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Post by venger on Jan 23, 2012 14:10:35 GMT -5
week of 1/19/12 Paavo: 59032 (6th) Dan: 19790 (5th) Friedrich: 59743 (6th) Mary: 17995 (4th) Trommer: 61783 (6th) Colby: 77224|10746 (7th) Danakes: 40958 (6th) Bolo: 44129 (7th) Finnious: 22626/27656 (6th/5th) Marcus: 50341 (6th) Ingrid: 20138/24907 (5th/5th)
Treasure recovered: ruby sword of spartusia silver princess book of wise sayings and proverbs
Items that you cast detect magic on: demon sack * [evil]
scroll: protection from demons * red coral ring * silver unicorn ring * (allows the wearer to travel like a unicorn) chalky white potion * peacock feather fan * (summons the wind) silver dreamstone pendant * (makes dreams come true) cleric scroll {Loviatar}: Cause Serious Wounds x3, Harm x1 * a silver-bound book* (some of the Silver Princess's musings on the nature of magic) a crystal harp* (Winter's Harp, it belongs to the Winter Queen and can be dangerous if played incorrectly...) a large ornate shield* a bag of violet powder* a silver sword brooch* (summons an enchanted sword) colorful beads* wooden box with dancing bear* (plays enchanted music when opened) golden puzzle box* wooden wand* 3 vials of rose-colored liquid* a large faceted green emerald* a leather glove* a shield-shaped brooch* (summons an enchanted shield) a plain gold ring* a broken black candle* [evil] a soulgem * a fine black robe * a cord belt* a lightstone* (sheds light in a 60' radius) a vial of pale blue liquid* a perfume bottle* a wand with an ivory tip* a red syrupy potion* a large glowing orange gem* a scroll tied with a red ribbon* (Enchant an Item) a scroll tied with a blue ribbon* (recipe for a potion of water-breathing) a scroll tied with a green ribbon* (Wall of Bone, Scry) a scroll tied with a white ribbon* (Beckon) a scroll tied with a black ribbon* (Magic Jar) 3 silver-lidded jars* [evil] 6 pouches of violet dust* a fine saucer & teacup* (sings when removed from saucer, knows over 100 songs!) ruby (broad)sword of Spartusia* (a strong-willed magic sword from a bygone era) book of wise sayings and proverbs* "Entry-Level Enchanting," a spellbook "Introduction to the Dark Arts," a necromancer's spellbook "Invocation for Idiots," a spellbook "Mastering the Elements," a spellbook "The Art of Conjuration," a spellbook Animunculi, Creation of, a miscellaneous tome detailing the creation of gargoyles and lesser automatons. The Book of Shadows, a miscellaneous tome detailing the steps necessary to infuse a being with the essence of shadow, i.e. shades, shadow goblins, shadow demons, shadow dragons. Also contains the spell Summon Shadow. The Demonomicon, a large desk reference book
Additional items: a bag of bones a bag of beans a glowing ring on a chain a bronze belt with a bear buckle the (long)sword of Sylaire (a Dragonslayer)
I have posted the contents of the spellbooks in the Spellbook thread.
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Post by venger on Jan 23, 2012 23:35:50 GMT -5
Is the "scroll: protection from demons *" at the top of the list the same one that Colby read last session or a different one?
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Post by Mr. Trommer on Jan 24, 2012 8:41:44 GMT -5
The pearl necklace we found has 8 100gp pearls and others of various values. I think the appraised value of the necklace was 2200gp.
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Post by Wolfgar on Jan 24, 2012 9:25:31 GMT -5
IMHO, Identify requires 100 gp worth of powdered pearl dissolved into wine to make the infusion. So I think we could get 22 Identifies from the necklace regardless of the size of the pearls.
Was the princess going to take anything that predates the invasion of the castle? If not, can she or her people provide descriptions of those items so we don't need to identify them?
We also have some items leftover from the dragon hoard that need to be identified. (Can we get that list again? Or better a list of items from everyone's character sheet so we can see what needs to be identified?) We will see if the silver princess or her people know anything about these items.
