Dungeon Master Forum

Cool. Five sounds like an excellent number to me.

The only thing I would add is that don't hesitate to get pushy and move the story along if someone is unable to post in a 24 hour period. I certainly don't have a problem with this, and think that it could add to frustration otherwise. Having said that, having around one update a day is great for me!

I don't have an opinion or feeling for a specific class or race for the group. We've got the bases covered so surprise us!

Well, I don't know how long Westian will have kept watch for, but I'm guessing that it wasn't long enough for Ameena to wake up. So I'll have her wake up during Haynuus's watch. Since she won't want to shift about too much and risk waking up Falkor (since she doesn't know whether there's anything specifically wrong with him which waking up might make worse, or whatever), she'll probably just stay still but alert. If you wanted a Perception check anyway, rolling one gives me...woo, 17 on the die and errm yes I can be arsed to check my profile this time, +7 so...24. Just in case you wanted one anyway . I'll just make a quicky post so that I've made one, as it were. When Falkor finally decides to wake up, then she'll move and react and stuff, unless she hears anything notable before then. I wonder what Falkor dreamed about...
As for the anonymous extra person joining...hey, why not? Maybe a late arrival who got dropped off by whatever spell (or whatever) caused the others to arrive in that room, can come clomping down the stairs and scare the crap out of everyone else . If a five-person team starts to seem like becoming a bit of a problem mechanics-wise, or just too complicated with too many people posting, you can always have the party split up somehow and divided into a two and a three, or something, and run each in a different thread. Of course, that might be more complicated, but meh, it's an idea. The extra person could, in theory, be pretty much anything, I suppose, since we have all the basics covered with regard to classes. Of course, then we'd all have to try and figure out whether this new person was some scary monster sent by the scary Him-person thingy to come and squish us all, or something...but Ameena has quite a few points into Sense Motive, so maybe that won't be too much trouble .
Anyway, I better go make my IC post...

That's cause you don't read what we write :p Westian said about an hour and a half, so two hours is into Haynuus's watch.

I'd already generated NPCs so I knew a few classes and types that can be added into the mix. So you might meet a basic class, or you might meet something new (from D&D).

Yes, I am happy with a fifth character, the more the merrier! I agree with Ian though that if someone is unable to post they can be “autopiloted” by the DM. Basically they just follow what everyone else is doing. I know that might not always be possible, e.g. if we come face-to-face with Lord Chaos everyone will want to choose their actions carefully, but for searching a room, walking down a corridor or whatever it is pretty obvious what the likely course of action will be. I am not around most weekends, if you guys want to post one or both of those days then that is fine, Westian will tag along with the group. As long as I don’t come back on Monday and find that Westian went charging into a scorpions den on his own...

Yeah, I mean the autopilot (or more likely assume no action/fade to background) is usually the standard mechanic for this. I think I've only delayed recently when there has been the opportunity to allow people to post. And obviously in Ameena's case I will jsut ignore her character or simply assign delaying consequences instead of autopilot.

Certainly, allowing the schedule to become too wishy-washy does mean that this stretches out longer. If everyone is happy they can commit to an enforced 24 hour update (I think you are all fine) then I will know I can be more rigourous with the enforcement in future when necessary.

I might play around with a single weekend update on Sunday evening aswell.

Exactly. As DM you can see if everyone is more or less 'ready', so multiple updates can be pushed through in a day.

Lol, speaking of which, you are the only one who has heard the sound, so if you can update just now what you want to do about the voice we can get in another update tonight

Ups! Hold on, got a spoon in me mouth.

Unlike Falkor, you will need to play around with a flint to get the torch lit. Do you want to do this and risk noise? Where were you lighting the torch if you do?

The voice seemed to come from the RA door. If you carry on forwards you will hear one more voice-like noise confirming this.

Ok, so Westian and Falkor are out of this update. Ameena, I need your actions in reaction to Haynuus's actions that are a reaction to the noise. Action.

Update afterwards... you guys aren't going to like it

Well, as usual I just posted without reading here first, so I didn't realise only Haynuus would have heard the noise (I think murafu hearing is better than that of a half-orc so I just figured she would have heard it). I can't remember whether it was a noise she heard or just scents she picked up when she was sniffing around the Ra door before, after they fought the mummy. I also can't remember if anyone actually told her it was called a mummy, but I can look back at that if I can be arsed...
Anyway, so much weird shit has been going on in this place, Ameena's just sort of tuning out some of these random weird background noises now, since they could be anything, as far as she knows, and if it was something really big and scary and nasty there probably wouldn't be much any of them could do about it anyway.
We gotta wait for the bloody halfling to wake up so we can bug him about wtf this "Gholst" thing is, unless it's some creature that's about to come bursting through that locked Ra door (or is it a set of double doors, I can't remember now). Or maybe it's a person. Or a place. Maybe it's the name of the dungeon. Or the scary person who came and looked at us all right after ghosty-lady (Veyla?) left. Or someone/something else. Or just some random crap that Falkor decided to spout because his speech processing centre got momentarily fooked .

