[D&D 4th Ed.] Official GT Campaign Thread

[Rich]

Yeah I'm still in, just going over the PHB a bit trying to nail down my character.

I was thinking that we could just all form a Steam group and use Steams voice service to play.  I think that way we can still IM the DM for anything we need to tell him or he needs to tell us in secret.  I don't mind Teamspeak or Ventrillo but I've been happy using Steam when playing games lately and you don't have to purchase anything in order to use it.

[Arnir]

Remember, please, that I'm inexperienced with a lot of these campaigns, but how are we acquiring equipment?  Per the info in the PHB or anything campaign specific? Etc, etc.

[CrayolaSmoker]

Remember, please, that I'm inexperienced with a lot of these campaigns, but how are we acquiring equipment?  Per the info in the PHB or anything campaign specific? Etc, etc.

Equip yourself per the PHB. The adventure is designed for new players starting at level 1. As long as you're designing a character you think you'll enjoy playing, you can't really go too wrong.

[Arnir]

Remember, please, that I'm inexperienced with a lot of these campaigns, but how are we acquiring equipment?  Per the info in the PHB or anything campaign specific? Etc, etc.

Equip yourself per the PHB. The adventure is designed for new players starting at level 1. As long as you're designing a character you think you'll enjoy playing, you can't really go too wrong.

Should we be dealing with food and supplies or can we assume that those issues will be dealt with in campaign?  I'm assuming that we will each buy one of the basic adventurer kit packs for our characters.

[Turtle]

Hm... so I know I'm going to be an Inspiring Warlord, but it's been a bit odd to me that there's no dedicated character creation section that walks you through everything, it's a lot of jumping around the book even if it's well referenced.

I know I'm late with my character but this is actually a big change for me since I'm more used to a different style of RPG.

[Lockdown]

I felt like I was all over the PHB as well when making my character.  It's been so long since I've played a D&D campaign, I don't even remember if that's par for the course or not.

I think it will be pretty funny when we get into things and I realize just how much stuff I'm probably missing from the character sheet.  It seems so "bare" compared to the old editions.  (not that I'm complaining!)

[IceBear]

I'm not sure why you're "all over the book" as the chapters are pretty much laid out in the order of character creation (though I can see the need to cross-reference stuff as you go - eg, when picking your ability scores you might refer to the class you are thinking of taking to see what the important abilities are, checking the race to see what abilities will get boosted, etc - though that's no different than it ever was).  As for the seeming "bare" I think that is intentional as they tried to streamline stuff.

[CrayolaSmoker]

Remember, please, that I'm inexperienced with a lot of these campaigns, but how are we acquiring equipment?  Per the info in the PHB or anything campaign specific? Etc, etc.

Equip yourself per the PHB. The adventure is designed for new players starting at level 1. As long as you're designing a character you think you'll enjoy playing, you can't really go too wrong.

Should we be dealing with food and supplies or can we assume that those issues will be dealt with in campaign?  I'm assuming that we will each buy one of the basic adventurer kit packs for our characters.

As far as supplies, I'd think weapons, armor, focusing totems (I'm blanking on the name D&D uses - crosses for clerics, staffs for wizards), and the basic adventurer kit should hold you just fine.

As far as food goes, a couple days worth of bread/water should do you just fine. Like going to the bathroom in an RPG, I generally don't worry about food unless it becomes useful/necessary to the plot. Wandering through the desert, staying in a cave/ruin for a week at a time, attending the local potentate's elaborate banquet, taking a "long rest" between each battle, etc. In general, food management isn't fun - therefore we ignore it when/where possible. 

[Lockdown]

Sounds good to me. 

Are we really just 3 days away from starting!?

What exactly will the players need on their 'puters to be ready for this, CS?

[CrayolaSmoker]

What exactly will the players need on their 'puters to be ready for this, CS?

MapTool is a must. I think I've got it hosting on my machine now, but I have to boot into Windows to get it to work right. Hoping to check that out with Doopri today.

Per a suggestion earlier in the thread, I've given a cursory look at Steam for the voice side of things and think it might work for us, assuming everyone has Steam. Looks like I can make a group for the players, then we can enter a voice chat without having to go in-game to do so. Something else I'll need to test a bit prior to Saturday. I'm also "CrayolaSmoker" on Steam if any of you would like to add me so we can see how it works. (Mental note: Need to get a headphone/mic. Built-in mic with speakers creates a sound loop.)

P.S. - I'm not wed to Steam. Now that it looks like I'll be hosting the games from Windows, Ventrillo and TeamSpeak look like viable options - though I'm still wary of hosting them with my machine. From what I'm looking at, the system overhead for hosting with MapTool (particularly with the maps we'll be using) isn't going to be pretty.

