It appears the orc hits Thalion (my AC = 14) and it appears the orc does 12+3+9 = 24 damage against my total HP of 12.
If I understand the RAW, I've taken 2x the total hit points I have so no death saves, game over.
Actually, I sometimes use a shortcut to roll crit damage at the same time as a regular hit. Since the attack die was not a crit, you don't add the extra 9 damage. so only 15 damage. Sorry if this shorthand caused you a heart attack. I have seen 1st level characters crit with max damage and die from double negative hitpoints.
Attack 9+5 means to-hit of 14, which hits your AC Damage 12+3 equals total 15 damage. If the attack roll was a 20+5, then you add an extra 1d12 for 24 damage.
You can also use the formula, but it only works with a mouse-over, and I can't see the rolls on my phone, so I shorthand my own version with transparent modifiers Attack: [.roll]1d20+5[/roll.] Damage: [.roll](if([.roll:-1:critical], =0, 1d12, 2{1d12}.expand()))+3[/roll.]
Combat debrief: OK, so IF it WAS a crit hit, then the parentheses would have applied. I'm not sure I have the ability to tell if it is a crit roll (nor you until you hit the enter key), so I get that. OK, only 15 damage, against my 12, unconscious. got it VERY Glad it was not a critical attack with his greataxe. It appears that Shadowfang saw his Master fall, and got real pissed and took a 6HP bite our of the Orc, tasty, killing the orc. "good boy!" and Druid cast cure wounds effectively stabilizing the fallen Ranger. Druid healed me, no death throws needed. Resuming the game...
"Well, I certainly can't thank you enough, I hope I can repay you someday new friend. My name is Thalion, Thalion Windrunner. I've been asked to deliver some provisions from the Far Outpost village. I assume you are the Druid who has been of help to the town. The provisions are sent with the thanks of Lieutenant Grimes from Portwell of the Laughing Dog tavern. Have I found the right person, my Master Halfling?"
I believe there it typically no value in fallen enemy's armor or weapons, yet if that is not true, I play most of my games where I loot everything, until encumbered (I will track weight closely) sell all when back to town, and pitch non valuable as I get encumbered. Please advise on how you would like to play as I see you list the armor and axe. Based on your answer, I'll discuss options with the Druid on enemy items.
Combat debrief: OK, so IF it WAS a crit hit, then the parentheses would have applied. I'm not sure I have the ability to tell if it is a crit roll (nor you until you hit the enter key), so I get that. OK, only 15 damage, against my 12, unconscious. got it VERY Glad it was not a critical attack with his greataxe. It appears that Shadowfang saw his Master fall, and got real pissed and took a 6HP bite our of the Orc, tasty, killing the orc. "good boy!" and Druid cast cure wounds effectively stabilizing the fallen Ranger. Druid healed me, no death throws needed. Resuming the game...
Hopefully, you can appreciate, how a single Challenge 1/2 has a chance to perma-death a 1st level character, although small, the threat of death is real in D&D and only slightly lower chances that past editions.
Combat debrief: OK, so IF it WAS a crit hit, then the parentheses would have applied. I'm not sure I have the ability to tell if it is a crit roll (nor you until you hit the enter key), so I get that. OK, only 15 damage, against my 12, unconscious. got it VERY Glad it was not a critical attack with his greataxe. It appears that Shadowfang saw his Master fall, and got real pissed and took a 6HP bite our of the Orc, tasty, killing the orc. "good boy!" and Druid cast cure wounds effectively stabilizing the fallen Ranger. Druid healed me, no death throws needed. Resuming the game...
"Well, I certainly can't thank you enough, I hope I can repay you someday new friend. My name is Thalion, Thalion Windrunner. I've been asked to deliver some provisions from the Far Outpost village. I assume you are the Druid who has been of help to the town. The provisions are sent with the thanks of Lieutenant Grimes from Portwell of the Laughing Dog tavern. Have I found the right person, my Master Halfling?"
"I am that halfling. Some call me The Hermit. But you can call me Pippin."
"Let's get out of here in haste. I sense more Orcs are coming."
I believe there it typically no value in fallen enemy's armor or weapons, yet if that is not true, I play most of my games where I loot everything, until encumbered (I will track weight closely) sell all when back to town, and pitch non valuable as I get encumbered. Please advise on how you would like to play as I see you list the armor and axe. Based on your answer, I'll discuss options with the Druid on enemy items.
This is up to you. If you leave everything, then I'll just give you equivalant gold as rewards. It's just flavor for me. It's up to you how you want to grow your character wealth.
