DreamLyrics™ Play-by-Post
Posted By: Neptune Introduction and PC building thread - Wed 20/08/14 14:50 UTC
Welcome one and all to D&D 5th edition!

Everything you need to build characters and learn about the system is here: D&D Adventurer's League Resource Center.

Yes, this will be played using Adventurer league rules. So follow the guidelines in that hand-out to make your PC's. I'll take PC sheets in any format you like. Pick a faction. Pick an alignment. If you have a Player's Handbook available, you are free to make up a PC of any class or race in it. If you don't and want to play something in the PHB, PM me and we'll work it out.

This is about learning the game but also to have fun. When I have 5 players, we start. I hope to move it fast. Yes, we'll roleplay, but we won't linger.

Ask questions here. Anyone can answer them.
Posted By: AJ Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Wed 20/08/14 17:13 UTC
Anyone got any preference as to what they want to be?
Posted By: KenSeg Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Wed 20/08/14 17:16 UTC
Not yet. Just bought the PH today so I have reading to do smile
Posted By: Zeim Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Wed 20/08/14 17:40 UTC
I've played several pc types already so I am willing to fill in whatever the gap is after other choose.
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Wed 20/08/14 18:59 UTC
So I have AJ, Gypsy, kenseg, pandemonium, Nivek & Zeim
That's 6. Perfect. I saw Mina post interest too. I think I'll close the game With that and open it back only if needed.
Posted By: KenSeg Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Wed 20/08/14 19:15 UTC
Hey Neptune, are we using just the basic four classes from the PDF or all of them from the Players Handbook?
Posted By: Zeim Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Wed 20/08/14 19:26 UTC
My guess (and Neptune can correct me if I'm wrong) is that if you went out and bought the PHB you can create a 1st level pc of any class in there. If you are only using the Basic Rules pdf then you'd create one of the 4 classes it has. Otherwise he'd have to scan the book and upload it and that's not only a PITA but also has copy-write issues involved.
Posted By: KenSeg Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Wed 20/08/14 19:28 UTC
I am fine with either way as I got the book for my FTF game. Just want to know for character concept reasons.
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Wed 20/08/14 20:10 UTC
We are using all PC classes and races from the PHB. Constraints are any Adventuer's League constraints like for alignment and certain priest domains. These will be legal AL PC's and will earn renown, downtime, etc.
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Wed 20/08/14 20:17 UTC
The hook for all of you will be similar. You are here to meet a dwarf named Gundren Rockseeker at the Driftwood Tavern for a job. If and how you know him is up to you.
Posted By: AJ Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Wed 20/08/14 21:43 UTC
Going to be going for a Fighter, taking the Eldritch Knight archetype a couple levels down the line.
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Wed 20/08/14 22:23 UTC
Nice choice!
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Wed 20/08/14 23:19 UTC
Oops. Left MikeD off. He's in
Posted By: Nivek Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 01:09 UTC
I'm thinking Dwarven Cleric
Posted By: MikeD Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 01:25 UTC
Thinking about a ranger or a rogue. Will be happy to wait and see if anyone wants either of those and I will take the other.

Posted By: Pandemonium Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 04:10 UTC
Hmm my PHB arrives Friday. In the meantime I was looking through the pdf. I am happy to fill in to most roles. I tend to lean towards fighter types normally, but happy to play a spell slinger or other element. Which really doesn't say much I know. Will have more after I have a chance to read and cogitate a bit more.
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 05:04 UTC
There are more than enough classes and sub-classes as well as races to go around.

Races: Dwarf, Elf, Halfling, Human, Dragonborn, Gnome, Half-elf, Half-orc, Tiefling

Classes: Barbarian, Bard, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Monk, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

Some races have sub-races. Most classes have sub-classes or other ways to vary the class. There's enough choice to go around. If you want ideas or help, drop me a PM.

I played a "Lightfoot" halfling rogue that picked the arcane trickster archtype. That made him sort of a Mage/Thief. Variety is the spice of life.

