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Off-Topic Discussion => Gaming Discussion => Topic started by: Alex Heartnet on August 05, 2012, 07:32:47 pm

Title: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 05, 2012, 07:32:47 pm
Because, you know, it can never be a temple of cute fluffy goodness.  No, it has to be a temple of pure distilled EVIL, presumably broken down into its most basic elements though some demonic alchemical technique.

(http://i.imgur.com/zcbMW.jpg?1)

In order to stop this EVIL, we need adventures!  Eight of them, to be exact.  Go forth, steal from the wicked and give to yourself, and die horribly in the process.  Hopefully this will be more exciting then my last (and first) let’s play…

Available party slots: 0/10

UPDATE:  Now that I figured out how wizard familiars work, I managed to squeeze in two more party members. Options (http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=81600.msg1630693#msg1630693)

Current Party List:
Lyndus (Alex Heartnet): Halfling Fighter (Warhammer)
Elladan (Spardason21): Elven Fighter (Greatsword)
Luna (Spoon): Elven Sorceress (Love-themed spells, Longbow?)
Lessiah (CommanderDJ): Elven Cleric (Longsword)
Slab (Axem): Dwarven Barbarian (Dwarven Waraxe)
Rodd (Rodo): Human Cleric (Preferred Weapon - ?)
Thog (LordMelvin): Half-Orc Bard (Club x2)
Lester (Polpolion): Human Wizard (Evocation, Morningstar)

Please submit the following application to the Adventurer’s Guild.

Character Name:
Race:
Gender
Height (relative to a given race’s normal height):
Hair Color (available color palette is black, blonde, brunette, light brown, light blue, pink, orange, white):
Hair Style (sadly hair length does not go beyond shoulder length):
Character class:
Preferred Weapon:
Preferred Alignment: (law/chaos/neutral, good/EVIL/neutral, subject to change depending on party alignment):
(Warrior-types only) Do you use a weapon + shield, a two-handed weapon, or two weapons?
(Magic-users only) Does your character have a given theme to her spells?  (Fire, illusionist, exc.)
SHORT Character Bio:

Note about weapons:  The game contains just about any medieval weapon you can think of, and then some.  In fact, many weapons are available in different sizes (You want to use an axe?  What kind - a normal battleaxe, a massive greataxe, or a small handaxe?)  And if it doesn’t have the weapon you are looking for, then it has a weapon that closely matches what you are looking for.  Even better, it allows you to equip weapons your character is unfamiliar with.  You want to be that evil wizard with a scythe?  Go ahead – you will receive a non-proficiency penalty if you actually use it, but it looks cool.

Alternatively, if you know the D&D 3.5 ruleset well, you can give me a detailed build.    But if you do so, keep in mind that this game follows Pen and Paper rules to a fault, so a build designed with NWN2 in mind might not work here.

If you have ever played any of the Fallout games, game mechanics are remarkably similar.  You have attribute scores that largely stay the same when you level, skills that do increase as you level, and 'feats' that are equivalent to Fallout's perks.  You also have dice rolls that determine the success (or failure) of your actions, with critical hits/critical misses possible for great/terrible rolls.  Level cap is remarkably low compared to most RPG’s (capped at level 10 in this case, or at least it would be if I was not using mods) but each level gain (usually) feels like a very real increase in power.  The biggest difference is the D&D has classes, and most combat-related abilities are tied to your chosen class(es).

Available classes and races (no prestige classes or non-standard classes or races here, sorry):

Human:
Dwarf
Elf
Gnome
Half-Elf
Half-Orc
Halfling

Barbarian
Bard
Cleric
Druid
Fighter
Monk
Paladin
Ranger
Rogue
Sorcerer
Wizard

Major party considerations:
Paladins can fall from grace in this game!  Having a paladin in the party forces me to play through the game in a certain style, so if I get too many requests for unscrupulous characters I might make you a fighter or cleric instead.
Party Alignment:  At the beginning the game makes you choose a certain alignment for your group.  All adventurers within the party must be within one step of that alignment.  For example, a Lawful Good party could have Lawful Neutral or Neutral Good characters in it, but no Lawful Evil, Chaotic Good, or True Neutrals.  Party alignment will be chosen based on individual alignment requests, and I may have to alter some people's requested alignment.


The following roles in the party will need to be filled:
Frontline (Probably filled by more then one fighter, barbarian, or paladin)
Diplomat (Ideally a high-charisma, non-combat build rogue, but paladins, bards, and sorcerers work well too)
Magic-User (More then one please!  Like most oldschool RPG’s, you will have to rely on your magic-users to get you through the late game)
Healer (Cleric or druid, may need two for such a big party)
Rogue (The sheer size of our party means we might not actually need a rogue, depending on how many bards, monks, or rangers we have with us)

The end result will look something like this:

(http://i.imgur.com/7FyED.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/d7Stk.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/Spysi.jpg)

Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Adventurers wanted, apply within
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 05, 2012, 07:33:00 pm
Sample Adventurer’s Guild Application

Character Name: Lyndus
Race: Halfling
Gender: Female
Height (relative to a given race’s normal height): Average
Hair Color (available color palette is black, blonde, brunette, light brown, light blue, pink, orange, white): Black
Hair Style (sadly hair length does not go beyond shoulder length): Ponytail
Character Class: Fighter
Preferred Weapon: Warhammer
Preferred Alignment: True Neutral
Fighting Style:  Two-Handed Weapon

SHORT Character Bio:

“Do not judge a book by its cover.” - Edwin Rolfe

Some members of the halfling race are known for being shy and meek.  This is not the case with Lyndus.  With the bluntness of a hammer combined with the subtlty of a bull in a china shop, she is certain to make an impact on any adventurer.

Overly cautious and pessimistic, she is always quick to complain about the rain, ‘pretty target theory’, and how ‘critters are trying to eat me again!’
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Adventurers wanted, apply within
Post by: SpardaSon21 on August 05, 2012, 08:16:47 pm
Character Name: Elladan
Race: Elf
Gender: Male
Height: Tall
Hair Color: Black
Hair Style: Tied-back
Character Class: Fighter
Preferred Weapon: Greatsword
Preferred Alignment: Chaotic Good
Fighting Style: Two-Handed Weapon

Character Bio:
Unlike most elves, Elladan is hot-tempered and quick to join the fight.  Knowing right from wrong, he will defend the powerless from anyone who threatens them, no matter the station or birth of the antagonist.  Tall and strong, he uses a greatsword and powerful armor as a way to defy those who would stereotype elves as small and fragile, and his attitude towards those who would make light of his fighting style is nothing short of contempt.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Adventurers wanted, apply within
Post by: Spoon on August 05, 2012, 08:20:10 pm
Thaeris told me I could be the little girl if I apply here. The nerds on IRC then forced me to name this character Luna.
I'm more or less familiar with 2nd edition through baldur's gate and icewinddale and quite familiar with 4th edition by actually playing it with friends. I will however fully admit that 3.5e is for the most part a mystery to me. So I'll leave the fine details in your capable hands.

Character Name: Luna Starsinger
Race: Elf
Gender: Female
Height: Below average
Hair Color: Blond
Hair Style: Ponytail or Whatever long hair is available
Character Class: Sorcerer
Preferred Weapon: Love
Preferred Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Fighting Style: Whimsically

Character Bio:

"How did I get here and what am I doing? Oooh icecream!"

While on the run for the debt collectors chasing her parents for their out of control gambling habbits, Luna suddenly found herself in places unknown to her. Easily distracted and with little coherent thought, she wandered on to follow squirrels, pixies and other wonderous things of interest. Somewhere around this point she discovered the wonders of magic and the delight of icecream. Magical icecream even!

Luna has apparantly ample aptitude for spellcasting but the constitution and the wisdom of a... well, a little elf girl. Easily distracted and not very intimidating, she's not one suited for encounters that require diplomacy (unless the goal is to confuse the **** out of the opponent, in that case you have a winner right here!). She is however quite dexterous and could probably learn how to use a sling to tackle giants or something.

Edit: Considering she's a magical girl, she should probably get a classical transformation scene in there too. /人 ◕ ‿‿ ◕ 人\
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Adventurers wanted, apply within
Post by: CommanderDJ on August 05, 2012, 08:27:11 pm
Character Name: Lessiah Mestrel  (pronounced less-EE-ah)
Race: Elf
Gender: Female
Height: Average
Hair Colour: Brunette
Hairstyle: Untied
Character Class: Cleric
Preferred Weapon: Quarterstaff/Some sort of double ended sword.
Preferred Alignment: Lawful Good, but any Good will do
Short Bio:
Lessiah’s defining characteristic is her curiosity. She feels compelled to follow up any loose end, any mystery and any ambiguity that she comes across, but she tends to be shy and withdrawn around other adventurers. In the thick of battle, however, she is always quick to lend a helping hand or a healing word to keep her companions going.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Adventurers wanted, apply within
Post by: Axem on August 05, 2012, 08:36:16 pm
Character Name: Slab Squatthrust
Race: Dwarf
Gender: Manly man
Height: Manly Average
Hair Color: Manly Black
Hair Style: Manly and short
Character class: Barbarian
Preferred Weapon: Axes, the larger the better
Preferred Alignment: True Neutral
Two handed weapons, PLEASE!

SHORT Character Bio:

I am here to kill all the things! If it bleeds, I'll squash it! It if fights back, I'll hack it in two! That is all.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Adventurers wanted, apply within
Post by: Rodo on August 05, 2012, 08:40:49 pm
I'll give you the somewhat close specifics to my old NWN character, oh yes... I died a lot back in those days... funny days.

Character Name: Rodd Kennes
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Height: Average
Hair Color: Black
Hair Style: Dreads.
Character Class: Cleric
Preferred Weapon: Hammer / Axe
Preferred Alignment: Lawfull Good
Fighting Style: One handed weapon

Character Bio:

Rodd Kennes, the relentless and dumbass cleric, always at the service of Tyr, ready to strike evil wherever, whenever.
No such enemy exists that will make this devoted believer take a step back in it's duties (not because he's brave, but because he's dumb as a rock), he's dedication to the healing arts have yielded results saving his life and others as well more that one time.
Wondering Wandering the land, looking to eradicate injustice and evilness once and for all, he goes... This, is a companion to have when your blood sprouts, but not so much when you need to run.

Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Adventurers wanted, apply within
Post by: LordMelvin on August 05, 2012, 08:58:47 pm
I totes want in on this.

Character Name: Thog
Race: Half-orc
Gender: Male
Height: 1 standard deviation above average
Hair Color :Orange
Hair Style :As Punk As Possible
Character Class: Bard
Preferred Weapon: Big Drumstick (club)
Preferred Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Fighting Style:  hit 'em with the drumstick

SHORT Character Bio:

Thog like noise.
Thog make noise.
Noise help fight.
Thog smash.

(Int should be the dump stat.)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Adventurers wanted, apply within
Post by: Mongoose on August 05, 2012, 11:29:53 pm
Character Name: Slab Squatthrust
BLAST HARDCHEESE!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Adventurers wanted, apply within
Post by: Polpolion on August 05, 2012, 11:37:13 pm
Damn, too slow.  :(
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Adventurers wanted, apply within
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 06, 2012, 12:32:10 am
Preferred Weapon: Love
In other words, no huge, exploding fireballs or other similarly impressive displays of elemental fury?  Sorcerers as a rule are better at direct damage spells then clerics are.  But, your choice.

She is however quite dexterous and could probably learn how to use a sling to tackle giants or something.
Preferred Weapon: Quarterstaff/Some sort of double ended sword.
Elves are automatically proficient with the shortbow, longbow, and longsword regardless of what class they choose.  Want to be an archer instead, Spoon?

Preferred Weapon: Quarterstaff/Some sort of double ended sword.
Eh, you just brought up an interesting point.  Double weapons are, in fact, not in the game.  Quarterstaves are, but the game treats them as one-ended weapons.

Height: 1 standard deviation above average
That would be exactly 1 inch above average - the character creation screen goes so far as to measure character height using inches and feet.

Preferred Weapon: Big Drumstick (club)
I assume you want a greatclub and not a normal one-handed club?

Character Class: Cleric
Preferred Weapon: Hammer / Axe
Clerics don't get martial weapon proficiency without multiclassing.  Unlike the evil mage with a scythe, a cleric will actually be USING his weapon, and thus doesn't want to take a -4 nonproficiency penalty to attack.  Taking a fighter level would cut into your spellcasting ability given the low level cap, and taking martial weapon proficiency as a feat will make you choose -one!- weapon to become proficient at.

However, you CAN choose a diety with the war domain, and become proficient with that diety's preferred weapon (and gain weapon focus with it as well)

Rodd Kennes, the relentless and dumbass cleric, always at the service of Tyr,
Sorry, wrong campaign setting to be a cleric of Tyr.  This is the Greyhawk setting, not the Forgotten Realms setting.

Fortunately!  There are deities within Greyhawk that are a close match for Tyr.  St. Cuthbert is a lawful neutral diety with a tendency towards good.  He also has the distinction of playing a significant role in the story.  Pelor is a neutral good deity that is pretty much equivalent to The Morninglord.  Heironeous is a lawful good deity that is probably the one you want. He has the war domain, so if you want access to a longsword this is the way to go.

--------------------------------

So that's 7 out of 8 party posistions filled.    However, we don't have all the bases covered!  Specifically, we lack a wizard or sorcerer whom actually has offensive spells (a fireball is NOT the power of love), and we lack skillpoint-based characters (we only have the one bard).  The eighth character need to be either a wizard, sorcerer, bard, rogue, ranger, or monk.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Adventurers wanted, apply within
Post by: NGTM-1R on August 06, 2012, 01:01:48 am
Character Name: Thog
Race: Half-orc
Gender: Male
Height: 1 standard deviation above average
Hair Color :Orange
Hair Style :As Punk As Possible
Character Class: Bard
Preferred Weapon: Big Drumstick (club)
Preferred Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Fighting Style:  hit 'em with the drumstick

Ghost-martyrs of the Sapphire Guard, ATTACK!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Adventurers wanted, apply within
Post by: CommanderDJ on August 06, 2012, 01:13:08 am
Preferred Weapon: Quarterstaff/Some sort of double ended sword.
Eh, you just brought up an interesting point.  Double weapons are, in fact, not in the game.  Quarterstaves are, but the game treats them as one-ended weapons.

I'll go with that then.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Need 1 more adventurer
Post by: LordMelvin on August 06, 2012, 01:46:57 am
Height: 1 standard deviation above average
That would be exactly 1 inch above average - the character creation screen goes so far as to measure character height using inches and feet.
That's a little more fine-grained than I expected. Let's go for 1.1x the standard height?
Quote
Preferred Weapon: Big Drumstick (club)
I assume you want a greatclub and not a normal one-handed club?

Assuming the engine won't let me dual-wield my drumsticks, I want me a big ol' gong-worthy thumping stick. That way I can drive the rhythm right into their brains.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Need 1 more adventurer
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 06, 2012, 01:58:21 am
Preferred Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Character Bio:
Knowing right from wrong, he will defend the powerless from anyone who threatens them, no matter the station or birth of the antagonist...
Alignment needs to match RP, please.  Your bio describes a Chaotic Good character.

Preferred Alignment: True Neutral
SHORT Character Bio:
I am here to kill all the things! If it bleeds, I'll squash it! It if fights back, I'll hack it in two! That is all.
Alignment!  You just described a Chaotic Neutral, leaning towards EVIL

Assuming the engine won't let me dual-wield my drumsticks, I want me a big ol' gong-worthy thumping stick. That way I can drive the rhythm right into their brains.
Two-weapon fighting is indeed an option, sorry for the confusion.  (A darth maul-style double sword, on the other hand, isn't.)  Very well then, you can have your duel bashing sticks.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Need 1 more adventurer
Post by: LordMelvin on August 06, 2012, 02:40:12 am
Assuming the engine won't let me dual-wield my drumsticks, I want me a big ol' gong-worthy thumping stick. That way I can drive the rhythm right into their brains.
Two-weapon fighting is indeed an option, sorry for the confusion.  (A darth maul-style double sword, on the other hand, isn't.)  Very well then, you can have your duel bashing sticks.
They're not bashing sticks, they're drumsticks (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/InsistentTerminology)!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Adventurers wanted, apply within
Post by: Spoon on August 06, 2012, 06:33:01 am
Preferred Weapon: Love
In other words, no huge, exploding fireballs or other similarly impressive displays of elemental fury?  Sorcerers as a rule are better at direct damage spells then clerics are.  But, your choice.
Nah, it just means that she throws fireballs and blows people up with love.  :p

Elves are automatically proficient with the shortbow, longbow, and longsword regardless of what class they choose.  Want to be an archer instead, Spoon?
Sure, lets go with that. Probably shortbows depending if 3e edition has the same high strength requirements for big longbows 2nd edition had.
(In 2nd edition, even if your race had proficiency with a weapon, you'd usually still be restricted by what the class was allowed to wield. Thus I assumed slings from the beginning.)

Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Need 1 more adventurer
Post by: TrashMan on August 06, 2012, 07:58:57 am
I'm in. Make me a human paladin.
Prefered weapon - greatsword. Or if that is problematic sword+shield. Or mace+shield.