Finnious thought he could decipher the puzzle box given enough time and his high intelligence without setting off the trap. If the other elves don't know anything about it can he take a crack?
Do the elves know anyway to reverse the effects of the magic fountain?
Colby's armband has functions other than fireball. I think he should spend some time researching those. He should ask the elves if they have ever seen the metal the coins are made from. Also double check that none of the coins we found earlier are used up.
Paavo will detect evil on all items.
Dan would like to destroy the demon sack and the scroll to Lovitar for his training costs.
I would still like to get the phase spider out of the quantum box so we can use the box for storage. In theory the phase spider will be dead from starvation since it has been weeks since we opened the box. Even phase spiders have to eat.
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Post by venger on Jan 24, 2012 12:07:12 GMT -5
IMHO, Identify requires 100 gp worth of powdered pearl dissolved into wine to make the infusion. So I think we could get 22 Identifies from the necklace regardless of the size of the pearls. I don't necessarily disagree, but it could be argued that the quality of the pearl to be crushed is a factor. It was determined that there are 20 pearls on the necklace, 8 of them worth 100GP. The necklace, when appraised, is worth 1600GP. That is the value as jewelry, some of which must be accounted for in the craftsmanship. So let's say 1500GP worth of pearls to identify with if you strip the necklace. Was the princess going to take anything that predates the invasion of the castle? If not, can she or her people provide descriptions of those items so we don't need to identify them? If these items will be used by the party against the Shadowlord, she gives them with her blessing. I'll indicate whatever they are able to identify in blue. We also have some items leftover from the dragon hoard that need to be identified. (Can we get that list again? Or better a list of items from everyone's character sheet so we can see what needs to be identified?) We will see if the silver princess or her people know anything about these items. I've added items that are not specifically identified to the above list. Compiling a list of all your magic items will take longer. Finnious thought he could decipher the puzzle box given enough time and his high intelligence without setting off the trap. If the other elves don't know anything about it can he take a crack? Finnious could decipher the puzzle box, yes, but he can't himself detect any trap on it so he has no idea what will happen if he does. The elves have never seen this box before. Do the elves know anyway to reverse the effects of the magic fountain? The fountain isn't supposed to work like that, so the hags and witches must have put something in it. Colby's armband has functions other than fireball. I think he should spend some time researching those. He should ask the elves if they have ever seen the metal the coins are made from. Also double check that none of the coins we found earlier are used up. We'll need to use the flow chart for that in session. Colby knows how to activate the device's current function without harming himself but he does not know how to change its settings or dispense the "power coins" or do anything else without further experimentation. The elves do not know about the coins or what that armband is, though they'll trade you several fine garlands of holly, Elven ivy and mountain laurel for it. Paavo will detect evil on all items. I'll put a notation next to anything that detects as evil in red. Dan would like to destroy the demon sack and the scroll to Lovitar for his training costs. Assuming the party is amenable to this, how are you planning on destroying the sack? I would still like to get the phase spider out of the quantum box so we can use the box for storage. In theory the phase spider will be dead from starvation since it has been weeks since we opened the box. Even phase spiders have to eat. The spider could be alive or dead, I believe the only way to determine its state in this situation is to observe it. But my understanding of quantum physics is limited. :)
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Post by Ginger on Jan 24, 2012 13:45:46 GMT -5
Nothing in our loot pile especially jumps out at me, other than the scrolls and spellbooks. Do the elves have ink to purchase? We should duplicate some of the good spells, and also copy them from scroll to spellbook.
Marcus should get the broadsword unless it's absurdly powerful or contrary to his alignment. It might be best for Finnious if it's elf aspected.
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Post by Ginger on Jan 24, 2012 14:06:19 GMT -5
Colby's questions for the elves: Do they have any pearls, spell ink or spellbooks to purchase? How long do they plan to stay here before they pack up and leave? How would we use the faerie road to a) get to Devonshire? b) get from Devonshire to the Vernal House? c) get from Devonshire to the bird that has the tears we need to find?
