Out of Character

I have two of you added already. Please get going on your character sheets.

I don't really care what format you use, as long as it is functional.

Let's use a standard array for stats, Tasha's rules for racial modifiers. Custom backgrounds are fine.

Hello everyone! I’ll be playing a half-elf artificer, looking forwards to playing with you all!

*waves timidly*

So, I'm still undecided as to my class. Either a cleric (grave or life domain) or maybe a wizard (necromamcy). What are you fine folks planning on?

Hello all. Otis is a Dwarven fighter with criminal background.

Hullo.  Aberrant Mind Sorceror Folk Hero here.

Well, with a sorcerer in the mix, I'll dip toward a cleric :)

We also have a dwarf paladin and (I think, maybe) a sixth character.

Please discuss your characters, what roles they'll likely play and what skills and abilities they bring to the party.

I'm going to log off and get some rest.

Skilled with the Herbalism Kit and a Tavern Brawler.  Shovels make wonderful improvised weapons.

Thia has a lot of tool proficiencies (thieves tools, tinkers’ tools, alchemist’s tools, and I’m thinking cook’s utensils), as well as persuasion and insight from background, I’m thinking arcana and investigation from class, and I can pick any two others from being a half elf, I’m thinking medicine and nature)

If it helps any, I'm probably going to pick either Life or Grave domain. Probably a cloistered acolyte just stepping out into the world. Still trying to make my mind up between elf or half elf. Who says you can't change your mind :) I'll be going with the Knowledge Domain and channel my inner 200 year old bookworm.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:30, Sat 25 Feb 2023.

I believe this is what we have so far. Pic looks like Jervis is Human, but thought would wait for confirmation. Confirmed :)



Was anyone thinking of doing the scouting type role? If not I am thinking of shifting to Rogue.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:22, Sat 25 Feb 2023.

Sorry.  Jervis is a human variant.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:01, Sat 25 Feb 2023.

In reply to Otis (msg # 12):

Thia has the guild artisan background, thus all the tool proficiencies. She can do some rogue stuff if I take stealth as a skill, but if you’d rather be a rogue go for it.

Also she’s from Baldur’s Gate if anyone wants to work in a backstory connections.

In reply to Thia Starborn (msg # 14):

I'm going to work out a backstory and PM you something Thia :)

You can begin knowing each other or not, however you like

You'll start out heading to a small fort called Nightstone, lured there by stories of raiding goblins and possible payment for helping deal with them.

Knowing 7 languages and being proficient in all the knowledge skills, I feel like Faera might be fast becoming an annoying know-it-all.

Feel free to throw pebbles at her when she starts "Hum, actually" during combat.

It doesn't seem like it, but I also don't think you should feel pressured into changing things up :) Not having a perfectly balanced party can be a blast :)

Greetings All.

Which character creation method are we using.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:08, Sat 25 Feb 2023.

If you have some glaring weakness, especially something that might make the difference between success and TPK, we could also develop a sidekick with some of the missing ingredients. (I love sidekicks.)

I'm going to be on my phone until maybe late Sunday, but between my bad thumbs and worse eyes, any responses I make will be short and riddled with typos. (more riddled)

In the meantime, I'd like you all to answer one of the following questions about your character, when you get a chance:

Why is your character’s lowest stat their lowest (the in-character reason, not “because there’s no reason for a wizard to have 16 strength, duh”)?

-or-

What is most important to your character: health, wealth, or happiness?

In reply to Rurik (msg # 19):

Standard array. Based on a question from Jervis last night, I am also fine with a 27 point-buy.

Excellent.  Thank you.  I think those two methods are the fairest for all Players.

Rurik's lowest stat is his Dexterity (8).  He is powerfully built, and stocky, between that, and never having needed to be particularly nimble, he didn't develop that trait.  He usually compensates with Intelligence, pre-planning to make sure that things aren't in his way.  Doesn't help much when dodging though.  Yet another reason to wear heavy armor and use a shield.

