Are we squared away on Mellowbeorn? I think we are just resolving the Bear now. Hopefully the other players will see your question and reply.Originally posted by Malacandra
Are we squared away on Mellowbeorn? I think we are just resolving the Bear now. Hopefully the other players will see your question and reply.Originally posted by Malacandra
I'm fine with a bear.
I wonder have i seen a bear before if I'm from rohan?
"Dude, your statistical average, which was already in the toilet, just took a plunge into the Earth's mantle." ~ iampunha
Most likely, but not one this large. Bears are pretty common critters and the Rohirrim usually like to hunt.Originally posted by RoOsh
The young Noldo Ranger is on its way to Arduine.
Real men don't enjoy things.
Enjoyment is merely the bubbling brook that lies before the waterfalls of sloth.
Hmmm... If i just change my "real men" attitude to "Paladins" i think i could come up with a great monastic system of parables and wisdom.
"Dude, your statistical average, which was already in the toilet, just took a plunge into the Earth's mantle." ~ iampunha
I'm happy with everything else, certainly. No-one seems to be too worried about having to travel a little slower, and if we ever do have to crack on in a hurry, I expect we can work out some way for "Little Bear" to catch up in his own time.Originally posted by What Exit?
Librarians rule, Oook
I have played in James game for a very long time, movement is very important. Dwarves slow you down , but many ways around it. A bear, as we are speaking of, will slow us down alot.
Thirty minutes of Googling not only doesn't make you an expert in a subject,it doesn't even make you right.Real life experience and education will win out every single time
Racist!Originally posted by Arduine
What if we strapped the Bear onto a Large Horse.... Or trained it to Ride!!
It would bring a whole new meaning to the term "Bear Cavalry!"
If we could only have a Bearin our Pirates game....
Oh, and just because the inspirationfor the links.
"Dude, your statistical average, which was already in the toilet, just took a plunge into the Earth's mantle." ~ iampunha
Understood. I considered maybe a two-horse waggon.Originally posted by Arduine
A bear would pay its way in ass-kicking potential for a few levels to come, but I'm not wedded to the idea. There are always alternatives.
Librarians rule, Oook
I think there is a big difference between table-top and message board games.Originally posted by Arduine
In particular the pace of the game on here is slower.
Based on several What Exit? adventures here, almost all of our casualties come from 'hurrying', 'moving without delay' and 'getting on with it'.
My motto is "Never apologise, never explain."
Sorry, I should say that I got that from Colin Hoult...
RoOsh, please don't keep this up! You've seen how glorious a wordsmith Malacandra is, whereas your writing skill is even worse than mine.Originally posted by Malacandra
Oh, and my Bard is shaping up nicely. I will be able to fight (especially with my bow) and offer Scouting services (notably Find Traps and Open Locks).
As I'm low level, I may not be able to Scout ahead very safely (I've got to make the choice whether to improve that or my AC) - does the party feel that would be a problem?
My motto is "Never apologise, never explain."
Sorry, I should say that I got that from Colin Hoult...
Dugar (the Dwarf) will start with a Pony and thus will be going only 15" anyway. The Bear if he comes will have a custom built narrow two wheel cart pulls by a very large horse and will be able to handle 15" but have some issues with passing over rough terrain. However in these areas the bear would get out and job on all fours and the horse could handle the cart with only a little help.
Eventually though the bear could be a burden as the party finds ways to speed up. (Such as the Paladin carrying the Dwarf on Limlight, his Mearas or Theogrim who also has an exceptional horse.)
These are the Pros and Cons I can think of.
Some Q&A
- Do the Elven Boots also give me a 50% bonus for Move Silently? YES
- On the Thief table there's a category Lock Smith and TF - what does TF mean and why is my Pick Pocket -15? TF= Treasure Finder
- Can a Bard use Elven Chain? YES
- Do I get Backstabs if I make my Move and Hide rolls? If so, is the bonus +4 to hit and x2 damage? (Rising to x3 at 5th) YES
- Could my Gondolin Short Sword +2 have a name? YES
- Can I lower some Thief abilities to raise others?
Let me hear what you want, I probably say yes.
- (Warning - cheeky!) Given I'm 363 years old, wouldn't I be higher level?!
Elves are funny and take their time to study and for game mechanics we need to hand wave a bit. However age is the reason I let you have Locksmith for a proficiency.