Other things Colby would like to do that are relatively quick: Ask Bunny about her plans or if she's lookin' to hench. Study the Book of Shadows to see if it could assist Friedrich in regaining his shadow. Read the Demonomicon to see if it provides more information than MM descriptions of demons.
Colby also needs a while to self train for 4th level, a while to train Finnious for 3rd level. Depending on our monetary situation, it might be worthwhile for Fin to self train and eat the extra cost. Or maybe we can pay Sherlane to do it.
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Post by venger on Jan 24, 2012 14:10:02 GMT -5
Nothing in our loot pile especially jumps out at me, other than the scrolls and spellbooks. Do the elves have ink to purchase? We should duplicate some of the good spells, and also copy them from scroll to spellbook. The elves do not have any magical ink and were only able to spare the party 2 bind wound treatments apiece. There should have been some (12) spell inks in the witches' lab, amongst those miscellaneous spell components. That was my oversight. Marcus should get the broadsword unless it's absurdly powerful or contrary to his alignment. It might be best for Finnious if it's elf aspected. Marcus somewhat patiently explains that he cannot relinquish the sword until he has reforged the empire of Spartusia.
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Post by Ginger on Jan 24, 2012 14:13:41 GMT -5
Marcus somewhat patiently explains that he cannot relinquish the sword until he has reforged the empire of Spartusia. Awesome! What can he tell us of Spartusia?
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Post by Wolfgar on Jan 24, 2012 14:29:51 GMT -5
We would certainly use them against the forces of the Shadowlord. I would say we probably don't need the teacup and saucer, harp or music box. I am not sure how they would be used against the forces of the Shadowlord. Questions below regarding the items they identified for us. [/u] [li]silver unicorn ring * (allows the wearer to travel like a unicorn) is this only the dimension door ability? can you move at 24" or surprise on 1-5? how often can it be used?[/li][li]peacock feather fan * (summons the wind) how often can it be used?[/li][li]silver dreamstone pendant * (makes dreams come true) how often can it be used?[/li][li]a crystal harp* (Winter's Harp, it belongs to the Winter Queen and can be dangerous if played incorrectly...) what does it do when played correctly? can they teach us how to play it? how often can it be used?[/li][li]a silver sword brooch* (summons an enchanted sword) is there a command word or do you just think about it? how often can it be used? how do you send it back?[/li][li]a shield-shaped brooch* (summons an enchanted shield) is there a command word or do you just think about it? how often can it be used? how do you send it back?[/li][li]a fine saucer & teacup* (sings when removed from saucer, knows over 100 songs!)[/li][li]wooden box with dancing bear* (plays enchanted music when opened)[/li][li]ruby (broad)sword of Spartusia* (a strong-willed magic sword from a bygone era) anything else they can tell us about it?[/li][li]the (long)sword of Sylaire (a Dragonslayer) so not an elf-aspected sword?[/li][/ul] [/quote]
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Post by Wolfgar on Jan 24, 2012 15:20:14 GMT -5
I would suggest that Friedrich wears the dreamstone when he goes to sleep and dreams about having a shadow again.
Including potions there are 27 items that need to be identified (at least once). Here is a suggested order for doing the identifications (though if anyone wants to experiment feel free):
red coral ring a glowing ring on a chain a plain gold ring a wand with an ivory tip wooden wand colorful beads a large faceted green emerald a large glowing orange gem ruby (broad)sword of Spartusia (may be difficult to do if Marcus won't let anyone touch it) a cord belt a fine black robe a leather glove a perfume bottle book of wise sayings and proverbs a bronze belt with a bear buckle (know it turns you into a bear) a large ornate shield golden puzzle box a bag of beans a bag of bones 6 pouches of violet dust a bag of violet powder 3 vials of rose-colored liquid chalky white potion a red syrupy potion a vial of pale blue liquid
That is at least 9 days assuming all 3 magic users work on this. And that is independent of any time we need for training. Any magic users in the elf camp want to help?
