Aubrey's Eberron campaign. (Inactive)

Game Master Aubrey the Malformed

In the 'Why I'm in Sharn' department I've decided that post war Karrnath has a number of teams and individuals pursuing leads for anything that might lead to greater national security, deter future aggression, cement their role as a superpower etc. As the lost arcane arts of the giant empire was his area of independent study at Rekkenmark, Ezreal has been tasked by Malakar Yeorvos (superior officer in the Karrnathi Navy) to sign on at Morgrave University for the next outgoing expedition to Xen'drik. Unfortunately, the next expedition he could find a place in won't be leaving for another month. So it is that Ezreal is in a foreign country impatiently passing time and pursuing his own arcane studies when the story kicks off.

Karrnathi Navy, eh? Well, hello sailor.

The campaign has started in the thread "Aubrey's Eberron Campaign" over on the play-by-post section of the board.

argh! Havent had time to type up my background

Anyway, long story short, Lightbringer, a war veteren of the Brelish armies, and, bizarrely, follower of the Silver Flame, currently dwells in Sharn, dwelling in a tiny cubicle in Rattlestone. He attends the temple of the silver flame in Underlook, sometimes helps at the Blackstone Church in Fallen, and currently works as a bouncer at a dingy pub in the Bazaar, whilst he fights for recognition as a paladin from the church.

hmmm, Lightbringer was going to fill the role of Bouncer in the pub, but I see we've got a Bugbear doing an admirable job of that.

Ok, instead he can be there doing a terrible job of staking it out, looking for some criminals that he suspects are involved with a cult of the dragon below.

Does that work?

He's been staking the place out for a week with no luck, he's pretty much resigned to the fact that the trail has gone cold...

Character sheet updated for equipment.

-Traded True Strike for Repair Light Damage as it will be useful to eventually write up some scrolls to keep our paladin in good working order.

Nice of you! First time warforged player, I'm glad someone's looking out for me ;-)

Is it just me, or is the Aubrey the Demented/Malformed avatar rather disturbing?

no, its not just you.

That thing is freaky (not you Aubrey, that little child / fey / nightmare thing avatar you've got going).

I wonder if this heralds a Xoriat or nightmare realm type theme coming up in this game...?

hmmm, Lightbringer was going to fill the role of Bouncer in the pub, but I see we've got a Bugbear doing an admirable job of that.

Ok, instead he can be there doing a terrible job of staking it out, looking for some criminals that he suspects are involved with a cult of the dragon below.

Does that work?

He's been staking the place out for a week with no luck, he's pretty much resigned to the fact that the trail has gone cold...

That does work.... Though the flame works in mysterious ways. And the avatar is indeed a tad disturbing - angel-baby - though the choice was purely random. (Heh heh heh, little do they know...)

Not sure how fast we're going to move from here on, but I probably won't be able to post tomorrow, hopefully that doesn't hold things up too much...

Lightbringer will be assessing the situation before reacting...

Just had a thought about Ezreal's starting proposition. He could feasibly know Trose and Froggy through House Tharashk. House Tharashk has quite an interest in Xendrik (dragonshard prospecting, guide services) and Ezreal could feasibly know the other two while trying (unsuccessfully so far) to get a trip over there with Morgrave University. Simplifies getting him into the set-up.

I'm short one internet connection til tomorrow morning (Thursday). Nice timing right? Just stopped in at the apple store to explain the delay. Sounds good with the connects. I was planning that I'd be stopping in at the tavern b/c he is trying to connect with a goblin tour guide who covers some of the more ancient areas of lower sharn as well as a few places of arcane interest. Sorry to be so brief, but there is a time limit on these things, so I'll catch up tomorrow.

I'm short one internet connection til tomorrow morning (Thursday). Nice timing right? Just stopped in at the apple store to explain the delay. Sounds good with the connects. I was planning that I'd be stopping in at the tavern b/c he is trying to connect with a goblin tour guide who covers some of the more ancient areas of lower sharn as well as a few places of arcane interest. Sorry to be so brief, but there is a time limit on these things, so I'll catch up tomorrow.

