D&D 5E Return to The Temple of Elemental Evil - (full, at the moment)

[River Song]

secret GM rolls: 1D20 = [1] = 1
1D20 = [18] = 18
1D20 = [9] = 9
1D20 = [19] = 19
1D20 = [17] = 17
1D20 = [3] = 3
1D20 = [13] = 13
1D20 = [13] = 13
1D20 = [8] = 8
1D20 = [14] = 14

 

[industrygothica]

Speaking of dice rolling... I need 10 separate d20 rolls from everyone. I will post this in the RG (2nd post) and be using them for those secret DM rolls behind the screen and mostly for initiative. I read on here it could take two days to get everyone to post init - and with all the possible combats (those you can't sneak or talk your way past). That would be crazy. Instead I can take your next roll in the set and add it to your init modifier. So when a combat starts instead of saying roll initiative, I can post the combat order and say (blank) your up first.

Here's my rolls. Can I offer a tip? I've been the DM of a few different pbp games here, and have learned a thing or two. In my opinion, when combat is about to start, it's best if you just go ahead and roll initiative for everyone and post the order when you announce combat. It's also easiest (for me) if all of the bad guys act on the same initiative order. That way you only have to update once, after all of the PCs have gone.

If you need a spur of the moment perception check, or something similar, from a PC, go ahead and roll it yourself since you have access to all of out character sheets. That way you don't have to post "Make a check!" and then wait until the player responds before you can continue. If it's something big like crossing a rickety bridge or something like that, then you can say "Hey, there's a rickety bridge here.. the DC is 15 to cross it or you fall." Of course then you'd want the players to make their own check so they can describe what their character is doing or whatnot.

Of course, this is all strictly *my* opinion. I am always in favor of doing whatever it takes to move things along in the most expedient way possible. Of course I want to roll my own combat rolls... but if something else requires you waiting on a die roll, PLEASE roll it for me.

Do you plan on using a map, or is it all going to be theater of the mind? Maps work much better for pbp, but they can certainly be a pain to update.

I know you didn't ask for any of this, but here it is anyway. Do with it what you will....


-IG

Secret DM rolls: 1D20 = [16] = 16
1D20 = [5] = 5
1D20 = [19] = 19
1D20 = [8] = 8
1D20 = [12] = 12
1D20 = [17] = 17
1D20 = [15] = 15
1D20 = [12] = 12
1D20 = [12] = 12
1D20 = [7] = 7

 

[Charwoman Gene]

Secret GM Rolls: 1D20 = [1] = 1
1D20 = [11] = 11
1D20 = [19] = 19
1D20 = [13] = 13
1D20 = [11] = 11
1D20 = [14] = 14
1D20 = [15] = 15
1D20 = [14] = 14
1D20 = [9] = 9
1D20 = [13] = 13

 

[Binder Fred]

Thanks for the picture, EB. Adopted!

I would say salt-water idea goes out of window if there is no sea bordering the marsh.

Save the swamp from drying out/filling-in/flooding out/rare (common?) animal/plant specie from disapearing ("Save the Lizardmen!"), etc?

Old hermit knight needed help in healing poor sod that washed into the swamp, wounded, hungry and probably full of leeches and parasites. He may even think his mentor and you an old couple for some time

So I'm confused: is this the same druid that saved/sealed Arihda little problem, or is this an entirely different crazy old hermit? (For a place of lonely contemplation, this swamp is getting *crowded* )

Both combatants turned to look up at an old crone standing well out of the mire on a raised gnoll.

Her own pet gnoll. And already fully raised too. Thanks EarlyBird!

If I may?

"Excellent. It is time." Her tone was one of great concern, marked with a hint of pleasure at finally getting started. "We have people to save," She said turning to walk back down the small hill. "And hopefully they in turn will help us in saving this realm."

"Though why I care is quite beyond me," she grumbled at the end, having already turned and started heading away, leaning heavily on her absurdly gnarled cane.

 

[Binder Fred]

secret GM rolls: 1D20 = [7] = 7
1D20 = [11] = 11
1D20 = [2] = 2
1D20 = [7] = 7
1D20 = [8] = 8
1D20 = [19] = 19
1D20 = [8] = 8
1D20 = [9] = 9
1D20 = [15] = 15
1D20 = [12] = 12

 

[Shayuri]

MYSTERY: 1D20 = [18] = 18
1D20 = [16] = 16
1D20 = [8] = 8
1D20 = [13] = 13
1D20 = [3] = 3
1D20 = [9] = 9
1D20 = [12] = 12
1D20 = [1] = 1
1D20 = [13] = 13
1D20 = [11] = 11

 

[Neurotic]

Look for Mal Malenkirk (that is user name) rules of PbP. They were widely adopted for living 4e and I found them very practice.

Short version: PC go as a group, except in the first round when only those faster than monsters go. He rolls Init unless there is time (discussion still ongoing). Monster stats (basic attack for OA, saves, AC, etc) are posted so players roll their own OAs if they provoke and roll monster saves to better describe the effects.

Map is google table sheet which Anyone can edit (For moves etc). And most important rule of all: after first round, things happen in the post order, not initiative order.

 

[EarlyBird]

Here's my rolls. Can I offer a tip? I've been the DM of a few different pbp games here, and have learned a thing or two. In my opinion, when combat is about to start, it's best if you just go ahead and roll initiative for everyone and post the order when you announce combat. It's also easiest (for me) if all of the bad guys act on the same initiative order. That way you only have to update once, after all of the PCs have gone.

