[OOC] Inn of the Last Home

[Lazer]

Originally Posted by Mindsiege

@Lazer:
Actually, I think it makes for a sweet coincidence if the two most secretive characters of our group had already met each other and travelled for a while, only to reconvene under new circumstances and realizing that both of them aren't entirely upfront about everything, and thus each knowing one secret about the other.

I think creating a little connection between Blyne and Devari could be a lot of fun. They're the two main talkers of the group and giving them a bit of spice and shared secrets would make for an interesting dynamic, either to create some interparty conflict or to bring them closer together. Incidentally, Blyne has started to explore the powers of the heart (mysticism) since she felt coming into her inherited Primal Sorcery took too long, so she is probably the most likely mentor when it comes to Devari's own sorcerous abilities. Since Blyne wants to feel significant, I could easily see her adopt some mentoring and researching of Devari's "bardic" power of the heart.

If you want, maybe Elanir could give us a private thread and we figure out a few details about what Blyne and Devari know about each other from before the start of the story?

This all sounds great to me! Shall we say Devari and Blyne were both in the same caravan and didn’t exactly get to know each other but were certainly aware of each other? When the game starts we can start to notice inconsistencies in each story and see how that plays out.

@Noquarter19; Devari was on the road and acting as mother to a young child at 14 so she won’t be too concerned by Aric’s age. She certainly wouldn’t underestimate him because of it.

@Tom; how would you like to have Tegan in the caravan with Devari and Blyne? He’s definitely the sort of person that Devari would have stuck near during a potentially dangerous journey.

[FCastor]

So...

Isandril is pretty much finished. Only bit still giving me a bit of pause is his 1st level spell selection. He currently has feather fall, detect magic (which is also a ritual, so no need to memorize it, just spare 10 minutes to cast it, if I understand rituals correctly), grease, magic missile, shield and sleep.

I did also consider ice knife for a wee bit of ranged AoE, but I am not sure if it is worth it. And if it is, which one should I replace with it? Probably sleep or maybe grease?

What do you guys think? Ideas? Feedback?

[Mindsiege]

@Tommy:
In my understanding, tanking in DnD is really a matter of strategy. In a vacuum, it basically only works against unintelligent monsters and mobs without reason or the ability to form battle plans. Still, being a beefy and heavy frontliner comes in handy every time that you're able to find chokeholds, which is really something a party should always look out for. If you properly control the environment, the difficulty of an encounter will change drastically. Also, against enemies that have something to lose (for example their lives) having that one unmovable object that they can't fell will pose a great incentive to prematurely forfeit the battle.

[Mindsiege]

Originally Posted by Lazer

This all sounds great to me! Shall we say Devari and Blyne were both in the same caravan and didn’t exactly get to know each other but were certainly aware of each other? When the game starts we can start to notice inconsistencies in each story and see how that plays out.

That's exactly what I thought.

Would you like to facilitate this in a private thread? Even if they didn't interact deeply it's probably a good idea to get the facts of what would have been observable straight and to create a bit of mystery for the other players. Also Elanir might have a few details to add that might give context to the caravan which our character's might have been part of.

[Tommyk382]

I am open to that if you both are okay with it. I think that could be a good start for Tegan to get out of his comfort zone.

FCastor: I always prefer to play my mage as a controller rather than an evoker (personal preference). I think that Grease is one of the best first level spells in the game. That being said, I think that you should do whatever sounds fun and whatever you think Isandril would have studied. Ice knife is cool. Just make sure to say Shirak a lot. I hear makes who say that go on to do great things.

[Lazer]

Originally Posted by Mindsiege

That's exactly what I thought.

Would you like to facilitate this in a private thread? Even if they didn't interact deeply it's probably a good idea to get the facts of what would have been observable straight and to create a bit of mystery for the other players. Also Elanir might have a few details to add that might give context to the caravan which our character's might have been part of.

Again, sounds good. If Elanir wouldn't mind setting that up.

[Mindsiege]

Originally Posted by FCastor

Isandril is pretty much finished. Only bit still giving me a bit of pause is his 1st level spell selection. He currently has feather fall, detect magic (which is also a ritual, so no need to memorize it, just spare 10 minutes to cast it, if I understand rituals correctly), grease, magic missile, shield and sleep.

I did also consider ice knife for a wee bit of ranged AoE, but I am not sure if it is worth it. And if it is, which one should I replace with it? Probably sleep or maybe grease?

What do you guys think? Ideas? Feedback?

Hmm, my POV is that spell optimization for wizards at level 1 will for the most part end up with the same spells again and again. Thinking about why Isandril would have taken the time to learn a particular spell might give your spell selection a bit more flair for your character than mere optimization.

That said, Ice Knife is a damaging spell that has a cantrip worthy spell attack on a sole target and then an included AOE effect around that target with a DEX save for no damage. If you roll well and the enemies don't it performs pretty well, but if the dice aren't with you there's the possibility of dealing no damage. Depending on what you want to do with the spell, other options can be more reliable or deal more single target damage.

Grease is a fun utility spell that can add battlefield control in zoning enemies and provide our melee characters advantages against slipped up targets. It can also serve in setting up a trap or with a bit of creativity serve as a tool in non-combat scenarios. It's also a less-lethal option, so possibly extra worthwhile for instances where you don't want to murder your enemies.

Sleep is a big control spell. It can reliably disable multiple low HP targets and moderate HP targets at lower CRs. It has a lot of range and affects a wide area, though possibly your own teammates. It's a less-lethal option, but with proper follow up it's incredibly deadly. If the enemy is unable to react to their sleeping companions, they might as well count as beaten for the sake of a low level encounter.

