D & D on the Straight Dope setup thread. (In Middle Earth FA63)

Thread Games
161

[QUOTE=NAF1138]
If anyone is interested here is a link to [Gwaelur son of Gwaelin’s character sheet.](: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=d2kd2cg_2sssfmzdh)

I will email What Exit? about making sure I am carrying the supplies that Mal listed. If anyone else has any suggestions as to things I should carry let me know.
[/QUOTE]

I doubt I can lift that pack. Sheesh.

So looking at my sheet, I see “CG”- now that’s “Chaotic Good”, meaning that I’m no fan of authority or governments (and sometimes the notion of personal property) but I’d never actively seek to hurt someone or kill unnecessarily, right?

162

[QUOTE=Malacandra]
Neutral Good (Lawful Good tendencies). Believes that there should be a balance between benevolent regulation and personal freedom, but that the former works out somewhat better on balance; will take the law into his own hands if he thinks there is a really good reason, but has scruples about doing so.
[/QUOTE]

What Mal said.

I am thinking this mostly applies to Dwarf vs. non Dwarf situations. He’s definetly an ethnocentric kind of guy and 100% lawful good in a situation that involves Dwarf customs, laws etc. In outsider situations he just doesn’t care as much, but has a sort of genreal goodness about him that places him in the more neautral camp.

163

[QUOTE=appleciders]
Yeah, I have “Wizard Lock” for doors and stuff, and the counterspell “Knock”, and “Levitate”, which is a useful toy but not so much in combat. No, I figured that the Took could probably stand to be made invisible and then not need to be protected quite so much, and then deal out a sneak attack to finish off an enemy. And invisibility should make for excellent sneak-looting.

[/QUOTE]

Appleciders, you have a useful collection of spells, but in 1st Edition all MU’s spell abilities are limited at lower levels.
Both 4th and 5th levels give you a boost (three * 1st, two * 2nd / four * 1st, two * 2nd, one *3rd respectively.)

Magic Missile is great v enemy spellcasters, but please do consider ‘Sleep’ next time you pick up a spell. I think it’s great because there’s no save and it can knock over several enemy troops.
To be fair, it only works against smallish monsters (e.g. up to an ogre), so becomes less useful later on.

Shield is your best defensive spell at low levels.

Invisibility is great for Thieves (unless they already have a great Hide skill), Magic Users (gives you a super chance to get the first spell off), Healers (in this party that’s me, but I feel confident so use it on someone else) and … your familiar!
If enemies spot that Folca is your familiar, they will target him. Making Folca invisible gives us a super scout/ guard. And since he won’t attack, the spell lasts all day and night!

I echo Malacandra’s comments on Levitate - not only an attacking spell, but also good for moving a party member to reach somewhere.

Finally, as a spellcaster, I’m looking for a fighting buddy in case we get attacked in open ground - you should do so too!

164

[QUOTE=What Exit?]
How do you feel about riding a Friendly Moose? This will be temporary, but he is a good friend of Radagast. He occasionally talks. Mostly about killing those foul burárum.

You’re welcome of course.

…

Is everybody OK with this staying the control and dicussion thread and actually kicking the game off in a new thread? I think it makes the most sense.
[/QUOTE]

I’d love to ride a Moose! :smiley:
It’s full of class (us Woses don’t get out much, you know) and means I can keep up with the party.

On a personal note, I have always been envious of a friend of mine who played a hobbit. The little chap went to market one day with loads of gold and came back riding … a Mumakil!

I agree with the new thread.
For those worried about Wose jokes, there will be none in the game thread.

165

I’d like to build on Gil-Gandel’s suggestion that the 4 fighters buddy up with the others.

I note that Gwaelur is OK with Druid spells (as opposed to MU ones) and that Thoroncir has offered to protect someone.

Ghan would be honoured to team up with either of these tough warriors!

P.S. As a Druid, I am alignment N (= True Neutral).
Since evil has a nasty record of destroying forests (e.g. Saruman + his Uruk-Hai), I am happy to be assisting this party.

166

[QUOTE=CatInASuit]
Hi All,

Mulligan Took is back and ready to go.

What Exit? - I’ll email the rest of the equipment shortly. Thanks for the horse Uncle Pippin :slight_smile:

As for me, I’m fine scouting above or below ground. In combat, you probably won’t see me once it gets started. Hopefully until it’s too late for the opposition. If I can get to the side or behind them, I’ll be concentrating on their support MU’s or archers. Otherwise, I’ll just stay out of trouble. Don’t worry about making me invisible, no-one’s going to notice me anyway.

Of course, my more important skills will be locks related, much better to let me deal with it than waste a spell or cantrip. :cool:
[/QUOTE]

This sounds great to me - thanks for letting us know that about spells.

If you can, do let us know the enemy dispositions, but your role in combat is going to be helpful.

