I have written 3 magic scrolls - I can't remember who took those?

Lachy has written stuff in the Adventure Log I want to be certain about.

Did you guys get the large metalbound tome off the pedestal? (I can't remember how you removed the chain if you did).

Lachy has written about another spellbook. I just am not sure about this one. Did you write any details about it.

Re Cannel casting detect magic, she stated there was magic all around her. You have to actually spend a round with item to determine whether it is specifically magic and you could spend the whole night in Poppof's lab doing that. I am pretty sure I let her choose 3 items before we left off, so I will talk to Angus regarding what items he would like to inspect further.

It would be great to get some feedback and get all players back looking at what is going on here… and with contact details on main site so we can do something about this :) Can one of you put this on FB?

• Tabletop simulator. Seems to have potential since it has a lot of premade assets we can use but requires us to buy it (from memory roughly $15 each though some may already have it) which allows players and DM to set up table stuff, best feature from what I've heard, it has a flip the table button.
• Fantasy grounds which I've had a tiny bit to do with playing around with it ages ago, didn't seem overly user friendly for the DM trying to learn how it all works and not sure if it requires a lot of money to get all the content that we might want to run games (article made it sound quite expensive)
• Roll 20 is free and from the tutorial Im roughly halfway through seems pretty user friendly and straightforward to use from the DMs and players side of things, all assetts we would probably need seem to be free but there is an option for premium content unsure if there are any already free generated maps etc for us to use, will check out after tutorial

All of these allow DM master control and players limited control, Dm able to have things hidden from player view and virtual dice rolls for all.

I am simply starting a section for the campaign as a whole in case anyone else visiting has something to say/ask/contribute ;)

Also, note that some of these deities started as 'racial' deities. Whilst certain members of a race may favour some gods (like dwarves and Moradin), these are not racial deities. In fact their appearance might vary by race. Dwarves see Erathis as a construct/machine, but humans see her as a human.

Note also some gods are different to their standard lore. Gruumsh here is CN (not CE) and is more primal in appearance. Just like the orcs of the world - they are not necessarily evil, but CE orcs and others can still worship Gruumsh's destruction aspect.

I am thinking of moving Torog to CE to compensate, plus it suits and differs him from other slithering deity, Zehir.

Thoughts and comments welcome. :)

So it still fits into a similar place in my folders, i want the setting to start with E. So, I have done a poll of Twitter. It only lasts 24 hours if you want a say.

Otherwise just type your preference here ;)

Setting Tweet Poll

Basically, the options are:

1. Eledros
2. Eletare
3. Erethan
4. Other (suggest). :)

Feel free to suggest ideas, ask questions, etc here. Esp as several characters from the Scales of War campaign are based there ;)

At this stage I have only filled in basic things characters would know. I have detailed one of them a little more as some characters have visited Unduum.

Any more questions, things you'd like me to develop for this region, let me know :)

Rocc wanted you to do three things:
1. Extend an invitation to any dwarf adventurers that may wish to join the Watchers.
2. Find out whether the dwarven jeweller, Dorshak Krane, had returned to the holds (b/c his house was boarded up in the city). You aren't 100% sure, but it sounds like Rocc may have made some agreement with his family to watch over him.
3. Find out if there is any truth to the rumours of goblinoids rallying to a new Red Hand banner in the south.

Rocc wanted you to do three things:
1. Extend an invitation to any dwarf adventurers that may wish to join the Watchers.
2. Find out whether the dwarven jeweller, Dorshak Krane, had returned to the holds (b/c his house was boarded up in the city). You aren't 100% sure, but it sounds like Rocc may have made some agreement with his family to watch over him.
3. Find out if there is any truth to the rumours of goblinoids rallying to a new Red Hand banner in the south.

I will do everything randomly unless you tell me some specific things you want, like:

Background
Skills
Weapon groups
Any extra Drawbacks?
Racial feats/Feats

etc.

I have seen a lot of what you want. I will do the rest randomly unless you tell me some specific things you want, like:

Background
Any extra Drawbacks?
Racial feats/Feats

etc.

I will do everything randomly unless you tell me some specific things you want, like:

Race
Background
Skills
Subclass
Weapon groups
Any extra Drawbacks?
Racial feats/Feats

etc.

I will do everything randomly unless you tell me some specific things you want, like:

Background
Skills
Subclass
Weapon groups
Any extra Drawbacks?
Racial feats/Feats

etc.