Most Important to Rurik is his Family, Clan, and Stronghold, in that order.  Most things are tied into that.  Craftsmanship reflects on his Family, Clan, and Stronghold.  So does comportment, courage, honor.  Etc..

Depending on what you folks want to do and how you see your characters, I was thinking we might already all know each other. It skips some of the "getting to know/trust each other" parts, unless that's something you want to roleplay out.

I'm suggesting this because, since we're obviously all going to be traveling together, I was wondering if maybe we wanted to pool some of our resources together to get something like a horse and wagon :) Walking everywhere is good for your health but...

We could have met at a tavern in the last town and when we realized we were doing the same thing we decided to travel together

I will build Otis as a Rogue. It fits how I am thinking of playing him and creates a few options for gameplay. :)

Are we approaching the signpost from the North or South. Thia mentioned about being from Balder's gate. If we met previously then maybe approaching from South? Perhaps meeting in Daggerford?

Hi guys...I'll be playing Kiana, a young female warlock. Just finalising a few things with the gm, then I'll be ready.

Because she is physically small, her lowest stat us strength.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:57, Sun 26 Feb 2023.

Lowest stat for Otis is Wisdom. He is easily swayed and drawn to charismatic or persuasive people. This has caused much of his involvement with crime rather than a desire to be a criminal. Mixing with the wrong crowd growing up.

The most important thing for Otis would be happiness. He is on a mission to make something of his life. To redeem himself and find a purpose that can make his family proud.

If we all know each other, here are some things you know about Kiana.

* She is young to be an adventurer, though has some unearthly quality to her. though she looks like she's at the later end of her teens (19ish), you know she is a little older. She is quietly spoken and seems very reserved.

* She has had something happen that she hasn't spoken about, but you do know that she serves a mistress who granted her power, and they had a hand in what happened.

* She wears no armor, and has a dagger, a few darts and a staff (all look like she found them or were second hand), though you do know she has magical abilities.

OK, could everyone put their hit points, AC, and passive perception in their biographies?

I'm going to look over sheets and other questions tonight and tomorrow. I think it it all checks out we can start some in-character posts Tuesday.

Sound good?

Sounds good :) I'll get my gear section squared away tomorrow.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:22, Mon 27 Feb 2023.

sounds good to me.

I'm just going to put it out there that, for those who don't want to walk, I went all out and got a wagon and a pony.

Oh yea, Faera is also broke now :P

You can join me....this girl has 5sp (maybe I should have gone gold biy instead of equipment)

Some things everyone would know about Jervis.
• He sometimes talks to... Nobody.
• When he sleeps, small bits of detritus sometimes lift up off of surfaces and float around him.
• Sometimes he talks about dreams that have very strange things in them.
• He is kind and compassionate.  He seems to understand others in a way most other people can't.

That's cool.

One thing I forgot to add...I talk to my raven

OK, let's get started.

For reasons of your own, you've each decided to head to the town of Nightstone and the promise of adventure and money ridding the village of some pesky goblins.

We'll start off where you have turned off the High Road and started toward Nightstone itself.

Decide as a group how you're going to travel (pace, distance, marching order, etc.) and then individually make an initial post in the "Chapter 1: A Great Upheaval" thread.

I imagine we will be travelling at the pace of Faera’s wagon and pony. Otis will be alongside Rurik wherever that might be. So i guess for this occasion I will wait for his post to direct the starting location of his self-proclaimed shield-bearer. ;p

I’ll wait to post as

A) I’m probably the youngest of the group

B) I’ll be the quietest of them all (well, less talkative)

C) will be in the cart.

Unless there's any particular reason, I'm guessing the wagon will be going at Normal Pace (which I believe is the same as people in this case). So whoever isn't riding in it, can just walk and keep up. The wagon can carry about 700 lbs without breaking poor Gilbert's (yes, I'm going to call the pony Gilbert) back, so I'm guessing that's at least 3 people and all their stuff.

