This is the OOC thread--

Okay! We have two players so far, now...

1 Human hunter, female I think

1 Human skin-changer, also female

Let me go unlock your character sheets, and then you can pick portraits and gear... and one of you will need to pick Traits and Skills...

In reply to The GM (msg # 2):

Yes female.

Looks like we're getting a third player, one of my regulars! (Elven scholar, female)

In reply to The GM (msg # 4):

Awesome!

I'm off to work. I have a decent idea on equipment but looks like the character sheet cannot be edited right now. I'll worry about it when I'm back from work.

That's bizarre-- making those sheets editable (and turning on line-wrap) is always the first thing I do...

Anyway, it's fixed now.

In reply to The GM (msg # 4):

Hello, everyone.  I'm looking forward to some Middle Earth shenanigans with you all

In reply to Aubree Farwalker (msg # 7):

Hello, there!  I, too, am looking forward to antics and adventure.

In reply to Marthine (msg # 8):

A winning combination

In reply to The GM (msg # 6):

It could have been me. It looks like I can now but work awaits. I don't want to try editing on my phone.

In reply to Olewyn (msg # 10):

Aww, I used to when I was taking those inappropriately long breaks and we were chatting!  Where's your sense of adventure?

 did I mention I'd go home and see that I'd misspelled things after  Maybe you're being more responsible than me.

In reply to Marthine (msg # 11):

I go between laptop and phone a lot as well, and it can be challenging, certainly.

"Wish list" updated

"Hobbit VS LoTR: what's in this game?" thread updated

Okay so our 3 players are ready... but we have a 4th player who might be interested but who is still working on picking their Traits and Skills...

Since I'm dying to get started, I'm thinking of doing so and then having the 4th join the party, if they decide to, once they've got their character together.

Any one here think I should wait, instead?

In reply to The GM (msg # 14):

I'm open to either option, depending on what's easier for you.  I'm eager to begin, but a short wait won't kill me  (probably, at least).   :)


I definitely know that trying to narrow down the traits and skills is difficult.

In reply to The GM (msg # 14):

I'm easy to please. I don't mind waiting since we can start pretty much at any point but I also can see the fun of someone getting folded in around the time the original trio starts to bond.

Well then I'll try stalling just a little bit.

Right now we've got two humans, and one elf with a tie to Mirkwood-- I think I want to make your starting Haven... Lake Town.

SO. I also had the idea that you'd all start (except possibly for our maybe-4th-player) already knowing each other, and being used to the idea that you were about to start adventuring together.

BUT i also know some players prefer to all meet in-game at the start and go from there, and not jump over the meet-and-get-used-to-each-other stage of things.

Which way do y'all prefer it?

In reply to The GM (msg # 17):

SO.

I was going to have Olewyn with ties to Mirkwood as a member of  a clan of Woodsmen. Her knowing the elf or having heard of her could be a great plot hook.

In reply to The GM (msg # 17):

If everyone wants to start off knowing each other, I'm okay with it, as long as we take some time to explain what we would each know about each other and perhaps how we met.
To be honest, though, I usually prefer meeting in game.

In reply to Aubree Farwalker (msg # 19):

We could work it in game that they heard of each other but it's their first face-to-face meeting if that works? Olewyn isn't famous just an above average hunter from her clan.

Hm. Let's see what Marthine says...

In reply to Olewyn (msg # 20):

As an elven scholar visiting the human enclave of Laketown, Aubree would be famous, or at least slightly notorious and gossip worthy.

In reply to The GM (msg # 21):

I'm cool with a wait, or start, although if I had to pick I'd choose the Game Master (Loremaster?)'s decision -- start, and then add the fourth ingredient!  To a recipe for adventure<strike>, not some hidden dragon's treats</strike>.

Meeting and then adventuring might be nice... And, I like everyone else's "hooks".  If it helps any, Marthine was a rat-catcher around Lake-town, and had an awful lot of cats... and never let anyone watch her work... She'd also occasionally hire out as a "whisperer", talking to the critters.  Whether or not anyone's seen her Mountain Lion form is up to them, if they've met her!

As an elven mystic, it might be assumed that Aubree would be more open minded to shapeshifters and such, but it's your decision if you want to let her in on your secret.

Aubree comes into Laketown every now and then to get supplies, and would probably love cats.  She'd always pause to skritch their little heads and sometimes even have treats now and then

In reply to Aubree Farwalker (msg # 24):

Marthine would probably have some sort of a "tell" that maybe only an Elf like Aubree could perceive.  In describing her personality, with the fake-ish testimonials, I attempted a more affable house cat's personality!  Maybe all that time away from her fellows, combined with local cats "domesticating" her (as domestic cats have domesticated humans), resulted in that... odd, gven that her critter form is that of a Mountain Lion.
Anyone who's nice to her kitties scores points with her, that's for sure.  I don't think that they would have survived Smaug's temper tantrum, unless she hurried them into a sort of crate and hopped into a boat... or there were reports of a very big cat booking it out of Lake-town, with "that quiet rat-catcher lady's cats" clinging to them.

Marthine has a gun in her possession.  She'll say she confiscated it from an ill-behaved Dwarf!  Being able to change shape like she is she shouldn't need weapons, but it's not always a good idea to go broadcasting to others that you're outside-of-human... and while she's not overly fond of the thing, well, it's got its uses...

In reply to Marthine (msg # 25):

There definitely would have been many feline casualties after Smaug's attack, but I have no doubt that many cats would have survived, just be virtue of being small and quick, and leaping onto boats and debris whenever they could.

Aubree might certainly have figured out that Marthine was 'special' in some way, and being an explorer and a lover of new things, especially the strange and unusual, that would definitely draw her to the "human".

I'm starting things off with all of you-- or EACH of you-- stopping to listen to singing in Lake Town.

It's up to each of YOU to say, in-game, if you already know each other or not.

Once that's settled, then I'll introduce a quest...

That works for me.  Thank you.  :)

In reply to Aubree Farwalker (msg # 28):

Yeah, I like that!

In reply to The GM (msg # 27):

I'm stoked. Will wait until the others have posted to give myself time to get a feel for what I want to do with it.

I always enjoy a good "opening post", but I'll admit that I got a little carried away this time.  My apologies if this is a bit much.

