Annals of the Homestarmy - D&D

D&D Write Up--Lissah

nospam@example.com (Daboo) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:53:35 -0600

Fifteenth day of Flamerule
Year of Wild Magic

I keep telling myself the good news, which is that all this walking is really helping keep my legs in shape. We've been to three different towns in the past tennight, and I'm about ready to soak in a nice hot bubble bath for a few hours. Unfortunately, none of my new traveling companions seem to know the first thing about relaxation, much less the sort of skin-care regimen that my poor feet require. I think I might be developing callouses on my heels!

Today we arrived in Mirabar, which I've always heard has some good patrons and a decent night life, but so far all I've done is walk around the city with that lanky black-haired half-elf, Chlorine. You know, I just don't understand her. The guards look at us, and she might as well be walking past trees for all the reaction she gives them. You'd think she could run a comb through her hair once in a while. Sheesh.

Anyway, we went to see Lady Frath, but she wasn't in. Apparently she's hard to see, but I think we can sneak in and talk to her later tonight. She's the noble who was an important patron of Aust Liadon, the half-bearded man we saw at the wedding. It seems to me that we're putting an awful lot of effort in finding a guy who did, after all, help us kill kobolds, but my companions seem to think he's important. And after all, he did try to kill my poor little Clarence, so I guess I'd like to see that big brute Harcrit toss him over a rooftop. Harcrit likes that sort of thing.

I guess Chlorine got tired of watching me get all the attention from the guards, because she decided to go back to the inn while I went to visit Taliend. In fact, strangely, every one of my companions decided to stay behind. It's all for the best, because Taliend knows some things about me that I'd prefer remained secret. Luckily he's discreet, or I might have needed to deal with him before this. But he, like all good bards, knows when to keep silent as well as when to sing. It's a good thing my companions are easy to manipulate, because none of them have suspected anything either. Although that halfling is kind of sly...I'd better keep my eye on him.

Taliend told me some interesting information about the situation. It looks like it's a wider conspiracy than we had imagined. And, unfortunately, we have some competition. Here's hoping that Harcrit, Han, and Chlorine are the very best at what they do. If not, we might just lose our chance.

4E: Some Random Bits

nospam@example.com (Ancient of Days) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:50:55 -0600

I know, I promised some long, juicy posts about Fourth Edition, but I just haven't had the time that I feel the posts deserve, so here are a few random pieces that I've collected in my preparations for the main articles. It's a bit long, and may not be of interest to everyone, so I put it behind the jump.
Continue reading "4E: Some Random Bits"

(On Behalf of Chlorine) D&D Writeup

nospam@example.com (Ancient of Days) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:56:49 -0600

This mace thing is taking longer than anticipated. I didn't even sign up for this. I thought the wedding was going to be a weekend gig. Now I'm stuck with a group of adventurers who can't even keep a journal properly much less quest with any sort of efficiency.

To sum up last week, Han and Harcritt, who I guess aren't any good at sleeping even, crept off into the night while we were at Triboar. Han must've had a hunch that there was some kind of bureaucratic information that needed to be had. He was smart enough to take Harcritt along since Harcritt's too proud to take his armor off even on a reconnaissance mission. He may as well have been wearing bells. After Harcritt was captured, Han was simply too honest to follow through with what could have been a beautiful double-cross (for the greater good). I heard that Harcritt's attempt to talk his way out the arrest was most humorous considering the guy has the charisma of a wooden wall.

The next morning we got all the information we needed. The authorities were VERY understanding. I'll have to make a note of the lax system of law enforcement in this town if I ever turn to a life of crime. Apparently the punishment for mass murdering the entire town is four hours in the mobile stocks.

We headed up north, backtracking through Longsaddle where Han had some paperwork to turn in. That little guy is so obsessed with paperwork. Oh yeah, and we left that dark kid Sol back in Triboar. Everyone else was like, oh he'll be fine, he's just hangin' out in that temple. I consider myself pretty religious, but after three hours I'm outta there. Hopefully one of us left a note where we were going. Maybe he'll be in the temple still when we come back in a month or so.