167

I think sleep is a good choice for me, at least before Fireball. I’ll see about that. How does learning spells as I level up work? I mean, of course I can copy spells from other spellbooks, but how quickly do I learn spells on my own?

Your point about Folca as an invisible scout (and to give me top-notch tactical information) is a good one. However, I did notice that she can deliver touch spells for me, and some (in particular the 1st level Shocking grasp, with 1d6/level damage) are actually more effective against heavily armored enemies. That might be good near the end of a fight, as I think an invisible hawk with electric talons smacking into the back of the last enemy’s head might end things quickly- diving hawks get charge bonuses and she’d get a bonus for being behind them and undetected too. It’s a point to be considered, and I do hope that she’ll be an asset in combat directly, not just as an early warning system.

Actually, speaking of charging, I’d be quite entertained to see your full-grown moose with antlers charging something!

I do plan on sticking with my brother Theogrim once combat starts if we get surrounded. Actually, OneCentStamp, is your life easier if I stay mounted in a fight so I can keep out of the way a little better? It looks like I shouldn’t have much trouble staying in the saddle and casting at the same time, even if I can’t do it at a full gallop.

168

[QUOTE=appleciders]
I do plan on sticking with my brother Theogrim once combat starts if we get surrounded. Actually, OneCentStamp, is your life easier if I stay mounted in a fight so I can keep out of the way a little better? It looks like I shouldn’t have much trouble staying in the saddle and casting at the same time, even if I can’t do it at a full gallop.
[/QUOTE]
I’m more comfortable with the idea of you on horseback, so long as it doesn’t hinder your spell casting.

169

[QUOTE=glee]
I’d like to build on Gil-Gandel’s suggestion that the 4 fighters buddy up with the others.

I note that Gwaelur is OK with Druid spells (as opposed to MU ones) and that Thoroncir has offered to protect someone.

Ghan would be honoured to team up with either of these tough warriors!

P.S. As a Druid, I am alignment N (= True Neutral).
Since evil has a nasty record of destroying forests (e.g. Saruman + his Uruk-Hai), I am happy to be assisting this party.
[/QUOTE]

Consider yourself buddied up with Thoroncir, a NG Fighter and a friend to all friends of Gondor. Although mostly unfamiliar with Wose druids, he’s heard interesting things about them, and is willing to learn.

170

Thoughts on the buddy system so far:

Theogrim and Deor
Gwaelur and Ghan

and either
Thoroncil and Mulligan
Gil-Gandel and Brin

or
Thoroncil and Brin
Gil-Gandel and Mulligan

(Or whatever. Preview is my friend. :slight_smile: )

While Mulligan’s stealth skills are no doubt fine for above-ground scouting, I think Brin and Gil-Gandel are more mobile, as ponies aren’t as quick as light horses. My horse, Cúran (“Crescent Moon”), is very fast with me aboard, and I should think Brin can belt along at a fair rate too. I thought Theogrim would make a good rear-guard - we would like him just about one round’s charging distance from the core of the party as if any trouble does start, he can line up a target from half a furlong away and hit it at a full gallop. A lance-charge from a Knight of Rohan should stop a bull in its tracks, and I think even a troll wouldn’t laugh it off.

Below ground we should consider detaching Mulligan and Gil-Gandel as scouts, and if either of us should get spotted (not too likely) the other should be able to interrupt any pursuit. Since the Took is cheerily waving away the offer of Invisibility, I take it as read he can do without it.

Deor, do be very wary of endangering your familiar.

Two very good 2nd-level spells in the right circumstances are Stinking Cloud (“Mace”, as it were) and Web. Either can completely take out one or more opponents.

Jim probably has his own system. At minimum, whenever you learn a new level of spells, you get a spell of that level. One tried and tested method of acquiring spells is traditionally to knock over an enemy wizard and get your hands on his spell tome. Scrolls in hoards can either be used (as one-shot items) or learned from. And you may find some wizard NPCs willing to trade you spells, if you happen to know something they covet and can win their trust.

171

It doesn’t, at least as long as I only cast before or after I move, not during. At least, this is my understanding- I gather that non-war-trained mounts are difficult to control in battles, but I’m unclear as to exactly what “in combat” means. If we’re in a battle but no melee enemy is threatening me, do I still run the risk of losing control of my mount?

172

[QUOTE=Malacandra]
Thoughts on the buddy system so far:

Theogrim and Deor
Gwaelur and Ghan

and either
Thoroncil and Mulligan
Gil-Gandel and Brin

or
Thoroncil and Brin
Gil-Gandel and Mulligan

[/QUOTE]

The buddy system sounds fine by me. I’m going to be spending as much time out of trouble as possible. Yes, I know this is a novel idea for either a) a hobbit or b) a thief or c) my PCs in most games, but that’s the general plan.

