SJ@'s 4Experience

[JSL]

The whip is something I just made up. SJ@ would have to approve or modify.

I see where you are coming from with the Cha-based skills and I think the abilities are set up just right for it. You can get Cha up to 18, which will be fine for skills.

I'd take Dazing Strike over Tort. Strike because Dazed is more useful than just extra damage. Extra damage only helps if it is enough for the kill, but dazed can help you get out of a tough spot.

I'd also go with blinding barrage over trick strike. The ability to quickly thin minions is important because if you are outnumbered you have to get the activation advantage back in your favor quickly or you will be surrounded and start giving up combat advantage yourself. Also, blinding someone gives them -5 to attack, which is huge.

Regarding Eyebite, I think it works best if you go the Cha route with Artful Dodger, etc and multi-class to warlock to gain the use of implements to keep it relevant at high levels. I think it is a great flavor choice with the whip and sly flourish; but, unless you go all in with Cha pumps, Artful Dodger and Warlock multi-class, by about 5th or 6th level when your attack bonus with it is only +6 and the typical Will defense is about 18, it is going to start being less of a go-to option and by 10th level, it will rarely work for you.

[Ragadolf]

Just got on for the first time today.

Will try to get my Eladrin Wiz written up tonight, but it's not looking likely.

Any major mistakes on Justin Case?
(Other than to hit with weapons? I have NO idea where/what the 'weapon prof' bonuses are!)

I love watching professional builders at work! ;) Unfortunately, I haven't read either the Fighter or Rogue sections yet, so I only know about half of what you all are talking about!

Laters-

[JSL]

Ragadolf wrote:

Any major mistakes on Justin Case?
(Other than to hit with weapons? I have NO idea where/what the 'weapon prof' bonuses are!)

Just barely had a chance to look at it. Hit points should be 10 + Con score. Surge is always 1/4 hp (round down).

Insight, Dungeoneering, and Nature are all Wis based skills - one of them is typoed in the class description.

Prof bonuses are +2 for staff and +3 for dagger.

If you are taking the high Dex, which as you already pointed out is redundant with Int defensively, consider wand mastery instead of staff for the attack boost. Otherwise, I'd consider moving that score into Wisdom so that you actually qualify for Expanded Spellbook (it requires Wis 13) ;). With higher Wisdom, you could also consider Orb mastery instead of staff.

While we're on the subject, I'd consider one of the following ability arrays:

Str 10 Con 11 Dex 13 Int 18* Wis 14 Cha 12 Orb
Str 10 Con 11 Dex 14 Int 18* Wis 13 Cha 12 Wand
Str 10 Con 11 Dex 14 Int 18* Wis 12 Cha 13 Wand

Note with the first two arrays, your Cha will automatically go up to 13 at 11th level just in time to qualify you for Spell Focus (which is great for an Orb wizard).

I know starting with an 18 seems a little munchkin, but I think it is almost necessary with the wizard because you are the one guy who should never be attacking with a weapon. Therefore, you will almost never benefit from the weapon proficiency bonus and you are going to struggle to hit unless you take every advantage you can. In fact, I don't think anyone would begrudge you if you went with

Str 8 Con 10 Dex 13 Int 20* Wis 13 Cha 10 Orb or Wand

just to get the extra consistency on your attacks at low levels.

As a human, I would also really consider the Action Surge feat because you don't want to miss with your daily powers.

I did not look too closely at the powers you suggested, but I know you are trying for a fire focus. I'd just be careful to make sure you have something in either at-will or encounter that can target each defense.

Oh, and didn't Justin Case write a bunch of books that were advertised in Boys' Life about 25 years ago?!?

[Aelwyn]

JSL wrote:

Oh, and didn't Justin Case write a bunch of books that were advertised in Boys' Life about 25 years ago?!?

I think they were from the Time-Life "Books Never Written" series.

As an elvish ranger, I do take issue with pyromaniacal Boy Scouts. On the other hand, are there any other kind? ... Boys!

*Rolls eyes*

[Justin Case]

Hey!
It's not ALWAYS my fault that when I get involved, Buildings tend to catch fire!

It's Usually my fault, but not always!

;P

[Ragadolf]

HM, I could re-arrange my stats with one of the above suggestions, and replace 'Expanded Spellbook' with 'Pact Initiate', and take Eyebite as an encounter power. That gives me an extra encounter power, and it's vs Will to boot!

