Welcome to the Out of Character discussion area for Curse of Strahd.
Please do not post here until you are told to do so.
Thanks, DM Asmodeus. I appreciate the selection.
Hello to all of you lucky enough to have been chosen. This appears to be a very diverse and well-balanced group.
If everyone will put a little team effort together over the next few days and get familiar with your co-players characters and everyone should check over each others character sheets to make sure each is correct. Discuss any pre-game things that the group wants to come together on, planning, party role, etc.
Feel free to ask any questions, I will be checking in daily. Once everyone has gotten acquainted I will open up the game thread to you.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
First off, I am usually a big stickler for tracking encumbrance. I even developed by own slot based system to do it easily. However for this game the focus is more on the story than mechanics so we are going to go with the basic encumbrance rules in the PHB. You can carry a maximum load of your strength score x 15. I however do expect to see weights and totals on your character sheets. If you are wearing armor that requires a certain strength score in the PHB and you do not meet that requirement then your speed is reduced by 10 feet.
Now that I have that out of the way, I do require that all of you track and include in your post (I will post a preferred posting template after this message.) what I like to call your equipment layout. It looks something like this:
Right Hand= Item currently in main hand.
Left Hand= Item in off hand.
* Note if a shield is in hand it can be used to defend, if you have something else in that hand then your shield provides no combat bonus. You would list that hand as shield plus lantern for example. That would tell me that you have your shield equipped but are currently using that hand to hold a lantern so no shield bonus to AC is available. Also please remember it takes a standard action to don or doff a shield.
Readied Weapons= Readied Weapon list go here.
*6 slots available, readied weapons are weapons that are on your person that can be made available for use with your manipulate object action each round instead of using your standard action. You have 6 slots available, 20 arrows, 10 bolts, 10 sling bullets, 5 daggers or 5 darts fill only one slot. One handed weapons fill one slot, two handed weapons and all bows fill two slots except for a hand crossbow. You must equip both the weapon and ammunition to use it.
Example layout might include: Longbow(2), 20 Arrows(1), Longsword(1), Maul(2)
Readied Items= Readied item list goes here.
[i]*4 slots available, readied items are items that are basically on a belt, in a pouch, on a bandoleer, etc. That can be drawn using your manipulate object action each round instead of your standard action. You have 4 slots available, any item weighing 5 pounds or less can be readied in this way.
Example layout might include: scroll of fireball, potion of healing, healers kit, holy symbol (or focus)
Note that spellcasters requiring components must either have their spell pouch in a readied slot or their focus to be able to cast spells, so one slot will always be taken up by it.
All other items in your equipment list are considered to be stored in your backpack, a sack or strapped to it, etc and takes a standard action to retrieve instead of a manipulate object action.
Once per turn you can manipulate an object of your choice in an uncomplicated way. Some examples include:
• Draw or sheath a weapon (You can draw only 1 weapon as your manipulate object action. Dual Wielder lets you draw 2.]
• Transfer an item from one hand to the other
• Load a crossbow. (If you are using a crossbow then you can not manipulate another object that round unless you are not firing it.)
• Retrieve or put away a stored item*
• Pick up an item
• Move an object
• Open a chest
• Open a door
* You may only retrieve an item if it was readied for easy access (See readied items above). If you must dig through your backpack or stored items to find something, it requires use of tour standard action to retrieve it. Doing more than one of these things above requires the use of an action. Example: If you do not have the dual wielder feat and need to draw to weapons then you would draw one as your manipulate object action and one as your standard action.
These activities take very little time and are considered free to do on your turn but only one per turn. Examples include:
• Drawing ammunition for use with a ranged weapon (such as arrows, bolts, sling bullets, or shuriken Everything but crossbows.)
• Dropping an item to your feet or within 5 feet of your current location.
• Dropping to a prone position. (Standing up from prone, however, takes half of your movement for the turn.)
• Speaking (you can always speak, even when it isn’t your turn – within reason.)
While I am throwing things out here, I'll throw some tips and reminders as well:
* Passive Perception (perception modifier + 10) is always active no matter what you are doing. So you really shouldn't roll this unless you suspect something might be there that you might need a higher result to see. However if you choose to roll and the roll is lower than your passive perception I will use the lower roll since by rolling you went from using passive to active.
