Ok, now for my questions about the Adventurer's League (possible spoilers)

[ElterAgo]

Some of the stuff in the Adventurer's League is also confusing me. I know I've only played 3 sessions so far. So maybe some of this will make more sense later.

1) Only gain a relatively small amount of coin at level advancements. Completely unrelated to what is found during a session. So even though we found a well stocked armory, gem encrusted artwork, killed a bad guy with enameled breastplate and a jeweled axe, etc... We gain nothing usable from any of that. (Well the DM did let me replace the handaxe that got destroyed by the ooze.) That appears to be kinda ... messed up.

2) Even if I purchase absolutely nothing else, I won't be able to afford a suit of non-magical plate armor until level 11.
However, +1 plate is evergreen and cost 24 treasure points. Which I could have as soon as 6th level.
Is that really correct?

3) Consumables like vials of acid, holy water, low level scrolls, etc... seem to be a huge percentage of your extremely scarce wealth. I can't hardly imagine how any of those could seem like a worth while investment. Then I start looking at the cost for higher level scrolls or even wands. I can't imagine buying any of them with gold. I suppose I could use use the treasure points. But it seems like I'm already going to have to save up forever just to get a few basics like a magic weapon and something to help my saving throws.
Other than an emergency potion of Greater Healing, no one at any of the tables has indicated any interest at all in ever purchasing any consumable item by either method. This seems to be kinda killing this whole aspect of the game by design. Is there something here that I am missing?

[SPOILERS=Dragon Heist]
Specific to the Dragon Heist table.
4) We are apparently going to be able to do a bunch of missions for various groups making piles of cash. However, that cash is only for purpose of re-opening and covering the huge operating expenses of our tavern. We can't use it to buy better equipment even though the background and personalities for most of the characters would have zero interest in risking their lives to run a money losing tavern. I mean yes, we are all going along with it since it is the plot line. But I know I at least am having to completely remake my characters personality since it doesn't make any sense for the character he has been up until now. Is it just me or is this kinda wierd?

5) The group seems to be kinda lost as to what we are supposed to be doing at this point. We were told we can get missions for operating cash from our factions. But none of us are in factions. I don't think we even can be in a faction unless we have something other than the core Handbook (which I think only one of us has any other books yet). We don't know anything about what factions are available or what they would be like to work for. Well except for the 2 evil factions that we have already killed several members of each. However, I thought what we really supposed ot be doing was finding the 'Stone' that is the key to piles of missing cash. But unless we've missed something big, we have exactly zero clues or ideas on how to go about that. Everything we have tried comes up with "no body seems to know anything." Please don't ruin the plot for me, but have we missed something major that we need to go back and ask the GM about?
[/SPOILER]

 

[MNblockhead]

Yeah, AL is a different way of experiencing D&D and not my favored mode of play. I find I enjoy playing the AL modules better than playing the APs in AL. If it is an option, I will always prefer playing the large hard-cover published adventures in a home game. I enjoy the occasional organized play game at a FLGS or convention, but am not a fan of playing an entire campaign under AL rules.

 

[ArwensDaughter]

Furthermore AL rules changed drastically this season, and most (all?) of what is bothering you is directly related to the rules changes. I'm in favor of the shift to checkpoints for leveling, but the treasure points and gold awards break immersion for me, and just don't seem fun or to make narratives sense. This seems to me to be even more glaring with dragon heist. I've used (previous season) AL rules as a base for the rules for my drop-In game. I may shift to checkpoints when we finish TOA, but I won't pick up anything else.

 

[abs]

1. Yes.
2. The AL admins have stated that they feel that plate armor is a tier 3 item. Consequently, they set their new system up to make that happen. As for magical plate, it can't be purchased until tier 3. It is on a table that unlocks at tier 3, along with magical studded leather. There technically ways around it; however, it requires non-evergreen access.
3. No, it's just a side effect of eliminating plate armor until tier 3.
4. Wierd... sure... DnD games can get wierd... not sure if that's a bad thing.
5. Sounds like a DM issue. There are a few different ways or running the adventure. I'm not your DM; so, I can't say if you missed something or the DM missed something.

6. I know that there isn't a six, but... if you don't like the AL rules, file a complaint with WotC customer service. The AL admins claim they don't drive the car. I tend to believe them, although I still blame them for helping in the navigation. They really suck at read maps! Customer service will go up to level that drives the car.