You were happy for me to do the PC, so I will do everything randomly unless you tell me some specfic things you want, like:

Background
Skills
Subclass
Weapon groups
Any extra Drawbacks?
Racial feats/Feats

etc.

I have given the guild it's own page (in my efforts to make things easier to jump to - see separate post): Deeplantern Guild

(I'm working on others ;)).

When a location or group is visited often or plays a major part in a campaign, I try to separate material relating specifically for that place/group into their own page.

Players, especially those doing Adventure Logs can help big time here. Whenever you type the name of a place or organisation use triple square brackets around the name.

1. Place triple square brackets to make link.
2. Make sure place/organisation has correct spelling.
3. Even is there is currently no active link, still place the brackets b/c that lets me know it needs a link. It creates one that I can then work on.

Not sure you are ready for this, but where we ended last session, you just defeated 'Ignatius'. In her quarters, where you are about to hole up (I think) she has a prisoner! If you are ready and wish to come up with a reason why Amanda's PC is here, then this is an easy/ideal spot to get the character in from the get-go!

(If she uses fire magic at all she is drawn to the mountain. Otherwise, come up with any reason to be in or nearby when kapak draconians or cultists likely captured here/him).

So… I especially want to know from Blair/Amanda. When we are together do we continue this game and get Amanda to create a character (or play Nicko's, though I am sure she prefers the latter) OR do we start a new one?

Maybe we could do both. Blair mentioned running Descent into Avernus. We could do that when Amanda is there and Waves of Destiny when she is not.

I am not sure, but want to know what to prep.

Angus prefers to keep playing Waves of Destiny, so at this stage I am not dropping it and can keep as a backup, but do people want this to stay main campaign or do something different when Amanda is in. Obviously, I would really like Blair to ask for Amanda's preferences too - and I do not mind at all what she chooses :)

If we go to Descent into Avernus can we get going on it? Get Blair to start prep, get a website, let us see what races etc and start PCs.

In any case, I want to prep something too.

If I go up 6 XP from Log, and If we do have a session Monday/Tuesday, don't feel pressured to update my character if you don't have time, I'll just go with what I got and extra cards.

Vitkin takes 4th Level in Wizard

• Take 4 for HP
• Ability Score Improvement, +2 to INT, bringing it to 18, I think this gives;
  • +4 INT Modifier
  • 8 spells prepared
  • Spell Save DC - 8+2+4=14
  • Spell Attack modifier - 2+4=6
  • Initiative - +4 (will use INT as part of Lore Mastery)
  • +1 on all INT related skills
• +1 Hit Die
• +1 2nd Level Spell Slot

Spells

• Enlarge/Reduce(2)
• Levitate(2)
• Message(0)
• Swap True Strike(0) for Minor Illusion(0)
• Remember, already swapped Greenflame Blade for Firebolt last level

How much would it cost to purchase Feather Fall(1) and copy it into Vitkin's spellbook?

This should be all the main points.

P.S. Or, once you confirm I’ve levelled, and that the above seems correct, I could probably update from the existing L3 sheet myself.

Vitkin frequents the Stone Wyvern Tavern, conveniently located between the two, and is on good terms with the Rattling's who own and run it, seeing them as also proving the worth of the Nezumi.
He is happy to recommend the Wyvern to anyone who asks, with an energetic "Tell them Vitkin sent ya". He has also often brought off-shift guards and now Watchers to give patronage.
This is where Rocc first approached him to join the Watchers.

I took a pretty liberal approach where you can learn a piece of lore or gain a favour. These are just like rolling a positive relationship dice and keeping it up your sleeve to be called upon at a later time.

Feel free to ask for that lore/favour in you character's private forum if it is something we can sort out b/w games.

But, this character does not have to just be a back-up. With The Watchers, you could control more than one member and then just play the one that is most appropriate for the mission.

For example, Paddy & Amy could decide Celorin and Wolf would be ideal people to lead a group of other Watchers back to Broken Spire Keep, so when the majority of the group decides to stay in Brindol for more city-based adventures, Paddy & Amy bring out their other characters.

(Just like I have sent Hetgrid and Danore with other Watchers on a mission south to the Hammerfist Holds).

Your characters could be interchangeable (and we could even jump to another group for a game if only a few of you are there ;)).

