Chapter 12: Q&A / Discussions

[Jeff]

Jan 5, 2015 16:37:08 GMT -4 Dave W. said:

"I would not let you walk into trouble of that size without whatever protection I can lend."

I like the way you worded this, Dave. It also makes me think that Adamant keeps a chart or diagram somewhere where he categories trouble by sizes. Like everywhere from kobold to bugbear is one level of trouble, while ogre and troll to hill giant is another. Then come bigger giants and dinosaurs and treants. Then dragons. Then whole planes. Adamant's Big Book of Trouble.

[Dave W.]

Jeff, you've taken what I wrote and made something better of it... Adamant's Big Book of Trouble!

I will confess that when I was writing that the thought popped "hey, but little bits of trouble, you're on your own pal!"

[Jeff]

Taken another way, it could be a threat. "Don't make me get my Book of Trouble out." (Aka Adamant's can of whoop-ass?)

[Dave W.]

Now that would be a big-assed book!!

[Ken]

Mike, if you don't mind me offering suggestions, I believe there's ample room to pull roleplaying opportunities out of Syrdan's vexing situation, as opposed to chalking it up to "What Syrdan would do in real life" vs. "What Syrdan must do because it's an RPG."

To me, Syrdan seems less like the Punisher (who would kill 'em all, even if it meant getting hunted down by the Avengers) and more like Batman, who has to deal with this situation ALL THE TIME with the Justice League. So...WWBD?

For instance, Batman will normally deal with the Joker solo, but when he finds out that the Joker is close to finding the powerful Spear of Destiny - and that other villains such as Gorilla Grodd, Killer Frost, and Ocean Master are ALSO after it - he has no choice: He has to call in the League. The JLA learns that Royal Flush Gang, which has just robbed a bank, has secret knowledge of the Spear's location. The gang agrees to share it, but on one condition: The JLA allows them to go free this one time. This really sticks in Batman's bat-craw! Batman complains Big Time to the rest of the League, but he inwardly concedes that the thought of Joker with the Spear of Destiny is a far worse concept.

So he agrees to let them go for the greater good ... kind of. He secretly puts a tracer on one of the Gang. Two weeks later, after the main threat has been dealt with and he's punched out the Joker, Batman tracks down the Royal Flush Gang and kicks the shit out of them. On his own.

In Syrdan's case, he knows that it would be really bad if Krez got the Eye. Does having to tolerate the "hospitality" of the ir'Serells really suck for him? Sure it does! But look at it this way: This is a HUGE opportunity for Syrdan. He has been INVITED inside the SECRET domain of a family of vile necromancers! He could be surreptitiously checking out every exit and every security measure and studying the whole layout of this place - all for the express purpose of coming back after the quest is over and torching the whole damn thing. And all because the family actually, foolishly let him - HIM! - inside their home.

Play it however you wish, obviously, maybe even make a private Syrdan thread with Jeff... But Batman would love this. :-)

[Dave W.]

Kal's a party pooper...

[Darren]

It's true! Look at what he did to the Coin Lords' party!

[Jeff]

Jan 12, 2015 11:12:42 GMT -4 Mike said:

Jan 11, 2015 23:35:21 GMT -4 Ken said:

"Let's get the Khyber out of here."

"Happier words were never spoken," Syrdan replies. "Agreed. Whatever we choose to do, let's not do it here."

He follows behind Belarin as the warlock exits.

Just to be clear, guys, you don't mean to exit the ir'Serells' place, right? You mean to proceed with the Dolurrh approach (which requires going to another room within this place)?

[Brian]

That was my understanding.

[Ken]

That is correct. Sorry for not being clearer.

[Mike]

That was my understanding as well - exiting just the room, not the ir'Serells place (much as Syrdan would like to).

[Jeff]

Okay, cool. Just making sure. The sentiment sounded like "Let's blow this popsickle stand," except that wasn't really the idea. Anyway, I'll post again tonight/tomorrow, when I can update the map.

[Dave B.]

You mean we're really going to do this? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!!!!! (The sound of breaking glass as the cowardly lion hurls himself out the window)

[Jeff]

youtu.be/JoBekMr6-Lg

[Mike]

As long as there's an underwater bar fight, I'm good.

[Brian]

Glug glug POW glug glug glug KABAM glug SMACK

[Ken]

For Dave W:

[Jeff]

Regarding Histra's darkvision greasepaint, I believe it would only help Kal, Belarin, Shorak (since he didn't get everything from his drow half), Streko, and Adamant. Yes, even Adamant can benefit, though he doesn't have "proper" eyes.

[Dave W.]

Adamant just now asked Histra that... good to know.

So, Addy's down a few spell slots I think from the fight with the wights (too lazy to look it up just now). I'm assuming we don't get those back until after a long-rest. Not that I'm suggesting a rest necessarily, Adamant doesn't reply on spells as much as some of the rest of us. But how is everyone else on spell power?

[Darren]

I checked the same thing, Dave. Kal's down his 4th level spell slot and one of his 3rd, but he should be alright.

[Brian]

I've reviewed my fighter maneuvers and have the following ready:

1) Drop your sword, wail "oh crap," and kick your foe in the groin;

2) Scream like a girl and run away crying, "Kal! Save me!"

3) Leap ten feet unencumbered into the arms of the group's halfling.

So...I'm good.

[Joe]

Streko has used up ALL of his offensive spells. He has some defensive spells available, so he may have to get creative!

[Jeff]

Joe, actually, once you have your list of prepared spells, you've got that same list all days. Then it's just about how many spell slots you have left (and you've only used a couple so far). So while it's true you currently have mostly defensive or healing spells, it's the same list. And of course you can always do Sacred Flame, a cantrip.

[Brian]

Guys, I'm trying to get Condign unencumbered so his speed is max for this trip. To get it just under 80, I would need to take only my armor, shield, bracers, main sword, backpack, rations, water skin, everburning torch, and braid of hair. That would put me at 79. This means leaving behind my second sword (I even think I left it at the inn), bedroll, rope, tinderbox, dagger, crossbow and the quiver of bolts.

Does anyone see a problem with leaving these behind? And Jeff, can I leave them behind, in the greenhouse, and pick them back up when we return?

If we return.

[Jeff]

No promises about what circumstances the return will involve, but ir'Serells will not protest you leaving a weapon or item leaning against the wall in the present room.

[Brian]

I'll leave behind the items I mentioned.

[Dave W.]

I had to unencumber a while back. I don't think 5e lets you carry as much as older versions. Or maybe things weigh more...

Of course it was pretty easy with Addy: why am I carrying rations and a bedroll?

[Darren]

Kal's good on encumberence.

Jeff, how would Kal know if Skyfang's extra damage applies to an enemy? Do I just have to attack with it and then you'll tell me if I should be rolling extra damage?

[Jeff]

Jan 17, 2015 12:32:00 GMT -4 Dave W. said:

I had to unencumber a while back. I don't think 5e lets you carry as much as older versions. Or maybe things weigh more...

5E has a basic encumbrance method and is fairly consistent with older rules. But there's a variant rule, which I like, which is a little more realistic. That's the one that's 5 x your Strength score.

[Dave W.]

Perception checks:

Condign = 8
Shorak = 9
Kal = 6
Belarin = 11
Streko = 7
Adamant = 15

So, I think its all up to Mike!