In reply to Aubree Farwalker (msg # 31):

Well, now I'm overwhelmed by the quality of your post, and the fear that I'm not going to live up to that standard.  I'm going to work on a post so much, and doctor it and then get so sidetracked, that I'm not going to post at all!   :'D

I feel like the length and quality of your post is testament to the Loremaster Game Master's skill at setting a scene!  While I do try, even at my most laconic, to at least establish something in a post, well, an introductory post like that isn't a bad thing by any means...

We might be short as many heads as Bilbo had accompanying him, but we'll definitely be having our own memorable adventures!

Your post was wonderful as well.  :)   It was very dramatic and touching

Okay I'm digging the vibe we're starting to set up.

I definitely agree

Oh dear. I'm probably going to end up dropping the ball then. Hi, and nice to meet you all.

In reply to Anna (msg # 36):

Welcome! You'll be great! We just barely have gotten started so this is the perfect time to join. I'm sure our GM has thoughts on how to do that.

Welcome, Anna.   It's delightful to meet you

In reply to Anna (msg # 36):

Anna: did you see the last private message I sent you? We have a couple more steps before you're done making your character and are ready to post

In reply to Anna (msg # 36):

Dropping the ball?  That's my job, you're alright!

 sometimes they're made of twine and Marthine is just too tempted to not play with them, and sometimes they're horizontally dropped and come from a flintlock pistol along with smoke and loud noises

EDITED FOR ADDENDUM: I'm fairly familiar with feline body language and signals, at least in domesticated cats, and am incorporating a little bit of it into her human form's behaviors.  The "burbling" is sort of that "mrrp!" noise a cat makes when they're stirred from a nap in sunlight.
Jeez, I better take notes on this all.
"Drums fingers on drinking vessels so the water is moving and she can see it.", "Tucks her head in and looks away when disinterested.", "Extends hand with palm facing upward when meeting new people.", "Shrieks and begs for cooked fish or fowl, sniffs it when offered, and then walks away.", "Vomits when she doesn't get her way.", "Interposes herself between others and tasks in an effort to 'help'."...
This message was last edited by the player at 08:55, Thu 16 Feb 2023.

Update: changed the rules about Companions (you're about to get one in the form of Lachriel):



Because it just didn't make sense to me that if you ask a Companion to try to do something at which the Companion is skilled, that they would be MORE likely than not to fail. This change on my part makes it so they're just less likely to succeed than a PC with similar skills/traits.

"Where to discuss"

1: I suggest a bakery nearby with stools and little tables for outdoor sitting and munching. Bakery name: Lakeview Bakery

Also, the internet confirms my memory that coffee apparently exists:

https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Coffee

2. If you don't like option one, feel free to make up your own discussing-place. Perhaps the middle of a long fishing-pier? (The actual end of the pier will be taken up by people actually fishing)

Go ahead and arrive at the Lakeview Bakery.

The bakers are a human couple (basically picture the couple in the bakery from Kiki's Delivery Service).

You have enough money on you to buy whatever you want. As long as you don't try to buy the bakery itself, you're good for whatever for now.

Um, Marthine hasn't checked in since Thursday, so maybe you two should keep discussing amongst yourselves a bit more...?

In reply to The GM (msg # 44):

I can nudge them.

We continue to be going more slowly than I expected.

Would it help if I introduced a new companion to bounce conversation off of?

My apologies.   I'll try to say something soon.

In my dnd games, an NPC is good for moving things along, though,  I'll admit.

Still, I'll ponder something

So I'm thinking of just describing that Tiriel will help the group get supplied (once they're done with their baked goods and coffee), and then he'll ask where they're spending this evening.

Sound good?

In reply to The GM (msg # 48):

That's perfect. It will push us forward so  we can get closer to the adventure itself.

    IKR       (i know, right?)

This, my fellow adventurers, is something I'd like to consult with you on!  Marthine is more than happy to take off after someone with her hittin'-stick, or even meow-meow-mittens them, if you'd rather we reserve our resources!

I've got a bow and a Quarterstaff as well

I seriously love the fact the NPC elves have the exact opposite Toughness?Fate stats to Olewyn. It's a fun contrast.

Aubree has the exact same stats.   Must be an elven thing.  :)

In reply to Aubree Farwalker (msg # 54):

Or living your magical elf dreams?

My logic was I figured I would be playing up being the human not-a-Ranger but similar skills?

I don't know WHAT I'll do with her 4 in Fate. It's there.

Hey, Fate points aren't just for Magic. You can also use them to add one more die to a bad roll. Heck, you can use TWO Fate points to add another die, if it doesn't succeed the first time, and so on.

In reply to The GM (msg # 56):

That is very good to know. Still figuring out how the system works! But I knew the Fate points were going to be cool for things.

Also asking real quick: if I'm rolling Survival to see if Olewyn detects danger in the reeds would it be 2d6 for Foraging + Survival (in the wild)?

I think that would fall under Scouting, specifically.

BUT, yes, still 2d6, because the base for PCs trying anything is 1 die, and then you get a second die because you have the Foraging trait. If you had the Scouting skill, specifically, you'd get 3d6.

In reply to The GM (msg # 59):

Awesome that is great to know! (Also a good reason to eventually pursue scouting eventually.)

IKR   (i know, right?)

Wait, Aubree-- that's your Magical skill//attack-- so roll 1 more d6.

In reply to The GM (msg # 62):

thank you.  It's something at least     :)

Yeah-- still a failure, but NOT a "Critical Blunder" anymore, since you've no longer rolled all 1s for the move.

I'll post shortly...

Thank you.  :)

Be sure to spend a Fate point for trying the Magical attack, though. You lose 1 even if it fails...

In fact it would really help me if each of you would keep track of your Toughness/Fate in one of your bio lines, please?

In reply to The GM (msg # 67):

that works

Done and done!  And, noted on the rules... that's neat, and helpful!  Now, let's see what Marthine can do to help out...

Er... yes? Let's?

Done. Made a spot.

Um, no, your Bio lines-- Never mind, I just did it for you--

I believe I did that right...

Looks good!