Pippin Thistlefoot was born under a crescent moon, in a cozy hobbit hole nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Shire. From the moment he could crawl, Pippin was drawn to the natural world that surrounded his home. While other young hobbits played in the bustling markets and cheerful taverns of the villages, Pippin could often be found sneaking away to explore the whispering forests and babbling brooks that bordered the Shire.
As the second son of the Thistlefoot family, Pippin was expected to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Thaddeus, who was already showing promise as a skilled farmer. Yet, from an early age, Pippin's heart belonged to the wonders of the wilderness. He would spend hours sitting by the edge of a tranquil pond, watching the dance of dragonflies and the ripple of fish beneath the surface.
It was during one of these quiet moments of reflection that Pippin first encountered Whisperwing, a young owl with feathers as soft as moonlight. The owl had been injured, its wing caught in a thorny bramble, and Pippin could not bear to leave it to its fate. With gentle hands and a soothing voice, he carefully freed Whisperwing and tended to its injured wing. From that day forward, the owl became Pippin's constant companion, his silent guardian of the night.
As Pippin grew older, his affinity for the natural world only deepened. He spent his days wandering the untamed wilderness of the Shire, learning the language of the trees, the songs of the birds, and the medicinal properties of every herb and flower that crossed his path. His parents, while initially worried about their son's wanderlust, soon recognized the special bond he shared with nature.
On his 22nd birthday, Pippin made a solemn vow to devote his life to protecting the wild places of the world and the creatures that called them home. With Whisperwing by his side and a satchel filled with herbs and potions, he set out on a journey beyond the borders of the Shire. He traveled through dense forests, climbed rugged mountains, and crossed rushing rivers, always guided by the whispers of the wind and the wisdom of the natural world, until arriving in The Darkwoods, a dense woodland of mystery and danger in the Kingdom of Vesper.
During his travels, Pippin encountered both beauty and danger in equal measure. He helped heal sick animals, thwarted poachers preying on endangered creatures, and even faced off against a fearsome pack of dire wolves to protect a group of lost travelers from a village on the edge of The Darkwoods.
Through it all, Pippin remained true to his gentle spirit and unwavering dedication to the wilds. He became known as "Thistlefoot the Wanderer," a humble hero who walked softly upon the earth and spoke with the wisdom of the ancient trees.
Now, as whispers of a growing darkness echo through the lands, Pippin feels a stirring in his heart. A new adventure awaits, beckoning him to once again heed the call of the wild, to stand as a guardian of nature's balance, and to uncover the mysteries hidden within the heart of the wilderness.
I believe there it typically no value in fallen enemy's armor or weapons, yet if that is not true, I play most of my games where I loot everything, until encumbered (I will track weight closely) sell all when back to town, and pitch non valuable as I get encumbered. Please advise on how you would like to play as I see you list the armor and axe. Based on your answer, I'll discuss options with the Druid on enemy items.
This is up to you. If you leave everything, then I'll just give you equivalent gold as rewards. It's just flavor for me. It's up to you how you want to grow your character wealth.
OK, then my preference so we can focus on the fun part: I'll look at the loot, and only take things that are an upgrade of of interest, and you (or I) can cash out the loot I don't take for gold value. So the example I envision from this is something like:
OK, then my preference so we can focus on the fun part: I'll look at the loot, and only take things that are an upgrade of of interest, and you (or I) can cash out the loot I don't take for gold value. So the example I envision from this is something like:
Me: Neither character is interested in the loot.
You: loot is valued at XXgp
Me: stick the cash in the character sheets
Is that how you see it?
Sure, I'll list looted items, then give you rewards that approximate them. Wishlists would help for a campaign like this, instead of building wealth and buying items, you will find the items on enemies or in treasure chests.
The pair plus pup, deftly traverse the forest. After running for sometime, they exit the tree line directly into the military training drills. Lieutenant Grimes smiles, "Friends. These are not our enemies." Grimes reads your faces and then speaks up, "Recruits, prepare for battle."
At this point, you can clearly hear orcs coming from the darkwoods.
Everyone roll initiative, you will get a surprise round.
A dozen Orcs breach the treeline, screaming warcries accompanied by two Ogres. Soldiers jump into action, shooting light crossbows and brandishing shields and longswords. Lt. Grimes sounds a rallying "Charge!"
good idea. For most every character I play I go for maximum wealth - than I have all this gold and don't really do much with it. I think I'll practice using bartering for goods/services with my talent... the example is the weapon sharpening and coffee while we talked about things. So, I'll go for gold, sure, yet you will see the occasional.. 'it would be nice to find a ball for Shadowfang and to play with while at camp' Which is more fun for you and I than "I go to the store and buy a ball." If the occasional drop of an item in the general store, I find that sort of color enjoyable. an example "the dead orc has a great axe, bloodied leather armor, and a 50' hemp rope." you can bet I'll take the rope, and the cash. I actually like managing my inventory in the Character Sheet.