Of course, if I did that, I would almost HAVE to take the wand implement, as I will never have a great to-hit with eyebite otherwise, because it's based off Cha. (Or not, I would mostly be using it on people that don't have a good Will defense,... Hm,...)

[Kriv the Crafty]

*Growl*

I would also take issue with rampant use of flame in a combustible environment!

Smoking kills!

[Neil Spicer]

Okay. So I believe I'm ready to decide.

I'll go with Brute Soundrel, Dazing Strike, Wolf-Pack Tactics, Blinding Barrage, and Backstabber. If and when we level up, I'll look at Improved Initiative for my next feat. And probably Trick Strike as my next Daily Power. I'll also stick with shortsword, dagger, and sling for now. Can you assist me in making those adjustments (with the final write-up text for the powers) so I can copy/paste it into my profile?

Thanks,
--Neil

[JSL]

Here it is. If you post your email address, I'll send you the file so you can copy it with formatting.

Celia Half-elf Rogue Level 1
=========================================
Initiative +3
Perception +6, Insight +3
Low-Light Vision
Languages: Common, Elven, (One Other)
Alignment: (LG, G, U)
=========================================
HP 24 Bloodied 12
Healing Surge: 6 Surges/Day: 7
AC 15 Fort 12 Ref 15 Will 12
Saves:
Action Points: 1
=========================================
Speed: 6 squares
Basic Melee Attack: Short Sword +5 vs. AC 1d6+2
Basic Melee Attack: Dagger +6 vs. AC 1d4+2
Basic Ranged Attack: Dagger +7 vs. AC 1d4+3 Range 5/10
Basic Ranged Attack: Sling +5 vs. AC 1d6+3 Range 10/20
=========================================
Skills: Bluff +7, Diplomacy +4*, Insight +3*, Intimidate +7, Perception +6, Stealth +8, Streetwise +7, Thievery +8
* Includes racial bonus
Feats: Backstabber (d8 instead of d6 for sneak attack)
Abilities: Str 14, Con 12*, Dex 16, Int 11, Wis 12, Cha 15*
* Includes racial bonus
=========================================
Racial Abilities

Spoiler:

=========================================
Dilettante: At first level, choose an at-will power from a class other than yours. You can use it as an encounter power
Dual Heritage: You can select feats that have either elf or human as prerequisites, provided you meet all other requirements.
Group Diplomacy: You grant allies within 10 squares of you a +1 bonus to Diplomacy checks.

=========================================
Class Features

Spoiler:

=========================================
First Strike: At the start of an encounter, you have combat advantage against any creatures that have not yet acted in that encounter.
Rogue Tactics: Brutal Scoundrel: You gain a bonus to Sneak Attack damage equal to your Strength modifier.
Rogue Weapon Talent: When you wield a shuriken, your weapon damage die increases by one size. When you wield a dagger, you gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls.
Sneak Attack: Once per round, when you have combat advantage against an enemy and are using a weapon from the light blade, the crossbow, or the sling weapon group, an attack you make against that enemy deals extra damage if the attack hits. You decide whether to apply the extra damage after making the damage roll. As you advance in level, your extra damage increases. Level 1-10: +2d6; Level 11-20: +3d6; Level 21-30: +5d6.

=========================================
At-Will Powers

Spoiler:

=========================================
Piercing Strike (Rogue Attack 1)
A needle-sharp point slips past armor and into tender flesh.
At-Will • Martial, Weapon
Standard Action Melee weapon
Requirement: You must be wielding a light blade.
Target: One creature
Attack: Dexterity vs. Reflex
Hit: 1[W] + Dexterity modifier damage.
Increase damage to 2[W] + Dexterity modifier at 21st level.
=========================================
Sly Flourish (Rogue Attack 1)
A distracting flourish causes the enemy to forget the blade at his throat.
At-Will • Martial,Weapon
Standard Action Melee or Ranged weapon
Requirement: You must be wielding a crossbow, a light blade, or a sling.
Target: One creature
Attack: Dexterity vs. AC
Hit:1[W] + Dexterity modifier + Charisma modifier damage.
Increase damage to 2[W] + Dexterity modifier + Charisma modifier at 21st level.
=========================================
Encounter Powers [spoiler]
=========================================
Dazing Strike (Rogue Attack 1)
An expert strike catches your foe by surprise and leaves him reeling from the pain.
Encounter • Martial,Weapon
Standard Action Melee weapon
Requirement: You must be wielding a light blade.
Target: One creature
Attack: Dexterity vs. AC
Hit: 1[W] + Dexterity modifier damage, and the target is dazed until the end of your next turn.
==========================================
Wolf Pack Tactics (Warlord Attack 1)
Step by step, you and your friends surround the enemy.
Encounter • Martial,Weapon
Standard Action Melee weapon
Target: One creature
Special: Before you attack, you let one ally adjacent to either you or the target shift 1 square as a free action.
Attack: Strength vs. AC
Hit: 1[W] + Strength modifier damage.
Increase damage to 2[W] + Strength modifier at 21st level.

