DM Blayde MacRonan's Of Aeons and Giants: The Continuing Adventures of Team Ruby (Private Campaign, Closed Recruitment)

Game Master Blayde MacRonan

Updating:

9 Frost Bolts +d6 dmg
9 Cure Light wounds
6 Drow poison 3/vial knockout (3 to Tsadok)
18 smoke sticks (5 to Tsadok)
9 tanglefoot bags
8 Thunderstones (2 to Tsadok)
9 MWK leather lamellac
9 MWK tsurugr (rapier)
9 Hand crossbow
229 MWK hand crossbow bolts
1 MWK composite shortbow (Nymm)
1 large crossbow w/10 bolts
1 hide armor
1 spell component pouch
1 MWK chainmail Haranaki
1 potion, Oil of resistance

Gold valve 10353 total
190 gems @ 50gp ea (30 to Tsadok, Kytynna, Rocnork; 31 to Aiko)
Platinum [Crown]: 4
Silver [Shield]: 680 (45 to Tsadok, Kytynna, Rocnork, Aiko)
Copper [pinch]: 600 (100 to Tsadok, Kytynna, Rocnork, Aiko)
Gold [Sail]: 834 (220 to Tsadok, Kytynna, Rocnork; 170 to Aiko)

The split on gold valve 6 ways is 1725 gold and 5 silver. Tsadok has taken his portion, shown above. I propose (shown above) that the botted characters and NPC basically follow the same distribution.

If the above is acceptable, that leaves the following for Nyym and I:

69 gems @ 50gp
Platinum [Crown]: 4
Silver [Shield]: 500
Copper [pinch]: 200
Gold [Sail]: 4

Proposing one of us take

35 gems @ 50gp, 2 crowns, 2 sails, 2 pinches

and the other take

34 gems @ 50gp, 2 crowns, 2 sails, 500 shields, and 2 pinches

Is that acceptable?

Apparently the storm wreaked havoc on their servers last night.... I had a post up and ready to submit when I lost it due their repairs today.

I will work on a new one and have it up by Friday.

They went out well before evening. I lost access well before the end of the workday. My ability to sign in at all got crushed until I talked to their support.

They went out well before evening. I lost access well before the end of the workday. My ability to sign in at all got crushed until I talked to their support.

Popped on to their Facebook group and discovered I had to clear my cache to sign back in. That's what caused me to lose my original post, as I did not take my usual precautions (figures, right?).

That's generally what happens to me - if I save it first, it works. If I don't, that's the post I lose.

I am currently dealing with a matter that, for now, is taking up more of my time than I would like. When I am confident that it is over with, the game will resume. But as of now, I will have to put a short-term pause on the game. I apologize for the abruptness of my decision, and hope that we can get back to playing sooner rather than later.

Be well.

It has occurred to me that Liesel-Marie's damage for her greataxe while enlarged is not right. She should be doing 2d6 as her base weapon damage rather than the standard 1d12 she has been using. We'll let the current damage stand, but we'll use 2d6 damage progression going forward. This also means the critical damage is now +14 instead of the usual +12.

Also, as of the start of the next round, Liesel-Marie has four minutes remaining of the seven minute duration for that spell.

I knew there was something I was overlooking. But actually, 2d6 is not an improvement on 1d12 other than the minimum possible. Per the PHB, the next step up from 1d12 is 3d6. That would make the bonus critical damage ... +21?

Of course, it is whatever you rule it is. I did set the greataxe down while I pushed the boat, so perhaps it returned to normal size and I could be using it one-handed now. Not that I plan to.

I knew there was something I was overlooking. But actually, 2d6 is not an improvement on 1d12 other than the minimum possible. Per the PHB, the next step up from 1d12 is 3d6. That would make the bonus critical damage ... +21?

Of course, it is whatever you rule it is. I did set the greataxe down while I pushed the boat, so perhaps it returned to normal size and I could be using it one-handed now. Not that I plan to.

I originally wrote down 3d6, but second-guessed myself after reading a FAQ entry, which (as it turns out), I misread. 3d6 is the next size progression for 1d12, which means the critical damage is +20.