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Post by Ginger on Jan 24, 2012 15:42:42 GMT -5
My Wizard Sight spell provided some insight into a few of these items. The leather gauntlet is fire-aspected, and Bolo remembered that the witch using it made her hand flame and tried to make touch attacks with it.
The orange gem spoke to Colby when he looked at it, saying telepathically "Greetings wizard! I am Arcadius." I think I thought back "Hi!" and then we moved on to other stuff.
The book of wise sayings and proverbs grants +1 to wisdom when read. Mr. Trommer wanted it, because he plans to dual-class to cleric. I was extraordinarily skeptical at the wisdom of that course of action, but I'm open to hearing his pitch.
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Post by Friedrich on Jan 24, 2012 16:15:23 GMT -5
The book of wise sayings and proverbs grants +1 to wisdom when read. Mr. Trommer wanted it, because he plans to dual-class to cleric. I was extraordinarily skeptical at the wisdom of that course of action, but I'm open to hearing his pitch. Yeah, I did a little number crunching myself and things just don't seems to add up in a way that would make that a good decision in my opinion. With a wis in the low 15's ( I forget the exact #) it would take probably 2 more levels + the book to get the 17 wisdom necessary to dual class class. Trommer would need to be an 8th level ranger (150,000 xp) to do this. At this time he could switch to cleric and work his way back up (with all the pains of dual classing) until he hit 9th level as a cleric (225,000 xp). The end result would be an extremely powerful PC but it would take a total of 375,000 xp to get there. In the mean time we would loose a major piece of front line mayhem. The reality is that it might be a better idea to simply make a new PC cleric as a first level guy. Maybe if Trommer is somehow able to dual class sooner by raising his wisdom or rolling really well at 7th level, the whole equation changes as XP requirements would decrease tremendously.
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Post by Friedrich on Jan 24, 2012 16:20:11 GMT -5
What if we went back to the fountain to try and restock our healing potions?
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Post by Ginger on Jan 24, 2012 17:29:17 GMT -5
The book of wise sayings and proverbs grants +1 to wisdom when read. Mr. Trommer wanted it, because he plans to dual-class to cleric. I was extraordinarily skeptical at the wisdom of that course of action, but I'm open to hearing his pitch. Yeah, I did a little number crunching myself and things just don't seems to add up in a way that would make that a good decision in my opinion. With a wis in the low 15's ( I forget the exact #) it would take probably 2 more levels + the book to get the 17 wisdom necessary to dual class class. Trommer would need to be an 8th level ranger (150,000 xp) to do this. At this time he could switch to cleric and work his way back up (with all the pains of dual classing) until he hit 9th level as a cleric (225,000 xp). The end result would be an extremely powerful PC but it would take a total of 375,000 xp to get there. In the mean time we would loose a major piece of front line mayhem. The reality is that it might be a better idea to simply make a new PC cleric as a first level guy. Maybe if Trommer is somehow able to dual class sooner by raising his wisdom or rolling really well at 7th level, the whole equation changes as XP requirements would decrease tremendously. It's worse than that. His INT would also need to be 15, because it's a prerequisite for ranger. I can't imagine it's more than the minimum of 13. That said, it's great thinking outside the box!
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Post by venger on Jan 24, 2012 18:13:13 GMT -5
The answer is so simple: level-draining undead.
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Post by agesilaus on Jan 24, 2012 19:05:36 GMT -5
Well, it looks as though we really cleaned up on this one. A few questions for clarification:
-- was there a spellbook that only 'good' magic users could use? Fin is NG. -- is the (long)sword of Sylaire the blade Fin was using, the one gleaned from the black dragon? Whether it is or not, Fin would like it back. -- of course, before we sell any spellbooks Fin wants to try to read/copy them. -- Fin would be glad to take a stab at the puzzle box. -- if Bunny is interested in becoming a henchperson, Fin does have that elf to elf-maiden thing going on. -- how hard is it to buy better 'leather' armor? I ask in that sometimes, with a little luck and enough coin, in bigger cities one might find, oh, say troll-skin leather that's AC 6 base, or dragon-skin leather that's AC 4 base. It's not out of the realm of the possible, is it?
