Play By Post D&D

[RPGguy]

The attribute scores are easy to explain. I rolled up, after which, I was told by DM that Derro get + 2 CON and - 2 CHA.

As for selecting 'medium' I just figured he was M being a breed between Dwarves and Humans. There was nothing in the Player's Handbook so I just erred on the side of caution.

[Nvlutz]

Ok, I hate to bring this up in the middle of gaming but this is relevant to both RPGguy and the Nvlutz.

I didn't look over the Derro character before because I hadn't heard of that type of creature and assumed it was from some obscure book or something, thus I assumed you both knew what you were doing when deciding to allow/make this character.

Please correct me if I'm wrong but now that I've found the Derro is on the SRD, his character sheet is grossly broken. I don't know if this is a standard Derro or a weakened Derro or something but here's a few points of interest-

Derro :: d20srd.org

First off, hit dice are always counted along side a level adjustment when creating a character. Less hit dice means you are not fully formed, and this is possible as per the Savage species rules, but the level adjustment is unavoidable. Thus, his minimum level with one hit dice, before ANY class, should be 3. I'm assuming this Derro is Sane or combat with him would have him looking at the "Confusion" spell chart every round, determining his actions. In which case, the level adjustment listed is +2.

Secondly, he has a +6 bonus to Charisma, so I'm unsure as to why his charisma is 4 right now. Maybe this was read wrong during the creation and switched with wisdom as it's actually the wisdom score that is the penalty, a -6.

Third, if I'm right about the hit dice, then he should have the blind fight feat and the improved initiative feat, as well as all the skills and abilities. If not, obviously that's not the case. However, considering he has all the spell like abilities, the resistances, immunities, and for the most part abilities, it is highly likely that he does possess the standard hit dice. This should make his current level 7. 3 for the hit dice, 2 for the level adjustment, and 2 for the class levels. This would also make his experience different, not only would it start out as 28,000/36,000, but considering the scale of monsters we're fighting are more akin to our level, he would be receiving far less than anyone else.

4th, in his character sheet, his size is listed as Medium. Derro are small. This induces a +1 to attack, +1 to AC, +4 to hide, 3/4 carrying capacity, and utilizes damage from the small weapons category, not the medium as listed in the character sheet, i.e. the light crossbow would be doing 1D6.

I'm sorry to say but this is an extremely overpowered character currently, and I was wondering why this was.

Don't worry Kozeph I Saw your post, but I'm just going to address this one before I call it a night.

In short, don't worry. He's using a powerred down Druegar turned Derro build, in the forgotten realms books there are powerred down low level Druegar and Drow which have no level adjustment, but lose alot of their abilities and ontop of that, he still has the "Madness" trait, which makes his Will saves incredibly low and the results terrible.

That said I did make a mistake that I should rectify right now... Derro are indeed small I'm sorry about that, hopefully we can fix that and nobody will feel cheated about that.

Now to go through the points individually...
First as far as I understood, madness
Derro use their Charisma modifier on Will saves instead of their Wisdom modifier, and have immunity to confusion and insanity effects. A derro cannot be restored to sanity by any means short of a miracle or wish spell.

*The racial madness of the derro provides a +6 bonus to their Charisma scores and a -6 penalty to their Wisdom scores. A derro restored to sanity gains 6 points of Wisdom and loses 6 points of Charisma.

However, in the balanced version the immunity to confusion and insanity is removed and the stats are actually set as. +2 Con, -4 Cha. A natural result of resisting to embrace the madness.

Next, the balanced version uses the single hit die like a regular race. Derro encountered in the wild do indeed have 3 hit die, but the weaker ones don't.
This also means he doesn't have the blind fight and improved initiative.

As for the skills and spell-like abilities, this is how I see it.

The spell-like abilities are equalled out by the his Vulnerability to Sunlight. He hasn't had to worry about it yet, but that's only because so far he's been under the cover of moon light or in the fortress.

Not only does the vulnerability make him easily defeated by light spells, blinding lights, ect... But he'll suffer from Light Sensitivity: –1 to Attack rolls, Spot checks, & Search checks in bright light, aka sunlight or surprise flashes.