Oh, and because we are playing Adventurer League rules, if you decide to change your PC at any time before 5th level NO PROBLEM. You can change from a male dwarven fighter to a female elven wizard without losing XP's earned and with my blessing wink
Posted By: Nivek Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 11:29 UTC
I assume everything but Fighter, Rogue, Cleric, Wizard require the actual book, same for the basic races. I didn't see anything else on the PDF I was reading. Although I guess it doesn't matter a lot. Still want Cleric, but might have considered another race.
Posted By: Gypsy Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 11:34 UTC
I'd like to start out as a female human rogue if no-one has any problem with that? smile
Posted By: MikeD Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 13:35 UTC
Just to clarify Nep - You can change anything about your character =EXCEPT= the name. That is set the first time you play the character.

The other 'caveat' with change - If you change factions, you lose any 'points' you had with that faction ... you traitor you. And you start with no points in your new faction ... how can we trust someone that will abandon their commitment that way <g>

Other than that, change away!!

Correct Nivek ... although Nep did mention that he would be happy to help anyone that doesn't have the book develop their character using content from the book. And I am willing to help with that too.

OK ... guess I will go with the ranger then <g>

Posted By: AJ Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 13:47 UTC
Throwing my hat in the 'poke me if you need help' ring.
Posted By: Zeim Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 13:47 UTC
Nep - Once you get a requested class list from everyone, can you publish? I will fill in any gaps with my pc.

Otherwise, I can play my Tiefling Warlock I built at Gencon. I'll just change the name and put him back to 1st level. Easy-peasy.
Posted By: AJ Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 14:09 UTC
So far, looks like:

AJ: Fighter (Eldritch Knight eventually) Dragonborn, half-Orc or Human.
Niv: Cleric, Dwarf or a PHB uncommon race
Gypsy: Female Human Rogue
MikeD: Ranger
Zeim: Tiefling Warlock or fill gaps
Pande: Fighter type, happy to switch it up.
Kenseg: ?
Mina: ?
Posted By: Nivek Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 14:40 UTC
I'll stick with Dwarf. There so cute and cuddly wink
Posted By: Zeim Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 15:18 UTC
Looks like, for the other two pcs, we could use a Wizard at least. Then maybe a Bard, Paladin, or Druid?
Posted By: Gypsy Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 15:52 UTC
Ok I have succumbed to temptation and ordered the PHB! grin
Posted By: MikeD Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 16:11 UTC
Oooo ... question. Are we starting at 1st ... or some other level?

Posted By: Nivek Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 16:46 UTC
Neptune> Do you (or anyone else) have an editable character sheet? If not, what format do you want this in?

Or maybe a better question, will you be coming up with character generation rules? Or just use standard stats and all that?
Posted By: Pandemonium Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 17:04 UTC
So a question about halflings, do they still have to use small weapons ie do less damage?

For some reason a raging halfling great weapon using barbarian sounds entertaining to me. But I don't want to hamstring the character.

I could easily play a paladin. Why am I stuck on a halfling. Great weapon Paladin? Sheesh.
Posted By: AJ Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 17:18 UTC
Character submitted, went with a Dragonborn Fighter of Noble background, affiliated to the Lord's Alliance. If anyone wants some nefarious plotting or backstoryage, poke me.

Pande: Weapons have a property 'Heavy' which gives small characters Disadvantage when using them.
Posted By: Nivek Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 17:25 UTC
Thinking Dwarven (Hill Dwarf) cleric. Thinking Soldier background.

Thinking War Domain. (Thanks AJ)

(Seeing a trend here?)

Member of The Order of the Gauntlet


Posted By: Pandemonium Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 17:37 UTC
Thanks AJ. I figured that was the case and yes that would hamstring the toon in my opinion.

Though I suppose I could go finesse, with lighter weapons. Just doesn't have the punch I had hoped for.

Heh, Tiefling Paladin. Hmm that sounds entertaining but so many questions and have to wait till Friday evening before I can look stuff up.

Posted By: AJ Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 17:43 UTC
There are some Versatile weapons that can be wielded two-handed but don't have the heavy tag, such as Spear, Trident, Warhammer, Longsword and Battleaxe. They get a damage die boost when wielded 2-handed.
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 17:51 UTC
Gypsy,
Hint: I know you wanted a human rogue but there is a major advantage to playing a lightfoot halfling. They are small and can hide behind their own party members with a successful stealth roll. With that they can gain advantage and the "sneak" damage. See page 17 of the Basic Rules.
Posted By: Zeim Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 18:16 UTC
Here's a link to a pc sheet pdf. There are more easily fillable ones around. I need to look for them again.

