Circle of Life's Red Hand of Doom OOC Thread

[Circle of Life]

Prologue (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=220146)/IC Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=234855)/OOC Thread/Die Rolling Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=12825463#post12825463)

{table=head]Player|PC
Fireheart|Charivaeri (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=341527)
OMG PONIES|Roni (http://coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=12062)
TekHed|Auran (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=337424)
Sallera|Faien (http://www.thetangledweb.net/forums/profiler/view_char.php?cid=53851)[/table]

Given the slow pace of PbP games, I'd like you guys to determine which of you defaults to the party leader if there is a conflict of interest, in order to keep things moving smoothly. This isn't to say that I'm banning discussion of plans or anything of the sort, it'd just be good to know that there's at least a modicum of leadership present in the group.

Also, since I just now realized that I forgot to mention this in the recruitment thread, there will be a number of measures implemented to keep combat moving at a fair pace.

Firstly, I strongly encourage if/then spoilers at the end of your posts dictating how foreseeable readied or immediate actions would be used, so I may adjudicate them appropriately when updating.

Secondly, when you're subject to an effect that forces a save, I'll be rolling that for you in the die rolling thread. You can let me know if I've forgot a mod (though your sheets should be accurate), but the result of the roll stands. Having fate taken out of your hands like that might not be the most awesome feeling in the world, but it's a difference between daily updates and twice-weekly updates as I wait for everyone to roll saves.

Thirdly, we'll be using group initiative on both sides of the combat. Initiatives are rolled, then averaged, and the group with the better average initiative acts first.

[Sallera]

That all sounds good. As for the party leader, it's probably Auran or Faien, but I'm not sure which. Judging from our interactions in the prequel thread, Auran is the most driven, but Vaeri gets along a bit better with Faien, at least philisophically, and Roni is somewhat intimidated by both. I wouldn't be at all surprised were a situation to arise where Auran and Faien have opposite opinions on how to deal with it, so... perhaps decide by whom the others would be more likely to side with in such a situation, all else being equal?

[Fireheart]

I'm good with either as leader, but given our prequel, I suspect Vaeri would support Faein over Auran if forced to make a choice.

In other news, I'm the FGOH at Stellarcon this weekend (not trying to brag.) so that means I may be limited in posting this weekend. I also still need to update the spells per day/known on the sheet. I'll try to do that soon. I will try to post in the breaks but I don't know how much I can do.

Feel free to rp Vaeri if you need her...she'll mainly be quiet and follow for a while.

~Fireheart

[TekHed]

Well, I won't make an issue out of it, but I feel like I have taken a leadership role in making the game happen through my sheer tenacity in promoting it (though it would be nothing without you guys so I SUPER appreciate everyone's level of commitment and sticking with me). In character, Auran is the one who has brought the group together for the mission, since it is his position that provides the initial hook to head to the Vale. I can see interesting conflict where Faien is taking the purely lawful route and Auran has to check him on making the good choice as well.

In all honesty, in RL as well...leadership is contextual...whomever has the best skillset to lead in a particular situation is going to organically do so. I think we have a great group of characters though so I don't foresee any issues.

I've updated Auran and moved his feat progression around, so the combat brute chain doesn't happen until 12th level (and the module supposedly goes up to/through 11). Speaking of which...I do have an excellent idea for a plot arc that goes from level 15-16 up through 20, so I'd love it if you guys stayed with me for that long. When the time eventually comes , if no one else is interested I'll probably just advertise for a solo or duo game to keep going. The further adventures of the Dragon-born... :)

Oh! And would you mind good Sir Circle, inserting a link to the prologue thread at the beginning of your first IC post? I love me some continuity...

P.P.S. I am in favor of your time saving measures Circle... just remember to take into account things like Auran's Defending Aura...all allies within a 30' radius of him get a bonus to all saves equal to half his CHa modifier...currently at +2, but can go up if he buffs with Eagle Splendor. Also spells like Prot. from Evil will be coming into play quite a bit. These buffs/auras aren't going to be on everyone's sheets so just have to keep in mind...

[Sallera]

Unless I misunderstood the question, we don't need a leader out of character. :smalltongue: I was considering the characters only, since it sounds like what Circle wants is a method of resolving minor disputes - half the party says left, the other half says right, etc. - without a lot of discussion.

Anyway, putting aside the expertise for the task at hand, there are two main attributes required in a leader: being willing to give orders, and being able to get others to follow them. It sounds like both Auran and Faien have the first, so the simplest manner of resolving the question is determining who is more likely to succeed in the second.

[TekHed]

Well look at it this way...Auran has a Charisma of 20 and a +15 to Diplomacy, while Faien has Charisma 10 and +0 to diplomacy...

Also, since Circle never asked us to change it, it seems like we are using Fury's Pathfinder skill consolidations, which I rather like.

[Circle of Life]

Just saying, I draw the line at diplomancing the party members into following your lead. This is supposed to be a group decision, not Follow the Charisma Modifier.

[Sallera]

Charisma certainly makes leadership easier, and as a purely mechanical representation, it's a good place to start, but a person with high charisma can still be a poor leader, and a person with poor charisma an effective one. I've actually been exploring that very issue (the latter scenario, that is) with one of my other characters, hence why I've given the question some thought.

As I said, the two main attributes required are simple - giving orders when needed, and having them followed. What goes into each of those, however, has to do with a lot more than how forceful and/or likeable you are, which you seemed to acknowledge in your previous post. How much do the people you're ordering around trust you? As a corollary, how much do they need to (i.e. how clear do you make the benefit of following your orders)? Conversely, how much hold do you have over them, material, emotional or otherwise? Do they have reasons for obeying you that go beyond the immediate consequences of compliance? On the opposite side of the equation, what kind of orders do you give? Do you take into account the personalities of the people you're directing, adjusting the level of oversight and detail necessary, or do you treat everyone the same way?

All of that is why it's a lot easier to simply ask the person who created the character whom they'd be most likely to follow, rather than trying to model their thought processes yourself.

[TekHed]

I wasn't talking about diplomancing. I was talking about *filters.*

See...my character is waaaay more charismatic and diplomatic than I, the player, am. Therefore, though I will do my best to portray, it helps if other characters keep in mind "hey, this guy is supposed to be really charismatic" when weighing their words. It's a roleplaying aid.

As far as motivations go...on one hand Auran is a draconic like the twins...but also an idealized representation of one...which as Sal pointed out makes him intimidating. So...I could see Faien being seen as the "safer" one...or not. As a magistrate, he presents a different form of intimidation for the more...roguish mindset of Roni...

Meh...do as you will...but realize that if anyone else asserts leadership in such a way as it would violate my Paladin's principles, he will have to do the paladin-y thing and go his own way. It ain't easy being good...especially when you' re bucking for a sainthood...

Edit: Just read the IC forum...did you read the Prologue Circle? We were on the train going after an artifact. You mention rumors that have lead us here but not what they are or who told us...could you please connect the dots a bit more between the prologue and the IC start?

Edit 2: Did you see my request to link the prologue into the first IC post?

[Circle of Life]

I have skimmed the prologue, enough to know you were on the train, the twins had forged tickets, etc., but as I've said earlier my time has been limited recently and the forums have been extremely uncompliant. What time I do have has been spent getting the game up and running. As an aside, I don't believe I mentioned rumors drawing you into the Vale, but rather rumors of trouble heard from within the Vale. I also mentioned that the lightning rail would be taking a detour around the Vale, as it's supposed to be a remote locale and that's not really possible with the largest form of transportation running right through it.

As to the precise reason why your characters got off the lightning rail and went into the Vale, yes, I could tell you why that is... but I'd be more interested in your versions of events. They're your backstories, not mine, and personally I'd never want someone else to write my backstory for me.

A link to the prologue has been added to the first post of this thread. I'd prefer if the IC remained link-free.

[TekHed]

Hmmm....


Trying to fill in the gap a bit...


Roni threw the rod off the train...so we likely got off and searched for it. When that didn't turn anything up, Auran would have gathered information locally. Perhaps he came upon a fisherman whose family had been killed by bandits...further investigation would show the cottage had been ransacked...but none of the neighboring huts had been touched, suggesting they had been after something specific. The trail of the bandits headed towards the Vale.

I understand you've been busy Circle...however I would strongly recommend you read our back stories and the prologue when you get an opportunity, as Auran's history and motivations are tied directly into Tiamat, the Dragons of Argonessan and the Chamber. It dds a very personal and very Eberron specific twist to the proceedings.

Thanks for posting up the link.

Do you guys all get what I meant by the charisma/diplomacy scores? I grew up playing White Wolf games where Social attributes were a big deal and if you just hand wave the presence of someone who is very charismatic/forceful of personality, its cheesy and tantamount to metagaming. Not saying anyone has to feel forced, but Roni and Auran *should* be seen as social powerhouses...otherwise stats just get relegated to mechanical bonuses with no effect on roleplaying...

[Sallera]

Yeah, that's more or less why I'd assumed we were here, hence why Faien mentioned your treasure hunt in the IC. Technically we're taking an *ahem* shortcut back toward Karrnath from Faien's point of view; he did agree to help, so he's sticking with you despite the delays.

And of course we're taking into account Auran's charisma; I'm not sure how you could think we aren't. Seriously, look at everything he's gotten away with so far. Just take a step back from your backstory, and read it from the perspective of the average Eberroni citizen. It sounds completely fantastical, especially in a world that doesn't even have verifiable gods, yet he's convinced a bitter magistrate and a compulsive liar that he's telling the truth. And on top of that, he's drawn all three of us with him on a save-the-world quest with barely a scrap of evidence aside from his appearance.