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Post by Wolfgar on Jan 24, 2012 22:37:08 GMT -5
If Trommer isn't going to dual class then I think Ingrid should get the book of wisdom. It will help with her level cap and get her an additional spell.
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Post by Wolfgar on Jan 24, 2012 22:47:02 GMT -5
What if we went back to the fountain to try and restock our healing potions? Once Colby gets to 9th level he can teleport us there and back in a day. With the 17,500 he will get back from the rain bird he will be 8th level. And then he can read the libram and make 9th. But we should make sure we have tons of bind wound treatments before we adventure more. We will need to make sure the ones we got from the elves make it onto everyone's character sheet.
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Post by Bolo on Jan 24, 2012 22:59:44 GMT -5
Bolo seemed concerned that we warn the Barony promptly about the assassination plot we stumbled upon. Also that we deliver the battle plans promptly. Bolo assumes that the intel value of both of these has a limited shelf life. Being Bolo, his concern isn't so much for the baron's safety or some general's success in battle. He's thinking more about (a) the reward we might get if we deliver valuable intel in time for it to be useful and (b) the likely attitude of the authorities, if we deliver it just too late because we were dilly-dallying with elves. Bolo was persuaded to accompany Argenta to the elven camp mostly by the argument that she will show us a faerie road (whatever that is) that will get us back sooner than if we went directly. Also, as a party we were in pretty sad shape, and getting healed by the elves has certainly improved our chance of making it back safely through hostile territory. Now that we're done with the healing, however, Bolo would strongly oppose any further delays for training, etc.
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Post by Ginger on Jan 25, 2012 12:07:05 GMT -5
Colby isn't necessarily putting out a shingle, but I now have a lot of interesting services I can provide the party at 7th level. I can now write my own spell scrolls, which take a day and 100 GP (in ink costs) per spell level. I have scrolls I'd like to write to give to Mary and Finnious, but tell me what you'd like me to give you too.
Also, when we get to Devonshire, I can start making magic items! With our Enchant An Item spell and our hammer of permanency, I think I can start making stuff. For starters, I think I can recharge the lightning wand. If given very high quality materials, I can give a weapon a +1.
I'm happy to experiment, so think of anything that involves the permanent application of a spell in our repertoire and we'll give it a try.
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Post by Wolfgar on Jan 25, 2012 15:06:20 GMT -5
Well, it looks as though we really cleaned up on this one. A few questions for clarification: -- was there a spellbook that only 'good' magic users could use? Fin is NG. -- is the (long)sword of Sylaire the blade Fin was using, the one gleaned from the black dragon? Whether it is or not, Fin would like it back. -- of course, before we sell any spellbooks Fin wants to try to read/copy them. -- Fin would be glad to take a stab at the puzzle box. -- if Bunny is interested in becoming a henchperson, Fin does have that elf to elf-maiden thing going on. -- how hard is it to buy better 'leather' armor? I ask in that sometimes, with a little luck and enough coin, in bigger cities one might find, oh, say troll-skin leather that's AC 6 base, or dragon-skin leather that's AC 4 base. It's not out of the realm of the possible, is it? I can help answer some of these. There were a number of spellbooks found in the possession of the witches. None of the spellbooks are evil per se. The spell may be unsanctioned by the church or require material components of a dubious nature. We are not planning to sell any of these books. There was also a Libram of Silver Magic. When read and studied by a good magic user it can raise his or her level. It can only be read once before disappearing. There is a suggestion to sell it to Lord Sherlane. I would rather hold onto it and have Colby read when he reaches 8th level. The Sword of Sylaire is the sword that Finn was using. Trommer took to maximize his chance of hitting the ultrodaemon. It should return to Finn now that that danger is passed. As a dragonslayer it is a +2 weapon, +4 against dragons. It does not appear to have any special powers in the hands of an elf. I would think armor made from tougher hides would impede thief abilities in a similar manner to wearing padded or studded leather. But maybe there is a master leather worker somewhere who can make tough yet supple leather armor.
