Playtesting: IG's 'The Making of Heroes'

[industrygothica]

It has been a few years since I've been in a face-to-face game. As is typical in the adult world, real life got in the way and my group have moved on to do much less important things, leaving me in gaming limbo for too long to count. Luckily, I've had ENWorld to keep me occupied.

As luck would have it, however, I've managed to find a few unfortunate souls who are willing to partake, so it looks like I've got a new group.

Emphasis on new. They've never played before. Any of them. I get to teach them all. Lucky me.

So, I've started designing a simple little introductory adventure to ease everyone into it; there's no reason to go hog wild when you don't know if you're players are going to stick around or not. However, if I"m going to do it, I want to do it right. This is where you come in.

I want someone to help me playtest this adventure here on ENWorld before I present it to the players. I want to be able to give them the most enjoyable experience I can, so that hopefully they'll stick around for a while.

My hope is that while we play the game as normal, the players will offer significant input for each encounter, be it rules elements or just flavor. Anything from background information to CR adjustments--everything is on the table. After an encounter is played out, I will give you all of the information I have on it, and take any suggestions or ideas you may have.

The game will be strictly based on 3.5 rules without modification. It will be a short first level adventure consisting of approximately ten encounters of varying type (combat, logic, social, etc.).

I need four knowledgeable players to create a typical party covering the major areas (arcane, divine, skill-based, warrior). Unfortunately, the only thing I can offer you in return is my undying gratitude.

Seriously interested players see below for more details.

Thanks in advance,

-IG


IC
RG

----------------​

Source Material:
-Core only
-NO Psionics

Character Generation:
-Characters start at 1st level
-28 point buy
-Average hit points; max at first level
-Maximum starting gold for your starting class
-Do not track experience points (characters will not level up)

Posting Guidelines
-At least one post daily is preferred
-Literate posts only. Please use whole words.
-OOC text should be sblocked or placed in the ooc thread.
-Character speech should be first person, present tense: "I'm going farther down into the dungeon, you guys can stay here if you want," the surly dwarf said.
-Narrative text should be third person, present tense: The dwarf hefts his mighty hammer over his shoulder and whistles an ancient tune as he plods deeper down into the damp, dark dungeon.
-Any dice rolling will be handled by the DM unless specifically stated otherwise. These rolls will be made with actual polyhedron dice, not through Invisible Castle or some other dice rolling program, Proof will not be guaranteed;you'll just have to trust me.
-As a playtest, I fully expect for the OOC thread to get more traffic than the IC thread. Please remember that this is a discussion as well as a game, and participation in both is expected.

Any questions, ask them here.

 

[industrygothica]

As a kickstart for interested parties: The adventure will start off in Bjorah's Cliff, a small town tucked away on a steep cliff backed by mountains. A beautiful mountain stream flows through the forest below, too shallow and full of rocks to allow passage for any vessel larger than a small raft or canoe.

Bjorah's Cliff's main export are leather goods afforded by the nearly limitless supply of wildlife teeming in the forest and mountains surround the area. Hunters, tanners, and craftsmen work cooperatively for the good of the community, and have together made Bjoran leather goods highly sought after.

At least, that's what on the plate for now.

 

[OnlytheStrong]

I'll help out the best I can. Core only right? So, just the PH and the DMG?

 

[Legildur]

Throw me in for a dwarf fighter if you like. Happy to contribute.

 

[Arkhandus]

-Character speech should be first person, present tense: "I'm going farther down into the dungeon, you guys can stay here if you want," the surely dwarf said.

You said surely when you meant surly.

Okay, minor nitpick aside: I'm interested. I've got plenty of computer time now, and I'm all for helping bring new folks into the hobby.

I'll put together and run whatever PC the group needs. The previous poster already volunteered to run a dwarven fighter, so there's one standard race/class combo done. I'll run the party's elven rogue, human wizard, halfling cleric, or whatever.

 

[Arkhandus]

While I've got a bit longer on the computer right now, I'll put together the basics for an elven rogue PC.

Irathias Miraviel, elven explorer
[sblock]Male High Elf, Chaotic Good, Rogue 1
Age 120, Height 5'-2", Weight 100 lbs.
Shoulder-Length Black Hair, Dark Green Eyes, Slightly Pale Skin
Str 14, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 12

HP 7/7, AC 14, Touch AC 12, Flat-Footed AC 12
BAB +0, Initiative +2, Speed 30 ft., Fort +1, Ref +4, Will +0

Languages: Common, Draconic, Elven, Sylvan

Feat: Nimble Fingers (+2 Disable Device/Open Lock)

Skills: Balance +5 (3 ranks, +2 Dex), Climb +5 (3 ranks, +2 Str), Disable Device +10 (4 ranks, +2 Int, +2 feat, +2 MW tools), Hide +6 (4 ranks, +2 Dex), Listen +6 (4 ranks, +0 Wis, +2 racial), Move Silently +6 (4 ranks, +2 Dex), Open Lock +10 (4 ranks, +2 Int, +2 feat, +2 MW tools), Search +8 (4 ranks, +2 Int, +2 racial), Sleight of Hand +5 (3 ranks, +2 Dex), Spot +6 (4 ranks, +0 Wis, +2 racial), Swim +3 (1 rank, +2 Str), Use Rope +3 (1 rank, +2 Dex)