Yes, we have to take into account each others' attributes and skills, and we do. But it's just as important to play the character in a way that matches their own stats.

[TekHed]

Hee...well I'm doing my best. If you guys have any suggestions I'm always ready to improve my skills. :smallbiggrin:

So I'll go with my dead fisherman explanation then...

[TekHed]

So...just waiting on OMGP for Roni's response eh?

[Circle of Life]

That and word of sheets being finalized with updates, yes.

[TekHed]

My sheet is good...linked in my sig if you need it...

[OMG PONIES]

So...just waiting on OMGP for Roni's response eh?

Geez, sorry, I was out of commission for a little while there, but I'm back in the saddle. In terms of party leadership, Roni wouldn't look to his little sister as a leader...sorry, Vaeri. While he fears Faien, it's more a fear of what Faien represents: the long arm of the law and whatnot. With Auran, Roni looks up to him, but has to give him a hard time for appearances. He wants to follow him, but can't let the others know that right off the bat. So whether it's IC or OOC, I nominate Auran/TekHed as our de facto party leader.

As for my sheet, I just need to update it with the four Alter Self forms I'm allowed at this level, right? Hmm, anyone have any good forms with a fly speed, swim speed, or burrow speed?

[Sallera]

Alright, so Vaeri and Roni's opinions are split, and Auran obviously sees himself as the leader. Faien's accustomed to making judgements and rulings, but he's also used to working alone and has no vested interest in a leadership position, so should it become important, it looks like we'll default to Auran.

[Fireheart]

http://www.minmaxboards.com/index.php?topic=2811.msg33089#msg33089
Handly list of forms above...

I have a few minor tweaks to my sheet and I'll try to wrap those up this week.

~T

Edit: I'm fine with following Auran.

[OMG PONIES]

Since Vaeri's switching speech color, I decided that I'd do the same to match Roni's scales (and fiery attitude).

[TekHed]

I had been thinking before your colors were mismatched...nice to see them properly distributed now. ^_^

We do pack a mean little punch for a tiny party...Even more so once we mature as a team...Bard and Paladin buffs with Faien tanking and Vaeri on spell support...yeah.

Oh, Auran hasn't given Vaeri her present yet...

[Fireheart]

Oh, Auran hasn't given Vaeri her present yet...

Vaeri's/my ear's perk up. I do find it amusing that as the only "female" character in the party, she's collecting gifts. Roni's of course was brotherly backstory but Auran, too?

:)

I finally moved the Eberron books to my thumb drive so I will make every possible attempt to finish the Character sheet by lunch time today. Dang spells. :)

~Fireheart

edit: And as promised I have finished the character sheet!! Added Color Spray...figured it wasn't really effective at higher levels but it so would have been one she'd have taken earlier on. :)

[OMG PONIES]

"And my gift for you, Roni..." he says in his best imitation of the dragonborn.

...who I fully expect to be voiced by Liam Neeson. At least, that's the way he sounds in my head. If not Liam, at least the dude who does Optimus Prime's voice in the new Transformers movies (who I thought for the life of me was Liam Neeson). On a semi-related note, that's one hell of a time to roll a natural twenty.

[Circle of Life]

Update later today. Sorry about that extended wait.

Fireheart, Watchful Ancestors is a 4th level spell as far as I recall... but it's a pretty bad one compared to the other 4th level spells, so I have no issue with lowering it to 3rd. Of course, there might be errata for MoE that lowers it to 3rd level already, in which case nevermind the above.

[Fireheart]

Okay...any thoughts on a better choice? I was trying to find one that was Eberron Specific but I can go with Core/SC if there is a better fit?

I'll check the errata as well.

~Fireheart

[TekHed]

Fun Fact: Due to a massive fan campaign during the casting and production of the first Transformers movie, Michael Bay hired original Optimus Prime voice actor Peter Cullen to reprise his role for all three movies thus far. He has also portrayed the voice in the awesome videogame, Transformers: War for Cybertron and it's upcoming sequel. Autobots....roll out!

Re: Liam Neeson: Awesome! :smallbiggrin:

Attn: Circle, Re: Extended Wait: As you can see (and from the prologue as well), we have so much fun simply conversing in character, to make the waiting no big deal.

[Circle of Life]

I've been waiting for Roni's reply before posting, since Auran's latest statement seems the sort of thing that you don't just ignore. If everyone would rather just get moving though, let me know.

[OMG PONIES]

Sorry, don't wait on my account. I'll often post multiple headings in an IC post to cover things I've missed and allow the story to continue.

[TekHed]

or...you could just post IC instead of OOC... :smalltongue:

[OMG PONIES]

Posting at my in-laws' from my iPod means I lack the time to type up/format a proper IC post. Oh and also, you're not the boss of me :smalltongue:.

[Sallera]

Ride to guide mount: [roll0]

Oh, and I forgot to ask this before; what's your stance on mithril's effects? Last time I played Faien, the DM ruled that the category decrease also applied to shields (heavy to light), but that's not explicitly stated, so how would you rule it?

[Circle of Life]

It seems only sensible, so sure.

[Sallera]

Excellent, thanks.

And because I forgot to roll it in the IC, Knowledge: Local on these guys: [roll0]

Nope, guess Faien's clueless. Oh well.

[OMG PONIES]

Can I assume that the 1d20+2 initiative roll is Roni's, with a result of 20? Also, are we using individual or group initiative?

[Sallera]

Group initiative; it's in the first post.

[OMG PONIES]

Group initiative; it's in the first post.

Damn you, reading comprehension! I've posted IC; enjoy your free fire damage. :smallamused:

[Circle of Life]

Regarding Knowledge: Local: they're Hobgoblins! Aren't you surprised? I bet you're surprised. :smallwink:

[Fireheart]

@OMG Ponies,

Does that +3d6 count for spells also or just melee?

~Fireheart

[Circle of Life]

It's only for weapons.


[...]Each ally so inspired loses the standard morale bonus on weapon attack rolls and damage rolls. Instead, he deals an extra 1d6 points of fire damage with his weapons for every point of morale bonus that your inspire courage ability would normally add to the attack roll.

[TekHed]

If we have trouble hitting them, you should play regular IC (possibly with Inspirational Boost, swift) as well...the fire damage will linger for 5 rounds after you switch.

Also...does Auran sense them as evil? Just wondering...

[Circle of Life]

Also...does Auran sense them as evil? Just wondering...

Nope. Objective morality is one of the defining features of Eberron. These fine bandits are a solid Neutral.

[TekHed]

Don't you mean subjective? Objectively attacking, robbing, and/or killing unprovoked is an evil act.

Since Auran's detect evil/good is permanent just let me know when you introduce antagonists or I'll keep asking.

Are the bandits in the bushes jumpable or is that not a tactical option?

[Circle of Life]

Don't you mean subjective? Objectively attacking, robbing, and/or killing unprovoked is an evil act.

That's human morality, which isn't objective. Based on what is immediately observable, their acts might seem wicked or cruel, but you don't know anything about why they're here or what they're doing. Suffice it to say that I like the Eberron take on alignment quite a bit, and have a lot of experience making it feel more realistic than standard alignments.

Also, objective: "not influenced by personal feelings, interpretations, or prejudice; based on facts"

Edit: The reason I prefer objective morality over subjective morality is that any race could reason away anything with subjective morality. One race might think slaughtering puppies and burning down towns with human children in it is good, and by subjective morality, they would be Good-aligned. Objective morality subjects all races to the same standards, but they're based on universal principles, rather than human morality.


Since Auran's detect evil/good is permanent just let me know when you introduce antagonists or I'll keep asking.

I had already intended to do so, but yes.


Are the bandits in the bushes jumpable or is that not a tactical option?

You would first have to fly up into the trees to find a perch from which to drop down from, but after that you could do so, sure.

[OMG PONIES]

It's only for weapons.

Any chance we could get that to apply to weaponlike spells also?


If we have trouble hitting them, you should play regular IC (possibly with Inspirational Boost, swift) as well...the fire damage will linger for 5 rounds after you switch.

That was my plan, actually: switch to regular IC with Inspirational Boost next round for a +3 to hit, then let it linger in following rounds while peppering the hobbos with arrows. Speaking of: what degree of cover/concealment (if any) do the hobbos in the trees have?

Edit: I'm thinking of picking up Song of the White Raven at later levels. Does it make more sense to take a level in crusader, a level in warblade, or burn feats on Martial Study & Martial Stance in order to meet the requirements?

[Circle of Life]

Any chance we could get that to apply to weaponlike spells also?

Spells really don't need the help, to be honest. Whirling Blade, Ice Axe, etc, sure. Ray spells or touch spells, no.

[TekHed]

Posting from mobile, hence brevity.

Re: Alignment, sounds good.

Re: Battle Jump, I was operating under the principle that I could hurl myself down from flying, so as to stack diving charge and battle jump (which under DnD stacking rules is 3x charge damage not 4x). From what I have read this is technically doable, but if you decide to rule that they don't stack, then Battle Jump was a waste of a feat and I'd ask to reassign it. My build for Auran is essentially that he switches between an ubercharger mode and a tank/buffing mode...

[Circle of Life]

[...]nor can you effectively battle jump while under the influence of a fly or levitate spell or effect, as you have to hurl yourself down on your foe.

