A harengon stands quietly on the edge of the clearing, keenly eyeing the carnival entrance but also surveying his surroundings. About 5'6", he is neither slender nor heavyset and covered in white fur. He wears a dark blue cloak with a few white flowers embroidered on it. His face is expressionless, calm, yet the eyes show a wary vigilance.
"I did not send any tickets, but I too received one. The ticket was waiting for me at an inn on the road, this strange ticket in a plain parchment envelope. The only thing written, inside or out, was my name. I am Usagi, pleased to meet you."Usagi bows deeply and formally. "This is a most remarkable thing, as I have no fixed address at the moment and even I did not know I would be at that inn that evening. Now that you mention it, I too have a dim memory of this place. I remember, vaguely, sneaking in. And loss, a sense of loss. I have not thought of this carnival since. How odd."
OOC: We using this thread as the story thread? It's fine, just often a new thread is started. If nothing else it saves those who applied but who didn't get accepted from having to come unsubscribe...
Is a campaign going to be formed to join with out characters? Not essential but would allow us all to peak at each others sheets easier, and allow DM to make adjustments if necessary.
As for formatting... If anyone is particularly picky about it, I can drop out now. But honestly, much if not most of my posting comes while wasting time at work, which means I will be done it from my phone, which means all the formatting is a royal pain in the butt. I will of course roll when needed but adding bold and colors and such is more hassle than I need.
Good points and in answer..
I’ve included all on this campaign who applied - if we don’t get introductions from all I will move on without and start a new thread, otherwise we can stay in this one
Yes, have set the Campaign up - just need to add you all, was waiting for the same reason above -just to check all are onboard
Formatting - no worries, it was mainly so I can readily pick out the main points of the narrative - however I would rather you were here than banished due to lack of bold text 😊
Thanks Kaemgen - all feedback and suggestions much appreciated
Pishon looks at everyone and simply says “not upset, just…perplexed…. Something I have come to know is that nothing is free. Everything costs someone something. The question right now is, is it us that are going to end up paying, or someone else?”
The Dragonborn, about 5’6” with a blue body and red hair contrasting it, looks at his ticket and soon gets lost on thought with all the good memories this brought, and the bad ones that are more recent. When he snaps back into reality he exclaims
“How terribly rude of me, my name is Pishon. Don’t ask me how I got that name.” He reaches his hand out to shake it with anyone who is willing to meet him.
This thin boyish looking half-elf with whiteish skin and silver white hair has been standing staring at an envelope this whole time. He appears excited but scared as well as if something bad will pop out out of the envelope and eat him up. Finally he opens the envelope and tugs out the contents. You see in his hands the same ticket you all hold. He has a mixed expression of relief and fear. Finally he speaks, "Well, no way were going to find her standing around her with my jaw half open." He has a more determined look on his face now and turns to see the lot of you. "Oh, ah, Sorry." He pauses but for a moment. "My name's Garwin; Garwin Twinmeadow. Nice to meet you all. I guess your going in too." He takes a breath and walks toward the entrance, ticket in hand.
((That’s be Nar’Vek… and I’ve seen some argue the spell is too powerful and that some are banning it. If you wish I could swap that out. The Legendary thing always seemed obvious to me though - can’t force a refill when there is no roll.))
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
(Not my call. I think it's a good spell either way, but I agree I didn't see why it would overcome legendary resistance. It might change a success to a failure, which would trigger the use of legendary resistance is my thought, but the legendary resistance would still trump everything)
Hi All - I’ve pm’d Infectdknight to see if they still wish to play - if I don’t get a reply by tomorrow I will assume not and we can make a start - many thanks for uploading character sheets to the Campaign page.
Could you please explain a bit more re the Silvery Barbs - as a relative new DM - I’m not sure I understand the implications - sorry 🙄🤔
Silvery Barbs is a 1st level spell available to Bards, Sorcerers and Wizards. It is cast as a Reaction to the target creature doing 'something' where they rolled an attack, save or skill check. The spell has two parts; First it makes the target reroll the d20 and be forced to use the lower roll. Second, it gives advantage on the next attack, ability check or saving throw to someone the caster chooses (including self).
