Gaming in the New Year

Hey all,

Just wondering when we can get back to D&D action this new year?

First Thursday (not counting the 1st) is the 8th.  I have a late work meeting that day, so if we played that day I'd be quite late (or absent).  But if the rest of you can make it I think it makes sense to play anyways.

The next one is the 15th and that's wide open for me.

Who can make those days (especially Trevor)?

-Tim

Tis the Season

I know that its getting to be busy with the holidays coming soon so I wanted to see what we could do about setting up one or two sessions before the new year kicks in. Also I'd like to discuss our plans for the new year and see how people feel about keeping the game during the weekdays or changing to a weekend. What we have works for me but I don't know how everyone else feels.

If we can't get together I suggest we put forth some submissions that allow us to feel like we are still playing. Theodoruk did and awesome submission and I think if we could do some that had to do with our group doing side quest like stuff that would be pretty cool. What do you guys think?

Preludes

Two mini-stories from Theodoruk's past.  The first one is from the time before he started adventuring and the other one is from right before he met up with the current group.

****

Theodoruk quickened his pace.  He was late for the evening vespers and he did not want to anger the kindly Priest Klarus.  Getting to the service on time was never Theodoruk’s strong point.  He gripped a heavy tome to his chest.  The large leather bound book with the prayers to Pelor has served many students over the centuries and it always pleased Theodoruk to think that he was following in the footsteps of Pelor’s servants of old.  It put him closer to the heroes of legends he remembers hearing about.

A short distance away, Theodoruk noticed High Priest Darmond talking to someone.  He was about to look away and continue on when something about the meeting caught his eye.  Theodoruk grew up in the house of a wealthy merchant and he has seen deals made and deals broken.  He could read people better than most and something about the two men conversing tugged for his attention.  Something sinister was going on.

All thoughts of the evening vespers lost, Theodoruk turned and started circling slowly around the two men, staying out of their sight.  He came up to a bench which was close enough for him to hear the conversation.  He missed what High Priest Darmond said earlier, but the stranger’s response was clear.

“That is great news, your Excellency.  The Fishmonger’s Guild is very pleased to continue supplying the servants of Pelor.”

“Indeed,” responded Darmond while jingling a heavy bag of coins.  Theodoruk knew the sound well.  “Pelor’s Servants will happily continue relying on the Guild’s good works” Darmond finished with a smirk.  “Pelor’s Blessings my child,” he added after a pause and the two men walked apart.

Theodoruk sat in anger and disbelief for an hour on the bench.   An important piece of the puzzle clicked in place.  He remembered being angry at the Fishmonger’s Guild for taking advantage of the naïve Servants of Pelor when he found out about the constant deliveries of rotted fish to the Churches and Monasteries.  He remembered thinking “When I become a priest, I’ll negotiate for the Church.  Those greedy merchants won’t find me to be as easy to cheat as the kindly Priests.”  But now he knew the truth.  The greed of the merchants spread to the Church and Pelor was angry. He could feel His anger in his heart.

****

“No” said Theodoruk in a clear voice.  “I am not going to burn down that farmstead”.

“What?” asked Jonah, the wiry leader of the group.  “What did you say?”

“No” repeated Theodoruk, his anger rising.  “I did not sign on with the Golden Fists to attack defenseless peasants.” 

Jonah stared at the heavily armoured Paladin.  The rest of the group shifted uncomfortably in the silence broken only by the soft rustle of light autumn rain.  There was a faint smell of farm-dung in the air.

“You will do what you’re told, boy!  We took the contract and we’re going to do the job” said Jonah poking his finger into Theodoruk’s chest while keeping his other hand on the pommel of the sword at his side.  “You don’t get far as a mercenary by taking money and not doing what you’re told”.

Theodoruk stared unmoved. A feeling of unwavering clarity washed over him.  This is not what Jonah told him two days back at the inn when he was signing up as a member.  But this was Pelor’s Work.  He now knew why he was brought here to this place and to this moment.

“Then I suppose you will just have to go back to your patron, whoever the fiend is, tell him that you had a change of mind and give him back the money.” The paladin said slowly, like he was speaking to a child. 

“Give him back the money?!” derided Jonah, sweeping his hands around. “Oh, it’s that easy, is it?  Just here, sir, here is your money.  We ain’t doing the job no more.” Jonah continued in a mocking voice.  Borim, the group’s scout snickered.  Jonah continued emboldened by his audience “That’s not how the world works, boy!  That’s not how money works!”

Moving swiftly, with an almost unnatural speed Theodoruk seized Jonah’s head in his large hands and pulled his face close. 

“Money?!” he yelled into Jonah’s face, “Money won’t buy your soul back, dog!” he spat and threw Jonah back.  The smaller man flew through the air and landed on his behind with a splash of mud. 

