In my opinion Level 1 characters are all squishy by design (with rare exceptions). Forgot that the Instant Death is a base rule. What a shock to wake up to. I liked Faen so much ;-; Genuinely sad but hey maybe more of us join him in the grave soon to keep him company :)
I see an Arcana rival for Ichep. Or maybe an Arcana Pal. Remains to be seen.
At least I know I hit the spiders, so they will be below 1/2 HP, so only 2d4 damage.
Also I have relentless endurance, so I should be able to survive at least 1 turn.
Regarding tough 1st level chars - in my other PbP campaign my dwarf barbarian is quite a resilient one. Rolled stats and racial bonus gets him to 20 ATK, 18 CON and 16 DEX. He had 17 AC, enough HP, deathwish and he hit like a truck. And then DM gifted him a +2 Maul, so it crazy level 1 :D
Anyway, somewhere in the background a chant starts "TPK, TPK, TPK"
Aye, rolling stats gives one easier access to the exceptions :D Being a barbarian helps too
Your own campaign? As in you are the DM? :0 I think I found it through your profile. The "Archipelago of Opportunities"? Damn, I would have liked to apply. It's hard to find a campaign that fits my preferences and has good players like you.
Aye, rolling stats gives one easier access to the exceptions :D Being a barbarian helps too
Your own campaign? As in you are the DM? :0 I think I found it through your profile. The "Archipelago of Opportunities"? Damn, I would have liked to apply. It's hard to find a campaign that fits my preferences and has good players like you.
Yeah, We've just started and this is my first DM experience. Prisoner ship just about to be attacked by an aboleth. Then some castaway island action with KuoToas and angry fauna.
@Samhain, Rinn looks good. Don't forget to select a total of 6 1st-level spells for his spellbook. He may only prepare four at a time (as you have done), but in his spellbook he has access to more than that.
Also, because he will begin play being most of the way toward 2nd level, he will begin with an additional 65gp and a spell scroll (any 1st level spell).
You are free to scribe this spell into Rinn's spellbook prior to play if you prefer (this costs 50gp), or you can keep it as a spell scroll.
Also, any starting wealth Rinn has access to may be used to scribe scrolls of his own (spells to be chosen from those listed in his own spellbook). The cost is 25gp per 1st-level spell.
And finally, because Faen's final IC post was really cool ... Rinn will begin play with Inspiration marked.
Honestly Faens death seems a bit off to me. I mean everything happened fair and RNGesus taketh, not giveth that time.
The team is together for about an hour or so. No attachment from any of the PCs probably. Feels a bit like a redshirt death :D
Not to take away from the character and its investment tho...
IDK what I want to say. We humans are playing together for a while and it hurt to lose a teammates character, but IC it probably just anotherone bites the dust.
It happens. I cut my teeth on an earlier edition of the game (AD&D 2nd edition). Save or die was still very much a thing back in those days (usually poison, but a few spells as well). Level draining attacks were particularly brutal ... those were to be avoided at all costs.
But I loved it. The older editions were clunky and crunchy and I'm pretty happy with the place that 5E took the game. But there was something about knowing that you could find yourself one throw of the die away from needing a new character made the stakes feel ... I dunno ... real.
An interesting topic! Gonna take a look at that article later.
For me personally, the risk of character death adds absolutely nothing to the game. I like to tell a story and to have other's story unfold around me. Death cuts this off. I have talked about this often and other people seem to very well get some kind of suspense from the stakes. I don't. If I'm immersed in my character, the mechanical probability of death doesn't matter because for the character the risk of death is always there. And as a player I just don't feel any suspense. I look upon the potential death of characters with either "Yay, I get to play a new character" or "Eh, gotta make a new character". I understand though that others might feel very differently about it so I'm fine with the aspect obviously.
A little bit of strategery: let's not be too hasty to get to the devil. If this spider swarm is what I think it is, it's capable of one-shotting any of us, so my suggestion would be to gang up on it first.
Prescient words from the paladin. :(
A swarm of spiders does 4d4 piercing damage on a hit, but the damage drops to 2d4 piercing damage if the creature is at or below half of its hit point maximum. The swarm had been damaged to within 3hp of having its damage output reduced, and then, adding insult to injury ... when it rolled its first attack ... it rolled a 20. This critical hit turned the 4d4 piercing damage into 8d4 piercing damage and Faen succumbed to the massive damage clause after being brought to 0hp remaining (namely ... that if the excess damage after being brought to 0hp remaining is equal to or exceeds your maximum hit points, the attack results in the death of the character).
