaotic.

See if the DM will let you use age adjustments to enhance those rolls on page 12-13 DMG.  I know it's not OSRIC but every little edge we can get at the start will help.  I usually prefer the edge to go to my character, but we're part of the same team for now until I tick you off too much perhaps.

I'll let you try and play a paladin with a 17 charisma whilst keeping to the strict laws of being a paladin and not rubbing everybody the wrong way.  I think they are incredibly difficult to play.  Isn't all his posing going to seem a little conceited?  That doesn't sound very paladin like.  Ha ha, it'll be fun.

Yeah it's an adventurer, you'll make it your own.

Not much in the way of healers.

Are they essential in this game or can they be substituted with potions? Clerics can only heal a small number of times, anyway.

I'm not familiar with how often magic items are handed out, so I don't know...

Dexterity seems to get the biggest boost going from 15 to 16, which would put me back into Thief.

Also, is it common to have more than one class? The others have choices like that, but I thought that was unusual.

I was wondering if I should just pick a human and avoid that decision, but with odd value stats maybe I could try some other race out.

It sounds like you are a 5E player?

Odd or even numbers don't matter.

In that case, it is my decision not to adjust your starting ability scores.
:p

Oh, I was just saying that generally for creation purposes, since stat related boosts tend to come at even values.

If I do go Cleric, I don't suppose I need to multi-class? The healer leveling up faster should be a big help to the party.

Is your character sheet open?  Lucky.

No character sheets are open yet.  They'll unlock once everyone's settled on what they're playing.

Player 1: Fighter/Magic User/Thief
Player 2: Cleric
Player 3: Cleric
Player 4: Fighter or Paladin
Player 5: Thief
Player 6: Ranger

Is your character sheet open?

Nope. But I usually jot things down on paper and then put my character sheet into TextEdit since the RPOL editor insists on using a non-monotype font. Then it's just copy and paste into the editor.

This party should be fine with no arcane magic!

You can't hear me but I've gotten a good laugh from this line.

I'll add P4 once he settles on his class.

Heya Player 4, how would you like a squire?

Then the kettle drum, then the snare, then the bass drum and cymbals, then crackling light against the dark, and the gods grinning and licking their chops in the hills.

You can't hear me but I've gotten a good laugh from this line.

Heya Player 4, how would you like a squire?

Hearing no (major) objections, then I will definitely choose Paladin. ;)

Malaketh, what is the plan for if (and when) a character dies? It is AD&D after all. :) Will we be able to create a new character and be quickly inserted into the story? Will we have to wait weeks, or potentially months, of real time until the party goes back to town? Or is the player just out of luck and out of the game?

Also, what is your expected posting rate?

Wow I was going to change from cleric to druid, but either didn't see or hadn't noticed the other character changes.

Malaketh, what is the plan for if (and when) a character dies?

We seriously can't go on only with a triple multi classed mage

Loot the body, use the corpse as a barricade or as a snack to slow down the monster that is chasing the group. :-)



Hey!

That's a triple-class mage with MAGIC AURA and PUSH in his spellbook...don't you forget it.

Also, I'm hoping to have my sheet done tonight. I'm wadded up on gear. Are there any "kit's"? Do we need to spend the time now purchasing torches and 10' poles and so forth, or will that be in-game later? I always get bogged down in character creation spending time on buying things I never use. Anyway, I'm kinda hoping that we'll meet some benefactor that will spring for all of our mundane adventuring gear.

Has anyone used one of the various house-rule options out there for adventuring gear? I've seen some where when a need comes up in game, a roll is made to see if you have the item or not and is weighted by how much of your starting money was applied to "preparation"... I'll have to dig through my archives to find specifics, but maybe some of you have seen something similar?

BTW, I turn 46 in a couple weeks, so I fit right in age-wise with most of you.

he brings another Magic Aura spell into the mix and the completely useless Find Familiar spell.

I became 21 on the 1st of this month.