One thing that makes it 'questionable' is that it gives disadvantage AND advantage in the same spell AND it only take a reaction.
Here's the spell's wording:
You magically distract the triggering creature and turn its momentary uncertainty into encouragement for another creature. The triggering creature must reroll the d20 and use the lower roll.
You can then choose a different creature you can see within range (you can choose yourself). The chosen creature has advantage on the next attack roll, ability check, or saving throw it makes within 1 minute. A creature can be empowered by only one use of this spell at a time.
Essentially, some argue that it overcomes legendary resistance. Which would allow a character to burn three first-level spell slots to bypass legendary resistance, one of the ways high CR creatures have to match the action economy of player characters. Even "powerful" creatures have a hard time keeping up with four to six players who each have actions, reactions, bonus actions, sometimes multi-attack, etc. For too much info:
The first stars of night twinkle above the apricot sunset. Giant dragonflies whir overhead, trailing streamers, and a low mist curls over the ground. Through a floral archway, you glimpse wondrous and vibrant creatures—elf stilt walkers, dancing faeries, and painted performers. Everywhere there is laughter, pixie dust, bubbles, and the wistful tune of a whistling calliope.
As you look and stare you see a satyr with red-and-white-striped horns playing the pipes while leading a procession of dancing rodents and as they pass by the ticket booth, singing flowers burst from the ground and serenade you. There is a happiness and relaxed feeling with an under current of excitement and expectation, it’s going to be the most wonderful of evenings
As you all stand together, perhaps a little awkward and reticent amongst people you hardly know, the elderly goblin perching behind the ticket counter, continues to peer at you quizzically through a spyglass. He lowers the spyglass and calls out to you: “Come on then, come on, you have your tickets, you have your wits, let’s enjoy this show before we quits” He chuckles to himself at his appalling rhyme.
Now then did I explain, your tickets are good for 8 attractions, if you want to sample more of our wonderful fare, he chuckles again at his use of language, you must buy another ticket. He then hands each of you a pair of colorful cloth butterfly wings to wear. The butterfly wings, he explains, must be worn to show the staff that you are paid attendees.
Of you go my friends, enjoy, have fun, laugh, cry and make the most of this most magical of memory making moments. With that he thrusts a map into your hands and turns to the next group of customers
The harengon clears his throat with a barely audible noise to gain the others' attention, then nods his head slightly to the carnival entrance. "It would appear that we are all, as they say, in the same boat here. For whatever reason, we received a ticket under mysterious circumstances. Shall we proceed together? Perhaps make a round of the carnival to survey the land before us and assess the battlefield? Or perhaps we 'divide and conquer' by spreading out?" Usagi eyes the butterfly wings he has been handed, then reluctantly affixes the wings to his cloak. Once he has arranged the wings, he glances back and forth with an expression of embarrassment barely evident on his face. I feel like a fool with these ridiculous wings on me. Usagi takes a deep breath and releases it in a slow, measured manner. Mother loved butterflies. I shall wear these in her honor and as a remembrance of her tender care. The barest hint of a half-smile crosses Usagi's face before the nearly expressionless calm look returns.
The silver-haired boy, standing next to Usagi, turns and nods in agreement. Reading his face and presuming the same sentiment, says "Well those wings look fine on you, but this bright color makes me look like a fool." He affixes his new accessory to his own cloak and peers over his shoulder. Guess its not that bad, he muses, and smiles.
He now focuses his attention to the map. He kneels down in front of everyone and spreads the map out. He orientates it to the proper direction and starts to point out landmarks, both on the map and in front of the group. "There's the Calliope. There's the Big Top. There's the Carousel." Looking up at the group, he says "Well, where do we want to go first?"