As for the setting down the weapon... per the spell: All equipment worn or carried by a creature is similarly enlarged by the spell. Melee weapons affected by this spell deal more damage. Other magical properties are not affected by this spell. Any enlarged item that leaves an enlarged creature’s possession (including a projectile or thrown weapon) instantly returns to its normal size. This means that thrown and projectile weapons deal their normal damage. Magical properties of enlarged items are not increased by this spell.

Liesel-Marie brings up a good point about her setting the weapon down and picking it back up again. So I will rule that the weapon is indeed normal size. This means that: a) she can wield it one-handed, b) she takes a -2 penalty on attack rolls due to it being inappropriately sized, and c), the greataxe is treated as one-handed when determining the effect of Power Attack, Strength bonus to damage, and the like while wielding it in this manner. If she does wield it two-handed, only the -2 penalty on attack rolls will apply. The block weapon feature of the greataxe is still usable regardless as to whether or not it is used in one hand or two.

The only logical thing to do is swap the greataxe for Agrimmosh because, as noted, the god's hammer never left my belt and would remain enlarged. Its 2d6 similarly becomes 3d6 and it's bonus critical damage would also become +20.

I have to get this off my chest: That bot for Nyym was completely out of character for him, really frustrated me as a player because it forced me to waste my turn, and nearly got him killed, to boot.

If the player was not available, why not just have him delay his action until he's available? The party and the defenders seemed to have things well in hand without him making a move that I don't think he would have done.

I'm done. I shall not comment on it further.

I have to get this off my chest: That bot for Nyym was completely out of character for him, really frustrated me as a player because it forced me to waste my turn, and nearly got him killed, to boot.

If the player was not available, why not just have him delay his action until he's available? The party and the defenders seemed to have things well in hand without him making a move that I don't think he would have done.

I'm done. I shall not comment on it further.

I can understand the frustration, but I think it comes mainly due to seeing the aftermath. After all, if Tark had missed with both of his attacks, this wouldn't even be an issue.

But... he didn't miss. And so, here we are.

I had no way of knowing that Tark's attack would result in two critical hits (yes, it was originally two; the critical confirmation of the first attack made the second one not quite so dangerous) at the time that I made the decision. Remember, I am just as much a victim of the automated die-roller as everyone else, for good or ill. Because if I could have fudged the die rolls, I probably would have. I also thought about spreading out the attacks across Bloodtusk and Nyym. I even considered having Tark make a 5-foot step and directing both attacks at Liesel-Marie. In the end, though, I decided against both of those options because that's not what Tark would have done. Nyym's lightning blades are threat to him and he dealt with it accordingly. And we bore witness to the result.

As my older players already know, I don't go out of my way to intentionally get their characters killed. This is especially true if I have to bot them.

However, I can't always guarantee that when I bot another player's character that whatever decision I make on their behalf will be the best one, though I will do my best in that regard. I kept in contact with the player and appraised them of the situation, then waited nearly a week in the hope that they would be able to post for themselves. When it was indicated to me that they were not able to post, I decided to move on with the game. And when I informed the player of what I did and how it turned out, I was asked only one question: did I have Nyym use his thundering infusion (which, of course, I did not do).

In the end, it's just another example of why I hate botting player characters in their absence. As always, I will strive to do better.

I'm done. I shall not comment on it further.

I believe Liesel-Marie is updated.

Here's where the garrison commander got outside.

Kyt dashes up the stairs, across the drawbridge, and into the building. A minute later, she exits the way station half-carrying, half-supporting a man in armor.

Here's where the garrison commander got outside.

DM Blayde MacRonan wrote:

Kyt dashes up the stairs, across the drawbridge, and into the building. A minute later, she exits the way station half-carrying, half-supporting a man in armor.

That's fair, I suppose. But... if we're going by exactly what I posted, then I changed the venue from outside to inside the moment I as DM transitioned from the keelboat back to the way station. Because the now revealed vanpire went back inside, followed by Etriel'ta and her wolf. I mean, the position of NPCs aren't completely static, you know. This isn't some old-school jrpg. And how else would the fireplace have gotten lit in the first place, when I made it explicitly clear previously that it was not before.

I'm not trying to come off like a jerk, but if it seems that way, I want to make it clear that's not my intent.

And if we're holding me as DM to the standard of exactly as posted, then Tsadok going to where the commander is... that's pretty vague in and of itself.

So, let's just drop the matter by saying that everyone at the way station went back inside and that's where the actions occurred.

Happy Easter Everyone!!

