Into the Valley (Wed_Apr_6_at_8pm_EST)

First game of the campaign! Be sure to read  "Welcome to the Far Away" for game setting and character creation, etc.  The game begins as the tribe is traveling south from the mountains into the valley, towards warmer weather and abundant fish and game. Main tribe camp is set in the valley forest and you are a member of a scouting party that is a couple days ahead.  You know all members of the gaming group and are traveling together as the scouting party. The game will start in a camp you all setup. More info will be available closer to game time.

Will be updating everything over the new few days! Finalizing and getting my ducks in a row. Let me know what characters you want to play.

I think I am pretty set on making a polearm beastmaster, because it sounds like a great spin on an often considered weak class/subclass. Three questions; Finesse glaive possible? Ive toyed around with the idea in my mind, and while I can think of ways for it to work mechanically, I wouldnt want to destroy game balance over it. (Glaive - Heavy, Reach, 2h; 1d10 turns into Glaive - Finesse, Reach, 2H; 2d4). Im completely fine with running a STR build, however, as long as; Bone/Animal Scale/Shell as a substitute for metals in medium armor? Would need to be crafted, possibly with debuffs compared to their metallic counterparts? Stats! Roll, Array, or point buy (27)?

Drew D. said: I think I am pretty set on making a polearm beastmaster, because it sounds like a great spin on an often considered weak class/subclass. Three questions; Finesse glaive possible? Ive toyed around with the idea in my mind, and while I can think of ways for it to work mechanically, I wouldnt want to destroy game balance over it. (Glaive - Heavy, Reach, 2h; 1d10 turns into Glaive - Finesse, Reach, 2H; 2d4). Im completely fine with running a STR build, however, as long as; Bone/Animal Scale/Shell as a substitute for metals in medium armor? Would need to be crafted, possibly with debuffs compared to their metallic counterparts? Stats! Roll, Array, or point buy (27)? 1) Yes, if it is a problem we'll work it out. 2) Yes, definitely would need to be crafted, but I imagine the tribe would have gotten good with it over time. 3) Standard point buy at 27 Thank you! I'll update the Welcome thread.

I would also like to join, thinking about playing a scout/hunter (rogue) who is well trained in sneaking close to his prey for a quick and painless death (high dex, low str). Or, if shaman magic is alowed for players, a mooncircle-druid ( with limited spellcasting (we could talk about whats shaman-like). I'm also open for any other suggestions :) I do have some DnD 5e experience, but only switched from pathfinder recently ( last month) Im 23, male, from Germany (but available for the planned timeframe) and got a working mic (also webcam, though i pref. not to use it).

Philipp: That sounds good, you can certainly do a druid. Nature, life/death (circle of life), war between predator and pray, day/night, weather and storms, etc. Just arcane and other "studied" type skills wouldn't make sense, and even if the tribe did somehow preserve a book of knowledge, it would likely be more a book of myth and alternate meanings than the intended purpose. It's new for me, too, with DM 5e. Welcome from Germany :) Yeah, video is optional, no worries.  

I'll see what the others pick and fill in any holes as needed. The only thing I'm leaning towards is perhaps a cleric or paladin.

Cody C. said: I'll see what the others pick and fill in any holes as needed. The only thing I'm leaning towards is perhaps a cleric or paladin. Ok, no problem. Those would be interesting.

Cody, just so you know, I was planning on running a paladin. No problem with you being another. I was just saying because you said you wanted to fill holes.

I've been trying to find traits of historical spirit animals to include in a good character creation. A few questions, are the spirit animals morphs independent or are all members of the white snake share the snake spirit animal? Are the animal morphs regular in size when morphed or does their size increase? Also is herbalism a trait known by members of the tribe or is this only known by the medicine man? In terms of character: I was leaning towards a cleric/turtle getting healing from  the traits of a turtle. This is where the morphing question comes into play. When taking the form of a turtle, will it be a small sea turtle or will it resemble a larger humanoid sized turtle. The traits of protection and healing seemed to be linked to turtles. Or a fighter/gorilla. Just pure strength here, but if possible this is where the herbalism would play in. Preparing salves or medicines as a humanoid sharing the traits from the herbal diet of the ape family, kno wing good and bad plants. If there is a role that is needed I can rethink these.