Weapons Questions:
- is +n/+n the 'to hit' / 'damage' bonuses for magic weapon+specialisation+strength+elf? YES
- is SF speed factor? (if so, is -3 good for me?!) YES & YES!
- is the +1/+2 my weapon specialization? (At 6th level, I'd like another specialization - how many slots does it take?)
YES and 1 slot, this will put on weapon skill to +2/+2 improve SF by 1 and most importantly give you a x1.5 on ROF (Rate of fire or Swings per round.)
Just to check my understanding: the '+n to hit' bonus for Short Bow is made up of +n weapon; +1 specialization; +1 Elf; +3 Dex? YES
The first Draft of the Cleric of Namó/Mandos, a man of Fornost has been sent to Armande.
Oh, what does anyone want to know about my Paladin/What should I reveal?
"Dude, your statistical average, which was already in the toilet, just took a plunge into the Earth's mantle." ~ iampunha
Perhaps I could research some kind of travelling enchantment that gives one creature a small bonus for a long period. In a few levels' time even a brown bear will be getting outclassed (although coming back into his own once I could cast Animal Growth on him) and, of course, once it's clear he's regularly in deadly danger I would retire him somewhere with a salmon run and some honey trees not too far away. (The trick would be for the party to stop me settling down there as well, of course. ) But let's not forget that we need to truck at least some supplies around with us - we can't canter everywhere, every day.Originally posted by What Exit?
I like the idea of that "Bear Chariot" though.
I think you're among regulars here - we know pretty much what a paladin does, and it's up to you what you feel like revealing during the course of the adventure. "Show, don't tell" is a good maxim. :smile: (But try not to be a regular PITA unless you want to find ants in your breastplate every time you go to put it on. :wink: )Originally posted by RoOsh
Librarians rule, Oook
How big and how fast is this bear anyways on it's own? If we were to leave it behind and ride full speed on horses and such, how long would it take to catch up? IE: Can we just use him as "Show up at point X in 3 days" sort of scenarios and let him be? Or does this bear need constant watching and guidance?
And I'm a fan of anything that involves putting the bear onto another animal. What about a unseen servant or a magic disc sort of thing to lift and carry the bear if we can't have an animal do it.... Though I think those are wizarding spells and not druidic ones.
"Dude, your statistical average, which was already in the toilet, just took a plunge into the Earth's mantle." ~ iampunha
Excellent then.Originally posted by Malacandra
I'll try... slightly to avoid the PITA business, but I may or may not have modified the Paladin Code with a few extra rules tossed around here and there. But I suppose we can Show and not Tell for you guys to notice it on your own.
"Dude, your statistical average, which was already in the toilet, just took a plunge into the Earth's mantle." ~ iampunha
The putative bear is Animal Friendship trained so could probably follow a trail if we scent-marked it or something (not too hard to manage, I should think). However, he'd forget about me if more than three days elapsed. An Unseen Servant can carry about 40 pounds for an hour or two, a Floating Disc rather more but for a shorter time. Neither could carry a bear even if we had one.Originally posted by RoOsh
Now a portable hole with some bottled air, and you'd be talking...
Librarians rule, Oook
The first is not actually correct. The Bear is the animal friend of a shape-shifting Beorning. He would likely remain your friend without the spell.Originally posted by Malacandra
Portable Holes? Nope your character has never heard of such an odd idea. You won't even find bags of holding, however there are some enchantments about that seem to lessen the weight of objects. You have heard rumors the Elves of Lórien were adept at these.
If we're going to have an NPC Wizard (as seems likely), couldn't he have researched a personal version of Floating Disc (perhaps including Levitate?).
Would it help if the DM gave us an inkling of the mission background? If we have to travel great distances, the Bear will slow us down.
Most of our previous adventures have had a Druid with dogs keeping up. Also we haven't generally travelled that fast - either we were tracking, escorting others or trying not to make a lot of noise.
Oh, and my Bard is shaping up nicely. He should be ready soon!
RoOsh, since my Bard admires Glorfindel and likes Paladins, I offer to exchange my Code for yours, so we can see what they look like...
My motto is "Never apologise, never explain."
Sorry, I should say that I got that from Colin Hoult...
