💬 Out of character and chat

Bells maybe impressed by Duvessa's presence and accomplishments but come on! That woman screams for a make over with those atrocious bangs! It looks like someone used a bowl for an edge.

She's almost a child and an orphan who rose to power in the brutal Icewind Dale through her wits. The daughter of a barbarian mother, and a Waterdhavian noble father, she's been kidnapped by the Arcane Brotherhood and faced down giants.

But do we get solidarity and sisterhood from Bells? Do we get girl power? No. We get barbed comments about her fringe.

Oh, you will see girl power when the two spend a day shopping before Bells transforms her look. Gone will be the woman child with a bad haircut and in her place will be a young lady of substance that reflects her position. And THAT is true sisterhood! Friends don't let friends use bowls.

Uh-oh. I'm not sure the Dungeon Master's Guide is going to cover this.

Basically what happens after the Speaker's meeting conviently set to song....well Bells is a bard!

Popular

Duvessa, now that we're friends, I've decided to make you my new project!
You really don't have to do that
I know, that's what makes me so nice!
Whenever I see someone less fortunate than I
And let's face it, who isn't less fortunate than I?
My tender heart tends to start to bleed
And when someone needs a makeover
I simply have to take over!
I know, I know exactly what they need!
And even in your case
Though it's the toughest case I've yet to face
Don't worry, I'm determined to succeed!
Follow my lead
And yes indeed, you will be
Popular!
You're gonna be popular!
I'll teach you the proper poise
When you talk to boys
Little ways to flirt and flounce
Ooh!
I'll show you what shoes to wear!
How to fix your hair!
Everything that really counts to be
Popular!
I'll help you be popular!
You'll hang with the right cohorts
You'll be good at sports
Know the slang you've got to know
So let's start
'Cause you've got an awfully long way to go!
Don't be offended by my frank analysis
Think of it as personality dialysis
Now that I've chosen to become a
Pal, a sister and advisor
There's nobody wiser!
Not when it comes to
Popular!
I know about popular
And with an assist from me
To be who you'll be
Instead of dreary who you were
Well, are
There's nothing that can stop you
From becoming popu-ler... lar
La la, la la!
We're gonna make you pop-you-lar!
When I see depressing creatures
With unprepossessing features
I remind them on their own behalf
To think of
Celebrated heads of state
Or specially great communicators!
Did they have brains or knowledge?
Don't make me laugh!
They were popular!
Please!
It's all about popular
It's not about aptitude
It's the way you're viewed
So it's very shrewd to be
Very very popular
Like me!
Why, Miss Duvessa, look at you. You're beautiful!
I, I have to go
You're welcome
And though you protest
Your disinterest
I know clandestinely
You're gonna grin and bear it!
Your new found popularity!
Aah!
La la, la la!
You'll be popular!
Just not quite as popular as me!

The new look

I think Bells has just become the BBEG.

Reading from my feed. What do you think of us implementing this rule, Adam?

One D&D changes this entirely by making Bardic Inspiration a reaction instead of a bonus action, and which means the Bard can use the ability only when necessary. With the new rules, there will be no more wasting Bardic Inspiration charges on situations where the extra die is irrelevant. Since a Bard currently gets Bardic Inspiration uses equal to their Charisma modifier per day (although this is changing slightly to be based on proficiency), every use of the ability needs to be optimal in harder battles.

I'm (mostly) a fan of the new playtest material. I've allowed it in my hellrider games and used it as a player in Anti's tutorial. I'd certainly allow its use.

Cool! It makes more sense to me but I'm not a master at noticing all the unintended consequences

I'm sure people have wasted pixels about the pros and cons of giving up a valuable reaction, but the main benefit is that it's more fun this way. It puts the narrative and mechanical decision back with the bard. Handing out bardic inspiration to players who then forgot to use it was quite annoying.

Allow me an opportunity to harrumph indignantly at nuD&D, and then explore what it has to offer.

Hrmph!

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I hope everyone had a good new years, and I'm excited to get back into it.

I'm just waiting to see if Rayne, Okto, and/or Zin have anything to add.

Sorry, still here, trying to get caught up now and shake off the dust

Will get a post up tomorrow

Sorry, so many things to delay me. Tomorrow will be the day.

Is my memory correct that from the previous fight with Duergar that the Charms know where the citadel is located?

Adam reminded me of the following Napkin Sketch

Scroll up a little bit.

This one is better

Thanks...that's helpful.