In reply to Aubree Farwalker (msg # 74):

I don't think that goblin's gonna look too good... or be able to look too good after I gob-smacked them like that.   :(

GOB-SMACKED! The GOBLIN! Man, you may have just added a new word to the culture of Middle-Earth... if and when you get around to saying it out loud in-character, anyway...

Works for me!

Don't egg me on!   >:(  heaven knows I'm obnoxious enough~

So looks like I may want to spend some Fate after all. Geezs!

Um, ladies? We're casting off from shore? Everyone wanna post that they get back on the boat too, now, please?

In reply to The GM (msg # 80):

*smiles*  my apologies.  Don't worry, everyone.  We're waiting for you

I think it was Riddling I wanted to use to scout out scoundrels... dunno, though.

There are three ways to get XP:


Characters get 1 XP each time they:
--add to the lore of the world with Rhyming, OR
--secure a special treasure, OR
--encounter something dangerous in the wild and overcome or avoid it.

Well, we haven't done the first or second so far, but we've certainly done the third, so everyone mark 1 xp so far on your character sheets (please).

I'll move the boat downstream as soon as I'm sure no one else is gonna roll looking for trouble (for the moment). (Because if you FAIL your roll, it means trouble, and if you SUCCEED in looking for trouble... you'll succeed in finding trouble...)

I'm mostly waiting to see what Olewyn says next.

Um, Olewyn?

You checked in yesterday, but...

...?

In reply to The GM (msg # 85):

Sorry I kind of spaced. I honestly forgot to hit a button.

Good thing I checked on ya then, I guess!

In reply to The GM (msg # 87):

Yes. Yesterday was a bit wild. Unless I am actually on vacation I try checking things a few times a day just in case!

Sorry for the triple-posting on my part...!

In reply to The GM (msg # 89):

Honestly, it makes sense.   The posts can be combined, but it's a bit tedious

All is well!  I do it all the time in Out of Character Threads.   :(

Gonna just a little while in case Marthine shows up and wants to reaction-post

Once again-- partly because I'm a little short on time right now-- gonna just a little while in case one (or both) of the others shows up and wants to reaction-post (or, for that matter, actually ask a question (as Lachriel asked if you had any) or something else)

No rush.  :)

Sorry for going silent. Brief illness followed by birthday celebrations.

No worries.   Real Life is a Harsh Mistress

Double-posted again, me...

It's okay, I'm fine with a chatty guide.  :)

Olewyn just be like "What is this nonsense????"

Elves with their "one bow shot away" are like Americans measuring things with "two football fields wide" or "the size of a baby giraffe", and humans are like Europeans with the metric system, begging them for an intelligent measurement

Hmmm. I was about to do a Scouting roll for Lachriel.

But... she doesn't have the Scouting skill, specifically. When I assigned skills to her, I gave her Guiding.

"What's the difference, GM?"

Well, SCOUTING is for what we're about to do-- look around and see if there's anything we want to find where we don't really know if it's there or where it might be.

GUIDING is for leading the way to a place where you know where it is already.

My reasoning for giving her Guiding at first was in case we ran into trouble, Lachriel could specialize in trying to get us back to safety (relative or otherwise).

But maybe she should specialize in Scouting for trouble instead?

"Why don't you give her both, GM?"

Because I already gave her Herblore, because that's part of her narrative hook, and I don't want to get the Companions more skills than a PC.

So... what do y'all think? Keep Guiding? Or switch to Scouting?

Very tough question.    What is the progress for getting new skills?

I'd ask which makes more sense for the character?  It's possible that she's a batter guide and this is her first real scouting mission.

It also a question of how similar or different the two skills are, and how much they overlap

For PCs:



I hadn't thought about how Companions should advance... I guess I'll advance them after each time all three of y'all advance...(?)




Ahhh, now that's a good question.

My answer is: I think I was right the first time, and she's more of a Guide than a Scout.

SO: if there are no objections, I think I'll keep her a Guide.

SO: Based on how things work... those of you with the FORAGE trait will be able to Scout better than Lachriel or Tirien, really.

Anyone (with any skill in the FORAGE Trait) wanna roll 2d6 and give Scouting a shot?

Sadly, i'm not a scout, though it's definitely something worth saving up for

Heya, had a few real busy days at work... there was a (false alarm) gas leak I had to manage, and then a few gates that needed maintenancing.  Hmm... auto-correct don't seem ta think that's a word.  Phooey.

Anyways, it's time for Marthine to get... catty.

So... No one has rolled... So... I'm'a wait and see if Olewyn wants to roll 2d6 for scouting...

My apologies.  I wasn't sure what to roll for

No no, it makes sense that you wouldn't, because you don't even have the Foraging Trait.

If no one else rolls for it tomorrow, I'll have Lachriel take a shot at it anyway-- at least then if it goes badly, we can blame her

I rolled while on my phone. Will post something with it later since I think it was  not great roll? I can work with it.

(Looks at Diceroller) It was not, as you say, a great roll.

I'll post after you do.

In reply to The GM (msg # 110):

Soon. I had a long day of work. As soon as I get food I am hitting that. A "not great" roll can still lead to hilarious things. I'm going to set it up so you can toy with us a bit.

We might have a new player joining us soonish...

In reply to The GM (msg # 112):

the more, the merrier

In reply to Aubree Farwalker (msg # 113):

Yeah!

Especially with my hilariously bad luck with dice. I got a 1 in there.

In reply to Olewyn (msg # 114):

The dice can be so mean at times

In reply to Aubree Farwalker (msg # 115):

Seriously. I have no idea what will happen since there was a 1 in there but we can make it work.

In reply to Olewyn (msg # 116):

It'll be a more memorable Adventure!!!  Yay!!

Extra-Terrible trouble only happens when you roll more than one die and they're ALL 1s.

Anyway, I'm'a wait for Marthine...
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:11, Fri 24 Mar 2023.

Same! I like giving everyone a chance to showcase their characters and skills. Plus it gives me time to think if there's anything neat I can try? The big thing will be Olewyn trying to get herself free.

Well, this is an upsetting thing to see...!  I'd try to shoot at the webbing, but do you know what I'm going to do instead?  I'm going to turn into a cat and try to handle things that way.

Game Master, would you like me to roll for the transformation, or just spend the Fate?

