Group 4 Forming

[EricStratton]

I've been inspired by Sagar, Atty, Kiir, Wil Wheaton, Gabe from Penny Arcade, and the PA/PvP/Wil Wheaton DnD podcasts and have decided to attempt to DM a group here.

I pre-offered a handful of spots to some ppl that didn't get a chance to play long or at all, and Sagar and Noptov accepted. That means I have three spots left to the first three that want them.

For character creation feel free to use standard array (16, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10 before racial modifiers), the point system (8, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10 w/ 22 points to spend), or something more random like rolling 4d6 and taking the best three, repeat 5 times. Just let me know what you're using and be honest.

I'm going to run the 4E adventure Keep of the Shadowfell. Those paying attention may recognize that as the adventure that appeared in the first PA/PvP DnD podcast series. They only saw a small part of it so I hope those that listened to the podcasts will still find the adventure interesting. I'll also do my best to change things up some.

It should be noted that I've never DM'ed anything ever. I'm not even in charge at home. So more than likely I'll mess something up or forget something. I encourage those that end up playing to call me out if you see a glaring error, to (at least at first) be liberal when detailing attack rolls and modifiers and skills used, and above all be patient w/ me.

I would like to start this after I get my copy of PHBv2 to allow those that wants to use PHBv2 to do so. That means, assuming we have 5 ppl and everyone's ready, I hope to start some time next week (probably towards the end of next week). Also, I have access to the Martial Handbook, and the Warforged and Gnoll data if anyone would like to use the info in those.

So...anyone want to play?

[Asharad]

I hate to be a game hog, but I'd love to.

That said, if a bunch of people not in our other game want to play I'd be happy to step aside and let them take my spot.

[Sagar]

Is it too early to talk characters? :p

I either want to play an archer ranger, a beastmaster ranger, or a dragonborn warlord. I don't think I want to be a finger wiggler. I could be a dwarven cleric, but that isn't as high on my list right now. Of course, that could change by lunchtime :p

[Shiz]

I want to play as well but others have spoken up. Eric, any objection to Forgotten realms races? I DO NOT want to be a drow, but the Genasi are cool, but arguably very munchkin. Also, what about Monster Manual races like Shifters, Minotaurs, etc?

I am open to any class other than cleric or warlord, although a druid would be intriguing. I just don't get the warlord class.

[EricStratton]

I want to play as well but others have spoken up. Eric, any objection to Forgotten realms races? I DO NOT want to be a drow, but the Genasi are cool, but arguably very munchkin. Also, what about Monster Manual races like Shifters, Minotaurs, etc?

I am open to any class other than cleric or warlord, although a druid would be intriguing. I just don't get the warlord class.
I do have access to the Forgotten Realms PHB and Monster Manual but I'd like to specifically OK races in them. That said, I don't see any problem w/ Genasi, Shifters, or Minotaurs. Altho I am tempted to make the Shifters' racial powers last until end of encounter, until rendered unconscious, or until you're no longer bloodied. I can discuss it w/ anyone that considers a Shifter.

[Sagar]

I am open to any class other than cleric or warlord, although a druid would be intriguing. I just don't get the warlord class.

I didn't either until I started running this game. Now that I see how devasting some characters are when they have CA (cough *fandango* cough), I can see how valuable a warlord can be. Imagine being able to "shift" Fandango 1-3 spaces in any direction during your attack. You could set him up for CA backstab after CA backstab.

Hmmm.. eladrin rogue... that has possibilities...

[Shiz]

I am waiting to read about the Barbarian in PHB2 as well.

edit: read the 1-3 level preview again. SOLD! Class will be Dwarf or Shifter.

[EricStratton]

I'm glad someone chose a Barbarian. After reading the preview (which I did after hearing about the Barbarian bad guy in the PA/DnD Podcast series 2) I decided my next toon was going to be one. I look forward to see what he can do.

[Asharad]

I'm going to grab the PH2 tomorrow and see if there is a class from there that interests me.

[Shiz]

I was looking over the multi-class options last night. Any class that takes the Warlord multi-class feat gets the 2x encounter healing power (surge+1d6) so that one feat makes any character cleric-light. Pairing that with my barbarian might be interesting.

The barbarian class is tough to balance with stats, though. You need STR and CON/CHA for powers but a low DEX = low AC = pain. I am thinking a couple more points of AC > 3-5pts of temp hitpoints per encounter.

Bottom line, I am leaning towards a Warforged Rage Barbarian but I have yet to see the PHB2 either.