http://media.wizards.com/downloads/dnd/TODCharacterSheet.pdf

OK, I think I found the better one. It has a tab on it for spellcasters that toggles the pages for non-spell casters and spell casters.

http://www.enworld.org/forum/rpgdownloads.php?do=download&downloadid=1053
Posted By: Pandemonium Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 18:43 UTC
Ok, you have convinced me. Halfing (likely Stout) Probably Battle Axe weilding, Paladin. Will know more, backgrounds and such when my PHB arrives on Friday. Not set in stone, but I will go Paladin if no one else wants it. The race and weapons still being sorted as I want to see the options within the framework of the game.
Posted By: Zeim Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Thu 21/08/14 23:26 UTC
PC sheet submitted. Tiefling Warlock. Zhentarim Faction. If I need to change to something else to balance the party, no issues.
Posted By: KenSeg Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Fri 22/08/14 00:03 UTC
I will see what Mina wants and fill in with what is needed since I get to play this FTF every Saturday smile
Posted By: MikeD Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Fri 22/08/14 00:37 UTC
FWIW, my human ranger, Bern, will be a member of the Emerald Enclave ... of course <g>

Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Fri 22/08/14 02:24 UTC
Zeim and I both played PC's who were Zhentarim at Gencon.

And BTW, the Zhentarim emerged as the "champions" of the Epic Corruption in Kryptgarden convention event.
Posted By: Gypsy Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Fri 22/08/14 13:09 UTC
Not overly found of playing non humans. I'll think on it.. depends on the background story I can come up with.
Posted By: Gypsy Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Fri 22/08/14 14:03 UTC
OK, going human Calashite female Thief, Zhentarim Faction, Sage background. Intending to play a 'tomb raider' type explorer, rather than a typical thief. smile

Background is building nicely. smile

How do I do stats - roll dice, use points.. ? smile
Posted By: MikeD Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Fri 22/08/14 14:13 UTC
Adventure's League uses an 'assignment' method for stats. You have a 15, 14, 13, 12, 10 & 8 that you can assign any way that you like. Then add any 'bumps' from race, class, etc.

Posted By: Gypsy Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Fri 22/08/14 14:18 UTC
That is one method in the pdf yes, but there are others. Want to know which Neptune is adopting or do we get the choice? grin
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Fri 22/08/14 14:23 UTC
Gypsy,
What MikeD said.
You can also use the point-buy system. Distribute 27 points:
Code
Score Cost 
  8    0
  9    1
 10    2
 11    3
 12    4
 13    5
 14    7
 15    9


And my "rules" are 100% the Adventurer's League rules.
Posted By: Zeim Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Fri 22/08/14 15:33 UTC
Gypsy - Best split for a human is probably:

15, 15, 13, 10, 9, 9 = 27 points. Then when you add the +1 to all stats a human gets you have 16, 16, 14, 11, 10, 10.
Posted By: Pandemonium Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Fri 22/08/14 16:34 UTC
Thanks for that calc Zeim.
Posted By: Zeim Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Fri 22/08/14 17:36 UTC
Pande - NP. Other races have different splits because they get different stat bumps than humans do.
Posted By: Pandemonium Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Fri 22/08/14 17:58 UTC
Well I will be sure to ask when I have settled on a race. Which hopefully will be later today or tomorrow.
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Fri 22/08/14 18:21 UTC
We'll go this through the weekend for PC setup and I'll probably be running 2 games unless someone else volunteers to run "virtual-table#2".

I posted the following in the Message Gaming Center but I'll do it here too...

If I play a character in a game and one of the players DM's we could do 2 parties of 5 (which is ideal) easily. We each get a PC and 2 people who play, also DM. Here's a role-call of players interested:

  • AJ
  • Exeter
  • Gypsy
  • KenSeg
  • MikeD
  • Mina
  • Neptune (DM)
  • Nivek
  • Pandemonium
  • Zeim


Posted By: KenSeg Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Fri 22/08/14 18:35 UTC
Okay so wizard or bard for me. I am just reading the book and should have something done over the weekend.
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Fri 22/08/14 18:43 UTC
Folks, contemplate 2 parties. I'll divide things up in a sensible way to keep party configuration balanced.
Posted By: Zeim Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Fri 22/08/14 21:27 UTC
Pande & Others:

Point distribution for non-humans - (except half-elves) All non-humans (except half-elves) get +2 to one specific stat and +1 to one other specific stat. Best point distribution IMO is:

14, 14, 13, 12, 10, 10 = 27 points

Then you put one of the 14's in the stat you get +2 to and the 13 in the stat you get +1 to and you end up with:

16, 14, 14, 12, 10, 10

Half-elves get a +2 to Cha and +1 to 2 different stats of their choice so it's a little different, but you can do the same thing basically and end up with:

16, 14, 14, 12, 11, 10 or such.
Posted By: Zeim Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Fri 22/08/14 21:46 UTC
Alright, if no one else wants to volunteer I can give it a try so Neptune can play and so we don't have to turn anyone away.