Battle Jump requires you to jump. I wouldn't say it's useless, given the benefits of the feat beyond simply doubling damage, but it's up to you. If you want to pick a new feat with this in mind, feel free.

[TekHed]

Ah but flight is not a fly or levitate spell. A diving charge is specifically no longer flying but a controlled fall...which by battle jumps wording *should* count as he basically drops like a stone from above. Battle Jump does *not* require a jump check (as does leap attack), merely that you initiate a charge by falling...say from a ledge or midair (by ceasing flying/diving). Anyway that's my argument and the one I based the build off of. That by the way is the *only* benefit of battle jump...the other benfit (charging as a move action) has been nullified by you (and rightly so) by making it's use a single full round action...there is no other benefit to the feat, making it useless to Auran by your interpretation. This annoys me quite a bit, but I won't argue any more if you're adamant. I'll just have to get my weapons enchanted as vaorous to get my x3 (which my way would be x4 at that point).

I'll ask you to reconsider, otherwise I'll be swapping feats...

[Circle of Life]

Edit: I'm thinking of picking up Song of the White Raven at later levels. Does it make more sense to take a level in crusader, a level in warblade, or burn feats on Martial Study & Martial Stance in order to meet the requirements?

Crusader nets you maneuvers that refresh automatically and the ability to delay five damage for a round, while Warblade gives you tighter control of your maneuvers and an additional two hitpoints over Crusader, but uses actions to refresh. Personally, I'd say it's a tossup as to which is best.


Ah but flight is not a fly or levitate spell.

"Flight (Ex):" is a flight effect. I'm not sure how it could be reasonably argued otherwise.

Actually, this point is currently moot unless I missed something in the recruitment thread, since Dragonborn with the Wings aspect don't gain Flight ability until 6HD anyway.

As an aside, Battle Jump also gives a +4 bonus on trip checks and grapple checks. It's a versatile, powerful feat, but it's up to you what you do with it.

[TekHed]

Tis true, about the flight, and the wings give me a jump bonus, though not enough to reliably trigger battle jump. My rationale is that once a diving charge was activated he would no longer count as actively flying, but falling (technically true, but real life is not our friend here). However Auran is neither a grappler nor a tripper so again, it is wasted on him. I'm not happy but I'll get over it...

[TekHed]

okay I'm looking at feats. Leap attack is nice...but won't work with Diving Charge, which I was hoping to optimize for it's flavor (and why I chose wings+mithril breastplate).

Currently I was going to take travel devotion at 6th (when I get fly+diving charge so I can do it every round if I want while active), then law devotion at 9th for extra tanking or attack bonus when I really need it (since apparently evil smiteable foes won't be as common as normal).

Then (assuming I can keep getting people to run for me, I was going to go for Combat Brute with 12/15/18, starting with power attack and improved sunder (also for awesome flavor).

I'm wondering though...Auran is pretty solid, but without the stacking of battle jump the way I hoped his damage output is slightly low for a melee type (partially offset by Roni's help, which also relieves the need as much for law devotion's attack bonus, and frankly...when Auran is all buffed up Law Devotion would put his AC past Faien's...which is to say really high), but only when he really needs it to be)...

so I'm wondering if I should revise to the following: power attack 1st, improved sunder at 6th which puts combat brute within reach for this campaign at 9th...Sacrificing travel devotion until 12th would hurt, but law devotion seems optional with this party...

Thoughts? Advice? Sal...you seem good with weighing pros and cons from your arena experience, so I'm most curious what you would suggest...

[Sallera]

I'd suggest not worrying so much. Really, we're playing a published module, here. There's no need to go übercharger on things; we're probably doing more than enough damage with basic Dragonfire Inspiration as-is, let alone when you add in the Badge of Valor and IC stacking. Just pick something you find interesting.

(Also, can you actually get Auran's AC over 33? How many buffs does that take? /hypocrisy) :smalltongue:

[TekHed]

Was it 33? I thought it was down to 28 or 29 now. Currently if I were to add law devotion at this level I could buff him to AC 31 in 2 rounds using 1 swift spell plus a standard action feat in the first round, then 1 swift feat and a standard action spell. Without Law Devotion it's only AC 28 in 2 rounds, spell+feat first round, standard feat in second...

As to your advice...Hmmm....Power attack by itself is boring...though sundering+combat brute is fun and stylish for a paladin who wouldn't care so much about stealing the enemies goodies.

On the other hand travel devotion is fun tactically, though of more use for dive-bombing than tanking. Law Devotion is probably my favorite feat in the game for it's sheer versatility and usefulness (need to give it to Shard next level to help with his hitting problem...and he will be an even badder tank, save for vs. sonics which the group is about to discover...).


I was hoping your advice would sway me...now I'm going to just have to keep pondering for awhile (though not too long since we are in combat now and my choice might help/alter the rolls...).

Edit: We should have our sheet links in the first post here.

[Sallera]

It's 27 base, but if I needed to, I could Rapid Meldshape and bump it back up to 33 with a full-round + swift action. I'd just be sacrificing offensive and/or utility power to do so, as usual (and it really is excessive against anything that doesn't severely outmatch us).

[TekHed]

I still don't understand how them shooting arrows at us is an objectively neutral act...

[Circle of Life]

Well, a) they haven't shot arrows at you yet, in fact, and b) I said their alignments are Neutral. Alignment is a compressed version of outlook, life experience, and actions. It's not defined by a single act, though particularly strong acts have appropriately greater impact.

Is a soldier evil if he shoots an enemy soldier while following orders? Is a knight evil if his liege-lord orders him to quell a violent uprising?

You've seen half of a single round of combat, having encountered a grand total of two enemies. It might be just a little bit early to be jumping to conclusions.

[OMG PONIES]

I must say, I really like Circle's view of morality and think it fits nicely with Eberron. To frame it in a real-world context, an allied soldier walks into a bar and kills an unarmed Nazi general. Is this unprovoked murder an evil act? Traditional D&D would say "yes, an honorable character would allow the enemy a fair duel, blah blah blah" while Eberron would take a more muddied approach.


Was it 33? I thought it was down to 28 or 29 now. Currently if I were to add law devotion at this level I could buff him to AC 31 in 2 rounds using 1 swift spell plus a standard action feat in the first round, then 1 swift feat and a standard action spell. Without Law Devotion it's only AC 28 in 2 rounds, spell+feat first round, standard feat in second...

As to your advice...Hmmm....Power attack by itself is boring...though sundering+combat brute is fun and stylish for a paladin who wouldn't care so much about stealing the enemies goodies.

On the other hand travel devotion is fun tactically, though of more use for dive-bombing than tanking. Law Devotion is probably my favorite feat in the game for it's sheer versatility and usefulness (need to give it to Shard next level to help with his hitting problem...and he will be an even badder tank, save for vs. sonics which the group is about to discover...).


I was hoping your advice would sway me...now I'm going to just have to keep pondering for awhile (though not too long since we are in combat now and my choice might help/alter the rolls...).

Edit: We should have our sheet links in the first post here.

Power Attack by itself might be vanilla, but it's far from boring. It's almost a game within the game, to find the right balance of sacrificed accuracy for enhanced damage. Combat Brute is a blast, and I can't wait to see what happens the first time Sol sunders an item Roni was intent on keeping or fencing. I'd suggest picking up Power Attack first if you don't already have it, then one of the devotion feats.

Law Devotion is one of my favorites mainly because it's a sacred bonus that stacks with nearly everything. However, it seems like your AC doesn't need that much buffing; seriously, between you and Faien, attacking Roni or Vaeri looks like a more attractive proposition in some cases :smalleek:. While attack rolls can always use buffing, you've got your charging bonus sometimes plus Roni's normal inspire courage. While Law Devotion might be a nice boost, it may become a non-issue. If you're rolling a 35 to hit, what difference does a 37 make? I'd keep that for later levels, when monsters and baddies might be scaled up to keep them challenging for us.

Travel Devotion, on the other hand, I'd take as soon as I have iterative attacks. It allows you to close a gap and full attack, sure. But it also allows you to move to a position that threatens enemies at the same time, which might make them think twice about moving to go after the low-AC spellscales.

So it's just my 2 cp, but I'd arrange the feats like this:

6th: Travel Devotion
9th: Power Attack
12th: Improved Sunder
15th: Combat Brute
18th: Law Devotion


Granted, I'd look for a way to snag a bonus feat so we can get Combat Brute kicking at level 12. However, we still have plenty of room to go before we get that far.

[TekHed]

I can take PA now to replace battle jump, travel devotion next round, and imp sunder at 9th. The game only goes to 10th-11th though, so combat brute would happen after, depending on if we can convince the others to keep playing in a couple years. :smallwink:

Or I can get combat brute by 9th if I sacrifice travel devotion... OMGP?

[Circle of Life]

Intimidating in combat is a standard action. Did you want to change anything in your turn in light of that, or just drop the intimidation from the end?

[TekHed]

Hmmm...when I looked up the skill I missed the standard action part. In light of that nat 20 I rolled, I think I'll skip the second move action and have him be stop at L8 instead. Thanks.

[Circle of Life]

Well, that poses its own problem, since "You can intimidate only an opponent that you threaten in melee combat and that can see you."

Third time's the charm? :smalltongue:

[TekHed]

Huh. Can't we just admit that the demoralize rules are lame then? As is, no one will ever use them... to be in melee range, and to have to spend a standard action for a minor debuff that only lasts a single round? I'd strongly consider houseruling it to either being a free action (like some other things, i.e. making a jump check for a leap attack) as part of another action, or allowing it to be used when advancing on an opponent as a move action (I.e. when cavalry is charging at you, its pretty damn intimidating long before they have closed).

