[[ And, now I have to ask: "Engelian Adventures 2"....what was "1", the original?]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

Actually, take a look at 'Arcane focuses' in the 'Homebrew rules' category. This is the mechanism that Dworkin and Melitta would have now used to create their wands of Magic Missiles (now called Arion's Arrows) in this version of the world. Perhaps that is what you mean.

This is interesting; just going by PHB, Arions Arrows aren't even availble for rituals.

That's right. This example wasn't an example of a ritual, it was an example of rechargeable items, which you mentioned when you were asking about rituals. Dworkin and Melitta's wands were arcane foci. The big thing about rituals in D&D 5E is that they don't use spell caster spell slots if you take the time to cast them as a ritual. In this campaign, I am assuming that people with the ability to perform rituals (i.e., have the ritual feat) can perform these magics without being a classed character. This means I can have zeroth level characters that can do magical things, which matches the description on the world on the World Anvil site.

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

 [[ I updated dialog in 220, in case it appeals: https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/play-by-post/47916-engelian-adventures-2?comment=220 ]]

[[LOL. Saw the updated version before I saw this message. Slowly catching up...]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

Is that previous reply missing some text? (it looks like a repeat of 223)

I had trouble posting that comment, so it might very well have gone up twice. 

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

As above, I think I lied. Proficiency goes with level, feats with class level.

Can we go back to Rog3? I am much too used to 3e...

I'd prefer not. The character wouldn't be Brand and I'd prefer to do your class specialisation in play rather than retcon again to rationalise what specialisation Brand takes as a 3rd level rogue.

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[OK, wracking my brain to make Rog3 work with history and not getting far. Weapon Master goes some of the way, but does not get armour, Medium Armored gets the armor, but not the weapons. Frustrating as waiting to 5 for a feat may be, I'll probably have to live with Rog2/Ftr1. Boo. ]]

Looking at the "Skilled" feat again, given background, Animal Handler might also be viable in his history, not sure. My preference is still for Acrobatics/Deception/Insight (this fits pretty well with history), but Acrobatics/Deception/Animal Handling might fit with riding etc. Depends on which aspect of history to go with.

[[I'm happy with either choice, just let me know.]]

Jdjdj[[I'm happy with either choice, just let me know.]]

But wait, there's more...and I need time to think. The menagerie (and elephant) make me want animal handling....and disguise fits with last chance etc. Animal handling appeals....life is tough. First world problems, I know.

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[Here's a test. Can you see Mikkel's page on the World Anvil site? Andrew is having trouble seeing some things. Also, Mikkel is wearing clothing equivalent to padded armour.]]

Andrew's problem has gone away, thankfully.

Yes, but he's hidden under Alaric Brand; in the same way Vossel is hidden under Koric. They are not at the top level of "People". I do NOT see stats or an indication if he is armored of works as a man-servant ONLY.

You won't see stats. He has them, but you as a player character won't know them. You also won't see transient things like armour or clothing as you might not be the only player who can access a person's page. I have also just modified his page as there was information on it which should probably be only known to Brand at this time. Have a look and see what I mean. You should see an inset box containing the information that Brand knows that others shouldn't.

---

 

"I'm thinking you might have to peace-wire that sword of yours, Master Alaric," says Mikkel pointing at two guards standing near the landing stage.

Alaric stops his horse, takes his satchel off his back, and removes the ball of string, "Think this'll do?", he asks as he starts to tie the hilt to the scabbard of each of his two swords. Satisfied that his work is at least somewhat secure, he replaces the string in his satchel, the satchel to his back, and rearranges his weapons. They continue down the road. 

"It's up to them," Mikkel says, looking at the guards who are busy talking to some other people waiting for the barge, which is currently being winched back to this landing from the other side by two large horses turning a windlass; there are ropes suspended across the river at this point, which is only about thirty metres wide.

Continuing on, Alaric and Mikkel join the queue of people waiting to cross.