“There will be no farmstead burning today,” said the paladin with an inner strength that made him seem as unmovable as the mountains in the distance.  He grabbed his massive, two handed maul with  practiced ease and fell into a ready stance. 

“Any one wants to try, they come through me”.

Jonah didn’t move to get up.  No Golden Fist moved.  The only sound was the soft rustle of the autumn rain.

The Last Two Sessions

Miramar, Zackar, Theo, Durin and Valaris headed towards the north ramparts, in search for the follower of Pelor. They arrived at a pair of towers, one of which had received significant repairs. When Valaris knocked on the door however, nobody answered, despite noises coming from inside. They found the remainder of the missing halfing camp, which upon questioning attacked! Wererats!

After dispatching these foes the party found what appeared to be the possessions of the Pelorian. A sad day. They ventured a bit further along a hallway, but decided to turn back as most of the party had acquired the "Fith Fevour" and required treatment.

Back at the monestary Durin managed to tend to cure everyone but Theo of the disease. Durin and Zackar made a deal with a dwarf merchant to return with a suite of magical plate mail for Durin in one month's time. Valaris decided to take a short rest to recover from his near death experinece (getting ganged by 5 wererats at the same time) and the rest of the party headed out in search of a crypt containing the jade chalice.

On the way towards the Monument to "Traitors" the party came across a unit of human soldiers. They were suspicious of us, but Theo befriended them with an astral tongue, and they not only confirmed the information the party had gathered on the location of a possible crypt in this location, but also gave Theo a pair of magic bracers.

Upon reaching the destination, the party found a fearsome lone orc warrior among other dead black fist orcs. He appeared crazed and paranoid. The party attacked and it was the fight of their lives. (note to self - orcs are a lot scarier than they used to be!!). After dispatching the lone orc, with thanks to Theo and his divine challenge, and cashing in some healing surges, the party found a secret entrance to the crypt. Below they were greated by hordes of zombies, which were dispatched with ease by Zackar and Durin. A wraith appeared out of a statue, but retreated the the face of the storm of radiant energy which was being unleashed upon its minions.

The party took a quick rest and are ready to venture further into the crypt, with hopes of finding the jade chalice!

The Arcanists

While the rest of the party were resting safely at the Monastery of the Precipice, Zackar, Gaav, Miramar and Valaris were out on business with the Fellowship of the Cresent. The Fellowship's mage, known only as "The Dark-Eyed One," had requested the presence of the parties two arcane practicioners for a special task.

The Dark-Eyed one had located what he believed to be an ancient Netherese magical arms cache in the ruins of Spellgard. In order to gain access to the cache he needed to perform a ritual that required two other arcane spellcasters. There not being a huge number of mages on hand in Spellgard, he was forced to enlist Gaav and Zackar, who in turn were escorted by Valaris and Miramar into the ruins.

Just South-East of the ruined tower (see map of Spellgard), lay three sites with ancient magical runes scribed into the floors of ancient cellars. These three sites were the key to gaining access to the cache, hidden in some unkown location.

After a chance encounter with some ochre jellies en route to the sites, the party was ambushed by yet another group of Kobolds. These kobolds were tracked back to their lair, however, which turned out to be one of the three entrance sites. The party members were not the only visitors to the kobold's lair that night, though, as the door into the lair had been freshly smashed. A group of orcs from the Black Fist mercenary regiment was engaged in an assault on the kobolds.

After slaughtering a platoon of orcs, the party finished off the kobolds in this hole and located the magical circle they were looking for. The circle was an ancient Netherese lock powered by an arcane reaction between a captive glamour spirit and a long-dead evil soul. This Netherese magical reaction had kept to lock going and the cache shielded for a thousand years. The Dark-Eyed one led them to the other two circles without incident.

The ritual was performed skillfully by the three magi. They each vanished from their circles and reappeared in a strange stone room. As they explored the lair they had transported to, they heard large, clanging footsteps in a room up ahead. Upon entering the room they were confronted by a giant Chain Golem coming towards them from atop a giant glowing pedestal - the guardian of this lair. After fruitlessly engaging the construct for several rounds, Zackar noticed that the Dark-Eyed one was manipulating something underneath his robes (yes, you can all guffah now).

The Dark-Eyed one was controlling the Golem by means of a magical amulet. Upon reslizing this, Gaav and Zackar turned their attacks on their former ally. Their realization came almost too late, as Gaav was tossed violently against the pedestal by a sweeping blow from the Construct. Zackar was also thrown to the ground and nearly lost consciousness. From his prone position on the ancient floor, Zackar summoned a firey bird which he directed squarely at the Dark-Eyed one. Engulfed in flames, the traitorous mage screamed an ancient eladrin curse and fell to the ground, halting the movement of the Chain Golem.