However, I have a workshop at work all week next week then in mid-September I have a week-long business trip to Barcelona, first week of October I have a business trip to Rhode Island, and mid October I have a conference in Austin for a week. I expect I am going to be slow posting at times.
Posted By: Nivek Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Fri 22/08/14 23:29 UTC
Ugh saved that pdf form and voila, everything gone. I think I'll just stick to text.
Posted By: Zeim Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 00:13 UTC
If you press the "Clear Form" button, that is what happens...... wink
Posted By: Pandemonium Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 02:19 UTC
I know AJ picked a Dragonborn fighter and I don't want to be too close to another PC, but since we have two groups possibly, we have options.

How about a Dragonborn Paladin. Not sure which oath yet, thinking either the nature one, which would align nicely with the Emerald faction, or Vengeance.

Leaning towards The Emerald Enclave and for a background Outlander.

If AJ's character and mine are in the same game, nefarious backstory plotting is a definite possibility.

Thanks again for the calc Zeim. It will make my character build much easier.
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 03:44 UTC
Zeim,
Thanks for helping out. We'll just pick each other up when things get busy. It'll happen for me too.

So we need to have a fantasy draft for the players....

Oh, that for baseball and football, but is does sound almost right wink

Posted By: KenSeg Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 03:46 UTC
I like that idea. You two get to pick who you have in your games grin
Posted By: Gypsy Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 08:02 UTC
Also Neil expressed an interest! smile
Posted By: AJ Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 09:45 UTC
Pande, if your character is a paladin, you don't need to worry about being too close to mine. wink
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 12:40 UTC
I think Neil said he would lurk but with 2 groups, there's now room for more players.
Posted By: Zeim Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 13:57 UTC
np Pande.

However, with two parties now we definitely need someone else to take a Cleric. We need one in each group.
Posted By: Exeter Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 14:12 UTC
I wouldn't mind playing a cleric.
Posted By: Zeim Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 14:19 UTC
Btw, to throw another wrinkle in to the stats discussion, if you are willing to accept a penalty for one of your stats (8 gives you a -1 penalty), instead of:

16, 14, 14, 12, 10, 10

You can do:

16, 16, 14, 10, 10, 8 (this is after the racial mods)

Keep in mind to use any of these examples I am giving you have to put the higher numbers in those stats your race gives you a benefit to. IOW you can't take a High Elf Wizard and try to put you highest stats into Str and Con. They have to go to Dex and Int. Otherwise the examples I gave don't work.
Posted By: Exeter Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 15:13 UTC
I haven't had time yet to read more than about half the basic pdf file (hope to finish it up tomorrow) but I'm thinking about a human cleric...

Maybe...
STR 14
DEX 10
CON 14
INT 10
WIS 16
CHA 12

Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 16:04 UTC
The classes that have the "cure wounds" spells are: cleric, druid, ranger, paladin and bard. Note that the ranger and paladin don't get spells until 2nd level but the paladin has lay on hands which gives him/her a 5hp/level pool of cures.
Posted By: Zeim Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 16:41 UTC
Only proviso to that is Bard has to choose his "Known Spells", meaning he'd have to choose 'Cure Wounds' to be in his repertoire. All the others have no "Known Spell" limit so they can choose from among all the spells in their Class List.
Posted By: Pandemonium Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 17:24 UTC
Ok playing with the stats on the Dragonborn Paladin.
Str 16
Int 10 or 8 depending on feedback
Wis 12
Dex 10 or 8 depending on feedback
Con 14
Cha 16

So trying to decide which Dex or Int for the dump stat, so to speak. I am leaning towards Dex, but would like feedback. Since he will be in heavy armor, I suspect Dex will never be all that useful. Other than dodging and that just can't be helped.