* Difference between perception and investigation. Perception is general and is activated by phrases in game like I look down the tunnel, I look at the water, ceiling, floor etc. It basically lets you spot things that may be hard to see or might otherwise go unnoticed. However investigation is specific. If you search a body, a desk, a bookcase, etc. then that is investigation of an object (specific), if you examine something specific like I examine the water, the sword, the book then that is specific and is investigation. Another way to look at it is if it doesn't require touch, tasting or feeling the item, object, etc. then it is perception. If you need to touch, taste, flip over, open, examine, read a book, search through someone's backpack then you are investigating. Investigation always requires a roll. Perception does not unless you just want to. (see passive perception above)
* Your move can include jumping onto or off of things, jumping over things, climbing walls or ropes, swinging on ropes or chandeliers, or moving in any way that your character is capable of such as swimming or flying for example.
* Remember moving through a square that is occupied by an ally requires 2 squares of movement. Moving across tables, benches or other objects count as difficult terrain and count as two squares as well.
In Character Game Post Preferred Template.
(You do not have to use this exact layout but it must include the relevant information listed here.)
Character actions go here.
"Use Quotes and bold for speech."
Italics for thoughts not spoken.
Anything that needs to be stated that is out of character. If it is a question then please ask in the discussion area. This is also a good place to clarify anything to the DM or another player about something in your action that doesn't require feedback.
This is where you will state what grid square you end your turn in if a map is live.
All dice rolls, saves, etc go here as well.
Any active concentration or spell effects or conditions you are currently under go here.
Right Hand= Item in right hand.
Left Hand= Item in left hand.
* Note if a shield is in hand it can be used to defend if you have something else in that hand then your shield provides no combat bonus. You would list that hand as shield plus lantern for example. That would tell me that you have your shield equipped but are currently using that hand to hold a lantern so no shield bonus to AC is available. Also please remember it takes a action to don or doff a shield.
Readied Weapons= Readied Weapon list go here.
*6 slots available, readied weapons are weapons that are on your person that can be made available for use with your manipulate object action each round. You have 6 slots available, 20 arrows, 10 bolts, 5 daggers or 5 darts fill only one slot. One handed weapons fill one slot, two handed weapons and all bows fill two slots except for a hand crossbow.
Example layout might include: Longbow, 20 Arrows, Longsword, Dagger, Maul
Readied Items= Readied item list goes here.
*4 slots available, readied items are items that are basically on a belt, in a pouch, on a bandolier, etc. That can be drawn using your manipulate object action each round. You have 4 slots available, any item weighing 5 pounds or less can be readied in this way.
Example layout might include: torch, potin of healing, healers kit, holy symbol (or focus)
Note that spellcasters requiring components must either have their spell puch in a readied slot or their focus to be able to cast spells, so one slot will always be taken up by it.
All other items in your equipment list are considered to be stored in your backpack or strapped to it, etc and takes a standard action to retrieve instead of a manipulate object action.
Right & Left Hand =
Glaive
Readied Items =
Acid Flask (1)
Alchemist's Fire (1)
Holy Water (1)
.
.
.
.
"Ah, you're new to Maximillian's group, as well. I'm Perdita Imogen from Silverymoon. I can't wait to see Waterdeep!"
Currently at 126lbs. of 140lbs. Max
Right Hand Battle Axe (4)
Left Hand Battle Axe (4)
Readied Weapons Handaxe (2), Handaxe (2)
Readied Items Torch (1), Horn (1)
Hack nods to Perdita.
"I am Schenkt Corchran, but people call me Hack. Waterdeep is a little fine for my tastes, but I go where the Company send me."
Present and accounted for sir.
"Here."
@Nilan: You are a Sorcerer, right? Your tag line shows you as a Human Cleric, and your background of Acolyte and your history have many references to a cleric build?
"Hello!"
Quoting standard post format here so I can quote it later. Thanks for picking me!