And, the plan is to transform and pounce on the spider -- or get Olewyn down, whichever's more likely.  I'm all for biting off their pedipalps, but Olewyn dangling isn't good.


And, I do think I've found another head for this adventure, too!  Someone who adventured with me in the Forgotten Realms.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:20, Fri 24 Mar 2023.

Good question-- the answer is roll for it, because (see below)



Yeah see the way it works when Aubree does it is she spends the Fate and rolls, and if the roll is successful, then the thing she wants to do works, too.

So you'll spend 1 Fate and roll. If the roll is successful, you'll change and then the first thing you do will also be successful.

If the roll isn't successful, I'll narrate what does happen (but you have to spend the Fate point anyway).

So anyway, yeah, go ahead and spend 1 Fate Point and then roll 3d6 now...




I presume that's the person I'm talking to in Private Message... but if not, what the heck, I think I can fit yet another player in...

Okay, new player, pick a portrait!

(And private message me about your Gear choices)


I'll add you after we're done with this combat...
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:18, Fri 24 Mar 2023.

In reply to The GM (msg # 121):

You've got it!


Yeah, I think... either that, or they're doing what I did for I saw the red star, and went, "Well, hmm... they might be into it.".  Hope you don't mind!  Well, let's break out the cat food.  I just used the "action" to transform, not sure "how much" would be "realistic" to do in one in terms of actions.

For future reference, are you more black panthery, or more regular brownish mountain-liony in color?

ncl020   or    ncl021   ?

In reply to The GM (msg # 124):

Didn't think about that...!  Regular mountain lion.

Now we've got a scene from a blooper reel going on, here!  Where's the stunts department?  Occupational safety?   >:(
This message was last edited by the player at 23:25, Fri 24 Mar 2023.

In reply to Marthine (msg # 125):

"Okay, Children, settle down!  It's time for the safety film:
'A Journey to Mirkwood, Or, Look What The Cat Dragged In'. "

In reply to Aubree Farwalker (msg # 126):

Funded (In No Small Part) by Bilbo Baggins and the Greater Hobbiton Council for Safety and the Lake-town Council for Combating Stray Animals

...Lobelia Sackville-Baggins got kicked off the council, since she "thought" you had to literally combat the stray animals, and... oh, jeez, it was a whole big mess and when this tomcat that was related to one of Marthine's friends, "Blindy" got involved, there was catnip everywhere!  Ugh.   :'(

To this day, all you have to do is sneak up behind Lobelia and give a quiet "meow..." and the hobbit will be up a tree in less than two heartbeats

In reply to Aubree Farwalker (msg # 128):

Hope that umbrella she swung at Wormtongue's from the same place Mary Poppins bought hers from, if she climbs up the Party-Tree... Ah, well, while she's recovering I'll entertain her with my cat hand puppets.  You'll never believe it, but they occasionally replace words with "meow"!  I bet she'll think that's delightful!

Really, I disliked Saeros more than her, but she and Lobo... Bobo... Otho?  Whoever her husband's name was.  Are runners-up.

Absolutely

Thank you for telling me about this game.  And for complete transparency, I was ill yesterday, didn't go in to work, so I watched all 3 of The Hobbit films back to back... Well, it was research ;-)

Nice to meet you all.

I've heard the recent Hobbit films are... well, flawed.

One might do as well to watch the old Rankin/Bass animated version...

In reply to The GM (msg # 132):

I have that one too and yes, I find it much better.

In reply to Ronald R. Dodaden (msg # 133):

The Hobbit movies are fun, as is the old Rankin Bass cartoon, I'll agree.  They all stray a bit from the source material, but that's to be expected, I suppose

Welcome!

Think what a lovely song Beorn could have sung if only there'd been time for it in the Rankin Bass version, as we sat around the fire with his horses and dogs.

In reply to The GM (msg # 135):

The songs were the best part, though that warbling folk singer was a bit much

I need to catch the Rankin-Bass one!  The Peter Jackson ones were alright, I got a lot out of Balin in that.

In reply to Marthine (msg # 137):

The Rankin Bass one was very much closer to the children's story aesthetic that the Hobbit was kind of going for, though it is also VERY much a 60s and 70s production   :)

OKAY, new player, show up on the scene!

Please make a post saying that you heard about this expedition to make the Old Forest Road safe a little late, took the next boat down, arrived this morning, and everyone at the watchtowers told you you'd just missed the party of adventurers. You heard shouting and the sounds of battle here, and you came to investigate (you should say)... Everyone else will catch you up (in-character).

I love we can roll right into the action. Also that the dice roller actually did well today.

In reply to Olewyn (msg # 140):

Marthine's cat's ghosts are the cause.
Bad rolls?  Tortoiseshell, probably very old and very cranky.
Good rolls?  Tuxedo.
Glitches?  Orange boys.
Normal rolls?  I mean, any other kind of cat will do for those.

The In-Character talk goes well, and it pleases me.

Sounds like we're gonna try following the wounded spider.

Do we wanna let Olewyn roll Move Silently for that? Or let the big cat roll to be big-cat stealthy? Or neither, just keep following and wait and see what happens? Or, heck, let them BOTH roll?

I am fine with ANY of these four possibilities, or with something else. Just let me know, here, which we're gonna do, because I don't wanna interrupt you before you decide.

In reply to The GM (msg # 142):

I say both personally because they both have different kinds of being unnoticed.

I swear Olewyn's isn't chanting "don't be suspicious" while sneaking.

Okay then-- Olewyn, Marthine, each of you roll 3d6 now please

Alright, then!  I'm going to assume that we're all ready, and just get those rolls rolled...

In reply to Marthine (msg # 145):

Dice gods are fickle but this is turning out amazing.

If you please, Gm, let us know when we're close enough to act?

You guys? You're close enough; go right ahead.

--Lachriel and Tirien aren't doing anything yet because they're NPCs, and PCs always get to go first.

--The main reason the goblins noticed Marthine and Olewyn first is that they failed their rolls.

:)

That works.   Thank you

Um, Doodad, you had a misunderstanding of what I said about rolling dice, there...

Basically, you rolled for a crossbow bolt, then you rolled for magic.

So that should have been 1d6, then 3d6.

But you only rolled 3 dice total.

So roll 1 more now.