=========================================
Daily Powers

Spoiler:

=========================================
Blinding Barrage (Rogue Attack 1)
A rapid barrage of projectiles leaves your enemies clearing the blood from their eyes.
Daily • Martial,Weapon
Standard Action Close blast 3
Requirement: You must be wielding a crossbow, a light thrown weapon, or a sling.
Target: Each enemy in blast you can see
Attack: Dexterity vs. AC
Hit: 2[W] + Dexterity modifier damage, and the target is blinded until the end of your next turn.
Miss: Half damage, and the target is not blinded.

=========================================
Possessions:
Adventurer's Kit (33 lbs)

Spoiler:

Backpack (worn)
Bedroll (pack)
Belt pouch (worn)
Flint and steel (pouch)
Hemp rope (50 ft; pack)
Sunrods (2; pack)
Trail rations (10 days; pack)
Waterskin (pouch)

Daggers (10; belt; 10 lbs)
Leather Armor (worn; 15 lbs)
Short Sword (belt; 2 lb)
Sling (belt; 1 lb)
Thieves Tools (pouch; 1 lb)

Wealth: 19 gp
Encumbrance (approx.): 62 lbs. Capacity: 140 lbs.
=========================================
Appearance:

Spoiler:

Background:

Spoiler:

[Alayienne Layshienne]

And now, for your mystical consideration, the mighty Eladrin mage, ALAYIENNE! ;)

Just thought I'd give him a quick workup. Tell me what y'all think.
I still haven't found half of the little details yet, (like AC/will/reflex/fort/etc.) But I think he's mostly ready to try out.

I haven't had a chance to decide which way to go and update Justin yet. I'll get them both done, and decide which one to run with!

A-Lay is very similar to Justin in a lot of ways. They differ primarily in their use of spells (A-Lay has no Fire spells at all) and the fact that I have decided to multi-class Alay with Warlock for the Fey powers tie-in to his eladrin background. If I go with him, I plan on continuing to cross-class and pick up more Warlock feats/powers to improve his teleporting and such.

[SJ@]

I'll catch up on the thread tomorrow night from the hotel. Hope you're weekends were nice!

Hasta!

[FabesMinis]

Remember Rags, there's no more Neutral alignment - it's now Unaligned. I like him, though!

[Neil Spicer]

JSL wrote:

If you post your email address, I'll send you the file so you can copy it with formatting.

You can send it to neilspicer AT aol DOT com if you'd like. Easy enough to remember...and many thanks for formatting and compiling everything. Character creation in 4e feels more complex to me right now, though I'm sure that's just because there's not as much common ground with 3e to make it easier for me to pick up.

--Neil

[SJ@]

A portion of the Elsir Vale.

Three posts swallowed thus far. I'll quit for the time being! More later . . . after dinner in beautiful Pendleton (it actually is quite beautiful in the early evening light).

[Dreamer]

SJ@ wrote:

A portion of the Elsir Vale.

Nifty!

SJ@ wrote:

More later . . . after dinner in beautiful Pendleton (it actually is quite beautiful in the early evening light).

Yeah, I figure Pendleton looks better when you can't see it. :)

[Dreamer]

Alayienne Layshienne wrote:

And now, for your mystical consideration, the mighty Eladrin mage, ALAYIENNE! ;)

Just thought I'd give him a quick workup. Tell me what y'all think.

It's interesting that you've got the tall-skinny-good-looking-wizard template again, but with "I specialize in fires" for one guy and "Fire is beneath me" for the other. I'm not going to comment on powers chosen or anything like that (I'll save that for the experts), but I would like to share my thoughts from a role-playing perspective.

Justin: Seems pretty straightforward (possibly an advantage in an exercise designed to figure out how 4e plays, rather than how a particular character plays). Probably more of a team player (actually wants to help, even if it back"fires" on him), quicker integration on that front. May tend to get in over his head, but seems like he could form relationships with the rest of the group.