Again, now that I've taken a closer look, I (and no other sensible person) will ever use them, outside of some fear based build that can stack on multiple fear effects in a single round.

Sometimes DnD is stupid and needs to be houeruled. If you'd rather not tinker, then really, there is no way for me to close the gap, and still have a standard action, which makes me wonder why you asked me if I wanted to revise in the first place...it takes me 2 move actions to close. In that case my only option is to close and drop the intimidate, though it seems a waste of such a dramatic post culminating in a nat 20.

[Circle of Life]

Intimidating can easily be made a respectable tactic with just the Fearsome armor property, which lets you intimidate as a move action. Throw in a skill trick here, a feat there, and it can get really good, to the point that it's one of the best melee tricks. With that in mind, I don't really feel like it needs any help. Out of the box demoralizing is pretty tame though, unless the party works with you for fear stacking.

And I asked because it was 5:30 in the morning and I didn't check your movement speed.

[TekHed]

Heh...yeah you're pretty snappy with your posting rate. Me likey. :smallsmile:

Fearsome property costs 15 large...a bit beyond our current paygrade...

[OMG PONIES]

I can take PA now to replace battle jump, travel devotion next round, and imp sunder at 9th. The game only goes to 10th-11th though, so combat brute would happen after, depending on if we can convince the others to keep playing in a couple years. :smallwink:

Or I can get combat brute by 9th if I sacrifice travel devotion... OMGP?

Honestly, as much as I love Travel Devotion, I'd say ditch it. You might not get a lot of mileage out of the bullrush option that Combat Brute offers, but it sounds like charging and sundering are things you're really keen on doing with Auran, so you might get to use the other two options multiple times per encounter. I'm a fan of the "one minute of pounce" effect that Travel Devotion approximates, but it works better with TWFers and the like than a big hitter like Auran. Unless you spend turn undead uses, you only get that for one minute a day, whereas Combat Brute is all night long 'til the break of dawn.


Well, that poses its own problem, since "You can intimidate only an opponent that you threaten in melee combat and that can see you."

To be fair, that clause falls under the section about demoralizing opponents (read: rendering them shaken for one round). There is no such disclaimer about an Intimidate check to change another's behavior. While that usually takes one minute, it could be argued that "Intimidating an opponent in combat is a standard action" makes no specific reference to demoralizing, so it could also be used to change another's behavior while in combat.


Again, now that I've taken a closer look, I (and no other sensible person) will ever use them, outside of some fear based build that can stack on multiple fear effects in a single round.

Imperious Command says what now? :smallamused: No need to drop multiple fear effects when one makes your opponents cower. Naturally, optimizers aren't content to leave it at that, so we layer on the fear effects. I'm particularly proud of my own attempt at fear optimization (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=10609622&postcount=104).


...though it seems a waste of such a dramatic post culminating in a nat 20.

I'm a firm believe that Rule 0 and Rule of Cool can play nicely together, so I support TekHed's statement here. Maybe he's so intimidated that he drops his weapon and runs off, but does so just to pull in reinforcements earlier? At the end of the day, we're telling a story together. It's my belief that the ruleset should always serve to tell the best story possible.


Fearsome property costs 15 large...a bit beyond our current paygrade...

The Fearsome property in Drow of the Underdark only costs 5,000 gp (and you'll find that its special abilities are more germane to the topic at hand). And if anyone does try to tell you that it's the same as the property listed in Magic Item Compendium, kindly remind them that the MIC was printed in March 2007 while DotU was printed in May 2007, so the newer version takes precedence.

[TekHed]

I agree...if nothing else, the combination of the flavor of my post and the rolling of a nat 20 (even if I was mistaken) should count for *something,* even if that something is just more flavor in terms of how my character is perceived.

Edit: Just wanted to add that Auran is more than 30 feet from everyone so his save boosting aura doesn't count for the others...and Vaeri is out of range for me to use Shield Other right now...those abilities are going to be best put to use when we are in a tighter formation...

[TekHed]

Also...nice build there! I have always wanted to play in a gestalt game as a Dread Pirate/Dread Necromancer. Combined with your build means when you kill your own crew to activate your abilities means that you can then raise them as zombies or skeletons to harass your enemies (or just kill them off if your crew already happens to be undead...).

[OMG PONIES]

I had actually considered going with a Dread Necromancer/Dread Witch/Dread Pirate with an ACTUAL skeleton crew for the same competition. However, I vaguely recall that some of the dread pirate's class features were morale bonuses, so they didn't mean jack to undead. That plus the fact that dread pirate (required for the competition) didn't advance casting dissuaded me. In gestalt, though, dread necro/dread witch would nicely take up one side...though you'd have to do away with the "can't have prestige classes on both sides at the same level" rule, but many people doing gestalt handwave that away.

[TekHed]

Still need actions this round from the twins...

Also...awesome demoralize roll for me!

[Fireheart]

Sorry! On my way out to breakfast and errands with the family, will try to get post in late this afternoon.

~Fireheart!

[TekHed]

*poke*

Still need Roni's actions too...Inspire courage? :smallsmile:

[OMG PONIES]

Well yeah...

[TekHed]

Ok, so Vaeri is the last and then Circle can update to the new round...

[Fireheart]

Sorry...work kicking my butt recently (anyone know a Brand Manager that's looking for a new job?)

That being said, I will try to get better at posting at night if I can't get it in during the day.

However, right now, I'm stuck. I can't get into myth-weavers for some reason and that's where my character sheet is. As soon as I get in, I'll edit back w/ an actual spell!

Sorry for the delay!!

~Fireheart

[TekHed]

MW working fine for me. Remember speech color formatting...

[Fireheart]

Apparently, I locked myself out. Thankfully, I had it as "keep logged in" at work...and I'm going to go now save copy of html. :)

Post edited for color and actions.

Thanks!
~T

[TekHed]

How do you lock yourself out of mythweavers??? :smalleek:

I want to not ever do that...

[Fireheart]

Apparently, I have forgotten my password, and then for whatever reason couldn't get the reset info sent to my email.

::shakes head::

~Fireheart

[TekHed]

I think the arrow that hit Roni was one of the two that fell from above...so you may need to specify target (preferrably not the one Auran is attempting to make surrender).

[Fireheart]

Oops... In that case, she aims at the one Faein is attacking.

~T

[TekHed]

Yay! Now we wait for Circle to give us postie-presents... :smallbiggrin:

For what it's worth, this Hobgoblin should realize he has pretty much zero chance to win one on one against Auran, as buffed up as he is, and with as good an intimidate roll as I just pulled off (again!).

[TekHed]

Ooh! Die rolls! I can sense a post coming soon... :smallsmile:

[TekHed]

Clarification Circle: Are the two new hobgoblins the ones Auran senses as actively evil?

Also, Auran does not wield a flaming sword but a flaming warstar...essentially a morningstar version of a warmace (think a round metal ball the size of a small bowling ball attached to a long haft...normally a 2 handed weapon because he is proficient he can wield it in one hand).

Like so, but with a longer haft and larger head...

http://www.mostinterestingfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/3.Morning-star.jpg

[Circle of Life]

Clarification Circle: Are the two new hobgoblins the ones Auran senses as actively evil?

If you want to concentrate on your Detect Evil ability, you'll be able to discern that. A persistent Detect Evil effect only functions as the 1st round effect, which tells you whether or not there are evil creatures in a 60-ft cone.


Also, Auran does not wield a flaming sword but a flaming warstar

Auran also wasn't the one who opened up a hobgoblin from sternum to hip with a flaming sword. :smallwink:

[Circle of Life]

Faien's attack is stopped dead as he suddenly finds himself unable to continue the stroke. This effect is similar to that of the sanctuary (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/sanctuary.htm) spell.

Normally I would wait to adjudicate effects, but this seems the sort of thing you'd like to know about right away.

[Sallera]

Hm, interesting. I'll go edit that then, I suppose.

[Circle of Life]

Regarding Spellcraft: the effect is actually the blessing of the dark queen invocation.

Blessing of the Dark Queen (Least; 2nd)
Calling upon the dark power of your imprisoned god, you weave a barrier of shadow around you and your allies. The shadow moves with you, mimicking your movements even as it turns aside the blows of lesser creatures.

As a standard action, you may create a warding around yourself and all allies within 10 feet of you for one round per level. All warded allies are protected as if by the sanctuary spell. Further, while the sanctuary effect remains unbroken, all affected allies gain a +2 Deflection bonus to AC. Once this effect ends for any ally, it is broken for all affected allies.

[Fireheart]

Faien's attack is stopped dead as he suddenly finds himself unable to continue the stroke. This effect is similar to that of the sanctuary (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/sanctuary.htm) spell.

Normally I would wait to adjudicate effects, but this seems the sort of thing you'd like to know about right away.

Can I hope that my spellcraft roll is enough to determine that? As it would likely change Vaeri's actions if she knows what it is.

~Fireheart

[Circle of Life]

Can I hope that my spellcraft roll is enough to determine that? As it would likely change Vaeri's actions if she knows what it is.

~Fireheart

Yes. See above post.

[Fireheart]

Cool. I'll wait for Sallera to edit Faien's then post.

edits: right..edited so I've posted...I hope what i've done/said is okay?

[OMG PONIES]

Are we afforded the same Will save as sanctuary to try attacking? Or has that already been rolled for us?