So I figured I'd allow him to keep his poison skill and mild immunity. But if you feel it's overpowered (could be) we can reduce and/or remove part of it. But I'd like to hear everyone's opinion on this.

[kozeph]

Dm: dont worry.

I have no problems with Ragh'nuul, the only thing I did noticed a while back but didnt made an issue(again I have no problems with it, it just gave me a head scratch) was that Ragh'nuul could use darkness ability several times per day, but that was the only thing that made my head scracth for a while

[RPGguy]

Personally, I am fine remaining an under-powered LVL 2 Derro, if that is the case.

I never would have chosen a SMALL character to play but am fine with the change if it makes life easier. I was under the impression that derro are dwarf/human hybrids.

Anyways, DM and Siberys...you guys sort it out and tell me how you want me to adjust my character sheet. I know going to 'small' will effect me in several ways so please list them out carefully for me.

PS. DM please disregard my previous request for a pair of gloves. I see now that the explorer's outfit comes with gloves. I therefore keep the Chanceborn ring ON and covered by my gloves.

[RPGguy]

I have no problems with Ragh'nuul, the only thing I did noticed a while back but didnt made an issue(again I have no problems with it, it just gave me a head scratch) was that Ragh'nuul could use darkness ability several times per day, but that was the only thing that made my head scracth for a while

That's my understanding. That I can cast both 'Darkness' and 'Ghost Sound' repeatedly provided I take the full round action to cast it.

[kozeph]

yes agreed, at first I thought that since rules said once per day I thought there was a mistake there is none, our DM has taken a few liberties with this game(I annoy the hell out of him with silly little selfish reason from time to time) so I figured he made a few changes to Ragh'nuul special abilities(use several times per day), so thats why I have no qualms with Ragh'nuul using his abilities several times per day. AGAIN this is not an issue to me.

as for playing a small character it helps Ragh'nuul a lot, he gains a bonus to hide checks and evasion at the cost of the carrying capasity, also for example a dagger(regular size) would deal 1d4 but a small sized dagger would deal 1d3, so my recomendation is that you look again at the weapons list in your players guide for small size weapons(for future reference when in a combat situation)

AGAIN if my message is misread I GOT NO PROBLEMS WITH Ragh'nuul stats abilities or otherwise

[RPGguy]

Okay, I've changed my character sheet as follows:

1. Size adjusted from 'medium' to 'small'
2. AC 'size' modifier of +1 added
3. Attack 'size' modifier of +1 added (melee/ranged)
4. Attack 'size' modifier of -4 (grapple)
5. Hide + 4 (size modifier)
6. 'Max load' reduced from 130 to 97.5 (75%)
7. 'Weight' reduced from 140 to 85
8. 'Height' reduced from 4'4" to 3'7"
9. Leather armor weight reduced by 50% (from 15 to 7.5)
10. Backpack weight reduced 50% (from 2 to 1)
11. Explorer's Outfit weight reduced 50% (from 8 to 4)
12. Light Crossbow weight reduced 50% (from 4 to 2)
13. Light Crossbow damage reduced from 1d8 to 1d6
14. Max jump height reduced from 8 feet to 4 feet

Equipment 'UNpurchased' (never would have bought had I known I was small)

Dagger 2gp
Punch Dagger 2gp
Bed Roll 1sp
Winter Blanket 5sp

*TOTAL REFUNDED = 4gp, 6sp

Before you guys decide on any more penalties, please remember that I was essentially cornered into spending my first feat on Iron Will because my will penalty from CHA is -3.

Let me know

http://www.dndsheets.net/view.php?id=3039

[Siberys]

Nah, I thought it was overpowered based on the Derro from the SRD. This Derro you're explaining is fine. I was just curious as to why this was going the way it was.

[Bluestorm]

Kasnig
You head down the tunnel, it becomes incredibly dark and your dark vision takes over... as you reach the end of the tunnel you find a giant circular room with a strange doorway which is built with a solid Obsidian Archway warped to form a gothic arch in the very centre staring back at you. There is a metal door with only a knocker built in on both sides.
The archway of the door is just built in the middle of the room without being attached to any wall, where it can be of some use, a plaque in front of the door is covered in vines and roots that sprout out from the ground and cover the inside of the mountain and burst forth from the stoney interior. Not to mention the etched text has become dull and flattened over years of what appears to be weathering.

