TRPG General Chat

6:00 PM

@NautArch It's because people like magic items (and building characters around them). If AL didn't allow for it, much less people would be interested

NautArch

@DavidCoffron Oh yeah. Magic items are awesome.

inthemanual

@Delioth thanks

GcL

6:20 PM

@NautArch Even the crappy ones are good

Ring of detect fire. Range touch.

NautArch

@GcL helps if you've got a blindfold on :P

Delioth

Only if you're immune to fire :D

David Coffron

6:35 PM

@GcL haha. I just got that (took me seeing it 3 times while checking if any new chat messages)

G. Moylan

sphere of slope detection: when placed on a surface, will roll in the direction of that surface's downward slope, if there is one

sword of gravity detection: when held aloft and let go, will move in the direction of the pull of gravity in the current plane

David Coffron

Beautiful

G. Moylan

flask of emptiness: no liquid may be poured into nor out of this flask. Makes a sloshing sound when shaken

David Coffron

Broach of Negated Compulsion: when you are wearing this broach, you can expend 1 charge to lace your words with magic. The next time you make a request of someone that they do not desire to fulfill, that person is compelled to refuse the request.

G. Moylan

lol I love it

KorvinStarmast

6:44 PM

@DavidCoffron this. so much this.

David Coffron

Gambler's Dice: this die has the exact same probabilities as a standard die, but most subjects who witness the die being rolled inevitably fall victim to cognitive biases

NautArch

@KorvinStarmast PLease don't take that comment on the sword coast the wrong way. I'm just not sure how simple it is to equate a somewhat undefined fictional governance to actual real world ones.

G. Moylan

fastidious feather: when holding this feather, you notice every little detail. You have advantage on perception checks to inspect this item.

KorvinStarmast

@NautArch Not taking it the wrong way, maybe I make a wrong assumption of how familiar RPG players are with the baked in model of feudal/nobility.

I am not sure what you are looking for. Another real world example? ?

NautArch

@KorvinStarmast I guess my bigger issue is trying to do it at all. I don't think that it's valid (even though OP said they'd be okay with it.)

Someone_Evil

6:48 PM

@DavidCoffron I believe these typically come as a set of 7 in different shapes, yes?

NautArch

It's 'safer' to stay in the confines of what we do know about the Sword Coast rather than try to extrapolate how similar real-world systems could apply.

David Coffron

@Someone_Evil Yep, and some are dot dice, some are number dice, some are rune dice, and some telepathically tell each participant a different number was rolled (just to start arguments)

NautArch

especially when, as you say, it's a combination of at least two.

David Coffron

(I didn't get your reference if there was one)

KorvinStarmast

@NautArch Hmm the OP did ask for it. And the High Fantasy genre is utterly bound to that structure.

G. Moylan

6:49 PM

@DavidCoffron I think the typical RPG set was the reference

Someone_Evil

@DavidCoffron The standard set of polyhedral dice?

NautArch

@KorvinStarmast It's bound to simlarities, but the governance is still defined by how the system defines it. And there can be a wide variety of those types of governances.

G. Moylan

New game: What's in the discount potion bin?

NautArch

While that type of structure is similar, we're still left with what the lore we have. Saying that a historical gov't did it X and then saying therefore that the Sword Coast does as well is a bridge too far for me.

KorvinStarmast

@NautArch So if I go back and ignore the comment, scope wise, we still have the question of 'who lays down the law' and the answer is (I think) something of a frame challenge in that the answer is "nobody" but this "non governmental group" may do it.

NautArch

6:52 PM

@KorvinStarmast "The lore doesn't say so it's up to the DM" is a perfectly valid answer.

But trying to say "this is how it is because realw orld society X did it that way" I don't think is.

KorvinStarmast

What is it that's too much? The Lore is built on that whole structure in the first place. hmmm I think that I am referring to meta lore here, as in genre defining tropes.

David Coffron

@Someone_Evil Listen here! Don't question my ability to recognize allusions to one of the most essential implements of our hobby! :P

KorvinStarmast

@NautArch Those parallels have been in the game since they published it

NautArch

Parallels yes. But exacts? I'm not sure.