I see Faien's was rolled. Is it cool if I roll my own?

[Circle of Life]

I see Faien's was rolled. Is it cool if I roll my own?

Yep. filler

[OMG PONIES]

Sorry, crazy day at work. Post coming tomorrow...from a new laptop, if UPS delivers on time!

[TekHed]

merh! I'm so eager for posties in this game it's torture to wait!

[TekHed]

No lappy in the mail today then I take it?

[Circle of Life]

Ponies, you still with us? Computer trouble causing holdups?

Edit: Just noticed the signature. Nevermind then. :smalltongue:

[OMG PONIES]

Yeah, sorry--the new laptop arrived last week, but it's been busy. Now I'm getting around to actually using it :smallbiggrin:. Sorry for my double-post in the Rolls thread; I didn't know it worked the first time. Also, the Sense Motive Rolls are using the rules presented in Complete Adventurer for gauging the CR of an opponent.

Judging by the spell, I'm guessing that the companion hobbo has a decent Will save, so I'm mainly targeting the swordsman with my glitterdust. Still, everyone rolls a 1 sometime.

[TekHed]

Yay! Now Circle can update...

[OMG PONIES]

Indeed! Now I should be back to a decent posting rate.

[Circle of Life]

I'll be updating this later today when I have access to Photoshop again.

[Circle of Life]

asdfghfkj. So many [expletive redacted] 500 and 503 errors. :smallsigh: Rolls went through (after a couple dozen or so refreshes over the course of an hour) but I can't for the life of me get the IC thread to load to update. Will try again this evening.

While we wait, Ponies, correct me if I'm wrong, but the CAdv Sense Motive usage to gauge the challenge of an opponent is a standard action unless you have a feat that you don't possess. Am I missing something?

[TekHed]

D'oh! This is why I tend to prefer Mythweavers, where all our threads are in one place, our sheets are linked, and the boards rarely freeze. Oh, and the die roller there is fully functional, and the options are far greater for ooc tagging. MW ftw! I honestly don get why people like the setup here, where you need a link to your ooc to ever find it...

[TekHed]

Addendum: At the end of this round, Faien will be in range of Auran's save boosting aura, though the twins are still out of range.

[OMG PONIES]

While we wait, Ponies, correct me if I'm wrong, but the CAdv Sense Motive usage to gauge the challenge of an opponent is a standard action unless you have a feat that you don't possess. Am I missing something?

Whoops, I'm the one who missed something--namely that it's a standard action without Combat Intuition. Scrap the Sense Motive checks.


D'oh! This is why I tend to prefer Mythweavers, where all our threads are in one place, our sheets are linked, and the boards rarely freeze. Oh, and the die roller there is fully functional, and the options are far greater for ooc tagging. MW ftw! I honestly don get why people like the setup here, where you need a link to your ooc to ever find it...

There is one crucial difference for me: the setup here is not blocked by the proxy at my workplace :smallbiggrin:.

EDIT: Wow, my glitterdust actually had the opposite results of what I anticipated; I thought the companion caster's Will save would be too high to succumb to Glitterdust :smallcool:. Of course, I also thought the swordsman would be of the high Fort/low Will variety and didn't expect his little tricks. Granted, on my next turn I plan on spamming him with Glitterdust again. I can't see the map at work and I don't want to accidentally include any allies in the area, so I'll have to wait until I'm home to post...unless someone can tell me the center corner for a 10-ft radius that will include the swordsman but no allies?

Also, Sallera...talk about two opposite extremes on those rolls :smallfrown:.

[Circle of Life]

I can't see the map at work and I don't want to accidentally include any allies in the area, so I'll have to wait until I'm home to post...unless someone can tell me the center corner for a 10-ft radius that will include the swordsman but no allies?

Nobody moved yet, so the same grid locations as the last Glitterdust should work just fine.

[TekHed]

I think Auran has enough info now to assume these guys are bad.

[TekHed]

Granted, on my next turn I plan on spamming him with Glitterdust again. I can't see the map at work and I don't want to accidentally include any allies in the area, so I'll have to wait until I'm home to post...unless someone can tell me the center corner for a 10-ft radius that will include the swordsman but no allies?



Well Auran moved up, but since we are doing party inititive we can assume Auran delays until after the spell is cast. Otherwise a 10' radius is a 20' diameter and that would hose Auran as well.

...figured I should get a few rounds of IC/DFI in while it still lasts...

[Circle of Life]

Well Auran moved up, but since we are doing party inititive we can assume Auran delays until after the spell is cast.

Party actions are assumed to happen in the order that would be most beneficial, unless you specify that you want X to happen at Y time.

[TekHed]

Somebody nudge Fireheart...

[Fireheart]

Nudged.

Am I doing the math right and read that I am 35 feet from H2?

~Fireheart

[TekHed]

Omg, you stated your action OOC, but did you want to post IC to that effect?

[Fireheart]

::confused::

I thought I did. If she's not w/in 40 ft, she moves. Otherwise, she stands where she is and shoots ice darts (ie the icicles) at the second hobgoblin?

Is there something more I should do?

~Fireheart

[Circle of Life]

I'm pretty sure the "Omg" was directed at OMG PONIES, rather than being an exclamation of surprise.

Edit: That being said, the caster restored the Blessing of the Dark Queen invocation, so Vaeri will need a Will save to be able to use her spell successfully.

[Fireheart]

::shamefaced::

That makes so much more sense...

will save: [roll0]

Thank ye!

~Fireheart

[OMG PONIES]

Sorry, power was shut off for maintenance at my apartment. Posting from work now and will post IC, trusting that centering the effect the same way will not catch any allies. If it would, I will center it on the road so it only catches H1.

[Circle of Life]

Quick post to let you guys know that pressing RL issues will force a temporary delay in updates. I'll try to get the map updated the next time I have access to photoshop, but it could be a day or two.

[TekHed]

Thanks for the courtesy note Circle.

I know I'm enjoying the game immensely. Fun combat so far but makes me realize how 3 spells per day isn't much at all, and I need to save one for Vaeri in case she gets attacked.

[OMG PONIES]

I'm definitely enjoying it as well; I'm hoping your family drama gets resolved not just for my own selfish desire to play more, but your own sanity. I know how draining stuff like that can get.

Also, in case there's any question, Roni burnt two 1st-level spells to cast Glitterdust again. Thanks, Versatile Spellcaster!

[Circle of Life]

Forgot to roll spellcraft. Anyone interested in learning details of effects can do so. Limited time for updates, sorry about that.

[Sallera]

Crit confirm: [roll0]
Extra damage: [roll1]

[TekHed]

Ooh! Double nat 20's! Faien's not taking anymore crap! :smalltongue:

[OMG PONIES]

If H2 is already dropped by Faien's attack, Roni will instead shoot at H1, albeit at a -4 penalty (18 vs H1's flatfooted AC-2). I've added this to my IC post.

EDIT: Just a friendly reminder that, while Roni's bonus damage from Inspire Courage and Dragonfire Inspiration only apply to weapon damage, the morale bonus Inspire Courage provides on attacks makes no such distinction *cough*Vaeri*cough*.

[TekHed]

I do believe we are ready for the next update/round...

[TekHed]

Well I suppose everyone is busy for Easter weekend. Look forward to more updates next week!

In the meantime, have some humor:


http://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/and-thats-how-easter-eggs-are-made.jpg

Easter Peep Show:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3052/2358316450_1cbe4cd77e.jpg

http://i.verylol.com/1/my_butt_hurts_what.jpg

[Circle of Life]

The signature pretty much sums it up. I've been very busy. Don't worry, I won't forget to update this when time allows, and I won't disappear without warning.

[Fireheart]

@Circle,

Sympathies on the Family Drama. Family Stuff seems to making the rounds of my DM's at the moment.

No worries. If you couldn't tell, we may be anxious to play but I suspect we'll all hang around until you're ready.

:)

~Fireheart

[TekHed]

*Nudges OMG with internet elbow*

[Sallera]

For a moment his body tensed and the young spellscale feared he had been caught, but then the paladin nodded approval and turned back to the path, grimly stalking towards the farmhouse.
Tek, I know that's a very minor example of it, but you've done it before as well, and it bugs me, so I thought I'd point it out. Narrating other PCs' reactions is generally considered poor form; if you're going for a particular effect, or want to imply how something appears, it's better to phrase it in terms of the intent, or an attribute, of the action itself, and let people decide how their characters react for themselves.

[TekHed]

Er, I meant Auran's body tensed. I wanted to show that Auran matched his opposed roll, but ties go to the one with the larger modifier. So if Roni were to watch, it might seem to him like Auran noticed but then at the last second he didn't. Given the opposed roll and result, narrating it thusly is not describing Roni's reaction, but the result of the roll he instigated. It seemed a fair way of describing it.

I can edit it though to be more clear.



As Roni moved swiftly towards the dead caster's body, Auran's pupils narrowed and followed him like a hawk. As the young spellscale knelt over the corpse, the paladin's body tensed. For a moment it seemed that he had caught the roguish bard in his act of surreptitious confiscation, but then the paladin merely nodded approval at the others and turned back to the path, grimly stalking towards the farmhouse.

Howzzat? Better?

[Sallera]

Yeah, I got that, it's the now-bolded part I was talking about. And your corrected version is much better, yes.

