OOC Discussion

Any OOC Discussion here

Does anyone else find it amusing that we're all in several other games together?

I do! Sometimes I fear that I'll mix up character, people, and games.

Same here, I'm always double checking to make sure I'm acting the right way for my character lol

I always post in first person, so it's surprising to me that I've only posted in the wrong game thread once so far...

Has anyone here played or DMed this adventure before?

Nope!

I have not. I've seen this module mentioned many times, both here and other places, but never had the opportunity to actually play it until now. I've also been avoiding any other games on this site that are running the same adventure.

I listened to a podcast up through the encounter where the players find the horse. After that I stopped listening in case I ever played the adventure.

Doot doot doot

Just waiting for spaceseeker19 to make his first post verifying that he is truly ready :)

I hope we're up to the part where we find a beautiful banquet set out for us and then all have a picnic.

I've run part 1, maybe 20 games ago. I remember stuff from the background better than details about the adventure, and also how impressed I was with the game design, how it gradually introduced complexity as "Night's Dark Terror" did.

This is my first attempt at Theater of the Mind DMing in years, so please bear with me :)

I think that Kama's wayward thoughts may get him into trouble!

Yeah, wandering eyes should be a Flaw on one of the tables. Acolyte or Folk Hero, maybe. I've never played a character with that flaw before, but I'm currently playing one in the Orphans of Waterdeep game where we're all playing teenagers. Thinking way back to what life was like as a teen, it occurred to me that the awkwardness of hormones played a big part, so it's become a bit of a running joke/quirk of my halfling character. I think it's funny, especially because it's not salacious, but embarrassment plays a big part of it.

Kinda feel like there should be a background based personality table to roll on AND then just a general table to roll on in addition. Some traits derived from background and then some based on your base personality too

I think that's a great idea. I may do that!

I also like having the freedom to pick Flaws from other backgrounds. Though sometimes it's really hard to pin down the "right" Flaw. I guess that while I might have a general personality in mind, it's not completely fleshed out until I get that character into the thick of role-play. Kama's wandering thoughts was purely a result of the open opportunity, because I figured he's the type of half-orc farmer folk-hero soldier that doesn't have the mental discipline to NOT filter them.

I realize that my shape water cantrip likely won't do any good here, but the fact that I can breathe underwater and swim at my full move makes me think I might be able to do a check of some sort to grab Xora and keep her head above water...? Maybe that would confer advantage to one or both of us on one or the other of our checks?

I will grant you advantage on the Strength save as you are used to fighting the currents and rushing waters of rivers. The water that rushes down the tunnel is not super deep, she shouldn't have too much trouble keeping her head out of the ater

By the way, I love the telepathy.

It is fun. Thanks for playing along with it.

I don't know about you folks, but I'm having a blast. Goblin antics are fun as hell to run!

Also realize now that the crit should have done one damage. Not supposed to roll with ability mod on the extra dice. Oops... This was way better anyway though :)

I can shave off 1 HP.

Also, thanks for Cleave Through Creatures. Did not know that rule existed!

DMG variant rule. If you reduce a creature from full to 0 the extra damage is carried through to an adjacent creature.

One of my favorite variant rules

I can't believe how close both of those attacks were! Either would have killed him, too

Okay, maybe Kama should stop with the one-liners. They don't seem to be helping.

Wow, the rolls are going to kill you faster than any enemy!

Hex is a bonus action spell, if Hollow would like she can still use her action to do something to Ripper (Eldritch Blast maybe?)

That's what I get for not coping the whole block of text. Thanks for helping me out!

No problem :)

Wow, doing an enemy turn takes a LONG time lol

Wolves to the rescue!

I think this would have gone very badly had I not sent them in!

Feel free to have some enemies wander away! ;-)

Well, the podcast I heard play this nearly died at the ambush so I think we are doing pretty good. Plus I just had a really bad save earlier. Dumb bad luck is all. I believe the rest of the party can take down Klarg. GO TEAM!

I'm away from my phb for the next two hours. I don't remember the death saving roll rules. If anyone can clue me in on what to do I will make my rolls to keep the game going.

Roll 1d20+0. You need to roller higher than 10. On your third success you become stable. Three failures and you're dead.

If you roll a 1 it counts as 2 failures, and a 20 makes you regain one hit point.

^^^ This!

For anyone who wants to stabilize Hollow, it will be either a DC 15 Medicine check or one use of a healer's kit. This will stabilize her, at which point it will take 1d4 hours for her to regain 1 hp :)

Thanks gang

I really hope that someone can save Hollow lol
*hint hint* Use your inspiration *hint hint*

Well, it's not gonna be Xora...