KorvinStarmast

@NautArch Since nobody is saying exact ... just you .. ok, now I am puzzled again

NautArch

6:53 PM

You've played more than I have. But what's to say that because the specific lore doesn't say that it has to be how it was done then? Any other answer is just as valid, no?

Delioth

@DavidCoffron Can I get six? I think I need them

G. Moylan

@G.Moylan visibility potion: when consumed, you may be perceived as if you were visible for 5 minutes.

David Coffron

@Delioth That'll be... rummages... 1000 gp each; and I'll only take Dragons mind you. I'm Waterdhavian, born and raised

NautArch

@KorvinStarmast Exact may be incorrect or superfluous. My point is that OP asked a question about specific things. Either we know those specific things and can cite it from Sword Coast lore, or we don't. I don't hink it's valid to say "we don't know specifically, but feudal society X did it like this, so they must have, too".

KorvinStarmast

@NautArch OK, here's a thought. Less is more. Make the "parallels" a note at the end and point to the "baked into the genre" thing as a note, not as an up front thing?

@NautArch While IMO your objection is overly pendantic, seriously, I also think that I added stuff that was probably not needed.

NautArch

6:55 PM

@KorvinStarmast Maybe a "things for a DM to consider"? Instead of a "this is how it works"? It's quite possible (probable) i'm putting to much effort in criticism :D

David Coffron

@G.Moylan Potion of Midas' Original Touch: when consumed, you gain the ability to turn any object that you touch and is made of gold into solid gold for 1 hour

KorvinStarmast

So it needs trimming anyway.

@NautArch So trim I shall.

NautArch

@KorvinStarmast Honestly, I hate the term pedantic and don't appreciate it's use. THat does feel like an attack when all I'm trying to do is help. If you don't want it, just say so and I"ll back off. But don't call my assessment pedantic.

KorvinStarmast

@NautArch Sorry about that, won't do that again.

goodguy5

wait a second, what did I miss. Everyone being civil?

NautArch

6:56 PM

@KorvinStarmast Appreciated :)

goodguy5

oh yea. you guys are aces

@NautArch What should be done when "pedantic" is the right word?

NautArch

Let's go back to ridiculous magic item generation

G. Moylan

@DavidCoffron potion of the silver tongue: turns your tongue a silver color for 1 hour. Your mouth is filled with a metallic taste for the duration.

NautArch

@goodguy5 When is it 100% clear it is? Maybe just say "I think you're being overly critical. I hear what you're saying, but I don't think I am."

goodguy5

Stealing that potion, Moylan

G. Moylan

6:58 PM

@goodguy5 do it

NautArch

But it goes back to the original person maybe not feeling like they're being that critical. So yeah. Best to just either say "Thanks, but no thanks" or try and work with them to improve.

G. Moylan

what if we're describing foot-related craziness? Seems like ped-antics to me

NautArch

some of the common magic items they added in 5e are fun

G. Moylan

@G.Moylan flask of flavor: this blue-colored potion tastes like raspberries. You don't know why.

NautArch

@G.Moylan love this one!

Yuuki

7:02 PM

@G.Moylan Potion of enlightenment. All equipped items turn to dust.

@G.Moylan Potion of snozzberries. It tastes like snozzberries!

G. Moylan

@G.Moylan potion of mystery: roll for one effect on the Wild Magic surge table, rerolling results of 00-01 and 98-99. Tastes like Pineapple.

NautArch

@G.Moylan I'm planning on having 'wild magic' effects coming up randomly in my game. Be interesting to see how it goes.

David Coffron

@G.Moylan That is very cool

Yuuki

@G.Moylan Potion of Miss Terry. You're suddenly reminded of the passing of Terry Pratchett. -1 to all Wisdom saves against sadness for one hour.

Someone_Evil

@NautArch The standard table or are you using an extended (type d10000) one?

NautArch

7:05 PM

@Someone_Evil tell me more of the d10000

G. Moylan

@Yuuki potion of resolute sadness: you're a bit sad for one hour. Attempts to cheer you up are unsuccessful for the duration.