BANDITS!... AGAIN! We decided to avoid the fight, which I don't mind since I pride myself on hiding. Unfortunately, during the "hide skirmish" I bumped into Harcritt and all his bells. The robbers, there were four of them, spotted the two of us. Ever since his arrest, Harcritt has been strangely silent (perhaps he had a weird prison experience), so I had to do the talking. This may sound like a total cliche, but I'd much rather just be one with nature than to talk to people. We probably could have attacked them, but it would have been risky. All of the rest of the party were in good hiding places, but if they didn't come to help in time, it would have been difficult for the two of us to handle four of them. I decided to play a little crazy.

They began the conversation by letting us know there was a toll for passing this area of the land. Rather than thanking them for their time and saying we'd just find a non-toll expanse of land, I told them I'd be willing to pay five gold pieces. They were surprised by my audacity in naming my robbery price and conferred. Fortunately for us, we were able to hear that the bandits we slaughtered on the other road have reached this group's ears. The other crew were "work-peers" of this group. Nervous for their lives they asked how many were in our party. I replied that there was only one of us, which must've been insulting and scary to the gentlemen. I also said I knew their compatriots well before their heads came off. They gladly took the five gold and scuttled off.

Han and I decided it would be a good idea to follow them despite some grumblings from others. Shortly into the stalking, Clarence the kobold made a ruckus and now he and Lissah were spotted by the bandits. Lissah demanded that they give her five gold pieces back which further contributed to their condition of reverse split-personality.

I'm glad Longsaddle was a short stay. These cities make me nervous. Whilst there I came across some noteworthy tavern info. 1) Taliend, Lissah's bard master is heading to Mirabar with the groom from the wedding and his mother (the Westras), 2) Abbott Fostrik, the priest who was supposed to perform the ceremony never returned from his monastery. Hmmm. Well, next stop Mirabar!

On the way there I dazzled the party with my extensive florae and faunae knowledge. One thing we were able to observe is a species of mushroom that only eats other mushrooms! Fascinating.

4th Edition: Alignment

nospam@example.com (Ancient of Days) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 01:09:30 -0600

Wow. This is a good idea, IMO. There are five alignment options in 4th edition, and only these 5:

Good:
Protecting the weak from those who would dominate or kill them is just the right thing to do.
You can follow rules and respect authority, but you're keenly aware that power tends to corrupt those who wield it, too often leading them to exploit their power for selfish or evil ends. When that happens, you feel no obligation to follow the law blindly.

Lawful Good:
An ordered society protects us from evil.
When leaders exploit their authority for personal gain, when laws grant privileged status to some citizens and reduce others to slavery or untouchable status, law has given in to evil and just authority becomes tyranny. You are not only capable of challenging such injustice, but morally bound to do so. However, you would prefer to work within the system to right such problems rather than resorting to more rebellious and lawless methods.

Evil:
It is my right to claim what others possess.
Evil characters use rules and order to maximize personal gain. They don't care whether laws hurt other people. They support institutional structures that give them power, even if that power comes at the expense of others' freedom. Slavery and rigid caste structures are not only acceptable but desirable to evil characters, as long as they are in a position to benefit from them.

Chaotic Evil:
I don't care what I have to do to get what I want.
Their word is meaningless and their actions destructive. Their worldviews can be so warped that they destroy anything and anyone that doesn't directly contribute to their interests.

Unaligned:
Just let me go about my business.
You support law and order when doing so benefits you. You value your own freedom, without worrying too much about protecting the freedom of others.

First Report: Bandits, Trouble in Triboar

nospam@example.com (Ancient of Days) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:47:15 -0600

Ninth-day, First Ride of Flamerule, Year of Wild Magic
Commander:

I have arrived in Triboar with the band of adventurers Lord Blackburn sent after those who disturbed the wedding and stole the mace of Tyr.

Following some leads in Longsaddle led me to suspect the (former) Lady Regent of Triboar, and so we set out on the road. Our first night on the road, we were ambushed by bandits - they seemed rather well organized and equipped for regular bandits, you might want to consider sending out a small party of watchmen to see if any traces of who they might have been can be found. I marked the place where the struggle took place with the standard evidence runes, just off the side of the road.

Upon our arrival in Triboar, we discovered that the Lady Regent had been deposed, and the son of the former Lord had been placed back on the throne. The rumor is that there we demons involved, and there's a strong suggestion that magician we seek may have been connected to the former Lady Regent, perhaps even her lover. We are now waiting at the local inn for permission to meet the Lord Regent to see what further information and aid he can provide as we continue to seek these troublemakers.