Be assured that I am the youngest here by a long shot. I became 21 on the 1st of this month.

Are we going to be meeting up after we are kitted out, or can we share what we have bought beforehand to save unnecessary double up?  Mind you I've got a 30gp to spend so that should be heaps right?

I'm also assuming we are given our 1st spell book from our mage teacher,

I've never used kits, though I've heard of them.  I'm the player that goes and buys the sort of things you hardly ever use.  Just had one of my characters actually use the chalk I bought for him back in 2008.  Yes I already have that item, it was a big spend I ought to be significantly reimbursed by each party member.

Looking through the equipment list, I found everything except pants. Boots, cloak, doublet, gown, robe, shoes and tunic. But no pants. And no trousers.

So, are we all pantless adventurers? :D

Pants quest!

Could someone refresh my memory on how weapon proficiencies and specialization work? Ranger gets 3 "slots", specialization can only happen at character creation and missile weapons costs 2 slots to specialize in... So I could take Swords and Longbow and that would fill up my "slots" and specializations?

Do I have that correct?

Happy birthday! I turned 55 two weeks ago.  I have whisky that is older than you! :-)

Hey, Happy Birthday! Sadly, it's all downhill from there... :/

Player 2 you will be known as The Kid, or possibly Diaper Dude.  When I was 21 your parents probably hadn't even met.

Yes I already have that item

You know what?  I'll be generous.  Everyone gets a full pair of clothes for free, including pants.

would you prefer to start closer to the action?

Basic proficiency costs one slot; specializing costs one extra slot unless it's a two-handed or ranged weapon, in which case it costs two extra slots, and you can double-specialize in a one-handed weapon by spending two extra slots.  Therefore, you could:
Double-specialize in longsword
Specialize in longsword and take proficiency with longbow
Specialize in longbow
Take proficiency with longsword, longbow, and one other weapon type.

a fighter gains a new weapon proficiency at a rate of 1 every 2 levels - is that at 3rd, 5th, 7th, etc?

I took Sleep for my chosen spell even though I never take Sleep! I hate taking Sleep because everyone takes Sleep. I am now officially glad that I took Sleep!

I'm going to say no, partly because that's the nature of the system, and partly because I don't see it being as bad as you're making it out to be.  You'll be able to find and buy spell scrolls, which can be copied into your books pretty easily (I don't know where you're getting that 65% figure), and sleep is a perfectly good spell for early adventuring.

I'm going to say it's every even-numbered level, to make the math simpler for every class.

(I don't know where you're getting that 65% figure), and sleep is a perfectly good spell for early adventuring.

I'm going to say it's every even-numbered level, to make the math simpler for every class.

So rather than every 5th level for a mage they get a weapon proficiency slot every even number level 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th?  Is that what you mean?

I don't think it comes into play if a scroll is read out to activate the spell.

This is the first time I have used OSRIC to create a level 1 character, and I have to say I thought that the rules would have been more streamlined. They kept a lot of the niggly 1E rules and did not consider using "better" rules that came from later editions or widely-used house rules. I guess they were really focussed on keeping the 1E feel.

That's an interesting take on it Player 1.

And here I thought I was explaining the "normal" 1E system!

The 1E DMG says Read magic is needed to determine what sort of scroll was found; but is not needed to invoke the scroll.

And in typical Gygaxian: "Those characters able to read and employ scroll spells may do so regardless of other restrictions, and once the spell is known, it is not necessary to use a special read magic in order to effect its powers. Reading of such scrolls is possible even to MUs who are otherwise unable to employ such a spell for any reason whatsoever, be it inability to learn or above level of use..."

So, I think I am right, at least as far as 1E goes!

OSRIC has this: "...magic users and illusionists may copy the spell from the scroll into their spell books, if they understand the spell..." and then this "Alternatively, the spell may be cast directly from the scroll..." and finally "it is not necessary for the caster to know the spell beforehand, and indeed it is possible to cast a spell from a scroll even if the caster does not know the spell or is of insufficient level to use the magic."