Actually the first mission should take the party North into the Trollshaws and then Angmar.Originally posted by glee
Fair enough. I guess the two-wheeled cart will actually be a two-wheeled cage... the casual viewer isn't to know that there is a bar inside the door that will spring it open with one swipe of a bear's paw.Originally posted by What Exit?
Librarians rule, Oook
Why a cage? I don't think a Beorning would do that even for looks. It just seems like it would be alien to the way they think. I will also make travel even tougher, especially in wooded areas.Originally posted by Malacandra
I thought it might help pass muster in towns, but if you think it's an unnecessary refinement then fair enough. I suppose there won't be too many towns up in the Trollshaws and Angmar anyway.
Librarians rule, Oook
Probably a good idea to carry some poles that can be crafted into the illusion of a cage or you can just go for a fake chain in those circumstances. It is a good thought, just one that I am not sure is right for a Beorning Druid.Originally posted by Malacandra
Alrighteous, Sabert is a Paladin who serves Eönwë, and thus his specialty lies within the art of sword fighting. However, he's served his life in duty to his King, and is a bit... out of touch with the rest of the World as all he knows is guarding the King of Rohirrim. But he strives to live his life without Ego and tries to maintain a life of humble duty to protect his King(the Magnanimous and generous King Eomer).Originally posted by glee
Here's a few tidbits from his Code:
-Mock the King of Rohirrim, and you will be punished in the name of the King. The King is a wonderful and gracious man and none should be-spoil his legacy.
-Sabert has little need for material wealth and worldly goods, so he donates most of his shares and pay to an Orphanage when he can, keeping only what he considers necessary to sustain himself and properly do his duty.
-Sabert does not believe in Stealth or deception as a tactic or as a way of life.
Battles are to be fought by announcing yourself, rank, and reasoning for battle. Then engage your opponent in armed combat with the victor being the more skillful and stronger person. Projectiles are tools of a coward (but he has no moral qualms about others using projectiles. Just personal ones).
-You don't harm or taunt or ride another man's horse*. That's just common sense and has nothing to do with being a paladin.
*Exception: Unless that man is trying to kill the King. Then he must be quickly and swiftly taken down. But no deception, no trickery, and if someone is going to shoot him from a distance, it won't be Sabert. That's why the Gods made "archers".
-Life is harsh and filled with Pain. We are meant to suffer, and therefore should be thankful of what we have here. Always be Humble, Always strive to lose one's ego. 'Tis better to serve one's lord faithfully than to indulge in wasteful amusements that only serve to distract you from your Duty.
-Always know your Weakness: Sabert has at least three (that he is currently aware of), he will not tell you them. He is ashamed of his Ego and thus strives to suppress it.
-Sabert does not use in personal pronouns. See the above statement for the reasoning- it is but a mild reminder of Sabert's folly and his personal act of reminding himself that he is but a pawn in this world.
- Sabert's 3 Vices are his own to have, and his own to overcome. He will share the least offensive one with you though because it may involve you:
1. Sabert will not allow ANY child to come to harm if he can prevent it. He will not harm a child, and he will not allow a child to suffer without attempting to rectify the situation. ANY Child counts though- even the enemies. He will not kill anyone's young and will restrain physically those that try to do so. Even evil children are innocent if you look hard enough, in Sabert's eyes.
This isn't normally a vice, but Sabert considers it one, because this is the ONLY condition in which he is willing to break with his Paladin code and sense of Duty. If a child's life is in danger, Sabert would consider using ANY means to save said child. Even if it means allowing treachery, lies, poison, or deceitful projectiles to be used. Sabert feels guilty, but he will suffer the consequences of his folly. He is ashamed.
Do not try to question Sabert with pointless hypotheticals about a child trapped in a burning cart while also his King is tied to the rails as an oncoming seige weapon driven by Hitler attempts to run the King over and Sabert must only choose one to save. Sabert will stab you in the face. It's the only way you will learn.
"Dude, your statistical average, which was already in the toilet, just took a plunge into the Earth's mantle." ~ iampunha
Why do i think that Dugar is either going to mock Sabert at every turn or be one of his best friends. (must strive to not taunt the pally, must strive to not taunt the pally)Originally posted by RoOsh
You're probably right. And where we're heading, I'd not be so fussed about trying to make him look less threatening - quite the reverse, really.Originally posted by What Exit?
Longer term, it might be helpful if I could figure out how to equip him to make him tougher. You know, the people's right to keep and arm bears.