It's not only a matter of whether your senses are any better or worse, it's also what they are directed on. Ameena is reflecting on thoughts and further in the room, so she's less likely to hear anything than the vigilant half-orc. Basically, Haynuus is taking 20 and at best Ameena has a take 10 chance at passive perception.

Oh, and I think Westian or Hyanuus explained mummies to Ameena, so all good there.

Anyway, the important thing is that my lights are back on after this evening's power cut, which happened soon after this evening's mum phone call. Long story short, Couple's retreat wasn't too bad as a film, and my chips are cooking nicely.

Or, to put it another way, I'll try to get the update up now, apologies for the delay, and I also need to see how much work i lost to do with our potential sixth member.

Update up - and someone's coming!

@Haynuus - I need you to roll a d20 for 'initiative'. Still give me a note of what you are doing, and even some contingencies based on what you'll do depending on what's on the other side. The initiative roll will let me know how much of it you get to do before you are potentially spotted and acknowledged. The door is lifting upwards into the roof, so you might be able to avoid being seen if you can be fast enough.

@Ameena - you'll perfectly understand what the noise you are hearing is (the door open). If ameena delays, then she'll get the whiff of metal and humans. Or she can act instantly to move and see what is going on - there will be some light spilling from beneath the door.

@Westian and Falkor: The noise of the door opening will certainly wake you both up (sorry Westian!) Please give me a perception roll each. Rolling less than 10 means you won't know what woke you, feel free to act completely clueless. Rolling 10 - 14 means you will realise a noise woke you. rolling 15 - 19 will let you know a noise like a door woke you. Rolling 20 or above means you will wake up thinking it is the RA door.

Oops, sorry guys, just refered to you as your characters...need sleep! Anyway, Ian, you might be limited to say a combat' round's worth of actions (if you decide to just stand tall, then that's not an issue). The rest of you have a bit more flexibility being in the temply area to react and move around.


Good luck! Not that you need luck. And yeah, don't hate me if you don't quite get to leave this area just yet!

I'll post Haynuus' actions in the other thread, me thinks... And it looks like he's a bit slow!

I need you to roll a d20 for 'initiative'. (1d20=6)

'Fraid so. Still, we'll see how it plays out. Haynuus only needs to get 20 feet away to be in dim light and have a chance at concealment. The movement might still be seen, or heard but he's got a chance at least

*shakes head*

Ouch. Remember those good rolls I was waiting for? Yeah, Ameena, don't post any more, you've ran out of time before stuff happens now. Similarly, Ian, I'm afraid you might get where you are going and shoot off a warning, but you won't get away with it by a long shot.

Money, OB - still post, but assume the yail end of your waking up will also co-incide with some loud voices being heard.

Will update properly tonight, just wanted to give everyone a head's up - I'm afraid it's on. You guys in the room might be ok, but Haynuus has been detected.


Of course, as in the past this could be me screwing with your heads again before your 5th member is introduced.

*shakes head and sighs sadly then laughs nastily*

It's the curse of Aeofel I tell you - never split up from your party.

I'll make sure a purple ribbon is tied to your corpse...I mean... it could be potentially friendly NPCs....

Ok folks, what should we do? I would guess 4 heavily armoured guys would be too much for us to handle. We could try and bluff our way out of it. One of them said "I think the half-orc", so they know who we are? Maybe bluffing would not be such a good idea so. Maybe we should just see what they want? They could be harmless. In my experience people with black armour and skull-decorations are normally quite friendly.

I rolled a 12 for initiative.

Map is up! Let me know where you guys should be, it'll probably be the weekend now before I catch up with my game notes (including were you guys have ended up!)