Ok, thanks for letting us know - looking forward to you getting into the swing of things.

A question about posting etiquette:

How often is it okay to post, and how much time should I allow the rest of the players to respond to the situation before I post in and possibly make their logical responses irrelevent?
I'm new to PbP, and my cycle time is really high right now (I'm currently housebound, so I'm checking the boards about 10 times a day.)
I don't want to step on anyone's toes.

I suggest you just post what and when you feel - it is better to have posts on the board and keep the game moving than to have it languish while we all wait for someone to do something - especially as they might be waiting for someone else. The only exception to this would be when we are in initiative order (and this incidentally, is when I am likely to step in myself if there gets to be a gap, as any non-posts will cause things to grind to a halt at a crucial juncture) as that needs to be respected a bit more (though even that can get a bit messy).

When you only make a single attack with a double weapon (as you would at the end of a charge, for example) you get 1.5 x STR on damage as if it were a two-handed weapon, don't you? Since that's effectively how you're wielding it? I'm looking forward to landing in the middle of the throng and going all Ginsu-whirlwind on their asses.

Aubrey,

I understand that you are all full presrently, and holding a waiting list. Can you tack me on to the current bottom of said list?

A few discrete assassinations later and I should be in a game that runs faster than my real life group...

When you only make a single attack with a double weapon (as you would at the end of a charge, for example) you get 1.5 x STR on damage as if it were a two-handed weapon, don't you? Since that's effectively how you're wielding it? I'm looking forward to landing in the middle of the throng and going all Ginsu-whirlwind on their asses.

Not in my book. I doubt you are charging down and using it as a spear, or holding it by one end (which is sharp, after all) so I would rule that as a "no" - but you do get your on-hand damage modifier.

Aubrey,

I understand that you are all full presrently, and holding a waiting list. Can you tack me on to the current bottom of said list?

A few discrete assassinations later and I should be in a game that runs faster than my real life group...

Mwahahaha - my kinda player. You are, however, number 3 on the list, so it may not happen quickly or at all. But I am very flattered that you want in, and any contribution or comments would be welcome.

Not in my book. I doubt you are charging down and using it as a spear, or holding it by one end (which is sharp, after all) so I would rule that as a "no" - but you do get your on-hand damage modifier.

I'm willing to go along with your ruling as the DM, but I just thought I would bring this to your attention:

Double Weapons: Dire flails, dwarven urgroshes, gnome hooked hammers, orc double axes, quarterstaffs, and two-bladed swords are double weapons. A character can fight with both ends of a double weapon as if fighting with two weapons, but he or she incurs all the normal attack penalties associated with two-weapon combat, just as though the character were wielding a one-handed weapon and a light weapon.

The character can also choose to use a double weapon two handed, attacking with only one end of it. A creature wielding a double weapon in one hand can’t use it as a double weapon—only one end of the weapon can be used in any given round.

(Emphasis mine.) Also:

Two-Handed: Two hands are required to use a two-handed melee weapon effectively. Apply 1-1/2 times the character’s Strength bonus to damage rolls for melee attacks with such a weapon.

The wording is a little vague, but the implication is that any weapon used 'two-handed' deals 1.5 x STR. Again, though, I'm happy to go along with your ruling. Just thought I would present my case.

A bit of a case of having your cake and eating it. I see where you are coming from, but I don't really see the need from a game balance perspective. You already get the equivalent of two non-light weapons by using a double weapon, so I think that is probably sufficient.

Also, from a leverage perspective, I don't see where the extra damage is coming from - you are still holding it in the middle, and you always have to use two hands, so I don't really see how you suddenly end up with extra damage by refraining from one attack. I presume (I suspect the weapon wouldn't really work in the real world anyway) that an uber-slashing weapon like a double scimitar would need to be whirled about to do damage, rather than used as a spear.