Anyone who wants to may attempt to make a DC 15 Medicine check, and then Hollow will have to attempt another death save.

Oh alright. Maybe I will give it a shot. What's the inspiration again? 1d6?

Inspiration grants you advantage on a single d20 roll.
So you make your check twice, and then take the higher of the rolls.

Don't feel pressured by me to attempt anything, I am just laying out the rules for stabilizing a creature.

Also, I was incorrect. I thought it was a DC 15 Medicine check. It is actually only a DC 10 Medicine check

Hooray, Hollow lives!

She confirmed you were alive, but it seems like she decided not to do anything about it. Ouch!

OK for the record I meant to do the bare minimum to stabilize her. Which would be what, exactly?

Removing the arrow and bandaging the wounds would be the bare minimum

I apologize, from the description it sounded like you were just walking on by

No worries- I should have read the phb seeing as it was already on that page and right next to me. Whoops.

You'd guess that the stupid hooman is Sildar Hallwinter, Gundren's human bodyguard

Just so I'm clear...being out for the two hours is just enough to get me back to 1hp but not enough to allow me to spen my Hit Die on a rest? If those are the recovery rules I'm fine with that. I just don't want to waste the opportunity to heal if it were available.

You are correct

What would the potion get me if I used it?

2d4+2 HP

Would I be able to assist Kama (work together) in a stealth check, or would we do a group stealth check as we proceed across the bridge and down the corridor?

We will do a group check, everyone will roll (Kama with disadvantage due to heavy armor), if 2 or more people succeed then the whole group succeeds.

Do the wolves count towards the "2 or more" successes? :)

Adding in two more "party members" bumps the requirement to 3 or more party members (which you've already done)

It requires that at least half the group succeed

Just a heads-up, I am very busy on weekends (wife and three kids) so I post a LOT less. I will, however, try to keep up.

No worries, I think weekends are busy for most of us.

Just waiting on Moofs' action for the surprise round.

(OoC clarifications: this goblin, probably the Yeemik character, is up above us, on the edge of the drop, or is he at the edge of the steps up to the upper area? Also, how far is he from each of us? Finally, are we still on the initiative from before, or will you roll again?)

He is up above you, at the edge of the drop (about 10 feet). He is about 10 feet from Kama now, 15 from Wish, Hollow and Xora (though from different angles). Initiative is pretty well over, this will be more of a free-form thing. If you want to try something, state it and make any rolls you think are applicable.

Huh. Sucks to be Sildar, or anyone else being rescued by a party completely without healing.

That's half the fun of having a party with no healing :)

Plus you should have a potion left

I guess I'm more of a warm and fuzzy Dragonborn.

Yeemik probably thinks so now

I must remember to always open the thread in another window and refresh it before I post - I had a completely different response (although it still started with the That worked??! comment) written - in which Wish helps Sildar out of the cave and started asking questions about when/if they were going back - and posted it before I saw that Hollow was attacking (which was made just before I started composing mine). Then I went and edited my response to have him attack. Attacking actually fits Wish's flaw; I just need to make a point of always reloading and checking to make sure...

...it's happened three times with this game so far, at least. I'd play this dim-wittedness into Wish's character, except that he's not surprised by sudden action, I am.

All that's to say that I'm delighted with the pace of this adventure so far.

This adventure has been moving rather quickly! I've been having a hard time keeping up too, especially with all the other games I'm in.

Don't let yourself get overwhelmed. As far as I'm concerned as long as you post once a day it's fine. Well one significant post a day. A simple yes/no to a question maybe shouldn't count. But if you've posted in the last 24(+/-) hours and just don't feel up to posting more I won't get mad about it.

Yes, ditto.

We will move onto the next stage whenever you are all ready :)

So meeting back up with the cart or should we just jump to the party arriving in Phandolin with the cart?

I'll leave that up to you all

Did the goblin drag the litter to the wagon, or did they drag it all the way to Phandalin?

I wanted them to carry it all the way to Phandalin. When we get there, I was going to offer them as guides to the Lionshield Coster, just so we wouldn't have to.

That's up to Kama, he was issuing the orders!

Somehow I got double posted...Strange

I corrected it for you

Foolsmask, I gotta tell you how entertaining I find Hollow's Archie-Bunker-like tic of constantly mangling names! It's quite funny.

And here I was feeling lazy about not going back to look up the names. Well, if its humorous then I won't feel bad.