I viewed the spirit animal binding a life event that happens when people come of age and go through it. I didn't want to define it too much. All animals are independent of everyone else, it is the character's own personal binding. Everyone just tends to go through with the ritual, coming of age and all it entails, etc.  I think size would definitely play a role, such as if you were a bear and wanted to move a heavy rock.  There is a "light mode" where you can get the traits of your animal but not "be" the animal, but a "full mode" is a complete short term transformation. So, if the animal is a hawk. It's "light mode" is that you can have sharp hearing and eye sight for a short period but still be you (channeling the spirit, you are major, animal is minor). It's "full mode" would be you completely letting the animal take over and having some control over it for a short period of time (you can fly, but may feel a strong desire to migrate and grab mice), where you would physically look like the animal in all its details and think like the animal, but still be you inside, but the animal mind/instinct is still very much there (transformation, you are minor, animal is major). "light mode" could be done much more than "full mode", for many reasons, but mainly it may break the game and approach lycanthropy territory which I'm rusty in (though that's pretty cool). Light mode could require a short rest after 1-3 uses, full mode requires a full rest... and may have been problematic (did you accidentally take a bite out of your mother?! hah).  That's where my head is at with it. I have it as a goal this weekend to get that all ironed out. 

Still unsure of really the visuals or reality breaking part of it for a full mode transformation. Such as if you are a bear but in a place where a bear wouldn't be "BOOM IMMA BEAR LULZ". But I don't want people to feel they have to metagame it, to be the most useful animal in all possible ways, because most animals suck. It "magically" happens and has always just happened for your tribe, I think. It isn't odd or weird. It is just a part of your life. Plus, it would be fun to be in a dungeon and fighting monsters and then "BOOM IMMA BEAR LULZ" *swipe*swipe*bite*, and *poof*

Ha! So in full mode the hawk  wants to eat the mouse while the giant elephant is terrified of the mouse. This sounds great!

full and light mode will require better naming, I'm in work mode right now, hah (computing)

Haha I like it so far! Hey, can we use things from official Wizards supplements? (Like Sword Coast Adventurer's guide or Elemental Evil Player's Companion)

Just the Player's Handbook only, please.

What do you think of a Bard in the form of a tribal war drummer or war chanter? If not, I'll likely go with a rogue if Phillip is going Druid, or perhaps a Fighter or Barbatian if not. It seems we're pretty good on the divine front :).

I like that idea, just as long as the abilities aren't arcane. 

If you have your heart set on a spell caster I don't mind going fighter or maybe a monk. I think less spell complication would be better for me in the game and in terms of a spirit animals I am thinking of. Not sure if monk abilities are considered spells and if this kind of character would be in line with the story. I think a monk would be better suited for a herbalist than a fighter, not sure which spirit animal would link with this though.

Haha more like I've got my heart set on too many things. If you would rather go with an herbalist monk, I would be more than happy to take up the cleric mantle. I really like that idea of the monk with a passion/knowledge of herbal lore. If I'm going with cleric, I'll probably be one that worships the sun and seeks to kindle the Light in places of darkness. Not sure the spirit animal though.

I have almost all things ready to go for next Tuesday (that I can do ahead of time anyways). Will have the spirit animal abilities formalized here later (left written at home). How's everyone doing? 

Doing well, hope things are going good for all.. In terms of character creation: where should we store character sheets and should starting gear be the PHB listed starting gear? I think I have finally settled on Monk/Cheetah or Monk/Tiger, I like the idea of primal combat in combination with agility/speed. If these do not work let me know and I will revert back to Fighter/Goriila based off of brute strength.

Im going for a druid/owl (if there is none, thinking along the lines of darkvision, good at night, sleepy at day in full form.)  I've got an idea for the personality, but cant decide on a name yet, otherwise im roughly ready.

Chloroplasts said: Doing well, hope things are going good for all.. In terms of character creation: where should we store character sheets and should starting gear be the PHB listed starting gear? I think I have finally settled on Monk/Cheetah or Monk/Tiger, I like the idea of primal combat in combination with agility/speed. If these do not work let me know and I will revert back to Fighter/Goriila based off of brute strength. I added character sheets in the game interface this morning. Choose one of the 5 character sheets, you should be able to modify them. Yes, PHB starting gear, using whatever is appropriate for the cost, assuming you got it from communal tribe resources instead of purchasing at a store. Those combos sound awesome! Philipp T. said: Im going for a druid/owl (if there is none, thinking along the lines of darkvision, good at night, sleepy at day in full form.)  I've got an idea for the personality, but cant decide on a name yet, otherwise im roughly ready. I like how that sounds :) Interested to see them come to life!

