151114 Town Drunk to Party: "The Festival Competitions Might Be Stacked Against You...Watch Out!"

TWITCH STREAM Be sure to participate with the group each week LIVE! at <a href="http://www.twitch.tv/dm4hire" rel="nofollow">www.twitch.tv/dm4hire</a> every Saturday night at 6 PM until midnight. View this entire session here... <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFrzh6lXjyU" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFrzh6lXjyU</a> <a href="http://www.twitch.tv/dm4hire/v/25838945" rel="nofollow">http://www.twitch.tv/dm4hire/v/25838945</a> Twitch.tv keeps each broadcast for one week only, so be sure to stay up-to-date while it is still available, and be sure to click the heart icon under the twitch screen to 'follow' the group and be alerted of each new session. Brief portions of these weekly sessions can also be found on Youtube with the same date code. QUICK READ RECAP After the recent revelation that the party had been used as pawns in a larger, hidden scheme of corruption lead by the now decapitated Saltmarsh councilman Gunter and his personal cronie, the group decides to do some investigation work, and despite setting off a door acid trap and chest fire trap, the party does manage to find a stash of money, a paid receipt for undisclosed merchandise to pick up, and a list containing each adventurers name with Tralaan, the party mage's name circled! &nbsp;Later, from the generosity shown earlier at the bar, the town drunk approaches the group discreetly and warns them that the festival contests may be stacked against them with possible deadly ramifications. &nbsp;They later meet and talk strategy with the performing bard Kyle and see for themselves the massive size and frightening potential of the newly enlisting combatants that they have scheduled themselves to battle! DM SESSION LOG 151114 Karmadel: (Inate abilities) = Expert Healer x4, Detect Lie x3 and Inspire Fear x2 | (Orison Spells) = Healing x4 and Calm x2 | (1st lvl) = Bless x2, Detect Magic x1, and Cure Light Wounds x3 | (2nd lvl) = Cure Moderate Wounds x2, and Heat Metal x1 | (3rd lvl) = Dispel Magic x1 | Spell Points left over = 33 BEGIN... L'axle asks bartender "Where was Gunter staying?" Bartender replies "exit the bar, turn left and go to the end of the compound, first cabin on the right" Le'axle tries the key in the lock and it opens the door. Le'axle attempts to detect a trap but is not sure. Half ogre enters room but sets off an acid trap and is knocked out for a round. Karmadel casts create water to pacify the situation. Half ogre wakes up from the water deluge. Le'axle breaks lock pick trying to open chest lock. Le'axle tries key and opens chest setting off a fire trap blowing Kezar backward to the door. Le'axle finds a sack of gold in the bottom of the burning paperwork. Kalidor finds a scrap of paper with the names of the party members written on it. Kalidor doesn't see anything under the bed. Karmadel uses swords X-ray ability to look for loose floor boards but finds nothing. Kyra casts cure light wounds on Kell for 4 hp of life. Tralaan examines the scrap of paper and sees his name is circled and surmises it is a hit list. Kalidor looks under the mattress and finds a bill of sale marked paid regarding "merchandise" to pick up tomorrow. Karmadel casts cure moderate wounds to Le'Axle and Kezar for 2 and 5 hp of life respectively. Karmadel casts cure light wounds for Le'axle for 6 hp of life. Karmadel gives an expert heal to Kell and Kezar for 5 and 6 hp of life. Party fighters pull guard duty to be safe. Karmadel disposes of decapitated council members but keeps the head of Gunter. The 8th hour the town drunk knocks on the door. Due to the party's generosity earlier at the bar, the town drunk informs the group to be careful during the competitions because the other combatants might be out to get you. The bum departs discreetly. Morning of festival, party follows the music coming from outside the compound. Kyle the bard sings and entertains the crowd. Kalidor signs up for the archery contest with a 1 GP entry fee to win the purse. Kell, Aaron, Bjorn, Karmadel and Kezar sign up for the swordsmanship competition for later in the day. Karmadel releases guards from cells and joins the festival outside. Kyle introduces himself to the party, as their exploits have preceded their arrival. Karmadel and Tralaan seek magic spells and items from a traveling merchant. Other contestants enter the festival and sign in. &nbsp;One massive, seething gladiator type fighter is brought in bound in chains. Party lump sum XP with all aspects considered (including but not limited to) session survival, skill usage, role-playing, alignment checks, etc: 4510 Karmadel, Priest/Bjorn/Balfon/Kyra (Christopher S.): 410/410/410/410 Tralann (Shalvenay K) Elf, Half: 410 Kell / Aaron / Kezar (Robert D.) Human: 410/410/410 Kalidor (Mark H.) High Elf: 410 Kyle/Le'Axle (James M.) Half Grey Elf/Wood Elf: 410/410 SESSION LENGTH : 4-1/2 Hours