Also, I have gone through the Adventure Log and added direct links to places straight in. In this way, I hope to keep info in the actual Adv Log to a minimum and under the place/realm page you can find more info.

For example, instead of describing Dogra Keep in the Adv Log, it appears as a link (just like I did here) and you can go follow that if you want info.

When not going from direct links from the Adv Log to find 'Dogra Keep' for eg you would:
1. Click on Regions in left hand nav bar (under ELSIR VALE of course).
2. Click Elsir Vale region.
3. On that page scroll down to mini-region of 'Blood Valley' where the keep is. Click its title which is a link. (Anything blue is a link).
4. In the Blood Valley mini-realm is a link to 'Dogra Keep'.

So, it emulates focusing in on the map. Hope that helps.

The Crossroads was NOT where you had drunk with Lyntern before.

But I checked the Adventure Log and see that you did NOT come through here on the way to Blood Valley/Dogra Keep. You struck out across country, skirting the Marth Forest in the hope of leaving Lyntern behind (by not sticking to the roads ;)).

I will add names to the adventure log when Lachy puts it up. Note also that I use links to direct you to these places :)

I suck at running the pre-planned adventure path style adventures. I much prefer to throw a bunch of options at the players and see what goes. A lot of what I prep depends on your character's backgrounds. But what about your tastes as a player?

Here's where I set up the 'More of This/Less of This' forum. :) You don't have to take part. You can answer what suits your character or just what you as a player would like.

The campaign is getting to end of apprentice levels (1-3) & some of you are probably picking up on some big story… but you might not like that story. That's why we are here. That is why you are members of The Watchers. There are several things your characters can be doing and if you don't like the direction of where the big story is going, let's not go there :)

The below is a list of tasks I believe we should do at the start of next session. They mostly cover clean-up from last battle, and intelligence gathering and preparation for what comes next, so even if we decide to do something different, I think we should follow through with the ‘To Do List’.

If we decide what to do now (in regards to the ‘To Do List’), Paul can prepare for the next session.

Location: Mess Hall, Broke Spire Keep
Date: Ravenday, 32nd Coldmoon
Time: Mid-Late Morning

To Do List

1. Disarm 3 prisoners of all weapons, armour and items.
- Male with dog “Killer”
- Female archer in hood
- Female who knocked out Lady Dogra
2. Keep prisoners tied up/under guard while doing the below.
3. Clear the rest of the keep above ground level.
4. Find archer that ran away (if still in keep).
5. Find all entrances to ‘below’ and guard/barricade them
6. Find location to lock up 3 prisoners, preferably separate cells if there are any.
7. Ensure cells are secure and clear of any weapons, items or other objects they could use to harm us, themselves, or use to escape.
8. Interrogate prisoners separately, Khazus and Vitkin should be good at this. (Or maybe I just like the idea of a Ratling Investigator and a Minotaur Inquisitor playing good cop bad cop). Try to find out the following information;
- Name
- Who are they
- Where are they from
- What is their job here
- Are there any other entrances to ‘below’
- Who is the leader
- What are his abilities
- What is his plan, what is he trying to achieve?
- What does he do
- What is “below” draw a map if they know layout.
- How many others are below? Creatures etc.…
- Where are the other prisoners?
- What are they doing to them, why do they need them?
- Who else is stationed above ground?
- When is the next party due back?
- Army of goblinoids, when is the next group due? How many hours/days
9. Question Koss, Boros and Hadris, to see what they know, can they remember anything about what is happening?
- What do they know about ‘below’? Any information, map, how extensive is it?
10. Search keep for useful items, Treasure, spells, items, armour etc.
11. Search keep for information, anything about what is going on here.
- Any schedules about when next group will arrive.
- Maps
- How extensive is ‘below’

Going Forward

Depending on information gathered, we will have several options.
If there is no urgency, we should start by taking a short rest after doing the above.
From there, we can decide what to do next depending on information gathered. We can wait until next session to discuss further, but here are two basic options;

My Suggestions;
1. If enemy reinforcements are more than a few days away, take a long rest, then tackle the below.
Take Lady Dogra with us (she will probably insist on coming with us), and Leave Boros and Hadris above to guard the prisoners.

2. If enemy reinforcements are less than a day or so away, or if we are unprepared for ‘below’ (too extensive, or calibre of enemies is expected to be too much), then we Take loot, prisoners etc… back to Dogra keep, and contact Rocc for reinforcements to hold keep while we assault below.