[Sagar]

Evenstarr picked up the PHB2 for me yesterday :)

I haven't read alot of it yet.

It could be interesting to have a critter-themed party.
Druid
Shaman
Shifter something
Beastmaster Ranger
That kind of thing.

Then we could be "Primal Might"

[Shiz]

I could run a Dragonborn Thaneblood Barbarian and fit right in!

[Asharad]

I could run a Dragonborn Thaneblood Barbarian and fit right in!

Your driver's license would be huge.

[Shiz]

Downloaded PHB2 and skimmed the new classes. I don't really want to be a healer again (just for variety, not because Trask isn't le awesome) but anything else looks fine. Even the bard looks fun.

I will caution that if we have a lot of pet classses, our map situation is bound to get more complicated so that would mean Beastmaster or Shaman, but probably not both. I like the Primal theme idea. Barbarian remains my first choice.

[DinbinFanfoom]

I've got as much going on as I can handle now... besides, it's someone elses turn.

[Zyzzyx]

I mentioned this to ES in a pm... I'd be interested, but it'd be a bit before I could get the time to build a character. That, and I'd rather defer to other folks. However, if'n ya need/want someone to fill out a five character party, I'd be glad to.

[Lycos]

Yeah, as Dinbin said, let's let someone else play a little. However, in the future, I may be inclined to run a campaign as well.

[GravenStone]

Attractive idea, but my schedule will forever remain an impediment to a setting like this. Although it is rekindling my desire to game again. Shame only Sagar would know anything about my preferred (and now defunct) system (not AD&D).

[Greebo]

Tempting but I'll have to resist this time... just no time to invest in learning the new system. :(

Thanks to Shiz for the pm tho inviting me. (The rest of you can beat him up for that now... ;) )

[Asharad]

naw, heck ES should probably post something in the main forum. I would love to play again but would feel bad if there was someone else interested who didn't get in cause they didn't know.

[Moonshadow]

I would definitely be interested. 4e is available online right? I've been considering an electronic copy since until I boot the kid to the street there's no room for more books in the house :D His room is slated as the new library.

[Shiz]

www.rpgnow.com (http://www.rpgnow.com) let's you buy all the books in pdf form for $25 each. You get 5 downloads of each for that $25.

If you have no idea about 4E, you will want PHB at a minimum. PHB2 has a bunch of new classes and feats. If you want to play a core melee class from PHB1, then skip PHB2 and buy Martial Power.

The big thing about 4E is that every character can heal themself once in combat. We have found that a healing class is still very nice to have, though.

[Zyzzyx]

A'right... I'm getting more interested every time I read this thread... but, like Ash, I'd defer to someone who's not in the current group.

[EricStratton]

As much as I'd love to open the game to > 5 ppl, as a brand new DM, I'd like to keep things as "normal" as possible.

[Shiz]

A'right... I'm getting more interested every time I read this thread... but, like Ash, I'd defer to someone who's not in the current group.

Sagar, Moonie and Noppy are the only new people who have stepped up. That leaves room for 2. I will step on fingers and toes to try another class! :lowrazz: I play so little else these days, I love this stuff.

[Zyzzyx]

So... I've got to beat up Ash behind the cafeteria after school if I want to play... Hhmmm... ;)

I'd say that attriel might be interested, but I'm sure he's more than just a bit busy for awhile.

[Asharad]

I WAS IN THE THREAD FIRST! :)

[Lycos]

How about we give it 2 more days before anyone else jumps in on the new group? Then you can fight it out.

[Zyzzyx]

How about we give it 2 more days before anyone else jumps in on the new group? Then you can fight it out.

That was my plan, just couldn't pass up the chance to poke at Ash.

[noptov52]

Goal for the day: create my character. Yes, I set high standards for myself.

[Shiz]

We should have one

AE class: Wizard, Invoker, Druid (4E Druids have zero healing)
Some kind of healing class: Shaman, Cleric, or Warlord although Warlord is most useful with a few melees to buff

A tank class is nice but not required. The Warden could fit this roll easily. We have seen how much damage a rogue can do but if we are heavy on Strikers (Ranger, Barbarian have been mentioned) we should be ok.

I want to stress for the new people that "healers" do a ton more than healing in 4E. In the current group, my cleric can only heal twice a fight. The rest of the time he is shooting holy laser beams and arrows all over.

[Asharad]

I dont know what I'm going to play (assuming nobody wants my space).