"what do you think my friend...o lets take alook"
i try to move the vines and roots with out touching the door to see is i can
see anymore dice roll if need D20=12

[Nvlutz]

Last thing to mention about the derro abilities that I want to make perfectly clear. The "Darkness" ability effects most people's sight with the exception of the person casting it, although the spell breaks when they make an attack. Why this is important is it means that if he uses it, all the other characters are usually left bumbling around aimlessly in magical darkness along with the enemies unless they have blind fight, or the monsters can rely on scent or another sense instead of sight.
For the battles in the fortress, the only reason the strategy worked flawlessly well is because Melkior, (if you haven't guessed it yet) is a lich sub-type, this makes him able to see through magical darkness with ease.

Ragh'null
You go to rest with thoughts of the ring in your head. You have a peculiar dream in your sleep...
You find yourself in a black and white world, the walls are a hazy smoke and most of the people are a phantom blur. They for the most part seem non threatening and uninterested in you. You find that in this dream world you can float around this small realm with perfect mobility... In one end of the room there is a young striking elf, with coal clack hair tied up in a pony-tail and wearing flamboyant coat with a comically large cowl, as if he were an arch-typical vampire count. Suddenly on the other end of the room, by some form of entrance a door opens into the world and two other coloured figures enter. One is clearly a charming warrior who carries an air of importance and resolution. He has a stunning jaw, broad build and hair that is combed and waxed to protrude forth in front of his head like a non-threating horn. Adorning his armour is an iron fist, similar to the wooden one Khannon wore. Along with this man is a diminutive redheaded halfling. Who is wearing a leather catsuit with pockets galore.
"Why are we here? Shouldn't we be chasing after Greedius?", says the halfing seeming quite upset, "This is no time to be in a tavern."
The man simply grins, "This is a most excellent time to go to the tavern..." The man stands on a table and the woman looks at him with a simple roll of the eyes. "Where else can you find the greatest heroes of all of Albion? Brothers! An Hobgoblin warlord plans to launch an attack by dawn, we are looking for able bodied warriors to join us on our quest as win bring the fight to his doorstep and show him that the forces of light shall not stand by idly as he plots to destroy everything you worked hard for. Now who's with me?" The warrior says triumphantly commanding the attention of everyone in the room, the shades all look at him unsure of what to make of him, but most feeling that he is a fool.
"Get down from there, you're making us look stupid." Pouts the halfling. Suddenly the coloured elf with the large cowl stands up. "I...I'll join you." he says timidly, a pure dichotomy to the shining warrior still standing statue-esque like on the table. "Oh, great... maybe you can cheer us on from the back row." She says with disgust as she turns back to the warrior, "C'mon let's get out of here we...". Ignoring her the warrior jumps down to meet the elf but stands a full head higher than the man, "Well met, fine fey. I am Gladius, Paladin of Heinerous, hero of the people, seeker of justice and defender of the weak. Over there-", he motions to the halfling, "Is my unlikely colleague Gelidia, her skills with traps and finding that which the forces of darkness would seek to keep hidden is unparalleled."
Gelidia walks over brushing her short hair off to the side, "Look, we appreciate, your help. But how about you leave the real hero work to us, you'll just hurt yourself if you get involved."
"Gelidia, give a peasant a fish and he eats for a day, teach a peasant to fish he eats forever.", Gladius says sagely. "Well how about bring a peasant to battlefield his family mourns at the funeral, leave him at home and more people appreciate it."
"But... I don't have a..." The elf gets cut off as the halfling and paladin bicker in the bar. The Elf struggles to find words, then he pulls out a book, looks over it intently and says some words, the duo ignoring him... He stutters mid-enchantment... Suddenly the halfling's hair catches on fire, she begins freaking out and a few shadows snicker even cheer a bit.
After putting out the flame... "By Heinerous... a mage! What's your name boy?" The elf shrinks before the site of the growling halfling with her singed hair... "My name... is Melkior..."
Then the dream ends...

