Rise of the Runelords OOC

[CasualViking]

Lizuga is ready to make attacks of opportunity at reach, +8 to hit, 1d12+5+1d6, combat reflexes and +1 dex mod.

[CasualViking]

Encouraging Roar only lasts for 1 round, it shouldn't apply to Lebwen's last turn.

[DrK]

I appear to have invented a new dice in error.
- redoing the damage code on the attack (4d6+7)[22]

[CasualViking]

Climb check for Lizuga's last turn (1d20+2)[22]

[CasualViking]

Lizuga's strike heals Adalbert and Lebwen for 5 each.

[Spore]

Maybe it is a bad time right now, but Adalbert feels kind of boring/annoying in open combat, and even in most social scenarios. I have had this before, where my Lore Oracle pushed the limits of what the DM knew about his story and world, because a 50 in knowledge is bound to turn up SOME results, basically showing me the white outlines where the story has not been written yet. In a similar fashion I feel pretty useless in combat, or more like a buff dispenser, which was something I did too myself. But being a 2/3 caster I cannot be generous with my spells but rather use them for key events.

I have long eyed the opportunity or possibility of rebuilding Adalbert within Spheres (as you all seem to really enjoy it), as a full caster with divination skills, buff abilities (that emulate the performance) and with a bit more oomph (I am thinking the Wrath pool as an excuse for some destruction sphere stuff). Would you prefer I retired Adalbert or rebuilt him?

The question is aimed at the DM, but also at the players, because I simply don't care for Adalbert in his current iteration (I don't hate him mechanically, but combat really is a slog).

[u-b]

I'm not inclined to learn Spheres at the moment and don't want to be completely clueless how the characters I DM work mechanically. Lizuga and Justin are PoW, which is, basically, a ToB on steroids, so at least somewhat familiar even if do not read respective classes. I don't see that much of a problem in Adalbert being of limited use in combat. At least, not more that in Justin struggling to help with research. You can't be good at everything, huh? The only thing is that combat takes more time to resolve, so yeah, some problem with it. Eventually, you'll stack Good Hope and Haste, so that's two more rounds right there. Throw in some Grease, which you probably should, and that would last you most fights. Isn't this what bards do in combat? I mean, not dealing damage, right? The "buff dispenser" role is what it says on the tin.

[Spore]

That stuff is not Spheres? My bad, I should have done research.

Well, bard is a buff dispenser alright, but often my buffs are just "win more". I see it like this:

A fight which we win in 2 rounds with Adalbert's buffs is won in 3 without him. He does not add anything besides quickening the process. Which is cool, because it reduces the time it takes to get through sluggish PbP combat. But then I lack the ability - besides knowledge and social stuff - to add something. I was thinking about multiclassing into wizard or oracle even though this would ruin the performance progression (particularly the strong 5th level jump to +3).

I guess Adalbert will invest his share of the money we get into various x uses/day magic items that emulate spells or give utility. Fly or Haste is on the wizard's spell list, all while ending a combat with Fireball, or Sleep, or avoiding it with an Invisibility spell or Fly.

[CasualViking]

As I understand it, the problem is not so much "power disparity" as it is "inability to take interesting actions", right?

I looked over the Path of War bard, but it's a very poor fit for Adalbert. Rebuilding as Investigator would make him more combative (and able to inspire" with the Inspirational Expertise talent, though it's nominally gated to level 7). The Legendary Bard (from Legendary Games) is a straight upgrade that could be adapted.

[Spore]

As I understand it, the problem is not so much "power disparity" as it is "inability to take interesting actions", right?

This but I waste the medium BAB of the bard by not having decent attacking options, I should have been some form of sorcerer or wizard really, or arcane trickster.

I think the main issue with just with combat being such a slog.

[Ghostfoot]

I want Iris to confirm or reconsider her climb, then the skeletons' turn.

=> Iris (want to climb anyway?)

Yeah, I feel she should still climb up.

I mean, there's nothing that she can do from below. And up top there is either going to be an ongoing fight or a ship to investigate. Both of which require her to be up there.

I think the main issue with just with combat being such a slog.

Personally I'm enjoying Adalbert, whether or not he takes 'effective' actions all the time in combat. Which I appreciate is probably cold comfort to you as player.

[u-b]

IC post updated. Party's turn.

[DrK]

THreat on the off hand (1d20+10)[14] extra dam (1d6+5)[6]

Threat on counter if needed (1d20+10)[21] extra dam (1d6+7)[9]

[u-b]

Not the normal door. The trap door. The skeleton climbed up from the lower deck, just as the one before. Justin has just stepped there and destroyed it, clearing the upper deck again.

[u-b]

I'll wait another day for a post describing what Lebwen would do, then move us forward.

[u-b]

Lebwen's just smashed the last one. I'll write IC some time tomorrow.

[u-b]

You had 12 temporary hit points each, so there is little actual damage. By my count Adalbert is down 5, Lebwen is down 4 and everybody else is still at full, including Iris with her 2 temp hp left.

[Ghostfoot]

You had 12 temporary hit points each, so there is little actual damage. By my count Adalbert is down 5, Lebwen is down 4 and everybody else is still at full, including Iris with her 2 temp hp left.

Thanks, must have missed that.

[u-b]

So, going back to the half-orc lady, everyone?

[CasualViking]

So, going back to the half-orc lady, everyone?

yeah. that's the plan.

[Erloas]

Did we figure out if she was any sort of witch or similar or just an unknown half-orc? If she has any sort of magical abilities Adalbert and I should be able to at least get some idea what might be valuable to her. Wouldn't bring a whole ship's worth back, but at least enough of some value to her.
I'm not sure if there is much else for us to check on the ship? I don't think we've really checked much of the hold, though I wouldn't expect too much of value, I'm not sure if we actually checked it at all.

[DrK]

So, going back to the half-orc lady, everyone?

yes I think so

[u-b]

Did we figure out if she was any sort of witch or similar or just an unknown half-orc?

She did mention hexes not working on the skeletons, so you've had an idea. And now, after my last IC post, you are pretty sure she's a real witch.

[Erloas]

I think that is probably about as much information we can expect to get. I think we can move out to the Lady soon.

[u-b]

Well, here's the map. You are in point A, the Lady's Light is in point H. Describe where do you go.

[DrK]

If she's told us where the tunnels are I'd suggest B or D fit preferring the one that is trogs if we have that info

[Ghostfoot]

That sounds fine to me.

Sorry for recent delays. The usual December pre-holiday craziness is largely over now for me, so lot's of time for gaming :-)

[u-b]

If she's told us where the tunnels are I'd suggest B or D fit preferring the one that is trogs if we have that info

That sounds fine to me.

I see you are not paying any excess attention (B is the shipwreck you've just cleared), but I can proceed anyway. IC post coming soon.

[DrK]

I see you are not paying any excess attention (B is the shipwreck you've just cleared), but I can proceed anyway. IC post coming soon.

Yes. D or E. There is a reason I use a GPS watch and not a map when I go running

[DrK]

So talking or running in fighting with the people who throw javelins at us?