The fledgling Alchemist

The acrid smell of burning fumes hit his nostrils, causing a burning sensation to sear down his body as his eyes shot open and he rolled onto his side coughing. “I’m glad to see your awake” whispered the raspy voice of the court Alchemist.

Gaav blinked his eyes in the darkness giving them time to adjust, he could smell the fumes rolling off of Sora, and almost see a caustic glow around her body as she stood up from beside his bed. “Come it is time for your lessons youngling.” She rasped and stalked towards the door. Gaav quickly donned his thick cotton clothing and a heavy leather apron that Sora had given him when he had apprenticed himself to her ways.

Down in the depths of the Castle was where Sora resided, her suite of rooms snuggled between the largest and strongest blocks of the castles where her alchemical experimentation's would be safe from harming those around her. It had been two years now that Gaav had worked with the reclusive Alchemist, gathering reagents for her elixirs and unguents, sorting and organizing her lab, and scribing out recipes until he could recite them in his sleep and write them with his eyes closed. It was fascinating work and besides which Sora was the only person who did not seem to treat him oddly for his powers or because of who he was.

Tonight she was going to test him on the foundations of everything he had been studying for; tonight he would be given the responsibility of making Alchemists Draught. Although Gaav had been scribing Sora’s recipes and notations for the past year now many times they would not make any sense... It was only the previous month that she had completed his understanding of her notes and explained that each Alchemist had slight subtleties to how they crafted their potions. Not all potions were alike, while some would work well with generic ingredients a true alchemist could work wonders when they learned what ingredients worked best for their own body or for the body of the person they would be used on.

The alchemists Draught she had explained was a sort of base, a work all, a sort of do all substance, with the slightest alteration you could turn the liquid into a salve, a gas, or even a fine powder.

Sora leaned the corner of the room watching her young apprentice her face unreadable as she watched the young dragonborn scramble around the room, at first she had not wanted to teach him... but he had persisted and her uncle, the boys grandfather had beseeched her to be a friend to the boy, he had lost his parents and had no friends amongst the children of the court. And now here he was a promising apprentice and an intelligent youngling whom she actually did enjoy spending time with... though she would rarely admit either to him.

Gaav heaved a pot over one of the small fires and hung from a hook that extended down from the mantle above it. Then he proceeded to pull out his own scratchy notes and began riffling through drawers and cupboards gathering the supplies methodically onto the table in a pile, he was so excited... tonight was the night!

Over the next hour he slowly added various ingredients to the pot, sometimes pulling it to the side and letting it cool, other times mixing ingredients together and slowly shaking them in as he gently stirred the pot keeping back so as not breathe in any of the reagents or fumes from the boiling brew.

Very soon, he took the crystal clear mixture and poured it into five glass jars, the first jar he placed a cap upon sealing the liquid as it was inside. The second jar he added a drop of sap to and as it swirled into the mixture it seemed to slow down and thicken into a opaque paste which he then sealed as well. For the third jar he lit a piece of tinder and blew the fumes of the smoke into the jar then quickly sealed it and shook the jar vigorously... and before his eyes the liquid turned into a fine grey mist. On the fourth jar he added a small amount of ground up rock salt, and as he did so he watched the potion absorb into them and dry out turning into a fine pile of white dust.

And then he glanced over at his teacher who looked over at him he eyes hidden behind her large round goggles, and he grinned as she cocked her head as he added his last ingredient to the fifth and final jar... Leaning over it he whispered soft words in a tongue she did not know nor did even Gaav understand as he had learned them from his only other friend and source of his dark power. Nothing seemed to happen to the jar as he sealed it and swirled it around before placing it back on the table.

Sora moved over to the table examining all the jars she smiled “Very good young one, you are a very adept apprentice and did well to already master the concepts behind making the different types of Alchemical bases. However what is this last Jar you concocted? My ocular shows no signs of any alchemical change that I’ve ever seen...” her voice rasped softly.

Gaav smiled and presented it to her with a bow. “This dear cousin is my gift to you. It is a restorative; it will help cure the damage caused to your lungs internally and diminish the coughs that plague you often these days.”

Sora cocked her head to one side for a moment and considered the potion before her, then like many times before with her own brews she removed the lid and drank it down in one gulp. She expected to feel something anything... she felt none of the usual tastes associated with a potion it just slid down her throat into her belly like cool refreshing spring water. Grinning at her apprentices hopeful eyes she opened her mouth to chide him but stopped short as she realized he voice no longer had its usual hoarse rasp but rang loud and clear and melodious as it had when she was but a child, though now her voice had matured into the deep sultry tones of a grown woman.

Tears welled up in her eyes behind her goggles as she kneeled down and pulled Gaav into a long hug. “I thank you my little cousin, I don’t know how one so young or so new to the arts managed to craft such an amazing elixir but it is definitely a sign of your skills and perhaps my youngling someday you shall share it with me?” she looked Gaav in the eyes and he nodded at her smiling. “Well cousin it is almost dawn. Best that you head back to your chambers and get some sleep before the rest of your days lessons. Your grandfather will be so proud of you.”