[QUOTE=Malacandra]

Below ground we should consider detaching Mulligan and Gil-Gandel as scouts, and if either of us should get spotted (not too likely) the other should be able to interrupt any pursuit. Since the Took is cheerily waving away the offer of Invisibility, I take it as read he can do without it.

[/QUOTE]

Let’s put it this way; invisibility would be nice, but there are probably better ways/spells to use in the slot.

I should be able to manage without needing it

(waits for the usual 99 skill check roll )

173

[QUOTE=appleciders]
I think sleep is a good choice for me, at least before Fireball. I’ll see about that. How does learning spells as I level up work? I mean, of course I can copy spells from other spellbooks, but how quickly do I learn spells on my own?

[/quote]

Sleep is 1st level, so you can use it as soon as you get hold of a scroll + make your ‘to learn’ roll.
Fireball is 3rd level, so you get it at 5th level MU. (Some MUs love Fireball and some think Lightning Bolt is less likely to accidentally inlcude the party :eek: ).

[QUOTE=appleciders]

Your point about Folca as an invisible scout (and to give me top-notch tactical information) is a good one. However, I did notice that she can deliver touch spells for me, and some (in particular the 1st level Shocking grasp, with 1d6/level damage) are actually more effective against heavily armored enemies. That might be good near the end of a fight, as I think an invisible hawk with electric talons smacking into the back of the last enemy’s head might end things quickly- diving hawks get charge bonuses and she’d get a bonus for being behind them and undetected too. It’s a point to be considered, and I do hope that she’ll be an asset in combat directly, not just as an early warning system.

[/quote]

Touch spells through your familiar are great!
However it’s a terrible calamity if the electrified monster hits your familiar and kills it. :smack:
Please consider that a last resort!

[QUOTE=appleciders]

Actually, speaking of charging, I’d be quite entertained to see your full-grown moose with antlers charging something!

[/quote]

I have mixed feelings about this. I’m sure it would look great and that there is more to the Moose than meets the eye.
Presumably, What Exit, I can cure the Moose whilst on its back? Does the Moose have to be stationary?

[QUOTE=appleciders]

I do plan on sticking with my brother Theogrim once combat starts if we get surrounded. Actually, OneCentStamp, is your life easier if I stay mounted in a fight so I can keep out of the way a little better? It looks like I shouldn’t have much trouble staying in the saddle and casting at the same time, even if I can’t do it at a full gallop.
[/QUOTE]

Yes, keep a Fighter with you. (It’s so hard to replace splattered spellcasters!)
As you see above, I too want ot know if we can cast whilst mounted.
One point is that unless your mount is battle-trained, they will tend to panic in a fight.

174

[QUOTE=Elendil’s Heir]
Consider yourself buddied up with Thoroncir, a NG Fighter and a friend to all friends of Gondor. Although mostly unfamiliar with Wose druids, he’s heard interesting things about them, and is willing to learn.
[/QUOTE]

Any friend of Gondor is a friend of both myself and my entire tribe.
We will always remember the future King and the host of Rohan passing through our lands to slaughter orcs on the fields of Pelennor.

For your benefit (and for the rest of the party), Ghan intends to load daily all of these:

Ceremony*, Detect Magic, Entangle, Faerie Fire
Cure Light Wounds, Heat Metal, Goodberry**, Flame Blade
Summon Insects

*I can do Marriages and Coming-of-Age, for example
**either to cure a few hit points, or to feed many

I also have a few useful herbs. Whenever we have time, I wish to forage for more. I would welcome assistance and protection at these times.

175

Just to be clear, Deor, is that the official pronouncement on your familiar’s capabilities, or did you get that off teh intarwebs? The only reason I ask is that I noticed the damage rating you’re quoting for Shocking Grasp isn’t as per the 1st Ed Player’s Handbook - there it’s given as 1d8 plus your level (1d8 +3 at present). A worthwhile bonus if you’re in need of some extra hand-to-hand damage, but a bit less than you said.

And yes, using Folca as eyes in the sky is exactly the way to go. (Even if visible, a hawk should be able to see clearly from well out of effective missile range.)

176

[QUOTE=glee]
Any friend of Gondor is a friend of both myself and my entire tribe.
We will always remember the future King and the host of Rohan passing through our lands to slaughter orcs on the fields of Pelennor.
[/quote]

If you mean “the future King of Gondor”, that tale has grown in the telling. Aragorn was not with the host of Rohan; the Grey Company were on another errand, and came to Gondor by another route.

Much obliged, but I’m already of age (I never knew Eorl the Young, but I could have. But I knew Lord Celeborn, who knew Thingol Greycloak, who knew the first of the Firstborn… so I’m not really as old as all that) and I don’t believe Wose marriages are recognised where I come from, though I’ll be happy to sing at any weddings you do conduct. :slight_smile:

Naturally - as I’d welcome your approval when I am foraging for arrow wood.