[*spoiler=Active effects][/spoiler]
[*spoiler=Equipment Layout]Right Hand
Left Hand
Readied Weapons 4 Daggers
Readied Items Crystal[/spoiler]
This seems like a very good group.
The only thing I noticed is that Perdita Imogen, you have 30 gp., should be only 10, and you have holy water, alchemists fire, and an acid flask, which you should not have.
Uruk shuffles through his papers a moment more and then stashes them back in his bag seeming harried and distracted, "I'm Uruk. Wizard.
The half-orc waves his hand preemptively to ward off the all too common objections he receives when noting his profession, instead seemingly ignoring any potential response as he checks back over his person ensuring he has everything he was expecting to have...
Uruk shuffles through his papers a moment more and then stashes them back in his bag seeming harried and distracted, "I'm Uruk. Wizard.
The half-orc waves his hand preemptively to ward off the all too common objections he receives when noting his profession, instead seemingly ignoring any potential response as he checks back over his person ensuring he has everything he was expecting to have...
That is fine if you must for phone reasons.
"Well,.... Mirabar.
"I guess growing up in Silverymoon -- and then visiting Neverwinter on my first trip -- spoiled me on cities. I wasn't going to complain about how underwhelmed I was with the dwarf-and-human town of Mirabar (Was everyone a member of their 'Axe' or did they just act like it?). But now I take it all back. In genuine -- could there be a more drab town than, ah-hem, Red. Larch.? That crumblecake kinda tasted like sand.
"Well at least the Sword Coast has been beautiful, yes?
"And I know you're tired of hearing me sing it out, but I can't wait to get to Waterdeep! I've wondered about The City forever."
Perdita Imogen is regularly talkative; it's not too surprising that, one, she grew up in a church of Lathander in Silverymoon and, two, she's still mostly a kid on her first trip away from home, filled with ambition and idealism that her wide eyes reveal upon her passing every new species of flower or weed or animal track on the journey south.
.
.... To Uruk
"I've never met an Orc Wizard before. Heh, I got you beat though -- I bet you never heard of a girl who's dad was raped by a evil Dryad! .... Where did you study?
.... To Hack
"That is a quality scar. No, that one, the one to the left of your Adam's-Apple. Quality.
"I haven't even been in a real fight yet. I gave vows at my church in Silverymoon -- Paladin of Lathander -- and went straight away to Neverwinter. Caravan guard. Not one troll, black dragon or goblin accosted us."
.... To Darius
"That's a Holy Symbol of Ilmater. Thank you for your faith and sacrifice, Priest."
Wizard, really? Quality scar? What? Raped by a dryad?!
...I make friends with weird people.
"Sooo, anyone like books?" He says, to every member of the group, at different times, tentatively.
.
.
.
.
So, what are we thinking in terms of marching order, combat role, ex. ex.? I guess combat is fairly obvious, but still.
Alright everyone, I know some of you are still making a few changes on sheets and getting things in order but at this time I am opening up the game forum for posting. Once everyone has had a chance to make a couple post I will move things forward.
Hack just smiles at the never-ending stream of words flowing from the elven lass.
"I earned my scars and my name raiding squishy southerners and defending my northern clan from the likes of orcs and undead."
He turns to the Half-Orc wizard, not sure what to make of him. He simply nods in his direction.
He then proceeds to answer the dead looking newcomer.
"Sorry, I have no interest in books, but I do like fighting the undead. You seem to have some death in ya."
Uruk offers little in response to the half elf other than to answer her question, "Captivity." HE offers a cocked eyebrow and returns to his notes.
@ Perdita
The only thing I noticed is that Perdita Imogen, you have 30 gp., should be only 10, and you have holy water, alchemists fire, and an acid flask, which you should not have.
Care to enlighten us how you received your equipment? Your starting equipment is given to you by your class and background choice. Now you can customize it by selling items back at 50% value and buying others but that is not adding up here.
Sorry for my absence today, techs showed up at work and "fixed" the internet for about 7 straight hours.
|
Uh oh. I thought I did it right but I guess not. Tell me what to delete....