Character Name: Lotion Soronarr
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Height: 5 above average
Hair Color: light brown
Hair Style: short
Character class: Paladin
Preferred Weapon: Greatsword
Preferred Alignment: Self-explanatory


SHORT Character Bio:
Suprisingly he doesn't have a stick up his arse, on the accout that he was an orphan and a thief and forest robber before he got caught by a paladin, who out of pitty, trained him.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Need 1 more adventurer
Post by: Spoon on August 06, 2012, 08:22:21 am
Quote from: Alex Heartnet
The eighth character need to be either a wizard, sorcerer, bard, rogue, ranger, or monk.
Notice how that doesn't mention Paladin in there.
I know reading isn't your strong suit, Trashman. But at least try
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Need 1 more adventurer
Post by: Gortef on August 06, 2012, 08:33:13 am
If I were more evil I'd ninja that last slot from Trash, but let's give him another try to make one of those needed characters since he sort of "applied" already.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Need 1 more adventurer
Post by: Spoon on August 06, 2012, 08:38:34 am
If I were more evil I'd ninja that last slot from Trash, but let's give him another try to make one of those needed characters since he sort of "applied" already.
Please be more evil  :p
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Need 1 more adventurer
Post by: Gortef on August 06, 2012, 08:51:51 am
Please be more evil  :p

(http://files.sharenator.com/no_meme_rage_face_Most_Insane_Letter_Ever-s600x511-312887-535.jpg)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Need 1 more adventurer
Post by: TrashMan on August 06, 2012, 09:20:11 am
Quote from: Alex Heartnet
The eighth character need to be either a wizard, sorcerer, bard, rogue, ranger, or monk.
Notice how that doesn't mention Paladin in there.
I know reading isn't your strong suit, Trashman. But at least try


I know not being an insultive douche is not your strong point, but at least try.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Adventurers wanted, apply within
Post by: Rodo on August 06, 2012, 09:49:36 am
Heironeous is a lawful good deity that is probably the one you want. He has the war domain, so if you want access to a longsword this is the way to go.

Ok, so I'll settle with Heironeous and longsword.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Need 1 more adventurer
Post by: Axem on August 06, 2012, 10:21:50 am
Preferred Alignment: True Neutral
SHORT Character Bio:
I am here to kill all the things! If it bleeds, I'll squash it! It if fights back, I'll hack it in two! That is all.
Alignment!  You just described a Chaotic Neutral, leaning towards EVIL


Fine, how's this:

I'm here to get pumped up. All those posers out there, don't know the true secrets to muscle building. Temple of evil? Sure. Sounds like a good warm up. I'll be sure to punch out Cthulu while I'm there.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Need 1 more adventurer
Post by: Polpolion on August 06, 2012, 10:31:30 am
Well since Trashman hasn't picked up the ball yet and it turns out I actually wasn't too slow  :nervous:

Character Name: Lester Mitchell
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Height: as tall as they come
Hair Color: gray
Hair Style: Long and as unkempt as possible, like a homeless guy
Character class: Wizard
Preferred Weapon: morning star (duh) (btw, yes I will take the penalty unless the GLORIOUS PARTY DEMANDS OTHERWISE)
Preferred Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Sorts of magic: Damage dealing kinds of things before utility kinds of things.

Lester Mitchell suffers from PTSD and is a slightly cynical old man. Unfortunately he just can't bring himself to quietly go into retirement, so he decides to go adventuring.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Need 1 more adventurer
Post by: Rodo on August 06, 2012, 11:01:59 am
So many chaotic players.. I sense trouble in the group.

Lessiah, (http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/072/542/tumblr_ksczlyQbeU1qzx4k0o1_500.jpg?1318992465)








uggg.. I touched an Elf

note: I forgot to mention Rodd was black skinned, hope that's not a problem.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Need 1 more adventurer
Post by: Black Wolf on August 06, 2012, 11:14:08 am
Quote from: Alex Heartnet
The eighth character need to be either a wizard, sorcerer, bard, rogue, ranger, or monk.
Notice how that doesn't mention Paladin in there.
I know reading isn't your strong suit, Trashman. But at least try


I know not being an insultive douche is not your strong point, but at least try.

Aaand niceness drive. Trashman gets some time off, but Spoon, you're not doing yourself any favours by baiting him either.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Need 1 more adventurer
Post by: SpardaSon21 on August 06, 2012, 11:22:35 am
Sorry Alex, I could have sworn I put Chaotic Good as my alignment when I posted.  Elladan is definitely supposed to be Chaotic Good.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Need 1 more adventurer
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 06, 2012, 12:37:56 pm
Well since Trashman hasn't picked up the ball yet and it turns out I actually wasn't too slow  :nervous:

Character Name: Lester Mitchell
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Height: as tall as they come
Hair Color: gray
Hair Style: Long and as unkempt as possible, like a homeless guy
Character class: Wizard
Preferred Weapon: morning star (duh) (btw, yes I will take the penalty unless the GLORIOUS PARTY DEMANDS OTHERWISE)
Preferred Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Sorts of magic: Damage dealing kinds of things before utility kinds of things.

Lester Mitchell suffers from PTSD and is a slightly cynical old man. Unfortunately he just can't bring himself to quietly go into retirement, so he decides to go adventuring.

Wizards can specialize in a spell school, giving them extra spells per day to play with.  However, they must give up the ability to use two other spell schools to do so.

The available spell schools are:
Abjuration:  Abjuration spells are spells meant to interfere with other magics.  Most spells in this category are protective spells, however the category also includes spell battle type spells such as Dispel Magic.
Conjuration:  Conjuration spells create and manipulate matter.  Most summoning spells fall into this category.
Divination:  Divination is the ability to learn secrets long forgotten, to predict the future, and for scrying.  Most spells in this category are non-combat or for spell battles.
Enchantment:  Enchantment spells affect the minds of others, with the classic example being Charm Person.  Most attack spells that do not deal direct damage fall under this category.  Take note that non-damage attack spells are actually useful in this game - a confusion spell can often have greater effect then a fireball spell.
Illusion:  Illusion spells deal with things that aren't really there.  A variety of spells falls under this category, including invisibility.
Necromancy:  Necromancy spells deal with the manipulation of life and death.  This spell school is notorious for including EVIL spells, but it also contains some offensive spells.
Evocation:  Evocation spells deal with the manipulation and creation of energy.  Most direct damage spells fall under this category.
Transmutation:  Transmutation spells change the properties of matter, to produce a variety of effects.

Do you want to specialize in Evocation?  If so, what two spell schools do you want to give up.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: z64555 on August 06, 2012, 12:46:39 pm
I think Trashman was temporarily banned...
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Scourge of Ages on August 06, 2012, 12:50:45 pm
Awwww, Polpolion grabbed the last slot?

Wait, what if somebody dies? Will there be replacements needed?
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Polpolion on August 06, 2012, 12:52:46 pm
Yep, I will specialize in evocation and give up transmutation and necromancy.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 06, 2012, 01:21:04 pm
Awwww, Polpolion grabbed the last slot?

Wait, what if somebody dies? Will there be replacements needed?
If someone dies, there are such things as Raise Dead spells.

In other words, I'm stuck with this party for the duration of the game.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Scourge of Ages on August 06, 2012, 01:57:02 pm
Well in that case, <Good luck!> and looking forward to seeing how this goes. I might have to even buy the game and play some myself... (no LP though)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: NGTM-1R on August 06, 2012, 05:08:18 pm
If someone dies, there are such things as Raise Dead spells.

In other words, I'm stuck with this party for the duration of the game.

There better be, I played this for the hell of it once.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 06, 2012, 06:09:01 pm
Behold!  The EVIL title screen!

(http://i.imgur.com/QYL1O.png)

I’m not a big fan of the party alignment system either.  If you wish to roleplay as a Lawful Good or Chaotic Good, go right ahead.

(http://i.imgur.com/r6UjU.png)

Before we get started on our adventure, we first need to get equipped!

This is an example of one of the mini-mods contains within the Circle of Eight modpack.  I am using the version without the new content – which ‘only’ contains bugfixes and some small mods that many consider to be part and parcel to the vanilla game.

(http://i.imgur.com/YSCy0.png)

Free stuff?  Yes, please.  I can always sell what I don’t want or need.

(http://i.imgur.com/hKzts.png)

Look at what the game started Thog out with.  This starting equipment set would be fine for a normal bard, but not for a punk rock bard.  Fortunately, I can buy some different equipment for him.

(http://i.imgur.com/ueCpv.png)

After spending practically all our coin supply, I managed to give everyone a melee weapon + ranged weapon, as well as a large wooden shield and basic armor for those that need such.

Sorry Rodo, there are no skin tone options on the character creation screen.

(http://i.imgur.com/TzZJr.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/OlMIy.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/NODeH.png)

Axem, consider yourself lucky.  That breastplate was the most expensive piece of equipment I purchased, and is overall the best armor category for a dwarven barbarian.  Only way to improve your armor at this point is to buy/find magical armor or to use a spell.

For a ranged weapon, you get a sling (not that you are likely to actually use it).  It was cheap, more dwarven then a bow, and you never know when you will need a ranged weapon.

(http://i.imgur.com/FGVU6.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/BTbkf.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/zuWtX.png)

As soon as I finished buying Thog’s equipment, I realized just how awesome of a concept Thog is.  Kudos to you, LordMelvin!

(http://i.imgur.com/3RKOD.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/Zdvip.png)

I even managed to get Thog a punk hairstyle.

(http://i.imgur.com/eW1Mq.png)

Wizards tend to have a lot of skillpoints due to the fact that they rely on intelligence for their casting.  I ended up making Lester into a thief as well as a wizard.

Couldn’t get you the morningstar you wanted, though.  Not enough coin left over to buy one.  ‘Grey’ wasn’t a hair color option either, so you got white hair.

(http://i.imgur.com/WnLdf.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/BM4VC.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/pX8PL.png)

Heavier armor types penalize movement speed (unless you’re a dwarf), while lighter armor types don’t offer good protection without a good dex score.  Elladan has 18 dex, so I decided to put him in a set of light armor.  Mobility is a big deal in this game, and with that 18 dex the protection you get is equivalent to a set of heavy armor.

(http://i.imgur.com/eYjWx.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/cA2nn.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/MQ9nU.png)

Say hello to Lessiah, the elven klutz.

(http://i.imgur.com/BSoVP.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/zFO73.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/NHdtT.png)

Luna found a jaunty hat and a fencing blade somewhere.  She also brought a shortbow, because I didn’t have enough coin for a third longbow.

(http://i.imgur.com/2cW6T.png)

Yeah, I don’t think the portrait fits your character either.  But, I couldn’t find one that does.

(http://i.imgur.com/wdjIU.png)

That Identify spell of yours WILL see heavy use.

(http://i.imgur.com/oVUgo.png)

And last but not least, the loli with a hammer.

(http://i.imgur.com/pJKSQ.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/sMq7w.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/brXqZ.png)

With preparations complete, we set off towards glory, fame, treasure, and death!

(http://i.imgur.com/8PyVh.png)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Need 1 more adventurer
Post by: CommanderDJ on August 06, 2012, 07:14:39 pm
Lessiah, (http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/072/542/tumblr_ksczlyQbeU1qzx4k0o1_500.jpg?1318992465)

/me attempts to brofist back, but fails and punches Rodd in the face instead because of her 8 ****ING DEX.
 :P

This is going to be awesome. :D
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: FireSpawn on August 06, 2012, 07:14:53 pm
Damn it! How did I miss the sign in for this? Now my alcholic archer with an irrational hatred for pants and a rivalry with the floor, will not have his day in the sun! Woe woe, and thrice woe!


Ah well!

This is the first I've heard of this game, and I want to see how much involving the kindly gents from HLP ruin it for me.  :p
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Rodo on August 06, 2012, 07:25:36 pm
*Critical hit!
*Rodd's intelligence drops from 15 to 14.


Press on my fellow companions, Heronious's grace shall fall upon us the justice seekers!


...

Stay tuned for more stupidizzation!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: FireSpawn on August 06, 2012, 07:33:32 pm
And last but not least, the loli with a hammer.


(http://i.imgur.com/sMq7w.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/brXqZ.png)


LoliQuest has once again risen its head, this time more literally!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Need 1 more adventurer
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 06, 2012, 07:40:49 pm
/me attempts to brofist back, but fails and punches Rodd in the face instead because of her 8 ****ING DEX.
 :P
(http://i.imgur.com/X2Nl7.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/oAYH7.png)

At this point, if Rodd's nonlethal damage exceeds his current hitpoints (i.e. some monster hits him for 7 damage) he will be knocked unconscious with 3 real HP still remaining.  At this stage in the game, I don't think there is any NPC's that inflict nonlethal damage - just the normal lethal variety.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: CommanderDJ on August 06, 2012, 07:47:59 pm
[In-character]Oh! I'm so sorry! I've never done that before! Brofisted, that is...
/me hides in a corner, apologising quietly.
[/In-character]

Wow, I didn't think forum RPing would have in-game consequences! Forward to glory, death and resurrection!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Rodo on August 06, 2012, 08:34:52 pm
*dizzy

Sweet Heironeous!!

[rodd thinks]
I think I dropped my kidneys.
[/rodd thinks]
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: NGTM-1R on August 06, 2012, 10:39:51 pm
GM's Personal Log

Eight players.

Eight.

This is going to be a mess. I designed this campaign for six. I'll have to up the lethality level significantly.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 06, 2012, 10:49:41 pm
I see the GM hasn't read his own campaign before beginning.  You can hire NPC's in this game - at least, you could if the party wasn't already full with 8 PC's.  There are dozens of NPC's in the game you can hire, and it's not too difficult to turn a party of 4 PC's into a party of 4 PC's + 4 NPC's.

Most NPC's in the game would request steal a share of the loot, which when it comes down to it isn't really much different from PC's requesting a share of the loot.

And that's not even getting into familiars, animal companions, and summoned monsters, which most DM's would outright disallow in a party this big.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: NGTM-1R on August 06, 2012, 10:56:15 pm
Hey, I'm setting him up to be completely incompetent and/or hilarously lethal with his overreaction.

It's more fun that way.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 06, 2012, 11:23:43 pm
The beginning of the adventure varies depending on your party alignment.  Some starts involve light combat.  This one doesn’t.

(http://i.imgur.com/KLmUK.png)

The Archdruid Hrudek and companions.  I won’t advise picking a fight with him.

(http://i.imgur.com/Zb7jV.jpg)

Overall, the meeting went well, although it was surprisingly informal.

(http://i.imgur.com/0rhOK.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/3PddV.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/QJSji.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/AP2Yp.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/60pZe.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/I80dr.png)

Our brave foolish adventurers set off toward the village of Hommlet.  They don’t arrive until midnight.

(http://i.imgur.com/PPfgF.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/jBB3z.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/krD0M.png)

The first thing they look for is the local tavern.  Rather conveniently, there is a sign right next to the tavern that shows the directions to anywhere else within town.

Hey, at least you all didn’t meet up there.

You guys decide where to go from here.

(http://i.imgur.com/8EpnU.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/8my24.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/XSoa9.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/l6Xfw.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/dgp30.png)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: CommanderDJ on August 06, 2012, 11:32:51 pm
[Lessiah]
Well, if this Ashstaff is a druidical leader, I say we head to the Druid Grove and search for clues.
Or- /me stumbles as she walks.
 -oh dear! Or... we could ask the Town Elder for information. They're supposed to know pretty much everything, right?

But yes, the Druid Grove gets my vote.
[/Lessiah]
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 06, 2012, 11:36:54 pm
[Lyndus]
/me catches Lessiah before she falls.
Nah, the Mayor is probably busy.  Why don't we ask the church priests first?
[/Lyndus]
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: LordMelvin on August 06, 2012, 11:42:32 pm
[in-character] "Thog want drum! Thog want drink ale!" [/in-character] I start to walk in the direction of the Brewhouse in order to attempt to drum until someone gives me ale.

I was just about to post asking how dumb a -2 int modifier should be played as when you posted this...
Quote
(http://i.imgur.com/QJSji.png)
Should we maybe have someone who didn't use int as their dump stat do the whole 'talking to quest npcs' thing?


Apropos of my whole 'Drum-Bard' character concept, this is the song that happened to have just come up on my random play list when I was thinking up Thog:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEqxwZPc7ms
It was followed by the studio recording of London Calling.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 06, 2012, 11:49:46 pm
I was just about to post asking how dumb a -2 int modifier should be played as when you posted this...
-snip-
Should we maybe have someone who didn't use int as their dump stat do the whole 'talking to quest npcs' thing?
Depends on which NPC I am talking to.  You have skill ranks in Diplomacy and Sense Motive, which are both class skills for you, and both skills most party members are lacking.  One can always send different party members to talk to different types of NPC's.