I assumed it was a joke as well :)

The truth is I access the site from my phone most of the time, sometimes i'm half way through typing up a post and I realize I'm not sure about spelling on something, and if I try to open a new tab when I come back to my first tab, the page refreshes and I lose all my work. So if I don't think to look it up first, it is a hassle to do so in the middle.

I will just stick with it though because it is a funny quirk. I think for story purposes, it developed because no one ever pointed out that she was bad at remembering names, not that she is being intentionally malicious or aloof.

Yeah, I can identify; I do about half of my posts using my phone (like this one!). I would do more, but it's almost impossibly hard to run games from my phone, because of the difficulty of uploading pictures, not to mention that I am incredibly slow at typing with a virtual keyboard on a touch screen.

Question for Naatkinson: how many days' worth of rations did we each use up in our journey to Phandalin?

Assume that Gundren provided the food to get there :)

I gave Hollow a couple of days' worth of my own stock, for the wolves. I'm going to assume that we replenished our supplies when we reached Barthen's and/or Lionshield.

Normal PHB prices for everything, with the exception of "Adventuring Gear" above 25 GP, which are not available.

What counts as Adventuring Goods? I only have the PHB to reference, which has a list for Adventuring Gear. Kama wants to get fishing tackle and a grappling hook.

Sorry, that's what I mean, Adventuring Gear.

My bad.

I'm sorry, its still unclear to me...we can buy anything off the Adventuring Gear list of 25gp or less?

Yep, that's all available at Barthen's Provisions. Weapons and armor are all available at Lionshield Coster.

Hope that clears things up!

I think I got it now. Thanks

*i can hunt/acquire enough food to feed 5 ppl a day. Unless you want fancy food.

Giving Xora a chance to say or do something before we move on :)

Also, this weekend will be super slow if I'm active at all. Got my real-life DnD session tomorrow and possibly going to visit my parents on sunday, so we shall see!

Given what modern trail food is like, I'd much prefer fresh game. But I'm still going to bring rations just in case the DM or the dice get up to no good.

I assume Xora's rations includes meats and fruits she's dried herself. She's really into locally sourced meats and produce, preserve canning, that sort of thing. ;)

How much character time is required for that each day?

Depends on where, and whether there is a plentiful supply of game, berries and such. Could be 1-2 hours if we're by a Forest in spring and a good part of a day if we're in the mountains or cold climate.

This is gonna be a slow weekend for me, as I said, so you may as well take this time to gain your levels

Oh, yeah, right! Thank you for the reminder! I was so hung up on buying arrows from Lionshield that I forgot.

What level are we at now?

Just moving up to level 2 :)

C'mon, hit dice!

I've completed leveling up Wish Vathuni. 2nd level is really easy; there are no decisions to make.

I on the other hand had a few decisions to make.

Invocations: Agonizing Blast, Beast Speech
Known Spell: Charm Person

But now I'm ready

:::Edit: Autofill tricked me... 10 more hp would be nice though. trying again

:::Edit 2: Figures

Maybe Moofsalot will get more than half on her die...

Oh are we all rolling?

...woohoo!

Nice!

Nice roll for one of you at least!

You didn't have to roll, but it is fun sometimes, if a bit scary

Next time we level I'll probably use that option, just to make sure I don't get sub par HP twice in a row.

Same here. I figured the first time around would be nice to see if I can max my HP out.

I hope we level soon. If it's one thing 5e has taught me, it's that low-level PCs get hurt very very easily.

Low level PCs are very, very squishy! One bad hit can end you so fast. Had one player in my home game lose 6 characters in 3 sessions before he got one that stuck!

I think I will continue to roll, even though it didn't turn out well for me this time. I like that random element.

I also like generating characters, so that works out.

(chuckle) I think that's from another game...

Whoops!

I love that the rogue has become the treasurer :)

Ha

Gonna wait for a bit to see what foolsmask and moofsalot are up to during this time :)

It's scrolling by so quick I haven't had a chance to read it all in detail! Ahh!

And that's why I'm taking a break for a little bit here, I realize that it's going way too fast for everyone to keep up properly.

Yeah, that's why Xora isn't paying attention or listening half the time...

I will make an effort to slow things down a bit :)

Sorry about that!

Hollow has settled at the inn for the night. She's not anti-social but the day was rough and has drained her energy, that's why she sent money with the fellas. If asked her opinion is leave it for the morning.

Kama is going to channel Andrew W.K. and party hard.