Librarians rule, Oook
My Bard's comments in italics
Originally posted by RoOsh
My motto is "Never apologise, never explain."
Sorry, I should say that I got that from Colin Hoult...
Your name has gone into my little book. Bear-faced cheek!Originally posted by Malacandra
My motto is "Never apologise, never explain."
Sorry, I should say that I got that from Colin Hoult...
I think it will be time to start this adventure tonight. I will link to the first Adventure once I get it set up. I am PM everyone and I will also Email once the link is up.
Do you need a +2 whiffle ball bat of attitude adjustment? (and a roll of duck tape of course)Originally posted by Whtwulf
Last edited by What Exit?; 20 May 2021 at 03:12 PM.
Macsalin (= 'Soft melody') the Bard is complete and will post his Code here soon (following Sabert's example).
Although What Exit? has done a fine job creating the character to fit with my requests , he has made a small mistake in reading the name as MacSalin, which leads to:
Havers! Dinnae fash yersel. Ye ken ma wee Bard wull ne'ver blether nor cause a palaver. Yer spelling has gane aglae. Aye, he's a canny braw laddie, no a Sassenach, richt?
I have tae gae noo.
My motto is "Never apologise, never explain."
Sorry, I should say that I got that from Colin Hoult...
1. Sabert believes in announcing himself. If the plan requires sneaking... it depends. Are there children involved? If so, then Sabert will go along with it. If not, is there not another more honorable way- such as announcing yourselves and engaging the enemy in a stand off? Perhaps if you guys had a need for Sabert to go around announcing himself to the enemy (ie: being a Giant Distraction) and he is unaware of the rest of the party's orders, he could be of use. But if you are asking Sabert to sneak around in his armor and war shield and all? That is simply not what Sabert does. He will engage the enemy directly.Originally posted by glee
2. I meant the Ride another man's horse as in steal it. Offering a ride is fine.
3. Even Baby Dragon's need love. Sabert would try to protect whoever is about to die, but then try to offer the Dragon love and support. If it has a very angry mother, perhaps we should question ourselves as to what folly has led us down this road of beating up baby dragons for survival? We should meditate on that, and reflect on our stations in life should it ever come to that....
If an Ogre child has a poisoned weapon, Sabert will hope his years of training and learning to combat vs. poison will make him resistant as he goes around trying to find a suitable home/mother/safety for this child.... He would disarm the child, and then find away to return it to safety.
Note: Sabert has always guarded the King in Roharimm, he's not really traveled OUTSIDE of the kingdom.... So most of his code is in Theory. But he'll stick to it as much as he can. If they're not so practical in the real world.... Well, such is life.
I think Dugar will be fine with Sabert. Unless he uses a crossbow. Cowardly little thing then. Such a waste.
"Dude, your statistical average, which was already in the toilet, just took a plunge into the Earth's mantle." ~ iampunha
Macsalin is grateful to Sabert for explaining his Code.
Hopefully Sabert will not mind if Macsalin does sneak around (partly because Macsalin has been trained to do it and partly so Macsalin can find enemies for Sabert to engage).
Macsalin's Code:
- should work together like a musical ensemble, each playing their part (Scouting, Combat, Casting)
- do not use poison or torture on prisoners, but sophisticated questioning is fine
- see if it is possible to reform the sinners (perhaps an Ogre bandit could become a bouncer?)
- share the profits, but give special items to those who can best use them
My motto is "Never apologise, never explain."
Sorry, I should say that I got that from Colin Hoult...
Your Code holds no objects to Sabert.
I agree with the poison and torture. They are the treacherous tools of tortured troublesome creatures.
Sinners being reformed is fine with Sabert. All must find their path in life.
Profits are not necessary to Sabert, but sharing is caring.
Hopefully you'll be good enough at sneaking around that Sabert won't catch you at it. But if he does, you'll get a stern lecture on the metaphorical allegories of treacherous waterfalls and gilded paths to insolence and sloth. Sabert has no desire to find enemies, as his only goal is to serve his King (but due to the... circumstances he cannot), but still, if Sabert wishes to find an enemy- he shall simply loudly announce it and call them out. Subtly is not for fit for Warriors and Kings, but the work of charlatans and ministers. I think we all can recall the acts of Grima Wormtongue. Since then, there will be no Deception, lies, or sneaking in the house of the great and merciful Theoden!