Wishlist
General store items:
Book of lore: The Kingdom of Vesper for Travelers and Citizens
Climber's Kit
Component pouch
Mirror
Oil (flask)
Rope, silk
Tent
Spyglass
Whetstone
Services:
Weapon: Have both my short swords silvered
Armor: a leather vest with detachable saddlebags for Shadowfang
"Pippin, it is wonderful to meet you, I must agree, where there is one orc, there is surly more." I stand and look around nervously. "First, here are the provisions, I can't speak to their quality, yet these are yours from the town." I hand him the provisions from my backpack then I gesture to Shadowfang, "This is my best friend, Shadowfang... Shadow meet Pippin... and who's a good boy for taking care of that orc? you are!" and give him a pat on the head.
"Pippin, my goal was to find you, deliver the provisions, and look for work back at the Far Outpost. If there is anything I can do for you to repay your kind healing, by all means, tell me." I pause, and then say: "oh, Lieutenant Grimes asked me to extend an offer for you to enlist in his guard. I can offer you my opinion on this, if you wish, yet I promised to him that I would extend that to you. Seems like they are in need a spellcasters."
"Better yet, perhaps you might be interested in join me?" I say "If you have longed for adventure, travel, and making a difference for good in this world, I'd be happy to travel together."
OG1 attempts a Strength Save DC 13 vs 11+4 O1 attempts a Strength Save DC 13 vs 11+3 O2 attempts a Strength Save DC 13 vs 12+3 O3 attempts a Strength Save DC 13 vs 5+3 O4 attempts a Strength Save DC 13 vs 14+3 O5 attempts a Strength Save DC 13 vs 19+3
Hmmm.
It appears the orc hits Thalion (my AC = 14) and it appears the orc does 12+3+9 = 24 damage against my total HP of 12.
If I understand the RAW, I've taken 2x the total hit points I have so no death saves, game over.
Pippin says, "What brings you into Orc territory?"
how does a person read this: Damage 12+3 (crit 9)
Actually, I sometimes use a shortcut to roll crit damage at the same time as a regular hit. Since the attack die was not a crit, you don't add the extra 9 damage. so only 15 damage. Sorry if this shorthand caused you a heart attack. I have seen 1st level characters crit with max damage and die from double negative hitpoints.
Attack 9+5 means to-hit of 14, which hits your AC
Damage 12+3 equals total 15 damage. If the attack roll was a 20+5, then you add an extra 1d12 for 24 damage.
You can also use the formula, but it only works with a mouse-over, and I can't see the rolls on my phone, so I shorthand my own version with transparent modifiers
Attack: [.roll]1d20+5[/roll.] Damage: [.roll](if([.roll:-1:critical], =0, 1d12, 2{1d12}.expand()))+3[/roll.]
Combat debrief: OK, so IF it WAS a crit hit, then the parentheses would have applied. I'm not sure I have the ability to tell if it is a crit roll (nor you until you hit the enter key), so I get that. OK, only 15 damage, against my 12, unconscious. got it VERY Glad it was not a critical attack with his greataxe. It appears that Shadowfang saw his Master fall, and got real pissed and took a 6HP bite our of the Orc, tasty, killing the orc. "good boy!" and Druid cast cure wounds effectively stabilizing the fallen Ranger. Druid healed me, no death throws needed. Resuming the game...
"Well, I certainly can't thank you enough, I hope I can repay you someday new friend. My name is Thalion, Thalion Windrunner. I've been asked to deliver some provisions from the Far Outpost village. I assume you are the Druid who has been of help to the town. The provisions are sent with the thanks of Lieutenant Grimes from Portwell of the Laughing Dog tavern. Have I found the right person, my Master Halfling?"
I believe there it typically no value in fallen enemy's armor or weapons, yet if that is not true, I play most of my games where I loot everything, until encumbered (I will track weight closely) sell all when back to town, and pitch non valuable as I get encumbered. Please advise on how you would like to play as I see you list the armor and axe. Based on your answer, I'll discuss options with the Druid on enemy items.
Hopefully, you can appreciate, how a single Challenge 1/2 has a chance to perma-death a 1st level character, although small, the threat of death is real in D&D and only slightly lower chances that past editions.
"I am that halfling. Some call me The Hermit. But you can call me Pippin."
"Let's get out of here in haste. I sense more Orcs are coming."
