Braving the Borderlands

Game Master Edeldhur

With 3 whole HP I'm surprise he lived as long as did. *shrugs*

Max hp for level one!

Oh, I'm aware. Just a rough go with a 1d4 HD and a negative constitution modifier...

Ralina, Dobin is in full darkness and not visible to you - give me an alternative action.

Okay. I am a bit confused here and need some clarification before I do anything else.

We have three fires going. The first near Dobin. The second started with oil by Ralina and the third started with oil by Kallum. According to the OSE SRD, "Typical light sources enable normal vision within a 30’ radius." I would assume a campfire would be at least the same as a typical light source (ie. Torch). That means we have three light sources covering circles 60' in diameter. So a rough line or arc around 180' long by 60' wide of lighted area. Or a more triangular shape that might cover a minimum of 1800 sq feet of area. Plenty of room for the party to operate within to find cover, fight, move, etc.

We set it up initially that Ralina (and I think either Kellum or Al'lan) were going to be taking cover within a single move (30') of Dobin in order to provide quick support. The others with ranged weapons were going to be a little further away, but certainly no further than two moves or 60'. I don't recall Dobin moving far enough away from the fire to be in total darkness. Neither did Ralina or Kellum for that matter. So how is it he is now shrouded in complete darkness basically to the point of invisibility to Ralina? Even if he moved a full 30', he should still be just at the edge of the circle of firelight and visible.

Next. I don't understand how the enemy was able to see Al'lan and Drusilla but the elves never saw them. The SRD under Infravision says "Infravision works within a limited range (60’ for monsters, unless specified otherwise in a monster’s description)." This is the same distance for elves. So either these particular creatures (lizardmen?) have increased infravision, which seems a little cheesy for an initial 1st level encounter or why/how could they see and attack the elves without the elves at least seeing them?

Also under infravision it says that "Visible light (normal or magical) and large heat sources prevent infravision from functioning." Again, campfires seem like a normal light source and also a large heat source, so shouldn't that be disrupting the enemy infravision for those near the fires? If that is what 'disrupted' the elves infravision initially, okay, but there was only one fire at first and technically they were outside of its effect since they were armed with ranged weapons. Does the disruption only occur if the person with infravision is inside the AOE of the light source? Or is heat/light effective when the 'target' is within the AOE of the light source?

Finally and not totally related but I still wanted to offer the idea up. Given the high lethality rate of this type of ruleset and the slow rate of PbP games, we may want to consider some way to give PC's a 'last ditch chance' to survive or otherwise allow for player engagement. Maybe instead of instadeath at 0 there is an opportunity to make CON checks as in 5E? That at least gives a player something to do and hope for? Or maybe 0 HP means you receive a debilitating wound that if not treated in some way within x rounds then the character is dead? Such wounds leave permanent scars or disabilities (missing eye reduces perception or CHA rolls, or missing fingers/hand reduces effectiveness with certain weapons, leg wounds lower movement rate, etc.) Go beyond negative total HP and then yes, you're dead and just have to wait it out.

Of course if a player wants to roll a new character, that is totally their option and they can just let the dying PC travel to the gods.

If we were around a real table, I'd be fine with the 0=Dead rule because someone might only have to chill for a half hour for the combat to wrap up. Just long enough to roll your new character. But with PbP it could be a couple of weeks or more. That's a recipe for players losing interest. Anyway, I'm not sure of the mechanic, but I thought I would throw the idea out there.

GM - Obermind wrote:

Ralina, Dobin is in full darkness and not visible to you - give me an alternative action.

Okay. I am a bit confused here and need some clarification before I do anything else.

We have three fires going. The first near Dobin. The second started with oil by Ralina and the third started with oil by Kallum. According to the OSE SRD, "Typical light sources enable normal vision within a 30’ radius." I would assume a campfire would be at least the same as a typical light source (ie. Torch). That means we have three light sources covering circles 60' in diameter. So a rough line or arc around 180' long by 60' wide of lighted area. Or a more triangular shape that might cover a minimum of 1800 sq feet of area. Plenty of room for the party to operate within to find cover, fight, move, etc.