In reply to The GM (msg # 150):

Understood now, seems the Dice Gods are testing me.

Okay, so I laughed. The spider's reaction was beautifully dramatic. I will get something out when I can later today.

Yeah there's a clause in Aubree's magic powder that says



I could see that Aubree was expecting the reaction that happened last time, but sorry, what happened last time wasn't the most dramatic/entertaining

In reply to The GM (msg # 153):

I'll admit that I was wondering if my apprentice magic was going to be useful at all in our Adventure, but that was very satisfying, I'll admit.  And even helped with more plot hooks, perhaps.

Nicely done, GM.   :)

I am in NO WAY a good poet so I was wondering if it would be fine to borrow something for Sing For Success?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?...nnel=AlinaGingertail

Because honestly it could work? If not I have some thinking to do!

In reply to Olewyn (msg # 155):

love that one!

I'm confused. Have PM'd GM.
Think I must have missed some description.

You're allowed to borrow like that if it fits the mood/tone/vibe. I say it fits. (Good that you asked this time, though.)

You threw Goofball Powder at the spider, and all of a sudden the poor thing's talking about imaginary friends... boy!

EDIT: Oh, jeez, I'm so glad I burned another Fate!

These are some pretty solid rules.

EDIT EDIT: Posted so soon after, because who doesn't want to see cats being gross?!
This message was last edited by the player at 23:56, Thu 30 Mar 2023.

Glad you feel that way, but I'm still evaluating.

For example, I think I'm gonna change Sing for Success slightly. It will NOW work like:



The old way, it was "your lowest result." I realized it would be kinda mean to Sing for Success and roll a 1, 2, and 4... and get nothing.

C'mon, GM, let it turn that 4 into a 5!

Okay, I will! Gonna try it, at least, see how it feels...

Hmm... think the creators would be open to feedback like that?  I'd pitch in.

I'm doing the OneD&D playtest, and while it's pretty hit-or-miss, Bards were handled really well and I made sure to let Wizards of the Coast know that.

Well! Lost the chance to  pull out something cool but I can save it in my back pocket for the future.

What are your opinions on us attempting to recover spent arrows?

In reply to Olewyn (msg # 162):

I've also forgotten any rules about ammunition

Annnd I'm adding a Fate die to this dagger roll since I only had 1d6. Lets see if a second die helps!

See. Now Olewyn is going to be super into this. It's exciting. They get to mess with an alliance AND well... treasure is cool.

In reply to Olewyn (msg # 165):

I love a Two-in-one Adventure!!

1. As I recall, Sing For Success was a rule I borrowed from someone else writing about Tolkien-based games (although he did have this one in mind, in a way at least), and then I tinkered with it a bit myself (before just now, I mean). Either way, let's play-test the rule for a while in the field before we talk to anyone else about it.



2. Everybody has 3/3 Ammo.

Sometimes when you shoot arrows and miss, the bad thing that happens is you lose an Ammo point.

That didn't happen this particular time, though, so don't worry.

You have seemingly-infinite arrows until you run out of all Ammo points.



3. Hm, for once, RPol did NOT warn me that someone else had made another post.

So shall we go ahead and apply your rolling, and kill the spider now, or not?
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:37, Fri 31 Mar 2023.

Yes I am totally fine with that! We can say it took place in the middle of chattering.

Olewyn's singing was more of a feeling bad for it because it kind of went a little crazy at the end.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:42, Fri 31 Mar 2023.

GM, to read the runes, would i roll 2d6 for my logic training?   Or for magic training?
Or 3d6 for both?

Aubree, it would be 2d6 because you have the Riddling trait but not the specific Reading Runes trait-- BUT Ronald has the specific Reading Runes trait, so let's see if he comes back and is willing to give it a try.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:21, Fri 31 Mar 2023.

Okay, he can go first
This message was last edited by the player at 15:18, Fri 31 Mar 2023.

If anyone doesn't know what I mean when I say "keep track of//adjust your Toughness//Fate points in your bio line," please tell me, and I'll explain, because it's too much for me to keep track of myself for everyone.

In reply to The GM (msg # 172):

Do you want Total and Remaining 3/2 // 7/6
Remaining and Total  2/3  //  6/7
Or just how it comes with the highest being the total?

Which would be best for you to get it straight away?

I'll figure it out either way.  :)

The way you're doing it right now is perfectly clear to me.  :)

We have once again encountered something dangerous in the wild and overcome it, so each of you (including Ronald, this time) mark 1 XP on your Character Sheets.

AND: the dagger counts as a "special treasure," so mark 1 MORE xp on your Character Sheets (including Ronald). It's Olewyn's dagger (unless she wants to give it away to someone else), but you all helped "secure" it, so you each get an XP reward...

(Lachriel "added to the lore of the world with Rhyming," but Lachriel is me, and I'm the GM, so it doesn't count.)

I don't think Olewyn quite "added to the lore of the world." I'm willing to listen to arguments about that, if anyone wants to try, but right now, I don't think so.

In reply to The GM (msg # 175):

Thank you for the XP.
I reckon Lachriel still needs the XP or we'll outgrow you :-)

PLUS....
This post makes it 400 Posts.  Well done to you all :-)

Nah, I was just gonna level them up each time the party leveled up.

I'll worry about it next time we're at a Haven.

He just needs a stick to draw a line on the ground, and to mutter a few magic words on the ground while he draws it, that's all. So, basically, as much time as it takes to draw it.

(Just thought I'd jump in and answer)

Not close enough. I only did a bit of a lullaby not a fully fleshed out one.

In reply to The GM (msg # 179):

Use his staff (bit of a stick :-)..)

How exactly does Armour help?  I can't find it in the rules but Ronald is wearing some.

This is what I found:

In reply to Aubree Farwalker (msg # 183):

Thank you. I'm not sure why I couldn't find it, maybe because tired or not printed in full.
Night all. D&D film tomorrow at cinema.

I'm planning on seeing it soon, but I'd love to know your opinion


Have a good night
This message was last edited by the player at 23:12, Fri 31 Mar 2023.

In reply to Aubree Farwalker (msg # 185):

Will post review.

GM, can we see a new spider or that the screaming is getting closer? Or we move forward and then the Ward?

