OOC

Feb 13, 2018 8:47 am

A side OOC thread to help pass time in between posts as well as to ask questions about the game!

What's everyone been watching lately? I started watching altered carbon on Netflix and man what a good show it's been so far.

Jabberwocky Inactive forever!

Feb 13, 2018 12:48 pm

Re: OOC

Altered Carbon is unbelievably good. Great production value, set design, costume design and CGI.

The acting and plot are high quality.

Plus I love anything with a healthy mix of cyberpunk and dystopian.

Sclasclemski Inactive forever!

Feb 13, 2018 12:55 pm

Re: OOC

Wife and I just finished up Punisher...thought it was fabulous. Great depiction of Frank Castle

JBink21 Inactive forever!

Feb 13, 2018 10:17 pm

Re: OOC

I have a bad habit of bouncing around to different shows. I'm almost caught up on all Supernatural and Punisher, still working on Arrow, Breaking Bad, Attack on Titan, and X-Files.

aws5000 Inactive forever!

Feb 14, 2018 3:16 am

Re: OOC

Jabberwocky says:

Altered Carbon is unbelievably good. Great production value, set design, costume design and CGI.

The acting and plot are high quality.

Plus I love anything with a healthy mix of cyberpunk and dystopian.

The plot keeps throwing me for loops. Just when I think I have it all figured out they find a way to tell me im completely wrong.

I should try punisher. Ive heard a couple people now say its pretty good

Jabberwocky Inactive forever!

Feb 14, 2018 6:06 am

Re: OOC

Sorry guys, I'm fairly new to DnD so am still getting my head around this. But I was thinking of chiming in the game thread with my character using his history prof and Book of Lore to school listeners on this topic, seems like a great RP opportunity for my character. However given I actually know little about Huester and the story how would this actually work? Do I bluff on a successful role or do I succeed in a role and the GM divulges on my characters behalf?

aws5000 Inactive forever!

Feb 14, 2018 11:11 am

Re: OOC

If the intent is to make your spiel believable it would be a competing check with the PCs that are in the tavern (would be a matter did you reach a target number if it was NPCs) with your deception competing against their insight.

And no need to be sorry! Everyone playing was new to dnd at some point or another!

Jabes.plays.RPG

Feb 14, 2018 11:30 am

Re: OOC

Is Vortrin trying to fake it or does he actually know something? We all know that as players we know almost nothing but our characters might know more. Faking it is Deception vs. listeners' Insight as DM AWS has described. But if you're talking about Vortrin actually knowing something you as player don't then I would say a History roll but that's really the DM's call.

And yeah, don't worry about being a newbie! Like our DM says we were all newbies at some point. :-)

Jabberwocky Inactive forever!

Feb 14, 2018 12:07 pm

Re: OOC

OK thanks for the patience fellas.

So what I was thinking was him actually knowing history of the some of Huersta's tale. But I don't know how it works if I personally don't know the history. Vortrin being a professor of archaeology and something of a history buff to ply his trade it could come in useful here.

If there is a way for me to roll to of history and have the DM give the history would that work?

aws5000 Inactive forever!

Feb 14, 2018 1:49 pm

Re: OOC

You could roll history, and I'll give some information per the roll but it likely won't be much. Most characters in game don't know much about the place itself so even a history buff would have had a hard time getting info on the place

DMJ

Feb 14, 2018 2:08 pm

Re: OOC

Right on, JW -- Roll that History, bro! Maybe you get something, even if not much. Anything you get would be new to us. If you get nothing, no harm in trying.
You say you are new, but you're about to serve up the FIRST ACTIVE ROLL of the game. Good Show!

J

DMJ

Feb 14, 2018 2:48 pm

Re: OOC

Jabes.plays.RPG says:

... All his life Asterion has always been drawn to the stranger things.

NOOICE!

https://DL.dropbox.com/s/utlhh3kzpytovk0/stranger%20things.jpg

Jabes.plays.RPG

Feb 14, 2018 2:53 pm

Re: OOC

Yeah Asterion is definitely inspired by Will Byers. As someone who grew up in the 80's riding bikes, being a nerd, and playing D&D I am so in love with that show!