I also seem him as smarter rather than quicker. And from what I am reading Wisdom is useful for his saves.

Still working my way through the book and character creation, but that is the beginning arrangement.
Thanks for the help folks.
Posted By: Zeim Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 17:49 UTC
You can't have 16, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8. You can have either:

16, 14, 14, 12, 10, 10 or
16, 16, 14, 10, 10, 8

Wisdom is used for Perception, including Passive Perception (noticing something without specifically looking for it). All the stats are used for Saves, depending on what the Save is. Combat Saves, for damage effects, versus Spells tend to be Dex or Con mostly. Combat Saves for Charm type spells tend to be Wis.

If he is going to wear heavy armour, yes, his Dex won't help his AC, but remember that all of those Stats are also used in his Skills. The Dex Skills are:

Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand, and Stealth (none of which it sounds like he cares about)

The Int skills are:

Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature, and Religion (most of which I think he might be interested in).

So I think, all in all, if you want him to be smarter, then yes, put the 8 in Dex.
Posted By: Pandemonium Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 18:01 UTC
So I guess it comes down to which is of greater benefit, +3 from Cha for a lot of his stuff, or +2, and have a +1 from Wisdom for Perception and other skill stuff that he will eventually take. Your original layout is more balanced, but I have to figure out what it means for him as a character.

I guess having one less of a bonus in Cha for a bonus in Wis might be a good trade off. Ultimately it all works, just trying to figure out what it means for him. Obviously he is still a sapling and has a way to grow.

Thanks perfect feedback and of course the correction. smile
Posted By: Zeim Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 18:07 UTC
Keep in mind that his spells are Cha based, meaning he uses Cha as the basis for any spell bonuses he gets, so don't drop it too low. It should definitely get the 14, since you need to put the 16's in Str and Con because that's where your racial bonuses are. I think the stats sort of place themselves for you. If you want to go for the second 16 and take the 8, then it seems:

Str - 16
Con - 16
Dex - 8
Wis - 10
Int - 10
Cha - 14
Posted By: Pandemonium Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 18:22 UTC
Hmm, is there an errata? Dragonborn seem to have bonuses in Strength and Cha, partly why I picked him. It is also why Con had a 14, Str and Cha both 16 with the alternative build.
Posted By: Zeim Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 20:03 UTC
Nope, you are correct. I read quickly. So it'd be:

Str 16
Con 14
Dex 8
Wis 10
Int 10
Cha 16

Or

Str 16
Con 14
Dex 10
Wis 12
Int 10
Cha 14
Posted By: MikeD Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 20:24 UTC
pande, be aware that, while the -1 on dex isn't a problem for AC if you wear heavy armor, there are 'skills' that use it <g> So decide how important Acrobatics, Stealth or Slight of Hand are to your character.
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 21:33 UTC
I'll harken back to 1st edition. The Paladin had more "stat" requirements than any other class - including a 17 charisma! The only stat that they didn't have a requirement for was dex. So, conceptually, I understand why you would dump dex. But Dex also is needed for range attacks, initiative rolls and armor class - all of them important for a fighter type. Intelligence might be a better dump because it's primarily about knowledge and arcane/wizard type magic. Paladins draw magical power from wisdom.
Posted By: Pandemonium Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 21:44 UTC
As much as a PC loves to have Stealth, and as a Knight of the Wood, or something like that, he would need that skill. I can't take all that he has to be at 1st level. So some spots will have holes.

The trick is what numerically (because I am a math head and that is how I roll) works out most advantageous. I like the two 16s but that forces an 8 someplace as well as giving up the 12.

I know that the character will level given time but it isn't likely to be too fast and attribute bumps are far apart.

Haven't got to the skill section in the PHB yet. It seems a different sort of organization, no "here is the summary" section. Maybe I just haven't found it yet. But no matter I will work through it.

Honestly if I looked at 4 skills without regard to the backgrounds etc... I think Athletics, Survival (both given by Outlander, why I picked it), Stealth and Insight. Though someplace I would love to see Nature in his mix. Instead of Medicine. But I can live without Stealth, heavy armor and all that. Insight and the first two he can have. So all I have to figure out is Nature at some point.
Posted By: Pandemonium Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 22:50 UTC
How does one get other skills, at level 1 or higher?
Posted By: AJ Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 22:59 UTC
Part of background, class or race.
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sat 23/08/14 23:40 UTC
Since I'll be playing too, I should say what it is I'm playing. I'll be playing a halfling rogue (arcane trickster).