This is up to you. If you leave everything, then I'll just give you equivalant gold as rewards. It's just flavor for me. It's up to you how you want to grow your character wealth.
Pippin Thistlefoot Backstory
Pippin Thistlefoot was born under a crescent moon, in a cozy hobbit hole nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Shire. From the moment he could crawl, Pippin was drawn to the natural world that surrounded his home. While other young hobbits played in the bustling markets and cheerful taverns of the villages, Pippin could often be found sneaking away to explore the whispering forests and babbling brooks that bordered the Shire.
As the second son of the Thistlefoot family, Pippin was expected to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Thaddeus, who was already showing promise as a skilled farmer. Yet, from an early age, Pippin's heart belonged to the wonders of the wilderness. He would spend hours sitting by the edge of a tranquil pond, watching the dance of dragonflies and the ripple of fish beneath the surface.
It was during one of these quiet moments of reflection that Pippin first encountered Whisperwing, a young owl with feathers as soft as moonlight. The owl had been injured, its wing caught in a thorny bramble, and Pippin could not bear to leave it to its fate. With gentle hands and a soothing voice, he carefully freed Whisperwing and tended to its injured wing. From that day forward, the owl became Pippin's constant companion, his silent guardian of the night.
As Pippin grew older, his affinity for the natural world only deepened. He spent his days wandering the untamed wilderness of the Shire, learning the language of the trees, the songs of the birds, and the medicinal properties of every herb and flower that crossed his path. His parents, while initially worried about their son's wanderlust, soon recognized the special bond he shared with nature.
On his 22nd birthday, Pippin made a solemn vow to devote his life to protecting the wild places of the world and the creatures that called them home. With Whisperwing by his side and a satchel filled with herbs and potions, he set out on a journey beyond the borders of the Shire. He traveled through dense forests, climbed rugged mountains, and crossed rushing rivers, always guided by the whispers of the wind and the wisdom of the natural world, until arriving in The Darkwoods, a dense woodland of mystery and danger in the Kingdom of Vesper.
During his travels, Pippin encountered both beauty and danger in equal measure. He helped heal sick animals, thwarted poachers preying on endangered creatures, and even faced off against a fearsome pack of dire wolves to protect a group of lost travelers from a village on the edge of The Darkwoods.
Through it all, Pippin remained true to his gentle spirit and unwavering dedication to the wilds. He became known as "Thistlefoot the Wanderer," a humble hero who walked softly upon the earth and spoke with the wisdom of the ancient trees.
Now, as whispers of a growing darkness echo through the lands, Pippin feels a stirring in his heart. A new adventure awaits, beckoning him to once again heed the call of the wild, to stand as a guardian of nature's balance, and to uncover the mysteries hidden within the heart of the wilderness.
OK, then my preference so we can focus on the fun part: I'll look at the loot, and only take things that are an upgrade of of interest, and you (or I) can cash out the loot I don't take for gold value. So the example I envision from this is something like:
Me: Neither character is interested in the loot.
You: loot is valued at XXgp
Me: stick the cash in the character sheets
Is that how you see it?
Sure, I'll list looted items, then give you rewards that approximate them. Wishlists would help for a campaign like this, instead of building wealth and buying items, you will find the items on enemies or in treasure chests.
The pair plus pup, deftly traverse the forest. After running for sometime, they exit the tree line directly into the military training drills. Lieutenant Grimes smiles, "Friends. These are not our enemies." Grimes reads your faces and then speaks up, "Recruits, prepare for battle."
At this point, you can clearly hear orcs coming from the darkwoods.
Everyone roll initiative, you will get a surprise round.
Orcs: O1 18+1, O2 19+1, O3 10+1, O4 3+1, O5 14+1, O6 1+1, O7 6+1, O8 8+1, O9 11+1, O10 15+1, O11 16+1, O12 14+1
Ogre: OG1 13-1, OG2 1-1
Soldiers: S1 2, S2 12, S3 1, S4 6, S5 18, S6 11, S7 6, S8 5, S9 4, O10 14, S11 17, S12 6
Lt. Grimes: LG 6+2
A dozen Orcs breach the treeline, screaming warcries accompanied by two Ogres. Soldiers jump into action, shooting light crossbows and brandishing shields and longswords. Lt. Grimes sounds a rallying "Charge!"