So, all this seems to lead to possibility that Sil'qian finds a scroll; he uses Read magic to determine it contains another useful spell like Erase on it. He can choose to cast it from the scroll with no further effort. Or he can copy it into his spellbook, which would require rolling his 55% to Understand Spell, first.

But, given my advanced age and failing mental faculties, I could have this completely mixed up! :-)

Their intelligence of 15 and 16 respectfully means they only have a 65% chance of learning each spell they find.

So rather than every 5th level for a mage they get a weapon proficiency slot every even number level 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th?  Is that what you mean?

Each and every magic-user character must employ the Table in order to determine which and how many of each group of spells (by level) he or she can learn. At first, only the 1st level group of spells are checked. Successive level groups are checked only when the character reaches a level at which the appropriate group of spells is usable by him or her. Chance to Know Each Listed Spell pertains to the percentage chance the character has by reason of his or her intelligence to learn any given spell in the level group. The character may select spells desired in any order he or she wishes. Each spell may be checked only once. Percentile dice are rolled, and if the number generated is equal to or less than the percentage chance shown, then the character can learn and thus know that spell (it may be in his or her spell books explained hereafter). Example: A character with an intelligence of 12 desires to know a charm person spell that he finds in a book or scroll, percentile dice are rolled, but the number generated is 52, so that spell is not understood and can not be used by the character (see, however, the paragraph below regarding the minimum number of spells knowable).

Minimum Number of Spells/Level states the fewest number of spells by level group a magic-user can learn. If one complete check through the entire group fails to generate the minimum number applicable according to intelligence score, the character may selectively go back through the group, checking each spell not able to be learned once again. This process continues until the minimum number requirement has been fulfilled. This means, then, that certain spells, when located, can be learned while certain other spells can never be learned and the dice rolls indicate  which ones are in each category. Example: The magic-user mentioned above who was unable to learn a charm person spell also fails to meet the minimum number of spells he or she can learn. The character then begins again on the list of 1st level spells, opts to see if this time charm person is able to be learned, rolls 04, and has acquired the ability to learn the spell. If and when the character locates such a spell, he or she will be capable of learning it.

Maximum Number of Spells/Level is the obverse of the minimum number which can be known. According to the character’s intelligence, this maximum number which the magic-user can possibly know (have in his or her spell books) varies from 6 to an unlimited number. As soon as this maximum is reached, the character may not check any further in the level group.

Change in Intelligence: If intelligence goes down or up for any reason, and such change is relatively permanent, the magic-user must check again as explained above far known spells by level group.

Acquisition of Heretofore Unknown Spells: Although the magic-user must immediately cease checking to determine if spells are known after the first complete check of each spell in the level group, or immediately thereafter during successive checks when the minimum number of spells which can be known is reached, it is possible to acquire knowledge of additional spells previously unknown as long as this does not violate the maximum number of spells which can be known. New spells can be gained from captured or otherwise acquired spell books or from scrolls of magic spells. In the latter event the scroll is destroyed in learning and knowing the new spell or spells. (This subject is detailed more fully in the section explaining magic-users as characters.)

It's also a hilarious way to try and balance out magic users, so unless someone has a compelling objection I'm going to use it.

Okay, so I've looked over the rules, and done some research online.  This is what 1E did:

Text omitted read it below under Cripes, just look at this. 

So, um...  That's completely bonkers.  It's also a hilarious way to try and balance out magic users, so unless someone has a compelling objection I'm going to use it.

Also, the free spell a magic user gets to pick when he levels can be one that he has failed his roll to comprehend, so if there's a spell you really want (like Fireball or something), you can still get it.  I'll also say that you make the checks after your starting spell set is determined, so your current spellbook contents remain unaffected.

so unless someone has a compelling objection I'm going to use it.