I'm pretty open to anything and am going to grab the PHB2 today.

I am going to actually try to role play, by which I mean my character wont just be me with super powers.

[Moonshadow]

Wizard please! I know it's typecasting but it's what I do :D

[Asharad]

I going to wait and see what we need. I grabbed the PHB2 today. Bards are cool, but I basically always play that kind of character.

[EricStratton]

Goal for the day: create my character. Yes, I set high standards for myself.
And yet.... :lowrazz:

[EricStratton]

I'm going to go ahead and call it. Sign up's over. 3 spots taken. The rest of you can work out the last two spots. Be careful tho - Shiz looks prepared to die for one of them. ;) I do appreciate all the interest.

Sagar
Noptov
Moonie
?
?

[Shiz]

Zyzz and Ash are going to rumble!

[noptov52]

And yet.... :lowrazz:

I never said I attained those standards :mrgreen:

[Asharad]

MINE!

[Zyzzyx]

I kinda figured it would be. But.... on the slim chance that your wife does talk you into doing a game, I want your spot here. ;)

[Shiz]

Waiting to see what classes the new people choose before I do anything.

[EricStratton]

I do have access to the Forgotten Realms PHB and Monster Manual but I'd like to specifically OK races in them. That said, I don't see any problem w/ Genasi, Shifters, or Minotaurs. Altho I am tempted to make the Shifters' racial powers last until end of encounter, until rendered unconscious, or until you're no longer bloodied. I can discuss it w/ anyone that considers a Shifter.
Finally got my PHBv2 today. I didn't realize Shifters were in the new PHBv2. So I take back the above comment about Shifters.

Goliaths look badass.

I noticed there's a couple classes that have special effects whenever they roll natural 20s. For instance, the Barbarian gets to take another swing and the Sorcerer gets to slide the target. We'll have to figure out the best way to handle that w/o any barbarians and sorcerers adding "and if I get a 20, I'll..." at the end of every post.

WRT the above can anyone clue me in as to why for Barbarians they said "...when you score a critical hit..." and for Sorcerers they said "When you roll a natural 20..."? Is it possible to score a critical hit w/o rolling a natural 20?

[EricStratton]

Ok, Group 4 is:

Sagar
Noptov
Moonie
Shiz
Ash

Decide on characters (stats as detailed in the first post of this thread) and have them typed up in this thread (http://www.legendsofwestwood.org/forum/showthread.php?t=14489) by mid-next week. I'd like to start around Thurs/Fri. If you are all ready sooner, we can start sooner. After looking at PBHv2 it looks like there's a ton more stuff for me to track (spirit companions, extra bonuses when 20s are rolled, etc etc) so be gentle, be verbose, and remind me often.

[Shiz]

No, on the crit without a 20 question.

If you do Roll 5, then it will be less complicated but the characters get a lot more powerful if they know a crit is coming and can plan the after action.

For anyone that downloaded the Character Builder from the Wizards site (you have to be a D&D Insider member but I bet you can use my login...) the PHB2 data will get added Tuesday.

[EricStratton]

I hadn't even thought of using Roll 5. I'll have to think about it. I imagine it would take a bunch of work off my plate. I'll get back to you all on that.

[Sagar]

I am equally interested in:

Sagar Redbeard, Dwarven Cleric with an almost manic desire to destroy undead.

Isil Y'Quasar, Elven Ranger - bow specialist.

TBNL, Dragonborn Sorcerer

[Shiz]

I am dying to see what everyone else rolls before I make my final decision.

For Moon or anyone thinking about a Wizard or a Warforged.

Biggest thing about the Warforged race as I can see it is the +2 to saves vs ongoing damage. That has been a very painful thing some times in the Group 3 campaign.

[Shiz]

Also, are we doing the Background game? There are some in the PHB2. They offer an extra skill to choose from with a +2 mod on it.

Example:

Mountains: You were raised among the cold,
craggy peaks of a mountain range. How often did
you visit the lowlands as you were growing up? What
brought you out of the mountains to become an
adventurer?
Associated Skills: Athletics, Dungeoneering

The associated skills get added to your class skill list before you choose your skills and you get + 2 with one of them

[EricStratton]

In order to try to keep things as even as possible and so I'm not attempting to constantly alter the encounters to make them challenging here's my ruling on backgrounds.

When creating your character, if you come up w/ stats that are +8 or below, you may choose a background and gain +2 to the skills listed. Anyone +9 or above may choose a background for RP purposes but will not get the +2. See the Ability Modifier chart on pg 17 in the PBH for what each stat is worth.