For more refined NPC's, I will send in one of the clerics in your place.  If I am talking to something threatening, like a troll, then one of the fighters get to hold the conversation in order to bring their Intimidate skill into play.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Polpolion on August 06, 2012, 11:58:10 pm
(In char) agreed, thog. That was a long ****ing walk. I need a drink, then we can visit our druid friend wherever he is. Maybe one of these drones can even tell us what's happened around here, too.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: NGTM-1R on August 07, 2012, 01:01:31 am
GM PERSONAL LOG

I'm trying to decide whether I should praise LordMelvin for roleplaying Thog or smack him for being annoying. Perhaps I'll do both.

So far everything's going well.

I should probably have learned not to say that.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 07, 2012, 01:11:59 am
Thog and Lester decide to visit the brewery.  They leave the rest of the party behind to do so, despite the game engine’s insistence on bringing everyone along during an area transition.

(http://i.imgur.com/7eHfPl.png)

Lester has a conversation with the Brewmaster.

(http://i.imgur.com/ocfCRl.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/Q6QP5l.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/M5xYxl.png)

Thog has similar luck with the apprentice.

(http://i.imgur.com/z6uPEl.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/uV2XCl.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/gUiSll.png)

Sorry guys, better luck next time.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: CommanderDJ on August 07, 2012, 01:27:07 am
[Lessiah]
/me huffs in indignation, talking to no one in particular.
Here we are, on the trail of a mystery, and they go off searching for drinks!
/me realises there are people around, and shuts up.
[/Lessiah]
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 07, 2012, 01:35:22 am
[Lyndus]
/me silently hands Lessiah a bottle of warm liquor, grinning.
[/Lyndus]
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: CommanderDJ on August 07, 2012, 04:03:09 am
/me shakes her head at the proffered bottle.
Oh, I'm sorry, but I mustn't! As you've noticed, I'm naturally clumsy, and when I drink I become even more so! I actually almost killed someone as a girl while drunk. That was the day I decided to be a cleric! So that next time I break one of my friends' bones (by accident), I can fix it (on purpose)!
/me yawns.
Hmm, I'm more tired than I thought. Perhaps we should all stay at the inn til morning? The other two will likely end up there anyway.

(I'll be omitting the Lessiah tags from now on as it seems I'll be posting in-character more than out-of-character. OOC posts will be clearly marked.)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: LordMelvin on August 07, 2012, 09:03:17 am
[in-character] Thog have quest! YAAY! Thog go to inn for quest! Thog quest for ale! [/in-character]

Thog sets out in search of the Inn, by way of the signpost in the center of town, since Thog's not clever enough to remember directions.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Polpolion on August 07, 2012, 09:13:05 am
[in char] I'm sorry master brewer, you misunderstand. I, er, need to stock my pub. All I need is a few barrels.

*looks in coin purse

Yes... let me just... go get my, uh, cart

lester leaves, never to set foot in the brewery again.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Rodo on August 07, 2012, 10:19:52 am
*rodo ignores all the fuzz about buzz

We should check in with the Captain of the guard in town, he should probably know where this Jaroo.

But, I agree with Lessiah my feet are soaring because of draggin' t'is heavy armor all the way, we should probably rest a few hours at the inn.

[thinking] Next thing I'm buying is a horse [/thinking]
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Gortef on August 07, 2012, 10:37:26 am

And last but not least, the loli with a hammer.


This is a loli with a hammer.

(http://koti.mbnet.fi/gortef/Tera/TERA_ScreenShot_20120807_181408.jpg)


Kidding. Enjoy yer adventure and let it be profitable!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 07, 2012, 03:14:31 pm
You all meet at a head off to the inn.



(http://i.imgur.com/3T6F9.png)


The moment Lessiah steps in, she gets hit on by a drunken local.


(http://i.imgur.com/pMMLh.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/MOPWd.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/FFZqC.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/jgp5u.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/06PJB.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/Ko3Ln.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/IsafL.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/mRMeA.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/MUn93.png)


Thog and Laster find ale and information, but can only afford the ale.


(http://i.imgur.com/Vjd5C.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/h54w1.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/dTAyT.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/n0Pj0.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/UoB6C.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/iawDZ.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/hSSsc.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/eE7FE.png)


Hate to say this, but you guys are broke.  The cost of the inn room + food will completely bankrupt you all.


(http://i.imgur.com/0rqTp.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/Ncjej.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/IG47y.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/lHzmW.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/8aZ4z.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/pww3w.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/NHSYx.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/pABqL.png)


Elladan manages to get some information from one of the bargoers.


(http://i.imgur.com/G0HZv.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/4rihA.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/uBGaG.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/z8DBm.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/TwJYL.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/UQxQx.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/J6fhQ.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/45kYL.png)


…And, here’s our free inn room.


(http://i.imgur.com/5xcux.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/2yrit.png)


…Oh wait, we’re broke, aren’t we?  :(


(http://i.imgur.com/TKmlg.png)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Rodo on August 07, 2012, 03:51:58 pm
*rodd checks his gold bag, a moth flies out

[thinks]
maybe I should sell my Official Sacred Heironeous underwear, after all I paid a lot for them a few years back, it's meant to be valuable.
I wonder if this guy will take it?

[/thinks]

*rodd pulls it's pants down just a bit so the weird man gets a peek

[whispers]
Will you take these official sacred Heironeous underware as payment, I paid 20 gp last year for them.
[/whispers]
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: SpardaSon21 on August 07, 2012, 04:28:01 pm
[in-character]Great job buying all that ale you monkey-blooded simpletons.  I haven't gotten any and now we're out of money to catch that gambling cheat with!  We better clear out the moathouse of any forces of evil hiding in there and take their loot as reward for a job well done so we can catch that cheat in the act.[/in-character]
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Polpolion on August 07, 2012, 04:51:25 pm
Lester: Simpleton? You're the elvish three-quarter wit that would be next to useless if not for the saving graces of muscle. Learn how to impale a kobol on a spike of energy and then you can call me a simpleton.

*enjoys ale

(ooc: can we have character names in posts for a little while so I don't keep having to look up who you all are? :p)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: LordMelvin on August 07, 2012, 05:09:21 pm
[In-Character]Thog like Ale! *Hic* [/In-Character]

*quaffs ale*

[In-Character] Thog not simpleton! Thog DRUMMER!

*quaffs more ale*

[In-Character]Thog want drum! Thog drum on hoatmouse peeples![/incharacter]


Whoo! Successfully completed the Quest-for-Ale! Let's go to the next quest!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 07, 2012, 07:36:25 pm
It’s decided!  The party sets out towards the moathouse in search of loot and experience.

Rodd figures that it might be a good idea to heal his broken nose with a spell.

(http://i.imgur.com/lZZeH.png)

As it so happens, good-aligned clerics can turn any spell they have prepared into a healing spell.  I’ll explain more about how spell preparation works later on.

(http://i.imgur.com/QdzWw.png)

Level 0 ‘cantrip’ spells as a rule are less-then-useful, so the party’s still good to go despite having used up a couple of spells beforehand.

(http://i.imgur.com/eEN6N.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/CqZBg.png)

The world map!

(http://i.imgur.com/BJaav.png)

Suddenly, a wild bard appears!

This is an example of a random encounter that can occur when traveling.  The encounter is usually a hostile one.  In this case, it’s a friendly elven bard.

(http://i.imgur.com/1eFxK.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/WdzLE.png)

Bard meets bard.

(http://i.imgur.com/EKPyg.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/TiuZu.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/5CZpx.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/J10Fq.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/o5Sfs.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/b9kWT.png)

After a short conversation, our heroes continue on their journey.

(http://i.imgur.com/yhm3r.png)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: NGTM-1R on August 07, 2012, 07:40:45 pm
[GM Log]

And I was so hoping to get a combat encounter out of creepy drunk dude. Next time, hit on the Halfling instead.

The group was insistent about not meeting at an inn this time, but I got them in one anyways! Then they spent all their money. Op success.

They tried to recruit an NPC, twice. This is going to be terrible enough already with eight people under direct player management. I forbid it.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: CommanderDJ on August 07, 2012, 07:45:30 pm
/me says a silent prayer for Zaxis and Ima.
Poor fellow, searching the land for his lost sister.
/me turns her thoughts back to the moathouse, and her face brightens.
Come on, Thog! Mystery awaits!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Rodo on August 07, 2012, 09:08:44 pm
*rodd listens conversation

Half elven?... pfff, he seems pretty much complete if you ask me.

Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 08, 2012, 12:05:58 am
After three hours of hiking through swamp and bog, while fending off giant mosquitoes and creepers, all while cutting through vines and overgrowth, our heroes finally arrive.


(http://i.imgur.com/B2bL8.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/c4636.png)


One never know what might jump out of the water to eat our intrepid travelers.  Like, say, this giant frog.


(http://i.imgur.com/l62B6.png)


The frog charges at Elladan, obscuring the camera with a conjured tree.


(http://i.imgur.com/18H9a.png)


Fighters have a LOT of combat options in this game.  They have more combat options at level 1 then some RPG’s provide to endgame characters.


(http://i.imgur.com/uR35T.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/q90BY.png)


However, Single Attack, Full Attack, Charge Attack, and Move are the four main options at this stage of the game.

Single attack is pretty much what it says on the tin.

Full attack:  If you have multiple attacks per turn, this will let you make use of them all.  However, this is a full-round action, meaning you can’t move beforehand.

Charge Attack:  Single Attack + Movement, combined into one.  Gives a +2 to your attack roll, but you can only charge in a straight, unobstructed line.

Move:  Allows you to, well, move.  Uses up the movement portion of your turn.


(http://i.imgur.com/I7XeX.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/P3yM5.png)


Lyndus starts the battle off with a charge attack.  Her hammer bounces harmlessly off of the fat frog.


(http://i.imgur.com/6GUu0.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/kyq6Q.png)


Thog has even worse luck.

…Hang on, why is Thog getting an armor penalty?  Bards should have light armor proficiency.  Will have to look into this once the battle ends.


(http://i.imgur.com/Zl0RJ.png)


A hit!  Yes!  Too bad the thing still has 14 HP remaining.


(http://i.imgur.com/pA8Ej.png)


Two critical failures in the same turn.  What is this?


(http://i.imgur.com/bmYyB.png)


Our two mages are up next.  Magic Missile, thankfully, is a guaranteed hit.


(http://i.imgur.com/niSjd.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/jed7Q.png)


Damage is light, but that’s more then what can be said of most of our group.


(http://i.imgur.com/3ap7U.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/tlJxo.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/GWpPf.jpg)


The frog tries to snatch Rodd up with its long, sticky tongue, but instead manages to tangle up its own tongue.


(http://i.imgur.com/bqPhV.png)


Rodd runs –past- the frog so he can get behind the thing.  Unfortunately, running past an enemy in melee carries a significant penalty in this game.


(http://i.imgur.com/lu64i.png)


Fortunately, the frog is rather tongue-tied at the moment.


(http://i.imgur.com/tESi8.png)


The following is a prime example of how NOT to fight.  At least Lyndus managed a hit.


(http://i.imgur.com/e37Ax.png)


It’s official.  The dice are trying to kill me.


(http://i.imgur.com/cpwzF.png)


Elladian drives his blade into the frog, nearly cutting it in two, ending the battle, and spraying frog goo all over the place.  Everyone earns 22 xp for the terrible encounter.  Only 978 xp left until next level!


(http://i.imgur.com/ZVbKt.png)


Now that the battle is over, let’s take a closer look at what is causing Thog’s penalty.

Oh, this would explain it.  I was under the impression Hide Armor was light armor.


(http://i.imgur.com/YZSye.png)


Fortunately, Thog has a spare set of clothes in his bag.


(http://i.imgur.com/7wYaf.png)


Somehow, despite all of this, the party remained at full HP, and thus is still in good condition to continue.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: TrashMan on August 08, 2012, 03:03:02 am
I got left out..... :(
Oh, the cruelest of fates!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: NGTM-1R on August 08, 2012, 03:45:24 am
GM Log

Today, the party was attacked by a giant frog. The important thing was that with all eight of them, and this really tickles me, had trouble killing it. No, I don't get it either. My first party had six and managed to take down a White Dragon lo those eons ago in AD&D, but this collection of yahoos can't handle a Giant Frog. Lady Luck and Admiral Awesome had simply deserted the room. The dice betrayed their masters.

If this keeps up I may have to make revisions. Again.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: TrashMan on August 08, 2012, 08:00:17 am
Since I had nothing better to do, I made a ToEE portrait pack

http://www.mediafire.com/?o99omoqobqq55

For everoyne who plaing on playing ToEE themselves...
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: SpardaSon21 on August 08, 2012, 10:23:15 am
[Elladan]I search the remains of the clearly evil frog for loot.[/Elladan]
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Rodo on August 08, 2012, 10:32:13 am
GM Log

*rodd hears some distant voice coming from the sky

Heironeous is that you?

I swear I did my best, that frog was too sloppy!

Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Spoon on August 08, 2012, 11:37:51 am
Dear diary

Today my new found companions (who are these people anyway?) encountered a giant fluffy squirrel (or it could be a frog, I forgot) and did battle with it. It was a really entertaining sight, like a bunch of clowns they charged on the purple porcupine frog and bounced off on it. Nearly hitting themselves in the process. The frog's tongue in the meantime got all tangled up. It was like one of those funny stories bards tell to childeren.
I think I accidently did something magical as I was laughing...
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 08, 2012, 02:08:39 pm
[Elladan]I search the remains of the clearly evil frog for loot.[/Elladan]

Do tell, what kind of loot were you expecting the frog to have?

It's a frog.  It doesn't come wearing expensive jewelry, with a big coin sack tied to it.  (And if it was, it would have a owner that would object to you robbing it.)

(http://i.imgur.com/zriyp.png)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: SpardaSon21 on August 08, 2012, 02:13:50 pm
*Elladan complains to the GM about loot drop rates.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Scourge of Ages on August 08, 2012, 02:37:21 pm
Can you skin the frog? Get started on your collection of valuable creature pelts for the quest that always pops up for 150 frog pelts (or something).
And hey, maybe it had swallowed something of value? You never know until you cut it open...
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Polpolion on August 08, 2012, 02:56:43 pm
Lester:

*prods Elladan with the end of his staff

Quit playing in it. You'll get your loot, but not in some damned frog and the middle of this damned swamp.

*wipes frog gore off of himself with his hat and begins walking

(I don't think our characters are getting along very well after that simpleton remark, sparda  :()
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: SpardaSon21 on August 08, 2012, 03:13:08 pm
Elladan:
*gets up from the frog
You spent all our money on ale for just the two of you.  I'm searching for loot so we can expose the cheat by beating him at his own cheating and then spend our well-earned gains on ale for the whole party, which we'll need lots of after we get done killing everything in this swamp and the moathouse.  Help me find and carry out the loot from this swamp and we're okay.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: pecenipicek on August 08, 2012, 03:13:48 pm
why no proper hilarious fumbles with critical misses? da dice are not properly loaded if there's no hilarity!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Polpolion on August 08, 2012, 03:17:21 pm
Lester:
[while walking]
And you expected to find something of value in the gut of a frog in the middle of the wilderness? We're better off cutting down all of these trees and selling the timber. Which, no, I do not advise doing.

wish I had more ale... maybe something stronger...
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: SpardaSon21 on August 08, 2012, 03:19:22 pm
Elladan:
What if he had devoured an adventurer or two and had some gold still rattling around in his belly?
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: CommanderDJ on August 08, 2012, 05:37:38 pm
/me speaks quietly.
Can't we all get along? I'm sure we'll have enough to fight soon enough without arguing amongst ourselves.
/me turns to Lyndus.
At least we're friends, right?
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 08, 2012, 07:06:34 pm
/me  gives Lessiah a cute, innocent smile.

But before she can say anything, Elladan interrupts the conversation with a loud shout, followed by a squishing noise.


(http://i.imgur.com/188Mf.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/WQ1A5.png)


One magic missile later, the frog croaks.  Just in time too, a third frog has just arrived.


(http://i.imgur.com/MbrZe.png)


As a forth frog shows up, Lester has second thoughts about his current spell selection.


(http://i.imgur.com/4iBeb.png)


Elladan demonstrates some impressive swordsmanship.


(http://i.imgur.com/GKzSu.png)


The party finishes off the forth and final frog in short order.


(http://i.imgur.com/ZhUBk.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/1eufH.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/kvsmG.png)


Lyndus mutters about how critters are trying to eat her again.


(http://i.imgur.com/SRhgw.jpg)


Poor Luna is too tired to manage many more spells.  She decides to converse her remaining energy and rely on her non-existent archery skills instead.


(http://i.imgur.com/d6XIt.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/nZPcl.png)


With a train of dead frogs in their wake, the party reaches the moathouse proper.


(http://i.imgur.com/dZfxq.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/ZdFXm.jpg)


Ambush!


(http://i.imgur.com/ZF9l9.png)


Lester demonstrates how even cantrips can be lethal.


(http://i.imgur.com/zoJBG.png)


Slab decides that now would be an appropriate time…to…RAAAEEGGG!!!1!11!one11!


(http://i.imgur.com/hWqAF.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/h9gYU.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/9ZiOi.png)


Brigand:  “Oh, it’s just a pansy elf and a tiny rodent.  What are they going to d-ARRGHHHH!!”