We are not getting into very detailed approaches regarding the light sources. The main guiding point here regarding Dobin is that he wanted to hide in the darkness, I pointed out he was in total darkness (about to be eaten by a grue) more than once. So that is where he stands - in total darkness. So even if all you say 'might' be accurate, the actions dictated by the players take precedence - Dobin said he wanted to hide in the dark. Simple. Done.

We set it up initially that Ralina (and I think either Kellum or Al'lan) were going to be taking cover within a single move (30') of Dobin in order to provide quick support. The others with ranged weapons were going to be a little further away, but certainly no further than two moves or 60'. I don't recall Dobin moving far enough away from the fire to be in total darkness. Neither did Ralina or Kellum for that matter. So how is it he is now shrouded in complete darkness basically to the point of invisibility to Ralina? Even if he moved a full 30', he should still be just at the edge of the circle of firelight and visible.

This is fine, but like I said, Dobin (and Kallum by the way) said they wanted to hide in the dark. So they did.

Next. I don't understand how the enemy was able to see Al'lan and Drusilla but the elves never saw them. The SRD under Infravision says "Infravision works within a limited range (60’ for monsters, unless specified otherwise in a monster’s description)." This is the same distance for elves. So either these particular creatures (lizardmen?) have increased infravision, which seems a little cheesy for an initial 1st level encounter or why/how could they see and attack the elves without the elves at least seeing them?

This never happened. The only time the enemies were able to see Drusilla and she was not able to see them, was when she decided to stand in the radius of light. In the darkness you can only see as far as your infravision, but if you stand in the light, then you will be seen from further away. That was the case.

Also under infravision it says that "Visible light (normal or magical) and large heat sources prevent infravision from functioning." Again, campfires seem like a normal light source and also a large heat source, so shouldn't that be disrupting the enemy infravision for those near the fires? If that is what 'disrupted' the elves infravision initially, okay, but there was only one fire at first and technically they were outside of its effect since they were armed with ranged weapons. Does the disruption only occur if the person with infravision is inside the AOE of the light source? Or is heat/light effective when the 'target' is within the AOE of the light source?

Nothing disrupted the infravision of the elves initially and not at any time. I am actually assuming even though Druisilla is standing next to one of the fires, she could see the enemies approaching, as soon as they entered her infravision range. I am also assuming if you are standing near a fire in plain sight, enemies can target you from the dark.

Finally and not totally related but I still wanted to offer the idea up. Given the high lethality rate of this type of ruleset and the slow rate of PbP games, we may want to consider some way to give PC's a 'last ditch chance' to survive or otherwise allow for player engagement. Maybe instead of instadeath at 0 there is an opportunity to make CON checks as in 5E? That at least gives a player something to do and hope for? Or maybe 0 HP means you receive a debilitating wound that if not treated in some way within x rounds then the character is dead? Such wounds leave permanent scars or disabilities (missing eye reduces perception or CHA rolls, or missing fingers/hand reduces effectiveness with certain weapons, leg wounds lower movement rate, etc.) Go beyond negative total HP and then yes, you're dead and just have to wait it out.

Of course if a player wants to roll a new character, that is totally their option and they can just let the dying PC travel to the gods.

If we were around a real table, I'd be fine with the 0=Dead rule because someone might only have to chill for a half hour for the combat to wrap up. Just long enough to roll your new character. But with PbP it could be a couple of weeks or more. That's a recipe for players losing interest. Anyway, I'm not sure of the mechanic, but I thought I would throw the idea out there.

Yep, I am considering this idea also. In fact I have already decided to implement probably something similar to the AD&D ruleset. But I am also interested in seeing how 'dead at 0hp' affects player behavior. If it makes them more careful and/or more thoughtful about their actions. And how it changes the game at the end of the day. That is why we have been using 'dead at 0hp'.

Hope my answers clear up some of the points ;)

Just so it is clear, I AM challenging you all - this will not be the kind of game where you drop in, take a look, make an inane post, do not adapt to what is happening, and just hope for the best. Because if you do not play smart, then your life will REALLY depend only on the roll of the dice. I am not coddling you nor pulling punches - I feel like it would be disrespectful toward yours and my own investment in the game.