A-Lay: Could be a lot of fun to play such a contrary personality, and it looks like there's some cool stuff to do with the warlock multiclass. Two concerns, however. #1, in a brief (with us, "ha!") game setup, you may not get to those higher levels and spells, which could be disappointing. #2, it seems like you would need some kind of hook that forces him to be part of the group, because he doesn't seem like the type who would spontaneously join a group like this (and there probably isn't time to work out issues from a troubled past or get over a long-held superiority complex--or perhaps a variant of Asperger's Syndrome). Also, with his personality, would anyone dare call him by a nickname? I sincerely doubt it.

I imagine you would do fine role-playing and combatting either one, so I'm not worried about that. And I won't be surprised if the guy who doesn't make it in the this campaign shows up in another game elsewhere. Just make sure you choose the one that fits the purpose of this campaign and meets your goals in playing in it.

[Dravos Stonebrow]

I have tweaked with my abilities somewhat and am ready to go. One note, Dravos is going to present himself as a Cleric. I'd appreciate if others would play along unless they have a really really good reason to know otherwise (like they infiltrated the Academy record vault and looked at his transcript).

[SJ@]

Dreamer wrote:

#1, in a brief (with us, "ha!") game setup, you may not get to those higher levels and spells, which could be disappointing.

I'm still in the "who-knows?" camp when it comes to whether or not to develop this into something more. The reality is, though, that this is going to be somewhat self-perpetuating if we keep fine-toothing things. A better way to put it is, who, after putting in all this effort to create fun, if not compelling, characters, will want to drop it all after a couple of encounters. As Nigel says, "None more."

I figured that as soon as folks started rolling up characters this was going to be more than a couple encounters. I'm still saying that I'm committed to two encounters, and I'll probably still be saying that when you're all playing third level characters.

So, I picked an AP out of Dungeon that I really, really hope pans out well in the likely event that this carries-on carrying on. Unfortunately the initial installment, while having some really fun encounters (I can't wait to see how this goes--I'm actually a little nervous), appears to have been written by a sixth-grader who didn't start on their assignment until the night before. Why they put this in the Elsir Vale and not Fallcrest I don't know. They cut-and-pasted maps out of the 3E "Red Hand" adventure whole cloth, complete with maps sporting old location numbers that no longer reference anything and new adventure locations that are not placed on the maps. And, I thought the AP was supposed to make things easier for the DM! If things don't get better by the next issue, I'm ditching this and praying that I become spontaneously creative.

Dreamer wrote:

#2, it seems like you would need some kind of hook that forces him to be part of the group, because he doesn't seem like the type who would spontaneously join a group like this...

I don't have a problem with A-sorry. A-lay is it? Aleigh? Anywho? not having a pre-determined hook as long as the initial battle then becomes the hook for him to join the party. I don't care how it (getting the anti-socialite integrated into the party) happens as long as it does.

EDIT:I re-read A-lay and I think you've set yourself up for difficulty, quite frankly. Not in intra-party strife (though that is certainly possible), but in the fact that I think you've written yourself into a corner. The last statement: he usually ends up helping the people who need it most. My question is, why? Figure out an answer, and I think you've got a compelling character. If you can't, then I think you need to tone down his prickishness until you can. My two coppers./EDIT

I'm going back home tomorrow. I'll be spotty late in the week, but I want to get enough going that we can at least get initiative rolled by the weekend. Rags, are you any closer to nailing down your choice? I prefer the Eladrin if for no other reason than the name. Justin Case was a DJ in Sacramento when I was in highschool. I'll take the anti-social Eladrin any day!

[SJ@]

Dravos Stonebrow wrote:

I have tweaked with my abilities somewhat and am ready to go. One note, Dravos is going to present himself as a Cleric. I'd appreciate if others would play along unless they have a really really good reason to know otherwise (like they infiltrated the Academy record vault and looked at his transcript).

Two words. Love 'im!

Also, it is very strange to see you writing from the other side of the table. I have a greater appreciation for the pressure one feels over here. Reading your character background put me at ease, though. This is a story, for goodness sake! In the words of Charlie Papazian, "Relax. Have a beer."

[SJ@]

JSL as Dravos Stonebrow, Male Dwarf Fighter Defender (m)
FabesMinis as Kriv the Crafty, Male Dragonborn Artificer Leader (a)
Ragadolf as ________________, ___________ Wizard Controller (a)
NSpicer as Ceelie, Female Half-Elf Rogue Striker (m)
Dreamer as Aelwyn, Female Eladrin Ranger Striker (m)

[Aelwyn]

Still an elf! ;)
(The hair just hides the ears a bit.)