Depending on how many damage options you think you need, they will all compete with Magic Missile which is a very reliable damage option in many situations. Its output is lower than a few other options but its utilization is rather flexible in getting that damage onto the scene, with good range to boot.

Shield basically competes with every other option because it will burn through your spell slots quickly once you need it. It's almost always better not to need it, but nobody can promise or predict when you'll need it.

Basically, on level 1 you'll have to largely rely on cantrips and be really choosy what you do with your scarce spell slots. Going for damage with your spell slots is pretty greedy and might not always show merit if your adventuring day features multiple combat encounters.

[Elanir]

Shall I include Tommy, since Tegan was also a part of the caravan to Khur?

[FCastor]

Originally Posted by Mindsiege

Hmm, my POV is that spell optimization for wizards at level 1 will for the most part end up with the same spells again and again. Thinking about why Isandril would have taken the time to learn a particular spell might give your spell selection a bit more flair for your character than mere optimization.

That said, Ice Knife is a damaging spell that has a cantrip worthy spell attack on a sole target and then an included AOE effect around that target with a DEX save for no damage. If you roll well and the enemies don't it performs pretty well, but if the dice aren't with you there's the possibility of dealing no damage. Depending on what you want to do with the spell, other options can be more reliable or deal more single target damage.

Grease is a fun utility spell that can add battlefield control in zoning enemies and provide our melee characters advantages against slipped up targets. It can also serve in setting up a trap or with a bit of creativity serve as a tool in non-combat scenarios. It's also a less-lethal option, so possibly extra worthwhile for instances where you don't want to murder your enemies.

Sleep is a big control spell. It can reliably disable multiple low HP targets and moderate HP targets at lower CRs. It has a lot of range and affects a wide area, though possibly your own teammates. It's a less-lethal option, but with proper follow up it's incredibly deadly. If the enemy is unable to react to their sleeping companions, they might as well count as beaten for the sake of a low level encounter.

Depending on how many damage options you think you need, they will all compete with Magic Missile which is a very reliable damage option in many situations. Its output is lower than a few other options but its utilization is rather flexible in getting that damage onto the scene, with good range to boot.

Shield basically competes with every other option because it will burn through your spell slots quickly once you need it. It's almost always better not to need it, but nobody can promise or predict when you'll need it.

Basically, on level 1 you'll have to largely rely on cantrips and be really choosy what you do with your scarce spell slots. Going for damage with your spell slots is pretty greedy and might not always show merit if your adventuring day features multiple combat encounters.

That was... extremely thorough. Thank you for the input. I think I will stick with my current selection then.

[Lazer]

Originally Posted by Elanir

Shall I include Tommy, since Tegan was also a part of the caravan to Khur?

I’m happy with that.

[Hayar]

@Mindsiege: Thanks for your thoughts. I agree with all of it and it sounds like this particular DM sees medicine having use so that answers it.

@FCastor: Kaylen has Sleep as a Domain spell so she will always have it prepared. There is going to be overlap in a party this size and double Sleep could certainly have great effect so I don't want to tell you what to pick, but I know how precious spells are, especially memorized spells, so I thought I'd mention it if you are on the fence and didn't notice.

[FCastor]

Originally Posted by Tommyk382

Just make sure to say Shirak a lot. I hear makes who say that go on to do great things.

Funny thing actually. Isandril will not be saying "Shirak" all that much since he does not actually have the light cantrip.

[Mindsiege]

Originally Posted by Lazer

Again, sounds good. If Elanir wouldn't mind setting that up.

@Elanir:
If you would, please.

Originally Posted by Tommyk382

I am open to that if you both are okay with it. I think that could be a good start for Tegan to get out of his comfort zone.

I thought about this for a little bit, and while I don't want to say no, I figure that adding Tegan to the mix from the get-go will probably reduce intrigue rather than create it. The more characters in on a secret the less impact it has. And because of Tegan's background and personality, his immediate inclusion will probably result in either getting fooled immediately or a premature resolution that ends up creating residual mistrust. Basically, by including him there'll probably be less of a song and dance around the whole matter, if you know what I mean.

What I would propose instead is this. I figured whatever caravan there was, it was likely not headed directly for the destination of our adventure start. So probably also less probable for unrelated characters from the same cardinal direction to meet on. Still, that doesn't mean Tegan and Devari couldn't have met and travelled together for a while. I think their bond might even be more meaningful if Devari only met Tegan after she had already split from the caravan herself, possibly even after assuming her alter ego. Because the caravan probably had more combatants and like this Tegan makes for a more personal protector. Blyne would have been split from the caravan even earlier than Devari so this will ensure that the two women will reconvene in these compromising circumstances but also create the new choice that Devari would have: Will she entrust herself to her newest buddy that she's closer to than Blyne or is that a risk she wouldn't take? This would start out Tegan and Blyne to meet each other fresh and only draw Tegan into the secrecy if Devari so chooses, which would make for a great character moment I think.

I think that kind of constellation would create more intrigue for the story. How do you two feel? I'm not planning to direct this solely, so whatever you think is more fun will work for me in the end.

Lastly, those who dislike finding their character in peril also dislike telling a good story. So I'm more than happy to see Tegan join our preliminary preparation for the game.

[Mindsiege]

Originally Posted by Elanir

Shall I include Tommy, since Tegan was also a part of the caravan to Khur?

I figure either Tommy joins if Tegan was part of the same caravan, or he and Lazer might need a second private thread for their brief time together after the caravan. I'll leave it to them which they would prefer.

[Mindsiege]

Originally Posted by FCastor

That was... extremely thorough. Thank you for the input. I think I will stick with my current selection then.

Right, from an optimization standpoint your original selection is already perfectly fine. If that's how Isandril would have chosen his spell selection and what magical secrets he would have had access to, this makes for a neat package.