And just to be fair - I feel like Ralina IS in the right mindset - constantly thinking outside the box, and actually focused on the game details, information gathering, trying to find solutions, etc. Big kudos to you for that!

GM, thanks for clarifying. That is all very helpful. Sorry, if things came across argumentative, but I was definitely a bit confused and obviously not 'seeing' things in my head the same way.

Can I see and move to within reach of a melee attack any of the enemy confronting either Dobin or Drusilla?

Lets say you can move to either.

Good thing is we flund the Lizardfolk

Always a silver lining!

You hear an eery ghostly voice - well done Ralina and all that survive ;)

You are always welcome to get a new character Al'Lan, if you have the availability for the game.

Same thing for Talomyr.

Would be interested.

Question for you, since this game is using OSE as it's base, are you considering use of any of the add-ons for OSE (such as Old School Essentials Advanced Fantasy)? If so, I would be interested in the Ranger or the Druid.

Otherwise, I would be interested in the Halfling.

Not using any of the Advanced stuff for now Talomyr. I am not yet convinced the way OSE has handled the 'Advanced' classes is my favorite, so I am exploring other options.

I can roll a pregen halfling for you, or you can roll one yourself.

If you do, please use this site for your dice rolls: Roll Dice With Friends

- Just access it, and when it asks you for the room name, just type in (or copy/paste):
Borderlands Character Creation
- And click on the button saying 'Roll dice with friends'
- Once inside the room, just choose a name which makes sense so I can easily identify your rolls, like Talomyr, for example.
- Then click 3x on the d6 to select the 3d6
- And then 'Roll It!' six times.

That should give you a 3d6 down the line stat spread ;)

Think I will just bow out. Good luck to those of you still playing.

Fair enough Talomyr - thank you for playing.
Wish you a Merry Christmas!

By Talomyr

Obermind, what did we gain from the fallen

Ok, lets see:

4 javelins from the lizard men.
Al'Lan had a club, shield, two javelins, backpack, waterskin, and rations for 6 days.
Kallum had a backpack, gambeson, gold pieces (8), lantern (with 1 oil
flask), large sack, rations (5), rope (50'), silver dagger, sling (26 stones), small hammer, thieves' tools, tinder box.

I am going to start tracking encumbrance more accurately, so whatever it is you are carrying, make sure it is in your alias.

Please remember to take out another day from your rations (already done for Al'Lan and Kallum).

Happy Holidays everyone!

Happy Holidays to you and everyone.

Seasons Happiness to all and hope you all have a great time with family and friends.

Happy New Year all, and lets get this show back on the road!

What are the rules for natural healing? Does Dobin regain any HP over the night??

I think you get 1d3 from a night's rest without interruption. But GM can confirm.

What are the rules for natural healing? Does Dobin regain any HP over the night??

Hey Dobin, rules for rest and recovery in BX/OSE are as follows - Natural: For each full day of complete rest, a character or monster recovers 1d3 hit points. If the rest is interrupted, the character or monster will not heal that day.

So unfortunately no recovery for a night's sleep.

I believe we have lost Drusilla/Critzible.

I am ok with pushing forward with Ralina, Dobin and Regnar. And hirelings are always an option.

In any case, let me know if you have anyone who might be interested in the kind of game we are playing here. I am not very keen on it, but can also draw up a few lines for a short recruitment.

So how far into the woods did we go and how much daylight is actually left? If Drusilla can't pick up the trail, then I wasn't actually suggesting camping in the same spot as the previous night unless the daylight is gone. I'd much prefer heading to the third ambush site,but that depends on how much light we have left. If it is dark by the time we get back to the road, then we are kind of forced to camp at the same spot. If we've got a few hours left, then I'd say head for the third ambush spot and find another camp along the way. Either way, we can't make it back to the Keep.

I would say you left early morning, traveled half a day into the woods, and paused to eat when you realized you had lost the tracks.

So you have half a day left.

Remember to cut another day of rations, by the way.

Unless Drusilla's attempt to pick up the trail works, then its a half day back (unless we can move faster going out vs going in) to where we started. We will be forced to camp at the same spot or walk the road after dark.