[Shiz]

Excellent. Thanks.

[DinbinFanfoom]

When creating your character, if you come up w/ stats that are +8 or below, you may choose a background and gain +2 to the skills listed.Not that I'm playing, but this seems kinda hilarious. :D

"Brunhilde Sturmundrang is of hardy northern stock. Not particularly bright (8 INT) she did, however, apply herself to her schooling as much as she could and managed to excel in chalkboard eraser cleaning and desk-throwing. Hence, she emerged from her studies one of the more intelligent in her small, woodland community (10 INT)." :mrgreen:

[Shiz]

I am working on a neat Genasi Barbarian. He has 19 STR and 16 INT (which can be used for +AC instead of DEX) and a 9 DEX (-1 mod). This means he will always be low on the initiative list but will then explode into furious action. The Earth Genasi power is a Burst 1 that knocks enemies prone, which then will grant the Barbarian CA or give him the freedom to extricate himself without OAs.

I still might give him 9 WIS instead of 9 DEX but that will depend on whether or not we have any good Perception characters in the group. Low initiative is pretty easy to compensate for with feats.

[Asharad]

Barbarians are melee strikers?

[Shiz]

Yes.

[Sagar]

I am seriously considering sticking with a dwarven cleric and leaving the nuking duties to Moonie.

[GravenStone]

I am seriously considering sticking with a dwarven cleric and leaving the nuking duties to Moonie.

Typecasting yourselves much? :tongue:

[Asharad]

I could go with a tank type, depending on what noppy wants.

[Shiz]

I am seriously considering sticking with a dwarven cleric and leaving the nuking duties to Moonie.

A melee cleric with high WIS can multi-class and be a Perception machine.

I could go with a tank type, depending on what noppy wants.

If I am not a striker, I would be a Warden. Check it out. Lots of powers to pull mobs to you and lock them down.

[Sagar]

Typecasting yourselves much? :tongue:

Sagar, the original Battledorf!

[noptov52]

I could go with a tank type, depending on what noppy wants.

I'd prefer a melee striker. I think barbarians look pretty interesting, but I don't know if we want to have two in the same party. I'm also considering a warlord...

[Asharad]

If I am not a striker, I would be a Warden. Check it out. Lots of powers to pull mobs to you and lock them down.

That's what I was thinking, actually. A Goliath warden.


I'd prefer a melee striker. I think barbarians look pretty interesting, but I don't know if we want to have two in the same party. I'm also considering a warlord...

Rogues are awesome and avengers look pretty cool.

[Shiz]

Nop, I will defer to you on the barbarian if you want. I guessed you would Warlord since that is what you picked in atty's game and it never went anywhere.

I have some other ideas. I was, in fact, reading up on the Avenger. The point of that class is they pick their enemy and attack/pursue it until it is dead. It is a cool concept.

[Shiz]

If I don't go Barbarian, I am going Druid. Shifting back and forth from animal to humanoid fun would be cool.

[Sagar]

Finally got my PHBv2 today. I didn't realize Shifters were in the new PHBv2. So I take back the above comment about Shifters.

Goliaths look badass.

I noticed there's a couple classes that have special effects whenever they roll natural 20s. For instance, the Barbarian gets to take another swing and the Sorcerer gets to slide the target. We'll have to figure out the best way to handle that w/o any barbarians and sorcerers adding "and if I get a 20, I'll..." at the end of every post.

WRT the above can anyone clue me in as to why for Barbarians they said "...when you score a critical hit..." and for Sorcerers they said "When you roll a natural 20..."? Is it possible to score a critical hit w/o rolling a natural 20?

There are higher level feats that allow a crit on 19 or 20


When creating your character, if you come up w/ stats that are +8 or below, you may choose a background and gain +2 to the skills listed. Anyone +9 or above may choose a background for RP purposes but will not get the +2. See the Ability Modifier chart on pg 17 in the PBH for what each stat is worth.


FYI: The "standard array" and normal class bonuses give +9.

[EricStratton]

There are higher level feats that allow a crit on 19 or 20
Ah, then that makes more sense.
FYI: The "standard array" and normal class bonuses give +9.
Sorry, I meant before any class bonuses. Standard array gives +7 IIRC.

[noptov52]

I'm creating a barbarian, still working out the details. I haven't done any of this since last summer, so it is taking a bit longer than I thought it would.