Class Features: Sneak Attack +1d6, Trapfinding, proficiency in light armors, simple weapons, hand crossbows, rapiers, saps, shortbows, and short swords

Racial Traits: +2 Dex, -2 Con, Medium-sized humanoid (elf), speed 30 feet, low-light vision, immune to magic sleep spells and effects, +2 on saves against Enchantment spells and effects, +2 Listen, +2 Search, +2 Spot, can notice secret or concealed doors with a Search check when passing within 5 feet, proficiency in longswords, proficiency in rapiers, proficiency in longbows and composite longbows proficiency in shortbows and composite shortbows, favored class: wizard

Gear: Longsword (+2 melee, 1d8+3 slashing damage, 19-20/x2 critical), Dagger (+2 melee or +2 ranged, 1d4+2 piercing/slashing damage, 19-20/x2 critical, 10 ft. throwing increment), Shortbow (+2 ranged, 1d6 piercing, 20/x3 critical), 20 arrows, Leather Armor (+2 AC, -0 check penalty), Masterwork Thieves' Tools (+2 Disable Device and Open Lock), Traveler's Outfit (worn outfit does not count towards encumbrance), Backpack, Belt Pouch, Bedroll, Map Case, Torch, 2 Pieces of Chalk, Flint and Steel, Grappling Hook, 50-ft. Silk Rope, Whetstone, Soap, 2 Waterskins, 2 Trail Rations, 20 gp, 12 sp, 15 cp

Current Load: 56.94 pounds
Light Load: 58 pounds, Medium Load: 116 pounds, Heavy Load: 175 pounds

Background: Irathias hails from the town of Bjorah's Cliff, eldest child of the small Miraviel elven family that has lived at the edge of town for two generations. They've been living there as craftspeople since leaving a larger, more complicated elven city. Irathias has a younger brother and sister, twins, half his age. The Miraviels prefer the relative isolation of living out here among humans and others, but Irathias himself is more inquisitive and curious, seeking out chances to explore and find his own path.

Irathias has been a somewhat troublesome youth, going places he shouldn't and sometimes spiriting away any interesting or valuable items that have caught his interest. He's kind of greedy for an elf, but usually avoids stealing from people. Usually. So instead he looks for other ways to make money and accumulate precious things He also loves to just go out and explore nooks and crannies and other such places.[/sblock]

 

[Legildur]

Draft character:
[sblock=Dowkan, dwarf Fighter 1]
HPS 13/13

[B]Name:[/B] Dowkan Jarand, Weradan Clan
[B]Class:[/B] Ftr1
[B]Race:[/B] Dwarf
[B]Size:[/B] Medium
[B]Gender:[/B] Male
[B]Alignment:[/B] Neutral Good
[B]Deity:[/B] Moradin

[B]Str:[/B] 16 +3 (10p.)     [B]Level:[/B] 1        [B]XP:[/B] 0/1000
[B]Dex:[/B] 12 +1  (4p.)     [B]BAB:[/B] +1         [B]HP:[/B] 13 (1d10+3)
[B]Con:[/B] 16 +3  (6p.)     [B]Grapple:[/B] +4     [B]Dmg Red:[/B] -/-
[B]Int:[/B] 10 +0  (2p.)     [B]Speed:[/B] 20ft     [B]Spell Res:[/B] -
[B]Wis:[/B] 12 +1  (4p.)     [B]Init:[/B] +1        [B]Poison/Spell Save:[/B] +2
[B]Cha:[/B]  8 -1  (2p.)     [B]ACP:[/B] -6         [B]Spell Fail:[/B] -

                   [B]Base  Armor Shld   Dex  Size   Nat  Misc  Total[/B]
[B]Armor:[/B]              10    +5    +2    +1    +0    +0    +0    18
[B]Touch:[/B] 11              [B]Flatfooted:[/B] 17

                         [B]Base   Mod  Misc  Total[/B]
[B]Fort:[/B]                      2    +3          +5
[B]Ref:[/B]                       0    +1          +1
[B]Will:[/B]                      0    +1          +1

[B]Weapon                  Attack   Damage     Critical[/B]

Melee:
dwarven waraxe (1H)          +5   1d10+3     20x3
dwarven waraxe (2H)          +5   1d10+4     20x3
throwing axe                 +4    1d6+3     20x2
spiked gauntlet              +4    1d4+3     20x2

Ranged:
throwing axe               +2      1d6+3     20x2
sling                      +2      1d4+3     20x2

[B]Languages:[/B] Common, Dwarven.