Schedule for October and November

Hey guys, so here's the play schedule for the next couple of months:

Oct 16 and 30
Nov 6, 20 and 27

There will be no scheduled games in December.

A brief summary

Since Jeff and Pawel missed out on much of the action of last night I thought I'd briefly summarize it:

     The party returned to Fallcrest from its sidequest to retrieve a lost dragonhide from a group of kobolds for the dwarf weaponsmith/armorer, Teldorthan Ironhews.  After spending some time equipping themselves in town, the group headed southwest to the ruins of the city of Spellgard.

     

Nimozaran the Green, High Mage of the court of Fallcrest, had informed the party that the piece of jade that they had found around the neck of the undead monstrosity encountered at the Catian watchtower 2-3(?) days ago likely was a piece of the Jade Chalice, a magic item of significant power.  The chalice was created by a wizard commissioned by the Zel-Arai - a noble family that used to rule this region.  Catia Prime saw this as an act of insubordination and tossed the Zel-Arai out of the Catian court in disgrace, stripping them of their title.  The chalice itself was lost several centuries ago.  

     

Theodoruk, Paladin of Pelor, took some of the reward from the kobold raid and offered it to the local temple of Pelor.  Father Kivan, in charge of the temple, told him that Brother Kavar could use it more than him.  Kavar is trying to establish a temple to Pelor near the ruins of Spellgard and is seeking the Lady Saharel of Spellgard and her oracular powers for guidance in this enterprise.

     

A day or two of traveling brought the party to the burned farmstead of Tom Fairfield.  Wounded and traumatized, Tom told the party that a group of orcs bearing the black feather as their symbol had burned his farm and destroyed his small field.  The orcs were looking for the Jade Chalice, which they believe to be somewhere in this region.  The Fairfield family can trace its ownership of this farm back to the days of Zel-Arai rule.  Theo searched the grounds for tracks and found unmistakable signs of a large contingent of undead that had moved through the area recently, headed southwest.  

In an attempt to discern the nature of the undead and orc threat, the party made for Spellgard.  Upon arrival they were greeted by the friendly Brother Allendi at the Monastery of the Precipice, a haven for seekers of Lady Saharel.  After explaining their quest to the monks (who have generously offered free room and board to the party), the party heads into the ruins to try to find Brother Kavar.  

The ruins seem to be a dangerous place, as the group is ambushed by kobolds soon after they enter the ruins.  The ambush did not go well for the kobolds, though, and they fled to their underground tunnels through a hidden entrance, evading pursuit. 

Not long after, the party found a strange, slim pillar made of alabaster about 10 feet tall.  The pillar was guarded by several ancient-looking homonculli who patrolled the area mindlessly.  Suddenly, a team of two dark creepers and two ettercaps attacked these constructs and tried to steal the pillar.  The party jumped in and slew absolutely everybody.  Searching the corpse of the would-be thieves they find a sketch of the pillar, apparently made by the dark ones' master...         

Player Handouts

Hey guys, here are the two player handouts that the group got last night.  Brother Allendi at the Monastery of the Precipice gave you a map of the ruins of Spellgard and Durin found a copy of the Analects of Kuryon in the horrific remains of the Darano Clan encampment.

Getting stuff done...

So I think we are suppose to hash out things we wanted to do.... I forget what were we going to do?

Dragon Slayers

That is what you all are, now. You should know that having slain a dragon is a pretty big deal in our campaign world. It is a lot like killing a member of the nobility, it tends to get noticed...

Anyways, just wanted to let you all know that you completed a lvl 1 major quest last session that I forgot to tell you about - "Retrieve the Planestone," as well as the lvl 1 minor quest "Bring me their Heads!" that you each received 20 xp for. A major quest is worth the same amount of xp as an encounter of its level so you can each grab another 100 xp (500/5).

Nice job last night, guys. It was cool seeing you all react when you were confronted by a dragon. Gotta love evocative games and terrified PCs :)

Later that night....