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Post by Ginger on Jan 25, 2012 15:31:04 GMT -5
We should inquire with the elves if they'd sell Finn some elvin chain. If we want to get tougher armor, we'd probably need to skin a beast ourselves and bring the hide to a master tanner. I doubt they'd have stuff lying around.
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Post by Mr. Trommer on Jan 25, 2012 17:41:58 GMT -5
Are the elves interested in purchasing the collection of elven books?
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Post by Ginger on Jan 25, 2012 17:57:33 GMT -5
Are the elves interested in purchasing the collection of elven books? Are we shameless enough to sell the Princess the books we looted from her castle? I think so!
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Post by agesilaus on Jan 25, 2012 19:49:40 GMT -5
Sure, Colby could read the Silver Libram once he reaches 8th level...or Fin could read it after leveling up. Then we'd have 8th level AND a 6th level MUs, vice 9th and 5th. Extra spells, dude.
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Post by agesilaus on Jan 25, 2012 20:05:02 GMT -5
Fin sez, hey, wait a sec...."the sword should return to Fin now that the danger is passed"? What're you trying to say? Smile when you say that!
OK, out of character now: 9th level MU: 4 3 3 2 1 (#s of spells by levels, base) 8th level MU: 4 3 3 2 6th level MU: 4 2 2 5th: 4 2 1
9th & 5th level MUs: total of 8 5 4 2 1 = 20 8th and 6th: total of 8 5 5 2 = 20
OK, so maybe it ISN'T 'more spells, dude', but we would have one additional fireball to toss. And one less 5th level spell.
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Post by Wolfgar on Jan 26, 2012 9:50:50 GMT -5
The daemon can only be struck by a +2 or better weapon. Trommer is our best fighter but does not have such a weapon. Without you there the DM is reticent to make Finnious go toe-to-toe with the BBEG. So Trommer borrowed it for the remainder of the dungeon.
Sorry, but I would vote for a 9th level MU. There are some really nice 5th level spells the party could have access to (hold monster, teleport, transmute rock to mud, wall of force, leomund's secret chest). Also it would help with magic resistance against the demons, daemons and devils we seem to meet with increasing regularity. Fire balls, lightning bolts and magic missiles would do more damage. And spells would have longer durations. But I will let the two MUs decide what to do with it.
Of course by the time we finish collecting the rain bird tears, Colby may be close to 9th. He has 77224 xp now. Since we started the current arc (leaving Devonshire to free the Silver Princess) he has gained approximately 26,000 xp. Assuming we continue to get roughly the same amount of xp in addition to the restored xp (17,500). He would be at roughly 120,000 xp by the end of the next arc. Only 15,000 xp from 9th level. So waiting a little longer (and reading the book as soon as he turned 9th level) would give him a chance to go from 135,000 xp to 312,500 xp. That is a huge bump.
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Post by Ginger on Jan 26, 2012 10:59:40 GMT -5
Whatever we do with the book, we want to wait, so we can decide later. Since it is more valuable to higher level magic users, I think we should trade it to Sherlane, who's higher than either of us.
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Post by Friedrich on Jan 26, 2012 13:26:23 GMT -5
Also, when we get to Devonshire, I can start making magic items! With our Enchant An Item spell and our hammer of permanency, I think I can start making stuff. For starters, I think I can recharge the lightning wand. If given very high quality materials, I can give a weapon a +1. I'm happy to experiment, so think of anything that involves the permanent application of a spell in our repertoire and we'll give it a try. I guess this is a question for Venger as much as Colby. What counts as "very high quality materials?" You mentioned giving a weapon a +1; how about armor such as Friedrich's field plate or the Squid shield? Could bonuses be added to items that already have some kind of magical properties? (ie protection from normal missiles) Would Colby need to be a trained blacksmith to do this?
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