As Player 1 has said it also forces a magic user to only know certain pre determined spells whether they turn up in the game or not.  The only thing it is more likely to do is force the magic users to be silent characters hiding behind the others and a drag on XP until later in the game.

You have said previously that you do not have 1st edition rules only OSRIC, but now you want to use them.  My turn to fell uneasy when there is no consistency in the ruling.

Glad you could take the feedback without getting bent out of shape.

I can sum Axel up for you all in one short sentence.  AC 10, 4hp one sleep spell.

I would, ideally, like to get your characters ready by the end of the day.

Ahh well perhaps next term you will bring the deadline forward a few days knowing what is going to happen.  Not that I'm a teacher just an observer of human nature.

DM: when you have a moment, could you pop a little info in the Setting Information thread about the climate and culture?

For some reason, I was thinking that this setting would be like the Egyptian desert, and seeing the little trees at the bottom of the image it looks like I was totally wrong! Nothing major is needed, even a comparison to a real world place would be fine.

BTW, that is a nice piece of art. I hope you can pop in more now and then.

You know, I have always meant to ask.

Why do we have an officially recognized lurker? Normally lurkers are not acknowledged like that, they may or may not exist.

If that happens, I'll probably just retcon things so that his character was there the whole time, rather than Durke.

Meh. That's messy. I say just fade him into the background for now and keep him as a backup character or DMPC. I wouldn't mind running him, I'm just a little busy for two characters right now...

Numered Lurkers (e.g., Lurker 1) are applicants who had good applications but didn't make the cut for the game.

Dm retcons the fall Durke took as instantly fatal. The other chracters' reactions remain the same.

to a lesser extent Sil (yeah you knew the name was always going to be shortened didn't you Sil'qian)

Thank you for indulging me in that bit of character development.

<quote DM>After staying the evening in the hamlet of Thorham (one of the local farmers let you use the barn for a single silver coin), you set out the next day, your destination clearly visible

The two side areas are choked with cobwebs and impossible to enter in their current state.

I'm positive the opportunity for gnoe/half-orc hug will appear at some point! :-)

It's about mid-afternoon at ths point.  You can probably finish the climb (assuming no delays) but will need to find shelter or make camp within an hour or two after reaching the top.

Based on the rate they're going, you estimate that they'll probably take an hour or two to burn away completely.  

Now that the flames are burning, shouldn't someone be able to cut through them?

From what I read in the rules, in combat everyone is side by side, in a horizontal line.

DM, could you explain the time in game, and our status with regards to camp?

cast magic aura on it and try and pass it off as a genie lamp

I spent a good amount of time drawing up a map for this post before realizing that my own mental image was impossible.

I'm sure a hand drawn map that you snapped with your phone would be fine!

A buckler, also known as a target shield, is a small round shield of wood or metal that fastens to the forearm. It can be worn by crossbowmen and archers with no hindrance to their attacks with their chosen weapons.

Because of its small size (approximately 1' in diameter), a buckler protects against one attack per melee round. The user can choose which attack he wishes to use his buckler against, but he must declare this before the attack roll has been made. This increases the defender's armor class only by 1 (more if magical) against that single attack.

Note: Bucklers should be treated not as full shields when determining the armor class of the user, but more as a special item that can be called upon to add extra protection for one attack per round.

Infravision is the ability to see in the dark and is common to almost all subterranean creatures. Infravision cannot be used within the ambit of any light source. Unless otherwise stated, infravision has a range of 60 ft, although some exceptional subterranean creatures have a longer visual range.  Infravision does not detect colours and is of little help while searching or making minute examinations, so sapient creatures such as orcs may well prefer torchlight even if they possess infravision.

infravision doesn't work like that

"Two per watch makes sense. But, we should switch, Walker. Then there will be one person with night vision on each watch."

---

Do you think demi-humans would call themselves demi-humans? I think not! And no one would call their vision, infravision!