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/d0/23/79/d02379a10c295918a328b667685a89aa.jpg

"I was born under a dark star. I can feel it watching me, coldly and distantly. Sometimes it beckons me in the dead of night."

Trait: I rarely talk about the thing that torments me. I’d rather not burden others with my curse.
Bond: There’s evil in me, I can feel it. It must never be set free.

Last edited February 14, 2018 2:56 pm

DMJ

Feb 14, 2018 3:13 pm

Re: OOC

Yo, Jabes. Be careful. The way you are describing Asterion, I'm getting nervous that this might be him after a few game sesh episodes.

https://dl.dropbox.com/s/pl146h2qzoovbgh/will%20byers%20asterion.jpg

Last edited February 14, 2018 3:13 pm

Jabes.plays.RPG

Feb 14, 2018 3:24 pm

Re: OOC

Well, who knows what AWS has in store for us? And as you pointed out, the Upside Down is the Land of Shadow from 1e AD&D, and now Land of Shadow is Shadowfell in modern times so we'll see if Asterion will finally come face to face with his patron.

Jabberwocky Inactive forever!

Feb 14, 2018 9:16 pm

Re: OOC

DMJ says:

Right on, JW -- Roll that History, bro! Maybe you get something, even if not much. Anything you get would be new to us. If you get nothing, no harm in trying.
You say you are new, but you're about to serve up the FIRST ACTIVE ROLL of the game. Good Show!

J

Thanks man, lets see what comes of it.

aws5000 Inactive forever!

Feb 15, 2018 2:24 pm

Re: OOC

Copying this over from the game thread and deleting the one in the game thread. In the future put long stuff like this in this thread so it doesnt bog down the roleplaying pages

OOC:

DM aws5000,
I have to respectfully, and very carefully, say that I think it is a very slippery slope to let skills checks start to override player agency.

Of course if there is magic, mind control, etc. - we understand that. Also if someone grapples you and throws you around by STR comparison, that's part of combat. Sometimes you are forced to do what you don't want.

But I think the realms of Intimidation, Persuasion, etc. are quite dangerous to be wielded as mechanisms to dictate player response and character mentality. In these sorts of things, I don't think a player's actions should be controlled by a skill check from an opponent, whether it is an NPC or a PC.

Extreme examples have their place to think about these things, not that they always happen, but they might illustrate the problem most obviously. What if a high level, high CHA Rogue took Expertise in Intimidation, say getting a +10 to Intimidation checks? He would certainly be a force to be reckoned with if he went around the party forcing everyone to cower and submit. Shit their pants even?! Whoa.

Maybe Stud and JW are seeing this as fun now, but I think it may be a careful moment because JW has said again and again how new he is on this. I would just say that if this is a trend and S.Stud wants to establish an option for using skill checks to demand specific responses from other PCs, I personally would not be happy having to submit to that if it came my way.

To sum it up then, I think it is at least a risky idea, to allow manipulation-related skill checks to be used on players.

So there is my 2 cents, only because you (I think) opened the door for it saying "if others are onboard."
But hey, man, again...I definitely want to approach you in the right manner. And I know there are other ways to look at this topic. I don't think it is a good habit to badger or argue with the DM, and definitely not in public. And I know the rules/mechanics are part of the game, but not the game itself. I really think this game is off to a great start and I appreciate all of your work on it - thanks for hearing me out.

Sincerely,
J

aws5000 Inactive forever!

Feb 15, 2018 2:27 pm

Re: OOC

To that I agree. I had stated in the post that we would only proceed that way should everyone be okay with it. Seeing as there are objections to this, I'm going to edit the post I made, and just requiring jabba to act in the manner he thinks his character would react in that situation.

Sclasclemski Inactive forever!

Feb 15, 2018 3:18 pm

Re: OOC

Personally I think only insight and physical skill checks should be performed between players.

Jabberwocky Inactive forever!

Feb 15, 2018 8:52 pm

Re: OOC

Hey guys,

Sorry if I've caused an issue and completely see the point here.

Would this also apply to npcs like our drunken dwarf?

aws5000 Inactive forever!