[Shiz]

I was thinking two barbarians would be fun but we need a Perception & Sneak character so I am going with my druid "alt".

[EricStratton]

I'm creating a barbarian, still working out the details. I haven't done any of this since last summer, so it is taking a bit longer than I thought it would.
The past two times I've made a character I did it using the generator (http://www.pathguy.com/cg4.htm) in the Resources thread. Looks like he's updated it for PBHv2 so might as well give that a shot if you need help.

[Sagar]

The past two times I've made a character I did it using the generator (http://www.pathguy.com/cg4.htm) in the Resources thread. Looks like he's updated it for PBHv2 so might as well give that a shot if you need help.

It's quick. It's easy. It's fun!

If we don't need a cleric, I can make a rogue. :)

[Asharad]

Rogues are so much fun and I am curious as to how they would interact with a warden (which I what I am making).

But clerics are rather nice as well.

[Shiz]

It's quick. It's easy. It's fun!

If we don't need a cleric, I can make a rogue. :)

How many times has Trask battle-rezzed us to victory? We need a cleric. Anyone with 13 str can mutli-class Warlord and get the Inspiring Word ability which is basically identical to the cleric Healing Word ex-the WIS bonus. In fact, Rend will probably do this at 2nd level since he is searching for meaning in his life and he may just find it through the dorf.

What I really like about Rend is that we haven't yet had a character with high Perception AND high Stealth. He is an honest to good scout.

[Quervo]

have i missed out of joining in on this go round?


-edit- just scanned through the full posts and found the player listings, guess i am up for next go round...

[Asharad]

If you want to play you can have my spot. Better to have lots of different people playing.

[Shiz]

If you want Ash's spot, let me know what class you want to play and I will fill in whatever gap I think we have.

[Quervo]

I wouldnt mind playing but i didnt want to bump someone out for me being late to respond.

I will look at the group roster so far and will get back to you in a little bit

[Quervo]

If Ash and ES are ok with me swaping in then count me in.

I am looking either a Goliath Warden from PHB2 or a Deva (PHB2) Swordmage (Forgotten Realms Player's Guide) ...

ES you make the call, I will do the warden if you dont have the FRPG for the sword mage.

[EricStratton]

It's up to Ash if he wants to give his spot up.

I have a copy of the FRPG so Swordmage should be fine, I assume. I haven't read up on them or anything.

[Quervo]

Swordmage

Class Traits
Role: Defender. You are a melee combatant who uses
spells to fight better.
Power Source: Arcane. You study ancient magical traditions
and practice swordplay, developing arcane
powers that work well with your physical attacks.
Key Abilities: Intelligence, Strength, Constitution
Armor Proficiencies: Cloth, leather
Weapon Proficiencies: Simple melee, military light
blades, military heavy blades, simple ranged
Implements: Any light blade or heavy blade. Your
blade adds its enhancement bonus to attack rolls
and damage rolls and any extra damage granted by
a property (if applicable) when used as an implement.
You do not gain your weapon proficiency
bonus to the attack roll when using your blade as an
implement.
Bonus to Defense: +2 Will
Hit Points at 1st Level: 15 + Constitution score
Hit Points per Level Gained: 6
Healing Surges per Day: 8 + Constitution modifier
Trained Skills: Arcana. From the class skills list below,
choose three more trained skills at 1st level.
Class Skills: Arcana (Int), Athletics (Str), Diplomacy
(Cha), Endurance (Con), History (Int), Insight (Wis),
Intimidate (Cha)
Build Options: Assault swordmage, shielding
swordmage
Class Features: Swordbond, Swordmage Aegis (aegis of
assault or aegis of shielding), Swordmage Warding

[EricStratton]

Looks fine. If you can have your toon made by tomorrow, we can start then.

[Shiz]

If Q is sticking with a Defender, then my Druid is good to go.

[Quervo]

Ready to rock, Sword mage will posted to roster in about 30-40mins

[EricStratton]

Ok, looks like all the toons are ready. I'm going ot give them a better look tonight and maybe type them into the Character Creator (it's times like this I wish I had my Windows laptop back). Tomorrow we'll get started. Or maybe I'll post something tonight if I have time.

I'm giddy. I hope you all have fun.

[Sagar]

I have a 1 page party summary sheet I can send you tomorrow.
I also have the random number spreadsheet I can send if you want.

[EricStratton]

I have a 1 page party summary sheet I can send you tomorrow.
I also have the random number spreadsheet I can send if you want.
Send em. I'll take what I can.