The roster as I think it is so far....

AJ: Fighter (Eldritch Knight) Dragonborn
Nivek: Cleric Dwarf
Gypsy: Rogue Human
MikeD: Ranger Human
Zeim: Warlock Tiefling
Pande: Paladin Dragonborn
Kenseg: Bard/Wizard
Mina: TBD
Exeter: Cleric Human
Neptune: Rogue (Arcane Trickster) Halfling

Posted By: Nivek Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sun 24/08/14 01:12 UTC
I'm taking a -8 in Dex, wearing Heavy armor though and going to make so much noise that there will be no stealth smile
Posted By: MikeD Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sun 24/08/14 02:13 UTC
I am going in the other party <weg>

Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sun 24/08/14 13:36 UTC
LOL. -8 dex means that surprise will be rare. He might as well wear a helmet that glows and put bells on his toes wink
Posted By: Nivek Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sun 24/08/14 13:38 UTC
if they add to wisdom or strength, I'll take them smile
Posted By: Zeim Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sun 24/08/14 13:53 UTC
All in all looks like it'll be pretty easy to put two balanced parties together. Especially if Mina likes Wizards.
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sun 24/08/14 16:32 UTC
I posted my character sheet in the gallery as the text for the picture. The format I used was stolen from Nivek's. I thought it was simple and clear. There's no reason to hide your sheets. Remove anything you think is "private" for your DM and PM him (when you find out who it is).

If you have a more elaborate format, like a filled in PDF, post that instead. No problem-o.
Posted By: Pandemonium Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sun 24/08/14 18:41 UTC
I posted a text version of my character sheet in the gallery. Please people with more familiarity take a look and see if it is done correctly. As always with a first foray things might go awry.
Thanks
Posted By: AJ Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sun 24/08/14 21:51 UTC
I just eyeballed mine on notepad. I'll append to the gallery.
Posted By: KenSeg Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sun 24/08/14 22:10 UTC
Okay, put me in the non LE group please grin

Leave the evil buggers to kill each other off.
Posted By: AJ Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sun 24/08/14 22:33 UTC
Don't worry, backstabbing other party members is clearly and explicitly banned. I suspect the LE folk are just going to be greedy, unscrupulous, willing to kill every being outside of civilised areas that try to get in the party's way. You know, adventurers.
Posted By: Pandemonium Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sun 24/08/14 22:40 UTC
Wow I didn't even look at the algnments. I created a Paladin you know LG. This particular one is a encourager of the light, believe in life and goodness. He is so going to die a short death if in the LE party, even if they do agree on Law.
Posted By: AJ Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sun 24/08/14 23:54 UTC
As per the Adventurer's League rules:

Quote
No Undermining of Other Characters During
Adventures.
Adventurers are brought together by
common cause, and during an adventure, they’re
expected to work together to overcome challenges.
Though certain factions might find others distasteful,
individuals will put that aside and become a team when
put in dangerous situations. In short, play nice with each
other when things get deadly.


You'll be fine. The same thing that prevents your guy smiting my guy prevents my guy stabbing yours: We're in this together come what may despite any personal misgivings.
Posted By: KenSeg Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 00:10 UTC
Yeah except unless they have changed the rules a Paladin can't associate with an evil character. Haven't really read up on that recently but that is definitely how I would play a LG paladin.

"Don't worry Pally, you can hang out with my wizard smile
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 00:14 UTC
OK. Here's a fact. Zeim and I are both <ahem> Zhentarim so there's no "evil" party and no party devoid of an "evil" presence. I know that my PC leans to the criminal side of neutral. Is he going to commit murder? Will he rape and pillage? Is he going to torture innocent children? No. Will he feel guilty about lying to a guard to get past him? Maybe, but he'll get over it. Will he roll loaded dice in a game of chance? Yes, because the ends justifies the means, until he gets caught.

The ultra good (read goody two-shoes paladins and clerics) might find it a particular challenge to try and help him and other lost souls like him repent for his sins and show him the way. While they're doing that he might be palming the coin from their collection plates.