Feb 15, 2018 8:58 pm

Re: OOC

No you can use that on npcs the whole issue was using manipulative charisma skills on another pc

Sclasclemski Inactive forever!

Feb 15, 2018 9:56 pm

Re: OOC

No issue Jabber...I'm merely stating my opinion and am perfectly happy whatever way the DM wishes to run his game.

Jabberwocky Inactive forever!

Feb 15, 2018 10:13 pm

Re: OOC

Ok well I see merit in the argument...and I am not just saying that because I was about to be roasted haha.

aws5000 Inactive forever!

Feb 21, 2018 2:50 am

Re: OOC

Regarding Insight Checks:

It's a little bit hard to govern this sort of skill check. Some in person groups like to make insight a passive skill thing while other in person groups like to make everyone present roll at the same time should they want to determine a persons intentions. Unfortunately, we cant really do the latter in a pbp environment.

That being said, I don't think its ideal to have multiple insight checks on the same encounter. In situations it could come up that another insight roll was made merely because the prior players roll was low, and in other situations a person could be making a roll when it wouldnt make sense to do so.

So I have 3 options Id like to hear your guys input on for Insight.

We could do:

Option 1: One person rolls for insight and one may assist with a help action to give the roll advantage should they also be in the same encounter

Option 2: Allow those in the encounter to all roll but fails raise the DC. Logic being some may think the other is believable, making claims of someone not being true to their intentions harder to make.

Option 3: Make Insight a passive skill and have deception rolled against your insight skill when attempting to figure out someones intention.

Do any of you guys prefer one of these three options? anything you may want to add?

Sclasclemski Inactive forever!

Feb 21, 2018 3:00 am

Re: OOC

What about making an insight check private only? Like it can be requested publicly or privately but the answer is given privately. So if anyone else wants to know they have to roll it themselves (with higher dc or just ask the initial person?

Sclasclemski Inactive forever!

Feb 21, 2018 3:00 am

Re: OOC

If that’s too convoluted then option 1 is easiest.

aws5000 Inactive forever!

Feb 21, 2018 3:16 am

Re: OOC

Is there a way to set Insight to private so player and DM can see it? If so we can definitely make that an option. I figured the hide feature hid it from the dm as well but i dont have much experience with it

Jabberwocky Inactive forever!

Feb 21, 2018 3:20 am

Re: OOC

I kind of like Option 2 from an RP perspective

Sclasclemski Inactive forever!

Feb 21, 2018 3:26 am

Re: OOC

aws5000 says:

Is there a way to set Insight to private so player and DM can see it? If so we can definitely make that an option. I figured the hide feature hid it from the dm as well but i dont have much experience with it

My thought was just to send notes to and from the insight checker.

TheStalwartStud Inactive forever!

Feb 21, 2018 4:16 am

Re: OOC

The button next to the OOC button is for notes. Since only the one player is making the check, I think it should be private until revealed.

aws5000 Inactive forever!

Feb 21, 2018 4:22 am

Re: OOC

If someone could add a roll to their post and hide everything i wanna see if its visible for me.

The private function could work if the roll stays private between the checker and the dm, and we could run with that for awhile and see if that works

TheStalwartStud Inactive forever!

Feb 21, 2018 4:28 am

Re: OOC

I think the roll should be visible, so everybody doesn't do the same thing, but the result and your input should be hidden. That's just my opinion- of course it's up to you.

Jabes.plays.RPG

Feb 21, 2018 4:39 am

Re: OOC

The site has all the functionality needed for private rolls and secret notes:

1. Set rolls to Hide Everything (drop-down menu on far right)
2. Send Private note (the paper icon in between the Quote button & the OOC button). Multiple recipients are possible: just separate usernames with commas. But beware this known issue.
3. Naturally, #1 & #2 are visible to the DM.
4. You can also use the PM function.

aws5000 Inactive forever!

Feb 21, 2018 4:54 am

Re: OOC

Lets try going with Hiding Roll/Result and making the result a pm or note for the time being.

For anyone else that hasnt posting about it yet feel free to leave your input on this and we will adjust as we go on

JBink21 Inactive forever!