Happy Easter

Merry belated Easter, y'all!

Sorry about not being active... between going on vacation, dealing with gas shortages, and preparing for a wedding I've been pretty busy. But I plan on getting Team Ruby into Ghostlight Marsh before my vacation comes to an end.

Hey, y'all, I wanted to let you know that my access to the forums may be reduced over the next week as we take a little road trip. Most years, I'm actually more available because I'm not at work, but if you are trying to get a response from me and not getting it, that's probably why. I'm always open to having my character botted to keep the story moving forward, so if you feel you must, go for it. Normal posting delays (i.e., work and general normal RL) will resume a week from now.

Thanks for the heads-up. I think we all are experiencing something at the moment that, in one way or another, is reducing our individual access to both the forums and the game.

All we can do is our best, given what's going on in our respective lives. If botting is absolutely needed for a PC, then it will be done and I will try to do so in a way that respects both the character and the player.

In the meantime, enjoy yourself.

Just a reminder to Liesel-Marie about kinetic blade, now she's able to make two attacks as a full-round action:

You can use this form infusion once as part of an attack action, a charge action, or a full-attack action in order to make melee attacks with your kinetic blade. Since it’s part of another action (and isn’t an action itself), using this wild talent doesn’t provoke any additional attacks of opportunity.

She could've made two attacks to sear both stumps in the previous round and was surprised that didn't occur.

I didn't think I could. I certainly would have if I had realized. I thought the "you can use this once" meant that I could use the blade once per round. I could use something else for additional attacks.

Merry Independence Day to all of my players and friends!

The map is ready, I'm just holding off to allow both Tsadok and Kyt the opportunity to post. If they haven't by tonight, then I will roll their Perception checks (along with Rocnork's) when I get in from work and move things along.

Apologies are in order...

Due to circumstances beyond my control, I had to pull a lot of extra hours this week. This has left me very tired and with but one day off: today.

So after getting as much rest as I could today, I will get things moving with the game.

Expect more to come...

No apologies are necessary. Sorry work is dragging you down, but you need to focus on you and your health. We can deal with some lag. It is a necessary feature of this form of the game.

My good dhampir, I only ask about what I would know and whether I could reach the creature to help determine my course of action. My first priority has been to get everyone safely off the bridge.

That said, if I heard the stunned creature drop his tiny dagger and possibly even heard him fall to the ground, as a player I am tempted to chance course and push him off the bridge.

HOWEVER! In retrospect, I don't think that's how Liesel-Marie would roll. If she can see the dagger - having fallen from the invisible creature's hand, by normal rules it would be visible now - she will move to said weapon, pick it up, and continue toward the far end of the bridge.

I will post as much in the gameplay thread after giving you a chance to reply here in case you see a flaw in my reasoning from having watched our bloodrager's actions in the past.

That is a possibility the dagger is visible and can narrow the location of the lurker.

Now if from where you pick up the dagger, look for a slight difference of the bridge. Cause looking through a invisible body can distort the appearance of the bridge.?.

I'm leaning toward her preferring to disarm (i.e., take the dagger and leave) than to kill a disabled foe. She's not overwhelmingly honorable, but she does have to look Aiko in the eye...

I am preparing for a week away where I am more likely to have handlebars than a computer mouse in my hands. I will check in as regularly as I can, but feel free to bot Liesel-Marie as necessary. I realize the timing is unfortunate, but I trust you to take care of her.

Almost 34 miles cycling today. It's been a long time since I could physically go much more than 20, so this is a banner day for me.

Congratulations on the diplomacizing with the cold fey, Tsadok.

I have updated Liesel-Marie's saves per reaching 8th + 1 tier.

Wanted to pass on that the DM has been having technical difficulty with his internet the last couple of nights. Not sure how long the issue will persist. But as soon as he is able, he will be back to posting.

Thanks for the update.

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am back online and able to post once again.

I offer my sincerest apologies for not being able to post as I would like. Between longer hours and helping to reopen a store, I've been exhausted.

But I am going to post a map of the room you're currently in tonight after work. That will hopefully help with things a bit.

And again, thank you as always for your continued patience.

And this is why you should wait until you have a much clearer head to post...

Rocnork wouldn't have needed to make the Reflex save for being entangled because he wasn't in the area of effect for that spell-like ability.