[OMG PONIES]

I appreciate Sallera being on the lookout for player freedom and such, but I give explicit permission for TekHed to narrate any minor reactions of Roni's like that. We've been RPing enough in the prequel and here (as well as mentioning some things in the OOC) that I trust his notions about my character and especially the relationship I'm trying to slowly build between Auran and Roni.

[TekHed]

Thanks OMGP. :smallsmile:

[TekHed]

Found a portrait for Auran. :smallcool:

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/8154/auran.jpg

[OMG PONIES]

I like. Here's hoping that our noble DM is back sometime soon...

[TekHed]

Yep, except the eyes on it should be the blue of Bahamut.

I saw in another one of Circle's posts that his family drama involves some legal troubles/court of some kind which would explain the more extended absence. He did promise to come back though so all is well.

[OMG PONIES]

From his prior posting I assume that he's as dedicated to this game as we are :smallbiggrin:. Family drama is no fun to start with, and that's just compounded if it involves family court. Shall we engage in more philosophical debate outside the farmhouse until he returns :smalltongue:?

[Fireheart]

:) I'm always good with that. I've got two DM's with family drama-esque stuff at the moment...so roleplaying is always a good fallback for me!

~Fireheart

[TekHed]

Just chillin' and waiting for the boss-man to return.

[Fireheart]

Just posted some random conversation starter to try to keep us alive while we wait for Circle's life to get back to normal.

:)

~Fireheart

[TekHed]

Zounds goot!

[TekHed]

Well with my last post, attempting to move forward, I have inadvertently placed myself in the position of having to wait...

[Fireheart]

Oops. Sorry!

[TekHed]

...for what?

[Fireheart]

Starting up a conversation...that you can't participate in?

Though I suppose we could shout something at you...

:smallwink:

~Fireheart

[TekHed]

It was my fault for posting myself into a corner. I didn't anticipate Circle being away for so long...

[Fireheart]

Yeah...I can understand that.

@OMGPonies....do you want to take the answer to Faien's question?

Thought I'd let my "big brother" speak for once.

:)

~Fireheart

[Fireheart]

Yeah...I can understand that.

@OMGPonies....do you want to take the answer to Faien's question?

Thought I'd let my "big brother" speak for once.

:)

~Fireheart

[TekHed]

Hey Ponies, has anyone ever read your sig and messaged you to be in their game?

[OMG PONIES]

Surprisingly, twice. One died during character creation, but the other one has been a super-enjoyable PbEM game with a few folks scattered around the globe (USA, Italy, and Japan at the moment). Gotta love the internet!

As a heads up, I'll be away on vacation from 5/3-5/11, so no posties from me in that time.

[Fireheart]

Lucky..I dont' get my vacation until Sept! Sounds like we'll have a quiet week unless Circle returns?

~Fireheart

[TekHed]

Yep, and he will return. I have faith.

[TekHed]

Funny...usually going to someone's profile shows the last time they were on the site...however Circle's profile shows no such information.

I do hope he comes back soon, at least to check in with us...

[TekHed]

It's been well over a month now since Circle's last post. In a strange coincidence, I had another DM disappear, promising to return, who never came back (we found a replacement) on the same day as Circle's last post, only over on Mythweavers...

[Sallera]

Heh, yes, fate does seem to be against this little run of ours.

[Fireheart]

Which is truly sad since we've got such a good group of players worked out.

:smallsigh:

~Fireheart

[OMG PONIES]

I don't want to give up on Circle, but is it time to start recruiting a third DM?

[TekHed]

Well it wouldn't be the first time I've done so. Still, Circle had such a great knowledge of Eberron...

...I may have a lead on someone good though.

[TekHed]

So I have a potential DM to take over. He's on a family vacation right now but is a worthy successor to Circle I believe. He isn't sure he can commit yet but being a module makes it easier. He said when he gets back he'll take a look and if he can fit it in time-wise he'll be happy to, so keep your fingers crossed!

[Sallera]

Hm, alright, guess we'll see where that goes.

[OMG PONIES]

Fingers firmly crossed.

[Fireheart]

::crossing fingers::

~Fireheart

[TekHed]

So Dm got back to me. Said he is moving this month (having just graduated college) but that if we still want him, he should be able to pick us up in mid July. Everyone still patiently present???

I can say that he is quite qualified, with a deep knowledge of Eberron, and puts an emphasis on roleplaying, storytelling, and NPCs, which makes him, I believe, the perfect fit for our merry little troupe...

[Fireheart]

I'm still hanging in there. I like this group/characters. (even if we do seem to be DM cursed.)

~Fireheart

[Sallera]

It's no trouble. We're certainly no strangers to waiting.

[OMG PONIES]

I'm still hanging in there. I like this group/characters. (even if we do seem to be DM cursed.)

Seconded.


So Dm got back to me. Said he is moving this month (having just graduated college) but that if we still want him, he should be able to pick us up in mid July. Everyone still patiently present???

I can say that he is quite qualified, with a deep knowledge of Eberron, and puts an emphasis on roleplaying, storytelling, and NPCs, which makes him, I believe, the perfect fit for our merry little troupe...

Qualified, knows the setting, and puts as much focus on the juicy bits as the rest of us? Now I'm thinking he's just a figment of our collective imagination.

[TekHed]

Nono...he exists! (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/member.php?find=lastposter&t=241745)

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Nono...he exists! (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/member.php?find=lastposter&t=241745)

Yes, indeed I do exist. :smallcool:

Hello everyone. As TekHed mentioned, I'll be busy for another week or two, but after that I'll be ready to pick up the DM mantle. Hope you don't mind hanging on for a little bit longer.

[OMG PONIES]

Welcome aboard! If you should know one thing about us, it's that we are patiently awaiting a DM who lets us play these characters together. A few weeks is chump change to us!

[Fireheart]

What he said.

:)

~fireheart

[TekHed]

Looks like we'll be starting back up again soon!

I, however, will be away for most of the next week for business.

[PairO'Dice Lost]

We're baaaack! New DM here, reporting for duty. :smallcool:

Let's start out with a bang, shall we? A new IC post is up and the combat music is playing.

[TekHed]

Did you see the map above? It had the Farmhouse in it.

Were you able to read the prologue and all of our backgrounds PoD?

Lastly....I'm afraid I won't be able to get to this combat much until next week...I'm headed out to a conference for 5 days on Thursday and am preparing a presentation last minute.


Edit: Oh yeah, where are my manners? Welcome! And thanks!

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Did you see the map above? It had the Farmhouse in it.

Oh, I know it's in the map, I just don't have a copy of it to post right now; all the links for RHoD maps I can find have monster markers on them. As soon as I either find a marker-less map or Photoshop the markers out I'll put a map up, but feel free to post your actions in the meantime.


Were you able to read the prologue and all of our backgrounds PoD?

Yep, I can see everything just fine; I went through the prologue when I agreed to DM this and I'll be going through it again tomorrow.


Lastly....I'm afraid I won't be able to get to this combat much until next week...I'm headed out to a conference for 5 days on Thursday and am preparing a presentation last minute.

Edit: Oh yeah, where are my manners? Welcome! And thanks!

Thanks for the welcome, and it's my pleasure. Hurry back; I now have two games to kill your characters in run for you.

[TekHed]

Ok, just checking. Auran and Tiamat are...personal acquaintances.

I'll be back next Monday night but it might take me a few days to fully decompress. Annnd, I replied in the SotS ooc with my preferences which I believe means you're up IC over there... :smallsmile:


Hey everyone! Can we get 3 cheers for our great new DM? Hip Hip!

[OMG PONIES]

Hooray! Glad to have you at the helm, Pair O'Dice.

[TekHed]

If we didn't detect them, and they won initiative, don't they get to go again after a surprise round? Or was that not a surprise round?

[Fireheart]

Yeah! Glad to have ya' aboard!

I'll try to post something today.

~Fireheart

edit: Can you critical on a spell? We play yes but I'm not sure if that's a house rule or real rule?

If real, I'll roll the crit in the rolls thread.

Side note to Pair: I'm fine if you want to roll dice in the IC or OOC. Remembering to roll in the dice thread is nigh impossible for me!

[Sallera]

Hail and welcome, Dice!

Fireheart, spells can crit as long as they have an attack roll and deal damage of some sort.

[Fireheart]

Sweet. I'll roll some extra dice.

~Fireheart

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone. And apologies for Auran's more-than-warm welcome. :smallwink:


If we didn't detect them, and they won initiative, don't they get to go again after a surprise round? Or was that not a surprise round?

They did go again. That was a fire breath and then a readied action from one hell hound and a charging bull rush and then an attack from the other. Unless you'd like me to retroactively give the second hound Charging Minotaur so he can maul Auran again, which I'm totally fine with.

[TekHed]

Nono, that is quite alright! :smallbiggrin:

I'll try and get an action turn up today, but then I really will be offline for 5 days as of tomorrow...

Also, as Auran is hot-blooded he takes 1.5 any cold damage...with 1 point of splash does that round up to 2, or stay rounded down at 1?

[Fireheart]

Oh dear. I"m sorry. Vaeri will try not hit him going forward.

I always thought it rounded down in favor of the PC...but defer to DM, of course!

~Fireheart

[OMG PONIES]

They did go again. That was a fire breath and then a readied action from one hell hound and a charging bull rush and then an attack from the other. Unless you'd like me to retroactively give the second hound Charging Minotaur so he can maul Auran again, which I'm totally fine with.