In Adventurer League play the 5 factions (including the mostly evil Zhentarim) are unifying to keep the Cult of the Dragon from succeeding. Consider it a roleplaying challenge to work with those who have lesser morals.
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 00:21 UTC
Ken,

Paladins are not prohibited from associating with evil people. The fact that you (metagaming) know a PC's alignment does not trigger your PC's Divine Sense (detect evil). That's reserved for demons, devils, desecrated areas and undead.

Also from the Adventure's League
Allowed Alignments

D&D Adventurers League play focuses on creating a welcoming, fun environment. Though we recognize that most players are able to portray characters who run a wide range of motivations, we’ve decided to restrict alignment choices to keep groups from becoming too self-destructive. The following alignments are not allowed in the D&D Adventurers League:

• Neutral evil
• Chaotic evil

In addition, the following alignment is restricted to Lords’ Alliance or Zhentarim faction characters only:

• Lawful evil

Posted By: KenSeg Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 00:28 UTC
What can I say, old school here. smile

Posted By: Nivek Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 00:43 UTC
Yeah I saw all those Zentarim's. Will be fun, especially with some of the background traits I have.
Posted By: Pandemonium Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 01:28 UTC
There is a reason why most of my games, DnD or otherwise don't have alignments anymore. wink
Posted By: MikeD Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 01:49 UTC
Depends on your view of the 'lawful' part of LE Nep <weg>

As for LG 'consorting' with LE, how are you supposed to help them see the error of the path they have chosen, and so get them onto the correct one Ken? Why you have to lead by example <weg>

In the end, alignment plays a part in giving your character direction ... just like the 'ideal', the 'bond' and the 'flaw' that you select as part of your background help with that sort of thing.

Posted By: KenSeg Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 01:51 UTC
Hey, that is the paladin and cleric's problem. I am a wizard. As long as they don't mess with my spell book or any scrolls or wands we find, I am cool. If they do, they are toast grin
Posted By: Exeter Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 02:01 UTC
I noticed in the PDF introduction I downloaded that the cleric's saving throw abilities are wisdom and charisma, but it doesn't say anything about charisma being tied to turn undead or anything else I can find.

Is there any particular reason my character cleric would need a higher score than 10 in charisma?
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 04:05 UTC
None that I see, but I haven't read all the rules yet.
Posted By: AJ Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 04:17 UTC
<LE>I have no interest in damaging, harming or otherwise rendering unusable any spell books, scrolls or magic items.</LE>
Posted By: KenSeg Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 11:27 UTC
<Turns AJ into a newt> grin
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 11:56 UTC
Now that is evil.
Posted By: Zeim Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 12:08 UTC
In the new context, my impression of LE is basically "selfish". It is no longer the person who tortures women and children, as it used to be in old versions. It is now just the person who thinks mostly of what they personally have to gain from working with others than doing so for any sort of intrinsic good ideals. They are in it for personal power, not to help others. If helping others gains them that personal power, they're fine with that.
Posted By: MikeD Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 13:48 UTC
I think you nailed it there Zeim <g>

Posted By: Zeim Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 14:14 UTC
If you consider pop culture, Han Solo can be considered L/E thru all of the Star Wars films.

At the end of Episode IV, when he comes back to help Luke, it can be argued that he does it because he sees the chance for personal glory and power more than for any altruistic reasons. After all, he becomes a General by the end of Episode VI. Also during Episode V he sees that he can't get anywhere working with the Empire, and he ends up with a personal debt to Luke for freeing him from the Carbonite.

By siding with the Rebels during the films he has gone from a unknown, petty smuggler to one of the most powerful men in the new power structure.
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 14:36 UTC
Here are some other heroes with dubious alignments.

Catwoman
Judge Dredd
Hellboy
Constantine
Angel and Spike (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Spawn
Jack Bauer

Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 15:19 UTC
A couple of nifty links I found:


Handy-dandy player reference

5e Spellbook that makes spell cards (a la 4e)
Posted By: MikeD Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 17:28 UTC
Hmmm I have to disagree with several of those. Solo, Constantine and Angel, at least are not 'evil' as I envision it. More like Chaotic something. I would say chaotic good for them ... CN for spawn, spike & hellboy ... although I am on the fence about Hellboy. I could make a case for CG for him <g>

Don't know Baur, but agree that Catwoman is CE or LE.

Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 18:21 UTC
All worthy of debate, which proves the point that alignments aren't black and white. There are degrees of good and evil. How can you tell by just looking? Is Donald Sterling evil or stupid (or both)? What about his gal-pal Viviana Stiviano? Is she evil for throwing him under the bus and profiting from his misery?