When Axel searched for secret passages it would not have been for just one room it would have been the entire complex that was mapped out for us.  If we have a room left unexplored, then that has not really been indicated and no one here would be going to sleep knowing that, so can we have that revealed please.  My understanding was the entire complex has been searched.

Can this please be clarified Maleketh.

As far as the sleep roster goes it will probably be okay for the spell casters to rotate their shifts until a time comes when they all need some uninterrupted sleep to relearn spells.

Spell memorisation requires a minimum rest period of 4 hours, which must be spent in a quiet place without interruption.
Once this period has expired, it takes fifteen minutes per level to memorise spells;

What is our plan with this strange new group?

What is our plan with this strange new group?

discussing our reactions here now in this thread is god-modding and a big no no

We can't really discuss it here without a form of god-modding can we?

Is "god-modding" a PBP term? I have never heard it before.

The idea of not talking OOC is a bit odd to me...it's how I have always played in face-to-face games! A situation occurs, the players discuss OOC then the PCs respond IC. Maybe I've been doing it wrong for the past 40 years! :-)

I hope that no one is offended that I had Sil'qian take the lead...it was not a player-taking-over the group thing, more of a PC making a decision without consensus given the situation.

However if a battle ensues and we scrap through it just by chance and mishap by the skin of our teeth we will remember the scene for a lot longer than if we meta-game ourselves a solution.

I'm not a fan of it personally in a situation when the characters would have no other way to communicate other than their IC words and actions.  There's a magic item to bring OOC chat into a real time game thread scenario and it's called a Helm of Telepathy and there's a reason why it's worth 35,000gp.

As Silk moves forward to greet the others Axel walks sideways to the left away from the rest of the party so he is not in close proximity to them.....

With these words, Hrothgar's heart plummets the full length of the Long Falls and splatters at the bottom, sending out a fine spray of red mist. His face drains of all color, and he hears no more of what is spoken. Instinctively, he clutches Axel's robes for support during his time on the crucible.

They both ignored Brian ╥﹏╥

A buckler, also known as a target shield, is a small round shield of wood or metal that fastens to the forearm. It can be worn by crossbowmen and archers with no hindrance to their attacks with their chosen weapons.

Because of its small size (approximately 1' in diameter), a buckler protects against one attack per melee round. The user can choose which attack he wishes to use his buckler against, but he must declare this before the attack roll has been made. This increases the defender's armor class only by 1 (more if magical) against that single attack.

Note: Bucklers should be treated not as full shields when determining the armor class of the user, but more as a special item that can be called upon to add extra protection for one attack per round.

Is studded leather considered non-metal?

Do buckler shields exist?

If you get really desperate there is always suicide.  You can make that as bloody as you like.

Are any of the busts recognisable?  Famous figures?  Images of gods?  Are they all human or some possibly demi-human or humanoid?  Does it not really matter?

Zuru, you have to make a Climb check for every 10' climbed.  Since th windows are 35' off the ground, that's four checks.  I'm mentioning this here, rather than making the rolls myself and moving on, in case you decide that it isn't worth the risk.

Tybalt has silk rope, spikes, pitons, grappling hook and a hammer that Zuru can use, but I thought we were scouting out the city first, before we began our orgy of plunder...?

You simply must visit the Sign of the Broken Head.  It's an inn run by an enterprising fellow named Kettle-Belly.  The place is built like a fortress and safe from the beasts that roam the city.  Much easier then heading back to Newmarket.

Hey, Sil, see OOC #261 re opening the doors.

I didn't roll - I provided you with my target number - you should check the dice roller.

It's a safe bet that this is probably not the inn.

Is the small gold head depicting a barbarian appear to be broken off a statue? Or does it look to be a bust? Also how big is small? And is it a human face?

eidolons - great word Hrothgar I have vocab envy. 

from my RL experience

I thought the hook was anchored to the window as well, just reversed. But from my RL experience, shaking it loose won't exactly be easy. Probably doable, but may take a long moment...

the correct wobble flick