Entering the fight with 10/10hp, Faen could have survived up to and including a 19hp attack ... but the 8d4 attack unfortunately resulted in 21hp damage.
Darn. Well, I guess I get an excuse to write a sad death entry in the IC posts.
As far as next character, I'll probably do Wizard.
Soooo even more squishy?
You don’t have an arcane caster. I thought you all could use the burst damage. Yes, squishy, unfortunately.
Low levels are not kind to any of my favorite character archetypes, sadly.
An interesting topic! Gonna take a look at that article later.
For me personally, the risk of character death adds absolutely nothing to the game. I like to tell a story and to have other's story unfold around me. Death cuts this off. I have talked about this often and other people seem to very well get some kind of suspense from the stakes. I don't. If I'm immersed in my character, the mechanical probability of death doesn't matter because for the character the risk of death is always there. And as a player I just don't feel any suspense. I look upon the potential death of characters with either "Yay, I get to play a new character" or "Eh, gotta make a new character". I understand though that others might feel very differently about it so I'm fine with the aspect obviously.
I have mixed feelings, personally. It all depends on the reason for the death, and the overall feel of the campaign. I knew that this style of play had a higher lethality, so I consider it part of the ToS, so to speak. Even in this case, perhaps being killed by a spider mob is a bit disappointing, especially as also liked the character quite a bit.
I was taught Basic and 1e by my father when I was younger (he played back in early days of the game), so character death was not too uncommon. Having to roll 3d6 for your stats, in order, meant you could be pretty much set up to fail from the get-go by having a series of unlucky rolls. If I recall, my father had my friends play with a backup at all times because of this very real possibility.
However, I've been a storyteller since before I was a DnD player, and I definitely have a preference for story beats that "feel right." I just view it as a trade off sometimes, especially when I'm being a player. DMs have a lot on their plate already, and I feel like it's better for me to just have fun and not worry; my day job is stressful enough, so no need to spend more of my mental capacity to argue about what feels right.
Besides, we have plenty of time to build up the team and the overarching story. And even the dead might come back in subtle ways.
There are different views on player death, for sure. To me, it's the best part of D&D, and I think players invest more in their character if there's a possibility that they'll just cease to exist someday.
I've been playing since the "blue book" basic days, and the only stories that really stick with me are the heroic/tragic character deaths.
It's a bummer Faen's gone, especially being insta-killed when we hsve almost three healers in the party, but first level can be like that, and the wonder at what might have been is a cool part of the game.
If I get a vote, I say a wizard would be a great add to the party. With a cleric, a paladin, and a druid who'll soon be able to wild shape, well have plenty of characters who can take a beating.
@Samhain, Rinn looks good. Don't forget to select a total of 6 1st-level spells for his spellbook. He may only prepare four at a time (as you have done), but in his spellbook he has access to more than that.
Also, because he will begin play being most of the way toward 2nd level, he will begin with an additional 65gp and a spell scroll (any 1st level spell).
You are free to scribe this spell into Rinn's spellbook prior to play if you prefer (this costs 50gp), or you can keep it as a spell scroll.
Also, any starting wealth Rinn has access to may be used to scribe scrolls of his own (spells to be chosen from those listed in his own spellbook). The cost is 25gp per 1st-level spell.
And finally, because Faen's final IC post was really cool ... Rinn will begin play with Inspiration marked.
Thanks for the spell scroll and extra gold. I'll think on what scroll want today.
And thanks for the reminder, though I do have my known spells chosen. Here's the list, though happy to take recommendations if anyone thinks of replacements they think would be more useful. 0 - Firebolt, Mage Hand, Light, Message. 1 - Burning Hands, Chromatic Orb, Magic Missile, False Life, Mage Armor, Sleep
Immediately, my mind goes to Shield or Feather Fall as possibilities.
There are different views on player death, for sure. To me, it's the best part of D&D, and I think players invest more in their character if there's a possibility that they'll just cease to exist someday.
I've been playing since the "blue book" basic days, and the only stories that really stick with me are the heroic/tragic character deaths.