Great idea on adding the NPC guide. I was worried I'd lose track.

Thanks :) There are a LOT of NPCs in the published modules, and I'm probably gonna have trouble keeping track too

If I have forgotten anything for any of them, let me know.

Sildar is a member of a secret society and thus a Commie Mutant Traitor!

....sorry, wrong game...

So that's 75 gp per riding horse. We've earned 100 gp so far, plus whatever else we started with, which might amount to enough for two horses. We've got, what, 7 people? 8 people? That's at least 4 horses.

Kama's right, though: we could go 18 miles a day directly to Thundertree through the wild (which is the route Qelline described), or 30 miles a day if we force march and take the road (which is considerably longer than the stated distance; I'd estimate maybe 100 miles?), which would mean a minimum of 3 days there on foot (including time on the last day to find the druid once we get to Thundertree). Then who knows how long it would be to get to wherever the druid tells us is the location of the castle?

Unfortunately, it seems that D&D5 doesn't actually allow that horses allow you to cover more ground over long distances, even though a riding horse's base move is double a typical size M biped. The rules talk about galloping for an hour, but nothing about covering more ground otherwise. So maybe looking for horses is barking up the role-playing tree. Or it's an opportunity to house-rule it. It sure would be nice to commit to 4 days of travel, rather than 6, just to get to Thundertree and back.

A normal pace would have the group cover 24 miles over 8 hours of travel. It seems like we could go as the crow flies and travel straight to the ruins along the edge of the wood. We can't use stealth on a normal pace, of course, but I figure we're interested in covering ground, not sneaking up on something 55 miles away.

24 miles per day would still take 3 days, but barring any wild random encounters we'd reach Thundertree on the morning of the 3rd day, which gives us some time to scout around for the druid.

Good idea. Note that, in quoting the 18 miles a day, I was assuming that traveling along the edge of the forest would not be easy terrain, and so we wouldn't be able to manage a pace that is normal for flat plains.

My favorite terrain is forests, so if we happen to be going through one, we don't have to worry about difficult terrain.

Stole spaceseeker19's rules for mounted travel from another game :)

They are in the rules post

Ooh, excellent! I'd forgotten!

So, if I'm reading the mounted travel rules correctly, riding horses save us a day of travel each direction in this case at normal speed. Assuming our characters would know this infomation because horse travel is a common occurrence for them, like driving a car might be for us in the real world. So looking into getting riding horses seems like a good plan.

But only for the four main party members. Hollow's retainers will be staying behind for the trip to Thundertree.

That's correct, it will be a big time-saver

That makes sense that Friends wouldn't have worked. But good rolling will I guess. To bad I'm out in front and in stabbing range again!

At least you already took one out before the combat even started! Awesome roll

I feel bad for Hollow!

Damn. I am the least motivated to save anyone, especially Hollow, and yet I'm one of the few who's in a position to do so. Does anyone else have any healing?

Well, you do what you feel your character would do. Hollow should be fine so long as she doesn't get a 1 on her death save!

I have yet to see what happened, but I hope you didn't just jinx me there.

This made me laugh

"Before you came into our lives, we were hurting so bad, you should know that.."

Wish is tempted to serenade the graceful elf, Sister Garaele, but he's shy (and has a terribly raucous singing voice): "Hey soul sister, I don't wanna miss A single thing you do Tonight"

OKAY!!! That took a turn I was not expecting. So I need some clarification on what just happened. Is she pointing that crossbow at Hollow or the party, or is she just flexing to show shes tough? I don't want to lay the smack down on her (and if I'm honest...take bolt to the neck) but if shes pointing it at us that changes Hollow's reaction.

I think she's telling us that she used the crossbow on some of the toughs to show that they couldn't mess with her.

I'm hoping that's the answer, but the whole "Kill Glasstaff and don't read his mail, I'll pay you for it." has my spidey-sense tingling.

I did not think the crossbow was pointed at Hollow.

However, I picked up on the odd request to deliver letters unread. Strange.

She is not pointing it at Hollow lol, no worries

Hey gang, sorry I went dark for a few days there. Work is always busy right before Thanksgiving, I had so much mandatory overtime that all i was doing was sleeping and working. But that's over now so I'm back to my regular schedule. Sorry Hollow left you all hanging there.

I posted a battle map on the main gameplay post. Will this be helpful or would you rather do without?

That's a nifty map. I don't mind maps in general, especially when I can see how many opponents I can bleed out on.

I ALWAYS play with a map when I am at my home game. Theater of the Mind is cool, but it's hard to keep everyone on the same page all the time.