Chris H. I added character sheets in the game interface this morning. Choose one of the 5 character sheets, you should be able to modify them. Can not see any character sheet yet :) 

Philipp T. said: Chris H. I added character sheets in the game interface this morning. Choose one of the 5 character sheets, you should be able to modify them. Can not see any character sheet yet :)  Ooops, they should be visible now :) 

I think I'd like to go with a lion as my animal. I was trying to think of things that embody sunlight and bravery, and I feel like a lion is a good fit for a Sun based Cleric.

Okay. So will I be able to use bone-like armor and whatnot to substitute for heavy armor? This choice greatly affects what stats I have.

Cody C. said: I think I'd like to go with a lion as my animal. I was trying to think of things that embody sunlight and bravery, and I feel like a lion is a good fit for a Sun based Cleric. That sounds cool. Mervyn said: Okay. So will I be able to use bone-like armor and whatnot to substitute for heavy armor? This choice greatly affects what stats I have. Yes, definitely. Effectively it is just reskinning in that regard. Somehow, over time, the tribe figured out how to make heavy armor from things that aren't metal but have the same effect. How that is possible is up to you :)  

Work and family been taking up time, but looking to wrap things up tonight and tomorrow. Huge software release at work today, hopefully we got everything knocked out. I don't want it to affect our game. Your characters are really inspiring and I like them :)

Sounds like work, always getting in the way of the important things.. Will voice be through Roll20 or a different program? I may have missed it.

Chloro Nate said: Sounds like work, always getting in the way of the important things.. Will voice be through Roll20 or a different program? I may have missed it. Yeah :\ But that's why we play games! hah. Roll20 for  audio (video optional).

Chris,  I was the proposed monk character that reached out to you 12 days ago. Wondering if you still have the slot open. If you have filled it, it is completely fine. -Aaron

Aaron P. said: Chris,  I was the proposed monk character that reached out to you 12 days ago. Wondering if you still have the slot open. If you have filled it, it is completely fine. -Aaron Sorry, we filled up to 5 players. One more would be too much.   I do plan on running more games in the future and one-shots, but those time/dates are TBD.

Hey Chris, go a head and let Aaron in. I got a call from my work today, asking if I could start working Tuesdays. I'm real sorry man.

Oh ok, that stinks. Next time, Mervyn! Aaron, a spot just opened up! I added an empty character sheet for you :) 

Chris, I am tremendously excited to start this campaign, and have been anxious all weekend! Mervyn, it is sad to hear that you will be unable to join us. I'd like to ask about poisons before our session begins, so that I can make final adjustments to my character based on their implementation. With that, Chris how do you feel about: Harvesting poison from wild animals Usage of poisons as an item Usage of poison & duration; 3 strikes from a blade? 1 strike? The rules only state that poison lasts 1 min before drying, but makes no mention of how many hits you can make other than you can coat 1 blade/point or 3 arrow heads. Either way is fine with me, I just want to clarify. Would you be willing to consider this homebrew:&nbsp; <a href="http://www.dmsguild.com/product/174709/Poison-Craf" rel="nofollow">http://www.dmsguild.com/product/174709/Poison-Craf</a>... ("Free" on DMsguild, and I donated $15 for it with another group I play with so that I could pass it around guilt free) Looking forward to the sesh!

Drew D. said: Chris, I am tremendously excited to start this campaign, and have been anxious all weekend! Mervyn, it is sad to hear that you will be unable to join us. I'd like to ask about poisons before our session begins, so that I can make final adjustments to my character based on their implementation. With that, Chris how do you feel about: Harvesting poison from wild animals Usage of poisons as an item Usage of poison & duration; 3 strikes from a blade? 1 strike? The rules only state that poison lasts 1 min before drying, but makes no mention of how many hits you can make other than you can coat 1 blade/point or 3 arrow heads. Either way is fine with me, I just want to clarify. Would you be willing to consider this homebrew:&nbsp; <a href="http://www.dmsguild.com/product/174709/Poison-Craf" rel="nofollow">http://www.dmsguild.com/product/174709/Poison-Craf</a>... ("Free" on DMsguild, and I donated $15 for it with another group I play with so that I could pass it around guilt free) Looking forward to the sesh! Awesome!&nbsp; Unsure about poisons in the complete sense you're asking about. I mean it is a damage type, but more complex than that I'm not sure. &nbsp; *&nbsp;Harvesting from animals definitely sounds reasonable. Like snakes or frogs, etc. * Unsure what you mean "as an item", like a poison grenade (ie, a poison coated pinecone lobbed over a wall)?&nbsp; * 1 min in an encounter would be several rounds, right, so you could apply the poison and then attack with the weapon (like with a blow dart) * Homebrew and extended books maybe later, just PHB for now. My main concern is unbalancing the game. I like the whole poison character/feel stuff, but unsure how to mechanically implement it to be fair. Poisons can do decent damage and require special skills/tools to harvest, right (DMG p257-258), so unsure. I can grant you have the skills to harvest and the ability to store it securely. Unsure about the rest (poison damage, length poison stays active, etc) but if you were to strike and attack was successful from a poisoned weapon/dart/implement then the poison should be applied the first time. What do you suggest? If a giant poisonous snake harvested does 3d6 and costs 200g. Stuff can you harvest from small snakes and elusive frogs should definitely reflect the gold you would realistically have on-hand (in other campaigns, that is, heh) and damage possible at level 1. Max starting wealth is 5d4x10gp, which maxes out at 200g.

