[OOC] The 1,000th Campfire

[Lazer]

RAW you just can't do it, although (from what I read) some DMs house rule that the character ends their turn mid-air and finishes the jump the next turn. Even then, without a dash that would be 24 seconds (4 turns) to jump the 135 feet!

[Unko Talok]

Originally Posted by Wyn

I'll try to do all the character sheet reviews today, but it honestly doesn't seem likely I'll be able to both finish that and draft a first post today, which I was vaguely hoping to do. So maybe pencil in Wednesday as a day when we can hopefully launch the first game thread? I'll keep you up to date about my state of mind and freedom of time.

I hope this isn't just because of my Janey-come-lately character sheet completion! If so, sorry about that. I truly did want and try to get it done sooner. Between home stuff and me trying to dig further into the lore of Pavarti, time just got away from me.

Originally Posted by Lazer

And for my common item I will take a Tankard of Sobriety, which perhaps one of the other characters (Parvati?) gifted to Yangchen when it was decided that The Great Feng Wu would be travelling with us.

Sure, I'm happy for Parvati to have given you that item. Does that imply that we knew one another for some time before this adventure begins?

Originally Posted by Strange

I don't mind swapping out my Lantern of Revealing for something else if you want it, Unko!

Hmmm... Aw, heck it. I'm okay either way. Honestly, it seemed like a good item to have for long rests, make sure we're more aware in case of an ambush, you know? If you want it, go for it. If you take the lantern, I'll take the Gem of Brightness.

Regarding the incredible jumping prowess, I'm regretting not explicitly trying to make my character more Wuxia, lol.

Originally Posted by Wyn

so if any of you want to take up to two Common items (listed in Xanthar's; I mistakenly said Volo's yesterday) feel free.

Will have to take a look at these later.

[Wynamoinen]

No one’s fault but my own. Too many things to do, not enough time. Also probably some laziness and ineptitude. Just living the American dream!

[Osse]

There's a very handy site for calculating jump distances in 5e.

I once made a grung character with a maximum long jump of 225 feet and a high jump of 90 feet. He died in Avernus while jumping away from an enemy. I could have disengaged instead of shooting an arrow mid-jump, but that wouldn't have looked cool.

One can technically make a character with a 972 feet long jump and a 378 high jump.

As Lazer said, however, there is a rule that you cannot jump farther than your remaining movement. It is DM discretion whether or not to allow you to push beyond your limits with a Strength (Athletics) check.

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Now, as for Jinlong, with a Strength score of 22, and the Jump spell, he can, after doing a running start of 5 feet, jump 66 feet horizontally and 27 feet vertically.

Thanks to his level 6 ability Bestial Soul, once per turn he can extend his jump distance by 15 to 34 feet with a Strength (Athletics) check.

That gives him a maximum long jump of 100 feet and a maximum high jump of 61 feet.

Jinlong can just about cover that distance thanks to As part of the bonus action you take to enter your rage, you can move up to half your speed.Instinctive Pounce and Dash. He has 100 feet of movement on the turn he activates Rage.

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@Wyn: Jinlong has 4 items that require attunement. Ring of Jumping, Eldritch Claw Tattoo, Mantle of Spell Resistance, and Eyes of the Eagle. Since that exceeds the limit, may I please trade the tattoo for a Ring of Water Walking. Let's go full Wuxia on this guy.

[Wynamoinen]

Originally Posted by Osse

@Wyn: Jinlong has 4 items that require attunement. Ring of Jumping, Eldritch Claw Tattoo, Mantle of Spell Resistance, and Eyes of the Eagle. Since that exceeds the limit, may I please trade the tattoo for a Ring of Water Walking. Let's go full Wuxia on this guy.

Yes, of course, that sounds good.

[Strangemund]

ALRIGHT! I am back for proper discussions. Apologies for that! My weekends are pretty busy. Lots of nerding out with good friends and the love of my life.

Let's see, let's see...

There was a lot of stuff I wanted to comment on throughout the weekend, I just didn't have time. It is hard to post over phone for me.

Lazer: Uggh! First off, love the thought of Yangchen making tea for The Great Feng Wu with the hope she'll take a break from beer. That's too funny to me. I already had good feelings about their relationship, but aw man, we are gonna have fun with that back and forth, huh? Secondly, if you think The Great Feng Wu won't try and take that Tankard of Sobriety from Yangchen, then I have news for you! Ha ha! Aw man! That really tickled me that you picked that!

Unko: I wanted to comment on all your stuff during the weekend, but I just I did not have time. Our schedules are so opposite right now, what the heck! But yeah! I think you are going to do aces with Parvati. You have always been very mindful about cultures and how to approach it respectfully, so don't put too much pressure on yourself getting everything exactly right. There's no tribunal that will judge you for your rping after this.

I hope. *side-eyes Wyn* There...there isn't, right? Right?

You can go ahead and take the Lantern of Revealing! It was pretty low on my list. I mostly picked it cuz I liked the thought of it hanging from her staff, and swinging it around to reveal spirits. That's probably more on par with Parvati's abilities than it is The Great Feng Wu's. And to be frank, that was one of them items I imagined she stole from another spirit, anyways, so...