Wooo...right, well, I'll roll for Initiative in a minute (can't remember how it's worked out...d20+Dex mod?). Falkor seems to have recovered pretty well...I was gonna have Ameena react to his getting up so suddenly from beside her, but circumstances seem to have led us into a potentially combatative situation so it'll have to wait till I get my go.
Maybe these guys (they sound like they're dressed up like CSB Deth knights) have ganked some baddy-knights and yoinked their armour. It says eyes are visible through the helms, plus they're talking, all of which would seem to indicate that there are a bunch of plain ol' mortal people in there. Maybe they got zapped here too, and arrived elsewhere - maybe ours isn't the only party of "adventurers" wandering around. Especially considering Wuffy's response to my IC ramblings that maybe we're just all here 'cause some spell went wrong and it was all basically some big accident. Maybe there's a whole bunch of rooms, each of which had four random people wake up. Except maybe these four know each other - maybe they were already part of one group or army or something (and already wearing the armour, their uniform, and didn't obtain it within the dungeon), which I suppose would be something of an advantage if they're already fully aware of each other's strengths and weaknesses.
Then again, from their comments about "the half-orc", it seems like they know of us. Plus the area around the starting room smelt of people and metal - maybe that was these guys, or part of their group/army/whatever.
Personally, and I happen to know that a certain murafu (well, any murafu) would agree with this, I don't think we should just be charging into combat. Alright so we have to roll Initiative - these guys might still decide to attack us. They're wearing armour so our crappy weps probably wouldn't do much, and we have no idea as to what weapons they're wielding, let alone their skill. Plus they could also have any level of magic ability which of course won't necessarily be apparent until we see one of them casting something. I think an attempt at diplomacy should be tried, even if all we manage to say is words to the effect of "Wtf? Who are you? Are you attacking us and if so, why?" or something before they try and smish us. But hey, maybe the weird peaceful-effect-feeling thingy of the room we're in will help somewhat. Maybe it's one of those kind of safe-zone places you get in some stories where no weapon will work or something. Then again, Falkor's not had any problems casting Ful, so...but then again, he wasn't trying to use it on a person, just on a torch, so maybe that makes a difference.
Anyway...yes, so I reckon we should try and talk to these guys. No offence, but I recommend it not be Haynuus . Westian gives the impression he's used to talking out diplomatic situations. I dunno about Falkor, but at least as a halfling he doesn't look too threatening. If Ameena doesn't get mistaken for some kind of non-sentient "beast", she wouldn't mind trying to talk to these guys either, if only through curiosity and because there's not really anywhere to run to, so talking will give her something to think about to put off panicking for a while .
Now for the roll...I think Initiative is worked out by d20+ dex mod (plus any other bonuses...maybe I should take Improved Initiative as my next Feat, if we live that long, and if it's available in this version - should be though, it's in Farscape and that uses 3.5 rules), soooo...wheee, 19+3 = 22 .

Ameena wrote:Wooo...right, well, I'll roll for Initiative in a minute (can't remember how it's worked out...d20+Dex mod?).

Indeed!

I was gonna have Ameena react to his getting up so suddenly from beside her, but circumstances seem to have led us into a potentially combatative situation so it'll have to wait till I get my go.

Your go is now - especially with a 22 initiative! You've just beaten the soldiers!

Especially considering Wuffy's response to my IC ramblings...

O.O I was just pointing our your character had another weird headache thing because something triggered a memory in a bad way. That's all!

Maybe there's a whole bunch of rooms, each of which had four random people wake up.

Darn, you realised the truth - this is like Cube, only in the DM universe.

Plus the area around the starting room smelt of people and metal - maybe that was these guys, or part of their group/army/whatever.

Thanks for reminding me. Yes, Ameena can be very sure that the scent she smells now is the same as the residual trace she smelt earlier.

I don't think we should just be charging into combat...

It's certainly never going to be the only option. Simply because I'm not running it like a gamebook I have characters with traits and areas with stuff in it. While that might impose some limits, what you do in reaction to them is up to you. I was pleased when OB said he felt free last combat with the mummy, as that's exactly how I hope it is and hope it feels.

That said, it means I might give you the encounter the dungeon would generate, not necessarily a puzzle with a good solution. You might be in a bad situation and need to make the best of it quickly before it kills you

Now for the roll...I think Initiative is worked out by d20+ dex mod (plus any other bonuses...maybe I should take Improved Initiative as my next Feat, if we live that long, and if it's available in this version - should be though, it's in Farscape and that uses 3.5 rules), soooo...wheee, 19+3 = 22 .

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Yeah, there is improved initiative. I've also stolen an idea from the Lone Wolf RPG and said that knowledge (warfare) exists for tactical knowledge, and also gives a +2 bonus to initiative if you possess 5 or more ranks.

On a sword for sword basis we're doomed... Yeah I know I said that before with the mommy but still.

I agree that we require some kind of stunning diplomacy here and... Oh did someone mention that before? Westian?.. Ohhh go go go fella!

oh_brother wrote:In my experience people with black armour and skull-decorations are normally quite friendly.

Errmmm. Humour?
Ameena is right though - the encyclopedia says "...armored wraith..." so maybe they're just in fancy dress?

Thye're just two gnomes standing in some animated armour

Hopefully just you, LB

Well, any admins would also be understandable - hello!


LB, can you post the latest copy of your character sheet in a separate thread here for now?


As said in PM, by Sunday evening my time I hope to have an IC thread started for your introduction. Since this is a private forum, feel free to make new topics for any questions and comments.

I have done as you requested, my leige.

Excellent! *rubs hands together*

with this level of compliance, I won't even have to disguise the pit traps I make you walk into.

Not that there are any!


Ok, check back Monday for your starting story. I can nudge you in PM if there is anything in the meantime. Feel free to post here any questions.

Actually, I am saying Monday assuming having a weekend off as with the main game. If you are free over the weekends then there is probably no reason not to start you off this time tomorrow!

I am DEFINATELY open to the idea of starting tomorrow, but it'd have to be around 36 hrs from now. It's currently 9:49am here, and I usually get online at about 9pm -1am. But feel free to fire away, and I'll respond the second I can.

Oooh so it's my go then...groovy, I shall post .

Invisible castle down again.... Anyway I rolled for diplomacy: 15 + 13 - 10 (rushed action) = 18.

ian_scho wrote: Errmmm. Humour?

Well, an attempt at humour