Finding myself in the company of the most capable and brave group of adventurers I have ever met, I am returning enclosed the remainder of my investigatory stipend, as well as a letter requesting temporary leave of duties from the force. While I fully intend to continue to send updates and to complete the mission I have been assigned, I think I would prefer to do it as an independent agent, and a member of this traveling band of adventurers. Assuming neither they nor you have no objections to this, I plan to formally resign my post with the city watch upon our triumphal return.

Yours in Tyr,
Han

DnD entry #3

nospam@example.com (Wren) — Sat, 31 May 2008 01:29:00 -0600

I like weddings.

I especially like outdoor weddings with lots of people and an open bar. And this particular wedding was so lovely and so crowded, I allowed myself to sip wine and even throw my hood back, all the better to enjoy the party and watch the beautiful, blond bride glide down the isle.

Until the goblins showed up.

Continue reading "DnD entry #3"

ZOMG

nospam@example.com (The Mad Giggler) — Fri, 30 May 2008 14:18:12 -0600

From Penny Arcade:

D&D 4th Edition
Friday, May 30 2008 - 10:23 AM
by: Gabe

So Dungeons and Dragons 4th edition will be coming out in eight days. You're probably wondering why I'm talking about this and not Tycho, seeing as I never played editions one through three. That's a good question, so here's what's up.

Wizards of the Coast came to us months ago and wanted to run some ads for 4th edition. They wanted to do something more than just banner ads though and they asked us if we had any cool ideas. What we came up with is probably one of my favorite projects to date. Tycho and I sat down at a table with Scott Kurtz from PvP and a DM from WOTC and we played 4th edition. That probably doesn't sound awesome to you except that we also recorded the entire thing as a podcast.

So you have Tycho who is the old pro, you have Scott who hasn't played since he was a kid and you have me the complete newb. If you've played D&D before but you're curious about the changes in 4th edition the podcast will cover a ton of the new rules. If you've never played and your curious if it's something you'd like, I think this is a really good example of the game. . .

We ended up playing all day and then broke the podcast up into multiple chunks. The first of which went live today. Not only will WOTC be posting a new podcast each week but Scott and I will be creating a comic that follows the events of the adventure. There will be two panels accompanying each podcast, one drawn by me and one drawn by Scott. Today's podcast covers the start of the game as we name our characters and get our group set up. It also includes our first taste of combat and my very first official d20 roll ever. . .

Wren person

nospam@example.com (Ancient of Days) — Thu, 29 May 2008 13:34:41 -0600

Are you actually going to do a write-up this time? Because, if not, I'm going to do it. Your sister suggested I give you a deadline, so here it is:
When I get back from O-ville on Sunday, if there's not a post, you shall be scooped. Get 'ir done.

Clarence

nospam@example.com (The Mad Giggler) — Fri, 23 May 2008 12:32:00 -0600

I think I dead.

I think Kobold chieftain send me through portal to one of Hells.

Everything look like home here, except no kobolds. No kobold wife. No kobold kids. And especially no kobold yummies.

Last thing that make sense was chieftain shoving me through portal and pointing at pretty lady in white dress. Then crazy humans and elves and drow start attacking me. I not last long against such fearsome fighters, but when I try to run away they catch me.

Then other pretty human lady protect me. She say, "No kill Clarence!" She is really pretty and have soft voice.

Drow man keep looking at me ugly and holding dagger. He say, "Where you from?" then get upset when I say "From my village." Then he keep asking questions like "What is the weather like?" I almost say, "Very nice, how is it here?" but I think that the wrong answer. After lots of questions he just kind of watch me, like owl watch mouse.

More humans come and talk and then go. One big human came screaming about his mace. I see lots of clubs from dead kobold friends on the ground. "Why not just use club?" I think, but he probably kick me for talking to him. He make all the humans kneel to him, so he probably chieftain here. He tell pretty lady to go fetch mace or he get angry. So pretty lady and drow man talk to big red-hair human and human lady with bow and they agree to find scary man with lightning.

This be an okay thing except they want me go with them. I definitely think kobold god hate me.

D&D Write-up #1: 5/13/08

nospam@example.com (Daboo) — Wed, 14 May 2008 18:12:36 -0600

So, uh, we do this to keep everybody up to speed on what happened last week, what's happening next week, etc. I asked MG if I could do this week's session, and I did it as a journal entry. The speaker here is my character, Lissah.