177

[QUOTE=appleciders]
I think sleep is a good choice for me, at least before Fireball. I’ll see about that. How does learning spells as I level up work? I mean, of course I can copy spells from other spellbooks, but how quickly do I learn spells on my own?

Your point about Folca as an invisible scout (and to give me top-notch tactical information) is a good one. However, I did notice that she can deliver touch spells for me, and some (in particular the 1st level Shocking grasp, with 1d6/level damage) are actually more effective against heavily armored enemies. That might be good near the end of a fight, as I think an invisible hawk with electric talons smacking into the back of the last enemy’s head might end things quickly- diving hawks get charge bonuses and she’d get a bonus for being behind them and undetected too. It’s a point to be considered, and I do hope that she’ll be an asset in combat directly, not just as an early warning system.

I do plan on sticking with my brother Theogrim once combat starts if we get surrounded. Actually, OneCentStamp, is your life easier if I stay mounted in a fight so I can keep out of the way a little better? It looks like I shouldn’t have much trouble staying in the saddle and casting at the same time, even if I can’t do it at a full gallop.
[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=OneCentStamp]
I’m more comfortable with the idea of you on horseback, so long as it doesn’t hinder your spell casting.
[/QUOTE]

He should be able to cast from a walking horse on smooth trail.

The hawk being invisible should be a good idea, but don’t forget, when Folca nabs a bunny, the invisibility goes away.

Point about the 1st Ed Invis spell. It is up until combat, not for a set time period. It could last for years in theory.

The hawk cannot deliver a touch spell in my game and it is a really bad idea. Less effective than a magic missile spell in most cases and far too dangerous.

Remember if Folca dies, you lose 8 HP permanently. No way to get those back.

Jim

178

**Malacandra ** your post 170 looks dead on. Especially about the scrolls, trading for or buying spells and alway hoping to get hold of an enemies spell books.

[QUOTE=appleciders]
It doesn’t, at least as long as I only cast before or after I move, not during. At least, this is my understanding- I gather that non-war-trained mounts are difficult to control in battles, but I’m unclear as to exactly what “in combat” means. If we’re in a battle but no melee enemy is threatening me, do I still run the risk of losing control of my mount?
[/QUOTE]

You do not risk a lot of danger of losing control of your mount as your brother is effectively a horse whisperer. Your horse is extremely well behaved, just not useful to attack someone. The horse would be spooked by many monsters close up however.

BTW: Sleep should be the mainstay of a low level Mage. You really need to take that over any other spell until you get fireball. The bonus is that it is often the only way to get information out of enemies. Dwarves and many other front line fighters tend to be bad at taking prisoners.

[QUOTE=glee]
Touch spells through your familiar are great!
However it’s a terrible calamity if the electrified monster hits your familiar and kills it. :smack: Please consider that a last resort!
[/QUOTE]

As stated, this is not an issue, I simply don’t allow it.

[QUOTE=glee]
I have mixed feelings about this. I’m sure it would look great and that there is more to the Moose than meets the eye.
Presumably, What Exit, I can cure the Moose whilst on its back? Does the Moose have to be stationary?.
[/QUOTE]

“Moose can be quite fierce, but he also likes his friend”. Moose can be cure lighted while on his back, if he is at a smooth canter, you can cast. Keep in mind Berries and many Herbs can be used while charging around. *Please note Moose is the Moose’s name. * He is an independant NPC and considers you his friend. Think something closer to a cat’s attitude towards humans rather than a Dog or Horse.

[QUOTE=glee]
Yes, keep a Fighter with you. (It’s so hard to replace splattered spellcasters!)
As you see above, I too want ot know if we can cast whilst mounted.
One point is that unless your mount is battle-trained, they will tend to panic in a fight.
[/QUOTE]

“Moose most battle trained, fears nothing that sense don’t tell me fear. I hates Orcs. Me good warrior”

179

Lots of catching up…

(a) This will be my first time out of the Dale area. Whatever messenger mission this is, no one else wanted it. I don’t mind - first time to travel
(b) New thread
© Please don’t mistake me for a fighter. Fighters are in tin cans. I’m in Fonzie’s jacket. I can buddy with another long range specialist
(d) I can track below ground too. I may not move as silently as others, but for a non-Dunedain, non-Elf, I do alright
(e) If I see a flying squirrel, I’m immediately going for my bow and aiming for the people with the bad accents
(f) I hate the sleep spell. At about 3rd-4th level, it becomes a waste of a slot. Unfortunately, I don’t remember all the changes between 1e and 3e to talk spells. I know in 3e I like Chromatic Orb as much as Magic Missile, and Identify always takes a couple of slots.

180

Gahn, I am glad you have found yourself a protector. I have come to like you and your woodland ways. If even you should be in need of additional assistance, do not hesitate to call upon my services.