With a final exertion of will Zackar closed the infernal portal. The imp had fled, a problem for another day. The circle spoke of an unusual connection between the goblins and Tiamat, one that merited further study. As the sounds of conflict faded around him Zackar examined the altar and planestone. The divine energies flowed from the altar and interacted with the runes carved on the surface of the stone. Removing the stone would solve one problem, Durin and his hammer, the other. As the thrill of battle wore off, the weight of his exhaustion took its place and he sank to the ground beside the defiled altar. He observed his new... companions, he supposed. Miramar seemed to glide around the room as he slit the throats of any goblins still breathing and collected their valuables as well as his what seemed like hundreds of shuriken. An unusual fellow this dashing halfling, certainly a dark sort but he seemed to have a closer connection to the force which guided them here, though that connection seemed to confuse him at times as if his will wasn't completely his own. A disturbing prospect. Gaav was a simple enough figure, he thoughtlessly toyed with infernal powers and cared little for his own safety but he was powerful and greater threats existed than the ones he was allied to. He felt a certain kinship to Valaris, both were outsiders from the fey norm but Valaris had integrated well with the others, especially Durin, whose typical dwarven nature grated Zackar somewhat. There was no denying his strong faith however and the favour Moradin granted him. As the party left the goblin caves and made camp for the first time in days, Zackar's thoughts lingered on Durin's connection to his god and Zackar's somewhat tenuous commitment to Corellon, for the first time he doubted if he served Corellon as He would have chosen. As he prepared to enter his trance Zackar thought again of the burden of his Black orb and it's place in his destiny. As his mind began to drift in it's meditations, the terrors which plagued his dreams seem to come alive. He was trapped in a terrible dark forest while high above his Black orb shed a baleful light, an unholy moon. The sounds around him grew louder an more hostile, monsters lurking just outside his vision. But here and there a quiet tinkling laughter woud break through for just a moment and then go silent. The horror of the moment broken, Zackar tried to focus on the tiny voices he could barely make out. Suddenly a gentle wind stirred carrying the rich scents of the feywild. Faster and faster the wind blew circling him and driving away the nightmare. Soon Zackar was enveloped in what seemed a storm of the Fey, his orb above was swept up in the tempest and began to whirl about in the sky spinning faster and faster. As it spun it stretched like a spindle growing longer and thinner. The storm raged and the magical implement hung before him, as long and slim as an arrow. Zackar reached for it and a deafening explosion buffeted him and he was thrown from his trance. Zackar blinked his eyes and looked around, he was across the camp from his bedroll, wisps of mist clung too him as they did when he stepped through the Fey. Strewn across his lap were shards and chips of black crystal and a slender white wand as long as his forearm and etched with tiny runes.

Sweet Murdering Action

Hey, so lots of fun last session. Thanks for the murdering action Trevor!

I know if felt like we took a severe beating, but we won and nobody actually died. Sure people were close to death, but we were 1st level! When was the last time that you played 1st level where someone wasn't bleeding out each encounter?!

Anyway, a few things:

1. Are we all good to go for the 14th at Jeffy's?
2. Some of us leveled up. What power cards to people need (either new or retrained)?
3. Not sure if you guys have a personalized google homepage like I do, but its sweet and it lets you subscribe to things like this blog - so you'll never miss a new post!

Okay, I'm actually at work today, so maybe I should do some of that...

Schedule Change

So the 11th (Monday) looks like its going to be a problem for Jeff because Lorena is flying out on the 12th (just decided recently).

What do you guys want to do? Jeff's place is pretty much the venue for now, so do we play later in the week without Gaav (although Thursday isn't looking good for me right now), or do we reschedule for say the 25th or something?

August Game Days

Weary Adventurers,

This is the schedule I have down for August games:

7th (Thursday)
11th (Monday)
28th (Thursday)

Mark your calendars and inform your significant others!

Hey lads,

So I thought that my pad worked pretty well for the gaming, and Pato was pretty happy not having the house filled with smelly(sorry) nerds and Lore didn't mind you dudes, would anyone have a problem moving the shindig to my casa from now on? I think it's a little more accessible than Timmy's and there are fewer screaming babies. Lemme know what you guys think.

Jeffer

Gaav "The Demon"

Gaav was only ten years old when his mother and father died before his very eyes. His parents had a lovely cottage in a small grassy valley that fanned out to the southern deserts on the horizon; it was from there that the savages attacked one fateful afternoon. Their horses trampled past Gaav towards the cottage his father running out of the house at the sounds of his sons scream as the young boy was slashed in the face by a Marauders axe.

He was only unconscious but moments, as he laid there his head spinning a blurred form slipped into his vision, he couldn’t seem to focus on it though he could tell by the shape it was a female, he felt soft hands on his arm, and a soft whisper in his ear... she promised him in exchange for his occasional service that she would grant him powers beyond his wildest dreams, and the strength to possibly save his family. With a faint nod Gaav felt fire sear through his body, though it was not a wracking pain but one of anger, it fuelled him and gave him an inner power he never knew he had... as his one good eye focused he could now only see the burning sun in the sky above.

Gaav rolled over and looked at his home in flames... he could not see his father or mother but the 5 savages were still there ransacking whatever they could find... the young boy stood up and slowly made his way towards them limping lightly one of his arms hanging limp at his side.