Delioth

@G.Moylan Potion of Wisdom. This pulpy white potion tastes like old papers and scrolls. It seems the whole "learn by osmosis" method doesn't work after all, no effects.

G. Moylan

@Delioth that's a good one!

Yuuki

Potion of Cure Light Wounds. Your sunburn clears up.

G. Moylan

@Yuuki oof

Someone_Evil

7:07 PM

@NautArch This glorious document (hope this is the proper source). Unfortunately the roll must be made using 4 d10's or 2d100 if you have such golf balls.

NautArch

ROll20, so I can just do a straight roll 1d10000

Someone_Evil

There are also a bunch of online rollers if scanning through a 80 pdf isn't your thing

NautArch

@Someone_Evil jeebus. There's a lot of effects there I"d need to figure out how to adjudicate.

Yuuki

Potion of the Cresting Gate. The next time you smile, a brilliant light shines from your mouth, dazzling nearby creatures.

G. Moylan

philter of rhyme or reason: when you drink this potion, choose rhyme or reason. Rhyme: you must speak in couplets for the duration. Reason: you must explain why you do anything for the duration. Effects last one hour.

David Coffron

7:10 PM

@Someone_Evil " Railroad tracks run straight from here to the casterís home" what?

G. Moylan

@DavidCoffron does it include a ticket to Eberron?

Someone_Evil

@NautArch Yes. I had one effect turn all the birds in one mile radius turn black. Fortunately the Aarakocra player took it in good spirits

David Coffron

@Someone_Evil Ha!

I'd probaby allow a dispel magic to remove the effect

NautArch

@Someone_Evil Or I could just say that a lot don't have a mechanical change. Like "1d4 of casterís limbs are as durable as steel " doesn't actually do anything to your AC.

Yuuki

@NautArch "Steel after someone just cast metal to flesh."

Someone_Evil

7:13 PM

@DavidCoffron I believe there is one that gives you a copy of your spellbook on a CD. Some of them break the fantasy-conceit a little, but they're fun.

G. Moylan

potion of babel: for 1 hour, when you speak, you can be heard but not understood. This effect cannot be circumvented by the tongues spell or similar effects.

Yuuki

@G.Moylan Potion of Babel. You begin growing taller without cease but then are attacked by multiple angels.

G. Moylan

@Yuuki they keep a close eye on you for a while afterwords

Someone_Evil

@G.Moylan Or Ravnica, they also have trains.

G. Moylan

@Someone_Evil and JUSTICE cough sorry, my Boros is showing

Yuuki

7:16 PM

Potion of Bab-El. You transform into a red-headed girl from another planet. You lose the ability to walk, but are now faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and are able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. You feel strangely queasy around glowing green rocks of indeterminate origin.

G. Moylan

persnickety poison: loudly complains when you pour this chartreuse liquid from its container. Nothing is good enough.

KorvinStarmast

@NautArch I may cut and past that. :) OK, I cleaned it up, did that address what you thought was a bit off with that answer?

NautArch

@KorvinStarmast Yeah, gave you the +1 :)

KorvinStarmast

@NautArch Thanks, as ever when you chime in, teamwork made an improvement. Thanks for the help, sorry to be a little caustic there.

NautArch

@KorvinStarmast Same here :) Civility FTW.

KorvinStarmast

7:21 PM

@NautArch Now, about those Ogre Gauntlets ...

NautArch

I mean, you're wrong on the internet and I wish you the worst.

sorry, forgot where I was

KorvinStarmast

@NautArch Of course. :)

NautArch

@KorvinStarmast We've got a local Class A short season team here that feeds to the Astros. Was at a game and a group was rooting for the visiting team solely because the local team was affiliated with Texas. Did not like.

G. Moylan

tropical topical: this white ointment smells of exotic fruit, and continues to smell nice for one hour when applied. Dries clear!

KorvinStarmast

@NautArch That seems not nice to the players, who are from all over the place. (We get to see the AA Astros team)

NautArch

7:24 PM

@KorvinStarmast Probably some folks from here go there...eventually.