Adventures of Khannon, Ragh'null & Azhag

The three of you wake up eventually and find your meals prepared along with your elf server. Ragh'null asks his server for a horn the elf leaves and within a few moments returns with a horn. Khannon's server has a small, but moderately weighted bag. The elf hands it to Khannon, looking inside you find 3 potions, all of them are a red hue. The Star elf says, "If you drink them, they will heal your wounds, may you live a long a prosperous life in service to the light.", he says with a smile.
3 cure light wounds + small leather bag.
The party assembles their gear and proceeds to head out meeting up. The Star elves lead the group to a central garden with a fair number of other star elves. In the centre of the garden in a pagoda there is the Female star elf with Melkior, Melkior's pressence sticks out like a sore thumb. While your presence also seems quite out of place as well you admit, Melkior is a black clad sorcerrer in a valley of multi-colored flowers.
You are brought into the pagoda. Melkior goes up to Khannon. "I have a lead on the assault on your monastery, do you know of a Dworg by the name of M'Kael? He appears to have been working for the inquisition for some reason. He gave them information, which was later used by an inquisitor, who covered his tracks from magical divination, to tell a group of drow to attack the monastery. The inquisitor's reasons were also covered up. That as much as I can help you for now."
Melkior continues, "I regret to inform you that I have pressing matters which require my immediate attention. Due to the nature of the mission lady Aradil believe it would be best that I go alone. Meanwhile, there is a vault located in the far east beyond the forest of Blackoak and somewhat in gnoll country which holds an artifact that we have discovered. We would like the artifact to be retrieved before the location is found by the inquisition or any of their spies. If you also like I may transport you all to either to the monastery, at the outskirts of the vault or anywhere else, I can do that for you, but you must all agree on a single place."
"Oh, and before it slips my mind", Melkior outstretches his now leather bound hand and hands Azhag a large tarot card, with the knave of swords on it on it, "If you should happen to come across an inquisitor, burn this card and a guardian will arrive which should buy you enough time to make a retreat. Hopefully you won't have to use it. My duty should be done in about 3 days, and I'll make sure I keep an eye on your progress from afar."

Brauer

You begin heading towards the headmaster's office to go towards the headmaster's office when you are stopped by the butler from the other day. "My master requests to have your presence."
You quickly hide Soloman's translation notes, and follow the butler. You figure you might as well follow the man since you are unaware of how much influence your secret patron has within the guild. The butler leads you to a carriage, opens the door and beckons you in. It's the same carriage as before. Once you are seated the Butler sits in beside and the carriage takes off. The butler puts a blindfold on you and after traveling for a small while in silence the voice enters your mind asks for your report of the scenario.

Kasnig

You move the vines aside and attempt to read the worn plaque.

Decipher Script... Except you lack the skill and it's a trained only.
You attempt it anyways, using your hand to feel the grooves of the stone... you can only make out the number "100".

[RPGguy]

Melkior continues, "I regret to inform you that I have pressing matters which require my immediate attention. Due to the nature of the mission lady Aradil believe it would be best that I go alone. Meanwhile, there is a vault located in the far east beyond the forest of Blackoak and somewhat in gnoll country which holds an artifact that we have discovered. We would like the artifact to be retrieved before the location is found by the inquisition or any of their spies. If you also like I may transport you all to either to the monastery, at the outskirts of the vault or anywhere else, I can do that for you, but you must all agree on a single place."
"Oh, and before it slips my mind", Melkior outstretches his now leather bound hand and hands Azhag a large tarot card, with the knave of swords on it on it, "If you should happen to come across an inquisitor, burn this card and a guardian will arrive which should buy you enough time to make a retreat. Hopefully you won't have to use it. My duty should be done in about 3 days, and I'll make sure I keep an eye on your progress from afar."

[Turns to Khannon]

Well dwarf? I don't suppose you'd be willing to help us retrieve the vaulted artifact, would you? Rebuilding your monastery would seem secondary to preserving existence from the threat of The Forgotten but I suspect you are steadfast.