Feb 21, 2018 3:32 pm

Re: OOC

I think that makes sense, I'm fine with that. I don't have enough experience playing to know one way or another.

aws5000 Inactive forever!

Feb 25, 2018 1:28 am

Re: OOC

So what games are you guys playing in person or other games?

my in person group has been dabbling with a little doors to darkness prewrites recently. Last night our game went off the rails and due to some poor decisions our gm had one of the pc's lose their hand haha

Sclasclemski Inactive forever!

Feb 25, 2018 2:27 am

Re: OOC

I am just getting back into D&D as an adult after a 20 year hiatus. A few months ago my my coworker and his wife let me dm for them (I never dm’d as a kid so it was my first time) but they had never played D&D before. 5e was a pretty simple system to learn so we played a couple times. Unfortunately it’s very inconsistent. Haven’t played in a month and a half. I’m running lost mines for them. Hopefully we get together again soon. I’m thinking of finding a store that runs games and play there

aws5000 Inactive forever!

Feb 25, 2018 6:29 am

Re: OOC

Now that you got a chance to dm dnd what do you prefer being? Player or dm

I always find myself swinging from preferring to be a player and making my own adventure. Online I prefer more to dm because I like that I have time to think out dialogue rather than trying to quickly think something on the spot but I like being a player in an in person game because it usually allows more character development to happen which is one of my favorite things to do

DMJ

Feb 25, 2018 12:11 pm

Re: OOC

aws5000 says:

So what games are you guys playing in person or other games?

my in person group has been dabbling with a little doors to darkness prewrites recently. Last night our game went off the rails and due to some poor decisions our gm had one of the pc's lose their hand haha

aws, sounds pretty classic. Nothing like a gentle maiming to remind players that the GM is keeping it real.

On live games, I'm running a drow Menzoberranzan-based game from time to time on a slow burn. It's outside of my normal style, but the players really dig it, so I stick with it. Tough finding ways to keep the storyline operational enough to manage - characters have so many different selfish goals and a propensity towards betrayal. Why should the party stay together? And with the drow, rightly so, but still trying to herd that into a game sesh - ha! - there have been moments when I feel like saying, "Fellas, you have to work with me in a practical way sometimes here or we're not really going to have a reason to get together on this much longer."

Gradually running a remote game via webcam, my first experience with that. It's a solo game featuring a long running story with a Great Old Ones patron warlock. Pretty creepy and weird. High stakes. High risks of character death. Getting into the higher levels (now vying for 12th level).

One game here in GP. A low-magic low-fantasy, gritty sword and sorcery setting. It's been running a year next month! A great group of players.

Sclasclemski says:

I am just getting back into D&D as an adult after a 20 year hiatus. A few months ago my my coworker and his wife let me dm for them (I never dm’d as a kid so it was my first time) but they had never played D&D before. 5e was a pretty simple system to learn so we played a couple times. Unfortunately it’s very inconsistent. Haven’t played in a month and a half. I’m running lost mines for them. Hopefully we get together again soon. I’m thinking of finding a store that runs games and play there

Bro, I have had a similar track. Was away from D&D for 16 - 17 years. Left when it was 2nd AD&D. Started back in 2nd (it was the only books I had) with old friends who wanted to revive good times. No intentions of really getting back into the hobby fully, but then ended up starting some games with some younger players who really liked it. I then learned 3.5/Pathfinder (even though 5e was out, I just didn't go that route initially), then finally got pointed to 5e by another friend. It's really crazy right now how the D&D culture is so varied and is weaving through multiple generations now. Who would have thought?

I've never played at a local game shop. Would love to hear anyone's take on that or any experiences.

Last edited February 25, 2018 1:21 pm

Sclasclemski Inactive forever!

Feb 25, 2018 3:27 pm

Re: OOC

I really enjoy being a DM but I’m not super creative so I lean towards published adventures. I’m very visual and have access to a blueprint printer so I can print out large sized maps for minis and i play ambient music as well. I try to do voices which always brings laughter but it’s fun.

But regardless I do enjoy it. But haven’t had a chance to play a character yet as an adult other than on here.

JBink21 Inactive forever!