Discuss any changes here if you like. ;) It was pretty easy, as there weren't any choices to be made other than your archetype, which seems pretty cool-nasty :P

Discuss any changes here if you like. ;) It was pretty easy, as there weren't any choices to be made ;)

It is actually +3 (still good :P). Add your spellcasting ability modifier = Wis mod. Not spell attack bonus which is spellcasting ability modifier AND proficiency bonus.

I added an entry to your weapon chart for using magic stones too.

First off gear wise is going to be an endless pouch of stones.

Feats I've been looking at are Skulker, Light Frame and Alert.

I've also just noticed that Magic Stone is the only attack cantrip that doesn't scale with level. So will probably end up looking at ways around that down the line when it turns obsolete.

1 thing I realised I have done wrong with warlock spells; I added your patron spells to your spells known. I should not have, they simply are added to your list of possible spells you can choose your spells from.

So we are going to have to determine which spells to drop from Danore's character sheet. Deb, if you see this, tell me which 2 spells to drop.

If having trouble, perhaps look around for a few YouTube vids on playing them. I just stumbled on this and was watching it.

Cannel is now 3rd level. I have levelled her up and added all new features. Take note of your TENETS in the roleplaying section - these make up your OATH.

• What you would like Koss to achieve (personal goals/quests).
• Gaming stats he wants. Eg. list feats that you like and other choices ahead of time.
• Wishlist items. Actual stuff to be planted in the game that would be useful/cool for Koss.
• Even things like, 'more of this' (eg creatures, themes, etc) or 'less of this'. (I sometimes send this sort of thing out as a forum post after a few sessions for everyone to have a bit of a say.

I did this so you can look ahead at what features you will be getting and it might have some roleplaying ideas in the description.

Having a read, methinks you may have selected very wisely for events to come. Mwahahahhaah. :P

I have chosen you list that I think suits an Authority cleric/inquisitor. Having 2nd level spells will be cool :)

Gratz on new character.

I thought I would just post this bit here, detailing Vitkin's interactions of the immediate aftermath of the previous day (pretty sure we were camping the night and going straight into the next day).
If you don't like the idea, I'll scrap it, but I like the idea of building a repertoire between the Ratlings, and putting it here may save us some time later.

One of the first creatures Koss saw as his mind cleared (other than the lumbering form of Khazus) was a fellow Nezumi, removing manacles from his paws.
The Nezumi introduced himself as Vitkinsan'tik'til, Wizard, former Lion Guard from Brindol and current member of the Watchers.
Vitkin spent most of the evening and night tending to, examining, and questioning the previously mind controlled Koss.
While there were the usual questions of home, family, work, with Vitkin prompting conversation with his own tales, the conversation quickly moved to more recent events, how Koss came to the Forest, what he remembered, what he had seen, how did he feel. While genuinely friendly and concerned, Vitkin seemed to be very interested in the Marth Forest, and in particular, whatever Koss had been rambling about when they first found him.
The chatting (almost entirely in the rattling) went on into the first watch, which Vitkin shared with Cannel, ending only when the watch was relieved, and both agreed they should sleep for what would come the next day.

Interesting, I did wonder if it was Vitkin due to being a Ratling who originated in the Marth Forest.

If you want me to upgrade PC Sheets etc., I kinda need to know ASAP.

I take it you guys took them home to up them to 3rd level. How is that going? You need help or want me to update PC sheets to print again?

So I am taking it you took it to have a look at what to do to take Danore to 3rd level. How is that going? You want me to update PC sheet?

Did I need to do anything to get a 3rd level sheet printed or are you all over this?

I am going to advance him by taking the average hit points and I will put together a 2nd level spell list of appropriate spells for him. (If you wish to swap some later you can let me know - but our house rules are you get 12 spells on list).

Please check your personality there. Those are the dot points that roleplaying are awarded for. Most chips thrown your way should be b/c you portrayed these features that make up your character. Think of ways you can portray them.

If you do not like these or wish to take character in another direction, then we need to change these, but these personality points are how I (and other characters) expect your character to interact with others and the world.

On the Scales of War Character Page there are a couple of sections there about Gaming Goals & Wish List.