I can't believe you rolled a 1 on your death save, *sigh*

I have faith that I will survive! Did you think I'd crumble, did you think I'd lay down and die? Oh no, not I!

Well, I do have a backup character concept in mind, too. :)

Wanna share with the class? lol
Maybe start rolling him up just in case? That's usually what I do when I get close to death, just to avoid using too much time!

Sure!

I was thinking of a Halfling Paladin, who works as either a private investigator or a detective. He's been assigned the difficult task of finding a murderer, or someone with knowledge of a murder, who originated in a faraway place called Amruthar. Nasty bit of business, that. Some old noble family met an untimely demise at the hands of their servants, and a few members have since gone missing. The paladin's job is to find clues as to the whereabouts of any survivors and hopefully ideas as to possible motives behind the murders.

He's not from Amruthar, but his service for the temple of Tyr often takes him to a number of places. He is not the typical Paladin in the shiny armor with holy shield sense, but the calling's practically the same. His division sends out agents to troubled areas, sometimes at the request of the local constabulary, other times at the request of the ruling class, and this halfling is one such agent.

He's got a Folk Hero background with some minor Noble (no real rank nor retainers, but as a paladin he's had to hobnob with the upper crust) and started work as a village sheriff, helping bring criminals to justice by relying on detective work, insight into people, and some persuasive talking. I'm thinking of a Columbo type of vibe mixed with a bit of Jessica Fletcher.

Anyway, this is the basic hook and concept I've been thinking about ever since I rolled that 1. I'll save rolling for later, along with the reservation that this concept might change based on the rolls I get, if it does come to that.

Sorry for the wait - I'll submit my move later this morning, whether or not Xora kills this sword 3 yahoo. I'm hoping she does, so I can use my free action to dash, rather than disengage.

Am I at disadvantage to shoot an arrow into his face?

Any ranged attack roll made within 5 ft of an opponent is at disadvantage.

Just waiting on SS19 to take his turn :)

Whoops! Sorry for the wait, everyone! I was waiting to see if Xora could drop Sword 3 before I submitted my move, and then the holiday weekend was nuts.

Standard combat actions in future that can happily be applied in my absence:
- if adjacent to an enemy that is adjacent to an ally, Wish will attack to get his additional sneak attack damage.
- if in the same situation but there are other enemies with ranged weapons peppering everyone with arrows/bolts/stones/whatever, Wish will use his free disengage action and then move to attack the ranged attackers.
- if not adjacent to an enemy, Wish will move to attack any available enemies, in this priority: spellcasters, ranged attackers, melee attackers.
- Attacks will be with his rapier if he can reach the target; otherwise he'll use whatever ranged weapon is at hand.

Phew, thanks for the save, folks.

You know, I think I will still pursue the paladin angle come next level. Kama's got the minimum Charisma for Lay on Hands!

When you reduce an enemy to 0 HP with a melee attack you may choose to knock them unconscious rather than kill them :)

Awesome, thanks! I'll apply that for this battle, pending the results of course.

Going to change the initiative rules up a bit. Instead of being a straight d20 roll, I will roll init for each of you, and if more than half of you beat the opponents roll, the players will go first. Sound fair?

Sounds good to me!

I think "I, Monster" is the name of what they're currently reading as this month's selection for the Neverwinter Scrolls of the Month Club.

Just waiting for the party to decide what they're gonna do :)

Hey, we're second level now! We can take on a Beholder!

I like your enthusiasm! You can be in front!

Gonna give Xora and Hollow some time to do some stuff, seems like they're laying low! Hope it's not because things have been going too fast. I've been trying to slow it down, I promise!

Nah just haven't figured out what to do yet. Hmmmm

Naat, what do you use to build your maps? That's some solid work there.

These are the official maps imported into the "3D Virtual Tabletop" app for Android

Thanks! Nice to see they have an iOS version, too. I'll definitely look into this for anything I might want to run.

So, I was thinking that maybe when we're done with LMoP we could move on to Princes of the Apocalypse. What do you all think? Princes even has a section on moving from the Phandalin to Princes.

I'm fine with that!

No idea what that means, but sure!

Princes of the Apocalypse is another adventure campaign made for D&D5. I think it has to do with Elemental Evil, which I've heard about by name, but have never experienced game-wise. Built for characters in levels 1 through 15.

Princes of the Apocalypse is actually levels 3 through 15, which is why we'll do that one. Don't want your levels to be too high.