Kiala will probably ride with you - most of her stuff is light, fitting in a small bag (Other than her staff)

Thia will probably be riding in the wagon with Faera talking about nerd stuff but doesn’t mind walking for a bit if someone else wants the wagon seat.

Also, her lowest stat is Strength (8) not due to any natural weakness, but rather because exposure to various alchemical agents over the course of many experiments have left her weakened.

I’m sorry I just saw this, but where are you getting a wagon and a pony?

By spending all my starting gold and being now broke.

Jervis will likely walk alongside of the cart most of the time.  I would expect everyone totale turns, because, after awhile, riders are going to feel the need to stretch their legs.

Forget me! I missed my math up and screwed the pooch :) We're all walking!

*puts cloak on and tries to disappear*

Eh...exercise will do us good

*is now dreaming of all the ponies she'll buy"

So, unless I'm mistaken, we'll all be walking at Normal Pace. I doubt Faera would mind "taking point" since she's got decent Perception, but she's going to need someone to talk incessantly to, so she's definitely dragging Thia with her :)

Then... the rest of the group about 60ft behind? Just in case?

Would it be totally out of character for the group to pool money to buy a cart and pony, with the intention of selling them and splitting the proceeds when we get where we are going?  We could all put out packs in the cart to lighten our loads as we walk.

Well, the Dwarves will be moving at a 25' per round walk.

At some point, sure, I'd like that. Right now, I spent what few gold pieces I had on grooming apparel :P

OK, I posted a map in the Game map. Not great, but it is what I have.

I think who's who is clear. I used initials.

But I just kinda threw you on there, so tell me if you're ok with your spot, or if not, where you are.

In reply to GM (msg # 53):

I’ll be up with Faera, also imo the group should be a bit closer together, maybe 30 feet back instead of 60

…and I’d be more the middle of the group

I'm good with it.

I wouldn’t have thought it necessary with a small group to have Faera isolated out front. Noah had a good idea - two by two would be my suggestion.

Love the map. Simple and effective.

Shame about the cart and pony. Otis now one step closer to party treasurer role. ;p

Okay knowing nothing about small unit tactics had a quick search an from what i can read i think i am suggesting a staggered column formation which would probably suit a hex map! :)

The staggered formation is so that multiple personnel can not be taken out by a single bullet.  Arrows tend not to have that much force and velocity behind them.  The distance between personnel is so explosives won't take out everybody at once.  Now that can be a problem:  FIREBALL!
This message was last edited by the player at 12:56, Wed 01 Mar 2023.

Wow what sort of dms do you normally play with at first level?

Not much conversation going on if we are too far apart.

Now, there's a game idea.  The PCs get taken out early in the game, and their new PCs have to figure out whodunit, and why.....

That does make sense :)

Sort of plot for Vecna Lives where you get to be a member of circle of eight and die in the intro.

Tweaked the map; wasn't sure who to put in front of back, so let me know.

I'll have the start of the first encounter as soon as I confirm the marching order.

I am not opposed to group initiative it helps the flow of things :)

While I'm here, for future reference, if we're outside of any combat situation, Faera has Guidance as a Cantrip (using her encyclopedic knowledge :P) and she'll be more than happy to cast it on anyone before they attempt some sort of ability check outside combat.

We're going to start an encounter tonight.

Is there anyone who is strongly opposed to group initiative?

I would like it because then you guys can just post as you can, not having to wait for other PCs.

But if any of you are working to maximize those rolls, I can see why you would prefer not to do it that way.

No issues with initiative. Whatever makes the game easier for you to manage. Maybe take party initiative based on our best character though perhaps?

I had intended to do the intro post but was distracted - will catch up on that after encounter.

I've delayed my post 2 hours hoping for Thia.

This first combat is supposed to be a sort of warm up. Please let me know if there's any issues you're having so we can be better next time.

I just got home from a double shift and I'm beat! Faera will hold her position and basically brace her shield for whatever attack might come. We'll call that a Dodge Action I guess :)

In the spirit of moving things along, I'll post my action OOC and make an IC post when I get home this evening.