As he approached the brutes turned to face him, grinning and speaking in some guttural tongue he could not understand they moved towards him weapons in hand. As they did so he could feel a guiding hand resting on his and a soft voice telling him what to do... with a mere gesture the closest man a dark shadow seemed to descend upon the first man, with a second gesture black flames erupted from the young dragonborn’s hand, and engulfed the man, fire shooting from his eyes and mouth as it consumed him from within. The other marauders howling charged towards him, and his own shadow seemed to stretch out to devour them as they approached... and suddenly the shadow and the men were gone... And all he could hear was soft laughter on the wind.

It was at dusk that the Soldiers from the castle found the boy unconscious and lying amongst the ashes of his house, his burned and scarred body nestled in his mother’s arms. The war bands cleric gave urgent healing to the boy, though he would remain unconscious for a week to come. When Gaav did awake it was inside his grandfather’s castle, light streaming in through the window.

Over the years Gaav has had many discussions with the being that saved him, though he would never tell a soul about her existence, with her aid he learned the powers he would use to thwart evil at every turn... though he walked a fine line... Using the powers bestowed by a demon while trying to walk the righteous path of Bahamut.

As he grew older Gaav always suspected his uncle of being behind the attack on his father who was next in line to be the Lord of the castle... however he could never prove it... not until the day he was sent abroad... his grandfather wanted to forge a new alliance with the humans to the North West. It was that day that unknown to Gaav until a week after that his uncle has slain his grandfather and taken control of the keep... he learned this news at the sword point of the very dragonborn who were sworn to protect him on his journey... once again the flames inside him rose the figure above him erupting in black fire, unable to see the others he could hear their screams of pain as the darkness of the forest consumed them. Knowing that to return home now was futile Gaav continues his journey North West... one day he would return and take back what was rightfully his.

Team Combos

Hey guys,

     So, as usual, playing video games inspires my thinking on the tabletop again.  Starting next session, I'm going to implement the "team-combo" system.

COMBO BONUSES:

     The basic idea of this is to grant bonus XP to party members who combine their abilities in effective ways:  

*START OF RULE DESCRIPTION*

    If two or more party members combine their powers or abilities in a way that results in a non-minion monster being killed or bloodied that round, they will receive an amount of bonus XP equivalent to a percentage of the XP value of that monster to be divided equally between them.  The responsibility for "noticing" a combo that unintentionally occurs is the responsibility of the players.  

    There are many ways that this can happen given how deep the combat system in this edition is, but lets break them down into three vague levels for simplicity's sake.

*Minor Combos: 

-Aid another

-General Buff to Attacking Ally

-General DeBuff to Attacked Monster.  

(Note: A "General" Buff/DeBuff is one that simply grants a universal bonus/penalty to an attack or a defense or damage roll with no additional effect.)

10% XP bonus to participating party members.

*Moderate Combos: 

-Combining 2 or more Encounter powers in the same round.

-Specific Buff to attacking ally

-Specific Debuff to attacked enemy

-Moving an enemy into a position where an ally gets a significant benefit to their attack.

-Moving an ally into a position where they gain a significant benefit to their attack.

-Allowing an ally to make use of a class feature or power that they otherwise would not have used in their attack (eg. Moving to flank with a rogue so they can Sneak Attack, Delaying your charge until after the Warlock has gone so they can use their Prime Shot, waiting until after the fighter has marked a foe that you are trying to move past so the fighter gets an OA against the foe if it OAs you, this sort of thing).

(*Note: A "specific" buff/debuff is one that somehow takes advantage of a strength or weakness of an ally or monster.  It includes things like buffing an ally's fire attack against a monster who is vulnerable to fire, Debuffing a monster so that they are vulnerable to the fire attack of your ally, Immobilizing a monster that somehow depends on movement, 

(*Note: A "significant benefit" includes being able to attack at all, moving the monster into an Area of Effect zone, moving an ally so that their AoE zone encompasses more monsters and anything else I deem "significant" at the time.)

25% XP bonus to participating  party members

*Major Combos:

-Combining 2 or more Daily Powers in the same round.

-Positioning yourself, an ally or a monster so that 2 or more party members gain a significant benefit and/or can make use of a class feature or power that they otherwise would not be able to use (see above for description of these circumstances).

50% XP bonus to participating party members

     Each PC can only get one XP bonus for each combo level (minor, moderate and major) once per encounter.  So you can only get a maximum of 185% XP out of one monster, and that's if they heal themselves at some point since you only get combo XP for bloodying or killing a monster.

*END OF RULE DESCRIPTION*

Hopefully that's clear, but feel free to post questions as comments here.  

Combo Bonuses (CBs) and Cool Description Bonuses (CDBs):

     Remember how I've been giving you guys an XP bonus for "cool descriptions" of attacks and kills?  I've decided to fix that bonus at half the combo-value of the monster you are attacking, down to a minimum of 5%.  So, if you attack a monster on your own and get the CD (cool description) bonus you will get 5% of its XP value as a bonus.  

