Chapter 14: Q&A / Discussions

[Jeff]

You know the drill! Out of character talk here. Try and keep stated actions, in mechanics, in the main thread, though.

[Dave B.]

I didn't get a chance to post yesterday, so I'm adding Shorak's last action of the night to the beginning of Chapter 14. He really wanted to see what was in that box before sleeping.

[Jeff]

Okay. Just for purposes of chronology, I'm going to quote/relocate that post back into Chapter 13 and address it there, okay?

[Dave B.]

Aug 4, 2017 5:48:58 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Okay. Just for purposes of chronology, I'm going to quote/relocate that post back into Chapter 13 and address it there, okay?

Sounds good.

Is it going to be too confusing to continue posting about the sphere in 13 while we're moving forward in 14? Shorak would have wanted to show the sphere to everyone and examine it for a while before sleeping.

[Ken]

Belarin would be very interested in the object. But he was otherwise occupied yesterday. He'll likely look at it today if Shorak asks.

[Jeff]

I am and have always been very uncomfortable with going down the "I have would" rabbit hole. I'd personally rather he share it in Chapter 14 in the present. In theory, discussion of the sphere could lead to other developments that would then complicate what's already taking place in the present. Chalk it up to Shorak being exceptionally exhausted—like everyone else had been? Curious enough to open the box before sleeping, but then putting it off until the next day. Shorak may have taken less of a beating during the day, but he sure does burn calories being all evasive, sneaky, and uncannily dodging things.

Up to you, though.

[Dave B.]

That's fine. I'll work it out in the present. I'll make a quick, final post in 13 and continue forwards in chapter 14.

[Jeff]

Aug 5, 2017 8:39:11 GMT -4 Brian said:

Sorry, Joe. I can't remember what (then) Condign gave you to hold.

It's actually on Streko's sheet, in his inventory (specifically in his haversack). Scroll the bottom of the inventory, right before his spells. All the things you're talking about leaving at the inn, I'd say.

Hey, Joe, I think you chose one spell too many to prepare. I count 14, but it should be 13.

[Brian]

Okay, I see it now. I'll edit my post.

[Joe]

Aug 5, 2017 9:58:28 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Aug 5, 2017 8:39:11 GMT -4 Brian said:

Sorry, Joe. I can't remember what (then) Condign gave you to hold.

It's actually on Streko's sheet, in his inventory (specifically in his haversack). Scroll the bottom of the inventory, right before his spells. All the things you're talking about leaving at the inn, I'd say.

Hey, Joe, I think you chose one spell too many to prepare. I count 14, but it should be 13.

I chose the 4, 3, 3, 3, 1 that I'm allotted for my class level. That equals 14. Why is it only 13? Did I miss something else...again?

[Dave B.]

Yeah, that's one of the things that is not simplified in 5e in my opinion. The spells prepared often do not equal the spells you can cast each day. It can be a little confusing.

[Dave W.]

Yeah, Joe, the number of spells you have ready to be able to cast isn't the same as the number of times you can cast them. There's a separate line on the spreadsheet for Number of Prepared Spells.

I guess it's a little more complicated. But on the upside if you want to cast cure wounds twice you don't have to memorize it twice... it's better imho

[Dave W.]

Yeah, Joe, the number of spells you have ready to be able to cast isn't the same as the number of times you can cast them. There's a separate line on the spreadsheet for Number of Prepared Spells.

I guess it's a little more complicated. But on the upside if you want to cast cure wounds twice you don't have to memorize it twice... it's better imho

[Dave B.]

I agree with that. Not having to memorize spells multiple times is definitely better.

[Dave W.]

Aug 8, 2017 14:20:19 GMT -4 Jeff said:

It was Tania who assisted during your previous visit and partook of the temple blessing that both Adamant and Streko still feel upon them.*

---

*And which, FYI, might have been helpful in dealing with Greshnaza. They've been on their character sheets in the Quick Notes box.

I didn't forget... but I've been saving that for Krez.

[Joe]

Greshnaza actually ended up being easier for Streko than others in the group...that much is certain.

[Jeff]

Aug 8, 2017 18:24:26 GMT -4 Darren said:

Kal smiles. "It's good to see you again, too, Cael. You look well."

I think you missed this bit:

Aug 8, 2017 14:20:19 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Cael and the woman disappear into some chamber and out of sight soon after, but then the acolyte Tania Drake comes forward to greet you. 

No one had a chance to speak with Cael before he disappeared. It's Tania only you're talking to now.

Aug 8, 2017 18:24:26 GMT -4 Darren said:

"Adamant, by all means, our resources are yours. How much of this dust do you need?" 

Aug 8, 2017 20:55:58 GMT -4 Joe said:

Streko pulls out a list of items he jotted down prior to falling asleep last night. "I'll need to fill a couple vials of holy water, ashes from a burned leaf of mistletoe and a sprig of spruce, a caterpillar cocoon, and, yes 300 Galifars worth of diamond dust, please. Also, just in case, if I may have a pinch of sulfur as well. Thank you! And it is good to see you again as well. Thank you for removing some more of Krez's trash from existence."