It's a bummer Faen's gone, especially being insta-killed when we hsve almost three healers in the party, but first level can be like that, and the wonder at what might have been is a cool part of the game.
If I get a vote, I say a wizard would be a great add to the party. With a cleric, a paladin, and a druid who'll soon be able to wild shape, well have plenty of characters who can take a beating.
I'm gonna eventually take the Circle of the Moon. So you gon have a serious damage sponge in front.
There are different views on player death, for sure. To me, it's the best part of D&D, and I think players invest more in their character if there's a possibility that they'll just cease to exist someday.
I've been playing since the "blue book" basic days, and the only stories that really stick with me are the heroic/tragic character deaths.
It's a bummer Faen's gone, especially being insta-killed when we hsve almost three healers in the party, but first level can be like that, and the wonder at what might have been is a cool part of the game.
If I get a vote, I say a wizard would be a great add to the party. With a cleric, a paladin, and a druid who'll soon be able to wild shape, well have plenty of characters who can take a beating.
My evocation spells definitely would come in handy with those swarm resistances.
@Samhain, Rinn looks good. Don't forget to select a total of 6 1st-level spells for his spellbook. He may only prepare four at a time (as you have done), but in his spellbook he has access to more than that.
Also, because he will begin play being most of the way toward 2nd level, he will begin with an additional 65gp and a spell scroll (any 1st level spell).
You are free to scribe this spell into Rinn's spellbook prior to play if you prefer (this costs 50gp), or you can keep it as a spell scroll.
Also, any starting wealth Rinn has access to may be used to scribe scrolls of his own (spells to be chosen from those listed in his own spellbook). The cost is 25gp per 1st-level spell.
And finally, because Faen's final IC post was really cool ... Rinn will begin play with Inspiration marked.
Thanks for the spell scroll and extra gold. I'll think on what scroll want today.
And thanks for the reminder, though I do have my known spells chosen. Here's the list, though happy to take recommendations if anyone thinks of replacements they think would be more useful. 0 - Firebolt, Mage Hand, Light, Message. 1 - Burning Hands, Chromatic Orb, Magic Missile, False Life, Mage Armor, Sleep
Immediately, my mind goes to Shield or Feather Fall as possibilities.
Any debufs? Entangle from me was clutch as it was indicated. Maybe you can take something similar.
In my opinion Level 1 characters are all squishy by design (with rare exceptions).
Forgot that the Instant Death is a base rule. What a shock to wake up to. I liked Faen so much ;-; Genuinely sad but hey maybe more of us join him in the grave soon to keep him company :)
I see an Arcana rival for Ichep. Or maybe an Arcana Pal. Remains to be seen.
Yeah, I woke up to a nasty surprise too :D
At least I know I hit the spiders, so they will be below 1/2 HP, so only 2d4 damage.
Also I have relentless endurance, so I should be able to survive at least 1 turn.
Regarding tough 1st level chars - in my other PbP campaign my dwarf barbarian is quite a resilient one. Rolled stats and racial bonus gets him to 20 ATK, 18 CON and 16 DEX. He had 17 AC, enough HP, deathwish and he hit like a truck. And then DM gifted him a +2 Maul, so it crazy level 1 :D
Anyway, somewhere in the background a chant starts "TPK, TPK, TPK"
Oh and our Great DM inspired me to start my own PbP campaign. It's hella fun
Aye, rolling stats gives one easier access to the exceptions :D Being a barbarian helps too
Your own campaign? As in you are the DM? :0 I think I found it through your profile. The "Archipelago of Opportunities"? Damn, I would have liked to apply. It's hard to find a campaign that fits my preferences and has good players like you.
Yeah, We've just started and this is my first DM experience. Prisoner ship just about to be attacked by an aboleth. Then some castaway island action with KuoToas and angry fauna.
Aw. Glad to do it. :)
@Samhain, Rinn looks good. Don't forget to select a total of 6 1st-level spells for his spellbook. He may only prepare four at a time (as you have done), but in his spellbook he has access to more than that.
Also, because he will begin play being most of the way toward 2nd level, he will begin with an additional 65gp and a spell scroll (any 1st level spell).
You are free to scribe this spell into Rinn's spellbook prior to play if you prefer (this costs 50gp), or you can keep it as a spell scroll.
Also, any starting wealth Rinn has access to may be used to scribe scrolls of his own (spells to be chosen from those listed in his own spellbook). The cost is 25gp per 1st-level spell.