Due to the coming holiday, there will be no session November 21st and 28th. &nbsp;Activities will resume December 5th.

FYI for all players -- after the game, Chris and I went over all the NPC sheets (of non active players) to see what items could be brought back into 'party loot' for distribution to active player characters. &nbsp;Of note are some rings of protection and elven chain maille which might be useful since we have 2 'full elves' and 2 half elves among us. &nbsp;Also a few magic items which need to sorted out among the magic slingers... particularly, Tralaan -- since there were a few magic books with 2nd and 3rd level spells he might find worth copying/transferring to his personal books.&nbsp; There are certain items which might have to be 'rolled for' if more than one person needs/covets an item -- say like a particular ioun stone or weapon. &nbsp;So, this is a heads up and a chance to get your character kitted up some... aside from the inflated festival stuff we might pick up.

i really want that elven chain mail for my bard XD

I would like the elven chainmail for my ranger and any good rings that would also be fitting to a ranger. My ranger is also level 6 once I train and still has no magic items, I really need to work on finding some arrows or a bow or a sword or something. PS: I would think a bard would wear leather armor or no armor, since wearing armor makes then unable to cast spells and would make sneaking harder.

is that true? everyone told me that the armor would be fine..

Elves can wear elven chain... AND use magic since by their very nature they are kinda magic-y -- at least that's what the handbook says. &nbsp; One of the old (before my time playing here) characters was a bard -- so you might log in and look at her player stats & the party loot... not everything of her's got list in the Party Loot &nbsp;sheet. &nbsp; I kept thinking the 'loaded dice' would be nice and the tin whistle and she dabbled in poisons -- not certain if that is your 'thing' or not. &nbsp;Still worth a check. Ranger/Bounty hunter? &nbsp;There are like 3 - Ring of Protection +1 available. &nbsp;Not certain about magic leather or bracers or such. &nbsp;Know there were some fancy poison and regular crossbow stuff but forget if any long bow things were available. &nbsp; One player (now npc/gone) was a sword dancer so he had a long sword +2 and a blessed long sword +2. &nbsp;Either might be worth your time to see if they work for you. There is a set of Elven chain maille +1 with Blur on it. &nbsp;Uses a command word to activate. &nbsp;IF I read the notes right, it lasts for like 9 turns... so a long time. &nbsp;And, being a spelled command, I suppose it regens in a specific time to use again. (might have to work that out with Mike though). &nbsp; &nbsp;Figure THIS armor will be a 'who needs it the worst' -- either the elf ranger or even the half elf mage Tralaan but I suppose if the bard is going to dive into melees he might need it? &nbsp; You guys might have to work it out with Mike... we've got 3 weeks before the next game so... think on it. The fellow with the two war dogs left... unless you want a pet &nbsp; :p &nbsp; &nbsp; bet we could sell them in the outpost for a pretty penny. The idea is we really prefer to have all the 'real character players' have first dibs on magic stuff. &nbsp;Left overs can go to NPCs as necessary. &nbsp;Right now, Kyra is still running with the things used from several adventures ago... but she's still an active 'member' of the party as far as helping out... so she's solid -- other than leveling up. Right now we have like 3 NPC active characters that need to level -- Kyra, Aaron, and another I forget at the moment. &nbsp;Plus one or two regular players... so, think on weapons and armor. &nbsp;We have a TON of potions which can stay as party loot. &nbsp;Some nice spells Tralaan and the other magic users might look at. &nbsp;(One old character (again, before my time) had an INT = 20, so he had a long list of 1st level spells -- maybe our bard can look them over if he can use any? &nbsp;And some nice 2nd and 3rd level stuff... lightning bolt, fireball, etc.)