[Hemlock Bones]

Another voice/chat option would be to use Skype and have a "conference call".  This way you aren't hosting a server on your machine.  Just a thought.

[Destructor]

Another voice/chat option would be to use Skype and have a "conference call".  This way you aren't hosting a server on your machine.  Just a thought.

Skype just shares bandwith as needed, no? I thought it used quite a bit though to get the awesome quality it usually has though...

Vent/Teamspeak are far less bandwith intensive solutions. Of course, you don't sound as good in them either.

[Autistic Angel]

I think the only decision that remains about my character is my choice of second language.  I assume the Dragonborn already know "dragon talk" and the half-elves probably know elvish...does anyone have an opinion of a useful language for my character to know?

-Autistic Angel

[CrayolaSmoker]

When planning out my Warlord, prior to even purchasing Keep on the Shadowfell, I spent some time pondering what enemy languages might be the most useful to know - Goblin, Kobold, Orc etc. Was thinking that eavesdropping on enemy conversations through doors and around corners would be quite useful.

[Arnir]

My guy has goblin as one of his languages, fyi.

[Rich]

Another voice/chat option would be to use Skype and have a "conference call".  This way you aren't hosting a server on your machine.  Just a thought.

I thought Skype had a cap of 5 people in conference call.

Ok I just looked and it is now a cap of 10 people.  I've always enjoyed using Skype but I do know that it drops a lot of the time between me and at least one other person.  If we used Skype for clarity and the lack of lag that a lot of other voice options seem to have I think we should have a backup in case we get too many drops.  Does GT not have a Teamspeak or Ventrillo server?

[Rich]

Ok my character is just about done but I have to say I'm having a bit of trouble figuring out some of my values and I feel like an idiot for not quite getting what they are talking about.  My Defenses I haven't figured out yet, for instance my AC is 10 + 1/2 my level which is 0 + my modifier which I think is Dexterity in my case but I can't find an actual place in the book that says to use that as my modifier for my Rogue class + any special modifiers like size or feats + my actual armor.

I've only been at home and awake for about 3 hours each day for the last few weeks so I haven't really had a chance to read the books yet.  Maybe we can fire up and test the voice chat stuff a little early so we can go over questions for those who want to a bit earlier on Saturday.

[IceBear]

Hi Rich,

See page 275 of the PHB - it should have it all covered there.  I know as a rogue you get +2 bonus to Reflex.  Anything more specific you need?  If so, post your stats, your race, your class and your equipment and I'll help.

[Doopri]

Okay this is VERY important players!  Crayola and i are testing this out as i type! yay! BUT...

you need version 1.3b32

the one listed on the page is 1.2 i think? the version youll need is on the left of that page - it says "in development" - same page, but to the left - got it? good! after you get it all that needs to be down is to connect to the server!

[Arnir]

Okay this is VERY important players!  Crayola and i are testing this out as i type! yay! BUT...

you need version 1.3b32

the one listed on the page is 1.2 i think? the version youll need is on the left of that page - it says "in development" - same page, but to the left - got it? good! after you get it all that needs to be down is to connect to the server!

I'm probably dense, but version 1.3b32 of what?

[Doopri]

well if youre dense im even more dense for never mentioning it

maptool - i think crayola put the url up earlier

[Arnir]

well if youre dense im even more dense for never mentioning it

maptool - i think crayola put the url up earlier

Hey, Dog, don't challenge my denseness.  We might have to have a dense-off and it won't be pretty.

Anyway, I downloaded it and got it running.  I'm assuming this will be given on Saturday?

PS - Anyone who knows me will groan at me using the word dog. Should have been Dawg, I assume, but keep that on the LD.  DL?  Whatever! 

[CrayolaSmoker]

Okay this is VERY important players!  Crayola and i are testing this out as i type! yay! BUT...

you need version 1.3b32

the one listed on the page is 1.2 i think? the version youll need is on the left of that page - it says "in development" - same page, but to the left - got it? good! after you get it all that needs to be down is to connect to the server!

I'm probably dense, but version 1.3b32 of what?

MapTool

[Destructor]

Okay this is VERY important players!  Crayola and i are testing this out as i type! yay! BUT...

you need version 1.3b32

the one listed on the page is 1.2 i think? the version youll need is on the left of that page - it says "in development" - same page, but to the left - got it? good! after you get it all that needs to be down is to connect to the server!

I'm probably dense, but version 1.3b32 of what?

I'm assuming he means MapTool.

[Autistic Angel]

I'm going to post my character sheet here so people can look it over.  Note that humans get an extra daily power, a +2 to one attribute (wisdom), and automatic +1 to all saves.  I also took a feat (Human Perseverance) which gives an additional +1 -- all of those bonuses should already be applied to the proper places.