"Dude, your statistical average, which was already in the toilet, just took a plunge into the Earth's mantle." ~ iampunha
Ok as far as torture Dugar sees it as a nessesary evil. If i have to break your arms and legs and get out the skinning knife and salt to get you to tell me where the big bad nasty is at that is going to lay waste to a bunch of innocents, prepare for pain. More often than not a simple demonstration of what my hands can do to your body when i pick up something and break it should be enough to scare them enough to call for baby Jesus for help.
If you would eat in winter, you should sow in spring, weed in summer, and harvest in autumn. And thus in all things.
The soil births the grass that is fodder for the deer that is slain by the wolf whose corpse the worm returns to the soil. None of this is shameful.
It is said that every part of the pig is useful save the squeal. Put no animal to death wastefully.
Claw and fang thin the herd that else would starve for lack of grazing. But none save that which the Enemy marred in the deeps of time would thin the herd to extinction.
"Do what thou must" is the whole of the Law. Mourn not when some creature practise the Law upon you.
An you were made to eat meat, eat when you can and be thankful. But there is much good besides meat that you may eat.
As for me, I reck little of the King of Rohan, whose path has not crossed mine; but I know through a friend and fellow-student that he is held in honour by the Druedain, and I have no cause to speak ill of him. Treat well the beasts, birds and trees while you travel with me, and eat not (save at the most urgent need) of the flesh of the deer. I will ask little else of you.
Librarians rule, Oook
Your words are flowery. But you summarize well.Originally posted by Malacandra
My horse will eat the flowers. I'll just look for the end words to understand your meanings.
Though I bow to another skilled in the arts of flowery metaphors and allegorical turns of phrases.
May you use them well as you buzz and weave your way through the bumble bee's hive of sin and temptation.
"Dude, your statistical average, which was already in the toilet, just took a plunge into the Earth's mantle." ~ iampunha
While Macsalin understands Dugar's feelings, he cannot accept this. How can we be the good guys when we use torture?Originally posted by Whtwulf
(What if the bad guy isn't the bad guy? What if he doesn't know the answer?)
P.S. Who is Jesus? Is he related to Manwe?
My motto is "Never apologise, never explain."
Sorry, I should say that I got that from Colin Hoult...
What's an Ogre? Some creature of orc-kind? Are there yet baby dragons to be found?Originally posted by glee
As to the other, there is a strange legend I once heard that the Maker himself - not one of the Valar - will come some day in form as one of us. But not for many ages, and Elves, Dwarves and Beornings alike will be long gone by then :smile:
Librarians rule, Oook
It looks like OneCentStamp might be on vacation. Does anyone know if he mentioned anything. It is tough to start the adventure if he is MIA.
Armande will hopefully check in today and introduce his character including a name.
Names are good, saying "hey you " works in a pinch.
Baby Jesus is related to Julio, the grounds keeper in the Shire.
I'm back! Sorry, yes, I was on vacation. That will be my only foreseeable absence from the boards until at least mid-summer, so now I'm ready to rock.
What Exit?, do you want/need my character sheet from the SDMB campaign?
Also, is my self-introduction in the game thread sufficient, or do we want self-physical description as well?
"You laugh at me because I'm different; I laugh at you because I'm on nitrous."
find me at Goodreads
I emailed you an updated copy that you should work with and I think you can add details as the party rides north. Let me know if you got the Email. If not Email me the Email address I should use.Originally posted by OneCentStamp
I've got it! The e-mail address you have for me is fine.Originally posted by What Exit?
"You laugh at me because I'm different; I laugh at you because I'm on nitrous."
find me at Goodreads
Do the changes make sense? Do you see anything wrong? As the Paladin is a bit of a basket case and you are the highest level, you might need to take a bit of a leadership role if you are willing. If nothing else to keep the Paladin and the Dwarf from fighting.Originally posted by OneCentStamp
Man... every time I read your characters stuff in the game, I see your icon and assume that's him. -_-
He looks so happy!
"Dude, your statistical average, which was already in the toilet, just took a plunge into the Earth's mantle." ~ iampunha
If you're talking about me, well he (the icon) is happy because he's very very drunk. My character, on the other hand, is rather serious and taciturn.Originally posted by RoOsh
"You laugh at me because I'm different; I laugh at you because I'm on nitrous."
find me at Goodreads