Does the hell hound that bull rushed Auran provoke an Attack of Opportunity from him, or does it have Improved Bull Rush? From the SRD section on bull rushing:


First, you move into the defender’s space. Doing this provokes an attack of opportunity from each opponent that threatens you, including the defender. (If you have the Improved Bull Rush feat, you don’t provoke an attack of opportunity from the defender.)

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Every fractional value in D&D rounds down, period, regardless of type or source, with the exception that damage rounds down to a minimum of 1.

And yes, the hell hound has Improved Bull Rush. Monster feats are being slightly tweaked to make them more fun and interesting just like the NPCs' are.

[TekHed]

...unless using Tome rules in which case everything rounds up. :smallamused:

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Success! I found a collection of Photoshopped RHoD maps without monster markers! I'll put a map up shortly.

EDIT: My phenomenal image editing skills are now on display in my last IC post, in the "Everyone" spoiler.


...unless using Tome rules in which case everything rounds up. :smallamused:

You know, that's an excellent idea. Memo to self: Rebuild the [REDACTED] as a Tome fighter and his [REDACTED] as a Conduit of the Lower Planes....

[TekHed]

Just a friendly reminder, that every ally within 30' of Auran gets a +2 bonus to saves. :smallsmile:

[TekHed]

PoD you're up!

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Sorry about the delay, my dad was visiting for the weekend and I didn't have time for an update. The next one should be snappier.

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Success! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huQoDlHmqrE)

So concludes the first battle under your new DM, nice and short and sweet (and no one died, what a shame :smallfrown:). You may commence with the bantering and hypothesizing and looting post-battle remuneration efforts.

[OMG PONIES]

So concludes the first battle under your new DM, nice and short and sweet (and no one died, what a shame :smallfrown:). You may commence with the bantering and hypothesizing and looting post-battle remuneration efforts.

And the gathering of sweet, delicious XP? :smallbiggrin:

[Sallera]

Hm, posted while I was writing, so there's a bit of overlap in the conversation, but no matter. Faien and his horse are uninjured.

[TekHed]

So...maybe one more post from Fireheart, then PoD advances the scene?

[TekHed]

All swell PoD?

[PairO'Dice Lost]

All swell PoD?

Sorry about the delay, it's been a sucky week at work. :smallsigh: I'll have a post up later today.

[TekHed]

busy busy still?

[PairO'Dice Lost]

The sucky week(s) continues. Don't worry folks, I'm not abandoning my PbPs, my laptop died and I've been posting from my office computer and phone until I get the replacement parts. The module and my books are on the laptop, or I'd just update from here. I should get them in the mail tomorrowish. Further bulletins as events warrant.

[Fireheart]

No worries. We seem to have immense patience when it comes to this game!

~Fireheart

[TekHed]

Just a minor quibble: They are likely dirty from the trip, though not sweaty, due to Auran's Endure Elements spell...

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Just a minor quibble: They are likely dirty from the trip, though not sweaty, due to Auran's Endure Elements spell...

You're right; I was thinking that was just in an aura around him for some reason (probably a subliminal message from his name :smallwink:).

[TekHed]

I don't see that Auran has much to add, so you're up PoD!

[TekHed]

Will have to post up for Auran and Xavox a bit later on account of celebrating my birthday... :smallsmile:

[Fireheart]

Happy Birthday, Tekhed!

Question: how likely would it be that Vaeri would have papers? I can add them to her character sheet and post as such but am not certain how normal/regular they would be in Eberron?

thanks!
~Fireheart

[TekHed]

I'm noticing that there are lots of humans, and now a half orc (and previously a gnome).

Where is the Vale for this game? I know originally it was to be set near Darguun by Fury of Metal, but then Circle changed it to the Talenta Plains (I think?). So...no halflings around? Or did you change the location again PoD?

Just want to get clear on where we are...

[TekHed]

Fireheart you ninja'd me!

[Sallera]

Did Circle change the setting? I missed that, if so; I'd been assuming we were still in the original location.

[TekHed]

That's what I'm wondering.

I'm also wondering how PoD is going to be handling XP... :smallsmile:

[PairO'Dice Lost]

I'm noticing that there are lots of humans, and now a half orc (and previously a gnome).

Where is the Vale for this game? I know originally it was to be set near Darguun by Fury of Metal, but then Circle changed it to the Talenta Plains (I think?). So...no halflings around? Or did you change the location again PoD?

Just want to get clear on where we are...

If Circle changed it to the Talenta plains, I missed that as well. I was assuming the usual setting near Darguun, specifically between New Cyre and Sterngate near the pass in the Seawall Mountains.


Question: how likely would it be that Vaeri would have papers? I can add them to her character sheet and post as such but am not certain how normal/regular they would be in Eberron?

I usually assume identity papers are like US passports: if your family travels a lot, you probably apply for one when you're fairly young, but if you don't stray far from home you could get by without ever having one. You can go ahead and add them to your sheet.


That's what I'm wondering.

I'm also wondering how PoD is going to be handling XP... :smallsmile:

Whoops, forgot to hand that out. Everyone gets 1450 XP! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGE0P_jWWSg)

[TekHed]

Cool, I liked that location better anyway. :smallsmile: Early enough that there's no conyinuty issues.

W00t! for xp!

[Fireheart]

Will add them.

~Fireheart

[TekHed]

Just so you know PoD, we're the kind of group who could sit and yap at the table for another week or two. Whenever you feel like it, you can bump the next interaction. :smallsmile:

I also wanted to ask you if you would let my battle blessing feat apply to divine vigor and divine shield in addition to my spells...? I recently received some advice that they weren't so great as a standard action, particularly Divine Vigor.

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Just so you know PoD, we're the kind of group who could sit and yap at the table for another week or two. Whenever you feel like it, you can bump the next interaction. :smallsmile:

Yes, I'd noticed that, somehow. :smallwink:


I also wanted to ask you if you would let my battle blessing feat apply to divine vigor and divine shield in addition to my spells...? I recently received some advice that they weren't so great as a standard action, particularly Divine Vigor.

Hmm. Don't see any harm in that, so go ahead.

[TekHed]

Thanks PoD. I really like this particular paladin class/build.

[TekHed]

anyone else going to weigh in?

[TekHed]

Hey I've been looking at my build and considering where I want to go with it. Originally I was a Battle-Jumping Power-Leap Attacker, but Circle nerfed that so I switched to a Power Attacking Improved Sundering Combat Brute progression. However, it's come to my attention that Sundering is almost never a good idea.

With that in mind I've decided to take a different tack and am no longer going for combat brute. Seeing as how I've never actually used it in game, and my main sword and board style won't lend itself all that much to power attacking, would it be alright if I swapped out Power Attack for a different 3rd level feat?

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Hey I've been looking at my build and considering where I want to go with it. Originally I was a Battle-Jumping Power-Leap Attacker, but Circle nerfed that so I switched to a Power Attacking Improved Sundering Combat Brute progression. However, it's come to my attention that Sundering is almost never a good idea.

With that in mind I've decided to take a different tack and am no longer going for combat brute. Seeing as how I've never actually used it in game, and my main sword and board style won't lend itself all that much to power attacking, would it be alright if I swapped out Power Attack for a different 3rd level feat?

Go ahead. If anyone else would like to make any tweaks to their build at this point, let me know.

[TekHed]

I sent you a PM inquiring about where I'd like to go in the future with Auran.

For now though I'm replacing Power Attack with Protection Devotion, as I'll be really playing up the Aura abilities of the pally with him.

Edit: and you just ninja'd me with a reply! Going to read now... :smallbiggrin:

[TekHed]

You cut the ellipses off with your spoiler Fireheart. :smalltongue:

And, I think it is still mid-afternoon at the latest...so we might have a look around town first.

[OMG PONIES]

I'm looking at different feats for Roni. However, before choosing new feats, I had a few questions after talking w/ Tek. As we level, I think it would be better for Roni's Dragonfire Inspiration damage to be sonic rather than fire (though I like the "fire and ice" thing Vaeri and he have going). As such, I wanted to know:


Would it be possible for Roni to undergo the Rite of Draconic Affinity (Races of the Dragon, page 59) as is? In the text, it specifies that it's for half-dragons or those with the Draconic Heritage feat.
If not, could Roni take the Draconic Heritage feat as is, without the need for a sorcerer level? I could get around it RAW by taking Dragontouched before Draconic Heritage, but that seems like a wasted feat since Roni already has the dragonblood subtype.

[TekHed]

You don't need Draconic Heritage per se I think...when you take Dragontouched, just specify your ancestry. The Heritage feats are designed for sorcerers who plan to take a lot of them, which is why the bonuses scale with how many you take. At least that is how I've seen DMs rule it before with regards to Bards taking Dragontouched for Energy Substitution.

[OMG PONIES]

Unfortunately, that's a bit of a houserule. By RAW, all Dragontouched grants is the dragonblood subtype, 1 HP, a +1 bonus on Listen/Search/Spot checks, and a +1 bonus on saves vs. paralysis and sleep effects. In addition, you can select draconic feats as if you were a sorcerer of your character level. No specific heritage is granted until you take Draconic Heritage, at which point you get to choose a kind of dragon to tie your heritage to. The text of Dragonfire Inspiration also specifies that only half-dragons or those with the Draconic Heritage feat get to use the energy type of their heritage. Otherwise, you're stuck with fire. Using the RAW feat descriptions, Roni's rejiggered feats would have to be the following:

1. Dragontouched
F. Draconic Heritage (Pyroclastic)
F. Dragonfire Inspiration
3. Song of the Heart*

*Getting Song of the Heart at 3rd-level would mean that the bard levels would have to come first, thus requiring a reconfiguration of skill points since I currently have factotum at 1st level.