Paladin = 5d4x10 gp
Chain Shirt 50gp
Glaive 20gp
Acid Flask 25 gp
Alchemist's Fire 50gp
Holy Water 25gp
backpack 2gp
bedroll 1gp
blanket 1/2 gp
10 days rations 5gp
paper, parchment, ink pen 1 1/2gp
20 gold pieces cash-on-hand
bottle of black ink
quill
small knife
letter
common clothes
pouch w/ 10gp
....
From your post I assume my mistake is somewhere in the "Starting Wealth by Class." Just let me know what to cut.
You do not get to roll for starting gold as we were doing base builds with standard starting equipment.
For the Paladin class you get.
You start with the following equipment, in addition to the equipment granted by your background:
• (a) a martial weapon and a shield or (b) two martial
weapons
• (a) five javelins or (b) any simple melee weapon
• (a) a priest’s pack or (b) an explorer’s pack
• Chain mail and a holy symbol
For the Sage background you get.
A bottle of black ink, a quill, a small knife, a letter from a dead colleague posing a question you have not yet been able to answer, a set of common clothes, and a belt pouch containing 10 gp
Digger has not checked in since recruitment was over, I have PM'd him with no response yet. Do any of you know him?
No sorry, he doesn't have alot of posts or history of posting frequently on the forums.
Me neither...
Looks like his newest posts have all been made on the 28th of last month. Hopefully he comes back.
Okay, I have the equipment corrected -- and I bought a few more mundane items for some silver bits and such (Why not have some oil and chalk or whatever?).
My equipment list is in my Profile for ease of access, at the end of my character sheet.
Readied Weapon: Hand Axe
My max weight is 210 pounds.
Full Gothic trinket Table is here if you want to roll one up.
42: "A lepidopterist’s box filled dead moths with skulllike patterns on their wings"
But if I could choose I'd pick either
or
A music box that plays by itself whenever someone holding it dances.
Hmmm a key to the family crypt? My nomadic family that died in captivity gods know where? I'm wondering if I should reroll...
Hangman's Noose?
I dunno DM, you let me know.
If you don't want to roll, just pick what fits your character best.
Well then, I'll take the unopened letter from dying father.
I have a few child-drawn illustrations of what I think my Dryad mother looked like, some more fanciful (and horrible) than others.
In whimsy, typically once every three or four weeks, I quietly look at them one at a time in camp-firelight, silently pondering any number of things past, present or future.
I want to apologize for my absence I came down with some hellish virus thing and was hospitalized on Monday. I was recently released and am trying to get back on my feet. I hope to have updates to all my games by tonight or tomorrow morning by the latest.
Oops, when Nilan posted that he followed the group into the "south" room I thought it was Illufaus -- in other words, I thought we were all going to the south room. I didn't know we were still split up.
I indicated south, where we left off, but Illufus chose to ignore me. No biggie, there was nothing to the south, and now we are back together again. Let's try to keep it that way.
Oops, sorry. I didn't see that, I thought that you two were just coming back from the door.
No problem, like I said, there was nothing there anyways.
Ok guys and gals,
Official moving days are upon me. You know the ones when the big truck shows up and you have to put all the stuff on it then go to point B and take it off?
We will be moving all our stuff from the old house to the new house over Thursday and Friday and unpacking this weekend. So I am going to put updating the game on hold until next Monday morning so the wife doesn't kill me for playing on the computer while she is working.
Please hang in there... will eventually get things smoothed out.
Billy
Good luck on the move!
Sorry for the late update, bust day yesterday with landscaping at the new house and hauling a bunch of brush/limbs to the dump.
|
|
DM, I know you asked us to post our "end square" position under a "mechanics" spoiler but I was wondering, in cases where the entirety of the post/action IS moving to an end square, do you still prefer the post to be under a spoiler tag or would you prefer it to be just a regular post?
just wondering for Perdita Imogen
DM, I know you asked us to post our "end square" position under a "mechanics" spoiler but I was wondering, in cases where the entirety of the post/action IS moving to an end square, do you still prefer the post to be under a spoiler tag or would you prefer it to be just a regular post?
just wondering for Perdita Imogen
Either way is good.
HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!!
Bunny rabbits and zombies everywhere!