Also, from a leverage perspective, I don't see where the extra damage is coming from - you are still holding it in the middle, and you always have to use two hands, so I don't really see how you suddenly end up with extra damage by refraining from one attack.

Actually, by RAW you CAN use a double weapon with only one hand (and, incidentally, you can use a longsword with two hands to get 1.5 x STR with it as well) but I understand your ruling. Fair enough.

And yes, I agree that such a weapon needs to be whirled about to do it's thing. This character is going to be full of such spinning and whirling doom (hence 'Whirling Frenzy').

So, just as the action is about to break out, I may not be able to post for a day or two...

Aubrey, if needs be to keep things swinging, feel free to NPC lightbringer.

He does not intend to attack unless / until hostilities break out. Once they do, he will grip his sword in one hand (unused) and use his slam attack with the other until he is damaged, unless the girl's life seems in imminent danger. His target will be the nearest un-engaged gnoll (preferably one holding the lady).

Or ... if things wait till I can post, all the better!

Huh! Just read your post, backup, of course! (smacks forehead)

Lightbringer has his back to the door (I think), so when the thugs bust through, that might change his intended action a little... anyways...

Oh, this is cool!

Yay, number 3 on the waiting list...

Go gnolls go! I need an opening! Yay Gnolls!

Now to resist the urge to write up 20 different character concepts...

hmm... failed will save...
Daelkyr-Halfblood Ranger - CG, Eldeen Reaches origin, aberration hunter

Human Paladin of the flame, mixed mark of burning hands, abandoned on flamekeeps steps

Human Barbarian/Dragon Shaman - Seren, sent on a quest he doesn't understand

Dwarven Knight/dwarven defender - house kundarak guard, bit of disgrace from having his bank robbed

Elven Cleric/Wizard/Mystic theurge - from Khorvaire with a warped understanding of his aerenese history, and a misinterpretation of the undying host

Orcish Monk, Order of the Violet Wall, dual wielding Byeshk Nuchaku and heloing the gatekeepers

ok, ok, I'll stop...

Whoa! Easy there, fella.

Yeah yeah, I know, just better than thinking about work while at work...

Tell me about it....

I have expended all of my awesome rolls for this campaign in the first fight. As Karma would have it, I expect to blunder and get decapitated in the next combat. It was nice knowing you all.

I have expended all of my awesome rolls for this campaign in the first fight. As Karma would have it, I expect to blunder and get decapitated in the next combat. It was nice knowing you all.

And after the gnoll's AoOs are resolved, we see Karma has gotten it's dues. I'm going to die on those gnolls' normal actions this round. :D

I was hoping the 19 AC would save me, but the -2 from charging means that both attacks hit. Ouch.

EDIT: Okay, this is kinda weasely on my part, but since I'm going before the gnolls' initiatives, aren't they technically flat-footed still and do not get AoOs? *hopes futiley*

Good point, but as everyone was busy saying hello, I went with the fact they they were all prepared, at least not flat footed.

As an aside, could we make sure we go on our initiatives, and not get carried away. Makes life easier for me.

I was hoping the 19 AC would save me, but the -2 from charging means that both attacks hit. Ouch.

Didn't you say previously that you get an AC bonus from that Whirling Frenzy thing?

Good point, but as everyone was busy saying hello, I went with the fact they they were all prepared, at least not flat footed.

I figured as much. I would have ruled the same. Can't blame me for trying. ;)

As an aside, could we make sure we go on our initiatives, and not get carried away. Makes life easier for me.

I did! You listed me as first, so I thought that I would go ahead and act. I'm sorry if I jumped the gun, but it looked like we were all set to me.

Didn't you say previously that you get an AC bonus from that Whirling Frenzy thing?

I do. +2. That's what made it 19 in the first place. Charging knocked it back down to 17, though. :(

10 + 3 (studded leather) + 4 (Dex) + 2 (WF) = 19

As an aside, could we make sure we go on our initiatives, and not get carried away. Makes life easier for me.

I did! You listed me as first, so I thought that I would go ahead and act. I'm sorry if I jumped the gun, but it looked like we were all set to me.

