[Mechanics] Dice Rolling

[HashtagBryn]

Ysolde:

I wanted to have a quick discussion about how the "animal form" magical accident effect. I like the idea and it fits really well with the backstory I've presented. But I'm a little worried about the actual play experience of having a 10% chance to be removed from combat entirely for 3 minutes -- which is several times the length of any reasonable 5E combat. I don't think either of us wants that to be a 10% chance of arbitrary character death, so I've been thinking about how this could work, mechanically.

To start with, Ouraeia's magical accident form would obviously be a snake of some sort. Both her backstory and tradition from the 3.5 days says that the poisonous snake (Tiny animal, CR 1/8) is the appropriate one. My first thought is that the transformation effect could work like polymorph. That's... well, that's bad for me, because it sticks her in a form with poor defenses, minimal combat options, and 2 hp. On the other hand, if it really does play like polymorph, then pretty much any instance of damage will be enough to "kill" the snake, reverting Ouraeia to her natural form and carrying over the excess damage (which will probably be significant because 2 hp is 2 hp). Of course, if nothing tags the snake with damage, the 3 minute duration applies. As a player, that gives me a couple of options; try to hide and wait out the effect (at the risk of abandoning my allies to their fates), or try to remain in combat (in the hopes that I can survive being knocked out of snake-form).

If that's how you think the effect should be played, I'd suggest that the polymorph effect doesn't take place until after the resolution of the targeted spell that caused it. Otherwise, pretty much any damage-dealing spell that triggered the 10% effect would snake her, then immediately un-snake her via damage, and that looks and feels silly.

Thoughts?

[Ysolde]

I'll say it works like the Druid wild shape ability instead of the normal polymorph spell. That way you just get pulled out of shape if you take too much damage and won't just die. Also, another spell affect hitting you when transformed doesn't do anything.

[HashtagBryn]

Originally Posted by Ysolde

I'll say it works like the Druid wild shape ability instead of the normal polymorph spell. That way you just get pulled out of shape if you take too much damage and won't just die. Also, another spell affect hitting you when transformed doesn't do anything.

Perfect. Thanks for the clarification!

[Starflier]

Dice Melee Magthere Injury Check:

1d100

80

Lose your tongue - The character loses the ability to speak. You may only communicate in Drow Sign or other non-verbal communication. You can still cast spells.

[Alemar]

Dice Injury Check:

d100

78

Lose your tongue - The character loses the ability to speak. This is actually the one that I wanted, perfect!

Dice Trinket:

d100

47

[Begon Ugo]

Dice Injury check:

1d100

88

[FatherDondo]

Dice Magical Accident:

d100

82

Aphasia - The character loses the ability to speak. You may only communicate in Drow Sign or other non-verbal communication. You can still cast spells.

[Dylan Scott]

Sleight of Hand/Pick Pocket Check on the Little Hellspawn

Dice Sleight of Hand:

1D20+11

(12)+11

Total = 23

Perception checks vs DC23 to anyone who wants to notice. Sable and Narcelia, if you notice I'll tell you what he did, otherwise have to wait amd see in post :P

[Dylan Scott]

History Check vs DC 10

Dice History:

1D20+3smh9

(18 ✔)+3

(1/1)

Total = 21

[FatherDondo]

Dice Victor's History vs DC 10:

d20-1

(11)-1

Total = 10

[Dukklord]

Originally Posted by Dylan Scott

Sleight of Hand/Pick Pocket Check on the Little Hellspawn

Dice * Sleight of Hand:

Perception checks vs DC23 to anyone who wants to notice. Sable and Narcelia, if you notice I'll tell you what he did, otherwise have to wait amd see in post :P

Dice Perception DC23:

1d20+4

(20)+4

Total = 24

NAT 20!? For the only possible success with a 24, Sable not only notices, she can feel every shift in weight, and every minute movement of the fabric against her skin. Even then Alnors movements were still just barely noticable to her.

[Dukklord]

History check for knowledge of Chalchiuitl

Dice History DC10:

1d20-1

(9)-1

Total = 8

[Gaijin]

Dice Knowledge(History DC10):

D20-1

(2)-1

Total = 1

If Narcelia can use Religion instead for the previous High Priestess, the modifier is +3.

Edit: Heh, perhaps she is known by another name?

[FatherDondo]

Dice Victor's Perception:

d20+3

(6)+3

Total = 9

[Dukklord]

A retaliatory Sleight of Hand/Pickpocket check.

Dice Sleight of Hand:

1d20+12

(16)+12

Total = 28

With her Lesser Piwafi hood currently pulled up, it's a DC28 with disadvantage to spot her.