I'm okay with talking meta about the spell components and materials, because this involves some game balance stuff. So this is a reminder that Revivify, which both Adamant and Streko can cast, allows you to bring people back from the dead within a minute of their demise. So it's like grabbing the departing spirit and stuffing it back in the body. Not as life-altering as real death and Raise Dead, but pretty powerful magic. And each casting requires 300 gp's worth of diamond dust. 

And Great Restoration, which only Streko can cast, is the cure-all spell that strips away all kinds of ill effects, including de-petrification. And that one requires 100 gp's diamond dust per casting. 

And also, a general reminder: if a material component doesn't list a gold piece value, then your holy symbol (or whatever spellcasting focus you use) can be used instead. So Joe, Streko won't need a caterpillar cocoon for Polymorph as long as he's got his holy symbol. Nor would he need those other components for Pass Without a Trace as long as he's got his holy symbol. But the diamond dust, definitely still needed, as they're consumed in the casting.

If it helps, you guys should talk about how much you're going to spend (and who carries how much) on these here. 

[Darren]

Aug 9, 2017 9:32:24 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Aug 8, 2017 23:37:27 GMT -4 Ken said:

Belarin chimes in, "Is there a divine spell that banishes a creature to its native plane, say, an undead to Dolurrh? From my studies, I believe there is. It might come in handy, either against Krez or, oh, any winged demon with a grudge."

______________

Belarin is asking about the 5th-level cleric spell Dispel Evil, although he wouldn't refer to it as such.

"You speak of the yugoloth again, yes? Maru Sakhesh can enact such spells of banishment," the acolyte says, "He may even have crafted scrolls that do the same, though they would be costly. One thousand or more gold pieces. If this is something you would invest in, I can inquire with him in an hour or so."

Man, we gotta start charging more for our services.

In some degree of seriousness, though, I do think we're working off of the same bank we've had for quite some time. For as long as we've been adventuring, we should be considerably more wealthy. (This is not a rant against Jeff. I blame us for this.) I think we need to get in a better habit of looting and selling things. I know I, for one, have often avoided it just because it feels out character for Kal and I'd prefer to role play than deal with game mechanics, but sometimes (in moments like this one or when it comes to buying diamond dust) we bump up against the mechanics and our attempts at not dealing with them earlier bite us in the butt.

[Jeff]

I only caution you to not think in terms of where you're "supposed to be" at, in gold pieces, for your level. I definitely don't back any such nonsense in this game. That's full-on 4E-type game design which I never liked.

That said, you definitely do have opportunities for more. You guys are walking treasure troves already. In places like the gnome's antique dealer, or the recently mentioned Stormreach Forge, or the Citadel of the Twelve Cannith offices, you can unload any magical items you don't think you need for cold hard cash. Now, story reasons sometimes come first.

For example, Melethos giving over the cursed mace to this temple is more in keeping with his Ghaash'kala background than trying to pawn it with House Cannith (which he'd definitely get more gold for).

Anyway, there will still be more opportunities for liquidation.

[Dave W.]

Aug 9, 2017 10:50:16 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Platinum dragons.

Inventory coinage and bank amount adjusted. 800 gp worth of diamond dust is now in Adamant's possession. I won't add weight to it for encumberance, since it's a consumable.

900 gp of dust... 800 paid in coins, 100 in "store credit", right? I should probably have made that more explicit.

Platinum dragons? that doesn't makes sense... Gold = Galifars, Silver = Sovereigns, Copper = Crowns.... So Platinum must start with "P", right?

[Jeff]

Platinum (pseudo)dragons, then.

Sure, 900 gp worth. I hadn't applied that yet. Wasn't sure if others are buying/carrying more dust, or Streko.

[Dave W.]

Aug 9, 2017 12:30:31 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Platinum (pseudo)dragons, then.

Sure, 900 gp worth. I hadn't applied that yet. Wasn't sure if others are buying/carrying more dust, or Streko.

ah, yes, "Pseudo" works...

Adamant bought the 900 but 600 of that is for Streko.

[Dave B.]

Shorak started looking for loot after the last big fight in the lighthouse, but Llash-Tava stopped him. For his own safety, presumably. Hopefully, Shorak will have many more opportunities to look for treasure in the future.

[Jeff]

FYI, I'm just waiting on Adamant now. His conversation with Aven is left hanging. It can continue elsewhere, but in the very least need Adamant needs an initial reply.

[Dave W.]

my bad. Busy day...

[Darren]

Jeff, what day is it now?

[Jeff]

I deliberately didn't cite that, in the tiny hope that you'd remember that at the start of every chapter I list the exact date and day. Granted, days can pass within a chapter, but it hasn't yet for this one. Look at the first post.

[Brian]

Melethos is waiting for Adamant to reply before introducing himself tot he giant.

[Ken]

It's VERY cool that Tallis is here. I feel honored!

[Jeff]

Well, as you'll soon see, he's not here to upstage anyone. Besides, at this point you guys are about as high level as he is. I always imagined him at around 10th level (combo of rogue and fighter), and that was back in 3rd Edition when 20 levels was the usual high end.