[B]Abilities:[/B] Darkvision 60ft, Stonecunning, Weapon familiarity, Stability,
+2 racial bonus against poison, spells, and spell-like effects, +1 racial
bonus on attack rolls against orcs and goblinoids, +4 Dodge bonus to AC
against giant types, +2 racial bonus to Appraise and craft checks for
stone and metal, proficient with all simple and martial weapons, and with
all armor (light, medium, and heavy armor) and all shields (including tower
shields).

[B]Feats:[/B] Power Attack, Weapon Focus (waraxe).

[B]Skill Points:[/B] 8       [B]Max Ranks:[/B] 4/2
[B]Skills                   Ranks  Mod  Misc  Total[/B]
Appraise (stone & metal)   0    +0    +2    +2
Balance                    0    +1    -6    -5
Climb                      0    +3    -6    -3
Jump                       4    +3   -12    -5
Listen                     0    +1          +1
Search (stonework)         0    +0    +2    +2
Spot                       0    +1          +1
Swim                       4    +3   -12    -5


[B]Equipment: 240gp               Cost  Weight[/B]
Dwarvencraft Waraxe  30gp    8lb
Throwing Axe               8gp    2lb
Spiked Gauntlet       5gp    1lb
Sling
10 sling bullets      1sp    5lb

Chain Mail    150gp   40lb
Hvy Wooden Shield  7gp    10lb

Backpack                  2gp    2lb
Bedroll                   1sp    5lb
Crowbar                   2gp    5lb
Grappling hook            1gp    4lb
Belt pouch                1gp  0.5lb
100ft silk rope          20gp   10lb
Waterskin                 1gp    4lb
Whetstone                 2cp    1lb
Rations, trail (7)      3.5gp    7lb
Explorer's outfit         0gp    0lb
4x Sunrod                 8gp    4lb

[B]Total Weight:[/B]108.5lb      [B]Money:[/B] 8sp 8cp

[B]Age:[/B] 54
[B]Height:[/B] 4'3"
[B]Weight:[/B] 180lb
[B]Eyes:[/B] brown
[B]Hair:[/B] brown
[B]Skin:[/B] deep tan

[/sblock]

 

[WarShrike]

I'll help out. I faced the same situation last year, breaking in a group of people that never played before but wanted to learn. We play nearly every Friday now. If it's not taken yet, i can play the Cleric.

 

[WarShrike]

[SBLOCK=Thogrim]

Name: Thogrim
Race: Half Orc
Class: Cleric
Diety: Heironeous
Domains: Good, War
Align: L-G
HPs: 10
XPs: 0

Str: 18 (10 pts, +2 Racial)
Dex: 10 (2 pts)
Con: 14 (6 pts)
Int: 8 (2 pts, -2 Racial)
Wis: 15 (8 pts)
Cha: 6 (-2 Racial)

BAB: +0
AC: 16, Touch: 10, Flat Footed: 16
Fort: +4
Refl: +0
Will: +4
Move: 30'
Init: +0
Listen/Spot: +2
Loads: Light: 0-100 / Medium 101 - 200 / Heavy 201 - 300
Darkvision 60'
Orc Blood

Weapons:
Longsword -- +5 To Hit, 1d8+4 Damage (19-20 x2)

Skills:
Concentration: +6 (4 Ranks, +2 Con Mod)

Feats:
Class Granted
Weapon Proficiency -- Longsword
Weapon Focus -- Longsword
Chosen
Combat Casting

Equipment: 200gp
Longsword 15gp 4lbs
Hvy Stl Shield 20gp 15lbs
Chain Shirt 100gp 25 lbs

Backpack 2gp 2lbs
Bedroll 1sp 5lbs
Scroll Case 1gp 1/2lbs
Flint and Steel 1gp
Pouch, Belt 1gp 1/2lbs
Rations x10 5gp 10lbs
50' Rope, Silk 10gp, 5lbs
Soap 1gp 2lbs
Waterskin 1gp 4lbs
Whetstone 2cp 1lbs

Total Cost: 157gp, 1sp, 2cp
Left Over: 42gp, 8sp, 8cp

Total Weight: 74lbs
[/SBLOCK]

 

[industrygothica]

You said surely when you meant surly.

Okay, minor nitpick aside: I'm interested. I've got plenty of computer time now, and I'm all for helping bring new folks into the hobby.

I'll put together and run whatever PC the group needs. The previous poster already volunteered to run a dwarven fighter, so there's one standard race/class combo done. I'll run the party's elven rogue, human wizard, halfling cleric, or whatever.

Duly noted and corrected. I appreciate that probably more than you realize, actually.

All the characters look good at first glance. I'm assuming you all know how to create characters, so I'm not going to bother tearing them down to examine them. If we find an error later, we'll just fix it and move on.

WarShrike: Either I'm blind, or you haven't listed Thogrim's hp (I'm betting on me being blind, personally). I'll let you know in advance that the main protagonists in this story will be orcs, so hopefully that won't be an issue with your character.

As far as I'm concerned, you're all in. I'd like someone to fill the arcane roll, but I'll settle for a ranger as well; Bjorah's Cliff is surrounded by open wilderness, so someone with a survival skill would be beneficial as well.

Thanks again.