If we take transport to your monastery first, then we risk a long journey to the gnoll lands, including a trek through Blackcloak...a task that I am well suited for but perhaps not as ideal a situation for yourself or Aznag.

In the interests of proving my worth beyond my appearance and the reputation of my wicked folk, I will abide by your decision in this case.

The monastery or the vault?

[Turns to Melkior]

Melkior, I will miss your protection and company. Thank you for your assistance in the greenskin fortress and for the aid of your people. I wish you success on your mission and do try not to get captured again will you? (grins and cracks a horrible-looking smile which Melkior recognizes nonetheless)

[Siberys]

Out of Game: Something I should explain that I probably should have beforehand. The way I play my character, especially if we all started out at level 1 like we did, if *I* do not know what something is, then my character probably wouldn't either. Since I didn't know what a Derro was, my assumption was that Rahg'nuul was a deeply mutated Deugar.

Same thing with this "Dworg" thing.

In Game-
"Whoever attacked the monastery was skilled, and did this swiftly. In my eyes, to prove I am worthy of mastering this monastery, I must first be able to protect it and that means finding whoever did this and, for lack of a better phrase, beat some bloody sense into them.

Eventually I may return, but my place is out in the world, searching for this now revealed "Dworg," whatever the hell that is.

I would say the best course of action with Melkiors magic is to transport us between a mile to a mile and a half away from the Vault. I would rather not be straight up to the vault, caught off guard in case any guardians or unwelcome visitors are their right now.


Oh, and you've helped me numerous times as it is. I am not blinded by prejudice as some of my colleagues of the monastery may have been when I was accepted into the school by my human masters. No creature is too far gone for redemption, no matter what their past consists of."

[RPGguy]

To Khannon:

"A wise course. Should we discover or come upon those who sacked your home, I will help you to hear them scream before the end. My people are known for their...um...methods. Even though I am dead to them, I still possess the training.

If you wonder what manner of creature you travel with, then know that I am Derro of the Underworld. My people are cruel and wicked, but I am not. I was born with mental capacities and inclinations they both misunderstood and feared.

My name is most unpleaseant in any tongue, so you may call me 'Rak' for short. (pronounced 'Rawk')

To Melkior:

We are ready, please deliver us as the dwarf suggests...

[kozeph]

Brauer Drudoc

"During my mission last night, although things did not go acording to plan, I managed to retrieve one of Ph'ank Pharaz Journal, in it there are ample hints about how he garantied the proctection from the orcs forces, It appears that he found a village to the west, that has no garrison of orcs, the inhabitanst of that village are tapping a sort of taint that allows them to change their form becoming potentialy deadlier and monster like, he has spent most of his life traying to export the taint off that area but no success, he has manage to make a syntetic of that taint through dark magicians and is using it as an experiment on influenced orcs, this taint bolsters his mind control abilities, the orcs on the mountain are slowing changing under his control due to the taint, making them into something akin to the orcs employed by the inquisition. In short Pharaz using this dark taint to bolster his powers to bend the orcs in the prosses the orcs are changing into their dark brothers" I ponder for a while.

"This is just a theory but this taint could be the source of power of the inquisition, the book only hints at what the taint is, he apearntly has a laboratory under his state, a raid to it might yield more anwsers"

I reprime all thoughts of the translated copy as I hand the butler the original copy "Everything is in that journal"(will check 14+4=18)

"Master, Ive been assigned to an expedition leaving tonight, its appearntly a magic vault from Mandrake the mad, if you plan to raid the laboratory I wont be able to participate...Once I come back from the trip if its your will then I shall assiste you once more"

I also mention that the scepter house is taking an interest in Soloman and hint that any house would benefit from his experticie.

EDIT: for those interested here are both my characters:
Arvall Arvall (Readonly)
Brauer D&D Sheets :: DnD Sheet Error

[RPGguy]

EDIT: for those interested here are both my characters:
Arvall Arvall (Readonly)
Brauer D&D Sheets :: DnD Sheet Error

Very cool kozeph!!! You gotta fix the link to Brauer however.