Faera will use her full movement to get to F8, next to Otis so she's between him and the goblins (the one on the map and the one whose position is suspected).

She'll use her action to cast Toll The Dead: 05:54, Today: Faera rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Toll The Dead attack. First combat roll ever for her: Nat 20 :)

The spell is resisted with a Wisdom Saving Throw. If damage is taken, it'll be 11  (05:57, Today: Faera rolled 11 using 2d8.  Toll The Dead Damage.)

I am waiting to see if Faera or Rurik take out goblin 2. The outcome will affect what Otis does next.

if we are to attack goblins, do we see them (Do we get disadvantage to hit them?)

You need to advance to where they are hiding, attack blindly, or use an area attack.

Not sure where we are up to. Has round 2 ended?

It has not -- I was waiting (hoping) for Thia to post.

I'll give til morning.

Then the goblins go, though Kiala held her action and will zap one if it shows itself.

I have edited my post indicating oll go stand near Jervis

What can I do better next encounter?

I might not make changes, but if you don't tell me, I definitely won't.

As much as group initiative does seem to speed things up, it did create (at least for me) a lot of confusion about what had already happened, what was going to happen, etc... Maybe it's also just me being awful at keeping track of stuff :)

I was thinking I should put the current round in the subject line -- would that help keep things sorted?

That could help.  Or At the top, like this.

@Otis
Well, here goes literally nothing...

18:42, Today: Faera rolled 4 using 1d8+3.  Cure Wounds on Otis.

That's a nice fat +4 HP, the MINIMUM I can roll.

Thankyou. No rest needed. Lets get there before dark. I think we should grab the gear we can carry. Pile the bodies. Cut off a ear as proof. At the very least it is proof we are capable.

Otis will 100% support and enable Kiala to reach her full potential. ;p

I'm a warlock - my potential is to be a scary goth girl

Proof of Jervis' capability is lacking as far as Fire Bolt is concerned.

Sorry all. I'm back.  Stuff got hectic.

I know this is quick, and it won't happen this fast again, but I want you to level up to 2.

For that reason, we'll take a long rest, and as soon as your sheets are updated, we'll get to town.

Awesome. Cunning Action here we come.

How are we doing Hit Points?

Smite here I come.

Okay, all updated.

I am going to be out of town until Sunday eventing.

I can use my phone, but cell service is also sketchy, so, I do what I can, but don't expect much until Monday.

Until then --  you've got a suspiciously empty, lifeless town.

What's your call? How do you enter?

Sorry I'm a bit slow; I'll have a map up tomorrow if I can get some feedback on Otis's plan.

I’m kinda expecting people to go with “hold on let’s think about this first”

I was slow to update my sheet, but all done. Extra spell, some HP and some evocations.

Jervis is a "go with the flow" sort.

I'm sure Thia is gone.

I don't think we're going to see Faera.

I am worried about Rurik.

Can you handle these monsters with just the three of you?

Or, should I NPC Rurik through this encounter? (Assuming he doesn't make a sudden appearance?)

I was kinda planning on having Otis work WITH Rurik. So NPC would be good.

Ok, I’ll run him til the player resurfaces.

But I need you players to take the lead and act first, even if it’s just to tell him what to do.

How far away are the "wolves"?

From the map it looks like you might have to get into the street to reach them. Just get Rurik to go in front. :)

He did.  And he has Mage Armor up, so he has some protection.

Sorry all.  The thread just updated in my list.

Oh dear what happened here. I liked the Otis character too. Will probably repackage the dwarf rogue again. Although 5e games are super hard to get into. Best wishes all :)

I don’t know……but i feel as if my old curse has stricken again. Whenever i play a warlock, the game dies

I seem to have a similar problem with certain games. LOL

I wish i could find a game where one of my warlock survives. This one i was excited about (Both the game and character)

Ok..≥.it’s been almost a month since the GM has been on. I think it’s time to call it.

To the GM….f you revive the game, let me know and I’ll be back