Yuuki

I mean, at least they're rooting for the visitors rather than against the home team.

KorvinStarmast

@NautArch Probably. We get to three or four games a year.

Yuuki

And really, the visitors could always use a few supporters. By definition, they're not going to have many fans in the crowd.

NautArch

@KorvinStarmast We've got a very local collegiate team, but the stadium isn't that nice and the play isn't that great. This is better on both fronts, but it's an hour away (which I know is nothing texas-distance).

@Yuuki Being a fan of a visiting team is one thing, but they were rooting for anyone but the home team...because Texas.

KorvinStarmast

@NautArch When I lived in Va Beach I got to see Daryl Strawberry play for the Tidewater Tides.

He was not there long.

G. Moylan

7:26 PM

potion of ambiguity: you're unsure what this does or if it had an effect on you. The flavor seems familiar, but you can't quite pinpoint it.

KorvinStarmast

(Man, he hit that ball a long way)

NautArch

@KorvinStarmast Pre-cocaine?

KorvinStarmast

Yes, pre cocaine.

NautArch

hehe.

KorvinStarmast

@NautArch Also got to see him against the Padres (when he was a Met) when I lived in San Diego. cocaine years. He still hit it a mile. Opposite field power, second deck off of Ed Whitsun.

G. Moylan

7:27 PM

Daryl Strawberry sounds like a halfling wizard

NautArch

I liked his stint when he was with the Giants. Sadly, I don't think my son is ending up to root for my team. Frustratingly, he's following a neighbor kid to be a Yankees fan. Makes my wife and inlaws very upset.

Yuuki

The fact that there are 6 stars on the 5e RPG post bothers me.

KorvinStarmast

@NautArch I root for the Cowboys, my brother for the Redskins, but we still get along. Somehow.

G. Moylan

@Yuuki I know, they both had 5 earlier and all was right. now one has 6 and I feel a bit... icky

NautArch

@Yuuki that better? :D

G. Moylan

7:28 PM

@NautArch screaming

NautArch

@KorvinStarmast Okay, we're done. E-A-G-L-E-S.

KorvinStarmast

@NautArch OK, I was rooting for Nick in that super bowl game. I admit it

And Wilbur Montgomery was one of the best running backs I ever saw in person.

Yuuki

@KorvinStarmast Did the Redskins change their name? I know the DC football team has dug their heels in on that one, but I don't really follow MLB.

KorvinStarmast

@Yuuki As far as I know, not yet.

G. Moylan

@Yuuki wait the redskins are DC now?

KorvinStarmast

7:30 PM

@G.Moylan Have been since Sammy Baugh

(1930's)

G. Moylan

@KorvinStarmast then what the heck are the Washington Redskins

omg I thought they were in the State

I never bothered to look that up

KorvinStarmast

@G.Moylan Football team. Play in Washington DC. :)

G. Moylan

@KorvinStarmast yeah I though Washington like the state and I never thought past that

KorvinStarmast

We are glad to be of help, in that case. :)

@G.Moylan the Minnesota Vikings come from the Whole State, I hear.

G. Moylan

welp yeah I've thought that was the case for the past 20 or so years, when I first heard of that team. Never had a reason to doubt it or find out otherwise

Yuuki

7:33 PM

@G.Moylan Well, confusing the state and national capital is pretty much a rite of passage for any American.

KorvinStarmast

@Yuuki Yep, it's one of those things. And it really helps nobody that Washington DC is in the District of Columbia and the Columbia RIver flows through the State of Washington. :p

@Yuuki There is also a town/city called, IIRC, California, Pennsylvania. (A guy who my sister knew at Penn State is from there).

California, Pennsylvania

California is a borough on the Monongahela River in Washington County, Pennsylvania, United States, and part of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area since 1950. The population was 6,795 as of the 2010 census and was estimated at 6,805 in 2011. California is the home of California University of Pennsylvania. Founded in 1849, the borough was named for the territory of California following the Gold Rush. The borough has had two notably young mayors — Democrat Peter Daley, who was 22 at his election, and Republican Casey Durdines, who was 20 at his election. == Geography == California is located at 40...