(http://i.imgur.com/T7B1f.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/djDZR.png)


Rodd sets to work healing Slab’s nasty injury.


(http://i.imgur.com/IrNQU.png)


Then both Rodd and Slab get interrupted by more brigands.  Luna demonstrates her remarkable archery skills.


(http://i.imgur.com/snXEP.png)


Slab charges at one of the bandits.  The bandit’s buddy stabs Slab in the back, but gets cut down by a blind, reflexive axe strike from Slab.


(http://i.imgur.com/imwzB.png)


You are supposed to dodge away from the blade, not towards it!


(http://i.imgur.com/k9lOx.png)


Unimpressed by Luna’s impressive archery, Lessiah lets loose an arrow of her own.


(http://i.imgur.com/BZezW.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/G7Pu3.png)


The big, manly brigands decide that they need to gang up on the little halfling.  Rodd demonstrates the error of their ways.


(http://i.imgur.com/4B3TN.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/Deo2G.png)


And, thus ends the battle.


(http://i.imgur.com/sg2CC.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/SFk8a.png)


Rather then relying on some illogical random drop system, complete with money spiders, this game is bold enough to let you TAKE ALL THE THINGS!


(http://i.imgur.com/daQFw.png)


The party gets to decide what to do with all this cumbersome loot.


(http://i.imgur.com/sQliU.png)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Polpolion on August 08, 2012, 07:18:34 pm
ooc: what's that blue potion do? heals stuff?
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: CommanderDJ on August 08, 2012, 07:21:12 pm
OOC: Equip any items that are superior to our own, keep potions, sell everything else once we get back.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: SpardaSon21 on August 08, 2012, 07:32:31 pm
OOC: Sounds excellent.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: NGTM-1R on August 08, 2012, 07:36:38 pm
GM LOG

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/ngtm1r/emot-frogout.gif)

Despite the worthy efforts of their brother, the rest of the Giant Frogs proved more in line with what would be expected of giant frogs. Or in simple terms, they got curbstomped. The banditry almost but not quite managed to pose a threat to the party, as good banditry should.

Although the halfling taking on two of them at once with ease was kind of embaressing to bandits and brigands everywhere. Really must devise effective counter for later in the campaign.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 08, 2012, 07:56:03 pm
ooc: what's that blue potion do? heals stuff?

Everyone started out with one of those potions, however for some odd reason they aren't identified despite STARTING OUT with them.  My educated guess is that they are Potions of Cure Light Wounds.

OOC: Equip any items that are superior to our own, keep potions, sell everything else once we get back.

The only things useful that we found is a set of light armor for Thog and some ammunition in the form of crossbow bolts.  We already have basic ranged weapons, and the gloves, boots, and rusty longswords are pretty much useless to us.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Polpolion on August 08, 2012, 07:57:33 pm
Lester:

*jabs Elladan with his staff a bit

You want your loot? You carry it. Damn elves, four pairs of shoes, three pairs of gloves...

*Mutters to himself and heads toward the door

Come on slab, we'll probably need your axe in the keep
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 08, 2012, 08:26:46 pm
/me points to a nearby tower.
"Oohhh, what's over there?  Can we take a look inside quick?"
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: CommanderDJ on August 08, 2012, 08:37:27 pm
/me looks at the tower with curiosity.
Oooh, yes please!
/me turns to Lester, looking sad.
Why are you so mean to elves?
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 08, 2012, 08:46:33 pm
/me suddenly has an idea.
"Why don't we just have the dwarf carry everything?"
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Axem on August 08, 2012, 09:13:54 pm
Whoa dude. Just because I'm ripped, doesn't mean I'm your pack mule. What's wrong with Bhog carrying everything?
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Spoon on August 08, 2012, 09:19:28 pm
There's something wrong with this bow! Or the arrows! Or both!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 08, 2012, 09:32:07 pm
/me grins at the dwarf, handing him a large bag of stuff.
"You're a dwarf, you can handle it!"
/me then hands Luna a sling.
"Trade you?"
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Rodo on August 08, 2012, 11:43:53 pm
*rodd shouts

SELL ALL THE THINGS, AND DONATE TO THE POOR!


It's what Heroinous would want us to do, yes yes.


*rodd looks towards the door

Wonder what's in there, we should take a look!

*enters the main door
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 09, 2012, 12:26:09 am
/me stares back at Rodd from the other side of the door.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Rodo on August 09, 2012, 12:36:05 am
*stares

Hey guys look!, I found some Ruby's!

[thinks]
wait, they move?
[/think]

*glup
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 09, 2012, 12:42:37 am
"Ooohh!  Mine!  Minemineminemine!"
* Lyndus quickly dashes into the room.
"EEEEEKKKKKKK~!!!"
* A loud *BONK* is heard, followed by Lyndus scurrying back out, nearly running into Rodd in the process.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: CommanderDJ on August 09, 2012, 01:05:58 am
Lyndus, are you alright? What's in there?
/me attempts to somehow peer through the door without actually getting any closer, but only succeeds in tripping over her own feet. She gets back up and readies herself for combat.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 09, 2012, 01:31:52 am
* Lessiah and Luna can both make out the silhouette of a giant spider within the darkness, with their ability to see under low light conditions.

* Thog, being a half-orc, can see in near-total darkness.  He can see the spider quite clearly.

* In any case, the spider seems too big and fat to fit through the door.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: TrashMan on August 09, 2012, 03:55:14 am
Question - how did you get 8 characters? I thought 5 was the norm?

EDIt: Nevermind. Found out.

Also, I updated my portrait pack. It has 40 portraits now and is compatible with Co8.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Rodo on August 09, 2012, 09:25:21 am
*rodd runs through the gate swinging his weapon blindly

IMASWINGMYLONGSWORDDDD!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: LordMelvin on August 09, 2012, 09:47:13 am
*Thog follow rodd. Thog not walk in front.*

Thog drum. Thog smash. Graaaaah!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 09, 2012, 06:08:12 pm
The dwarf is made to carry ALL the things!


(http://i.imgur.com/x7YvK.png)


Lyndus and Luna swap weapons.


(http://i.imgur.com/hqGWL.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/Pw1pW.png)


The party faces off against the staple fantasy monster.


(http://i.imgur.com/nCRtp.png)


The entire party then gets snared in a giant sticky, gooey web.


(http://i.imgur.com/FsNnC.png)


Various party members attempt to break free of the web, with very little success.

Luna is caught in front, with the rest of the group unable to come to her aid.  Even she can see where this is going…


(http://i.imgur.com/DG3Sf.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/l8Y6e.png)


Rodd mutters something, pulling out his crossbow.  He spends half of his turn drawing it out, and the other half of his turn loading a bolt in it.  He then learns the main weakness of the crossbow, being unable to actually fire it until next turn.


(http://i.imgur.com/nRD2k.png)


The spider charges at Luna, only to get met with sharp pointy object.


(http://i.imgur.com/hW6DR.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/o5U7C.png)


Against all logic, the game lets me take ANOTHER turn before the spider gets a chance to do anything!  This makes no sense whatsoever – it was the spider’s turn to begin with, and it should still be the spider’s turn regardless of how many readied strikes or attacks of opportunity it gets hit with.


(http://i.imgur.com/3PPA2.png)


The spider gets stabbed a second time, and literally dies of a broken heart.


(http://i.imgur.com/ayqCz.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/p9Qh7.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/Che0t.png)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: CommanderDJ on August 09, 2012, 07:12:55 pm
Nice job, Luna!
/me untangles herself from the last of the web.
Eww, eww. What is it with spiders and rendering their prey helpless before they kill it? At least we give our enemies a fair fight! I wonder how this giant spider got here anyway. Did it have a name? Ooh, what's that? And what's that? How about that over there?
/me scurries around the room looking at everything.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 09, 2012, 07:33:38 pm
* A closed, locked ivory chest sits conspicuously in the corner.  There is nothing else of use in the room, but the tower itself seems like a good, defensible area to rest in.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: NGTM-1R on August 09, 2012, 08:02:44 pm
GM Log

I think I derped out there and they got two turns. Damn bathroom break. This party is significantly better than the last one, I would never have heard the end of the jokes about the sticky web.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Spoon on August 09, 2012, 08:26:38 pm
AAAAAAAAAhhhhhhh
SPIDERS
They
Are
In
My
Hair!
GetemoutGetemoutGetemoutGetemoutGetemoutGetemoutGetemout

* Luna screams as she waves her pointy object around wildly
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: CommanderDJ on August 09, 2012, 08:38:27 pm
Ooooooh, look, a chest! Anyone good with locks?

OOC: You mentioned resting. How does the game treat fatigue and stuff? Does the party need to rest at this point?

Edit: ****. I completely missed a klutz opportunity with the untangling from the web before!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: LordMelvin on August 09, 2012, 08:39:49 pm
Thog look around for traps. Thog not see any traps. Thog ask rogue to look for traps. Thog sing song about looking for traps.



Thog also look on ceiling.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Rodo on August 09, 2012, 11:12:14 pm
*rodd struggles with the Crossbow trying to disarm it but fails miserably and a rogue bolt whistles out the tower, through the window.

*pretends nothing happened and puts the Crossbow away

A chest? why not try breaking the lock
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 10, 2012, 01:03:58 am
Luna demonstrates how to open a chest from a distance.


(http://i.imgur.com/NItz9.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/CuoXV.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/aelJG.png)


As is expected, it has stuff inside.


(http://i.imgur.com/oDr92.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/aNa8Z.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/IDEis.png)


As you recall, Lester only prepared one magic missile, and found that his shocking grasp and sleep spells weren’t used.  Most (but not all!) spellcasting classes have to guess ahead on what spells they will need – if you find you need another magic missile and not a shocking grasp, well, you’re out of luck.

Wizards require eight hours of rest to clear their head of spent spells, followed by an hour spent re-memorizing their spells.  (The game only asks for 8 hours of rest and not nine hours)

Wizards can only learn new spells from leveling up or from scrolls.  From a practical perspective, the wizard will never have enough coin to fill his spellbook with ALL the spells.

The wizard’s spell selection is notable for including a lot of direct damage spells, and no healing spells.


(http://i.imgur.com/oLqzs.png)


The spell scrolls and potions are currently unidentified, and the material components for an Identify spell cost 100 gold!  Fortunately, there is a cheaper way to identify scrolls.


(http://i.imgur.com/gj3vG.png)


Rodd knows that there is EVIL afoot.  He prepares accordingly, but at this stage in the game all of his spells will probably be converted into healing spells anyway.

Divine spellcasters such as clerics have access to ALL the spells (with the exception of good clerics not being able to cast EVIL spells).  But Rodd needs to reach level 3 before he can even think about casting second-tier spells.


(http://i.imgur.com/XxXZQ.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/yFpVy.png)


Lessiah asks her patron for a more sensible selection of spells.  Clerics have few direct damage spells (and the ones they have tend to be weaker then a wizard’s spell selection).  Instead their spell selection is primarily focused on helping others.

In the Greyhawk campaign setting, deities are metaphorical concepts rather then actual living entities (unlike the more well-known Forgotten Realms setting).  Of course, none of this matters to your average clergy.


(http://i.imgur.com/yzqw0.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/zHTYT.png)


Being a sorceress, Luna’s abilities are innate rather then learned.  She only knows a very limited amount of spells, but can use her spells per day in any combination.  In ToEE, sorcerers cannot unlearn spells upon leveling.  Choose wisely.  It goes without saying that some (not all, thankfully) low levels spells might be made obsolete at higher levels.

Sorcerers get to choose from the same exact spells that wizards do.  A casual observer might not even be able to tell the difference between a wizard and a sorcerer at first glance.


(http://i.imgur.com/Dfo1E.png)


Bards aren’t focused entirely on spellcasting.  They have other abilities as well.


(http://i.imgur.com/LR27h.png)


It’s late.  Time to rest!


(http://i.imgur.com/85ECw.png)


A party must rest 8 full uninterrupted hours to receive benefits.  Use/day abilities (such as spells and Barbarian Rage) are refreshed.  A portion of lost HP gets restored.  Likewise, party members partially recover from attribute score damage, such as from the poison that the spider didn’t get a chance to use.

Edit from the future:  Character don't even require rest or healing to recover from non-lethal damage.  Just time.


(http://i.imgur.com/L9b1H.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/vFDYR.png)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Rodo on August 10, 2012, 09:03:36 am
I sense EVIL lurking around.

I shall sleep with one eye open, always ready to react in a split second if EVIL ever gets close.





That night...




*farts while sleeping
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: LordMelvin on August 10, 2012, 09:27:26 am
Thog sleep with one eye open, clutching thogs pillow tight.
dum-dee-duum, daah dee dum, dum dee dum, dee dum dee dum dum something-land.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 10, 2012, 11:36:27 am
* Lyndus bonks Rodd lightly on the head with hammer during the middle of the night.

"Would you quit it?  Some of us are trying to get some sleep!"
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Rodo on August 10, 2012, 07:20:11 pm
*rodd starts moving his feet frenetically


mhmhhmh mmnooo, the slender will gat meee ahggh mnmmng mmnmngg


*rustle rustle rustle, then he stops
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 10, 2012, 09:52:14 pm
*BONK*

(http://i.imgur.com/ATfaD.png)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: LordMelvin on August 10, 2012, 10:11:41 pm
huhn.... thog awake. what thog miss?
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Rodo on August 10, 2012, 11:33:35 pm
mehh ña... wah?

Lyndus? In Heironeous name, what are you doing!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 10, 2012, 11:50:03 pm
"You know some of us are trying to sleep, right?  Would you be so kind as to not make so much noise?  Thank you."
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Rodo on August 11, 2012, 12:45:09 am
Nonsense! I make no noises while sleeping!!

...

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to my dreams.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 11, 2012, 03:14:55 am
After a nice long night's sleep, the party is ready for adventure again.  But will they choose to continue deeper into the moathouse or return to Hommlet?
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Spoon on August 11, 2012, 06:21:28 am
Can'tsleepspiderswilleatme...Can'tsleepspiderswilleatme...Can'tsleepspiderswilleatme...Can'tsleepspiderswilleatme...Can'tsleepspiderswilleatme...Can'tsleepspiderswilleatme...
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Rodo on August 11, 2012, 08:23:55 am
Mmmmm Ahhhh

*stretches

Now that was a good night of sleep.

Good, now let's clean up this Moathouse once and for all people.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: CommanderDJ on August 11, 2012, 09:03:25 am
Yeah! Who knows what lies inside? Let's find out! Forward!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: NGTM-1R on August 12, 2012, 11:12:53 am
GM Log

"Your defense is automatically zero when attacked by a party member."

You have no idea how much joy that phrase brings me.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 12, 2012, 08:15:50 pm
After a long night’s rest, the party heads deeper into the moathouse ruins.  Lester doesn’t even get a chance to identify his new scrolls.


(http://i.imgur.com/Orl1F.jpg)


That…is a huge, ugly rat. Lyndus freaks out upon seeing it.  I think that might be a half-eaten housecat in the corner.


(http://i.imgur.com/wwVqU.png)


More oversized critters, this one a monster snake.  Luna demonstrates how to use a sling.


(http://i.imgur.com/GqzY0.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/2UMxE.png)


There just isn’t enough room for everyone to fight it.  The random junk laying about is hampering mobility.

So, Lessiah decides to explore elsewhere.  She opens a door, reveling what could only be described as an unholy cross between a mosquito and a bat.


(http://i.imgur.com/quIRC.png)


The snake, meanwhile, is pummeled with magic missiles.


(http://i.imgur.com/cFEi0.png)


Lessiah manages to find the weak point on one of the bats, through sheer dumb luck and being able to re-roll dice rolls by having the ‘luck’ domain.

Or maybe she just smashes the darn thing.


(http://i.imgur.com/8fKJY.png)


The battle with the viper, surprisingly, finishes without incident.  Once again Eladan is the one to deliver a solid finishing blow.


(http://i.imgur.com/CrpBv.png)


Luna manages to directly hit mosquito-bat-thing with a sling bullet, more or less finishing it off.


(http://i.imgur.com/2R7gy.png)

However, by then the stirges have already done a lot to put Lessiah out of action.  1 point of damage per hit doesn’t seem like much until you take into account their CON-lowering blood sucking ability.  And unlike normal HP-reducing injuries, a Cure Light Wounds spell will do nothing to fix this.

Without access to powerful spells, it will take multiple rests to recover from this.


(http://i.imgur.com/uZHW2.png)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Spoon on August 14, 2012, 07:58:09 am
Dear diary

Suprisingly, trying to fling an arrow with a sling doesn't work so well. Thankfully the helpful party I'm with, pointed out that stones are suppose to be flung with slings.
The more you know!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: CommanderDJ on August 14, 2012, 08:12:58 am
I feel... weird. I wonder why?
/me pokes her arm with her other arm.
Nope. Not a clue. Can I go lie down? No, wait, mystery! Must... uncover... all the mystery...
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 14, 2012, 02:59:28 pm
The party finds some more bloodsucking bats.  I decide to send in the character whom would be least affected by CON damage.


