OOC Thread

Welcome new players!

Hi friends, looking forward to our game!

Hello! Thanks for the invite, GM.

A quick note: I complained a little in my application about over-long RPing the "meeting in the tavern". To be clear, this is a minor nit, and I'll be perfectly happy to RP my cleric indulging in ale and comraderie at the tavern. A couple of games.I started un didn't get much past that, so it was something that came to mind. Whatever the GM and the group wants is fine with me.

Question about divine magic:

How do the people and the government view divine spellcasing? Arcane magic is licensed and controlled. Does divine spellcasting worry the government? Do they seek to control, discourage, or encourage it? Are divine casters of different faiths viewed differently? What percentage of clergy in the two main churches can actually cast spells vs those that are just mundane religious leaders?

The Duke's Stance on Matters of Faith

It would be politically unwise for the Duke to interfere in religious matters. The Church of Thyatis is a well-established and influential institution with many many millions of followers beyond Karameikos. As a wealthy and powerful organization with armed holy orders directly accountable to the Holy Father, the Church operates independently of the Duke’s authority. The Church is also the state religion of the Empire of Thyatis, arguably the most powerful human Empire in the known world. Any attempt to interfere or regulate the Church’s activities would be met with severe consequences. Even the hypothetical denial of the Duke’s right to confess and perform penance could place his soul in jeopardy, leaving him at risk of eternal limbo.

Regulating the Faith of the Taldarans is equally inadvisable. The Taldarans comprise 95% of the population, repressing their beliefs would only create unrest and provide a rallying point against the Duke’s rule. The Taldaran Faith is also largely regarded as peaceful and benign. When the Duke first arrived in Karameikos, there were no zealots rising against him. The Faith is non-confrontational by nature. Unlike the strict and hierarchal structure of the Church of Thyatis, the Taldaran Faith lacks central authority or hierarchy, making it inherently difficult to control.

On a personal level, the Duke has no desire to meddle in spiritual matters, preferring to leave religious choices to individuals—as long as their teachings remain non-hostile to his rule. Presently, he does not perceive any such threats from either the Church or the Taldaran Faith.

Interfaith Relations

The Church of Thyatis views the Taldaran Faith as a collection of superstitious idolaters. Thyatian doctrine holds that all Taldarans are destined for limbo unless they repent and join the "one true Church." This belief has driven aggressive proselytizing efforts among the population, though these efforts have yet to yield significant conversions.

In contrast, the Taldaran Faith takes a more accepting stance toward other religions. While its followers see the Church of Thyatis as authoritarian and repressive, they respect individual Thyatian priests who demonstrate compassion, devotion, and genuine goodwill. The current Patriarch, Olliver Jowett, is particularly well-regarded and even admired by many Taldarans. The Faith emphasizes judging individuals by their deeds and generally maintains an unbiased perspective.

The Elves, however, view both religions as misguided. Their isolationist approach to spirituality keeps them largely uninvolved in interfaith matters.

Spellcasting Among Clergy

Determining the exact percentage of clergy capable of spellcasting is tricky. According to the Gazetteer, any noteworthy priest is presumed to possess spellcasting abilities. That doesn't imply that all clergy are spellcasters. Many serve as mundane religious leaders or have low-level spellcasting abilities.

As a general rule, I'd say approximately one in four clergy members is likely to cast spells. Those who can cast spells are often considered truly devout, occupying significant positions within their respective faiths. The majority of clergy, however, contribute in non-magical roles.

You can use this thread to roll for your character abilities.
I'm searching for a character sheet template we can use for this game. I didn't like the one in the Public Repository all too much, so I might end up creating a new one. It will probably take me a few days to get around to it, however.

So, for a human that's 4d6 seven times, drop the lowest, arrange to suit? Here goes nuthin'...

Well, now. That there's a nice set of average rolls. And away we go.

William Winter, Human Fighter!

Str 15 (16) (17) (18)
Int 11 (9)
Wis 14 (12) (10)
Dex 12
Con 11
Cha 8

AC 17
Hp 8

Languages - Thyatian, Traladarn

Proposed Skills - Armorer (Int), Hunting (Wis), Military History (Int), Riding (Dex)

Armor - Plate Mail, Shield
Weapons - Sword, Mace, Dagger, (4) Javelins
Other Gear - Backpack, standard rations, rope, lg sack, tinder box, (6) torches, waterskin, 10 gp

I got rid of the clutter on the main forum. There was an issue that prospective players couldn't see the subforums and all the setting threads, so I had to move them out of the subforums. but now that the core group of players are part of the game that is no longer a problem.

Im still working on a char template. Will post something basic tonight.

Good Morning everyone! Glad to be joining, I will be playing Anton Rybakov, Human Apprentice Mage with the Magicians Guild of Karameikos. Going to roll some stats, wish me luck!