-Constantine was slated for an eternity in hell after committing suicide.

-Angel/aka Angelus, was called the "The Scourge of Europe" up until he was cursed to have a soul again.

-Spawn was an assassin who made a pact with a demon.


Posted By: Gypsy Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 20:26 UTC
Now my guests have departed, should have my character ready by tomorrow I hope! Still waiting for my new book to arrive (tomorrow hopefully) but will go forward with the pdf if not smile
Posted By: Gypsy Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 20:29 UTC
I have some background I want to discuss with the GM in PM.. do I talk to Neptune, Zeim or both of you? grin
Posted By: Zeim Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 20:47 UTC
Both please. Not sure we're set with who is in which GMs game.
Posted By: Zeim Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 20:54 UTC
BTW, the upper topic on alignment as regards my comments that MikeD agreed with that Evil is more "selfish", I believe they are moving to a more motivational type of alignment rather than an action based alignment.

IOW it is not so much what you do but more why you did it. So two pcs could both help a village chase off a band of orcs, but the Good pc does it because he feels it is a worthwhile thing to do but the evil pc does it because it will make him a hero in the town and therefore bring him fame and power.

Same acts, different motivations.
Posted By: MikeD Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Mon 25/08/14 20:57 UTC
Yup <g>

Posted By: Exeter Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Tue 26/08/14 00:47 UTC
I just sent my first crack at a character sheet for my cleric to Neptune and Zeim.
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Tue 26/08/14 00:58 UTC
Feedback provided.
Posted By: Pandemonium Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Tue 26/08/14 01:00 UTC
Hmm. I only posted mine in the gallery. Do you want me to PM it as well?
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Tue 26/08/14 01:24 UTC
Gallery is perfect.
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Tue 26/08/14 01:35 UTC
Just a question.
Why can't I see Pandemonium's character portrait in the gallery view?
Posted By: Exeter Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Tue 26/08/14 01:42 UTC
I was wondering about that myself. So far I haven't figured it out.
Posted By: Pandemonium Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Tue 26/08/14 01:55 UTC
It showed up first day and then stopped. If you click the graphic link in the middle of the picture it takes you to it. Not sure why it won't show like the grown up peeps. I have issues, what can I say. There is a reason why I have the moniker I do.
Posted By: Nivek Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Tue 26/08/14 12:31 UTC
Ex> I have that exact picture for an old Paladin character of mine (Astrianna).
Posted By: KenSeg Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Tue 26/08/14 12:53 UTC
Okay, using the format, I put up Balthazar's stats and stuff. If any of you more well-read 5th edition players see anything, holler so I can edit. smile
Posted By: MikeD Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Tue 26/08/14 13:18 UTC
pande, It opens up fine when you 'open' your post, but not in the gallery preview. I took a quick look and didn't see any obvious reason <sigh> You could try deleting the post and then recreating it in case something happened while you were creating it the first time.

If that doesn't help, I will sick the all powerful Pak on the problem <g>
Posted By: Exeter Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Tue 26/08/14 21:31 UTC
Nivek, I liked this image because she's shown in semi-right profile which tends to hide the disfiguring scar on her left cheek. smile
Posted By: Dugan Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sun 31/08/14 17:48 UTC
I am working with Neptune and I am going to be in his group.

Going only by the free PDF, originaly I was going with a dwarven fighter with Soldier background - Order of the Gauntlet faction.

Ideally if I can get some more information from Neptune or if someone else can help, I would like to try a human druid, Acolyte background - Emerald Enclave faction. Also with this option if anyone has a suggestion for pantheon & god I would be most appreciative.

Posted By: Dugan Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sun 31/08/14 18:00 UTC
Oops, I found a list of gods in the appendix in the PDF. I'm fine picking from there.
Posted By: Neptune Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sun 31/08/14 18:06 UTC
Dugan, Info sent. I think it's enough to get started with the druid wink
Posted By: Gypsy Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sun 31/08/14 18:28 UTC
And welcome to the game Dugan! grin Our thread is proving interesting...
Posted By: MikeD Re: Introduction and PC building thread - Sun 31/08/14 18:53 UTC
Damn, another emerald enclave member ... but he is in the wrong party <sigh> I =hate= when that happens <chuckle>

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