[SJ@]

Oh, for the love of cut-and-paste...

JSL as Dravos Stonebrow, Male Dwarf Fighter Defender (m)
FabesMinis as Kriv the Crafty, Male Dragonborn Artificer Leader (a)
Ragadolf as ________________, ___________ Wizard Controller (a)
NSpicer as Ceelie, Female Half-Elf Rogue Striker (m)
Dreamer as Aelwyn, Female Elf Ranger Striker (m)

Sorry, Part 2! Or, maybe she should get a bob.

As an aside, I looked over the whip last night and if I understand the broad strokes, it's essentially a reach weapon (3 if I remember correctly) that does low damage but restrains an enemy (bad usage, but I'm generalizing). Correct?

I think from a gamist perspective, it works. It's simpler to say that a restrained opponent can't move. However, I'd prefer to see if some sort of pull mechanic could be drummed up for it instead. The enemy can't get away, but it can be pulled towards the whip wielder, or something like that. Perhaps that's what you meant by adding feats, though. I guess I have this little simulationist streak in me or something.

Also, I'd probably rule with the books on keeping rogue powers usable with a light blade, hand crossbow, or sling. At least for now.

But, though NSpicer seems to have settled the matter, I'd be willing to give the whip a try now or in the future, why not? Could be fun to have a female rogue whippin' it up!

[FabesMinis]

I think either of your PCs would work, Rags - and it seems as though this will be a more light-hearted game in terms of character portrayals (which is great!) it would be nice if Ay-Jay were more on the comic snob with a heart a la Frasier Crane rather than obnoxious and aloof. Just my two cents.

[Ragadolf]

Thx for the feedback all!

Re: 'Writing myself into a corner' With the Eladrin with the impossible name!-
Yeah, I think it was around 2 or 3 AM here when I wrote that part up. Definitely not my best prose. I'll revisit that today. Sometime,...
I'll probably change his name too. The name is based on a college buddy of mine, (Whose nickname IS ALay, DON'T ask why!) but I had already created an avatar for a test run of PFRPG named 'Allien Layshien', and for some reason, (It WAS 3 am!!) instead of dumping that character, or inventing a new name, I just took the name to the extreme. :P

Re: the name 'Justin Case'- I came up with it a few years ago intending to use it as the alias of a detective superhero, but never really got to use it. I'm not emotionally attached to it or anything. I can change that too! I remember local DJ's making life miserable for several people back in the day. There was a DJ named 'Commander Ken' back when I was in High School. And yes, My real name is Ken. High School was hard enough without all that nonsense added into the mix. ;P

Re: Justin's & Eladrin's powers- The eladrin's crossover into Warlock is entirely justified, Character-wise, as I intend to use that connection to gain powers that enhance his Fey-ness. (If we play long enough, as Dreamer pointed out!)

After looking at JSL's and NSpicer's thoughts, I am planning on making 'Justin' (Until a better name pops into my head) become a wand-wielder and also crossover into Warlock. But while I CAN justify it character-wise, it is more meta-gamey, as the primary reason for doing that at first is to gain another encounter power that effects will. (Warlock-Eyebite)

Re: Both personalities- Hopefully I can clear up any major concerns about the Eladrin by writing him up when I'm CONSCIOUS. WHile I do not intend to play him as an @$$#0!^, I did intend at creation for him to be perceived that way at times! The 'voice' I have in my head is not so much condescending or even arrogant, but SO entirely self-confident and convinced of his own importance in the grand scheme of things, that even when he's trying his best to be nice, he sounds like an arrogant schmuck.

===
EDIT-

Fabes wrote:

I think either of your PCs would work, Rags - and it seems as though this will be a more light-hearted game in terms of character portrayals (which is great!) it would be nice if Ay-Jay were more on the comic snob with a heart a la Frasier Crane rather than obnoxious and aloof. Just my two cents.

Thank you! Again, you guys can say in two sentences what I TRY to say in 2 paragraphs!

===

'Justin'-Hmmm,... If i have time after writing this book, I'll look at re-vamping him as a Tiefling. That wouldn't change anything major, but might make a better 'hook' for the character. Let me see,...