By "as an item" I am referring to vials of poison referenced in the PHB (100g, 1d4 DC10 CON save). I would like to be able to harvest poisons from creatures, but you are correct that I do not want to unbalance the game. The supplement I linked goes into a fair amount of depth on the creation and effect of poisons, including a DC to harvest, damage scaling with CR of creature harvested from, a DC to craft based on the ingredients used (More potent poisons being harder to craft), as well as a DC for the poison to be resisted (with modifiers for 1/2 saves and bypassing poison immunity at much higher levels.) I feel as though the poisons listed in the DMG are geared more towards NPC use than PC use, and are not well balanced. On the other end of the spectrum, the PHB poison I mentioned above is horrendous, and not worth the action it would take to apply for a single hit.&nbsp; I'm not looking for a crazy boost to DPR (though it would raise DPR, admittedly), but a way to further flavor the Ranger class. Im fine with holding off on the concept for now, and seeing if it has a balanced place in our group. If not, not a problem. I had forgotten that you specifically mentioned official only. I know as a DM you already have a lot on your plate in preparation, and worrying about balance of yet another new mechanic is a lot to ask of you.

Drew D. said: By "as an item" I am referring to vials of poison referenced in the PHB (100g, 1d4 DC10 CON save). I would like to be able to harvest poisons from creatures, but you are correct that I do not want to unbalance the game. The supplement I linked goes into a fair amount of depth on the creation and effect of poisons, including a DC to harvest, damage scaling with CR of creature harvested from, a DC to craft based on the ingredients used (More potent poisons being harder to craft), as well as a DC for the poison to be resisted (with modifiers for 1/2 saves and bypassing poison immunity at much higher levels.) I feel as though the poisons listed in the DMG are geared more towards NPC use than PC use, and are not well balanced. On the other end of the spectrum, the PHB poison I mentioned above is horrendous, and not worth the action it would take to apply for a single hit.&nbsp; I'm not looking for a crazy boost to DPR (though it would raise DPR, admittedly), but a way to further flavor the Ranger class. Im fine with holding off on the concept for now, and seeing if it has a balanced place in our group. If not, not a problem. I had forgotten that you specifically mentioned official only. I know as a DM you already have a lot on your plate in preparation, and worrying about balance of yet another new mechanic is a lot to ask of you. We can always revisit it later :) I'll check out that book.

&nbsp;We have a family emergency, I'm going to have to postpone this :( I'm sorry guys, I'll make it up to you. The encounters, skills challenges, NPCs, scenery, and story still are waiting for you!

it happens, no worrys :) Nothing too seriuos i hope?

Best wishes for you and your family.

I hope everything is alright!

No problem, hope things work out.

Gram is better now, 92 and still kicking strong :) Stubborn as she is sweet, thank goodness! Problems come in threes, it seems. Thanks everyone! -- Let me know what date(s) work best for you. I couldn't put the date as TBD, and had to pick something else.

Best for me right now; Tuesdays/Thursdays: 6:30pm PST-Finish Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 1:00pm PST- Finish Saturday/Sunday: All Day

Glad things are good. It doesn't seem like 2016 is starting out very well for anyone, keep on the sunny side! In terms of game time, I would prefer to stick to the original time advertised, 8pm - 11pm EST. If the day of the week needs to be adjusted to meet needs of others I would suggest Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Drew's schedule looks like he might be late to the Tuesday or Thursday time, I would be up for switching to Monday or Wednesday, 8pm - 11PM EST. I can't promise to can make weekend times routinely and would prefer the main story stick to a weekday.