huh, so if that elven thing is right then i can wear the elven chain mail and cast spells, guess i could have saved my money from buying my studded leather armor.

James my ranger was here first and is a front line fighter, so I would think he has first pick on the armor. Wizards and bards are not allowed to cast spells when wearing armor. Table 29 in the player handbook shows the penalty for thief abilities when wearing anything but leather armor and page 58 states that bards can't wear armor when casting spells and "Elves" wearing elven chainmail can cast spells and not half elves.

I would indeed like one of the ring of protections and sword +2. If the elf wizard has no other good protection then I could see Tralaan being the one that could use the elven chainmail the most.

The elven chainmail would be more fitting for the person with the worst AC but most importantly where it doesn't affect the class in a negative way (ie, having to remove it all to cast a spell, etc). &nbsp;If the bard would want to dump any equipment purchased to reclaim costs, that would be fine, but yes we need to get the wizard and bard some kind of protection like bracers, rings, etc.

i would like to trade that studded leather back in for some cash

Update your sheet accordingly, thank you.

@Mark H -- I only have the pdf file and not the actual Player's Handbook so perhaps mine is flawed. &nbsp;Table 29: Thieving Skill Armor Adjustments flags the last column (Chain mail or Ring mail) due to the bard -- it specifically states "Only Bards can wear ring mail or non-elven mail while using thief skills." &nbsp; &nbsp;Nothing about spells. &nbsp; &nbsp; My page 58 falls in the middle of explaining the Paladin class. &nbsp;The Bard class starts on my page 90. &nbsp;About the 4th paragraph down it states -" Although he fights as a rogue, he can use any weapon. &nbsp;He can wear any armor up to, and including, chain mail, but he cannot use a shield." Okay... finally, on page 90, it clarifies about armor & spells -- "These he keeps in his spell book, abiding by all the restrictions on memorization and spell use that bind a wizard, especially in the prohibition of armor ." &nbsp; A ring of protection and perhaps some fancy bracers are looking better and better. &nbsp;Wonder if they have a feathered chapeau or cape of protection? &nbsp;Bling him out and hope, with his dex, he can acrobatically cartwheel away from any attacks.

my dex is a 13, not much luck there

Bracers of defense will work wonders for your bard as will the spell invisibility they can't hit what they can't see so if you've got any rings of invisibility lying around I'm sure that the bard could easily find a use for them. But wait what kind of bard are we talking here the first edition or the second cuz first edition bards are compleltly bad asses I once tried to create one and let me tell you it wasn't easy. First they need to hit I believe 7 th level fighter then they switch to thief and then to magic user. Not easy when you need to get all the requirements for each class. I.e. 17 str ,17 dex & 17 int at a minimum. That's why their such bad asses and if you ever ran across one and he was pissed at you, you ran not walked away from him. But then I suppose as carriers of the law to many places you had to be able to take care of yourself.