Hopefully I won't be making such an obvious mistake like that again during this next combat.

I was in a hurry yesterday, but I thought I could go back in before the hour was up and edit my post... only to find when I was able to that 61 minutes had elapsed.

So here's what I wanted to clarify:

Nyym is currently hanging on to the rope 10-feet beneath the lily pads and the platform, as when he was thrown off, the rope and gravity brought him back to where everyone is currently. So you can either attempt to pull him up and get out of there or stick around and defeat the ultramarine chaser.

The map is updated to show where everyone is currently positioned (this was done yesterday), so the call is yours to make.

If Liesel-Marie wishes to take over for Kyt and haul up Nyym, then I'm going to need 2 rolls:

Roll 1) melee touch attack (Nyym can forgo his Dexterity bonus to AC). If Liesel-Marie hits, she can then attempt the next roll...

Roll 2) DC 25 Athletics check to haul Nyym up.

If Liesel-Marie succeeds on both checks, she will be able to accomplish the task at hand, but if her total weight (with equipment) exceeds her heavy load limit, she will fall. If she fails by 4 or less, she doesn’t pull him up, but also doesn't lose her grip on the rope. If Liesel-Marie fails by 5 or more, she not only fails to haul Nyym up but is pulled over the platform's edge as well.

Bear in mind, this is in addition to the DC 15 Fortitude check to avoid being distracted by the flies in the chamber.

So with that said, I just want to wish you good luck and to let you know that we're all counting on you.

What is the melee touch attack for? Isn't Nyym already holding onto the rope?

How does her Strength Stance rage power interact with an Athletics check?

I don't understand (paraphrasing) "if she succeeds, she will accomplish the task, but if her weight is too high, she will fall."

I didn't realize the flies were on this side of the chamber, also.

Yes... Kyt is holding the rope, and Liesel-Marie is attempting to switch places. It's a handoff, but one which entails some measure of risk. Hence the melee touch attack. And with Nyym's option of forgoing his Dex mod (basically, him holding perfectly still while dangling below), that roll becomes ridiculously easy to make. Touch AC of 13 rather than his normal 18.

An Athletics check is a Strength check, so by using Strength Stance, Liesel-Marie is able to apply the +8 competence bonus on Strength checks to lift, push, bend, or break objects to the roll.

The phrasing is a reminder that even if she succeeds with the check, the possibility exists that she can still potentially be pulled over the edge of the platform if she isn't strong enough to carry not only her weight but that of Nyym's as well (as she would be supporting both). However, given that Nyym weighs 155 lbs (not including gear) and she has a maximum load 900 lbs. (due to her heavyload belt tripling her own maximum load capacity), that outcome is not very likely. Which makes Liesel-Marie taking over for Kyt the best option, as this would've applied to the elf as well (who, while the second strongest PC in the party, doesn't have the magical belt tripling her maximum load like the Erutaki does).

And yes, the flies are on that side of the chamber. They fill the entirety of the chamber, in fact. This means that for as long as you're in the chamber while they are active, you're inside the cloud of insects and subject to a Fortitude check each round unless something is done to negate the need for the roll. I mentioned this before, but I'll post this here as a reminder:

As soon as a creature steps onto one of the floating lily pads in the room, a swarm of bloated flies rises from the floor and fills the chamber in a thick blanket of buzzing insects. While these insects provide no direct threat to the PCs, their distracting presence does. Every round, a creature inside the cloud of flies must succeed at a DC 15 Fortitude save or take a –2 penalty on attack rolls, ability checks, and skill checks. Weapons are ineffective against the insects, but any area-effect spell or effect that deals damage, or spells such as gust of wind, disperse the cloud for 1d4 rounds, negating any penalties during that time. The ultramarine chaser is unaffected by the cloud of flies.

As the blue-scaled wyvaran is giving his assessment of the current situation, down in the greenhouse, Tsadok finds, to his amazement, that some of the animals present show no fear of him as they peacefully approach out of curiosity.

I couldn't resist giving the dhampir a Disney Princess moment. :P

Thanks so much........ :)

I've been meaning to ask about the new wardrobe, Princess...

Wishing everyone a merry Thanksgiving on the eve before. May you eat and rest well tomorrow with family and friends.

Gobble 'til you wobble!

Happy New Year's everyone.

Happy New Year!