Edit: So looks like

STR: 9 (11-2)
DEX: 14
CON: 14
INT: 16 (15+1)
WIS: 9
CHA: 11

Ascending or Descending AC?

I grew up on THAQ0, but I don't want to go back to it ;)
We will use Ascending AC.

Thumbs up.

I created a character template and posted it on the char creation thread. It is...ugly, but functional. If anyone wants to take a stab at it and try to improve it, they'll be most welcome. I see some of you have already rolled for your attributes, if there is anyone who is unhappy about his roll, don't hesitate to PM me and we will figure something out.

I am trying to wrap my mind around Skills, are there a set limit to these? Also, what does this mean, "and are always tied to one specific attribute" does this mean that if I choose a skill based on Intelligence, that all my skills have to be based off Intelligence?

Might ‘strength bows’ be a thing in our game? And if so, would they have a cost over and above list price of a regular bow? Asking for a friend.

Another inane question sincere inquiry please, are we using what the system calls ‘variable weapon damage’? Meaning, sword does 1d8, dagger does 1d4, etc, versus what is evidently the default, which seems to be that everything does 1d6 on a hit. I want to say that’s a throwback to very early editions of the game.
Neat to get back with all the retro stuff.

Starting gold

Question: Does a cleric have a holy symbol as part of being a cleric? Or do they have to buy one for 25 gp?

Hi All,
I will start by rolling the dice and follow up by posting a character sheet.

Character name: Nightshade
Class: Thief
Race: Elf Vyalia
Languages: Traladarn, Elvin
Alignment: Chaotic
HP: 4
Base Movement Rate: 120
Encounter Movement Rate: 40
Level: 1

Ability Scores
Strength: 17
Dexterity: 18
Constitution: 14
Intelligence: 13
Wisdom: 13
Charisma: 14

Saving Throws
Death/Poison: 13
Wands: 14
Paralysis/Petrify: 13
Breath Attacks: 16
Spells/Rods/Staves: 15

Thief Skills
Climb Sheer Surfaces: 87
Find, Remove Treasure Traps: 10
Hear Noise: 1-2
Hide in Shadows: 10
Move Silently: 20
Open Locks: 15
Pick Pockets: 20

Okay, first question: how will we handle starting money and equipment?
It's been quite a while since I've played the basic edition, but it's coming back to me. In this edition, thieves are as squishy as magic users, so I'll have to be extra sneaky.

I just noticed I bungled the dice rolls let me try that again.

Strength: 15
Dexterity: 18
Constitution: 10
Intelligence: 12
Wisdom: 12
Charisma: 13

Another question, the rules state that the Referee can choose which spell I have in my spellbook, or they can give the player the choice. How would we like to proceed :)

@Madclergy - you start with 4 skills, plus additional skills according to your bonus languages (+1 for intelligence 13-15, +2 for intelligence 16-17, +3 for 18). Every skill is tied to a specific attribute. They don't all have to be tied to the same attribute. So Gambling might be tied to Intelligence, Riding to Dexterity, and playing an instrument to Charisma. You are free to choose which spell you start with.

@WhiteDwarf - no strength bows, sorry. We're also using the 'firing into melee' optional rule, which means if you're targeting someone engaged in melee, you might hit one of the targets surrounding him (random chance). The weapon damage we are using is per the SRD, which shows different damage die per weapon (sword is 1d8, dagger is 1d4, etc). There are different weapon qualities as well.

@timplausible - you can assume to start with a holy symbol. Also, priests of the Faith's holy symbols aren't nearly that expensive, reflecting the more down-to-earth nature of the religion. Of course, more expensive versions are also available, if you want to spend the money on it.

@nepets - Your character starts play with 3d6 × 10 gold pieces. You may spend as much of this money as you wish to equip your character for adventure, consulting the equipment lists under Equipment & Services. There is no need to choose an alignment either. Vyalia elves are more freedom-loving, but 'Chaotic' in OSE describes a character who is extremely selfish, and who 'lies and uses others as is expedient to their own ends, with no concern for the good of the group'.

I submitted my character sheet, though I still need to get an avatar image for him.

How are we doing encumbrance?

Also, would a healing or folk medicine skill have any use? Im nor looking to game the system; I like the idea from an RP perspective, but wonder if it would ever come into play as a secondary skill.

Tracking encumbrance is usually a hassle that doesn't add much fun to the game. We're not going to track it, but I reserve the right to tell you that you need a couple of mules if you're trying to carry several chests worth of treasure.

Healing, or folk medicine, could come into play. Some illnesses or minor injures would be simple enough for you to treat, and won't require you to spend precious spell slots.