No. So far, you neither see any new threats, nor do any noises occur that indicate that anyone nor anything is coming closer so far.

You have, so far, only heard the one scream to the south, nothing more as yet.

In reply to The GM (msg # 187):

Then me having Olewyn not-so-subtly try to push the party along works perfectly.

D & D film pays homage to the Cartoon.
Really clever plot with interesting twist. The monsters look great (some comical) as does the scenery.
Well worth watching

1: So the "Look! Elves and Men! Attack them!" is because of the bad rolls you've been rolling while trying to analyze the runes on the dagger. ON THE OTHER HAND, Lachriel SUCCEEDED in her Guiding roll, so you have time to react before anyone actually manages to attack you.

2. Reading about Tolkien spiders yesterday, I learned to my surprise that it's the opinion of some people that the only reason Bilbo could understand the spiders in Mirkwood was that BILBO WAS WEARING THE RING AT THE TIME, and it put him in tune to the frequency of evil.

Brilliant! Makes perfect sense! I wish I'd thought of that! ...is what I said at first. That and Oh no, have I messed up making spider-speech understandable?


BUT THEN I THOUGHT ABOUT IT:

A. Then why the heck can we all understand it when the big eagle speaks to us?

B. And more importantly: This game is FIRST EDITION Hobbit! Bilbo's ring was NOT evil! Therefore, it must have been J.R.R.'s original authorial intent to have spider-speech just be generally understandable! Yay, I'm doing it right!

"Great" species of animals can speak Westron just like all the rest of us (if they choose to do so).

Yay, I didn't mess up!

Thank you for coming to my Elrond-Talk. (Because we don't know anyone named Ted.)

Okay my eyes cannot cope with the colors today so aside from checking in? That is the only thing I can do today.

In reply to The GM (msg # 190):

Hi GM, the ring was created so that the evil tongue of Black Speech could be understood by the looks of it and if Evil Spider spoke that, then that's why.  The Giant Eagles were Good, not Evil, which is why the Elves and Gandalf could understand them.

Sure, that's the post-inventing-the-character-of-Sauron reason (and, as I said, it makes sense). But this game is set in the original version of The Hobbit that was published, when the ring wasn't evil at all (and neither was Gollum, exactly, or a lot less so).

Good interpretation :-)  Makes is less deadly at the moment.
It makes sense to me that the ring still had lots of different powers.

Aubree is also good with languages, if that helps

Oh, jeez, I'm late to the party!  Sorry, everyone, I was flyin' like Marthine's rounds, and then I was forgettin' like her old cats for a minute, there!  The smoke's settled, though, and now noises are being made...

 *looks at the spider*

Oh... My goodness.  OH.

I'm watching you to make sure your nose doesn't get longer.

Hm! Can daggers count as throwing weapons? Not something I'll try now but for future over the top shenanigans.

In reply to Olewyn (msg # 198):

I remember I was gonna buy some!  Dagger and dart-throwin's a hobby of mine in these kinds of games!

Yes, certainly, but one risks losing the dagger that's thrown

--in high grass
--or if a river was nearby
--or if you hit a creature that then ran away
--or if after you threw it something chased you all away from the scene of the battle
--or if a goblin grabbed it and said yoink I'm keepin' this!,

which would be very sad if it happened in the case of your runed dagger.

So speaking of special items, I've been working on the Wish List thread... I'm very pleased with the results.

Ronald? Have you seen the Wish List thread? Anything you want to add?

Olewyn likes that dagger too much for casual throwing. It's a puzzle. And friend-shaped.

Yeah. But regular, non-special daggers or throwing-knives, sure, throw all you want-- just be sure you remember to get them back, or they'll be gone.

She'll just have to start collecting more weapons. To protect the actual friends she's gaining.

In reply to The GM (msg # 203):

Very thin thread with feathers on end....or a red balloon.

Not see Wish List, shall look now.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:41, Mon 03 Apr 2023.

For our cat?!?

Attach one of those to a door, and watch Marthine go ape.

Attach to the hole in the handle end of a throwing knife.
</quote>

Ahhhh, to find it again.

Maybe paint it bright pink or orange...?

Waiting for Marthine's actions to be resolved before I do more things.

In reply to Olewyn (msg # 210):

I was gonna pistol-whip 'em, too!

EDIT: I ought to clarify... Marthine is just hoping to scare them, and not kill them outright.  Easier to ask questions of a live body than a dead one!
This message was last edited by the player at 05:50, Tue 04 Apr 2023.

You got triple sixes. That's just amazing.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:57, Tue 04 Apr 2023.

I agree, triple 6s are magical.   The d6 is a very fickle die. :)

1: I didn't notice Martine's post earlier-- I was writing a reply to Ronald, and then it told me "hey someone posted another post in this thread while you were doing that" so I looked at the new post and it was Aubree's.

...But what it didn't point out was that TWO other people had posted while I was writing. SO:

2: Hollllld on, there's a rule for all-sixes:



So, this would either be a last name or nickname for Martine, or for her staff.

Something to do with disarming? Or humiliating? Or something to do with goblins? "Weaponbane?" "Swordbane?" Or...??

And then any time you tried disarming (or intimidating?) an opponent after that (with weapons that CAN be dropped), you'd get to roll an extra die to attempt it.


Of course, getting a Critical Name like that DOES cost 3 XP. So maybe you wanna save it. I just thought I'd bring it up.

An Experience Point saved, is an Experience Point earned!  I'm savin'.

In reply to Marthine (msg # 215):

That makes sense.

Ooorrrr, a Staff called "Weapon Beater"

In reply to Ronald R. Dodaden (msg # 217):

"What army??  DISarmy!!!"

Okay, no legendary naming this time. Maybe the next time someone rolls all-sixes.

This just shows, though, how it's good to keep good track of your XP. So, everyone, keep that up (and your Toughness and Fate points in your bio lines).

Okay, it's Olewyn's turn-- but if you wanna try interrogation, that would be, let's see...

--Carousing: charming

Or maybe

--Riddling: outwitting someone

I could maybe even see it be

--Riddling: using logic

Or mmmmmaaaayyybe

--Riddling: speaking languages (goblin)


So... Aubree might be best at this... but anyone can give it a shot if you want to try...!