“Lost Property!” Nar’Vek says while jamming a finger into that spot on the map so forcefully it’s a wonder she didn’t poke right through it. “My dad’s flute! Maybe it’s there…?”
She looks around at the others, her face lost yet hopeful and looking far younger than her 18 years. “I lost it here… last time… I’ve gots to check… don’t I?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
Pishon stands looking at the map and considers where he might want to go in search for his answers. After hearing Nar’vek and seeing her nearly poke a hole in the map, he decided that his interests weren’t as important right now and says “I am in favor of going in search for the flute. I have never seen someone so..intrigued over an instrument. I want to aid this female in the retrieval of this sentimental object!”
Pishon goes over and puts his hand on her shoulder in a friendly manner and trying to calm her down, also to show that he is dedicated to finding the flute
You head out of the ticket booth and wander in the direction of the Lost Property. A giant dragonfly swoops low overhead and its rider, grinning from ear to ear, suddenly slips and the drink he was holding spills over a group of Watchlight hands. They yell at him as he flies by, he just waves and shouts back a slightly slurred sorry.
As you round the corner you spot the Lost Property wagon, outside sits a large feline creature with midnight-blue fur. It has a pair of tentacles extending from its shoulders and wears fake butterfly wings. Hanging from its collar is a small wooden keg. The creature roughhouses with two young boys. One boy squeals, “Again, Dirla, again!” while the other hangs onto the creature’s neck.
Nar'Vek stops short and her jaw actually drops. "Wow..."
Nar'Vek is fascinated yet scared at the same time. She wants to rush up and try to pet and hug it... But she's a bit too busy not soiling herself. "Really.... Wow."
"Ummm...." She manages, trying to get herself back to sorts. "Is the Lost and Found around here somewhere?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
-- Eleanor Shellstrop
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Usagi
A harengon stands quietly on the edge of the clearing, keenly eyeing the carnival entrance but also surveying his surroundings. About 5'6", he is neither slender nor heavyset and covered in white fur. He wears a dark blue cloak with a few white flowers embroidered on it. His face is expressionless, calm, yet the eyes show a wary vigilance.
"I did not send any tickets, but I too received one. The ticket was waiting for me at an inn on the road, this strange ticket in a plain parchment envelope. The only thing written, inside or out, was my name. I am Usagi, pleased to meet you." Usagi bows deeply and formally. "This is a most remarkable thing, as I have no fixed address at the moment and even I did not know I would be at that inn that evening. Now that you mention it, I too have a dim memory of this place. I remember, vaguely, sneaking in. And loss, a sense of loss. I have not thought of this carnival since. How odd."
Good points and in answer..
I’ve included all on this campaign who applied - if we don’t get introductions from all I will move on without and start a new thread, otherwise we can stay in this one
Yes, have set the Campaign up - just need to add you all, was waiting for the same reason above -just to check all are onboard
Formatting - no worries, it was mainly so I can readily pick out the main points of the narrative - however I would rather you were here than banished due to lack of bold text 😊
Thanks Kaemgen - all feedback and suggestions much appreciated
Pishon
Pishon looks at everyone and simply says “not upset, just…perplexed…. Something I have come to know is that nothing is free. Everything costs someone something. The question right now is, is it us that are going to end up paying, or someone else?”
The Dragonborn, about 5’6” with a blue body and red hair contrasting it, looks at his ticket and soon gets lost on thought with all the good memories this brought, and the bad ones that are more recent. When he snaps back into reality he exclaims
“How terribly rude of me, my name is Pishon. Don’t ask me how I got that name.” He reaches his hand out to shake it with anyone who is willing to meet him.
Link to the Campaign
https://ddb.ac/campaigns/join/25255661155326319
Garwin
This thin boyish looking half-elf with whiteish skin and silver white hair has been standing staring at an envelope this whole time. He appears excited but scared as well as if something bad will pop out out of the envelope and eat him up. Finally he opens the envelope and tugs out the contents. You see in his hands the same ticket you all hold. He has a mixed expression of relief and fear. Finally he speaks, "Well, no way were going to find her standing around her with my jaw half open." He has a more determined look on his face now and turns to see the lot of you. "Oh, ah, Sorry." He pauses but for a moment. "My name's Garwin; Garwin Twinmeadow. Nice to meet you all. I guess your going in too." He takes a breath and walks toward the entrance, ticket in hand.