[Nvlutz]

Siberys
Haha, don't worry I actually went out of my way to add in obscure, but legitimate D&D creatures just for that simple fact. This is abit of meta-gaming but as a DM I understand that it's difficult for players to roleplay as adventurers who don't know what a Green Dragon's breath weapon is or whatever. Your character shouldn't know it acid unless they saw it in a book, were told previously, saw hints (acid charred bones) or saw the beast before. But as a player, you'll be damned if you just jump in and get roasted with acid for the sake of roleplaying.
Another thing is many players get sick of the standard orc and skeleton bashing routine.
So to bypass this I've been using more obscure creatures.

Khannon, Ragh'null and Azhag

Melkior looks at you dead in the eyes, "Dworgs, are a poor outcasts of most of society. They are the spawn of dwarven women who have been raped by orcs. They are large and broad beings, and are considered hideous to behold by both races. If they are not killed on sight they instead hide in the mountains and live in solitude, and they use both their strength and ingrained combat expertise to do battle against the giants there... But this one sought refuge elsewhere I presume..."
He looks at you not quiet sure how to put it. "He wore the same robes as you do, the robes of Dorwick..."
Melkior breaks his gaze, "After my mission, I promise to search deeper into the matter. However I thought you should know that much..."

"I shall transport you a mile south of the vault, you must reach there before sunset... this vault tends to disappear and reappear by nightfall.

Just so you know it is late sunrise, so roughly 9:00.

With a wave of his hand, you notice a blue smokey ring form around your legs and rise up around you stretching above your head and creating a curtain of blue haze around you when the smoke disappears you find yourself in a dead flatland. A barren wasteland that has most of the life blasted away from it. The ground is dried cracked earth with the occassional patch of redish brown grassy patches dotting the landscape with dead trees jetting out of the landscape like the orangish rocks that follow suit.

Brauer Drudoc

You tell the telepathic voice the information. There is silence for a moment and then the butler gives you another bag with 100 gold pieces.

The voice calmly asks, "Do you understand underdark?"


Sorry about taking so long to post, I've had this window open for a little over two hours as I formed up the first dungeon "dungeon". It still needs some tweeking but it'll be quite the unique experience

[Nvlutz]

One last quick note, I'm going to be busy this friday and saturday helping a relative move. So I'll only be able to update once or twice... Probably once in the morning and once at night. 9:00-ish

[RPGguy]

With a wave of his hand, you notice a blue smokey ring form around your legs and rise up around you stretching above your head and creating a curtain of blue haze around you when the smoke disappears you find yourself in a dead flatland. A barren wasteland that has most of the life blasted away from it. The ground is dried cracked earth with the occassional patch of redish brown grassy patches dotting the landscape with dead trees jetting out of the landscape like the orangish rocks that follow suit.

Rahg'nuul curses some disgusting obscenity in Undercommon as the sun strikes the party...immediately burying himself within his cloak and under his deep hood.

"I am no use under these conditions. I cannot scout for I must keep my head down at all times, so my hood shields my face. I cannot bear the sun and there is no foliage for cover. You two must lead the way north. I will follow your tracks"

"Azhag, while we march, tell us a tale of yourself. If you would"

ToDM: Good luck with the move

[kozeph]

"Ive been meaning to learn it, I regretebly dont, although I have a reference book for Underdark, I spent the whole night traying to piece things togheter, just to make it clear I destroyed the notes I maded"

(will check 17+4= 21) (to shield my thoughts)
(bluff 1d20= 16) (in case if needed)

"Now, do you have any requests for me? Im leaving tonight, should I keep on the lookout once im in the island?" I explain the details of the trip, and roughly the general area we are "exploring" (knowledge geography 9+5=14)

DM: the reward was 200 gold pieces.

here is Brauer page hope this time it works: Brauer (Readonly)

[Siberys]

Survival Check to find out which direction North is-

1d20+2
17+2 = 19


Any other relevant survival checks-

1d20+2
13+2 = 15

1d20+2
9+2 = 11



"Well, lets get moving. A mile to the vault in the desert shouldn't take us longer than a couple of hours."


Pondering the last statement by Rahg'nuul about Azhag- "Indeed, I'm interested in your story as well."