(http://i.imgur.com/j9Iyt.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/6Q7yk.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/O1NGH.png)


The whole room was a dead end, so the party turns around without bothering to check what the stirges might of been guarding.

The rats from before block the way out.  They seem to be non-aggressive, but they are huge, ugly, and are succeeding at creeping out poor Lyndus.  The party makes the mistake of trying to fight them.


(http://i.imgur.com/UYSnv.png)


There’s a reason why rolling a 1 in this game doesn’t make you drop your weapon or anything like that.  1’s are sadly far too common to have to put up with such.


(http://i.imgur.com/QPTwx.png)


To put things in perspective, a normal rat would have 1 HP and could only ever do 1 damage per attack (remember, HP loss signifies a substantial life-threatening injury, not a minor claw scratch).  A minor scratch would be something like an attack roll of 8 against your unarmored AC of 10.

These things are about equal in fighting ability as a military conscript (level 1 warrior) might be.


(http://i.imgur.com/25NYK.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/oP0AZ.png)


Again, the frontline is getting too crowded.  Slab has decides he had enough with the monster rats.


(http://i.imgur.com/toJkW.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/422An.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/aBOQD.png)


As the last rat bleeds out from its fatal wounds, more furry demons crawl out.  Thankfully, these ones are also apathetic to the party’s presence, and seem to be ignoring the wounded prey…for now.


(http://i.imgur.com/ms6h4.png)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: TrashMan on August 14, 2012, 04:01:19 pm
That an endless spawn of rats there. Good for XP farming.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 14, 2012, 04:18:49 pm
That an endless spawn of rats there. Good for XP farming.
If I wanted to XP farm, I would of installed the version of the Circle of Eight mod that does include the user-made content, including respawning moathouse bandits.  Tad more exciting then just rats, plus you get coin from sale of loot as well.

Not that xp farming is really required, mind you.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Polpolion on August 14, 2012, 04:49:30 pm
"how'd you get to be such a skilled warrior?"

"oh, i just killed about 700 rats"

 :p
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: NGTM-1R on August 14, 2012, 05:15:04 pm
Hey, killing rats takes finesse and accuracy!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: FireSpawn on August 14, 2012, 07:08:30 pm
Hey, killing rats takes finesse and accuracy!
Or an inordinate amount of ordinance.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: SpardaSon21 on August 14, 2012, 07:33:33 pm
Especially with Lessiah firing at it.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: NGTM-1R on August 14, 2012, 07:51:59 pm
Take solace in the fact that whatever you do, you'll never derp out as hard (yet as hilariously awesome) as my Deathwatch group did.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: SpardaSon21 on August 14, 2012, 08:04:20 pm
That sounds like a story that needs to be told.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: NGTM-1R on August 14, 2012, 08:07:27 pm
I gave them a Great Unclean One to kill.

And a Thunderhawk to do it with.

Rather than go "I have a turbolaser destructor now, and you have no ranged attacks worthy of the name" they rammed the Great Unclean One with the Thunderhawk.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: SpardaSon21 on August 14, 2012, 08:10:19 pm
****.  I actually started laughing when I read that.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: LordMelvin on August 14, 2012, 09:37:09 pm
Hey, killing rats takes finesse and accuracy!

Or so thog hear. thog not see nobody use finesse or accuracy.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: TrashMan on August 15, 2012, 03:12:38 am
I started playing this game a week after this LP started... I'm already at the second level of the ToEE.... You guys are slow :P

@NGTM-1R
That's one epic Deathwatch session. Wish I was there to play with you.



That an endless spawn of rats there. Good for XP farming.
If I wanted to XP farm, I would of installed the version of the Circle of Eight mod that does include the user-made content, including respawning moathouse bandits.  Tad more exciting then just rats, plus you get coin from sale of loot as well.

Not that xp farming is really required, mind you.


Trust me, you WANT to be higher level.
The bandits inside the mouthouse?
Farm some XP, get to lvl 2 before you go further. The latter opponents are even more challenging.

Total party wipe is common in this game unless well prepared (and high enough level)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 15, 2012, 03:42:25 am
Trust me, you WANT to be higher level.
The bandits inside the mouthouse?
Farm some XP, get to lvl 2 before you go further. The latter opponents are even more challenging.

Total party wipe is common in this game unless well prepared (and high enough level)

If I was doing a normal playthrough, then yes, I would probably resort to grinding.

But this is a let's play, not a normal playthrough.  A total party wipe seems like fun to me.

Besides, the HLPers made the decision to go into the moathouse this early, not me  :P
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: TrashMan on August 15, 2012, 04:44:26 am
If I was doing a normal playthrough, then yes, I would probably resort to grinding.

But this is a let's play, not a normal playthrough.  A total party wipe seems like fun to me.

Besides, the HLPers made the decision to go into the moathouse this early, not me  :P

(http://juliekenner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dr-evil.jpg)

On a unrelated note, I updateed my portrait pack.
(http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/4776/toeepp2.jpg)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 15, 2012, 07:09:55 am
Booze:  The solution to whatever ails you (pun not intended)


(http://i.imgur.com/61Dzq.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/WQ8zT.png)


After expending most of the cleric’s spells, the party is all set to fight again.


(http://i.imgur.com/niR74.png)


Lessiah takes a closer look at the room.  There indeed seems to be nothing of value or interest.


(http://i.imgur.com/Yv24K.png)


Ignoring the monster rats, the party descends deeper into the moathouse.


(http://i.imgur.com/euEYg.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/TFUVF.png)


A pair of zombies can be seen eating some dead guy.  Lester decides to start the fight out with his last remaining magic missile.


(http://i.imgur.com/HyYgE.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/MIYun.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/O8W4F.png)


Luna tosses a sling bullet.  As it turns out, breaking bones does not do much to the zombie.

At this stage of the game, I can’t hope to negate the damage resistance with sheer amount of damage, nor do I have a machine gun with me.  So, I will have to rely on the party members who do have slashing weapons.


(http://i.imgur.com/75MF5.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/TEbqk.png)


Lyndus realizes that her throwing daggers could be used in a slashing manner and as a melee weapon.


(http://i.imgur.com/nkoMF.png)


A huge blob of ooze drops from the ceiling and ambushes Lester from behind.


(http://i.imgur.com/gQhGf.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/xMOwA.png)


Oh, yay.  Another slime.  Just what I need right now.


(http://i.imgur.com/WTNbz.png)


Lester decides to use the only item that gives him a chance at survival.  His unidentified potion.

As I predicted, it was, in fact, a Potion of Light Wounds.  (note for the future:  Read Magic cantrips identify potions for free the same as scrolls)


(http://i.imgur.com/HECeB.png)


Luna and Thog fight off the second slime together.


(http://i.imgur.com/hIYqS.png)


Meanwhile, the rest of the party gets a short break from the zombie hoards.  Slab rushes to help Luna and Thog out.


(http://i.imgur.com/mv8AX.png)


The other slime doesn’t go down so easily.


(http://i.imgur.com/aoSie.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/NZdLI.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/brRJX.png)


One of the zombies is consumed in a pillar of light as the dwarven barbarian smashes it with an axe.


(http://i.imgur.com/xs64V.png)


The party continues to fight off the ravenous hoards, but not without incident.  As a side note, the party is now officially out of healing spells again.


(http://i.imgur.com/iVNzp.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/PGqkc.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/Hk6oz.png)

Victory!  We have victory!

(http://i.imgur.com/1CPPV.png)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Rodo on August 15, 2012, 09:12:33 am
HAHA! take that you undead walker! BEGONE!

*zombie dies, AGAIN*

*rustle rustle*


huh? when did he bit me there?

*casts heal light wounds*

ahh, better.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 15, 2012, 03:20:49 pm
The party dispatches a straggler.


(http://i.imgur.com/W1pVw.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/1mNEA.png)


Lyndus manages to locate a secret door.


(http://i.imgur.com/R5n3U.png)


The secret door leads to trouble – of the sort that the party is just not prepared to deal with right now.


(http://i.imgur.com/F7AMt.png)


Discretion is the better part of valor, and the group decides that they want to live so that they can fight another day.


(http://i.imgur.com/uLHwP.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/ujG0a.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/qXgJ8.png)


The party returns to the relative safety of the moathouse tower.


(http://i.imgur.com/WlOsO.png)


Lester sets to work identifying the scrolls he found.  They turn out to be a protection from evil scroll, a ray of enfeeblement scroll, and a charm animal scroll.

Unfortunately, Ray of Enfeeblement happens to belong to one of Lester’s prohibited spell scrolls.


(http://i.imgur.com/sH4V4.png)


Charm Animal, meanwhile, isn’t even a wizard spell.  It’s a druid spell.


(http://i.imgur.com/2Jouz.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/pnlla.png)


Protection from Evil is the only spell in there that Lester can learn.  However, the party clerics can cast it as well, and Rodd even has it as a domain spell that he has prepared separate from his normal spell list.


(http://i.imgur.com/wE89Y.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/JxFTM.png)


With that done, the party rests once again before they decide among themselves what to do next.
 

(http://i.imgur.com/s0OtD.png)


Thoughts on the party so far:

Elladan has proven to be the most valuable party member by far, scoring consistent damaging hits with his greatsword.

Thog has proven to be the least useful.  The frontline tends to be too crowded for him to do anything, first level bards hardly have any spells at all, his low INT limits what would otherwise be a nice skill selection, and I derped out at the character creation screen and forgot to give him ranks in the perform skill.  Thog should improve greatly in a couple of levels.

First level spellcasters suck in general.  A level 1 wizard in particular is just about the weakest RPG character you will ever play.

Spellcasters start to come into their own at level 5, and by level 10 they will have completely supressed the fighters in terms of power.

Frontline is proving to be a crowded place, and firing missile weapons into melee carries a rater substantial penalty.  The Precise Shot feat negates this penalty, however it also requires a general focus on archery in order to get it.  If I do a second playthrough, I am definitely bringing along an elven archer or halfling warsling sniper or somesuch along.

Luna has proven to be reasonably competent when forced into melee, much moreso then I would of expected.

Having a party of 8 as opposed to a party of 5 really cuts into XP.  It's also going to cut into equipment quality, as I will have more adventurers to equip.

Thankfully, despite the game's best efforts, no one has died yet and the party is still in good condition overall.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: SpardaSon21 on August 15, 2012, 03:34:52 pm
Elladan:
The rest of the evil in here can wait.  We've snagged a fair amount of useless loot to sell so let's head back to town and foist it upon a shopkeeper foolish enough to have a low Appraise.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Rodo on August 15, 2012, 04:08:38 pm
*rodd is outvoted and then forced to retreat

can't believe this...all cowards... all cowards
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: SpardaSon21 on August 15, 2012, 04:34:12 pm
Elladan:
Sure, the DM says my character is Neutral Good.  But I'm actually Chaotic Good, which means I kill evil and then take their money to disburse among the merchant class of towns in exchange for items which let me kill even more evil, and I spend coin in taverns along the way for ale and women of negotiable morals.  I'm not a Lawful Stupid crusader who'll die alone and unmourned to an army of undead.  I intend to die in bed at a ripe old age, with a bellyful of wine in me and a woman's mouth around my cock.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: TrashMan on August 15, 2012, 04:57:01 pm
Keep in mind that a lot of the fights are in corridors and hte front lines can get crowded.

I learned to vlue weapons like hte longspear and glaive, which give a fighter a far longer reach, so they can hit opponents from the second row.
Cast Enlage Person on such a fighter, place him in the center of the room and he can attack anyone. His threat range is so high he can block anyone.

Damn usefull. Give him cleave + greater cleave and improved reflexes, specilize him in the glaive and that fighter turns into a death-dealing monster, dealing Attack of Opportunity and Cleave like a Grimm Repaer from Hell.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 15, 2012, 05:10:33 pm
Keep in mind that a lot of the fights are in corridors and hte front lines can get crowded.

I learned to vlue weapons like hte longspear and glaive, which give a fighter a far longer reach, so they can hit opponents from the second row.
Cast Enlage Person on such a fighter, place him in the center of the room and he can attack anyone. His threat range is so high he can block anyone.

Damn usefull. Give him cleave + greater cleave and improved reflexes, specilize him in the glaive and that fighter turns into a death-dealing monster, dealing Attack of Opportunity and Cleave like a Grimm Repaer from Hell.

Indeed, during my first playthrough, I had the entire party carry reach weapons.  But again, the weapon pick was more or less the party's choice this time.  Seeing how the party wizard has given up transmutation, and how polearm users are usually calm and collected (unlike much of my party)...

Reach weapons are entirely OP here, as they don't give a penalty for fighting close-up like they should.

As for Great Cleave, my experience with it has failed to impress me.  If you are at the point where you are Great Cleaving multiple enemies, then you are at the point where you can defeat them just as easily with normal cleave and normal attacks, and you might thus be better off taking a different feat in its place.  I would not consider Great Cleave as a choice unless the campaign was set up in such a way as to make it more useful (or if I needed it for epic-level feats).
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: LordMelvin on August 15, 2012, 10:00:13 pm
Thog has proven to be the least useful.  The frontline tends to be too crowded for him to do anything, first level bards hardly have any spells at all, his low INT limits what would otherwise be a nice skill selection, and I derped out at the character creation screen and forgot to give him ranks in the perform skill.  Thog should improve greatly in a couple of levels.

Thog good drummer, but Thog spending some time dead for tax reasons. When Thog done with this adventure Thog go back to drumming for Disaster Area. Thog LOUDEST drummer in world!

I'm not a Lawful Stupid crusader who'll die alone and unmourned to an army of undead.  I intend to die in bed at a ripe old age, with a bellyful of wine in me and a woman's mouth around my cock.
Thog say, "Hello, half-man."
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: TrashMan on August 16, 2012, 01:21:44 am
Keep in mind that a lot of the fights are in corridors and hte front lines can get crowded.

I learned to vlue weapons like hte longspear and glaive, which give a fighter a far longer reach, so they can hit opponents from the second row.
Cast Enlage Person on such a fighter, place him in the center of the room and he can attack anyone. His threat range is so high he can block anyone.

Damn usefull. Give him cleave + greater cleave and improved reflexes, specilize him in the glaive and that fighter turns into a death-dealing monster, dealing Attack of Opportunity and Cleave like a Grimm Repaer from Hell.

Indeed, during my first playthrough, I had the entire party carry reach weapons.  But again, the weapon pick was more or less the party's choice this time.  Seeing how the party wizard has given up transmutation, and how polearm users are usually calm and collected (unlike much of my party)...

Reach weapons are entirely OP here, as they don't give a penalty for fighting close-up like they should.

As for Great Cleave, my experience with it has failed to impress me.  If you are at the point where you are Great Cleaving multiple enemies, then you are at the point where you can defeat them just as easily with normal cleave and normal attacks, and you might thus be better off taking a different feat in its place.  I would not consider Great Cleave as a choice unless the campaign was set up in such a way as to make it more useful (or if I needed it for epic-level feats).

Normally you'd be right. To make Great Cleave usefull you have to construct a situation for it. I generally tend to use the rest of my party to wound (not kill) as many as a I can, then my max-buffed glaive fighter steps in, killing scores in one turn.
Normally it wouldn't be my first pick, but Co8 increase the level cap so a fighter will have lots of feats anyway.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 16, 2012, 10:57:15 am
So Thog and Elladan have fallen ill.  I won’t suppose the rats and zombies they fought earlier had something to do with this.

The effects of disease are rather long-term, you will be feeling its effects for a while.  If it gets bad, there’s probably an NPC somewhere willing to cast Remove Disease, or at least Lesser Restoration.  But unless it gets that bad, the party can continue as normal.

On a more positive note, Lessiah is feeling better.


(http://i.imgur.com/rNmwx.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/9JBbI.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/3ufnt.png)


Lester identified the potions that the party found earlier.  They look useful.


(http://i.imgur.com/RKXeG.png)


The party sets off to town to sell their stuff, arriving just before dawn.


(http://i.imgur.com/62mZU.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/b5QSa.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/opmwe.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/yhZLe.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/hBI3v.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/DjdOO.jpg)


The blacksmith seems like a good choice for selling the rusty longswords.  However, the party seems to be having trouble persuading him to sell quality goods…


(http://i.imgur.com/mEnOK.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/5V18j.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/JIeqa.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/AQ9fr.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/lDOVW.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/RkCGj.png)


Yes, I WILL need that masterwork gear available to me later on, when I start enchanting my own equipment rather then buying it.


(http://i.imgur.com/SG8Sr.png)


The blacksmith sells a variety of unusual weapons.


(http://i.imgur.com/anB30.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/ZeDY5.png)


Rusty swords sadly don’t sell for much, but at least its coin.  Lyndus decides to buy herself a third throwing knife, as thrown weapons are re-usable.


(http://i.imgur.com/dMMIa.png)


Anyone have any idea what a “Siangham” is?  And why does the blacksmith has two miniature examples of them for sale, masterwork quality no less?

A siangham is apparently something like a very small spear. Like an arrow built for melee instead of shooting from a bow.


