Chapter 16: Q&A / Discussion

[Darren]

Yes, but I think Kal has been legitimately dead more than any other PC thus far (although Adamant was dead for a longer time).

[Brian]

Ken, did you want Belarin to do anything with that magical belt? I was kinda curious about what you'd find.

[Jeff]

Jan 6, 2019 0:11:23 GMT -4 Darren said:

Yes, but I think Kal has been legitimately dead more than any other PC thus far (although Adamant was dead for a longer time).

You keep saying that, but you do know that he didn't actually die yet, right? Being at 9 hit points isn't dead, it's dying. When you're dead, that's a clearer thing.

And don't start quoting Miracle Max now.

[Ken]

Jan 7, 2019 14:49:25 GMT -4 Brian said:

Ken, did you want Belarin to do anything with that magical belt? I was kinda curious about what you'd find.

Oh geez, I missed that! Let me add an IC post now.

[Darren]

Jan 7, 2019 15:09:46 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Jan 6, 2019 0:11:23 GMT -4 Darren said:

Yes, but I think Kal has been legitimately dead more than any other PC thus far (although Adamant was dead for a longer time).

You keep saying that, but you do know that he didn't actually die yet, right? Being at 9 hit points isn't dead, it's dying. When you're dead, that's a clearer thing.

And don't start quoting Miracle Max now.

Well, let me think...he was killed by Greshnaza. That was definitely dead. And he was killed by the lorelei. And I think there were at least one or two other times. He's definitely been at 0 hit points several times before.

It's cool. He's used to it by now.

[Jeff]

Gah. See, now I can't tell if you're just messing with me.

Jan 7, 2019 15:59:36 GMT -4 Darren said:

Well, let me think...he was killed by Greshnaza. That was definitely dead. 

Nope!

0 hit points means dying, not dead; and you remain dying until you're stabilized (at which point you can receive regular healing to go back above 0 hit points and wake up) or you fail three death saving throws and truly die. That has not happened to Kal yet, though he's now come very close twice. With Greshnaza, he was dying, then Streko stabilized him and cast Remove Curse which was the thing preventing him (at that time) from getting healing (due to that wind creature lurking in Greshnaza's chamber). But he could still be stabilized even then.

With the lorelei Kal repeated was dying but never reached 3 failed death saving throws.

Had Kal truly died, only a timely Revivify or an actual Raise Dead spell could bring him back. He hasn't needed either yet.

Remember, all the actual mechanics happening are in pink text at the bottom of those posts. Kal is dead has not occurred yet. YET. The expedition has only just gotten started.

[Darren]

Give him time.

Okay, okay...fine. Kal has been DYING more than anyone else in the party. Happy???

[Jeff]

Jan 11, 2019 14:10:43 GMT -4 Darren said:

"Just keep an eye on us, okay?"

Poor Adamant. He already puts so much pressure on himself. I love this image of him now babysitting Melethos and Kal for their own good.

But truly, I think this scenario is neat, guys.

#PaladinSupervision

[Dave W.]

Warforged Supernanny

[Darren]

He's practically perfect in every way.

[Brian]

That supervision is just begging me to have Mel act suspicious, you know.

[Darren]

Jeff, how much rest have Melethos and Kal had at this point? If Kal stays on watch, or at least on deck where Adamant can see him, for the rest of the night, will he have completed a long rest?

[Jeff]

Nah, he's halfway through a long rest, but nothing has happened yet that would force him to start over. No strenuous activity. But he does have to resume. Both of them do.

Also, I think warforged prefer the term Au Pair.

But actually, there's some precedent for the warforged-as-chaperone/governess/domestic servant. I know it's come up in some Eberron book or other, but also from my own canon. In the Dragon Magazine article "D&D Love Stories" I wrote thousands of years ago when you could still do that sort of thing, I included this sidebar. Granted, it's centered around love stories.

[Darren]

Okay, but he could rest/sleep out on the deck and still finish up his rest (provided nothing strenuous happens)?

[Jeff]

In theory, yes. But he's human, and he's had a bad day. Actual sleep is needed for this rest. The top deck is a bit distracting. But if it's a character choice that he'd like to sleep near people he trusts who aren't sleeping, I understand that.

[Brian]

If it'll help, Melethos will cuddle with Kal on his cot. I mean, spooning counts as a long rest, right?

[Dave W.]

Jan 11, 2019 16:51:51 GMT -4 Brian said:

If it'll help, Melethos will cuddle with Kal on his cot. I mean, spooning counts as a long rest, right?

And you guys want Addy to be watch while this is going on, right?

[Jeff]

Adamant doesn't deserve this.

[Joe]

I think Adamant would be tickled. And of course he deserves this. He's the perfect straight man in this three stooges comedy routine.

[Darren]

Jeff, I forgot to ask before the long rest, but since Kal has lost his wand, can he please re-attune with the sharrash?

[Jeff]

Absolutely. Merely takes a short rest, which can do either above or belowdeck.

[Jeff]

Jan 23, 2019 13:10:29 GMT -4 Ken said:

In the late afternoon, before his illusion spell fades, Belarin recasts the spell of Seeming to maintain the look of the "tiefling crew."

He says to Histra and Melethos, "I'm going below to rest for an hour or so, just to make sure I'm at full strength for the evening in case anything happens. Wake me if I'm not up before sunset." With that, the giant skeleton goes below to take a nap.

__________________

Belarin recasts seeming and takes a short rest to recover his spell slots for the day.

Ken, I'm assuming you intended this for earlier in the day before the night that's now passing? Or is Belarin taking a short rest in lieu of a long rest during the night? Just a bit confused. Is he choosing to sleep?

[Ken]

I was thinking more along the lines of 3 or 4 p.m.

[Dave W.]

Seeming only lasts 8 hours so he's got to renew it 3 times a day... I'd suggest, for simplicity, Midnight, 8am, and 4pm.

[Jeff]

Jan 24, 2019 12:31:57 GMT -4 Brian said:

Melethos lifts his sword in salute. “The things that we fear are a weapon to be held against us. Do not fear. Do not fail.” He slowly lowers his sword. “My lord Kalarian, the mission is in your hands.”

Hey, Bucko. Don't think dropping Rush quotes one me is going to get you some extra XP or anything.

[Brian]

Hey, come on. Melethos is nobody's hero, he's just trying to live life outside the camera eye.

[Darren]

Jan 24, 2019 14:20:27 GMT -4 Brian said:

Hey, come on. Melethos is nobody's hero, he's just trying to live life outside the camera eye.

And suddenly I'm back in college....

[Jeff]

Jan 24, 2019 20:43:28 GMT -4 Joe said:

Streko nods. "I will take your advice and trust my instincts for tomorrow. I agree with you that protections may, indeed, be more important than it was today. Thank you."

It’s “tomorrow” now, though. Not sure you realize what time of day it is. Please reread the latest post.

[Jeff]

Just waiting Belarin's action regarding this, as it could matter.

Jan 24, 2019 12:09:40 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Lingering at Belarin's cabin door, he says, "Up to you if you want to save your spell today. You may want to be at your fighting best. If the Sulatar are spoiling to attack us, they'll do it one way or another at this point." He just shrugs then hurries back to the main deck, awaiting everyone else. 

[Darren]

Jan 25, 2019 14:01:01 GMT -4 Elvis said:

Thul stands at the bow. His cracked, grim visage a perfect figurehead. One leg propped up on the gunwale in what would be an ideal picture of a pirate-themed rum bottle.

Perfect.