 

[jasper]

Here is a handout I create for AL
Do an online search using DM’s Guild or D&D Adventurers League for more information.
Ask your dm or see the Players guide for more information.
Players can be of any age but a DM may set some limits.
Play nice with each other and watch your language is the general rule. A DM can refuse to DM for any player for any reason.
All pcs start at first level. You can choose a pre-generated character or build your own using the array 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8. Or use the point buy on page 13 of PHB is how you get your stats for your pc.
Tiers are the power level of adventure. Tier 1 levels 1-4, Tier 2 5-10, Tier 3 11-16, Tier 4 17-20.
Renown is your reputation. 0 which is Novice thru 30 which is paragon.
Your PC levels by gaining advancement check points. Levels 2 -4 require 4 checkpoints all others 8.
You gain gold when you level. Ask your dm or see the Players guide for amount.
Downtime is generally spent to promote your pc to another tier, copying spells ((2 hrs + 50 gp) * level), trading magic items (15 days).
Inspiration is rewarded by the DM. Gives advantage on attack, saving, or ability roll.
Advantage/Disadvantage. Roll 2d20 take best/worst of rolls. Will cancel each other out.
Player’s Handbook +1. You can choose to create your pc from an extra book and player’s handbook.
You can choose a monster race from Volo’s. This counts as your +1. The monsters are Aasimar, Firbolg, Goliath, Kenku, Lizardfolk, Tabaxi, Triton, Goblin, Bugbears, Hobgoblins, Orcs, Kobolds, Yuan-ti.
Your alignment can’t be evil unless it Lawful Evil and you are a (Lord’s Alliance or Zhentarim) as a Faction Agent with Safe Haven background from Sword Coast.
Advancement points (AP) are generally 1 per hour of play.
Treasure Points (TP) are generally 1 every hour for Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 3-4 2 per hour.
Renown 1 per 4 AP. Downtime 5 days per 2 AP.
Magic Items can be purchased by using Treasure Points (TP).
Scrolls and potions can be purchased by spending gold.

Here Gp and Tp spell scroll cost
Spell Scroll GP and TP Cost
Cantrip 25 gp,
1st 75 gp TP 4,
2^nd 150 gp TP 4
3^rd 300 gp TP 4,
4^th 500 gp TP 4,
5^th 1,000 gp TP 4,
6^th-9^th TP 8

As to 4 & 5 What Chapter are you in ?

 

[ElterAgo]

...
As to 4 & 5 What Chapter are you in ?

[SPOILERS]
No idea. Only three 2.5 hour sessions have been played. Characters are second level. We just rescued Volo and he rewarded us with the deed to a house. We have checked out the house and introduced ourselves around the neighborhood.

 

[ElterAgo]

...
As for magical plate, it can't be purchased until tier 3. It is on a table that unlocks at tier 3, along with magical studded leather. There technically ways around it; however, it requires non-evergreen access.
...

I'm looking at the Adventurer's League FAQ, ver 8.2 page 8, second column, Evergreen Unlock List the last item is Armor (or barding), +1
What am I missing?

 

[ElterAgo]

...
6. I know that there isn't a six, but... if you don't like the AL rules, file a complaint with WotC customer service. The AL admins claim they don't drive the car. I tend to believe them, although I still blame them for helping in the navigation. They really suck at read maps! Customer service will go up to level that drives the car.

Not sure I'm at the complaint level yet. Still learning the system and all that. So maybe it will work out better than it appears.

I also prefer a home game in whatever system. Mostly doing the Adventure League thing to learn the system fairly quickly.

 

[abs]

I'm looking at the Adventurer's League FAQ, ver 8.2 page 8, second column, Evergreen Unlock List the last item is Armor (or barding), +1
What am I missing?

When you use treasure points, you are restricted to certain tables. Tables H and I, which have platemail +1 and studded leather +1, are restricted to tier 3.

 

[ElterAgo]

When you use treasure points, you are restricted to certain tables. Tables H and I, which have platemail +1 and studded leather +1, are restricted to tier 3.

Hmm... Ok. From the discussion around the table, I'm not sure anyone is interpreting it that way. I will ask next session.