In reply to The GM (msg # 220):

Uggh.....Aubree totally messed up her attempt

Wanna try burning a Fate point or two?

Yes, I'll burn 2 for this.

What do i do next?   Roll 2d6?

Yep, mark 2 Fate points off, and then roll 2 more d6

In reply to The GM (msg # 224):


19:40, Today: Aubree Farwalker rolled 6 using 2d6 with rolls of 1,5.  Added dice to interrogation


Apparently I'm just "fated" to fail

What? 5 is fine!

I'll take whatever i can get. :)

Those were great options but it looks like we're back to attempting to track!

Aubree was so intent on interrogation that she forgot the spiderling on her leg, and I was so excited to write the goblin's answers that I forgot to remind her.

This morning, I realized what must have happened, and so I have gone back and edited the story to reflect it:

In reply to The GM (msg # 229):

Yeah, that definitely sounds like Radagast's apprentice, certainly.
It's hard to teach flakiness, but he's a genius that way

So yeah basically, while magical healing is theoretically an option on the table (an option I have given Tirien), this isn't like D&D where your cleric can just heal you between battles.

The idea-- which they got from the books-- is that you heal up fully, and then go out and adventure, and then go do something and wear yourself out, trying to either get to a new Haven or finish your task and then get back to another Haven.

Bilbo and the dwarves start in the Shire, and then have a long rest in 1. Rivendell, 2. Beorn's house, 3. Lake-Town, and then I guess maybe 4. The Lonely Mountain after Smaug Leaves It Forever.

The same is mostly true of the following trilogy, where everyone has a long rest in 1. Tom Bombadil's home, 2. Rivendell again, 3. Lothlorien. Things get kind of hectic after that.

When you need immediate help, there's the Take Courage move. When I not-too-long-ago watched the Bakshi Fellowship film again, there's this nice moment at or near Weathertop where Strider is telling them of a long-ago story around the campfire, and I'm like "Ah, the Take Courage move."

I'm gonna have Lachriel try Take Courage in a short while here, if I can get everyone to sit still a little longer.

But basically, you're only supposed to be away from a Haven for so long before you have to hurry to one again, so we're gonna try to do that in once piece soon.

There are also herb lore and the healing properties of plants, as demonstrated in old and newer films by Elves and Aragorn (I think)

Yes, but that's more for long-term healing, like you can get done at/in a Haven.

Anyway, no one's saying anything-- are we ready to try to let Lachriel get us safely back to Lake-Town?

That  might be for the best

In reply to Aubree Farwalker (msg # 235):

I'm fine with it

Okay then, everyone added an appropriate amount of either Toughness or Fate? I'm gonna roll for Lachriel to try to lead everyone back without running into more trouble...

Oh! I forgot about the dagger!

You get the dagger identified, its magical runes translated. I'll post about that in a new post in a little bit--

In reply to The GM (msg # 238):

You mean Olewyn nor Marthine.

And now I have to think about what I might buy up. (Or buy.)

(Goes back and looks) Tch, yes, I did mean you. I was thinking of the right character but wrote the wrong name.

My brain doesn't like typing Olewyn because the spelling is harder for me to remember...

Yay for having 3XP, ready for that bunch of 6's.

That is fair! I'm still trying to decide what to "buy".

If I grab Fighting now I could start doing 2d6 with the daggers she has ( with 3d6 vs spiders on the one.)

Or I could pick up scouting or tracking.

Oh, yeah, good point!! :)

UH, I'll allow that-- but I'd prefer y'all to have only 1 ranged weapon, otherwise the Ammo rule feels useless.

So know that I'll allow you to have more than one-- but on bad rolls, your weapons are more likely to BREAK (until you're back down to one ranged weapon each).
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:27, Fri 07 Apr 2023.

My apologies
My old school Dungeons and Dragons instincts often lead to hoarding.  :)

If you'd prefer, i can make a sling for other people who don't have a ranged weapon, and keep my bow for myself

I'd be fine with that. Everyone deserves one ranged fighting option and 1 close-quarters fighting option-- UNLESS they don't want one of each.

Okay so anyway, Marthine, Olewyn, let me know how you're leveling up (Aubree has already discussed it with me privately), and then you (and Aubree) add whatever it is to your character sheets), and then we'll get this show back on the road.

Feel free to ask my advice/discuss it with me first, especially if it involves Magic.

In reply to The GM (msg # 244):

Ronald is wanting to make something special with the spider "cord" webbing he has, like a better Crossbow Rope.

In reply to Ronald R. Dodaden (msg # 248):

Can't post right now. Some technical difficulties.

Okay. I was hoping that Marthine would have posted again, but she hasn't checked in. So no rush, Olewyn.

I'm here, just lost track of time!

And, it would ap-pear that someone on Twitter has heard about this system as well!  This makes me happy, I like systems like this as much as I like big and crunchy ones like Mutants & Masterminds or Tri-Stat dX...

Reserving XP for the future is totally fine.

Okay, so it feels like we're all ready to set out again...

It also feels like no one found a map of the Mountains of Mirkwood that they liked enough to suggest I use... it's okay, I didn't either.

I'll post when I can...

In reply to The GM (msg # 252):

Yeah!  Because I have plans... they primarily involve Meowrthine moving more silently and hiding more... betterly... The pee-stole shooting will come thereafter!

Oh? Whom?

In reply to The GM (msg # 254):

Oh, this is someone on Twitter, who saw the rules and posted them.  I told them to gather a group and play, and that the rules really have something going for them.

That's wonderful to hear  :)

Oh hey I forgot: Aubree, did you remember to get your padded armor repaired in town?

In reply to The GM (msg # 257):

*smiles sheepishly*   I'm going to say....yes?

I suppose I kind of took it for granted, so perhaps I didn't say anything explicitly

Hmm. I'll say it's repaired this time. But be sure to mention it if this sort of thing ever comes up again (any of you!)

Of course, you could always hire a new companion to repair things "in the field..."

That's for the future, though. Right now: Fight!

In reply to The GM (msg # 259):

I appreciate that.  Thank you.   :)

In reply to Aubree Farwalker (msg # 260):

Uhh.... The dice gods hunger for goblin blood.

In reply to Olewyn (msg # 261):

I guess!  But now there's a talking badger!