     If you provide a CD of a combo-move, you might get up to 25% of its XP value as a bonus if its a major combo (half of the 50% CB for a major combo = a 25% CDB).  

     In practice I think it will be very difficult to come up with cool descriptions for big combos on the fly, so I would recommend figuring out some standard good combos and then whoever wants the CD bonus should write the description in advance and break it out when the combo goes off.  I'll be more lenient with CD standards for combos that aren't just straight-up combinations of encounter or daily powers, since it seems like very little work to write up a cool description of these combos.

Anyways, as I said, feel free to post questions/comments here.

Zackar the Mad

Zackar Thalion was born into a small Eladrin community in the Feywild which was closely connected to the World and the Shadowfell. Zackar was a magical prodigy with a keen interest in other realms. He excelled in his mystical studies and spent all his free time in the libraries and archives of his community learning about the planes and the history of the World. He quickly outpaced his fellow apprentices in scrying, too quickly. Growing bored with the sedate pace of his studies, Zackar began to work with his orb on his own. During one session he had a breakthrough and began to explore the universe. In the Astral Sea he caught a glimpse of the beautiful dominion of Corellon and was enchanted. He had brief flashes of the feywild, the world and the shadowfell. The flashes came faster and faster, the elemental chaos was blinding and disorientating and he fell into the Abyss unaware. At some point he seemed to become stuck in the Demonweb Pits of Llolth and he struggled to escape. He marshalled his will and before the Queen of Spider's minions could notice him, he tore free and unknowingly cast his mind into the Far Realms. In that terrible place he suddenly could feel no connection to his body, and worse some abominable intellect seemed to be studying him. When his parents found him the next day his once clear orb was dark and misty and Zackar was wracked with fever. Clerics were quickly brought in and Zackar awoke. The brilliant and curious young man's health was weakened and he became sombre and withdrawn. Zackar had seen the horrors that were lurking, waiting to attack the unwary, and swore to fight them and protect the innocent. After his education was complete he sequestered himself in the temple of Corellon and took holy orders to smite evil wherever it arose. When Zackar enters his trance he is plagued with terrible nightmares, when he wakes his dour countenance and pessimistic attitude unnerves his fellow fey. Combined with his refusal to take a new orb he became known as Zackar the Mad, or in hushed tones, BlackOrb.

New Products are interesting

I'm looking at the three new items for 4E Halls of the Giant King Dungeon Tiles, Character Sheep pack and The Thunderspire Labyrinth. I just opened the Character sheet pack. While the character sheets are much the same as the ones you can download it give you a folder to keep your stuff together and power cards that are blank... I wish I had known that last bit earlier. The Dungeon tiles are nice but there are a few tiles that look like they should have been put in another set or just have added more of them. I'm going to peruse the Thunderspire Labyrinth over lunch.

TGiD&D

I use to say that even though D&D is what started it all for me that there were better games out there. Now that we and D&D are older I'm finding that as D&D has changed over the years so have my tastes for games. D&D 4e is probably the best thing out there right now and while I do have my dislikes for some of the way they decided to put together the new edition I think over all its a positive thing and will make gamers pleased.

I'm currently playing Dark heresy and man is that ever a brutal system. There are somethings I like for the look and feel which is why I like DH but I cannot recommend it to someone who wants to try a new RPG. I still like WFRP (Warhammer Fantasy Role-play) and I actually think its a bit better of a system. IMO though D&D4E kicks their ass in everything but fluff and background material.

TGiD&D

Durin Foehammer

Durin Foehammer, a dwarven priest from the Skarsfell mountains, was born the third child of Bain Foehammer, head of the Foehammer Clan and a Warlord of repute based in the dwarven capitol of Duro-dun (aka “The Forge”). When Durin was but still a beardless child his father took the clan on a mission to re-establish a mining settlement under the peak of Baro-Karak, which had been overrun by goblinoids two centuries past. Little resistance was found upon the return and Bain and his followers quickly established a stronghold and within two years time the ore began to flow once more. Being one of few settlements outside the Forge, many dwarfs immigrated to, what was now known as Baro-ka-gein (aka “Fortress Foehammer”). As the population swelled, so did the attention of the dwarfs eon-long enemies. 20 years after the settlement was retaken, the peace was broken. Goblins, Orcs, Ogres and Giants were gathered under the banner of an Orcish Warlord by the name of Urmat the Bloody. Urmat sent wave after wave of troops against Bain’s forces. Bain leading from the front ranks inspired his troops and did not let the Foehammer fall. In a desperate last move Urmat himself took the field of battle. Urmat’s forces were shattered, but not before Urmat had slew Bain in single combat. Urmat, aided by arcane powers, disappeared and has not been seen since.