Morning,
This is a quick check-in before I start my day. I'll use neutral as my alignment. I'll get back to you on the four skills and my equipment. Let me see if I can get the syntax right for rolling gold.

It seems the dice roller doesn't know how to multiply so that's 160gp

I will kick off the game tomorrow. Yes, it will be a tavern scene (sorry, @timplausible), but I will time-frame it to no more than 2-3 IRL days. You will all be starting at the town of Threshold, on the edge of the wilderness. You can decide to have known each other prior, or not, as it suits you. There will be some adventure leads provided to you as part of the scene, and we can go from there.

Anyone want to team up with my handsome (I switched my dexterity and charisma scores), intelligent, book nerd who who slightly looks like Milo from the movie Atlantis from back in the day? He also enjoys recreational running, calligraphy, and while he does not enjoy fishing he knows alot about it.

The short answer is I just submitted a character. Let me know if there's anything I need to tune. For skills, I'm just going to use the Pathfinder skill list. That way, I don't have to reinvent the wheel. The funny thing is that back in the first edition, elves didn't have a dark vision. It's been decades since I've played AD&D, but the deeply worn neural pathways remember. That takes me back. It was a different time, a different place, different people, or maybe it was just me is different. I can't tell anymore. The fun thing is I found it much easier to pull together an OSE character than creating a character in one of the modern editions. All right, enough rambling out of me. I'll meet you guys tomorrow at the tavern.

OK. So I think you have enough leads to go on. I will keep the tavern scene alive for anyone who still feels like posting in it, but we can start a new thread for the following morning in parallel, where you will start your adventure in earnest. The only question is - where will you be heading to first?

I am all for slaying some goblins :)

Yes, gob,Ins seem the most straight forward and easiest start.

Agreed on the goblins. The castle sounds more interesting, but it also sounds more deadly. Maybe better to get a level under our belts first.

It's almost like I'm in a different time zone or hemisphere than you guys regardless the adventure has officially begun.

CST here and I check in early morning, evening (after 9pm usually) and randomly throughout the day.

I'm on GMT+2 myself.
@Madclergy - can you indicate on your character sheet which languages you know?

Regarding the various adventure leads - these aren't random placements of dungeons and quests. Most if not all of these tie into the Grand Plot in some way or another, but it will probably be a long while before you see the connection. Do be patient.

I'm in California myself, or 8 time zones west of Greenwich. Most days, I'll only be able to check in in the evening, but occasionally, I'll have a day when I'll be able to ride the message boards.
As for the grand plot, based on the breadcrumbs we've gotten so far, it appears that the goblins are the limbering-up exercise, the archaeological dig is a plot point, and The wizard Bargle is a level boss.

Rolling for some languages

Edit: Sheet has been updated. The sheet is saying 3 languages for a 16 int. So I think the calc is off.

I'm on the U.S. east coast, but I'm not consistent at all about when I check the site.

East coast U.S. for me as well. I’m on daily, typically, but I’m flexible and patient.
Hope everyone’s well today. :)

@WhiteDwarf - The initiative dice is 1d6 in OSE, making dex modifiers that much more impactful.

sry, rerolling

The goblins rolled '6' for initiative as well, and since none of the remaining PCs have a dex modifier, all actions take place in parallel.
You can each take your actions. The goblins have an AC of 12, and 3 hp, so you can narrate the result of your attack based on these stats.
They are also fighting in sunlight, which gives you a small advantage.
@nepets - you got the modifiers mostly right, except your bonus to initiative, which places you first to take an action. Unfortunately, your attack missed...

Round 1 is concluded, Anton and Brother Yakov has taken some blows from the goblin's spears, but are still up on their feet.
The goblin that attacked Yakov is down, so he is under no threat at the moment, and the goblin that attacked Anton didn't pursue him deeper into the forest, but stayed to attack Will, ganging up on him with his friend.
So that leaves Will facing two, and Nightshade one.

The goblin that fled disappears out of sight

Edit: you can take an action for Round 2.

Are we playing rules-as-written for character death? (i.e. death immediately at zero hp)

Asking for a friend.

I think we would use a more lenient rule, else the adventure might end before it begins for some of you. It sucks losing a character over an unlucky roll you can't control.

@WhiteDwarf Will eagerness to kill another goblin would have to wait till next round (assuming there are any left alive) @timplausible has yet to take his turn, and the only remaining goblin is standing right next to Yakov.
@nepets - I think you're right that you can retreat backward and take a shot with your bow. I haven't seen though that swapping a weapon takes your action for the turn anywhere in the rules, though I might have missed it.

I've read through the OSE rule book's chapter on combat and you're correct it doesn't say anything about drawing weapons. The Pathfinder rules make a point about this issue. But I suppose that's the point of this whole old school revival thing is to return to a simpler rule system with less grit and grind.