I decided to go with solid purple for the badger instead.

In reply to The GM (msg # 263):

It's definitely more magical

In reply to Aubree Farwalker (msg # 264):

It is!

Hey, Game Master... Lore-Master... would we be able to train animals with digits in the use of weaponry?  I've got this image in my head of a moody badger with a pistol, and it is positively delightful.  Badge Badger: A Middle-Earth Story, featuring Bailiff Badger and "Darts", The Fastest Dart-Throwing Cat This Side of the Misty Mountains.

Unfreldro is a "great" badger, just as wargs are "great wolves" and the Mirkwood spiders are, well, "giant spiders."

If you could find a great badger that wants to go adventuring with you, then yes, they could possibly use darts... but I think most badgers are too sensible to go stomping around the Wilderland with big people who make so much noise when they walk or even try to sneak.

As for "great" cats, the answer is the same... but maybe YOU are a "great" cat? Maybe Great Cats can magically turn into a human?

Be the Great Dart-Using Cat you want to see in the Wilderland, Martine!

In reply to The GM (msg # 266):

I should have named Olewyn's specific clan but I was just like "I wanna play an archer from the woods who isn't so great at people'ing".

Boy... Mr. T motivated me when I was a little kid, and now this!  I can do anything!

(Consults internet) The Sairthiuda or Seretheud is the name of a large tribe of Woodmen... They get along okay with the elves, too... They build not only typical human houses, but some treehouses like the elves of Lorien, too.

Anyway, I'll see if Aubree wants to say anything else, then I'll post again tomorrow either way--

Seretheud sounds perfect. Plus it goes well with how I play Olewyn getting along comfortably with the elves.

I will allow Foraging: surviving (in the wild) to be used for setting up traps and snares, as long as someone also uses one use of Adventuring Gear. (But those of you who started with any Adventuring Gear should now have it back at 3/3 uses since we just left a Haven.)

I love it because you're giving me 3d6 to play with. I did not expect to have Olewyn decide that an ambush was correct but honestly? You have to play your character a bit and see what screw ball ideas come out.

Still need to find a good spot for ambush...

I think Aubree handled that. I'mma wait and give Ronald a chance to weigh in with ideas or extras with the ambush. PLUS whatever our awesome GM has to say. :)

Sorry, 14hr day. Will post tomorrow when my eyes open more.

In reply to Ronald R. Dodaden (msg # 276):

You are fine I want to give you a chance to be involved since I know exactly what I'm going to be doing. I just wanna give everyone their moments to do cool things too.

Olewyn, I'm giving Ronald a little longer to maybe post, but if he doesn't (or maybe does) by this afternoon, go ahead and Scout to move to a new location on higher ground...

In reply to The GM (msg # 278):

Higher ground?  Hmm... have we got any swordsmen in our group?  Foes that are overly fond of jumping really high and acrobatically?

That seems like two different questions.

YOU are the best weapon-fighter in the group right now, Marthine (although Olewyn is improving now that she's leveled-up).

"Foes that are overly fond of jumping really high" sounds like spiders? Or wargs?

I will do something after sleep. Brain is sludge right now

Understood. Will wait for your post, with or without Scouting roll (which for you would be 2d6)

Or maybe I should just have Lachriel do it?

I must admit I'm a little at a loss with Olewyn not coming back yet.

...Maybe I'll reach out to 'er with a PM...

In reply to The GM (msg # 284):

I tugged on her sleeve.  Said her PC's circling the drain until a new motherboard arrives.  She'll get something out in the morning!  Had a hot week, from the sound of things.

Oh, okay!

In reply to The GM (msg # 286):

Yeah sorry all.

I got something out but I'm not feeling so hot this morning. I wanted to help push us forward. The dice gods literally say "haha, good luck".

In reply to Olewyn (msg # 287):

Spider-spankin' time...

In reply to Marthine (msg # 288):

My computer is due to get fixed tonight. You'll see more of me very soon.

I know we're kinda waitin' for Olewyn...

...Just let me know when we've decided to commit to promising the spiders to do what they want (or to not promising that).

In reply to The GM (msg # 290):

And I'm back! With as fixed computer.

In reply to Olewyn (msg # 291):

Welcome back!

Oh, hell yeah!

Hey y'all... are we stuck? Can I help?

Sorry, i think we're just heading off to find goblins and otherwise explore the area (as well as the other quests we're doing for Lachriel

So... Scouting?

I can have an NPC elf roll for it if you want... or not! Either way!

Can Aubree use her Foraging?

 We've got a sound plan, I'm just ready to see to it!

Yes. PCs are 1 notch better than NPCs at everything, so your non-specific Foraging skill would give you the same odds of success.   :)

In reply to The GM (msg # 299):

So would that be 2d6?

Yep

Just remembered that... nothing was happening here.

It's not my turn, is it?

In reply to The GM (msg # 302):

My apologies, i must have lost track of time.   A very elven failing, I've been told

In reply to Aubree Farwalker (msg # 303):



Some kinda GM, being all nice and letting us do things like that...   >:U

I wanna call for a vote, myself... Do you all want to add a feature to this scrawled note, or would you like me to eat my Fate Point and chew it like so much cud?  Instinct tells me to conserve my resources, but you might have neater ideas than me...

In reply to Marthine (msg # 304):

My apologies, but I might need you to explain that to me

GM, was I correct in reducing Adventuring Gear to 2/3?

Little face looks angry??





Since Marthine actually rolled a success with a Fate point, I am saying she can have the Fate point back, OR she can add an extra detail (that she would write herself) to the note.

SHE is asking Y'ALL which she should do.

She is leaning toward just taking back her Fate point and not adding a detail, but wants to see what y'all think.





You're fine.

In reply to Marthine (msg # 304):

Having already spent the fate point, personally I'd stick with that and write something (good opportunity and not all GM's would gift this). Ultimately it is your choice though. If you had half as many Faye Points, maybe I'd vote the other way.

I'm waiting on Marthine...

The face was pretend-angry.

Now, let's see... Perhaps the extra detail could include names of individuals relevant to this quest, for our good or our ill!

Oh, okay. I do not know all the secret signs.



Sure. You want me to flesh that detail out, or you?