And finally, because Faen's final IC post was really cool ... Rinn will begin play with Inspiration marked.
Honestly Faens death seems a bit off to me. I mean everything happened fair and RNGesus taketh, not giveth that time.
The team is together for about an hour or so. No attachment from any of the PCs probably. Feels a bit like a redshirt death :D
Not to take away from the character and its investment tho...
IDK what I want to say. We humans are playing together for a while and it hurt to lose a teammates character, but IC it probably just anotherone bites the dust.
Just some weird feelings I'm having towards this.
It happens. I cut my teeth on an earlier edition of the game (AD&D 2nd edition). Save or die was still very much a thing back in those days (usually poison, but a few spells as well). Level draining attacks were particularly brutal ... those were to be avoided at all costs.
But I loved it. The older editions were clunky and crunchy and I'm pretty happy with the place that 5E took the game. But there was something about knowing that you could find yourself one throw of the die away from needing a new character made the stakes feel ... I dunno ... real.
Here is an article that sums it up way better than I could: The dice can kill you.
An interesting topic! Gonna take a look at that article later.
For me personally, the risk of character death adds absolutely nothing to the game. I like to tell a story and to have other's story unfold around me. Death cuts this off. I have talked about this often and other people seem to very well get some kind of suspense from the stakes. I don't. If I'm immersed in my character, the mechanical probability of death doesn't matter because for the character the risk of death is always there. And as a player I just don't feel any suspense. I look upon the potential death of characters with either "Yay, I get to play a new character" or "Eh, gotta make a new character". I understand though that others might feel very differently about it so I'm fine with the aspect obviously.
You don’t have an arcane caster. I thought you all could use the burst damage. Yes, squishy, unfortunately.
Low levels are not kind to any of my favorite character archetypes, sadly.
Just hide behind the thick orc
I have mixed feelings, personally. It all depends on the reason for the death, and the overall feel of the campaign. I knew that this style of play had a higher lethality, so I consider it part of the ToS, so to speak. Even in this case, perhaps being killed by a spider mob is a bit disappointing, especially as also liked the character quite a bit.
I was taught Basic and 1e by my father when I was younger (he played back in early days of the game), so character death was not too uncommon. Having to roll 3d6 for your stats, in order, meant you could be pretty much set up to fail from the get-go by having a series of unlucky rolls. If I recall, my father had my friends play with a backup at all times because of this very real possibility.
However, I've been a storyteller since before I was a DnD player, and I definitely have a preference for story beats that "feel right." I just view it as a trade off sometimes, especially when I'm being a player. DMs have a lot on their plate already, and I feel like it's better for me to just have fun and not worry; my day job is stressful enough, so no need to spend more of my mental capacity to argue about what feels right.
Besides, we have plenty of time to build up the team and the overarching story. And even the dead might come back in subtle ways.
Exactly my plan =)
There are different views on player death, for sure. To me, it's the best part of D&D, and I think players invest more in their character if there's a possibility that they'll just cease to exist someday.
I've been playing since the "blue book" basic days, and the only stories that really stick with me are the heroic/tragic character deaths.
It's a bummer Faen's gone, especially being insta-killed when we hsve almost three healers in the party, but first level can be like that, and the wonder at what might have been is a cool part of the game.
If I get a vote, I say a wizard would be a great add to the party. With a cleric, a paladin, and a druid who'll soon be able to wild shape, well have plenty of characters who can take a beating.
Thanks for the spell scroll and extra gold. I'll think on what scroll want today.
And thanks for the reminder, though I do have my known spells chosen. Here's the list, though happy to take recommendations if anyone thinks of replacements they think would be more useful.
0 - Firebolt, Mage Hand, Light, Message.
1 - Burning Hands, Chromatic Orb, Magic Missile, False Life, Mage Armor, Sleep
Immediately, my mind goes to Shield or Feather Fall as possibilities.
I'm gonna eventually take the Circle of the Moon. So you gon have a serious damage sponge in front.
My evocation spells definitely would come in handy with those swarm resistances.
Any debufs? Entangle from me was clutch as it was indicated. Maybe you can take something similar.
I think that's a good list. You might trade Shield for Chromatic Orb, but overall I like it.
And you may already know this, but get Find Familiar as soon as you can. It's the best spell in the game.