If you need a spur of the moment perception check, or something similar, from a PC, go ahead and roll it yourself since you have access to all of out character sheets. That way you don't have to post "Make a check!" and then wait until the player responds before you can continue. If it's something big like crossing a rickety bridge or something like that, then you can say "Hey, there's a rickety bridge here.. the DC is 15 to cross it or you fall." Of course then you'd want the players to make their own check so they can describe what their character is doing or whatnot.

Of course, this is all strictly *my* opinion. I am always in favor of doing whatever it takes to move things along in the most expedient way possible. Of course I want to roll my own combat rolls... but if something else requires you waiting on a die roll, PLEASE roll it for me.

Do you plan on using a map, or is it all going to be theater of the mind? Maps work much better for pbp, but they can certainly be a pain to update.

I know you didn't ask for any of this, but here it is anyway. Do with it what you will....


-IG

All opinions and experiences welcome. Everyone here has been around longer than I and I am only get help from reading through other IC posts and such. So anything anyone wants to add to help us all have a great game together please post so we can try it.

I googled pbp battle maps and then read a great discussion and found some great images. So we will map out the combats as this should be easy playing an old school dungeon delve where almost everything is squared off.

Look for Mal Malenkirk (that is user name) rules of PbP. They were widely adopted for living 4e and I found them very practice.

Short version: PC go as a group, except in the first round when only those faster than monsters go. He rolls Init unless there is time (discussion still ongoing). Monster stats (basic attack for OA, saves, AC, etc) are posted so players roll their own OAs if they provoke and roll monster saves to better describe the effects.

Map is google table sheet which Anyone can edit (For moves etc). And most important rule of all: after first round, things happen in the post order, not initiative order.

Thanks for the tips. Going to look up google sheet tonight see what that is like. And I was wondering about posting AC/HP for the monsters so the players could describe their death blows should they wish. I didn't think of saves for spell casters or attacks for AoO, but maybe a monster stat block for basics (zombies, orcs, etc) but not for Boss Monsters (high lvl priest or wizard)

Gotta clock in will have IC up tomorrow.

 

[EarlyBird]

Thanks for the picture, EB. Adopted!

You are welcome, and I like the short version of my name so please everyone call me EB - but when you say it you need to drag it out like Wall-E

Eee - Bee (haha)

So I'm confused: is this the same druid that saved/sealed Arihda little problem, or is this an entirely different crazy old hermit? (For a place of lonely contemplation, this swamp is getting *crowded* )

Sorry about that let's try and clear up the occupants - There is one druid who patrols watches the area (which is about 9 miles long N-S and 5 miles wide E-W. It was a circle that she called in to help Aridha.

I'm not quite sure but I believe that Zanwords mentor has passed away? Have to ask Neurotic about that exactly - but I read were he said the paladin "got old" could be retired (Yoda like), either way dead or retired Zanword is in his next stages of his pilgrimage before taking his Oath, the old off on your own, travel the world, help others, etc. etc.

And then there is Rana living in the swamp as well as the village of Nulb in the north-western corner (population around 65), not to mention the temple and its occupants. So yep a little crowded part of the world for now.

Her own pet gnoll. And already fully raised too. Thanks EarlyBird!

Opps where did my k go. You will learn soon enough why I had gnolls on the brain. <--insert diabolical DM laughter here--->

If I may?

"Though why I care is quite beyond me," she grumbled at the end, having already turned and started heading away, leaning heavily on her absurdly gnarled cane.

Oh yes please do. And everyone feel free to add subtract anything you wish to help spice up the little story. That one sentence gives tons of insight into Rana's personality so Thank You.

 

[Shayuri]

Brief sequence of events for Aridha's involvement in this:

Aridha's family lives in relative isolation in either the swamp or the woods nearby...probably dad and/or mom earns a living from that. Trapper, logger...something like that.

At some point they are attacked by a beastie, which caused lots of mayhem...probably killed her parents...but in the end was hurt badly enough by silver that it was driven off. In the process of this, Aridha got bit.

Aridha then makes her way, injured, to the local medicine woman (this is Rana) for help. She gets patched up, but at the next full moon, as she's recuperating, she changes. Rana survived, but mostly because Ari's young and she was able to keep away. Now realizing that something's wrong, Aridha gets sent to see the druids...farther into the wilds.

The druids realize what's wrong, but she's past the golden hour; it's too late to just cure the affliction now. Aridha, as it happens, still has the silver knife that hurt the werewolf...and it has some of its blood on it. They use this as a component in a ritual that seals the werewolf's curse up within Aridha...imprisoning it so it cannot force her to change shape. They stress that over time, without more blood, the ritual will weaken and fade. The beast will emerge again.

Aridha, having no other obvious place to go, stays with the druids and begins training to be one of them. Some of the Mysteries give a druid the power to change shape...she hopes that learning them might give her the power to resist the curse more permanently. During this time though, she begins having troubling visions and nightmares that interfere with her lessons. The druids aren't sure if they are because of the bound up curse...or if Aridha is getting visions from the spirits of nature. Either way, it seems clear that her time with the Circle is done for the moment.

While Aridha was training with the druids, she was likely living with Rana. This would be when she made the acquaintance of Zanwoods and so on.