As it is obvious to any one whose read a single one of the novels, 'Justin' is blatantly and completely based on Harry Dresden. As I mentioned earlier, my first impression of 4E's magic system was that it fit perfectly with the way the Harry Dresden novels are written. So that character will, in my mind, (hopefully) fit perfectly with my attempt to master this new system! ;P

In short (TOO LATE- HAH!) I'll probably play 'Harry' I mean 'Justin', I mean,... What's his name! While Harry Dresden is pretty clever, after playing the over-analytical Sli for so long, it'll be nice to play a guy whose pretty much a 'blast first, ask questions if there's anything left' type for a change of pace! :D (And, I am seriously out of practice at playing 'Haughty Snob with a heart', Hmm, when do those Frazier re-runs come on at night?!?,...) ;)

[Ragadolf]

Ok, I REFUSE to add anything else onto that last post! ;P

So, the new rituals that popped up on the WotC website last night.
Anyone else interested in having a few more choices?
And Sant, are they fair game?

also, clarification on rules please.

I understand that you can swap out POWERS as you climb levels. (trade in a lvl one at-will power for a lvl 4 at-will power, etc) But can you also trade in FEATS? Or once chosen, are they your forever, like 3E?

Thx all,

Laters!

[FabesMinis]

PHB p28 - feats can be retrained (but see the restrictions on that page)

[SJ@]

Ragadolf wrote:

Ok, I REFUSE to add anything else onto that last post! ;P

So, the new rituals that popped up on the WotC website last night.
Anyone else interested in having a few more choices?
And Sant, are they fair game?

Yes. As long as they are from the WoTC website and not some dude's 4E blog or messageboard post, I have no problem with it. I'll check them out when I've got more time (read: at the airport tonight).

Ragadolf wrote:

also, clarification on rules please.

I understand that you can swap out POWERS as you climb levels. (trade in a lvl one at-will power for a lvl 4 at-will power, etc) But can you also trade in FEATS? Or once chosen, are they your forever, like 3E?

Thx all,

Laters!

I'll have to look in the PHB on this (again, I'm spending more time looking at monsters and combat than character powers/skills/feats, etc.). I thought retraining applied to feats as well, but someone who has a PHB handy should chime in here.

EDIT: Thanks Fabes!

Either character you choose (and whatever you name him), I'm glad you're in. This is gonna be fun.

[JSL]

Ragadolf wrote:

After looking at JSL's and NSpicer's thoughts, I am planning on making 'Justin' (Until a better name pops into my head) become a wand-wielder and also crossover into Warlock. But while I CAN justify it character-wise, it is more meta-gamey, as the primary reason for doing that at first is to gain another encounter power that effects will. (Warlock-Eyebite)

I think Justin would make a better Hellock than Feylock. More fire. Fire. Heh heh! But you'd have to give him a decent Con score, which could spread you a little thin.

As an aside, I think it is intentional that there is little crossover between Wizard and Warlock primary abilities. It doesn't make multi-classing impossible, but it does mean that you almost have to have the right race (i.e., one with an Int bonus and a Cha or Con bonus) and be committed to using a Wand as your implement, which will encourage you to have a high Dex. So after Int, Con|Cha, and Dex take your best scores, your Wis and Cha|Con will be average, at best. This makes for a very effective blaster wizard, but a less effective control/condition wizard.

[Ragadolf]

Thanks Fabes (& all),

OK, Another clarification please.

According to pg 28 of the PHB, and the character advancement chart on pg 29, You can only swap out a power with one of the SAME Type AND LEVEL as the one being swapped! If I'm reading it right, you cannot swap out a low lvl (1st lvl) power with a higher lvl power until 13th level!

Also, according to the basic advancement chart on Pg 29, you NEVER know more than 2 at-will powers at a time. (Barring things like Human's bonus power, etc.)

What am I missing here? Are there other charts for each class somewhere?
I know from reading the Wiz section that I can have more Daily powers in my spellbook than I can cast per day, so I get to choose which one to 'memorize'. But I'm confused now,... (more than usual I mean!)

IF you can never have more than 2 at-will powers, AND you can't trade up for a more powerful level power until 13th level, HOW do you get those at-will attack powers that are between lvl 2 and 13????

I'm thinking a different chart might be more useful than pg 29.??? Because there's obviously something I'm missing!

[FabesMinis]

There are no more at will powers after Level 1, so the question is moot. I.e. the only at will powers are Level 1 ones, so it's never going to be the case that you will take higher level ones (as no such thing exists).

It's all going to be fine, honestly... Uncle Fabes is here to help. :D

[Ragadolf]

FabesMinis wrote:

There are no more at will powers after Level 1, so the question is moot. I.e. the only at will powers are Level 1 ones, so it's never going to be the case that you will take higher level ones (as no such thing exists).