After the death of his father, Dain Foehammer, Durin’s eldest brother and first born, took the leadership of the clan Foehammer. Dain was also a warlord possessing both a tactical and political genius, but unlike his father he was far more stern and unforgiving. Dain acted as almost a second father to Durin during his youth. However Dain’s relationship with his family was very much a mirror to his political life, and while Durin respected Dain, there was little love compared to the relationship he had with his father. Dain ever scorned Durin’s choice of becoming a priest, believing that Durin should follow in the family tradition of being Warlords. However Durin had known since before his father’s death that something different was required of his life. He was meant to serve a higher power, and to rise above the worldy struggles of day-to-day administration of their mining operation. For the past decade Durin has served as both a priest of Moradin in Fortress Foehammer and as one of Dain’s counsel. Durin was always satisfied with his work as a priest and his ability to help the common dwarf, but was not satisfied working along side his brother Dain. Dain frequently dismissed Durin’s advice and in some instances openly mocked him. In the last such episode Durin and he got into a heated argument. Things were said that should not have been, and Durin was told that his services were no longer required. Fearful that the feud would escalate if Durin remained in the Foehammer, the High Priest of Moradin urged Durin to take this as a sign from Moradin that he was needed elsewhere, and suggested he take this opportunity to explore the world. With his maul in one hand and his holy symbol in the other, Durin Foehammer marched out of the mountain and into his destiny.

Penny Arcade guys play D&D

This is a pretty funny podcast to listen to while thinking about D&D:

www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/drfe/20080530

There are like 6 episodes of it posted in their archive.

Rescheduling

Dudes,

     Jeff has a conflict this thursday.  Can we play on Tuesday or Wednesday instead?  I vote for Tuesday since Ryan won't be at work until 7 that day.

Valaris the Elf

"Elves, especially the older ones, are haughty and pretentious. None of them no how to enjoy themselves or hold their liquor."
-Said by Valaris the elf while drinking one night in the village of Cronomir and then promptly passed out into his own fluids.

The Elves of the woods have long been in a constant struggle with their neighbours. Logging from the humans, Mining from the dwarfs, pillaging from goblinoids and orcs. While reluctant to engage in fighting elves are a passionate people and some elves are asked to make the sacrifice and become protectors of their people. Some are born with a passion that is greater than others. The passion to strive to become being that is looked upon as a hero of his people. When I speak of these elves the name Valaris unfortunately comes to mind. Valaris is what elves like to call Natures Challenged.

Valaris grew up in a village close to a human settlement. While growing he would sneak off and learn about human culture and their heroes. When he talked with the other elves about the stories they would always say things like "oh yes I remember that human paragon of his people... I believe he smelled bad and was loud". Valaris thought the elves were a bit harsh considering that the humans in question couldn't defend themselves because they were dead. Valaris grew more stubborn and would try and stick up for humans. While he could beat up most elves that were his own age the elders were much tougher and didn't take kindly to being verbally and physically attacked. Eventually the elders decided to make Valaris a Forest Guardian in training to protect the forest from the dangers the elves had to face and perhaps allow the rebellious elf to mellow out. Valaris excelled at fighting but when it can to nature lore or stealth he could make make a blind dwarf look good. Eventually he was given the status of forest guardian and given the duty to hold ground against a small goblin community that had recently come into conflict with the elves. After a number of years he became a daunting warrior against the foes of the woods and it was thought that he had earned a new duty of watching the human communities that were encroaching. After a few months of this it appeared that there were a number of newly felled areas of trees on the outskirts of elven lands. When asked by the elders what had happened to the woods in those areas Valaris replied "The human settlement was attacked and burned down by the goblins that we had forced from our woods. So instead of fighting with the humans over weather they could have our trees I just gave them some trees so they could rebuild some of there larger defensive building. As they were in great need of shelter I though it wise to give them the ability create there own shelter in stead of imposing on us to shelter them... I was only thinking of the elders in this regard as sheltering the humans would result in a loud and smelly bunch of guests for who knows how long." While in the eyes of the elf community he had done a selfless deed he had also angered the elders. As a result he was given a duty to go to the settlement and aid them in the rebuilding and to find a different source of lumber. He was not to return until the settlement had been completely rebuilt as it had been or better. Valaris didn't enjoy the prospect as much as he though he might, you see he began to notice that humans were loud and they did smell. After the rebuilding of the settlement Valaris hooked up with a surly dwarf and and his companions... none of which was a human.

Post the First

Hey all,

     This blog has been created to support our D&D 4th edition campaign.  Anyone can see what we waste our time doing, I guess.

For the players:

Hey guys, to cut down on obnoxiously long and confusing e-mail threads, I thought we could all just post our thoughts on this blog.  I also plan to post session recaps, bits of history and flavour from the world and other stuff that I feel like posting here.  It would be cool if you guys could post your character backgrounds here to start.