Chapter 6: Q&A / Discussion

[Darren]

Right. That was sort of my point. He could complete the ritual at SOME point, hopefully before we end up hanging in a cage over a cookpot.

[Jeff]

Jeff, is it possible for Kal to "activate" his dragonmark in non-combat situations? I know dragonmarks changed a bit in the move to 4E and it doesn't really work quite the same way it used to.

No, not really. Its mere presence gives Kal better Insight and allows him mystical access to some rituals. Dragonmarks are all about potential. He can encounter special items or dragonshards that can tap into that potential. But by themselves dragonmarks don't do much.

When Streko does anything with healing, his dragonmark is invoked, for example. But he can't just suddenly make it blaze forth by itself.

And this is basically how Eberron's techno-magic works, with the dragonmarked houses. House Cannith created creation forges, but only a bearer of the Mark of Making can use said creation forges. By itself, the Mark of Making can't make anything.

[Dave W.]

Have wireless, just need the right moment to post... Maybe tonight...

[Jeff]

Kal continues to look at the coins as well, keenly studying each one before allowing his eye to move on.

Each one? This is a small hoard, so there's thousands of coins in a big pile. Unless Kal is sitting down and intends to sort through them after many hours, he can't really study "each one."

[Darren]

Eh, y'know. He's just hoping something will jump out at him. Prophecies are funny that way.

[Jeff]

FYI, if I don't post after a while, it's a pretty safe bet I'm just waiting for some more participation. I know that Mike's away this week and maybe has no access at all, though.

[Ken]

A useful 4e rules tidbit that I just re-stumbled across. Here's a use of the Heal skill that can grant characters a bonus to the next saving throw:

Grant a Saving Throw: Make a DC 15 Heal check.
If you succeed, an adjacent ally can immediately
make a saving throw, or the ally gets a +2 bonus to a
saving throw at the end of his or her next turn.

This may come in handy the next time a bunch of us are dazed, weakened, etc. And anyone can do it. (Of course, a high Wis modifier helps! Oh yeah, and the helping person not being attacked by ghouls at the same time would help, too... )

[Jeff]

Hey, Ken.

Belarin is going to take a minute to detect magic on all three items.
Arcana roll for Detect Magic (1d20+12=30)

Belarin already did an Arcana "detect magic" roll for this chamber, and no doubt some of these items (and maybe more?) were part of that. So in this case I'd rather not reroll for specific things that fell within range of that. But, he can identify these items the usual way (just by hanging onto them for a while, essentially). Just not this moment.

[Darren]

"Not at all," Syrdan says with a shrug. "Especially since Kalarian seems to agree with you ... although it does seem elven in nature. If you both wish it, though, that's fine with me."

For what it's worth, Mike, my thinking ran exactly along the lines of Ken's....Syrdan's got a big sword, and a wand would just get in his way.

[Ken]

Jul 19, 2010 17:05:42 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Hey, Ken.

Belarin is going to take a minute to detect magic on all three items.
Arcana roll for Detect Magic (1d20+12=30)

Belarin already did an Arcana "detect magic" roll for this chamber, and no doubt some of these items (and maybe more?) were part of that. So in this case I'd rather not reroll for specific things that fell within range of that. But, he can identify these items the usual way (just by hanging onto them for a while, essentially). Just not this moment.

D'oh! Yes, you're right -- I had forgotten about that.

P.S. And a veritable FLOOD of posts tonight. Nice!

[Darren]

"I could be wrong, I'm not well informed on the properties of magic chalk."

Dave, your posts crack me up on a regular basis.

[Dave W.]

Jul 20, 2010 14:06:19 GMT -4 Darren said:

"I could be wrong, I'm not well informed on the properties of magic chalk."

Dave, your posts crack me up on a regular basis.

Cool! Glad you like them!

[Jeff]

Same here. Adamant's remarks crack me up.

So, guys, I'm toying with the idea of fleshing out a DE Wiki. Not something I want to put money into to make look really nice (unless someone would like to pay for that... ;D), but it could be helpful.

darkechelon.wikispaces.com/

But I only want to put the work into it if (1) you would actually consult it to help keep info straight and (2) we can think of enough stuff to put in there. Maybe even monster info, etc. Perhaps go back to that whole journal idea again, run by one of you guys.