Feb 26, 2018 3:01 pm

Re: OOC

I'm playing another pbp game on here, but have been trying to find a local game. No one I know in the area plays.

aws5000 Inactive forever!

Feb 27, 2018 6:27 am

Re: OOC

Our group used to be about 8 players but has in time changed and grown rather thin as others moved away. We have an easy time finding players but we have a much harder time finding roleplayers who are able to carry their own weight in terms of roleplay. Some of our newer players are more inclined to put themselves in a supporting role of a more experienced player.

Jabes.plays.RPG

Feb 27, 2018 11:18 am

Re: OOC

I am involved in no less than 47 games on GamersPlane (one of them as DM) and I also play in one long-running IRL game.

It's mostly D&D 5E, but there's some Pathfinder, Call of Cthulhu, Dungeon World, Numenera, BFRPG, and one game of Dungeonslayers.

Of those, 21 are active (several posts per week), and 8 are slow (1 post per week). 18 are pretty much dead in the water - I don't know why I don't just click Leave Game already!

With a full-time job (I am a chef and business owner) I don't know where I find the time haha! But RPG's keep me sane, you know?

Last edited February 27, 2018 11:19 am

Sclasclemski Inactive forever!

Feb 27, 2018 11:32 am

Re: OOC

Jabes what do you think is the number one cause of games going dead?

Jabes.plays.RPG

Feb 27, 2018 12:12 pm

Re: OOC

Top cause from my experience is the people just ghosting. The DM bailing is insta-kill of course but you've also got player attrition which leaves the game flopping around like a fish before it eventually dies. I acknowledge leaving could be because of real life demands taking priority (as they should) but what I don't understand is people just leaving without a word.

On the other hand you've got games that just stop being interesting. Either not everyone is doing their best to drive the story forward (it can't and shouldn't just be the DM) or it could be too slow a posting rate. For me personally I like a game where everyone posts once a day. Slower is fine but any less than thrice a week becomes a drag real fast. I've seen it happen too many times.

Last edited February 27, 2018 12:14 pm

lunitar

Feb 28, 2018 1:32 am

Re: OOC

Jabes hates my games!!!! /cry

Jabes.plays.RPG

Feb 28, 2018 1:45 am

Re: OOC

What?! Are you joking? Why would you think that? Sure yeah the posting rate is on the slow side but both In Search of the Old Ways and The Disappearing of the Dwarves are mysterious and engaging!

Jabes.plays.RPG

Feb 28, 2018 8:34 pm

Re: OOC

aws5000 says:

The next time skip will be to the point of reaching near the mountains for the party of 5. Should the party of 3 follow the trails being left behind they can attempt to make up lost ground by travelling at forced march which will require a con save.
Thats up to you three to make and by no means is it necessary

Sclasclemski says:

Are we skipping to dawn then?

It looks like Cato and Vortrin are having an interesting conversation. I know DMJ is currently swamped at work, so may not be able to respond til later today or tomorrow.

Sclasclemski Inactive forever!

Feb 28, 2018 8:44 pm

Re: OOC

Jabes.plays.RPG says:

aws5000 says:

The next time skip will be to the point of reaching near the mountains for the party of 5. Should the party of 3 follow the trails being left behind they can attempt to make up lost ground by travelling at forced march which will require a con save.
Thats up to you three to make and by no means is it necessary

Sclasclemski says:

Are we skipping to dawn then?

It looks like Cato and Vortrin are having an interesting conversation. I know DMJ is currently swamped at work, so may not be able to respond til later today or tomorrow.

All good..just let me know when the sun starts peeking up over the horizon :)

aws5000 Inactive forever!

Mar 1, 2018 12:20 am

Re: OOC

No rush on things just wanted to point that out
So there's no surprises! And it won't be dawn but evening the next day!

lunitar

Mar 1, 2018 1:13 am

Re: OOC

I was joking Jabs! lol

Jabes.plays.RPG

Mar 4, 2018 6:01 am

Re: OOC

I really enjoyed that interaction between Cato and Vortrin! :-)

Jabberwocky Inactive forever!

Mar 4, 2018 6:02 am

Re: OOC

Absolutely, me too. Hopefully there is more there to explore

aws5000 Inactive forever!