Race: Human
Class: Cleric
Alignment: Good
Diety: Avandra (change, luck, trade, travel)

Max HP: 23

Strength: 13 (+1)
Constitution: 11 (+0)
Dexterity: 12 (+1)
Intelligence: 10 (+0)
Wisdom: 18 (+4)
Charisma: 14 (+2)

Fortitude: 13
Reflex: 13
Will: 20

AC: 16 (10 +6 chainmail armor)
Speed: 5 (6 -1 chainmail armor)

Passive Insight: 19
Passive Perception: 14

-- At Will Powers --
Lance of Faith - Wisdom vs. Reflex - 1d8 +4(wis) damage, and +2 to one ally's attack against same target

Sacred Flame - Wisdom vs. Reflex - 1d6 +4(wis) damage, and +2 temp HP -or- saving throw to one ally

Priest's Shield - Strength vs. AC - 1d10 +1(str) damage, and +1 AC to me and one adjacent ally until end of next turn

-- Encounter Powers --

Healing Strike - Strength vs. AC - 2(1d10 +1) damage, marks target until end of next turn, triggers healing surge for me or 1 ally

Healing Word - available twice per encounter - minor action - triggers healing surge +1d6 additional healing in me or one ally

Avandra's Rescue - instantly switch positions with one ally

Divine Fortune - +1 to my next attack roll or saving throw before end of next turn

Turn Undead - Wisdom vs. Will - 1d10 +4(wis) damage, also pushes undead 3 +2 squares away and immobilizes them until end of my next turn

-- Daily Power --

Beacon of Hope - Wisdom vs. Will - target weakened until end of its next turn, me and allies gain +5 HP, all healing powers add +5 extra healing until end of encounter

-- Feats --

Channel Divinity - Avandra's Rescue (see encounter powers)
Human Perseverevance - +1 all saves (already applied)

-- Skills --
Acrobats - 0
Arcana - +5 (trained)
Athletics - 0
Bluff - +2
Diplomacy - +2
Dungeoneering - +4
Endurance - -1
Heal - +9 (trained)
History - +5 (trained)
Insight - +5 (trained)
Intimidate - +2
Nature - +4
Perception - +4
Religion - +5 (trained)
Stealth - 0
Streetwise - +2
Thievery - 0

-- Rituals --
Gentle Repose
Make Whole

-- Languages --
Common
Superna (Angels, Demons, etc.)

-- Equipment --
Holy Implement
Ritual Book
Morningstar - 1d10 damage - two handed
Chainmail Armor - +6 AC - -1 check penalty, -1 movement
Standard Adventurer's Kit

-Autistic Angel

[CrayolaSmoker]

well if youre dense im even more dense for never mentioning it

maptool - i think crayola put the url up earlier

Hey, Dog, don't challenge my denseness.  We might have to have a dense-off and it won't be pretty.

Anyway, I downloaded it and got it running.  I'm assuming this will be given on Saturday?

PS - Anyone who knows me will groan at me using the word dog. Should have been Dawg, I assume, but keep that on the LD.  DL?  Whatever! 

Server will be running on Saturday and I'm gonna go ahead and state a 4:30 PM start time, though I'll likely have the server up and running at 3:30-4:00 PM for folks to log in and learn the tool if need be. Playing around with it with Doopri was invaluable this afternoon as I learned so much about the program and its capabilities that my mind is reeling. This tool is seriously powerful, and I can't wait to get good at it.

When you start up MapTool, you'll want to File > Connect to Server. On the RPTools.net tab look for "GT RPG: KotS", that'll be us. In a tribute to the site that brought us all together, the player password will be "redesign".

If the start time's a problem for anyone, let me know.

[IceBear]

Max HP: 12

-Autistic Angel

That looks dreadfully low.  As a cleric you get 12HP plus your Con score (not bonus), so you should have 24hp at level 1

[Doopri]

youre central time right crayola?

[CrayolaSmoker]

Yup. Just north of Dallas, Texas.

[Arnir]

Yup. Just north of Dallas, Texas.

We aren't the far apart.  I'm in College Station. 
Anyway...
See the character creation thread for my character.  Help, advice and corrections are encouraged and requested.

[Turtle]

Er, I just got a date for this Saturday, sorry guys, going to have to miss this first session.

I'll post my character shortly though.

[Lockdown]

D&D is good. 
Dates are better.
Have fun.

Oh... and I will gladly hold on to Turtle's winnings while he is away.  They will be reimbursed to him in full upon his return (minus a "small" Halfling restocking fee of course).

 

[CrayolaSmoker]

If I had a date on Saturday night... I'd be more worried about the wife finding out than ditching you guys.   