(http://i.imgur.com/6YOns.png)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Scourge of Ages on August 16, 2012, 01:12:00 pm
A siangham is apparently something like a very small spear. Like an arrow built for melee instead of shooting from a bow.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 16, 2012, 01:26:10 pm
A siangham is apparently something like a very small spear. Like an arrow built for melee instead of shooting from a bow.
Huh.  Interesting.  Think I'll stick to using daggers and shortswords, those are actually referenced in various fantasy works.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 16, 2012, 02:02:48 pm
The cabinet maker can’t make masterwork items, but he does buy wooden equipment such as crossbows.


(http://i.imgur.com/9845b.png)


And the Tailor will buy the leather and cloth stuff.


(http://i.imgur.com/4phCo.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/80ica.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/8hykT.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/0jD6c.png)


Side quest!


(http://i.imgur.com/paHHh.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/ND38b.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/ewzaw.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/Tj6fe.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/rXfFY.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/U9am0.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/UzcBp.png)


Sell ALL the things!


(http://i.imgur.com/OQObn.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/UDpKv.png)


With all the junk sold, the party now has coin again and gets to decide what to do next.


(http://i.imgur.com/rNlHd.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/Xu1ho.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/HbdpN.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/AZFyz.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/bjHHw.jpg)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Rodo on August 16, 2012, 02:43:24 pm
To the militia captain!!

Let's smack that fool for not letting someone willing join the forces of righteousness.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: SpardaSon21 on August 16, 2012, 02:49:35 pm
We don't need to smack him.  We can just have Thog angrily glare at him.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 16, 2012, 03:02:52 pm
"How do we know that the militia is actually part of the so-called 'forces of righteousness'?"
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Rodo on August 16, 2012, 11:34:01 pm
They better be!!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: LordMelvin on August 17, 2012, 11:13:39 am
We don't need to smack him.  We can just have Thog angrily glare at him.
thog not feel like glaring. thog too sick to glare. thog too sick to capitalize thog name. thog to sick to use apostropafee. thog to [sic] to use grammar.

thog want to finish cheater quest at inn and thog want take nap and thog want drink.
thog want drink ale.
thog want drink lager.
thog want drink porter.
thog want drink stout.
thog want drink [thog continues in this vein for several minutes after everyone has stopped paying attention.]
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 18, 2012, 09:03:46 pm
The party makes the mistake of relying on Lessiah’s sense of direction.  Instead of meeting the militia captain, they get lost and find themselves at the Church of St. Cuthbert instead.


(http://i.imgur.com/Yr5r6.jpg)


Rodd makes a donation to a faith with a dogma compatible with his own.


(http://i.imgur.com/LDJs0.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/PYc8g.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/9MbrW.png)


Rodd gets met with a remarkable unthankfulness.


(http://i.imgur.com/kfcGo.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/R00NG.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/KYT5i.png)


Turns out the money doesn’t go where the party might have expected it to.


(http://i.imgur.com/zYjpg.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/LSL1n.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/FNCE2.png)


Another donation! Rodd is so generous.


(http://i.imgur.com/FGvK5.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/NwXOJ.png)


Backstory!


(http://i.imgur.com/DI99f.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/eovw0.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/8nQ04.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/tlpuH.png)


Sidequests!  A battlefield sounds much more interesting then dumb tailor problems, don’t you say?


(http://i.imgur.com/IZs0H.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/po2Q3.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/idQIv.png)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Rodo on August 18, 2012, 09:45:02 pm

Donating for the wellbeing of the poor is always a good idea.


*donates 10gp


I would like to speak with the chief cleric, please.
I want to hear what can we, as servants of the righteous Heironeous, do to help the people of this town.


*Calmert asks for another donation

But I just-... wait are you drunk or is your nose always red??

*glares

*drops 10gp more on the box of donation


*Calmert points in the direction of the stairs

Thank you, may Heroineous protect you.

and help you quitting your bad habits.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: LordMelvin on August 18, 2012, 10:42:23 pm
Thog sings a few lines from 'The Ballad of Jules and Vincent'
Quote
The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he, who in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost necklaces.

Thog supposes it would be too much to hope the priest would cast 'Cure Disease'?
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Scourge of Ages on August 19, 2012, 02:28:49 am
Thog supposes it would be too much to hope the priest would cast 'Cure Disease'?

Later! First you have to do the quest to earn the discount spellcasting!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 19, 2012, 08:58:00 am
"HEY!  Wait a minute!  Why is the priest trying to claim that the money is going to the poor, when it is instead going to benefit the rich by building a castle?!"
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Spoon on August 19, 2012, 11:38:57 am
Do I count as poor?
I think I count as poor.

Donate money to my masterplan to obliterate all spiders in this world
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 19, 2012, 11:25:36 pm
Haunted Forsaken Battlefield, here we come!


(http://i.imgur.com/pRtg5.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/bkyom.png)


Random encounter, just a few rats.  Some of our party members have ranks in the Survival skill, so we –could- avoid the furry fiends, but a rat or two is nothing to worry about.


(http://i.imgur.com/vsq8r.png)


Okay, apparently seven rats is a bit more then a ‘few’ rats.


(http://i.imgur.com/s4UZy.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/fJ2U6.png)


The greatsword is arguably the best weapon to use in the early game.  It has a nice combination of high weapon damage, STR-based damage bonus from being a two-handed weapon, and the bell curve from using 2 dice to determine damage instead of just one.

End result is a weapon that hits consistency hard.  However, base weapon damage matters less at higher levels, and it is not quite big enough to be considered a reach weapon.


(http://i.imgur.com/B3jsS.png)


Unlike clerics, mages are not supposed to be competent warriors.  However, D&D is notorious for capricious dice rolls.


(http://i.imgur.com/CNurf.png)


I suppose the battle could have gone worse, considering what happened last time…


(http://i.imgur.com/K23Uz.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/42cNm.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/nPfm1.png)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Rodo on August 19, 2012, 11:40:08 pm
wow! there's some big rat.

*rat attacks

stay still you little devil, it will be swift I swear!!

watch out Elladan, you've got one aiming at your rear!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: TrashMan on August 20, 2012, 01:33:03 am
Keep your eye out for a Swamp Lotus. It usually appears in that swampy encounter map, off to the left.
It's needed for the "cure Ami" quest (you get it from the druid after speaking to the woodcutter about his family)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: SpardaSon21 on August 20, 2012, 12:57:43 pm
If there's a point where a greatsword stops being effective, feel free to move my character to a reach weapon when that happens, just so long as the reach weapon isn't a massive, unwieldy pike or halberd that does nothing but poke enemies.  I'd prefer my character to have something more spinny and whirly like a glaive or voulge.  He is an elf with a high DEX and light armor after all. :lol:
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 20, 2012, 01:31:34 pm
If there's a point where a greatsword stops being effective, feel free to move my character to a reach weapon when that happens, just so long as the reach weapon isn't a massive, unwieldy pike or halberd that does nothing but poke enemies.  I'd prefer my character to have something more spinny and whirly like a glaive or voulge.  He is an elf with a high DEX and light armor after all. :lol:

No, the greatsword remains useful later game.  It's just that in the late game, there are lots of other things that add to your damage besides the base weapon stats, like weapon enchantments (adds the specified number to your attack and damage, goes up to +5), weapons embued with an elemental bite (additional 1d6 of fire damage on top of the +5 enchantment), STR-boosting equipment, additional damage from having Weapon Specialization, Greater Weapon Specialization, and Improved Critical, multiple attacks per turn, using power attack to boost your damage against easy-to-hit foes...

Besides, by the time you reach level 10, spellcasting classes will have completely surpassed you in terms of power.  You will be complaining about how wizards are OP at that point.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: 0rph3u5 on August 20, 2012, 01:44:52 pm
If there's a point where a greatsword stops being effective

No, the greatsword remains useful later game. 

Spoiler:
As I recall there is also a very powerful greatsword avalible in the endgame for non-evil chars ...

EDIT: I should spoiler-tag this
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: SpardaSon21 on August 20, 2012, 01:55:59 pm
Besides, by the time you reach level 10, spellcasting classes will have completely surpassed you in terms of power.  You will be complaining about how wizards are OP at that point.
So basically I'll just be up front for the rare occasion something gets close enough to threaten the party?
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with 100% more Dungeon Masters.
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 20, 2012, 05:07:11 pm
So basically I'll just be up front for the rare occasion something gets close enough to threaten the party?

Or mopping up after a spell kills most of the enemies and leaves a handful remaining, or doing general fighting against enemies not quite strong enough to be worth a spell, or escorting the mages out once they have depleted their spells for the day.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with more room in party!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 20, 2012, 09:04:33 pm
The whole area is haunted.  If one listens carefully, one can hear ghostly footsteps and the sounds of battle.


(http://i.imgur.com/5gIq3.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/gd9dA.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/1B31c.png)


Turns out chopping at or stabbing a skeleton isn’t nearly as effective as bashing it.  And most party members didn’t bring along bludgeoning weapons…


(http://i.imgur.com/rd41h.png)


After smashing the first skeleton, more of them pop out of the ground, all of them armed with crossbows.


(http://i.imgur.com/mP3aL.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/okhc5.jpg)


Man down!  We have a man down!  Rodd comes to the rescue.


(http://i.imgur.com/9mWBe.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/gmQOe.jpg)


Lessiah realizes that there is something she can do about all the crossbow bolts flying at her.


(http://i.imgur.com/LuFlk.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/jwM6P.png)


Solution to everything:  Apply hammer to problem.


(http://i.imgur.com/9jYnK.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/RGGhe.jpg)


At this point the party definitely needs to reconsider going further without blunt weapons.  At least the skeletons all have crossbows and bolts to sell.


(http://i.imgur.com/E4Hua.png)


-----------------------------------------------------


In an unrelated note, I just figured out how wizard familiars work in this game.  Seems we have room for two more party members now.  Anyone want to be a wizard’s pet?


(http://i.imgur.com/C1bHs.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/o083c.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/fK1PX.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/fg6KD.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/RinCR.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/ni9us.jpg)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with more room in party!
Post by: Spoon on August 20, 2012, 09:17:59 pm
Dear Diary

Today I did a whole bunch of things, most of which I wish to for- Ooooooh what a cute little adorable thingy! I shall pet it, hug it and call it.... Lizzy!


Hey everyone! Meet Lizzy! Lizzy meet everyone!
We're going to be best friends forever
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with more room in party!
Post by: SpardaSon21 on August 20, 2012, 09:41:53 pm
Elladan:
Well, if my greatsword won't deal with these skeletons appropriately, I guess I need an appropriate bludgeoning weapon.  Time to see what sort of two-handed mauls the blacksmith has to sell!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with more room in party!
Post by: FireSpawn on August 20, 2012, 10:11:32 pm
I wish to be a hawk familiar.
My name shall be: 'Baron von Rumpletrump MVII' but you may call me 'Nevermore'.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with more room in party!
Post by: Scotty on August 20, 2012, 10:18:46 pm
Dammit, beaten to the punch by Firespawn.  I wanted to be a hawk. :<
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with more room in party!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 20, 2012, 10:37:26 pm
Well, I purposely didn't save when I made Lizzy, so the second slot is still open.  Only reason I made Lizzy was to show you the familiars.

I wish to be a hawk familiar.
My name shall be: 'Baron von Rumpletrump MVII' but you may call me 'Nevermore'.
I am assuming you are referring to "The Raven"? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Raven)  The animal in question wasn't a hawk.

But, you are in regardless.  If you have no objections you will be Lester's Raven.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with more room in party!
Post by: Rodo on August 20, 2012, 10:57:04 pm
*rush rush rush

*cast cure light wounds

*cast cure light wounds

*cast cure light wounds


yeah, that should do it, now don't get hit again Thog... you need to rest.

hey look a biiig lizard!, I suddenly realize I'm starving.

*pokes Thog

yo, Thog, you know?... lizards are quite tasty.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with more room in party!
Post by: Scotty on August 20, 2012, 11:01:39 pm
If Lizzy is going poof, I would like to be a hawk.  If you'd prefer to avoid two avian familiars, I would also be happy with a ferret or cat, in that order of preference.

A name?  If a hawk, then Glare.  If a ferret or cat, then Strobe or Scotty would work.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with more room in party!
Post by: TrashMan on August 21, 2012, 01:33:47 am
Familiars are weak and cost the caster big if killed. And they WILL get killed.

You're better off leaving them in your inventory, where they will give you nice little bonuses, while NOT dying.

Bat Master gains a +3 bonus on Listen checks
Cat Master gains a +3 bonus on Move Silently checks
Hawk Master gains a +3 bonus on Spot checks
Lizard Master gains a +2 bonus on Will save checks
Owl Master gains a +3 bonus on Spot checks
Rat Master gains a +2 bonus on Fortitude checks
Raven Master gains a +3 bonus on Appraise checks   <....good for wiz/sorc/Rogue
Snake Master gains a +3 bonus on Bluff checks
Toad Master gains a +3 hit points
Weasel Master gains a +2 bonus on Reflex saves
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with more room in party!
Post by: FireSpawn on August 21, 2012, 04:28:49 am
I thought I put down raven. My bad, but in defense it was stupidly late/early when I posted. Make me a raven plox (if it's not too late).
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with more room in party!
Post by: Patriot on August 21, 2012, 07:40:10 am
Can i be a Lizard familiar?

My name shall be Flex :3
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with more room in party!
Post by: 0rph3u5 on August 21, 2012, 12:02:03 pm
I'd like to aply for the 2nd familiar if the slot is still open...

scratch that ... misread one of the above posts
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil! Now with more room in party!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 21, 2012, 11:43:06 pm
Slab begins gathering the loot.


(http://i.imgur.com/OhR1E.png)


One of the skeletons had a heavy crossbow, which takes a full turn to reload instead of half a turn.  Think I’ll stick with the light crossbow…


(http://i.imgur.com/0Ll0K.png)


Rather then summoning forth the familiars now, think I will wait until I get back.


(http://i.imgur.com/PnWe8.png)


Roadside ambush, this time without an option to avoid due to a failed survival skill check.


(http://i.imgur.com/P1kJ4.png)


Well, this battle is going smoothly already.  Lessiah doesn’t even get to notice the lizard that ambushed her on account of a poor initiative roll.


(http://i.imgur.com/Yb4M3.png)


And of course Rodd has already used up all his Cure Light Wounds spells.  In hindsight a Cure Minor Wounds might of stabilized Lessiah, but I opted for a heal check instead.


(http://i.imgur.com/TReSU.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/jD5PE.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/w5okT.png)


Now my most valuable fighter is down as well.  Barbarian Rage would have been a good way to get out of this, but Slab has already spent his rage earlier on.

With two party members unconscious, and one of them bleeding out, I need to end this battle quickly.


(http://i.imgur.com/ETdbI.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/vE3Mv.png)


Lyndus once again proves that the only tool one needs is a hammer, as everything out there can be treated like a nail.


(http://i.imgur.com/dRRhe.png)


This must be one of those ‘total party kills’ I hear so much about.  Now both the healers are down for the count.  The only saving grace here is that I am a party of eight in a game that is scaled towards a party of five.


(http://i.imgur.com/HvdAs.png)


Lyndus is thankfully able to end the battle before things get even worse then they already are.


(http://i.imgur.com/C3HMG.png)


Battle ends, all dying party members auto-stabilize and are no longer in immediate danger of dying outright.  However, with three party members down, including both healers, it goes without saying that the party is in bad shape.

At this rate, I hope I don’t meet another world map encounter before I get to town…


(http://i.imgur.com/SJoDz.png)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Rodo on August 24, 2012, 10:14:35 am
how far from lvling up?

It sucks to be a slug.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: 0rph3u5 on August 24, 2012, 10:30:48 am
how far from lvling up?

Taking the facts from the last batch of screenshots, every party member should have 879 XP - 1000 XP are required the lvl 2 (I think)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Rodo on August 24, 2012, 11:09:39 am
so... 3 more giant lizzars.

Here we go!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: SpardaSon21 on August 24, 2012, 12:32:38 pm
Being unconscious sucks.  I don't want to go on the cart!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: FireSpawn on August 24, 2012, 02:11:04 pm
*Ruffles feathers and cocks head to one side*

Such pitiful minions I have before me. But take solice in the fact that when you meet your inevitable, gruesome, painfull and overall entertaining deaths, I will have a free meal.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: LordMelvin on August 24, 2012, 10:49:04 pm
thog wonder, has thog actually hit anything ever?
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 25, 2012, 06:32:03 pm
how far from lvling up?

It sucks to be a slug.
Having 8 party members instead of the usual 5 really cuts into XP.

thog wonder, has thog actually hit anything ever?
No, Thog has a terrible track record for being able to score hits.  I can't rely on him for anything.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Spoon on August 25, 2012, 08:48:48 pm
So who or what is my new familiar?
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 26, 2012, 03:14:48 am
The party somehow makes it back to town without being eaten alive.


(http://i.imgur.com/Svd1b.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/2kvZv.png)


Luna challenged the alleged cheat to a game of dice, in an attempt to catch him in the act.


(http://i.imgur.com/F0hYh.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/p1c2q.png)


Ten gold pieces = 1 platinum piece.