As yet, the guards haven't noticed Alaric and Mikkel, but the barge operator approaches them collecting fees. "That'd be two lions, me lord," he says, looking up at Alaric.

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[Is there any link I have made here that hasn't worked?]]

[[I can read the SRD, but not the PHB, DMG, Xanathar etc.]]

[[Dang. I thought you could. I will look into it.]]

[[As to recharging of items, I'm not sure what you mean...]]

[[Directing mana into something that is depleted. If ritualists don't have access to mana, then recharging becomes a problem. Also, am I to assume that more than "Ritual" spells can be used by ritualists? (there are very few ritual spells, mostly utility). ]]

No. Ritual casters are just that: casters of rituals, who make use of their utility to earn a living. However, there are some very useful rituals (see the entry 'The Restless Dead' under the 'Miscellaneous things' category to see why the 'Gentle Repose' ritual is important in this version of the world.)

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

Happy with a conversation.with Mikkel, Brand would also seek info on Mikkelsen past, interests, and plans.

[[Basic stuff would also help: how old, how badly injured, what training, family etc]]

I shall add it to the Brand-only breakout box I told you about previously... But it will have to be later, I have to do the washing up and then some work.

"That'd be two lions, me lord," he says, looking up at Alaric.

[[Context is all, has he done this before, is this a rip-off, or normal, or generous discount? If he's really never done it before, he might look to Mikkel for commentary (he's dressed as a guard, Mikkel is dressed as a gentleman): "Sir Mikkel, should I pay this vagabond? It's your money." (maybe toned down a little); if he's done it before, and it's OK (or slightly inflated), pay up, and thank the worthy gentleman]]

Before boarding the raft, Alaric makes sure his Levitation stone is accessible. He also stays close to Mikkel, in case he needs rescuing. [[Armour and water don't play well together]]

Ritual casters are just that: casters of rituals, who make use of their utility to earn a living.

[[So it's probably Arcane Foci that Brand would go for: most of his gear is focus-based ( I assume), and not even Darkvision has a ritual tag. If he wants stuff he'd use personally, he would want different spells, I think.]]

Quote from phillberrie >>

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

Happy with a conversation.with Mikkel, Brand would also seek info on Mikkelsen past, interests, and plans.

[[Basic stuff would also help: how old, how badly injured, what training, family etc]]

I shall add it to the Brand-only breakout box I told you about previously... But it will have to be later, I have to do the washing up and then some work.

  

Have added the gist of the conversation about Mikkel's background to his page on the world site. Did Alaric answer Mikkel's questions about Wamzut?

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[Just a reminder, no rush: can we swap the Athlete feat for Skillful? (and keep the rolled Dex[15] and Wis[14] that were swapped)]]

[[Yes and yes. You just need to tell me which 3 skills or proficiencies you want. At this stage it is still unclear which ones you want.]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

 [[Is there a mud-map showing New Ninevah, and another showing the Brand Estate relative to Constantine? I can only see the Engle map in World Anvil]]

[[No and no, but eventually, hopefully, yes.]]

Edit:

[[ Am I correct in assuming I could not choose "Disguise Kit" as one of the skills?]]

[[Theoretically you could choose a proficiency in Disguise Kit as one of Brand's skills (He would also have to buy one and keep it maintained). Also, you would need to modify his background so that he learnt the skill from someone.]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[ And, now I have to ask: "Engelian Adventures 2"....what was "1", the original?]]

Andrew's forum thread is "Engelian Adventures". When I created it, I didn't put a number after it, but when you started I needed to create a thread with a different title. I would ask that you don't read each other's threads because of potential spoilers.

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

"That'd be two lions, me lord," he says, looking up at Alaric.

[[Context is all, has he done this before, is this a rip-off, or normal, or generous discount? If he's really never done it before, he might look to Mikkel for commentary (he's dressed as a guard, Mikkel is dressed as a gentleman): "Sir Mikkel, should I pay this vagabond? It's your money." (maybe toned down a little); if he's done it before, and it's OK (or slightly inflated), pay up, and thank the worthy gentleman]]

[[He's done it before and the cost does vary depending on what it is being taken across on the barge. As you both have horses, two lions seems fair.]]

