[D&D-5e] War and Romance

[purplerook]

"Use this information to get into your character's head and figure out why they'd attend the festival in Castle Konrad."

Cray loves a practical joke or two (or more). Usually, his pranks are restricted targets of opportunity in the Common District - Muggers and rapists, Guards on the take with a bent for violence, and merchants that gouge the poor. However, the opportunity to prank the high and mighty will be irresistible. As well, a few liberated items could feed his gang for an extended period of time.

And a bit about Cray's Familiar...

Figarathalon

Devils get ahead in the Planes of the Infernal region by the Grind and Undermine - hit your quota and undermine your boss. Figarathalon was a different kind of Imp. Once, she'd had dreams of becoming a Succubus. However, serving various Warlock had shown the Imp a different slice of life. The Infernal planes were dreary, and rising in the ranks meant worrying about those beneath and above you.

On the death of her last Warlock, Figarathalon had returned not to the Infernal Plane but rather to the Fey Wild. After a series of dangerous adventures, the Imp struck a deal with a Fey power - The Harbinger of Change. The Imp would serve a Warlock of the Harbinger's choosing and be able to reside in the Feywild between services.

Figarathelon was surprised—no, make that shocked—to find herself serving a virtual babe. Still, the deal was sweet: Since the Warlock was too young to understand how to banish her, Figarathalon got to spend her time in the mortal world. Since the young Cray could begin pronouncing Figarathalon's name - it was shortened to Fi Fi.

[A7ice]

Originally Posted by silveroak

One of my big pet peeves is that you get stat boosts from background and not species. So it doesn't matter if you are a halfling or an orc, your strength is more dependent on whether or not you are a farmer. Sorry, but if we are talking species then look at real world chimpanzees versus humans. Completely absurd from my perspective. They have killed a lot of the fun of different species being *different* and tried to make them too much the same.

I understand that this may lead to an insolvable argument, but I find myself on the opposite side. I find the Background system to be refreshing; it eliminates the need to repeatedly play the same Species to gain necessary bonuses, which often restricts Species to specific Classes. Now, you have the flexibility to choose any Class and mix it with any Species. In my opinion, Species still retain their relevance and unique flavor without overshadowing other aspects of the character creation process.

But that just it... my opinion.

[purplerook]

@CrackedPepper,

It sounds like we will be looking at Social Magic - casting magic in non-combat situations. I'm assuming there is enough knowledge of magic that people making gestures and spouting obscure phrases will attract attention. This means that characters who do not have the Subtle Meta-magic will need to find dark corners (Hello Darkness, my old friend) and or rooftops.

Are/will there be opportunities for performers (e.g., wandering street performers) at the festival?

The group may want to have someone proficient in the Disguise Kit tool to craft costumes (it is an advantage for Deception to pretend to be someone else).

[Aisede]

What are some examples of Social Magic? I'm still relatively new to D&D, and I've only recently begun encountering instances where gear and certain types of spells become relevant.

[CrackedPepper]

I see both arguments where species and backgrounds are concerned. I do like that you have more class options for your species with the new rules.

[silveroak]

I don't have a problem with gaining attributes from backgrounds, but I don't think it should have eliminated bonuses from species altogether. In an uplift world (where species have all been given sapience through Science!) it might make sense to play a chimpanzee or gorilla if you want strength instead of a human, but there are social costs to the choice.

I'm thinking a noble (human) infernal warlock...

[purplerook]

Originally Posted by Aisede

What are some examples of Social Magic? I'm still relatively new to D&D, and I've only recently begun encountering instances where gear and certain types of spells become relevant.

My definition of ‘social’ magic is any magic used inside of a ‘social’ encounter, cover both spells, and their use where other people can see them.

Some spell can help in ‘social’ situations - e.g., Guidance (for Ability checks), Charm Person, Suggestion. Others spells not so much (e.g., Firebolt).

The other aspect of social magic is casting it in a group setting, where others might see you cast magic. It doesn’t do much good to cast Charm Person on the King, if the rest of the court sees you do it.

Additionally, some abilities and spells can become more important where the PCs aren’t part of the power structure and are adventuring in town. So, the Deception Skill, the Disguise Kit, and the Actor Feat can all become more important.

I played a character who had a bit of Dissociative Identity Disorder. She had a set of ‘identities’ - dress, personality, even mannerisms, even different living areas.

Cray is a different character, and he won’t go that far, but I’m thinking that several things would be useful in this adventure - 1)The ability to skulk in the dark (Darkvision), 2) the ability to traverse buildings (Jump, Spiderclimb), 3)the ability to convince people of your innocence (Deception, Charm Person), 4)The ability to become someone else (Disguise Kit or Disguise Self).

[penbeast0]

Originally Posted by Aisede

What are some examples of Social Magic? I'm still relatively new to D&D, and I've only recently begun encountering instances where gear and certain types of spells become relevant.

Well, looking solely at the Glamour Bard for example, a level 4 bard would have skills like persuasion, deception, intimidation, insight, and perception with expertise in up to 2 of them. They would have bardic inspiration, beguiling magic, possibly heroic inspiration if human or a feat like lucky, musician, actor, telekinetic, or telepathic.

In terms of spells: friends, mage hand, message, minor illusion, prestidigitation, charm person, command, disguise self, unseen servant, calm emotions, detect thoughts, enhance abilities, enthrall, invisibility, locate object, magic mouth, see invisible, suggestion, and zone of truth could all easily have applications in a social situation or a love affair.

[CrackedPepper]

I added some new characters in the first post (beneath Sebastien Blood). They are newcomers to the city. You'll find them at the festival.

[The Rat Queen]

Originally Posted by penbeast0

Well, looking solely at the Glamour Bard for example, a level 4 bard would have skills like persuasion, deception, intimidation, insight, and perception with expertise in up to 2 of them. They would have bardic inspiration, beguiling magic, possibly heroic inspiration if human or a feat like lucky, musician, actor, telekinetic, or telepathic.

In terms of spells: friends, mage hand, message, minor illusion, prestidigitation, charm person, command, disguise self, unseen servant, calm emotions, detect thoughts, enhance abilities, enthrall, invisibility, locate object, magic mouth, see invisible, suggestion, and zone of truth could all easily have applications in a social situation or a love affair.

*coughs and shifts eyes*

[CrackedPepper]

...I wonder who has applied as a glamour bard. Hmm.

Zone of Truth will strike fear into many hearts. In Kiennen, there be liars.

[Aisede]

I'm probably gonna need help figuring out lv4 stats. It's hard enough figuring out how to create a lv1 character. I don't even know what the math is behind leveling up.

Unless I can simulate accurate changes through BG3

Also, am I the only one who feels like there are not nearly enough utility spells? Most spells that don't harm someone manipulate someone.

[purplerook]

Originally Posted by CrackedPepper

...I wonder who has applied as a glamour bard. Hmm.

Zone of Truth will strike fear into many hearts. In Kiennen, there be liars.

In terms of Zone of Truth, take a page from the Fey - how to distort the truth with omissions and mis-direction. However, the best way to avoid The Zone of Truth is don’t get caught.

[The Rat Queen]

Originally Posted by Aisede

Also, am I the only one who feels like there are not nearly enough utility spells? Most spells that don't harm someone manipulate someone.

Well, manipulation is a utility...

I dunno, I think there's a good selection of utility spells. Dancing Lights, the various spells like Prestidigitation/Druidcraft/Thaumaturgy , Elementalism, Guidance, Light, Mage Hand, Mending, Message, Minor Illusion, Resistance, and True Strike...and that's just the cantrips.

[Hiruma Kohaku]

Placeholder for Druid noble.