Using a Pyroclastic dragon, Roni would be able to use either fire or sonic damage with his Dragonfire Inspiration. Pyroclastic dragons are found in Draconomicon. PairO'Dice, would I have to use the above, or could being a spellscale obviate the need to take Dragontouched? I do plan on taking more draconic feats as we level (don't laugh, there are some good ones!) so I don't mind having to take Draconic Heritage. Fluffwise, I figure that traveling with Auran Sol the Dragonborn will cause Roni to explore his own draconic heritage more thoroughly.

[PairO'Dice Lost]

PairO'Dice, would I have to use the above, or could being a spellscale obviate the need to take Dragontouched? I do plan on taking more draconic feats as we level (don't laugh, there are some good ones!) so I don't mind having to take Draconic Heritage. Fluffwise, I figure that traveling with Auran Sol the Dragonborn will cause Roni to explore his own draconic heritage more thoroughly.

You can skip Dragontouched as a spellscale; they made kobolds dragonblooded, I don't see why spellscales should have to take a feat for that. And pyroclastic is fine.

[TekHed]

Yeah, PoD is pretty cool like that. One of the things I asked him about was waiving some of the silly waste-of-a-good-feat-slot prereqs. Basically anything that just gives you a small skill bonus unless it's a free bonus feat.

[OMG PONIES]

You can skip Dragontouched as a spellscale; they made kobolds dragonblooded, I don't see why spellscales should have to take a feat for that. And pyroclastic is fine.

Sweet on both counts, thanks! I don't want to ask for a foot when given an inch, but how do we feel about Draconic Heritage--am I still taking that one to snag pyroclastic and open up access to the other Draconic feats?

To clarify, spellscales are dragonblooded...the reason I'd need to take Dragontouched by RAW is the whole clause where it lets you take Draconic feats as a sorcerer of your class level. Without dragontouched, I don't really have that unless we're cool swapping in "bard" in place of "sorcerer." That's the crux of the issue, not the dragonblood subtype.

[PairO'Dice Lost]

To clarify, spellscales are dragonblooded...the reason I'd need to take Dragontouched by RAW is the whole clause where it lets you take Draconic feats as a sorcerer of your class level. Without dragontouched, I don't really have that unless we're cool swapping in "bard" in place of "sorcerer." That's the crux of the issue, not the dragonblood subtype.

Ah. Yes, that does make more sense; I'm AFB at the moment and thought you were referring to dragonblooded-ness. You can go ahead and treat bard as sorcerer for those feats.

[TekHed]

ooh....shiny map! :smallbiggrin:

Can you tell us approximately where we are standing/which number Gausler's is? By your description the woods are ahead of us as we face the river, so I'm trying to get clear on which direction the forest is/the raids have been coming from...

[PairO'Dice Lost]

ooh....shiny map! :smallbiggrin:

Can you tell us approximately where we are standing/which number Gausler's is? By your description the woods are ahead of us as we face the river, so I'm trying to get clear on which direction the forest is/the raids have been coming from...

Certainly. You came in from the north road, through the guardpost (the #1) at the very top of the map. You were escorted down to #16, Gausler's Brewhouse, then when you left there you walked back to the main road and took a left, so you're once more walking downwards with the left side of the map (and all the crop fields) to your right and the forest toward the bottom of the map in front of you. Soranna met you just as you passed the building near #18.

[Fireheart]

OOps. Okay. She's game for whatever.

As a side note, I forgot to mention I left for the beach on Saturday and internet is sporadic.

If you need to NPC Vaeri, feel free.

~Fireheart

[OMG PONIES]

So after our discussion, I'm considering the following rejiggered feats for Roni:

1. Draconic Heritage (Pyroclastic)
F. Dragonfire Inspiration
F. Draconic Claw
3. Song of the Heart*

*Getting Song of the Heart at 3rd-level would mean that the bard levels would have to come first, thus requiring a reconfiguration of skill points since I currently have factotum at 1st level.

Also, a rules question--since the pyroclastic dragon allows me to choose fire or sonic damage for my Dragonfire Inspiration each time I use it, does that mean that I could spend one use of bardic music to add fire damage, then another to add sonic damage...meaning I could grant allies both fire and sonic damage for the few rounds that both songs would be active? :smallbiggrin:

[Sallera]

No, it would still be your DFI effect, so they wouldn't stack.

[OMG PONIES]

No, it would still be your DFI effect, so they wouldn't stack.

Hmm, I thought the effects were different enough, like casting Protection from Energy (Fire) followed by Protection from Energy (Cold).

[Sallera]

Eeeehh.... maybe. The name of the effect doesn't change. But really, we don't need to make DFI more powerful.

[TekHed]

It should work that way, *if* Pair allows him to use both...but, usually you pick one weaon of your heritage type. I.e. a golden dragontouched DFI bard doesn't normally get fire and weakening weapon options, they just get fire.

It might be worth a custom feat though, like say "Inspired Energy Substitution" or somesuch.

[Fireheart]

Hey all,

I got a job! As such my posting may be a bit sporadic until I get the schedule figured out. I'll try to post as often as I can but if you need to NPC Vaeri, feel free.

Thanks!
~fireheart

[OMG PONIES]

The little ditty Roni began penning in the IC is his Blood Meditation for the day on Bahamut, allowing him to tack 2d6 damage onto other spell effects 3/day against evil creatures. Now glitterdust can hurt!

[TekHed]

Just dropping in to mention that, since Fireheart said she might be a bit busy/NPC-able, Dice can probably move us along to the next scene. As much as I do enjoy these quieter moments with you all, I'm hungry for more action and more plot!

[OMG PONIES]

Just dropping in to mention that, since Fireheart said she might be a bit busy/NPC-able, Dice can probably move us along to the next scene. As much as I do enjoy these quieter moments with you all, I'm hungry for more action and more plot!

Seconded. :smallbiggrin:

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Don't worry, everyone, I am capable of remembering that Fireheart is busy and I do have a slight grasp of drama and pacing. :smallwink: Next IC post coming shortly.

[TekHed]

We are patiently impatient. :smallbiggrin:

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Yay, forums are back!

So, as I've mentioned before, I tend to check the forums at work during my lunch break and other slow times. This week was particularly slow for reasons that don't matter and I probably shouldn't mention outside the company, but suffice to say it was slower than this (http://xkcd.com/303/). Someone actually broke out nerf guns at one point. And whaddya know, in a week where the engineering team has multiple hours every day with literally nothing to do until QA gets back to us, the forums are down the whole week! :smallfurious:

Well, at least now I know what addiction feels like. F5...F5...F5...F5...F5... *pause* ...F5...F5...F5...F5...F5...


Now, relevant stuff: How are you guys exploring the road? Are you walking straight up through the woods until you hit the Vale, going slowly and stopping at anything interesting, sending a few people off the road to look near it, something else?

Also, TekHed, waiting for you in the other game. If you have nothing to post at the moment, let me know so I can move things along.

[TekHed]

Yay! We're back! Love me some XKCD...

Maybe someone stealthy can scout ahead.

I was going to post in the other game and then the boards went down.

Also, I think it's DM turn in Mot9S...

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Also, I think it's DM turn in Mot9S...

Working on it. All of my games had players post right before the boards went down, so I'm catching up today.

Curse you, people in charge of the forums, for upgrading our beloved forums for free! *shakes fist*

[Fireheart]

Well, I suppose missing the boards being down was convenient. I'm back at the moment for a little bit today. I think I'm starting to get the hang of the new job and should be able to go back to checking/posting during lunches soon.

I'll check the IC post and say something now.

In the meantime, I'd say feel free to NPC me if you need to in order to keep the game moving.

~Fireheart

[TekHed]

Hmmm...in answer to your question Pair, after looking over our sheets, none of us are particularly stealthy, and especially not Faien, though with his melds up he has dome good Perception.

So, probably not the best idea to send a forward scout, because the enemy scouts are more likely to have Stealth AND Perception...though I'm happy to hear from Sal or OMG if they differ. As is perhaps our best bet is to stay on the road, and hope that Faien spots any ambushes before they are sprung.

Edit: Unless one of the NPCs accompanying us are more dedicated scouts...?

[OMG PONIES]

Roni's not adept at stealth or tactical thinking, so he's more of a "strength in numbers" kind of guy than a scout.

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Edit: Unless one of the NPCs accompanying us are more dedicated scouts...?

The Captain, like Roni, is better at straight-up fighting than stealth. The militia members are woodsmen with some stealth and survival training, but aren't necessarily good enough to avoid detection by Host knows how many hobgoblins; it's your guys' call if you want to send a scout.

[TekHed]

Hmm...what do you think Sal? You did have Faien put his essentia towards spotting...should he lead the way or should we send a couple woodsmen ahead?

[Sallera]

Faien will take point, since he has both the best senses and the best defenses, but I wasn't planning on having anyone range ahead of the party. Having a couple of the more skilled woodsmen scout to each side (although not far) as we travel would probably be a good idea, though. Mostly, we're just hoping to either deliberately spring an ambush or catch them leaving if they don't like the look of us.

[TekHed]

Seconded. Two woodsmen on either side, say, 90' ahead? (Easy enough for them to double-move withdraw while we move up in one roun).

Take it away Dice!

[Sallera]

I was thinking of having them parallel with us, actually. If we're not confident in their ability to evade notice, we shouldn't send them ahead.