I'm delighted at the idea of continuing, though it seems like planning really far into the future - I expect that we're going to be in and around Phandalin for months of real-time. But hey, I like all of you and am enjoying playing D&D with you, so I'm all for continuing!

HAHAHAHA! Kama and Wish are doing brutal damage to the crevasse walls, being unable to hit the nothic as they are!

'Tis a shame the nothic wasn't intimidated by the damage we did to its cave.

By the way, we didn't have a long rest from the fight at the Sleeping Giant, right?

Nope, you didn't indicate a long rest. At least not that I remember

Okay, just confirming. I also don't think we've taken a short rest.

For the party's benefit, I'm down to 5/19 hit points, and no Relentless Endurance, Second Wind, or Action Surge.

I don't assume that Xora and Hollow are gonna be able to do much here, but we'll give it some time, maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised!

I can bite em? Or decide that yes, nap time is good.

Ok, this is something I've been debating for a while, and something I allow at my home table. How does everyone feel about allowing people to use their inspiration for a re-roll after the fact instead of advantage?

Is "after the fact" after you've determined the results, or after we've seen the roll and assume it's going to need a re-roll?

I'm okay with anything, really.

How about after the roll, but before results are revealed? I don't particularly mind doing it after the results are revealed, but that might require too much post-editing to be worth it.

It sounds like some of the other re-roll abilities and feats, so I'm not opposed.

I'm ok with the idea, I'd even say I like this idea. I mean, it isn't exactly what the designers intended but as a PBP we have a different experience than an 'At-The-Table' game. I intend to us a poker chip for players to put in front of them when I run a live ATT game to remind them of the potential to use it. In this format we could be out running errands or taking a break from work when we post and we might not always remember all of out options.

Works for me!

Alright Spaceseeker19, you have your answer, reroll away!

Thank you; sorry for being slow - I've now edited the original post.

You will make it through your short rest without an attack, so feel free to take it

Could you post an updated map? I'm getting a little turned around, even though we've only gone into one room off of the map...

Never mind; I'd forgotten that you already HAVE provided us a map, in the game thread!

Did we rest yet?

Sure did!

In regard to Spaceseeker19's last post about Hollow's telepathy;

The wording on Awakened Mind is a little vague. As long as Hollow has line of sight she can communicate telepathically with any creature within 30 ft. even if they don't share a language. Keeping this in mind Hollow is trying to keep an eye on as many of her team mates as possible at all times. I imagine in pure RP scenes like we are in now it isn't that much of a problem, but if it does get out of hand Naatkinson, please rein me in.

One of the reasons I have been trying to keep Hollow in the back of the group is this power, and if you look at my character sheet there is a list of Invocations I plan to take. I plan to take all the ones related to vision to maximize the utility of this level 1 power, though there isn't anything I can do to increase the range yet. Maybe a magic item will show up later on down the road...(hint hint, wink wink, nudge nudge)

I am totally ok with your use of Awakened Mind, as that's how I like to run it at my table

I will grant Kama advantage on any intimidation check he may want to roll. And he may also use his str score instead of cha.

You can substitute Str for Cha on Intimidation?

If the dm says so. If you're using your might to scare someone, I'll allow it

Thanks for letting me know. I'll RP it accordingly!

Welp...the dice roller hates me today. I think Hollow has gotten all she is going to out of Glasstaff/Albreck. Anyone else is free to try of course.

Explanation of map has been added to map thread

Thanks for the update!

Would it be possible to add the numbers to the map?

Map updated! Sorry about the lack of clarity on the first map. Did it at work between work stuff.

Wow...with the goal of finding and taking in Glasstaff we could not have gotten luckier. Wonder what else is down there.

foolsmask, I don't remember if Hollow told the rest of the party about her conversations at the Inn...they did tell you about missing people there, as I recall.

Oh right...now I remember. Well we'll roll with it since it has been established that Hollow doesn't always pay attention to the details and remember small things, like names of people and towns.

Wow, can that shadow be any more forward? :)

This made me laugh out loud

Yes, I really enjoy the personalities in this team.

I assume you're all heading back to the crypt and heading through the southern doors this time (to the trapped hallway)?

I assumed we had escorted Mirna through the cavern and were now at the tunnel. I figured we'd head directly east down that southern hallway that leads to the cellar and barracks, and avoid the trapped hall.

Fair enough, that's why I didn't advance you yet

Yeesh. I hope those rolls aren't necessary, because yikes those are bad rolls.

Just waiting on Wish to decide when to open the door.

Feel free to start kicking ass whenever!

