OOC Chat

No joke about how squishy these characters are! I haven't run anything for low level PCs in a while so I completely forgot. On top of that, a lot (but not all) of the combats in Curse of Strahd are supposed to feel more "survival horror" than "heroic fantasy." This is a campaign where you're supposed to feel tense and out of your depth, for better or worse in a combat-forward system like D&D 5th. I'd really like to hear your opinions on this after the battle.

All that said, the lack of light isn't helping anyone's case (except the armor's). I want to be really strict here because the dark should be especially scary in a horror game, but that's sadly only making the PCs squishier.

I appreciate the character dynamics already coming out here (Drina's selflessness vs. Taniwha's selfishness), which is really important for the kind of game I want. Interested to see how this stuff develops.

Do I smell a TPK brewing? 🤣

Maybe, but it's still a non-zero chance for Taniwha to resist a dirty 20 attack roll. If he can do that, all he has to do is land one or two more hits. Then it's just a matter of stabilizing the dying party members. That's the real test, lol.

On the matter of stabilizing dying PCs, I want to use the popular house rule that they wake up with 1 hp instead of staying unconscious for 1d4 hours. Gets the PC into the action faster and they still have to be careful until they can heal somehow.

How crazy lucky about Taniwha's nat 20!

Ikr! Hopefully that was a statement made by the dice gods that this game should stick around longer!

Oh my! I can't take the waiting! Is it going to be enough?

Holding of breath

The idea that someone would struggle to run up some stairs because someone else tried to punch them a few seconds prior feels rather extreme and not particularly realistic, IMO, but I'll make a mental note.

That's a good point, it probably wouldn't make sense in every context. Perhaps I should take difficult terrain on a case-by-case basis before making a generalization about all stairs. The stair issue didn't really come up in this fight, so the idea will need more workshopping. Thanks for the feedback.

I'm sorry but just confirming you want us to stay in initiative?

Yes, just until Abraham is conscious. Then the party can explore like normal.

Or I die. That'd work too.

Do you want to die? Are you not enjoying playing with us?

I know sarcasm doesn't translate the best when written down, but c'mon now. 😂

Whether I stabilize or die, one way or another the rest of you will be able to explore.

Your comment took me aback but it could be possible that the subject, the pace or interactions has made the experience less than optimal for you. Granted most when asked would politely decree their contentment so I don't know what I expected to accomplish except I don't know how to correct possible problems online without directly asking. If I can make adjustments to make the game more pleasurable then I will. So stop fooling around and save already so we can ALL get back to exploring.

Well, if MaJunior succeeds his save, Amalthea can heal him once her turn rolls around so he can wake up and we can go exploring. Just gonna put out there we probably need a short rest at least and to be extra careful if two more of those armors are on the second floor.

This is a good time to remind everyone that if any of you does have a genuine complaint about pace, difficulty, atmosphere, or anything else, feel free to bring it to our attention (or mine privately). I also didn't pick up on the sarcasm, but that might just be me lol.

On a similar topic, I just got a PM from a fan of the game who noticed the vacancy left by Shorty and wants to join. I'll also have to consider the waitlist, but what do we think about adding a new player at this point?

I always think a full party is best.

Agreed, especially after what just happened. Thank you for the short time you played with us Shorty!

Also, maybe agreed sarcasm face? :P

Works for me. It's completely original :P .