Yuuki

California University of Pennsylvania

California University of Pennsylvania (Cal U) is a public university in California, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1852, it is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). The university offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.The main campus consists of about 38 buildings situated on 92 acres (37 ha). Another 9-acre (3.6 ha) facility is located near the main campus and houses the school's soccer facility. An additional 98-acre (40 ha) recreation complex, George H. Roadman University Park, is located...

KorvinStarmast

Nothing Confusing about that, is there? ;-)

Yuuki

It was mentioned in a Key & Peele skit and I seriously thought it was a university made up for the purposes of the sketch but it's real.

KorvinStarmast

Truth be stranger than fiction, some times.

Yuuki

7:38 PM

I mean, it didn't help that their representative player was "Xmus Jaxon Flaxon-Waxon".

G. Moylan

@Yuuki FUDGE

Yuuki

Although my favorite player in the skit is Torque [CONSTRUCTION NOISE] Lewith. Because he's an alumni of Nevada State... Penitentiary.

KorvinStarmast

7:52 PM

@Yuuki I think I have seen that skit.

goodguy5

I also like "eeeeeeee E eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee"

KorvinStarmast

@goodguy5 A dolphin from Sea World finally made it to NCAA football.

(I think that's why it was a San Diego State ref)

Hot RPG Questions

8:10 PM

5

Q: Oath of redemption: Does Emmissary of Peace reflect damage taken from Aura of the Guardian?

The Unearthed Arcana's Oath of Redemption has the following features: Aura of the Guardian Starting at 7th level, you can shield your allies from harm at the cost of your own health. When a creature within 10 feet of you takes damage, you can use your reaction to magically take that da...

G. Moylan

In case the news didn't somehow spread to here already, TOOL is officially streaming on pretty much every platform as of today.

Mark Wells

@G.Moylan What's TOOL?

(I don't expect googling it to be effective)

G. Moylan

@MarkWells googling will work. They're a band. There's a lot fo reasons why them streaming is a big deal right now, but the biggest is they've been a holdout forever, this is the first time their catalogue has ever been available digitally.

that and they have an album out at the end of the month after 13 years. It's all a very big deal (for those concerned)

Mark Wells

oh, that Tool

Ryan

8:45 PM

hmm now that I understand better how to use TCP and what the standard items are I don't know if I should take Cloak of Elvenkind or +1 Shield :\ decisions are hard!

BESW

9:32 PM

@inthemanual "It's a very open jam, and I hope lots of people participate."

"Swordsfall Landscape Artwork and Designs," a blog post about the art process for the upcoming Swordsfall RPG, by artist Sabrina Lewis.

BESW

9:58 PM

"Legacy: The Engine of Life" (PbtA) now available. Hope and rebirth in a ruined world. Book + PDF at Modiphius; PDF-only at DTRPG.

Hot RPG Questions

11:28 PM

11

Q: How is Sword Coast North governed?

D&D 5e adventure modules take place in the Sword Coast of Faerûn, such as Lost Mines of Phandelver (LMOP). LMOP has information regarding various factions and mayorship but is light on other details. How is the larger area of the Sword Coast governed? How are laws enforced & by who? How are o...

dnd-5e lore forgotten-realms

trogdor

@BESW it's a little hard to imagine doing a "Cozy" version of it? not to say we couldn't play it

though "A Penny for my Thoughts" isn't my favorite for sure

I would still give it a go every once in a while as long is it's what everyone else wanted to try though

it isn't super anti cozy,... but it does thematically run a little in the opposite direction

if only because it's very literally about a sort of group therapy session that implies like,... a monster attack or something?

BESW

11:45 PM

The shared-monster-attack version is a horror variant Raycia requested. The default version assumes everybody's trauma is unique and personal and if there's anything Weird involved it's brought entirely by the players.

But I'm definitely not pushing for APFMT in cozy gaming, more speculating about whether it's possible at all.

trogdor

ooooooh

ok that's what I get for only playing it the once then

BESW

There's also a variant where everybody is a superspy who were on a shared mission and have forgotten some important time-sensitive information.

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