Do we get a surprise round, then?

Oh yes

Ah, the classic "dropped my maul" trick.

Everyone ready to move on back to the cave?

Moofs, did you ever level Xora up to level 3?

Ummmm I don't think so. I'll try to get to that tonight.

If it seems odd to you that the Redbrands are not on high alert by now just remember that you've only been working on clearing out the cave for a few hours. A couple of short trips into the town and one short rest doesn't take long :)

Is the party looking to kill these poor drunken fools or capture them?

oh right...there as talk of capture...oops.

I'll leave it up to you if you want to change up your action lol

Ooh, please, make that attack flip the table and scatter the money everywhere, please!

Well I think we will stick to what I wrote. Hollow didn't swear to not kill anyone. She won't look to slaughter them either, but the chips will fall where they may.

Oh geez, someone finish Eyepatch off before he crushes me with his morningstar.

Is Droop out with Hollow's attack?

Also, did the bugbears come through the northern door we used to enter, or the southern one we haven't used yet?

They called back to the unexplored room to Droop. You haven't seen Droop yet at all.

I think it shows on the map, but they came in through the southern door you haven't yet used.

Droop doesn't sound like a bugbear name. Hopefully it's not a misnomer.

Droop the Bugbear.

"You know what? Those adventurers make me mad!"

I'm going to take Wish's action down as a readied action for when B2 engages with Kama, sound good? That will allows the Sneak Attack damage, but will give the bugbear an attack on Kama before you strike.

Waiting on actions from Xora and Hollow :)

It's funny to me that we dropped all pretense of being Redbrands when the bugbears showed up. What, they're too smart for that?

Also, if I'd known my job in combat with bugbears would be to hold them in melee while the ranged people pick them off, I would've played a...well, I dunno, one of the classes that can get hit better than I can!

...which ultimately is just me grumbling about my bad attack rolls. I'm glad that Xora and Hollow are here to actually deal damage.

That is kinda funny, actually. All they did was slam the door open and you all immediately went nuts. They probably slam all the doors open, just because they're bugbears

I guess we all feel it's futile to rehabilitate bugbears. D&D racism.

If we were playing in Eberron I might consider trying rehabilitation for a bugbear, given there is goblinoid nation beholden to the peace treaty, but here in Forgotten Realms/Generic D&D land, I don't trust the gobby bastards!

But yeah...D&D racism.

I started to describe how Wish was going to flamboyantly duck so that Hollow and Xora would have a clear shot...but then I realized that Wish isn't in line of sight. Xora's on the other side of B3, engaged in melee, and Hollow is some distance back on the other side. So instead, Wish waggles his eyebrows at Hollow as he continues to try to divide B3's attention between himself, Kama, and Xora.

Just waiting on Hollow and Xora to act :)

Besides the Armory you have explored all of the areas of the Redbrand Hideout!

It was just a Dex Check, but it looks like you made it! Will post the results shortly :)

Shall we play "What would SS19 do?"

Dammit, that is not a good avatar for a DM.

It's the PERFECT avatar for a DM *Evil Laugh*

spaceseeker19 indicated that he'd be sporadic for at least a week and a half. I'm not opposed to you temporarily playing as Wish, though.

Safe to assume that you'll all be heading to Thundertree now?

Yep

Someone want to put together a marching order and night-time watch order for me?

Hollow sticks to the middle as best she can. She is not a front line operator.

Anyone hear from Foolsmask or SS19 lately?

Also, Xora has a turn to take :)

No, I hope everything is ok with SS19's daughter and new job.

Didn't hear anything about foolsmask. I'm figuring SS19's got his hands full with being a new employer and a caregiver, so he'll likely return once things settle down.

Should I start looking for a replacement for either Foolsmask or for SS19? If they return I can just amp up the encounters a bit to compensate.

Yeah, might as well...

I'm gonna open up SS19's spot, and if we don't hear from FM for another week or two then I'll open that one as well

Hi everybody! I have a human variant rogue I have to write up. I'll roll stats here. 4d6x6 drop one?

Edit: didn't real the rules. rolling the 7th

I actually allowed everyone to roll it seven times, and drop the lowest one. But otherwise you are correct. You can start at level 3, also!

EDIT: Beat me to it, I see!