Sixthday of Flamerule
1372 DR (Year of Wild Magic)

One thing I will never get used to here is the rain. The cold is fine - I grew up listening to the wind blow in off the steppes - but mix that with water and everything turns sour. My hands are chilled, my hair is fuzzy, and I can't keep my feet dry. Of course, it doesn't help that Taliend keeps telling me to "put on some sensible shoes." What does he think I do for a living, plant corn? I need my ankles bare for my bells, or there's no food on the table that night. It's Flamerule, for Sharess' sake! Surely there should be a few tendays strung together here where the sun shines without a break. But, as my mother used to say, there's no use mourning stars that have already fallen, so I suppose I should be grateful when the sun stays out for a few days in a row, as it has now. And that's what I was thinking, squinting up into the sky and trying to concentrate on the wedding vows, when the screaming started.
Continue reading "D&D Write-up #1: 5/13/08"

Tuesday Night

nospam@example.com (The Mad Giggler) — Sat, 10 May 2008 22:09:40 -0600

Tuesday is the big night! Here are the details as I currently understand them:

Meet at The Death Trap (post in the comments if you need instructions on how to get there.)
7:00 P.M.
Eat beforehand (there might be some snackage.)
Bring dice if you have them.
Bring your completed character sheet.
Leave your feat jokes at home.
A pencil and scrap paper are always useful.

More About D&D

nospam@example.com (The Mad Giggler) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:12:57 -0600

It's official. We're shooting for a Forgotten Realms setting. I have come into possession of the FR books. For whatever reason, the "supplier" has asked that I keep it on the down low. I'm assuming that with my LG status, I just don't want to know. My supplier did ask that I pass on the following:

Supplier:
From page 28:
A character in the F.R. campaign is more than just a class and race. Your homeland determines...what sort of abilities you have. In game terms, character regions...allow you to learn special feats...and enable you to start out with some extra equipment based on the way people in that region live.
Me: huh
Supplier: So I thought you should quietly circulate that link and have people review the book to see what region they want to come from, as it might change what race/class/feats/equipment they choose.

So, there you go. Email me for more info.

D&D Stat Rolling

nospam@example.com (The Mad Giggler) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 08:57:01 -0600

So, I've now talked with Daboo and Radar about this, and I wanted to kind of put this out there for everyone else. Normally when generating stats for a character, you'd roll 4d6 and subtract the lowest roll, repeating this for a total of six times. While this adds to the dice rolling fun, you don't always get a character with stats that match the role-playing aspects you'd envisioned.

I humbly submit an alternative.

In both Neverwinter Nights 2 and Icewind Dale 2 the developers use the 3.5 ruleset as part of their game engine and they've made a change to character creation that I really like. Basically, you start out with all 10s. Racial modifiers are then applied, most likely giving you a 12 and an 8 somewhere. Then you have a certain amount of points to increase your stats. The more points you put into a specific category, the more points it costs to increase that stat.

If this kind of system interests you and you don't have access to one of those two games, feel free to finish up your character creation at the beginning of our first session.

Also, if you have strong feelings against this method, please indicate that in the comments with an explanation for why you think it's a bad idea.

Update. I noticed this in the PHB 4e Lite, "Use the 28 point‐buy system from 3.5E, DMG page 169." I'll try to verify if this is the same at lunch.

Update #2. Confirmed.

4th Edition "PHB Lite"

nospam@example.com (Ancient of Days) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:11:31 -0600

The D&D community has cobbled together all the information currently available about 4E into something they call The PHB-Lite

D&D Breakdown

nospam@example.com (The Mad Giggler) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:02:14 -0600

Plans within plans within plans.

I am going to be DMing for the first little while until we feel comfortable with the mixed offline/online group dynamic. My understanding is that the Death Trap will be hosting the offline contingent and that we're shooting for Tuesdays starting May 13. If any of that is incorrect or you have an issue with it, please let me know by posting a comment below.

In the meantime, it would help me customize my campaign if everyone could post a little about the character they'll be playing. An example of what I mean:

Glim Glammerstrom
Gnomish Bard
Glim is a typical gnome. About four feet tall, blonde hair, tan skin. He keeps his hair short and has no noticeable scars or tattoos.
Backstory: Glim is a young gnome who went out to seek his fortune as the apprentice to an aging bard who visited his clan's settlement. Unfortunately, Glim's curiosity got him into one too many scrapes and his master abandoned him.

By the way, Glim is not going to be a PC in this group.