Instead I am going to replace it with an Alchemy Jug, if that's alright with you, Wyn! I forgot the regular version also had salt, vinegar, honey, mayo, and all that junk. I really want The Great Feng Wu to cook for the group, and that just leans into that idea more. I will NOT use the acid or poison bit, though. No interest. Not what I am about.

Wyn: I am torn, Wyn. I really do want the 4 potions of Greater Healing, but also I have considered the 6th item being The Eversmoking Bottle (DMG). Like it's a drunken mist that she pours out. It wouldn't make anyone intoxicated, but it'd smell like a nice wine and hide the group every now and again. Or be used for pranks. But it is up to you if you'd allow that item. Which if you approve it, then oh god, I have to think about this tough decision.

For the extra Common item pick, which thank you, by the way, yay more items! I am thinking either Hewer's Handy Spice Pouch (Xanather) or Pipe of Smoke Monsters (Xanather).

Everybody: Ah, man, I am very excited to find out how they are all going to work together. I have been thinking a lot about how The Great Feng Wu is going to interact with each character. I really think she'll try and persuade Ruiying to do pranks with her, really testing their ability to shapeshift cuz that fascinates her, and then absolutely annoy the hell out of Jinlong by trying to compete with him. It'll drive her crazy that she's nowhere near as strong or fast as him, which is just tasty! And the pranks and trouble she'll have to hide from Parvati, cuz I imagine our good goddess will expect better from her. Which will work, unfortunately. She's not immune to guilt. And Sangchen, oh goodness, regrets will be had for our Seeker, but also maybe delightful memories? Only time will tell!

I am still chewing on a few ideas on how The Great Feng Wu joined the party, but I think I have written enough for now. I'll hit you guys with that later!

[Wynamoinen]

Originally Posted by Strangemund

There's no tribunal that will judge you for your rping after this.

I hope. *side-eyes Wyn* There...there isn't, right? Right?

Only a silent passive-aggressive smiling Midwestern "nice" tribunal I'm sure UT has a few "well bless your hearts" she can roll out against me, in much the same vein.

Originally Posted by Strangemund

Wyn: I am torn, Wyn. I really do want the 4 potions of Greater Healing, but also I have considered the 6th item being The Eversmoking Bottle (DMG). Like it's a drunken mist that she pours out. It wouldn't make anyone intoxicated, but it'd smell like a nice wine and hide the group every now and again. Or be used for pranks. But it is up to you if you'd allow that item. Which if you approve it, then oh god, I have to think about this tough decision.

Eversmoking Bottle is fine, in place of some healing potions.

Originally Posted by Strangemund

I am still chewing on a few ideas on how The Great Feng Wu joined the party, but I think I have written enough for now. I'll hit you guys with that later!

I'd say don't over-pre-think this. The first in-character thread, Session 0, is all about establishing the interconnections between the characters. How and why and when you joined the Journey. Fleshing out prior relationships, if any. Maybe tell a story or two of past challenges around the campfire.

That process will be collaborative, and will take a few rounds of posts. If you set too much in stone ahead of time, you might not be as open to adjusting to new information or building upon it.

[Strangemund]

Originally Posted by Wynamoinen

Only a silent passive-aggressive smiling Midwestern "nice" tribunal I'm sure UT has a few "well bless your hearts" she can roll out against me, in much the same vein.

*sweats* I do not want to be stuck between you two!

Originally Posted by Wynamoinen

I'd say don't over-pre-think this. The first in-character thread, Session 0, is all about establishing the interconnections between the characters. How and why and when you joined the Journey. Fleshing out prior relationships, if any. Maybe tell a story or two of past challenges around the campfire.

That process will be collaborative, and will take a few rounds of posts. If you set too much in stone ahead of time, you might not be as open to adjusting to new information or building upon it.

Got it, boss! Turning the ole brain off until Wednesday-- brrrnnnngggg.....

[Wynamoinen]

Done a first pass of character sheet reviews. I’ve got a LOL about just how few weapons you all have between you. Three of you appear to have no weapons at all! The Great Feng Wu’s one weapon does kind of make up for a lot of that gap, though…

Bottom line is that I put off reviewing rhaiber's sheet, because it looks like it's still in flux. Strangemund's doesn't look entirely done yet, but it looks clean enough to review. And I didn't find any big problems with anyone's sheets.

Spoilered comments:

 

Lazer No major issues. Just to be clear, you’re effectively choosing to do no damage? I don’t see any weapons or damaging spells. I think that’s fine; pretty in line with the Journey to the West’s “Seeker”. But I want to be sure there’s not some oversight on your part or some hidden combat “trick” that I’m missing (oops, I see Mind Sliver, which is similar to Vicious Mockery, small damage plus de-buff) As a GM, the combination of Twinned Spell plus Banishment makes me nervous...

