Questions For the DM

[dmw71]

I am tempted to change it to match the weight of an arrow (10 arrows = 1 pound). I will decide later today and let you know (and update the '08. Equipment' list) if a chance is made.

This is done. I don't see any reason why a stone or small bullet should come close to approaching even a half pound of weight individually. They're now 10 per pound each, and the equipment list has been updated to reflect this change.

[dmw71]

Unless I am blind... I dont see any food related items in the equipment list. Is that on purpose? i.e. do you have a house rule coming for that?
Or should we just use the phb rations list?

Good catch. I didn't notice that food items weren't included. I'm actually not finding where rations are available to purchase by the week (only by the day). I may default back to the 1E or OSRIC prices and weights for these items.

I will either add the food items into an existing list or create a new listing dedicated to food items in the '08. Equipment' topic once I've figured out what I'm going to use.

I'll update this post once they have been added.

[dmw71]

I'll update this post once they have been added.

I have actually rearranged the 'Equipment' list to have armor and weapons on top with the other categories (including a new 'Food Items' category) beneath it.

***

Feel free to continue to question things. I'm quite convinced that I didn't get everything "right" the first time around. Also, if anyone stumbles upon any broken links... please let me know! As I move topics around and rearragne threads, sometimes links get broken. I've tried to catch what I could, but there may be some broken links still out there.

---

Here's what I know is still on my list of things to do:
1. Finalize and post my 'Damage and Death' house rule
2. Complete and publish the text template (listing the 'critical' pieces of information I would like everyone to fill out and post in addition to their current character sheet).
3. Character sheet reviews.
4. Issue player backgrounds.


We're getting really close!

[Alethan]

Do you still want some background stuff from us, Dave?

[dmw71]

Do you still want some background stuff from us, Dave?

Your character should have a background, yes. I will want to know how you envision your own past. I will also be providing each player a brief note or bit of background which is related specifically to this campaign. This information I share can be kept private, or shared freely at the player/character's discretion.

[Nuke66]

these answers may help or hinder, dunno
Spellbook -I wrote down 6lbs for mine

This is correct. Six pounds for a travelling spellbook in terms of encumbrance.

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material components- i had a similar question about my 'extras' earlier, yet to be answered

Where was your question? I might have missed it.

My response to Nuke66 will apply to every spell caster ('The only thing I would enforce would be the limit on common and rare components.'). If you want to spend a current 'common' spell component on a 'common' spell component for a spell you don't know... be my guest.

Well, I was think more in line with the rare ones.

As it sits, I am sitting on 10 - 100gp pearls. The only spell I have with rare components.

I might be willing to take a flyer on finding a spell or two.

[dmw71]

Well, I was think more in line with the rare ones.

As it sits, I am sitting on 10 - 100gp pearls. The only spell I have with rare components.

I might be willing to take a flyer on finding a spell or two.

You're more than welcome to do so. You have to pick the specific components now, though, and can't just keep "open" rare components available. It's a bit of a risk (you could pick components for a future spell and miss your 'chance to know each spell' check), but the odds are certainly in your favor.

[dmw71]

You have to pick the specific components now, though, and can't just keep "open" rare components available. It's a bit of a risk (you could pick components for a future spell and miss your 'chance to know each spell' check), but the odds are certainly in your favor.

If you haven't already done this, consider holding off doing so.

I had an idea regarding the handling of spell components yesterday on my commute home from work that I want to explore a bit. I'm considering simplifying the process. In a nutshell, instead of tracking dozens and dozens of individual material components, I might just have the players maintain pools of generic 'common' and 'rare' components. A 'common' component could be used to cast any spell requiring it; likewise, a 'rare' component could be used in a similar fashion. I would go through each spell and assign to it the required number of material components it costs to cast that spell. Each time that spell is cast, like tracking spent arrows, the player would simply need to deduct the appropriate number of 'generic' components from the total number they have.

For example, a spell that requires a single, 'common' material component would force the player to simply reduce the number of common material spell components their character possesses by one. In order to be able to cast the intended spell, the appropriate number of material components would need to be available and subsequently spent in order for the spell to be prepared.

The more I think about it, I'm almost positive the game will be adopting this system, I just need to figure out some of the logistics: How will new components be added? Can they be found? Purchased? If so, how many? How much would they cost?

Since all magic-using characters already start with a healthy amount of components, developing this process won't delay the start of the game.


***

NOTES:

1. I have begun the process of verifying the current character sheets and, with a few minor exceptions, everything looks to be in good order. I will notify players via PM if I have any questions or detect any problems.

2. Several character sheets are still incomplete and I would like for all of them to be finalized, including all initial purchases, by the end of this week if possible, but definitely by the end of the weekend. From a DM perspective, I feel like I would be prepared enough to start today... but let's shoot for a Monday launch. I will use these next few days while waiting for the finalized character sheets to come in to work on a few outstanding items (like the above spell component system) and getting brief character backgrounds to everyone (<-- this, however, may be influenced by what becomes of my fourth point, below).

3. When I started my character sheet verification process, I began to enter all character information into a spreadsheet (I'm an Excel geek). Basically, my reason for mentioning this is because I will no longer need anyone to create a text character sheet like I previously requested. I'll have my spreadsheet, and if I want a text version of the character sheets, I'll just create them myself.

4. It's an interesting group of characters you've assembled. I have a handful of ideas but figured I'd toss a question out there for some feedback: Do you want to start the game already knowing each other? If players want to have their characters start on their own, I would be willing to allow this. If some of you want to group up, I can handle this, too. If you all want to start together, cool. Please feel free to discuss with each other, and share with me what you eventually decide.