It's all going to be fine, honestly... Uncle Fabes is here to help. :D

ROFL,... 'Oh THANK you Uncle Fabes!' heheh,... ;)

[Ragadolf]

Um,... somehow that didn't READ as well as it SOUNDED when I typed it.
It was supposed to be a GOOD laugh, as in 'Thx Fabes!'

Just wanted to make sure,...

Meh, off to decide whether to destroy our enemies with fire or cold,... ;)

[Kriv the Crafty]

It is within my capabilities to breath forth a cone of elemental flame upon our foes.

*burp* Excuse me... ah, I appear to have singed your hat. So sorry.

[Ragadolf]

ROFLMAO!
Ah,... Thx, I needed that! :)

[FabesMinis]

Are you any closer to deciding, old chap?

Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To know that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.

Robert Frost Fire and Ice

[SJ@]

I submit to you, The Antler and Thistle! Please make your way to the game thread and begin RPing as you desire--get in to character and kick the tires. My post sets the stage, it is your job to occupy it and bring yourselves together. If you want to have this be the very first time you've met, so be it. If you are meeting each other at the tavern but have met before, so be it. Decide here or decide there, it make no difference to me.

Game on!

[FabesMinis]

In contrast to Runelords I'd quite like to already know at least some of the group in particular Aelwyn and Dravos as we already have banter going. Perhaps the three of them are already a group?

[Dravos Stonebrow]

I'll save ya a spot at the table, then - though I don't have an egg handy for ya to sit on. Maybe ya can borrow one from the cook. :)

[JSL]

Seriously, though, Dravos may have stopped to buy some supplies upon arriving in town. Not wanting to attract the attention of the local dwarf community, he would have gone though a non-dwarf artisan/guild/merchant and possibly met Kriv there. Not wanting to arouse suspicion, he would make noises like "I'm just passing through and need some trail gear an' mountaineering supplies." You might be surprised to see him still in town a day or two later.

[Ragadolf]

Hey, I know I'm blind and all, but WHERE can I find the rules on figuring out a character's 'active/passive' spot rolls and such?!?

Once I finish tweaking that, (AND a couple of other things), I think you may find someone else wandering in,... ;)

[Ben Blackstone]

Ladies and gentlemen,

I give you, the new, IMPROVED, 'Justin Case',...

BENJAMIN BLACKSTONE!

STILL not sure I have all the little niggling details correct, but check out the background. I even managed to steal,.. I mean come up with!, a perfectly legitimate explanation for his Warlock feat! ;P

Sant~

Spoiler:

Help me with a reason to walk into the bar 'on cue' please? He is a 'Wiz for Hire', he may be looking for someone, trying to track someone, or something, down, (NOT necessarily one of the group!) or just stopping by to whet his whistle from one case to the next. I'll probably use that if you can't dream up a 'case' for me! But It's 1am, here, (AGAIN!) and i'm just too tired to come up with anything else tonight!

Will correct his gold and items when I awaken.

Thx all!

Laters!

[FabesMinis]

Passive Insight and Perception are your bonus to those skills added to 10.

[Neil Spicer]

Sant,

I'll need to have Ceelie be a late-arriver. I found temporary internet access here at GenCon, but it will be spotty at best. If the group leaves the bar, then let's figure another way to introduce her when I get back.

Thanks,
--Neil

P.S. I still need to work on her background, but I've been toying with the idea that she and Dravos might know one another. Maybe they served time together at guard duty and such for caravans, etc.?

[FabesMinis]

kriv's comment about meeting some guy can either be taken as meeting Ben or meeting Dravos, or maybe meeting an NPC of some kind. It's up to whoever wants to run with it.

[Dreamer]

I finally came up with appearance and background for Aelwyn. It's admittedly pretty generic (and was written in the wee hours), but let me know what you think.

[Ragadolf]

FabesMinis wrote:

kriv's comment about meeting some guy can either be taken as meeting Ben or meeting Dravos, or maybe meeting an NPC of some kind. It's up to whoever wants to run with it.

That's cool. I've been looking for my 'hook'. I AM a 'Wiz-for-hire', maybe I set up a meeting because I think you might know something about a case I'm on? (You seem pretty self-sufficient, I doubt you'd need to hire me!)

I was thinking maybe Ben was from Brindol, on account of I see him as a city guy, not a big fan of hiking or camp-outs. If so I would need a reason for him to be ALL the way over here in Drellin's Ferry!

Or, He could be from Terrelton, (it IS bigger than Drellin's Ferry!) where he has set himself up as the town's 'Resident Mage'. That wouldn't be as much travel.