 

Osse No major issues. I was confused for a sec about why you got claw and bite and tail. But I see that technically you only get one at a time (from Beast Barb), and you just wrote them all down for convenience. That’s fine. I think you adjusted your base damage bonus (+6) when you adjusted your STR to 22, but the alternate damage (I assume with Rage activated) was not also adjusted up by one – it should be +9, I believe. We’ve already discussed your Jumping elsewhere, so I think we’re already on the same page there. The main difference is that you calculated it as (jump distance for a STR 22 character)*3 + bonus from Bestial Soul, whereas I calculated (jump distance for a STR 22 character + bonus from Bestial Soul)*3. Given the restriction to your movement, it’s mostly a moot point. But do you have a ruling reference for using your version of the calculation vs mine? The calculator you linked appears to be based on a different kind of barbarian.

 

Unko Talok No major issues. Wildshape can always create a bit of a tension since the player frequently needs to ask the GM “has my character seen this animal? Have they seen that animal?” Since this is a high-power game and your concept is being a goddess, I think it’s fine to say you’ve seen every regular Beast in the world. More monstrous beasts might be worth having a quick OOC conversation about before you shape change into them, but given the power differential between the animals you can turn into and the PCs in their normal shapes, I doubt I’ll object to much of anything. I’d nudge you towards avoiding dinosaurs (which are many of the most “unusual” Beasts), for thematic reasons. I’d also encourage you to stay in Eurasia, where possible – it’d be maybe a little jarring for the setting if you turned into an American Bison, for example.

 

Strangemund No major issues Your attack bonuses for unarmed strike and quarterstaff (as monk weapons) should be +9 yes? They’re currently listed as 1d6+5. And actually, those bonuses will need to be updated anyways because you don’t appear to have magic items on the sheet yet, and your staff is a +2 staff.

[rhaiber]

Hi. Busy couple of days delayed me from finishing character sheet. Sorry about that.

I have one last question though. If I take tome pact and book of ancient secrets, would Ruiying just get the initial 2 1st-lvl rituals, or is it conceivable they may have copied a few extras in there by now?

[Lazer]

Yeah, I made a conscious decision to stay away from directly dealing damage as much as possible. In combat I see her as concentrating on whichever buff she has up while pairing bonus action shoves/shields with Mind Slivers for the most part. Now that you’re saying we have so few weapons between us, though, I’m doubting myself.

Edit: Thinking about it now, I don’t see myself using Quickened Spell much since I have good BA options. Maybe I should swap that for Subtle Spell. If anyone thinks I’m being stupid please talk me out of it.

[Strangemund]

Oh thank you for that! I always mess up with numbers somewhere. And yeah! I was just waiting on your approval on my magic items before I officially added them to the sheet! I am going to pick Pipe of Smoke Monsters, by the way!

Lazer: Do what feels right!! You still got muscle on the team either way!

[Wynamoinen]

Originally Posted by rhaiber

Hi. Busy couple of days delayed me from finishing character sheet. Sorry about that.

I have one last question though. If I take tome pact and book of ancient secrets, would Ruiying just get the initial 2 1st-lvl rituals, or is it conceivable they may have copied a few extras in there by now?

Hm, that's a tough one. My inclination is to keep the availability of spells you've earned through warlock abilities in proportion to your warlock levels. Ruiying only has 4 warlock levels, and invocations are picked up starting at level 2. So on one hand that's not many levels to accumulate more spells. On the other hand, you're a 10th level character. And it's actually pretty hard to engage in wild shenanigans with 1st and 2nd level rituals.

Let's say... you can take two more rituals than the base two, if you take that invocation.

[Osse]

Originally Posted by Wynamoinen

No major issues.

I was confused for a sec about why you got claw and bite and tail. But I see that technically you only get one at a time (from Beast Barb), and you just wrote them all down for convenience. That’s fine. I think you adjusted your base damage bonus (+6) when you adjusted your STR to 22, but the alternate damage (I assume with Rage activated) was not also adjusted up by one – it should be +9, I believe.

We’ve already discussed your Jumping elsewhere, so I think we’re already on the same page there. The main difference is that you calculated it as (jump distance for a STR 22 character)*3 + bonus from Bestial Soul, whereas I calculated (jump distance for a STR 22 character + bonus from Bestial Soul)*3. Given the restriction to your movement, it’s mostly a moot point. But do you have a ruling reference for using your version of the calculation vs mine? The calculator you linked appears to be based on a different kind of barbarian.

I shouldn't have put in alternative damage since the bite, the claw and the tail options are only available when Rage is active. Those three attacks would always have bonus damage. I added a basic unarmed strike to the sheet instead.

As for how I calculated the jump distance, I have no ruling reference. I just went with a certain sequence in my head. Jinlong would almost always cast Jump first before Rage, so tripling the distance came first in my equation. I'm too lazy to multiply again after rolling for bonus distance.

[Strangemund]

Oh yeah, Wyn! Did you say we could have two Common items as well? Or did I just dream that? Cuz if it wasn't a dream, then I want me that spice pouch! Only top tier cooking for this group.