Mar 5, 2018 6:11 pm

Re: OOC

Let me know if you dont have access to your new thread! It should come up as a subforum!

Jabes.plays.RPG

Mar 11, 2018 4:20 pm

Re: OOC

lunitar says:

"Don't be so hasty yet my new friends, shall I commune with a flying animal to discover the exact locations of the archers and others so we can be best prepared?"

My understanding is that Deruvid says this to Asterion and Cato as the three are heading up to the arch. We ARE already well on our way, right?

Quote:

Cato is underway, striding through the cover, anxious to see the close lay of the land and what avenues of approach will give the best chance of making the ascension undetected.

lunitar

Mar 11, 2018 6:17 pm

Re: OOC

It can, I suggested it when we were still dividing teams up. but we can go in with less information.

Jabes.plays.RPG

Mar 18, 2018 7:52 pm

Re: OOC

Quote:

Asterions blade wounds the archer mortally before a black flame leaps out and seals the deal for the poor soul.

I have no complaints if you are houseruling this but I I would be remiss if I didn't point out that by RAW the fire damage from Green Flame Blade (I simply reflavored it to black flames) targets a different enemy than the target of the melee attack:

Quote:

Black Flame Blade
• Evocation cantrip
• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 5 feet
• Components: V, M (a weapon)
• Duration: Instantaneous

As part of the action used to cast this spell, you must make a melee attack with a weapon against one creature within the spell's range, otherwise the spell fails.

On a hit, the target suffers the attack's normal effects, and black fire leaps from the target to a different creature
of your choice that you can see within 5 feet of it. The second creature takes fire damage equal to your spellcasting ability modifier.

This spell's damage increases when you reach higher levels. At 5th level, the melee attack deals an extra 1d8 fire damage to the target, and the fire damage to the second creature increases to 1d8 +your spellcasting ability modifier. Both damage rolls increase by 1d8 at 11th level and 17th level.

aws5000 Inactive forever!

Mar 19, 2018 1:23 am

Re: OOC

Yeah I noticed that but thanks for pointing it out. I was just aiming to give the attack a little more flavor and description since the damage from the attack alone was enough to kill. The rule is what we would go by if there was more than one unit or if the sole unit was able to survive the damage from the regular attack

Jabes.plays.RPG

Mar 19, 2018 3:44 am

Re: OOC

Awesome! I am a huge fan of flavorful descriptions! Just wanted to make sure it intentional and not an oversight. :-)

Jabes.plays.RPG

Mar 23, 2018 3:18 am

Re: OOC

As posted to the Absences Thread:

Jabes.plays.RPG says:

Going on a trip March 25-29. Posting will be spotty, and the game I DM will take priority over the two-dozen or so other games I'm involved in.

aws5000 Inactive forever!

Mar 23, 2018 12:51 pm

Re: OOC

That's perfectly fine! Enjoy the trip

DMJ

Mar 24, 2018 9:19 am

Re: OOC

aws5000 says:

OOC:

Good work guys! Make sure when you level up you roll for hp up instead of taking the average. its my only weird stance as a gm i promise haha

OOC:

I hear that, DM aws. Mixes the satisfaction of level gain with that retro nervewrack. Dig it.

DMJ

Apr 3, 2018 10:33 pm

Re: OOC

Fellow gamers,

I have sent word to DM aws by separate message to thank him and compliment him on the game, but I wanted to tell you in this forum that I will unfortunately have to withdraw. Nothing original in my explanation, same old thing: I am a bit overextended in leisure online games and have to cut down to a manageable amount.

Heuster's Retreat is a cool, fun game though. I like my character Cato very much and also enjoyed the time playing with you guys. That bandit ambush scene was dope, and there were some good RP moments in the meantime.

Thank you and best of luck to all.

Sincerely,
J

JBink21 Inactive forever!

Apr 4, 2018 12:59 pm

Re: OOC

Sorry to see you go!

TheStalwartStud Inactive forever!

Apr 4, 2018 2:12 pm

Re: OOC

Farewell friend!

Jabes.plays.RPG

Apr 25, 2018 5:37 am

Re: OOC

How is everybody? Are we still playing?