Initiative Order
O2 (init 20)
O1 (init 19)
S5 (init 18)
S11 (init 17)
O11 (init 17)
O10 (init 16)
O5 (init 15)
O12 (init 15)
S10 (init 14)
S2 (init 12)
OG1 (init 12)
S6 (init 11)
O3 (init 11)
O8 (init 9)
LG (init 8)
O7 (init 7)
S4 (init 6)
S7 (init 6)
S12 (init 6)
S8 (init 5)
S9 (init 4)
O4 (init 4)
S1 (init 2)
O6 (init 2)
S3 (init 1)
OG (init 0)
good idea. For most every character I play I go for maximum wealth - than I have all this gold and don't really do much with it. I think I'll practice using bartering for goods/services with my talent... the example is the weapon sharpening and coffee while we talked about things. So, I'll go for gold, sure, yet you will see the occasional.. 'it would be nice to find a ball for Shadowfang and to play with while at camp' Which is more fun for you and I than "I go to the store and buy a ball." If the occasional drop of an item in the general store, I find that sort of color enjoyable. an example "the dead orc has a great axe, bloodied leather armor, and a 50' hemp rope." you can bet I'll take the rope, and the cash. I actually like managing my inventory in the Character Sheet.
Wishlist
General store items:
Services:
Magic items:
I will resume the game with the next message....
"Pippin, it is wonderful to meet you, I must agree, where there is one orc, there is surly more." I stand and look around nervously. "First, here are the provisions, I can't speak to their quality, yet these are yours from the town." I hand him the provisions from my backpack then I gesture to Shadowfang, "This is my best friend, Shadowfang... Shadow meet Pippin... and who's a good boy for taking care of that orc? you are!" and give him a pat on the head.
"Pippin, my goal was to find you, deliver the provisions, and look for work back at the Far Outpost. If there is anything I can do for you to repay your kind healing, by all means, tell me." I pause, and then say: "oh, Lieutenant Grimes asked me to extend an offer for you to enlist in his guard. I can offer you my opinion on this, if you wish, yet I promised to him that I would extend that to you. Seems like they are in need a spellcasters."
"Better yet, perhaps you might be interested in join me?" I say "If you have longed for adventure, travel, and making a difference for good in this world, I'd be happy to travel together."
(Our text seem to have crossed each other in the magical world of technology, I see your comments on the orc mega battle)
Thalion initiative 23 Pippin initiative: 21
Initiative Order
O2 (init 20, surprised)
O1 (init 19, surprised)
Thalion (init 18) << You're First
Pippin (init 18)
S5 (init 18)
S11 (init 17)
O11 (init 17, surprised)
O10 (init 16, surprised)
O5 (init 15, surprised)
O12 (init 15, surprised)
S10 (init 14)
S2 (init 12)
O9 (init 12, surprised)
OG1 (init 12, surprised)
S6 (init 11)
O3 (init 11, surprised)
O8 (init 9, surprised)
LG (init 8)
O7 (init 7, surprised)
S4 (init 6)
S7 (init 6)
S12 (init 6)
S8 (init 5)
S9 (init 4)
O4 (init 4, surprised)
S1 (init 2)
O6 (init 2, surprised)
S3 (init 1)
OG2 (init 0, surprised)
When on their turn, they attack with their preferred weapon:
Thalion uses his bow: (on Orc 11 if I can choose) attack: 8 damage: 10
Pippin targets a group for Entangle: and casts it.
O11 takes 8 damage and is bloodied
OG1 attempts a Strength Save DC 13 vs 11+4
O1 attempts a Strength Save DC 13 vs 11+3
O2 attempts a Strength Save DC 13 vs 12+3
O3 attempts a Strength Save DC 13 vs 5+3
O4 attempts a Strength Save DC 13 vs 14+3
O5 attempts a Strength Save DC 13 vs 19+3
S5 (init 18), attacks O1 with a light crossbow, Attack: 22 Damage: 4
S11 (init 17), attacks O1 with a light crossbow, Attack: 18 Damage: 5
S10 (init 14), attacks O1 with a light crossbow, Attack: 19 Damage: 6
S2 (init 12), attacks O1 with a light crossbow, Attack: 13 Damage: 6
S6 (init 11), attacks O2 with a longsword, Attack: 9 Damage: 8
LG (init 8), engages OG2 with a longsword attack, Attack: 21 Damage: 8
S4 (init 6), attacks O2 with a longsword, Attack: 21 Damage: 7
S7 (init 6), attacks O3 with a longsword, Attack: 12 Damage: 3
S12 (init 6), attacks O3 with a longsword, Attack: 16 Damage: 10
S8 (init 5), attacks O11 with a longsword, Attack: 23 Damage: 10
S9 (init 4), attacks O11 with a longsword, Attack: 23 Damage: 7
S1 (init 2), attacks O12 with a longsword, Attack: 23 Damage: 10
S3 (init 1), attacks O12 with a longsword, Attack: 17 Damage: 9