Or we wander aimlessly in the woods.

I guess the other option would be to camp here or a short way back toward the road, then set out again the next day using the extra daylight to reach the third caravan site or head back to the Keep.

Obermind, can the dead reincarnate in new adventurers? ;)

Replying here - you are of course welcome to create another character ;)

Let me know if you want a pregen or create your own, and we'll get you set up.

I figure our retainer needs might change depending on what Al'lan rolls up next.

true

Hi all, Amhal’s player here.

Sadly, though he might have been described as being a big tough fighter-type, if you cast your eyes over his honestly-rolled-attributes (on our DM’s handy Braving the Borderlands Roll Dice with Friends server) Amhal is more Sir Average the Basic than Jason Momoa playing as…well almost anyone.

Also: hi to Daniel Stewart! Sorry if my critique drove you away from Scranford’s PF2e game, I promise to stay out of any rules discussions here! Well, mostly… ;)

LOL..not a problem...and it was not your critique. I just did not find PF2 to be my cup of tea...but glad to see you here!!! Many of your explanations helped me to understand some of the concepts better!!

Welcome aboard OSW - good to have you ;)

I took the 1.4gp off my personal coin count already, so should add that back into the party total. As for Regnar, I'd say as long as he's participating in combat and other actions, we treat him as a retainer which means he gets XP and an equal share of any treasure.

Gotcha, so total will be 26 gold and 12 silver.

I am also doing the math on the XP you guys gained so far, and it amounts to a total of:

40XP 4 bandits killed
100XP 4 lizard men overcome with guile
26XP from the loot.
Total of 166XP

Divided by 4 (Ralina, Dobin, Drusilla and Regnar) = 42XP each

Welcome aboard OSW.

Amhal seems to take the three in as a group...

Just as an FYI, Regnar the Dwarf is also there ;)

Right you are. Dobin, Drusilla, Ralina and Regnar. And Amhal makes five. Possibly six if A’lan’s player returns…

Yep, Al'Lan pinged me yesterday - hopefully he can provide an update here today. You are still welcome to discuss any further preparations (if any) you might want to make before departing. Business as usual.

Obermind, I'll be a dwarven fighter.

Ok, you can take over Regnar.

GM, what equipment does Regnar have?

Do we still want to try and hire on a Thief or Halfling retainer to help with potential traps?

GM, what equipment does Regnar have?

Name: Regnar Steelshield

Strength: 13 (+1)
Dexterity: 9
Constitution: 9
Intelligence: 11
Wisdom: 15 (+1)
Charisma: 6 (-1)

HP: 8
AC: 3
THAC0 (melee): 18
THAC0 (ranged): 19
MOVEMENT: 60' (20')

SPECIAL ABILITIES:
Proficient with all armor. May only use small or
normal-sized weapons. Detects construction tricks at 2-in-6.
Detects room traps at 2-in-6. Hears subtle sounds at 2-in-6.
Infravistion (60').

EQUIPMENT:
10-foot pole, backpack, gold pieces (13,6), hand axe, plate
mail, rations (2), short bow (20 arrows), small sack, tinder
box, torches (6), wineskin, wolfsbane

ENCUMBRANCE:
652 coins-weight

----------

He probably needs to restock on rations, and he already took his share from the loot from last expedition.

UPDATE: Regnar has taken his share (6gp) of the gold, so total is now 20 gold and 12 silver.

Probably a Thief or a Halfling will came in handy

DM, I bought 7 day standard rations and updated the gold on the character sheet

Solid!
Feel free to drop in Gameplay whenever you want.

We shoukd restock rations

Ralina will purchase a 6-pack of torches and a small knife for carving/whittling. I'll assume the cost of the knife is the same as a dagger. So spending 4gp from her personal coin.

Amhal has six torches he’s absolutely willing to share, so you could save yourself a gold coin.

Apart from chainmail, sword, shortbow and quiver/arrows, Amhal bundles his meagre belongings (rope, torches and rations) in a small sack, and has a waterskin. But sadly, no tinder box to light said torches. That little box costs a whopping 3 gp.