D&D since 1984
(I saw Silvery Barbs on someone’s character sheet, so sharing this clarification: https://dnd.wizards.com/dndstudioblog/sage-advice-book-updates)
((That’s be Nar’Vek… and I’ve seen some argue the spell is too powerful and that some are banning it. If you wish I could swap that out. The Legendary thing always seemed obvious to me though - can’t force a refill when there is no roll.))
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
-- Eleanor Shellstrop
(Not my call. I think it's a good spell either way, but I agree I didn't see why it would overcome legendary resistance. It might change a success to a failure, which would trigger the use of legendary resistance is my thought, but the legendary resistance would still trump everything)
Hi All - I’ve pm’d Infectdknight to see if they still wish to play - if I don’t get a reply by tomorrow I will assume not and we can make a start - many thanks for uploading character sheets to the Campaign page.
Could you please explain a bit more re the Silvery Barbs - as a relative new DM - I’m not sure I understand the implications - sorry 🙄🤔
Silvery Barbs is a 1st level spell available to Bards, Sorcerers and Wizards. It is cast as a Reaction to the target creature doing 'something' where they rolled an attack, save or skill check. The spell has two parts; First it makes the target reroll the d20 and be forced to use the lower roll. Second, it gives advantage on the next attack, ability check or saving throw to someone the caster chooses (including self).
One thing that makes it 'questionable' is that it gives disadvantage AND advantage in the same spell AND it only take a reaction.
Here's the spell's wording:
You magically distract the triggering creature and turn its momentary uncertainty into encouragement for another creature. The triggering creature must reroll the d20 and use the lower roll.
You can then choose a different creature you can see within range (you can choose yourself). The chosen creature has advantage on the next attack roll, ability check, or saving throw it makes within 1 minute. A creature can be empowered by only one use of this spell at a time.
D&D since 1984
Essentially, some argue that it overcomes legendary resistance. Which would allow a character to burn three first-level spell slots to bypass legendary resistance, one of the ways high CR creatures have to match the action economy of player characters. Even "powerful" creatures have a hard time keeping up with four to six players who each have actions, reactions, bonus actions, sometimes multi-attack, etc. For too much info:
I don’t care enough about the spell to care but..,
Advantage/Disadvantage both in one spell but still go guaranteed hit or miss. In some ways a Save for Half spell is more powerful.
It doesn’t overcome legendary resistance. Can’t force a reroll if there was no roll.
Then again, it is a Strixhaven spell and it’s entirely reasonable for a DM to disallow that book or any parts of they wish.
I can share content to the campaign once I’m home and not on my cell… you can then check it out properly if you wish. Oops, someone beat me to it.
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
-- Eleanor Shellstrop
Thank you all, very helpful and much appreciate the info links - off to discover more now 😊👍👍
The first stars of night twinkle above the apricot sunset. Giant dragonflies whir overhead, trailing streamers, and a low mist curls over the ground. Through a floral archway, you glimpse wondrous and vibrant creatures—elf stilt walkers, dancing faeries, and painted performers. Everywhere there is laughter, pixie dust, bubbles, and the wistful tune of a whistling calliope.
As you look and stare you see a satyr with red-and-white-striped horns playing the pipes while leading a procession of dancing rodents and as they pass by the ticket booth, singing flowers burst from the ground and serenade you. There is a happiness and relaxed feeling with an under current of excitement and expectation, it’s going to be the most wonderful of evenings
As you all stand together, perhaps a little awkward and reticent amongst people you hardly know, the elderly goblin perching behind the ticket counter, continues to peer at you quizzically through a spyglass. He lowers the spyglass and calls out to you: “Come on then, come on, you have your tickets, you have your wits, let’s enjoy this show before we quits” He chuckles to himself at his appalling rhyme.