Feel free to edit the page yourself (if you are a member here) OR just tell me (in your character's forum or by any other written means: text, Twitter, etc) and I will do so. There ARE advantages to having these sections filled in ;)

Gaming Goals.
These could be a lot of things including:

• Things you want your PC to do.
• Quests they would like to undertake.
• People they would like to meet etc.

But can also be more meta-gamey too, such as:

• Stating the types of encounters you would like to see more of.
• It is a GREAT place to list AHEAD of time what your character is going to do at future levels. (For my PCs, I list all the things (class advancements, feats etc) where a choice needs to be made here. I then roll from those when the time comes to choosing. Basically, I narrow down the options well before hand. So for those of you already looking at the next few levels, maybe collect your options here).

Wish List
This is basically your chance to state exactly what items, etc you would LOVE for your PC to come across.

Don't stress which heading these go under - perhaps I should just combine, but there are advantages to having something here…

Mostly as a note to myself, but I’m thinking my next two spells for next level to be;
Spider Climb (I want to see a Minotaur walking upside down on a ceiling :p )
Scorching Ray

Cheers

Have a look - tell me your thoughts.

I just wanted to say a few things regarding the actual playing group, not the characters or setting.

First of all, I don't mind large groups. Many prefer small, but having run for kids at school, and some larger groups in the past, it does not particularly bother me, but there are things to consider.

1st. It is not easy. ;) I try to run very character-driven campaigns and involve your backstories etc. That is what the Renown & Relationship dice are meant to do. Given we have so many players, when next we roll these, I am going to suggest choosing 2 relationships only, rather than 3 each.

Also means I forget to do some things I had planned. I really had something I wanted to do all along for a certain PC if they every entered the Marth Forest and especially if they encountered an aberration like you did. Trying to get things rolling and getting the attention of 8 players, I completely forgot. (I might have to resolve some of that in some private posts. ;)

2nd. Thanks for your patience. With 8 of you, you all realise the spotlight cannot be on your PC all the time. The more players, the harder this balancing act is, but I appreciate players being cool with others taking the spotlight for a time… yours will come :)

3rd. Combat. I love combat. I also love a heavy roleplaying game. More importantly, I like a bit of each, as well as exploration. However, I defaulted to a couple of combats Friday. These were encounters, but I was happy for combat to take up a fair part of the night b/c we had a new player and some straight up action is an easy way for them to get involved without pressure of RPing. Also, combat ensures everyone gets their turn. In interaction situations that can be hard, and I have even resorted to using initiative in those situations with large groups (and might again). This encourages those that would otherwise sit and say nothing to actually consider something on their go, but they can always choose to say nothing. Anyway, with so many players, combat ensures you get to do something and gets attention of all.

If I had just one thing to add to this, it would be, try to be ready BEFORE your turn. I know things change etc. but having the spell description ready before your turn for eg would be great :)

Also, rolling dice together will help, but I will speak about this ;). ie roll attack AND damage at same time. Also roll 2 d20s for advantage, rather than picking up and rolling again.

4th. We are not going to get as much done with 8 people. Rarely will we achieve what I have planned. That is okay, but just be aware, progress will be slow, especially when all of you want your time to shine and interact, which you should. To help, this may mean, there are some encounters/situations where you do take a back seat. if your PC is not of major importance to a situation, let others deal with it ;) Even combat - for example, if you are at the back of the party in a corridor and get an early initiative card simply go on hold until those at the front move or sort the situation out. (I have noticed a lot of people wanting to move through combats and shoot into combat. Usually, my penalties for this are a lot worse. Remember all combatants are MOVING/evading/lunging/fighting, not standing still. So again, I know you all want to be involved all the time, but expect to start affecting other characters if trying to move near them when fighting or shooting 'through' them). ;)

5th. Another thing people can do to keep progress going is keep up to date with things here, especially the Adventure Log. Any changes to your character sheet or what happened last session does not have to take game time then. Even better, add to the PC Page or the Adventure Log yourself! That would be awesome. If someone is interested, the Adv Log could even become an actual character's journal. :)

If people want to take over their PC Sheets themselves, I don't mind. I am happy to do them and as long as I do, I will use my Word docs sorted the way they are. If this does not gel with you, feel free to do your PC however you wish, including on D&D Beyond. ;)

Anyway, just some random thoughts :D And to let some of you know 8 players is not a typical game, but doable.

No swaps or racial bonuses etc.