It was more that naughty Vattnisse - still, not harm done, and everyone is still alive at the moment.

It was more that naughty Vattnisse - still, not harm done, and everyone is still alive at the moment.

Sorry about that. I was getting a little (or more than a little...) bloodthirsty, I guess. But I feel much better now!

Good lad - get it out of your system....

A question for the future: I am planning on multi-classing into fighter at least for a few levels in the future. Am I going to require any additional training to do this or can we just chalk it up to the fact that I was raised in a warrior culture and thusly blur the lines between fighter and barbarian? I'm well aware of potential experience penalties since I believe my favored class is ranger, but I'm just looking at it from an RP standpoint. I also have my sights set on the Tempest PrC eventually... but that won't be for a long while yet. Let me know if either of these are a problem and how I should prepare for such a transition. Thanks!

I don't normally worry about training - I don't want to make things harder for the PCs. And frankly, I'm more interested in the main plot and smacking down the bad guys, not how many press-ups you have done that morning. There will be xp penalties, unfortunately, unless you go equal amounts fighter and barbarian. I would personally suggest that, from a mechanics perspective - it would be a pain to lose xp, and I don't see the need to do that just for "roleplaying reasons". If you get to barbarian 3/fighter 3 you should have enough feats to qualify (three for level and the two fighter bonus feats) at 6th level.

I'll probably actually end up with Barbarian 5/Fighter 4 (Weapon Specialization is a TWF's friend and the extra use of rage will be vastly useful), which I believe is still safe from XP penalties.

I don't have my book handy. What ARE the prereqs for Tempest anyway?

You've probably had a chance to look now, but it's +6 BAB and Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack, Two Weapon Fighting and Improved Two Weapon Fighting. It's a bit of a trade off: + 2 damage with Weapon Specialisation or (ultimately) + 2 to hit running with the Tempest.

Obviously Lightbringer is not in a position to see “Heris” jump the railing … but when the time comes, would it be appropriate / permissible to make an untrained local knowledge check to figure out which district lies below the Bazaar? Or is it enough to know that Lower Dura = bad?

Lower Dura = bad no matter which way you look at it. You can make the check if you want - I can look it up in the Sharn book later this evening.

Lower Dura = bad no matter which way you look at it. You can make the check if you want - I can look it up in the Sharn book later this evening.

Well it's a moot point at the moment anyway, it'll be a while before Lightbringer catches up on what's happening with the escaped bad guy. I suppose it was more a question of how much of the layout of Sharn is assumed or easily obtained information - and where do I draw the line at any metagame information I may possess? (also owning the Sharn book...)

Unless otherwise stated, I'll assume that the general layout of city quarters is easily known (under middle Dura is Lower Dura, under that is the Cogs, Menthis is across the canyon etc), but exact location and characters of districts (The Bazaar, Rattlebones etc) is not.

That seems reasonable.

OMFG, I swear I am NOT cheating on these rolls. This is nuts! I wish I could ever roll this good in my tabletop games!

Hmmm, doth he protest too much? ;-)

By the way, how do you roll at work? I use the Excel rand() function and then multiply the result in a formula by the die roll number, always rounding any fractions up. I think dice might be a bit obvious....

I use Invisible Castle.

Ah, not blocked at work.....

In case you guys go on a marathon posting spree while I'm asleep today, I wanted to note that should the watch get too close in pursuit of us I'll use my scroll of obscuring mist at an intersection. So now Aubrey knows if it comes to that. I generally sleep exactly during normal 9-5 hours in the us, so I was surprised to see something like 20 posts yesterday when I woke up. A happy surprise compared to the rate of most pbp, but it made me a bit jealous of office jobs for the first time ever. :)

A tip for excel rollers:

put the die size in cell A1 (4,6,8,10,12,20,100)

then use "=RandBetween(1,A1)"

If you add the "Calculate Now" button to a toolbar, all you need to do is click once for a new roll, or change A1 for a new die size.