Looking forward to getting this thing started!

[Computer +1]

I would vote against having the characters already know each other. Its just my preference for role playing.

[Alethan]

I would vote against having the characters already know each other. Its just my preference for role playing.

Yeah, that's fine with me. I'm good with whatever.

[dmw71]

I would vote against having the characters already know each other. Its just my preference for role playing.

Yeah, that's fine with me. I'm good with whatever.

For those that are interested in beginning solo, I figure I will just create new threads for each of you.

For example, before we reach these:
Action Threads
- Prologue
- Chapter I:
- Chapter II:
- Etc...

We could have something like this:
- Intro: Jareth Cutter
- Intro: Gwillt ap Rhys
- Intro: This Character & That Character
- Etc...

However it works out. Eventually, you may all end up discovering one another... or maybe not?

Edited to add:
If a character knows they're going to be starting solo (or an official group is formed) and all affected character sheets are completed and approved, the game can start for that person/group pretty much whenever -- there's no need to hold up one person when that person won't be beginning with the still-being-developed character anyway. Just throwing that out there.

[onlyme]

4. It's an interesting group of characters you've assembled. I have a handful of ideas but figured I'd toss a question out there for some feedback: Do you want to start the game already knowing each other? If players want to have their characters start on their own, I would be willing to allow this. If some of you want to group up, I can handle this, too. If you all want to start together, cool. Please feel free to discuss with each other, and share with me what you eventually decide.
Looking forward to getting this thing started!

My preference would be for you to connect each PC via some piece of their backstory, and have us bump into each other as we discover it... ie. one pc on a quest has to meet pc2 for instructions, etc.

but, anyway you decide works for me...

[Alethan]

I just need to do background stuff and I'm ready to go. Will get that done today, Mr. GM.

[dmw71]

My preference would be for you to connect each PC via some piece of their backstory, and have us bump into each other as we discover it... ie. one pc on a quest has to meet pc2 for instructions, etc.

It's interesting that you mention this. One of my original thoughts was to have Character #1 (C1) know C2, and C2 know C3, and C3 know C4, etc... Then I thought of developing a list of little pieces of information, then sharing each random tidbit with two or more characters. I figured this would be a way of fostering some shared knowledge and common background.

I may still do this, but I am interested in seeing how the group decides to begin.

Regardless of whether starting by themselves or in part of a group, everyone will start in the same general area. Being in the same general location with common opportunities and events taking place, there is a good chance that all characters will be drawn together at one point or another.

The jumping off point ideas are really starting to flow for me now, but it's good (and helpful) to hear what the players are interested in.

[dmw71]

I realize, as I was looking through the various posted character sheets, tracking weights and encumbrance is just a hassle. It's okay to do it for a single character (players), but not something I really want to worry too much about now that I'm on the other side of the screen. That got me thinking... and the result was a decent overhaul of the '12. Encumbrance' rules.

Many of you have not purchased items yet so the changes made won't affect anything you've already previously recorded.
Those of you that have made purchases and recorded/tracked encumbrance, a minor adjustment will be made. The individual weights of items is still needed (which you may have already done), but the sum of items carried can be ignored and the flat pound amount used in their place.

***

For all characters, I would like to have encumbrance tracked as outlined in the '12. Encumbrance' rules (copied below):

Tracking Encumbrance
The encumbrance of each character should be more easily recorded and tracked by using and populating the number of pounds carried in each of the following categories:

Clothing: 5
Adventuring Gear: 20
+
Armor & Shields: ??
Weapons & Ammunition: ??
Class-Related Items: ??
Food & Drink: ??
Wealth: ??
Misc. Items: ??
=
Total Carried: ???


This 'Total Carried' amount above will be compared against the values on the Modified Movement Rates table (also see 'Modified Movement Rate,' below) to determine the characters rate of movement.

[saalaria]

Just to confirm - you are not using WP or NWP are you . I see you mentioned you like NWP then got diverted onto something else
Also - do you want default actions and background pmed to you?

[dmw71]

Just to confirm - you are not using WP or NWP are you.

No, we're not using non-weapon proficiencies, per this post: 'Re: Questions For the DM'. I really should add that note to the 'New Character Creation' rules.

Also - do you want default actions and background pmed to you?

If you want your default actions to be private -- by all means, feel free to PM them to me. If privacy isn't a concern, feel free to simply add them as a note somewhere on (or below) your character sheet.

[dmw71]

I really should add that note to the 'New Character Creation' rules.

New Character Creation

Done.

[Alethan]

For all characters, I would like to have encumbrance tracked as outlined in the '12. Encumbrance' rules (copied below):

Hmmm... this added like 6 lbs to my Encumbrance that I wouldn't have with the itemized list per I don't have a ton of adventuring gear.

Oh, well.

[dmw71]

Hmmm... this added like 6 lbs to my Encumbrance that I wouldn't have with the itemized list per I don't have a ton of adventuring gear.

I admit, it won't be a perfect system. It should simplify things, however. It won't completely make up for the weight differential, but I'll allow you to count the weight of your two wineskins as 'Adventuring Gear' and not 'Food & Drink' (perhaps the '& Drink' needs to be removed).

Basically, if it falls in the 'Equipment' list on the '08. Equipment' page, it will fall under the broad 'Adventuring Gear' category. Those two pounds will actually make a difference in your case (91 > 89) and increase your modified movement rate.