Have fun Turtle. Because this is our initial game and I don't want to play someone else's character the first time out, I'm thinking it'll be easiest for your character to sit this one out and concoct some reason to meet up with the party on the next session. Doesn't have to be anything fancy. Perhaps you already know 'em, but were late to the rendezvous point 'cause you were "otherwise occupied" with some broad...

P.S. Arnir - Got a few Ags in the family, so I've been more than once. Always a good time.

[Autistic Angel]

Max HP: 12

-Autistic Angel

That looks dreadfully low.  As a cleric you get 12HP plus your Con score (not bonus), so you should have 24hp at level 1

Thanks for catching that!  I thought it was just the Constitution modifier

Also, I've edited the first post in the thread to include the official start time of 4:30pm Central, and a link to the latest beta of MapTool.

-Autistic Angel

[Rich]

Name: Daroman
Level: 1
Class: Rogue
Race: Elf
Size: Medium
Age: 23
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 155
Alignment: Unaligned
Deity: Sehanine
Company:

Initiative: d20+4

Ability Scores;

   STR: 13 +1
   CON: 10 +0
   DEX: 18 +4 (+2 racial)
   INT: 10 +0
   WIS: 15 +2 (+2 racial)
   CHA: 14 +2

Defenses;

   AC: 16 (17 if dual wielding) (AoO +2)
   Fort: 11
   Ref: 16 (17 if dual wielding) (+2 for Class)
   Will: 12

Movement;

   Speed: 7

Senses;

   Passive Insight: 16
   Passive Perception: 10+skill bonus (18?)

Hit Points;

   Max HP: 22
   Bloodied: 11
   Surge Value: 5
   Surges/Day: 6

Action Points: 1

Skills: +2 Nature, +2 Perception (Race)
   Stealth, Thievery, Acrobatics, Bluff, Insight, Perception
   
At-Will Powers: Piercing Strike, Sly Flourish

Encounter Power: Positioning Strike

Daily Power: Trick Strike

Feat: 2-Weapon defense

Race Features: Low-Light Vision, Elven Weapon Proficiency, Fey Creature, Group Awareness, Wild Step, Eleven Accuracy

Class Features: +2 Reflex, Trickster Rogue, First Strike, Artful Dodger, Rogue Weapon Talent, Sneak Attack

Items: Leather Armor, Short Sword, Dagger, Sling (40 bullets), Shuriken(10), Basic Clothing, Backpack, Climbers Kit, Adventurer's Kit, Flask, Thieves Tools, 25G = 75 1/2 lbs.

[Rich]

I haven't picked my equipment yet so I haven't figured in the AC penalties or bonuses for my armor but I have a couple of questions.

I believe my Passive Perception is 17 or 10+5(for being trained in Perception)+2(for Racial bonus) is that correct?

(Edited to add)  Ok it looks like I forgot to add in the ability modifiers to the skill bonus so now I think my Passive Insight should be 16 and my Passive Perception should be 18.

My second question is what feat do you think I should take?  If I go with Backstabber I roll a d8 instead of a d6 on backstab attacks but we have a huge group already to output damage.  If I go with Two-Weapon Defense I get a +1 bonus to my AC and Reflex scores which aren't that low to begin with but my Con. score sucks so my HP aren't that high, I'd like to avoid being hit in the first place.  So what sounds better or should I look to a completely different feat?

[IceBear]

Why is Dex 16 giving you +5 bonus?  That should be giving you x/2 (round down) - 5 as a bonus, or +3.  You'd need a Dex of 20 for +5

[Rich]

Why is Dex 16 giving you +5 bonus?  That should be giving you x/2 (round down) - 5 as a bonus, or +3.  You'd need a Dex of 20 for +5

My Dex score is 16 which gives me a bonus of +3 but my Elven Race gives me a bonus of +2 to Dex so 3+2=5, isn't that correct?  I didn't write the racial bonus on the sheet so that's my bad.

Same thing for my Wisdom I get a +2 as a racial bonus.

[IceBear]

No, you get +2 to your score, not your bonus.  Your Dex would be 16+2 = 18 for a bonus of +4.  I guessed that's what you did but I'm not 100% on 4E rules yet so wasn't positive.

BTW - I apologize if I'm coming across as a know-it-all ass in these threads - I really mean to just be helpful but I don't always convey my intent well.

[Rich]

Ok suggestion for all of us to post some stuff here.  I've been listening to a couple of podcasts of 4e and players seem to forget that they have some group bonuses that apply outside of combat like initiative bonuses and other things.  So I thought it would be a good idea for each of us to write down and help keep track of any group bonuses while playing.

I have Group Awareness as a Racial trait so any non-elven allies get a +1 to their perception checks if they are within 25 feet (5 squares) of me.