Meh, I'll figger it out,... Eventually!
See ya inside!

[Dreamer]

My guess is that this is a "Seven Samurai" situation -- town doesn't have an army, but maybe a small band of heroes can rescue it.

Is a Wizard-for-Hire in good standing in the community, or is he in trouble? Is he incognito? Or is he a shameless schmoozer passing his business card around to every living being? Is he between jobs and moonlighting as an entertainer? Is he going to be practicing (hopefully, not burning down the tavern; it needs to stand until the nearly-dead-guy with a map pinned to his back with a dagger falls onto the table) -- and impress the passing band of heroes?

Is he playing cards across the room from the initial gathering and just about to get in trouble for performing a card trick in the middle of the poker game? (I love that one with the five aces!) In that case, he could be thrown out by anyone. We could have a good old-fashioned western saloon brawl!

The rest of us don't seem to be locals. Does Ben have local knowledge or a theory about the goblins that he's trying to get people to buy into?

Did his Uncle Harry send him with a secret message or a letter of recommendation to someone in town or a patron of the tavern? What happened to Uncle Harry, anyway? I haven't heard from or about him in years...

EDIT: Just looked it up on imdb.com. Harry Blackstone, the magician, died of pancreatic cancer in 1997 at the age of 63. Sad. I liked him!

[SJ@]

NSpicer: don't sweat it. I'm pretty much out-of-commission after this post until Monday. Have a safe trip back, and have fun at Gen Con (lucky dog).

Rags: I've just thrust you into the room. Please read the spoiler in the game thread that I've written for Dravos--base your actions appropriately. You are seated in O-3, the dwarf in O-4, and the other human in M-3.

This spoiler is for Rags ONLY:

Spoiler:

The Dwarf's name is Adronsius. He is an alchemist, and his potions, elixirs, and admixtures have gotten you out of a spot a time or two. He is sharp and an accomplished gambler. Though happy with his profession, he's always looking for an angle or a cut of the take. You consider him a long-time associate and friend (think of him as Angel to your Jim Rockford, but less self-centered and more reliable).

The other human is a young man named Hestas or "Hess" for short; he is Adronsius's apprentice. He's likable enough in an uninteresting way. Earnest, hard-working, and loyal to the dwarf, Hess is a bit star-struck around you and does not hide it well. In fact, he doesn't hide anything well, and you'd trust him with a secret about as much as a sieve to hold water. Adronsius usually stops Hess from losing his whole week's salary when he sits at the table and plays with you both.

Though you know both men well and often play cards with them a Earod's place, feel free to come up with a reason why you might be here with them on other business. Perhaps Hess is in trouble and needs you help? Get creative. Adronsius becomes part of the plot in the near future, so don't write about him overmuch. Otherwise, have at it!

Note, you see Dravos look over his shoulder as he makes his way from the bar to the table in the opposite corner. Once he gets to his table, however, you suffer the same line-of-sight problem that he does. He's behind the fireplace.

My to-do list includes writing-up Aelwyn's Streetwise check. Sorry Dreamer, I might not get to that until Monday if I can't do it right now. We'll see.

Have a good weekend, folks. Nice RPing, and great start!

[Ragadolf]

Lovely!
Thanks for the wonderful ideas Dreamer! THAT is the kind of thinking I USED to be able to do! ;P

Thanks Sant, I think I can take it from here.
Have a good weekend, see you all Monday if not sooner!

Laters!

[Ragadolf]

(Sigh) Started writing a post at 11:30pm last night.

At 1:30 AM I realized I was trying to write a book! As much as I enjoy writing, (and I like to think that I have my moments of brilliance,) I know that my skill level is no where NEAR good enough to be trying to write a book! (Yet,... ;P )

So, will try again later today/tonite with a,... less ambitious, (IE='more realistic') post!

Laters!

EDIT-I figure that those at the table are playing the Dragon-card game from WotC. (I HAVE the game, but have never gotten to play it!) I will look at the name when I get home, but it is a deck of cards that are all made up of dragons of various colors, both good and evil. All of the numbers of the suites of dragon cards do not run consecutive. There are also a tiamat card, a bahumat card, as well as 3 or 4 'adventurer' cards (Warrior, thief, etc) The goal is to build a 'flight of dragons' on the table in front of you before your opponents. Sant's description set me off, because in the game you can take cards from other player's, etc. OUch! Just gave myself a headache trying to figure out how we could play the game in PbP! ;P