(http://i.imgur.com/OLPfy.png)


Luna somehow manages to win 4 games out of five against the cheat, netting the party an additional thirty gold pieces to spend.  Although she didn’t manage to catch the cheat, this unexpected outcome is satisfactory as well.


(http://i.imgur.com/eGZHU.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/h4mde.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/lzh9H.png)


I know!  I’ll get one of the clerics to cast a Cure Light Wounds spell!


(http://i.imgur.com/N453Q.jpg)


Eh, wha, EIGHTY gold?  I was expecting somewhere around twenty…geez…guess I will go someplace else for healing.


(http://i.imgur.com/qtuxp.jpg)

Guess the party will just have to rest a bit instead.


(http://i.imgur.com/Qx5aD.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/gMTTk.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/MX0PW.jpg)


Familiars get matched up with the personalities of the mages owning them.  Lester gets Nevermore.


(http://i.imgur.com/LCUDU.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/stLUj.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/IceVe.jpg)


What’s the difference between a ferret and a weasel, anyway?


(http://i.imgur.com/Utfz3.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/XdqjF.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/qoBCW.jpg)


As it turns out, a bit of rest works wonders.


(http://i.imgur.com/d92pK.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/ohVjD.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/VSlGw.jpg)


A few healing spells later and some more rest, the party is good to go again.


(http://i.imgur.com/VMYv4.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/GnZ7H.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/DhbRs.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/vJhSB.jpg)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: LordMelvin on August 26, 2012, 08:41:04 am
thog wonder why you no price-check cure disease spell from cleric.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Rodo on August 26, 2012, 11:31:43 am
mmm, feelin' better.

*stretches arms lazily
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: FireSpawn on August 26, 2012, 11:42:45 am
*From within Lester's backpack Nevermore makes himself known*

What devilry is this! I am Baron Von Rumpletrump MVII, and I demand to be released from the stinking confinement at once! Hark, you filthy mortal. I shall soon escape from this place, and when I do, I shall visit calamity and destruction of levels before unseen! Your rotting corpse shall feed my young the screams of your anguished soul shall lull them to sleep. A pox on you. A POX I SAY!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Rodo on August 26, 2012, 12:28:56 pm
*Rodd listens someone rant and turns

what is this! a raven that talks?

KILL IT!

*grabs a lit log from the fireplace and swings it.

WITH FIRE!!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on August 26, 2012, 05:53:15 pm
(http://i.imgur.com/Dfwpy.jpg)


(http://i.imgur.com/S6j8p.jpg)


(http://i.imgur.com/cHMvt.jpg)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: FireSpawn on August 26, 2012, 06:52:18 pm
*Using his talons, Nevermore tears his way free of the backpack

FREEDOM! Mortals, you shall rue this day! Now dawns the era of bloo- *CAAAW*

*Gets cut off mid rant by the need to dodge a flaming log. In a desperate attempt to escape the burning blugeon, he swiftly swoops to the safest place he can see.....Down the cleavage of some ditzy looking wench and cowering there.*


SAVE ME FROM THAT MANIAC!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Rodo on August 26, 2012, 06:59:23 pm
*looses Nevermore from sight and cannot find it

I can hear you beast, where you at!!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: NGTM-1R on August 26, 2012, 10:39:00 pm
Your defense is still automatically zero when attacked by a party member.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Scotty on August 26, 2012, 10:51:02 pm
/me is smart enough to not speak up unless something warrants his opinion or interjection.

/me is a very smart ferret indeed.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: SpardaSon21 on August 27, 2012, 12:13:43 am
You're boring.  Everyone knows lecherous ermines make the best most entertaining familiars.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: NGTM-1R on August 27, 2012, 01:26:26 am
You're boring.  Everyone knows lecherous ermines make the best most entertaining familiars.

Don't make Yuuno Scrya come over there and teleport you somewhere more lethal.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Spoon on August 27, 2012, 07:46:37 pm
Dear Diary

Today we went back to town to patch up some of our wounded members. I don't even recall exactly how they all got wounded like that, it just happened!
Despite half our party being knocked out cold and being dragged along by our super ripped manly Slab, they urged me to play a game of dice with some stranger. Something about me having great luck. Well I don't know about that! Without really knowing the rules, I apparantly won some games. Maybe that stranger was really really bad at the game we were playing.
Well, time for some sleep.

Dear Diary Entry #2

I somehow seemed to have misplaced lizzy. I however found this new adoooorable ferret! I shall hug him, love him and call him Scotty. I wonder wh-

"KYAaaa~ w-w-w-w-what is this sudden feathery s-s-sensation between my breasts!?"
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on September 01, 2012, 11:43:09 am
After a nice long rest and some bickering, our intrepid band of adventurers prepares to set out again.


(http://i.imgur.com/uIea4.jpg)


(http://i.imgur.com/EsxyE.jpg)


The party does a bit of shopping.  Slab decides to carry the other dwarven weapon – the warhammer.  Elladan finds a massive two-handed maul, Rodd buys a morningstar, and Lester loans his quarterstaff to Lessiah.


(http://i.imgur.com/loZw4.jpg)


More ale!


(http://i.imgur.com/eX8M7.jpg)


After selling off the crossbows, the party gets distracted by yet another sidequest.

(http://i.imgur.com/g68I2.jpg)


(http://i.imgur.com/tz6Fy.jpg)


(http://i.imgur.com/VMkPT.jpg)


(http://i.imgur.com/Y7HVs.jpg)


Luna spaces out for a bit as she forgets what a spider is.


(http://i.imgur.com/Ko1Pq.jpg)


Now there are two possible locations for adventuring – the spider-infested grove, and the skeleton-infested meadows.


(http://i.imgur.com/Qrg4c.jpg)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Scotty on September 01, 2012, 11:49:25 am
/me notes that after outfitting the party in such a manner, it would be a waste to not purge the meadow of filthy undead first.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: SpardaSon21 on September 01, 2012, 12:15:48 pm
I say we purge the Emridy Meadows, find the corrupt Cleric's medallion, and then make use of his discounted services to get Cure Disease spells for Thog and I.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: LordMelvin on September 01, 2012, 03:15:16 pm
thog want thump. thog want drum. thog want cure disease spell.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Rodo on September 01, 2012, 04:47:34 pm
To the meadow companions!

We've got some cleansing to do.


*rodd points with his finger the other way
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: FireSpawn on September 01, 2012, 06:28:04 pm
*Poking his head out from betwixt the orbs of his current perch, Nevermore throws in his two gold pieces*

The filthy mortal's idea has merit. And from where I stand, I believe us to be....abreast of any situation that may arise.  *Caw, Caw, Caw!*  ;7
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: TrashMan on September 02, 2012, 03:30:05 am
Greater Turning = death to every undead on screen
Blunt weapons or heavy weapons = dead skeletons

Attacking the giant at lvl 1 = suicide. Wait for LVL3 and have hold person/monster and Ray of Enfeeblement ready

Oh, once you find the rainbow rock (roughly in the center of hte map), expect an undead cleric to pop up with his guards. Consecrate is also a nice spell to have there.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: 0rph3u5 on September 02, 2012, 10:26:03 am
@Trashman:
at least use spoiler tags ...
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: TrashMan on September 02, 2012, 11:00:20 am
Not telling you anything you're not about to find out anyway.


Oh, and using normal turning with a cleric that doesn't have a decent level or charisma score is a pain the ass. the Undead won't be destroyed, they'll flee...and you have to hunt them down.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Scotty on September 02, 2012, 11:58:27 am
Not telling you anything you're not about to find out anyway.

This is the exact reason to use spoiler tags, dude.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: SpardaSon21 on September 02, 2012, 12:37:01 pm
Well, everyone's level 1 so our main tactic will be hiding behind Thog, Slab, and I while we smash up skeletons with heavy blunt objects.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: 0rph3u5 on September 02, 2012, 12:43:53 pm
Not telling you anything you're not about to find out anyway.

"You must die! Toss the Dwarves at him!"

(ah my old battlecry ... back from the day when I was playing Das Schwarze Auge with my friends from school)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on September 02, 2012, 02:34:25 pm
Oh, and using normal turning with a cleric that doesn't have a decent level or charisma score is a pain the ass. the Undead won't be destroyed, they'll flee...and you have to hunt them down.
I would rather have them fleeing then having them all continue attacking me at once, especially at these low levels.  At higher levels, I will also be happy to see particularly dangerous undead fleeing from me rather then killing me.

Greater Turning = death to every undead on screen
If I actually cared about doinig the best I possibly could, I would of taken Sun Domain, yes.

Blunt weapons or heavy weapons = dead skeletons
Ahead of you in that regard - the party already has a set of bludgeoning weapons.  But my experience is proper weapon type > heavy weapon, something that has been hammered into me from years of playing NWN.

Attacking the giant at lvl 1 = suicide. Wait for LVL3 and have hold person/monster and Ray of Enfeeblement ready
Lester can't take Ray of Enfeeblement, as it is one of his prohibited spell schools.  For Luna, I am considering Ray of Clumsiness instead, just for something different.

Besides, a TPK sounds like fun to me!  Was planning on asking the party if they wanted to fight the ogre, but since you went ahead and spoiled it, I guess I will just attack it with my level 1 party without asking :P

Oh, once you find the rainbow rock (roughly in the center of hte map), expect an undead cleric to pop up with his guards. Consecrate is also a nice spell to have there.
What's this, you say?  Another opportunity for a TPK from an event that was not a part of the vanilla game and would of caught me by surprise?  Fun times!  I'm all for TPK's.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: TrashMan on September 02, 2012, 02:48:11 pm
Not telling you anything you're not about to find out anyway.

This is the exact reason to use spoiler tags, dude.

Dude, I'm telling you (rather obvious) battle tactics to keep you alive, not story spoilers.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on September 02, 2012, 02:51:08 pm
Dude, I'm telling you battle tactics to keep you alive, not story spoilers.

Surprises like the ogre and undead cleric are exactly the type of thing that is a spoiler.  This is a western-style RPG, not a JRPG.  Moreover, it's a computer version of a pen and paper RPG, as opposed to just merely being a PC game based on a pen-and-paper game.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Spoon on September 02, 2012, 03:15:47 pm
This is a great reason why I've put trashman on ignore. But then ya'll spoil it for me anyway by quoting him.

*Poking his head out from betwixt the orbs of his current perch, Nevermore throws in his two gold pieces*

The filthy mortal's idea has merit. And from where I stand, I believe us to be....abreast of any situation that may arise.  *Caw, Caw, Caw!*  ;7
  Dohohoho  :p

Quote
For Luna, I am considering Ray of Clumsiness instead, just for something different.
sounds appropriate
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Scotty on September 02, 2012, 03:35:23 pm
Not telling you anything you're not about to find out anyway.

This is the exact reason to use spoiler tags, dude.

Dude, I'm telling you (rather obvious) battle tactics to keep you alive, not story spoilers.

You're telling us completely unnecessary battle tactics (if they're so obvious) to try and keep us alive while also spoiling things that are supposed to be a surprise.

Not to mention that Alex has already demonstrated himself more than proficient at the game.  I highly doubt he needs your advice.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: LordMelvin on September 02, 2012, 03:56:22 pm
thog thump stupid trashman.


__________
OOC:

This is a great reason why I've put trashman on ignore.

Where's the ignore button?
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: 0rph3u5 on September 02, 2012, 07:12:20 pm
Where's the ignore button?

The ignore list it accessible through the "forum profile" page ...get there like this (http://i1020.photobucket.com/albums/af321/0rph3u5/howtoignore.jpg)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: TrashMan on September 03, 2012, 03:27:04 am
You're telling us completely unnecessary battle tactics (if they're so obvious) to try and keep us alive while also spoiling things that are supposed to be a surprise.

Well, someotimes the obvious need repeating as people overlook it.

And you already knew you were going to fight undead skeletons, so no surprise there.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: FireSpawn on September 03, 2012, 06:29:15 am
TrashMan, you did spoil the surprise of what was going to happen. Any way you word it or think about it, a spoiler tag would have been appropriate.
I'm not going to rag on you about it or be rude, but if you have knowledge about anything that is going to happen in the game, tag it if only to avoid this line of conversation in the future.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: TrashMan on September 03, 2012, 07:05:45 am
At some point in the game you're going to run into an Earth Elemental! 
BE SPOILED!

Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: LordMelvin on September 03, 2012, 10:01:37 am
Where's the ignore button?

The ignore list it accessible through the "forum profile" page ...get there like this (http://i1020.photobucket.com/albums/af321/0rph3u5/howtoignore.jpg)

Thanks!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: FireSpawn on September 03, 2012, 01:15:50 pm
At some point in the game you're going to run into an Earth Elemental! 
BE SPOILED!

I'm going to assume that there was good natured sarcasm in that, and laugh. :lol:
Besides, you know that I meant twists and surprises in the gameplay.


Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on September 07, 2012, 08:36:59 am
In an effort to fix a bug, I had to revert to an earlier save where I haven’t sold my crossbows or accepted the grove sidequest.  No big deal, no significant loss in progress.


(http://i.imgur.com/V9IUV.jpg)


Trouble!


(http://i.imgur.com/0A9f4.jpg)


Not sure what a ‘Lacedon’ is, but it dies quickly.


(http://i.imgur.com/tsMeE.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/z7vC1.jpg)


The party arrives, ready to try out their new weapons.  Instead, a skeleton get to try out its new weapon on Rodd.


(http://i.imgur.com/I9lYF.jpg)


Rodd gets so upset by this that he decides to steal Elladan’s turn.


(http://i.imgur.com/6O3Iw.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/1oBKf.jpg)


Not content with just stealing Elladan’s turn, Rodd decides to steal Lyndus’ turn as well!  I was hoping to fix this bug by reverting to an earlier save, but no luck.


(http://i.imgur.com/34e3f.jpg)


Man down!  Man down!


(http://i.imgur.com/HZYSn.jpg)


The party is made to fight their way through all the skeletons while Lessiah tries to reach Rodd.


(http://i.imgur.com/Nwpj6.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/dgi3d.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/KZZWb.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/NgJsz.jpg)


So, I found the OTHER other dwarven weapon.  Slab, you want to use this in place of your axe?


(http://i.imgur.com/kIFKd.jpg)


I am really starting to hate crossbows.


(http://i.imgur.com/dGObO.jpg)


RODD.  NOT your turn!


(http://i.imgur.com/7Niid.jpg)


See.  This is what happens when you take your turn out of order.  The entire party gets in trouble, and the mages can’t even cast their spells properly.


(http://i.imgur.com/FB5sH.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/a9sxR.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/T6zYf.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/pHxhT.jpg)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Rodo on September 07, 2012, 09:26:24 am
What do you mean it's not my turn??

CHAAAARRRRGEEE!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: LordMelvin on September 07, 2012, 10:11:17 am
Thog look at all combat reports. Thog still not see any lines say "Thog hits something"

Thog find peace with Thog uselessness. Thog sing song about not doing anything.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: SpardaSon21 on September 07, 2012, 12:33:24 pm
And I get shot by a crossbow and fall into shock from blood loss again!  DM, what the heck is with these encounters and why the heck is Rodo's character getting all the turns?
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on September 08, 2012, 11:44:34 pm
So a skeleton has one of those infamous reach weapons.


(http://i.imgur.com/aqtR9.jpg)


Fortunately, it dies the same as the rest.


(http://i.imgur.com/NiJEt.jpg)


Dwarven barbarians tend to have ridiculous HP.  Slab just shrugs off a hit that would of crippled any other party member.


(http://i.imgur.com/tuF62.jpg)


Thog manages a hit while Lessiah saves Elladan.


(http://i.imgur.com/e5GRx.jpg)


Whew.  I hope that was all the skellies…


(http://i.imgur.com/Gdreh.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/Kns02.jpg)


Nope.  If that was it for skellies, it would be too easy now, would it.


(http://i.imgur.com/tkS22.jpg)


Rodd shoves the halfling aside so he can charge into the fray.  He fails to notice the hammer that barely misses his head.


(http://i.imgur.com/r83yC.jpg)


Huhwha?  Monsters making monsters out of other monsters?!


(http://i.imgur.com/VMPHP.jpg)


The party is forced to switch between weapons in order to fend off both skeletons and zombies.


(http://i.imgur.com/2BeaO.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/IQqft.jpg)


The last skeleton.


(http://i.imgur.com/nNPTN.jpg)


Thog is taken down by the last skeleton.


(http://i.imgur.com/NjLbL.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/PYfSP.jpg)


On the plus side, ding.  Finally.


(http://i.imgur.com/0CI6Q.jpg)


The big thing that level 2 brings to the party is the increased HP that will hopefully make everyone less fragile.  But aside from the usual increase in HP/attack bonus/saving throws/skill points, this is a ‘dead level’ for much of the party.


(http://i.imgur.com/4mflA.jpg)


At character creation I neglected to give Thog the necessary skill points in Perform for some of his class features.  That has been fixed.


(http://i.imgur.com/nx88O.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/UPzlK.jpg)


Bardic spellcasting is limited compared to clerics and wizards.  Note the number of spells they get per day and general lack of direct damage spells.