Anyway, I'm not committed at all. Just thought of it and I put in a page for NPCs just to test it out.

Any thoughts?

[Ken]

It's a great idea, Jeff. I've actually considered doing something similiar for my at-home DragonMech campaign. It's a resource that I'd definitely use.

[Darren]

YES! That would be great. Especially if there was a link to it in your (or our) signature. You know me...I can never remember anything. Having some kind of reference would be really helpful.

[Brian]

Yes, the wiki looks like it would be nice for a reference guide. I sometimes get confused with all the names and such.

And Adamant's plain spoken humor is wonderful.

[Jeff]

Jul 21, 2010 9:51:44 GMT -4 Darren said:

YES! That would be great. Especially if there was a link to it in your (or our) signature. You know me...I can never remember anything. Having some kind of reference would be really helpful.

Understand, though, Darren: if I do this, I'll be less tolerant with laziness...

[Darren]

Oh, then definitely don't do it.

[Jeff]

Kal shifts his weight slightly (sleightly?),

Slight. Brian was just being a wise-ass with me.

Referring to this old post from last year.

[Darren]

I'm well aware. I was also trying to be difficult with you. Clearly my sarcasm has gone right over your head.

[Dave W.]

I like the wiki idea. I'm not sure I have much history to add yet, but I would consult it. Just having a place to look up npc names would be nice.

[Jeff]

So what aside from NPCs would you like to see on the wiki?

[Darren]

Maybe locations visited? And major cities/locations in the world? Possibly missions accepted and completed?

I'd say also to include major plotlines or plot points, but that might be harder to quantify.

[Jeff]

Regarding places, here's the question: is this, then, to be a larger Eberron wiki, or a Dark Echelon-specific one. I mean, I could fill the wiki with tons of Eberron lore, but that's a lot of work. Granted, some of it's already been types out in other threads on these boards, so I could just bring it over. But if you'd really consult it, it's probably worth it.

Plot points...yeah, toughie. Maybe the thing to do is grant one or two of you guys (or all of you) the ability to edit. So you can create your own entries. A lot of things are subjective.

[Jeff]

So...I think Diplomacy checks are getting invoked a little bit too much. They're not really meant for every bit of dialogue with NPCs. Not to say that it's only a rare thing, but I just think we're going overboard a little bit.

The PHB says: You can influence others with your tact, subtlety, and social grace. Make a Diplomacy check to change opinions, to inspire good will, to haggle with a patron, to demonstrate proper etiquette and decorum, or to negotiate a deal in good faith.

When you come to a situation where you want to change someone's mind, to impress them with words, or to negotiate in some way, that's when it should happen. Not just every basic attempt to improve someone's attitude or view towards you. It's not always easy to know when it applies, no. But the way it's going right now, it's sort of at every turn. So it feels like a crying wolf scenario.

All I'm asking is to be mindful, be a bit more reserved about it. And if there's a situation that calls for one and you don't say anything about it, I'll certainly let you know.

Also, if someone does initiate a Diplomacy check and you'd like to assist them, then make sure what your character says is backing up what the lead character says. If it's not, then I'll just take it as an individual Diplomacy attempt; however, what you're saying can clash with what others are saying.

[Darren]

Was my use not appropriate? I figured Kal was trying to exchange money for information that the goblin might not want to give up...

[Jeff]

Don't read into anything. I'm talking about a general trend, not a specific use for it. If anything, right now (the money exchange with Rhazala) a Diplomacy check is just fine.

[Mike]

Might be best just not to assume that a Diplomacy (or a Bluff or an Intimidate) check is not needed until the DM asks for one.

[Dave W.]

Jul 22, 2010 14:21:31 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Regarding places, here's the question: is this, then, to be a larger Eberron wiki, or a Dark Echelon-specific one.

I was sort of thinking DE. I sort of like the idea that this wiki is all about us. The compiled notes of Kal's Adventurers (Yeah, like any of the rest of us would get a chance to put our name on the group... ): The places we've been, the people we met, the battles we fought, the women we've wooed (okay, not so much the latter for Addy).

My $0.02.

[Darren]

Wow. I would love to see the Adamant romantic interest storyline. Jeff, get on that. ;D