[[On another matter, Mikkel would never be mistaken for a gentleman as his clothing is nowhere near fine enough. Also, considering the visible weaponry Brand is carrying, and his armour, Brand would not be mistaken as a simple guard. He looks like either a mercenary or some sort of adventurer.]]

Before boarding the raft, Alaric makes sure his Levitation stone is accessible. He also stays close to Mikkel, in case he needs rescuing. [[Armour and water don't play well together]]

[[Check.]]

Ritual casters are just that: casters of rituals, who make use of their utility to earn a living.

[[So it's probably Arcane Foci that Brand would go for: most of his gear is focus-based ( I assume), and not even Darkvision has a ritual tag. If he wants stuff he'd use personally, he would want different spells, I think.]]

[[That would be correct. Simple arcane foci also don't require attunement, unlike his three stones, which are currently taking up all his attunement slots.]]

[[Is Brand carrying his family signet ring? Is he wearing it?]]

Have added the gist of the conversation about Mikkel's background to his page on the world site

Looks good, thank you!

Did Alaric answer Mikkel's questions about Wamzut?

I did say: "Happy with a conversation.with Mikkel, ...", meaning (though not clearly stating!) that I'm happy to offer info on Wamzut.

Did Mikkel have specific questions, or are we just talking general info? (eg. wizard, Lord Veade, lizard-folk battle, maybe hugh); Brand would warily watch Mikkel to make sure he's not being unsettled too much by the stories (ie. things that might reflect poorly on him).

Re: skills...lets go with: Insight/Disguise Kit/Animal Handling ; it's by no means optimal, but it fits the background pretty well: horse riding AND menagerie, also with investigation in Last Chance (perhaps changed hair colour and insight is useful when spying), and with Dalshar (he probably helped him look a lot less like a young lordling). Would be nice to have 'Deception' also, but I can't really see how that can fit, and perhaps 'Persuasion' goes part way there, especially if he tries stories that are not outright lies etc ... ie. not deceptive, per se -- he has spent time doing the things he might pretend to be -- guarding, travelling the roads as an adventurer etc).

[[He's done it before and the cost does vary depending on what it is being taken across on the barge. As you both have horses, two lions seems fair.]]

Alaric dismounts, and pulls out his pouch, taking out the required coins, "Thank you for your help sergeant [[whatever rank?]]...", He pauses, waiting for a nane.

"[[Name or not]]"

"Very good, [[name and rank]]. It's a pleasant day to be on the water, though I'm told it may rain later. Hopefully the river won't get too rough for you.".

[[He tries to remember the guard's name and face]]

Alaric turns and stands ready to hold Mikkels mount as he dismounts [[if necessary]].

[[Brand would not be mistaken as a simple guard. He looks like either a mercenary or some sort of adventurer.]]

[[Good to know]]

[[So it's probably Arcane Foci that Brand would go for: most of his gear is focus-based ( I assume), and not even Darkvision has a ritual tag. If he wants stuff he'd use personally, he would want different spells, I think.]]

[[That would be correct. Simple arcane foci also don't require attunement, unlike his three stones, which are currently taking up all his attunement slots.]]

[[Am I correct in assuming creators of Foci are generally wizards? I'm thinking here of fashioning (and recharging) some of his non-attuned gear.]]

[[Is Brand carrying his family signet ring? Is he wearing it?]]

[[Carrying, yes. Wearing under gloves, or if too bulky, then chain around neck.]]

I would ask that you don't read each other's threads because of potential spoilers.

I assume I can't even if I wanted to: or is 'private/closed' here, not very private?

[[OOC: Something strange is happening with Alaric's character sheet as it is only given me access to my custom feats not the rest of the feats from the PHB. I will have to look into it further when I get back from some appointments this morning.]]