(http://i.imgur.com/b20QX.jpg)


The extra HP from leveling is enough to revive Thog.


(http://i.imgur.com/qrizX.jpg)


The mages in the party learn new spells and get more spells per day.  Many (but not all!) spells have their duration or power increased by leveling (although usually with a cap)


(http://i.imgur.com/yuEOa.jpg)


Fighters get a bonus feat every even level, plus an additional bonus feat at level 1 (although they must be directly related to physical combat – feats such as Iron Will, Skill Focus, and Extend Spell cannot be taken as a fighter bonus feat).  Both Lyndus and Elladan are able to grab Cleave, which will be of great value, especially at this early stage in the game.  Cleave allows for an additional attack after striking a killing blow against an enemy, and is a prerequisite for a few other melee feats.

Slab, being a barbarian, will have to wait until level 3 to get cleave.  (He gets lots of nice class features to make up for it, stuff that cannot easily be mimicked through feats.)  Every class enjoys the additional feats gained every third level, which can be any feat that they meet the requirements for and is not class specific.  Fighters get to take these general feats on top of the numerous bonus feats that they get as their main class feature.


(http://i.imgur.com/8nSZQ.jpg)


Thog feels much more useful now!


(http://i.imgur.com/9Argk.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/lvo2M.jpg)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Rodo on September 09, 2012, 08:49:23 pm
I feel Heroineus is granting me more power....

YES, UNLIMITED POWAAAAAA!!!
*swoosh*

*notices Thog hopping around happily*
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: SpardaSon21 on September 09, 2012, 09:19:05 pm
Elladan:
Re-deadified undead?  Check.  More hitpoints?  Check.  The ability to do chaining strikes with my greatsword?  Priceless.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Spoon on September 09, 2012, 09:39:11 pm
General feedback:
I would suggest using less pictures per update and more actual writing.
Reading pictures isn't ideal, and we don't really need a picture for *everything* that happens.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: LordMelvin on September 10, 2012, 11:49:14 am
Thog feel stronger. Thog feel happy. Thog feel like singing (http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=MQlmXU1zqfc)!

Quote
Thog hits Skeleton!

Skeleton takes 7 points of bludgeoning damage

Skeleton dies!

Ohhhh, yeah, that's right. Who's badass now? Thog's badass now. (http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=xm5DPlNCmtk)
Title: The Adventurer's Fate
Post by: Alex Heartnet on September 11, 2012, 06:36:07 pm
After fighting through a few skeletons, the party runs into what looks like trouble.  I was under the impression that the Out of Depth monster here was an ogre.  But a hill giant is way worse then an ogre.  And to make matters even worse, the giant has a pet.


(http://i.imgur.com/DJA0W.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/a4ma9.jpg)


The giant is guarded enchanted equipment, which no doubt came from the nearby skeletal remnants.  Can’t see the exact enchantments without an identify spell, but that sure looks tempting…


(http://i.imgur.com/MPBd8.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/7OYLi.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/Nk6NY.jpg)


It’s not worth the risk.  I am going to go around the giant and totally not trigger the encounter like a moron.


(http://i.imgur.com/hhrXV.jpg)


Well, crap.  At least we won the initiative roll, and most of our party gets to act before the monsters do.


(http://i.imgur.com/MGXYh.jpg)


The party doesn’t even have their preferred weapons equipped.  I foolishly spend half a turn doing so instead of bracing against a charge.  I also have the dwarf equip the heavy pick for the damage potential – the quadruple damage on a critical hit might be enough to give us a fighting chance.


(http://i.imgur.com/VTNeB.jpg)


Bardic music!  Didn’t look up what Inspire Confidence does, but I think it gives a +1 to attack roles for the entire party.


(http://i.imgur.com/WmxvN.jpg)


Little red music notes linger around the party as the bear approaches.


(http://i.imgur.com/UBhfd.jpg)


Ray of Enfeeblement and Charm Person or Animal would both be of great help here, but Lester can’t use either of them.


(http://i.imgur.com/6RwqZ.jpg)


Good luck avoiding these attacks, guys.  Your starting armor is nearly worthless against the giant – you WILL get hit.


(http://i.imgur.com/6180c.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/QWaCC.jpg)


Some people prefer to hold Barbarian Rage in reserve for difficult encounters.  Only an idiot would not use their Rage for the day in an encounter like this.


(http://i.imgur.com/MFDc9.jpg)


Apply hammer to bear’s noggin.  Stare incongruently at the bear as the hammer bounces off the animal’s thick fur.  Get swatted around by said bear.


(http://i.imgur.com/7aG0M.jpg)


Good grief does this giant do a lot of damage.  Its strength score of 30 approaches Superman level of strength.  The 2d8 damage comes from the tree trunk that the giant is using as a weapon.


(http://i.imgur.com/8eIQ0.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/GGrSh.jpg)


This must be what the skeletons felt like when the party was smashing them earlier.


(http://i.imgur.com/h0Zxq.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/ieHBw.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/JVJYf.jpg)


Lester scores a critical hit with his crossbow, but it is too little, too late.


(http://i.imgur.com/WnhvB.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/ux0Nq.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/EUVAk.jpg)




Fortunately, it was all just a dream.  You all meet at an inn!


(http://i.imgur.com/yqAYk.jpg)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Scotty on September 11, 2012, 06:44:11 pm
So, what's the status of the party after the "dream"?
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Rodo on September 11, 2012, 06:50:37 pm
*Rodd sweats cold

Rough night, last night...
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: SpardaSon21 on September 11, 2012, 07:05:20 pm
Elladan:
That dream was horrible.  I need a drink.  Bartender, an ale please!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on September 11, 2012, 07:10:38 pm
So, what's the status of the party after the "dream"?
I might opt for a 'new game plus' where I use console commands to modify my party at the beginning.  Stuff like starting out returning party members at level 2, giving the party 300 extra gold to buy starting equipment to represent the loot the party found so far, and removing inactive members from the party (looking at you, Axem).

Alternatively, I could do a playthrough of the game 'FTL' when the game is released to the public on Friday.  Or just take a break from Let's Plays...
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: SpardaSon21 on September 11, 2012, 07:28:03 pm
OOC: Since this is most likely the closest I'll ever get to actually playing D&D with friends any time soon, I say New Game+.

*Elladan puts on sunglasses and a thick accent.  I'll be back.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on September 11, 2012, 07:48:51 pm
OOC: Since this is most likely the closest I'll ever get to actually playing D&D with friends any time soon, I say New Game+.

FTL can also have the same forum roleplaying vibe to it.  In fact, with a Star Trek-style ship that has up to 8 crewmembers and a dozen different systems to operate, you can nerd out quite easily.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: SpardaSon21 on September 11, 2012, 08:10:22 pm
Sounds fun.  I have an important question, though.  Would I get to be a space elf?
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on September 11, 2012, 09:02:43 pm
Sounds fun.  I have an important question, though.  Would I get to be a space elf?

Races within FTL are standard generic Sci-Fi fare (along with pretty much the entire game).  You have a mixture of humans, humanoid aliens, and non-humanoid aliens, all of which you can recruit to your crew.  The more non-humanoid ones tend to be the ones with exotic capabilities such as telepathy.

Given the sprite-based graphics modding it in might be pretty easy, but I doubt there are any mods for a game that is currently in a closed beta and the modding tools aren't going to be in the initial release.

Once the modding tools are out though, it would probably be simple to just create a new race, make a sprite for it based on the human sprites, give that race a special ability (telepathy immediately comes to mind!), and just add that race as part of your starting crew.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Scotty on September 11, 2012, 09:26:16 pm
I would totally be up for an LP of that.  Dibs on the helm.

/me is A1-supar pilot, as the X-COM LPs no doubt prove.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: FireSpawn on September 11, 2012, 10:10:26 pm
Dibs as away team pointman!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on September 11, 2012, 10:26:18 pm
I would totally be up for an LP of that.  Dibs on the helm.

/me is A1-supar pilot, as the X-COM LPs no doubt prove.

Right, helm controls are a must.  Under normal circumstances, you will want a crewmember at the bridge, one at weapons, one on shield, and one on the engines.  You can manage to get a full complement of 8 crewmembers rather early on, and given some reasonably competent play you shouldn't ever lose a crewmember barring the most chaotic of circumstances.  With a large crew, repairs and hand-to-hand combat becomes easier, and sending over boarding parties via teleporter is an option.

I could totally see a hostile boarding party causing deaths if the crew is composed mostly of races that are poor at combat, however.  But I've noticed LPers tend to be too eager to sell that anti-personnel drone when they have a crew like that, and flushing enemies out the airlock while they try in vain to get through the fully-upgraded blast doors is always fun...
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Scotty on September 11, 2012, 10:30:16 pm
Bridge, preferably, engines second choice.

/me bides his time, now, waiting until he can say "I'm givin' her all she's got, Cap'n!"
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: SpardaSon21 on September 11, 2012, 10:34:26 pm
I'll take weapons so I can fire the totally useless SpardaSon21 Barrage. :D
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on September 11, 2012, 10:48:21 pm
Now I have 2 requests for bridge and 2 requests for weapons.  How about you guys wait until I actually post the thread?

But I guess it's decided that I am doing an FTL Let's Play next.  From looking at the Let's Plays already out there and watching a experienced player do it, I kinda have the feeling that might do really well.  Naturally this is the sort of game that evokes 'why didn't you do this instead' from players, but I doubt many people would say things like 'Just assume there's a fire in that empty compartment that just got hit and that you can't see into, and open it up to space to starve out the fire' or 'Shooting out the bridge will also keep their FTL drive from charging, and it is considerably more vulnerable then the engines'.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: SpardaSon21 on September 11, 2012, 11:05:16 pm
So Goldfinger, you expect us to wait? :P
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: TrashMan on September 12, 2012, 01:35:48 am
Hm....never heard of FTL. Looks interesting.


Kinda like Artremis Spaceship Bridge Simulator..only not a LAN game, but a single-player game.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: TrashMan on September 12, 2012, 01:39:08 am
So Goldfinger, you expect us to wait? :P

No Mr. Blond, I expect you to explosively decompress...in space!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Legate Damar on September 12, 2012, 06:42:47 am
I would like to get in on the ground floor of this. Which of the races in that game is most similar to Cardassians?
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on September 12, 2012, 06:57:43 am
I would like to get in on the ground floor of this. Which of the races in that game is most similar to Cardassians?

The Mantis immediately come to mind.  They are an insectoid race that are warlike and good at hand-to-hand combat, but their limbs are not well adapted to repairing damaged starships.  Since they are so bad at repairing stuff, they often kidnap members of other races to do their repairs for them.  Teleporter systems come standard on their ships so they can board other ships.  Encounters with Mantis ships are usually hostile, however it's also possible to get one as a crew member.

There's a pretty good chance that I will be able to pick up at least one Mantis crewmember at some point.  In fact, some ships start out with one.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: TrashMan on September 12, 2012, 07:35:05 am
What races are there anyway? Is there some kind of wiki or info?
...
For other people I mean.

My first choice is ALWAYS human. I'm boring like that.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Legate Damar on September 12, 2012, 07:35:56 am
We are reptilian, not insectoid. Do these Mantis at least have a strong appreciation for order and service to the state?
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on September 12, 2012, 07:38:44 am
We are reptilian, not insectoid. Do these Mantis at least have a strong appreciation for order and service to the state?
There actually aren't any reptilian races currently.

Saying that they have a strong appreciation for order would actually be an understatement.  In fact, they can't grasp the concept of the 'individual'.

What races are there anyway? Is there some kind of wiki or info?
...
For other people I mean.

My first choice is ALWAYS human. I'm boring like that.

http://ftl.wikia.com/wiki/Races

Humans can actually be quite useful when things get chaotic and people aren't able to stick to their assigned roles.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Legate Damar on September 12, 2012, 07:41:27 am
I'm not playing as a Borg
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on September 12, 2012, 07:44:34 am
I'm not playing as a Borg

The Engi are much closer to the cybernetic aspect of the Borg, but they tend to be pretty peaceful.  I could make you a Rockman instead if you would like?
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: TrashMan on September 12, 2012, 08:23:59 am
Huamns are the best. Everoyne knows that.

Stick me in as chief of security, marine or whatever. Any role will do.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Legate Damar on September 12, 2012, 09:03:57 am
I'm not playing as a Borg

The Engi are much closer to the cybernetic aspect of the Borg, but they tend to be pretty peaceful.  I could make you a Rockman instead if you would like?

I suppose.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Rodo on September 12, 2012, 09:06:11 am
fight evil, in space?   :confused:
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on September 12, 2012, 09:28:21 am
fight evil, in space?   :confused:
More just trying to survive in space in a universe gone horribly wrong, while running from a hostile fleet.

Roguelikes tend to not give the player moral choices, as the difficulty is such that the player will invariably choose whatever option benefits him the most.

This also makes being evil rather easy within a roguelike.  You can expect me to do stuff like blowing up the enemy ship that just surrendered because I felt the resources the ship offered me was not good enough, and I can get more resources from destroying it outright (and possibly get less resources if I make a poor decision)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: 0rph3u5 on September 12, 2012, 09:46:38 am
Still slots open?

I would go for an Engi engineer if I possible ... Cybernetics FTW! (Screw you baseline humans!)


EDIT: In a trailer for FTL I saw a ship type called "Shivan" (and its all red on black) can we get one of those??
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on September 12, 2012, 10:11:54 am
Still slots open?

I would go for an Engi engineer if I possible ... Cybernetics FTW! (Screw you baseline humans!)
None of the slots are open to anyone until I actually make the thread.

EDIT: In a trailer for FTL I saw a ship type called "Shivan" (and its all red on black) can we get one of those??
Huh wha where?  Lemme see.  Although if it is a playable ship, it is probably one that is difficult to unlock.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: 0rph3u5 on September 12, 2012, 10:15:52 am
EDIT: In a trailer for FTL I saw a ship type called "Shivan" (and its all red on black) can we get one of those??
Huh wha where?  Lemme see.  Although if it is a playable ship, it is probably one that is difficult to unlock.

The trailer on http://www.ftlgame.com/ at 00:53
and yeah its the example for unlocking alien ships

EDIT: also Picture (http://cdn.steampowered.com/v/gfx/apps/212680/ss_a24141a258e4bdf55cf67a082db6b70bf7613a6d.1920x1080.jpg?t=1347557272)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: LordMelvin on September 12, 2012, 11:36:22 pm
Thog want play in Startreks and Spaceships game. Thog get table in inn common room and start rolling up character sheets for everyone.

(Let's add an extra layer of meta to the metagame, whaddaya say?)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Scotty on September 12, 2012, 11:38:44 pm
no
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: LordMelvin on September 12, 2012, 11:40:18 pm
Fine. Thog not really want to play S&S anyway. Asteroids fall. Everybody dies.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: TrashMan on September 13, 2012, 03:55:30 am
*gets up and throws his dice in frustration*

You suck as DM Thog! This campaign sucks! Also I had a defensive barrier up!

NERDRAAAAAGE
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: FireSpawn on September 13, 2012, 08:33:45 am
 ┬─┬ノ( º _ ºノ)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Rodo on September 13, 2012, 09:58:38 am
I think I'm not nerd enough for this...

 :warp:
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: LordMelvin on September 13, 2012, 11:04:11 am
(http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/tabletop_roleplaying.png)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: TrashMan on September 13, 2012, 04:21:58 pm
(http://mybfolder.com/pics/4561-1287550964.jpg)
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Alex Heartnet on September 13, 2012, 09:04:58 pm
At some point I should just pull out a puzzle game and say "You guys get to figure it out, not me.  Try not to fry your brain".

And the game in question won't be Bejeweled or anything, either.  I am much more creative and fiendish then that.

Of course I can see it getting to the point where no one is able to figure out the solution for the current problem.  However, I have a mystery game in mind that is almost perfectly suited to this type of let's play.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Rodo on September 13, 2012, 10:34:39 pm
recursion. that I get!

I think that qualifies me as nerd, but what's the degree of nerdiness in me I wonder??

Is there a chart or something?

dammit now I have the urge to check the interwebs for a stupid graphic about how nerd I am.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: LordMelvin on September 14, 2012, 12:02:57 am
recursion. that I get!

I think that qualifies me as nerd, but what's the degree of nerdiness in me I wonder??

Is there a chart or something?

dammit now I have the urge to check the interwebs for a stupid graphic about how nerd I am.

Okay, you need to make a will save at -2 to resist the urge to go googling. Roll?
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: CommanderDJ on September 14, 2012, 12:11:23 am
Omg Trashman. That pic made me laugh so hard. Programming jokes are best jokes!
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Rodo on September 14, 2012, 10:16:03 am
Okay, you need to make a will save at -2 to resist the urge to go googling. Roll?

late, i've already done it.

funny thing is, I found nothing.

google, I'm disappointed at you.
Title: Re: Let's Play: The Temple of Elemental Evil!
Post by: Patriot on September 14, 2012, 02:36:47 pm
I'd be willing to join in a new LP :D