Now then did I explain, your tickets are good for 8 attractions, if you want to sample more of our wonderful fare, he chuckles again at his use of language, you must buy another ticket. He then hands each of you a pair of colorful cloth butterfly wings to wear. The butterfly wings, he explains, must be worn to show the staff that you are paid attendees.
Of you go my friends, enjoy, have fun, laugh, cry and make the most of this most magical of memory making moments. With that he thrusts a map into your hands and turns to the next group of customers
Usagi
The harengon clears his throat with a barely audible noise to gain the others' attention, then nods his head slightly to the carnival entrance. "It would appear that we are all, as they say, in the same boat here. For whatever reason, we received a ticket under mysterious circumstances. Shall we proceed together? Perhaps make a round of the carnival to survey the land before us and assess the battlefield? Or perhaps we 'divide and conquer' by spreading out?" Usagi eyes the butterfly wings he has been handed, then reluctantly affixes the wings to his cloak. Once he has arranged the wings, he glances back and forth with an expression of embarrassment barely evident on his face. I feel like a fool with these ridiculous wings on me. Usagi takes a deep breath and releases it in a slow, measured manner. Mother loved butterflies. I shall wear these in her honor and as a remembrance of her tender care. The barest hint of a half-smile crosses Usagi's face before the nearly expressionless calm look returns.
Garwin
The silver-haired boy, standing next to Usagi, turns and nods in agreement. Reading his face and presuming the same sentiment, says "Well those wings look fine on you, but this bright color makes me look like a fool." He affixes his new accessory to his own cloak and peers over his shoulder. Guess its not that bad, he muses, and smiles.
He now focuses his attention to the map. He kneels down in front of everyone and spreads the map out. He orientates it to the proper direction and starts to point out landmarks, both on the map and in front of the group. "There's the Calliope. There's the Big Top. There's the Carousel." Looking up at the group, he says "Well, where do we want to go first?"
D&D since 1984
Nar’Vek
“Lost Property!” Nar’Vek says while jamming a finger into that spot on the map so forcefully it’s a wonder she didn’t poke right through it. “My dad’s flute! Maybe it’s there…?”
She looks around at the others, her face lost yet hopeful and looking far younger than her 18 years. “I lost it here… last time… I’ve gots to check… don’t I?”
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
-- Eleanor Shellstrop
Pishon
Pishon stands looking at the map and considers where he might want to go in search for his answers. After hearing Nar’vek and seeing her nearly poke a hole in the map, he decided that his interests weren’t as important right now and says “I am in favor of going in search for the flute. I have never seen someone so..intrigued over an instrument. I want to aid this female in the retrieval of this sentimental object!”
Pishon goes over and puts his hand on her shoulder in a friendly manner and trying to calm her down, also to show that he is dedicated to finding the flute
You head out of the ticket booth and wander in the direction of the Lost Property. A giant dragonfly swoops low overhead and its rider, grinning from ear to ear, suddenly slips and the drink he was holding spills over a group of Watchlight hands. They yell at him as he flies by, he just waves and shouts back a slightly slurred sorry.
As you round the corner you spot the Lost Property wagon, outside sits a large feline creature with midnight-blue fur. It has a pair of tentacles extending from its shoulders and wears fake butterfly wings. Hanging from its collar is a small wooden keg. The creature roughhouses with two young boys. One boy squeals, “Again, Dirla, again!” while the other hangs onto the creature’s neck.
Nar'Vek stops short and her jaw actually drops. "Wow..."
Nar'Vek is fascinated yet scared at the same time. She wants to rush up and try to pet and hug it... But she's a bit too busy not soiling herself. "Really.... Wow."
"Ummm...." She manages, trying to get herself back to sorts. "Is the Lost and Found around here somewhere?"
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
-- Eleanor Shellstrop