14, 10, 8, 14, 5, 11, 10

Not horrible, I suppose

I see 15, 10, 8, 14, 11, 11

I will also allow you to take the standard array or point-buy if you don't like what you rolled

I'll point buy to 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8, if that's ok

Sounds perfect to me :)

Ok, Aoth is submitted. He's a swashbuckler skillmonkey. Rapier and dagger, and any creature he attacks can't make an attack of opportunity against me that turn. I can use sneak attack damage if they are the only creature within 5 feet of me, as well as normal sneak attack rules. I also took the Lucky feat

Yay, Plants vs. Zombies. I hope it's Crazy Dave.

A note to luchadorjose. We aren't rolling for initiative as individuals, that tends to slow things down a lot in a play-by-post environment. I will roll behind the scenes and then each side will take turns during the course of the battle. Feel free to post your actions in any order.

Oh ok. Works for me! Thanks

I can't for the life of me remember anyone mentioning a Druid. Can you refresh my memory?

The druid Reidoth (I think that was his name) is supposed to be here, according to Qelline Carp (the halfling farmer from Phandalin). He has knowledge of the area and can direct us to the castle that Gundren is said to be.

Bingo!

FYI in case I haven't mentioned, I am on vacation this week but should still be able to check in once a day.

I've totally faded Hollow and Wish into the background at this point, so it'll just be the four of you.

Hey guys, sorry I disappeared. I'm back now

No problem, life happens :)

Okay, show of hands. Who wants to leave and come up with a different plan, and who wants to just smash Favric's face in?

Yeah, that guy is a jerk!

Who's head is Xora going to destroy first? Favric's or one of his lame friends? Wanna take bets?

I say Favric and whoever's in back of him!

Naatkinson will always want a Wild Magic Surge roll. I got a wild mage in another game, but haven't had a chance to roll on the Happy Table yet.

Anyone hear from Luchadorjose in this game or any others lately?

Lol, I rolled a 3... so close.

DM - "You cast magic missile, but instead of sending three magic bolts to strike your enemies.... you send out three water buffaloes."
Me - "Yesssss!"

Ok I've lost track of what our current plan is. Are we still looking for Gundren?

Indeed. Seems like the only way to get to him is do all these chores for people, though.

"I'm looking for my friend, who has been kidnapped!"

"Well, I'll help you, but first I need you to clean out my gutters."

You are indeed still searching for Gundren. Reidoth didn't say you had to deal with the dragon before you went though, just that he'd like your help with it!

I know Cancerman and Moofsalot are still in the game, but I haven't heard from Valcos or Luchadorjose in a while. You guys still here?

Kama will start to feel self-conscious if he keeps losing companions at this rate.

Makes me sad that Foolsmask and SS19 left at the same time. The game was moving along very well and now it's slowed down a lot

The half-orc and the dragonborn will slay all the mines.

I know Valcos will be out camping for a few days. Hopefully when he gets back he'll resume posting.

Im back :)

Kama is built for comfort, not for stealth.

Kama seems to have really bad luck with being taken to unconsciousness :(

Maybe he's not getting enough sleep.

If he survives this, he's definitely going to visit Tymora to try and sway his bad fortunes.

Whoops! Forgot to level. Will do so now...

Did we rest during the 2 days' journey?

Oh definitely! Fully rested

Just wanted to point out this half-orc racial to Kama:

Yeah, I just saw that when I went to edit the number of hit points restored by Xora. Ah well, I'll play it like Kama was totally caught off-guard and didn't even realize he had been struck.

Hey, I'm off camping till Monday. Gimblyn can frolic around for a couple days, you guys can do whatever with him lol.

Convenient, I'm leaving tomorrow for Cedar Point and won't be back until late Sunday, so that works pretty well.

I am leaving for Cedar Point tomorrow morning (Friday, July 29th) and won't get back until late Sunday night (July 31st). I'll be recuperating on Monday, so my posting may be slow until Tuesday.

Question- are the hobgoblins in range, and are they within 5 feet of one another?

They bumped into Kama, so they're about 10 feet from Xora and are definitely within five feet of eachother.

Dammit! What a time to roll low.

You have bardic inspiration if you want to try adding 1d6 to your higher attack roll!

Time for the inspiration d6? If not, I think hail of thorns takes effect on your next hit, so it's not lost.

Hail of Thorns takes a bonus action to cast tho- can I still use an inspiration as a bonus action?

The bard granting someone Inspiration is a bonus action. It takes no action to use it :)

oh! duh ok.

Sorry about that Moofsalot -- I did say bonus action in my little description.

Nm

Surprise round?

I think Xora and Gimblyn mean the bugbear? Or are you all targeting the wolf?

Whoops yes- should be bugbear.

Yes, bugbear lol