2nd edition, he only has like two really good stats (charisma and int) XD;

Ok the thing abot elven chain mail is that it's the same as the AC of normal chain mail which is AC of 5. But elve's when wearing elven chain mail gain a +1 to AC and can cast spells as if not wearing armor. So a Mage like Tralann wearing the Elven Chain Mail with Blur +1 that is in the party loot lowers his AC from 10 to AC 3, then adds his dex bonus and ring of protection bonus. And it'll be best giving that Elven Chain Mail +1 with blur to him. Now the other Elven Chain Mail can go to who ever, + there is now a Bracer of Defense AC 5, was given to Tralann, but now he'll have better AC. And yes by the book Elven Chain Mail states that any Elf wearing it gains the bonus of +1 to AC and can cast spells which means even Half-Elves gain the bonus since the wording is all Elves and they still are Elves just half.

And here is the list of magical items that when we come back to the game we will split up or this Saturday the 28th at the normal time when the game usually starts we can all come on so the items can be split for the following week when game resumes on December 5th.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (LIST OF ITEMS) (1) 3 Rings of Protection | (2) 4 Spell Books | (3) Pennytwhistle Flute | (4) 20 Sheaf Arrows posioned 2d6+3 | (5) Wand of Magic Detection 37 charges | (6) Gold Ring with Gems (50 GP + Continual Light casted on it + 100 GP) | (7) Broad Sword +1 | (8) Crossbow of Accuracy +3 with 12 Heavy Bolts +2 | (9) Lesser Staff of Shock 1d6+1 | (10) Dwarf size Chain Mail +1 | (11) Elven Chain Mail (not magical) | (12) Elven Chain Mail +1 wit Blur and command word is Blur last 9 rounds | (13) Ioun Stone pale green prism +1 to character lvl | (14) Ioun Stone deep red sphere +1 dex max 18 | (15) Ioun Stone iridescent spindle Sustains person without air | (16) Ring of Invisibility | (17) Long Sword +2 | (18) Blessed Long Sword +2 bonus vs. undead | (19) Cloak of the Manta Ray | (20) Wand of Fire rest of it still needs to be identified name only thing known | (21) Rock of Continual Light |&nbsp; (22) Rock of Continual Darkness | (23) Ring of Free Action | (24) 7 Stun Darts |. The rest is money / items not yet found out if magical and if so not identified / and normal items such as gems, thieve's tools, wizard / bard stuff.

You're wrong about half-elves Chris. Only Elves can wear it and cast spells, this is balanced around the fact that half-elves can be classes that elves can not. The book states elves for a reason and not half-elves.... This is not 1st edition guys ;)

and just in case anyone wants to know how these mix and stack... A cloak of protection can be worn with non-magical leather armor only. Its provides a bonus to AC and saves that stacks with a ring of protection and with bracers of defense. Bracers of defense cannot be worn with armor. They provide a base AC that can be further improved with a cloak and/or ring of protection. A ring of protection can be worn with either of the above, or with armor. It provides a bonus to AC and saves. (For some rings, these are different bonuses.) If worn with magical armor, the ring's AC bonus does not apply, but the saving throw bonus still does.

No game tonight, &nbsp;I'm still in Texas trying to get home through the airports. We will resume next saturday...stay tuned!&nbsp;

Be safe Mike and good luck. Can't wait to play....

I am uncertain if I will be available for the 12th. &nbsp;I am attending a combination 65th anniversary / 85th birthday dinner for my folks. &nbsp;Unclear just when it will wrap up and I can get online. &nbsp;Sorry guys.

The work schedule of the original player for Le'Axle the thief has changed and he wishes to return to the group to play his old character again. James has been running him as a side NPC to his own character Kyle, so I hope this doesn't present any problems in the mean time.

Let's reconvene after the holidays on January 9th. &nbsp;By then, folks should have all their festivities wrapped up.

Sure. &nbsp; That being said -- here's wishing you all happy appropriate seasonal greetings and a great end of 2015 / start of 2016 ! &nbsp; &nbsp;May you all roll 20s.

Sorry this is as late as it is... family issues have arisen which make it look doubtful for me to be here on the 9th. &nbsp;