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Post by Ginger on Aug 20, 2012 9:52:31 GMT -5
How's this for watches? I made the split to maximize the number of players active on each watch and for general combat effectiveness.
Watch 1: Dan, Trommer, Colby, Gabul, Khaddil
Watch 2: Paavo, Mary, Basmadoos, Bolo, Nordel
Watch 3: Youssef, Friedrich, Azhbar, Haddiq
This lets Dan and Haddiq have 4 hours to sleep for their Endure Heat spells.
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Post by Ginger on Aug 20, 2012 11:15:49 GMT -5
For traveling order, let's go 3 abreast, with some decent spacing, with Khaddil and the rangers leading the way.
Azhbar--Basmadoos--Bolo------Colby-----Mr. Trommer
---------Gabul-------Youssef---Paavo-----Khaddil
Haddiq--Dan--------Mary-------Friedrich--Nordel
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Post by Wolfgar on Aug 20, 2012 11:17:24 GMT -5
More long-winded but pretty much the same result.
We have tried making fixed marching orders and watches before. It has never really worked. I think these are always going to be changing according to circumstances. But it is still a good idea to review the characters and get a sense of strengths and weaknesses and natural pairings.
Paavo: Paladin (7th), scimitar specialist
Dan: Cleric (6th)
Youssef: Magic User (2nd)
Mamnoon: Jann (6+2 HD), scimitar specialist
Friedrich: Fighter (8th), axe specialist
Mary: Magic User (6th)
Trommer: Ranger (7th), longsword specialist
Colby: Magic User|Thief (9th)|(5th)
Haddiq: Cleric (5th)
Azhbar: Fighter (2nd), crossbow specialist?
Basmadoos: Fighter (2nd), scimitar specialist?
Bolo: Thief (8th)
Gabul: TBD (1st)
Nordel: Ranger (4th), bow specialist
Khaddil: Fighter? (3rd?)
Currently, we are traveling 6 hours, resting 6 hours, traveling 6 hours, resting 6 hours, in order to avoid the worst of the desert heat. I assumed that the clerics (Dan and Haddiq) need 4 hours of sleep each rest period as well as some time to memorize spells. So they can't be on watch. Everyone else is getting sleep in 2 or 4 hour chunks, with the occasional 6 hour chunk for Colby or Mary to get back 3rd or 4th level spells.
Maybe we can adjust the clerics so they don't need 4 hours each watch. We currently need Endure Heat for 3 people (Trommer, Paavo, Friedrich). I have assumed we need to apply it twice a day. That is 6 1st level spells. Each person needs at least 2 waterskins of water a day. That is 1 gallon per person. Or 14 gallons. Dan creates 24 gallons for each Create Water spell. That is enough for everyone to fill up their waterskins and have leftover for the camels. Dan is also casting Anti-Vermin Barrier each night. So we should be fine splitting duties between Dan and Haddiq.
each watch should have
-a senior fighter (Trommer, Paavo, Friedrich, Mamnoon)
-a ranged weapon (Trommer, Nordel, Bolo, Mamnoon, Azhbar?)
-a spell caster (Colby, Mary, Youssef/Mamnoon)
-someone with desert/ranger skills (Trommer, Nordel, Khaddil, Mamnoon?)
-someone who can turn undead (Paavo, Dan, Haddiq)
-infravision (Bolo, Friedrich?)
And we should maximize the number of people with characters awake.
We need both Night and Midday watches. They should be offset.
Night Watch:
1st: Trommer, Basmadoos, Bolo, Mary, Dan
2nd: Paavo, Nordel, Colby, Gabul, Azhbar
3rd: Friedrich, Khaddil, Youssef, Mamnoon, Haddiq
Midday Watch:
1st: Friedrich, Khaddil, Youssef, Mamnoon, Haddiq (memorizing)
2st: Trommer, Basmadoos, Bolo, Mary, Dan (memorizing)
3nd: Paavo, Nordel, Colby, Gabul, Azhbar
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Post by venger on Aug 20, 2012 15:02:37 GMT -5
It would also be good to have standard operating procedures for watches when camping overnight, order of march in 10' corridors, order of march in the desert with camels, etc. I think this will be helpful as long as it is not excessive. Ideally I see this as a printout that we quickly run down at the appropriate times. I'd like standard operating procedures in place for camping overnight and marching order. Camping overnight should include: order of the watch how the camp is set up (placement of animals, PCs, NPCs) standard activities of individual characters - example: who casts Mend spells, thieves set up perimeter defenses, rangers look for foragables, etc. healing protocols (sleep/memorization/cast cycle) campfire y/n etc. Marching order should include: front to back line-up who has lightsources and who doesnt active spells and on whom who can attack from second rank/who has missile fire |
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Post by Ginger on Aug 20, 2012 15:45:34 GMT -5
No campfire in the desert.
Animals and sleeping people in the middle, surrounded by watchers.
Are there any perimeter defenses for our thieves to set up? I guess it would be cool if we could set up pickets around the camp, but we'd need to carry them with us.
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Post by venger on Aug 20, 2012 23:12:22 GMT -5
Are there any perimeter defenses for our thieves to set up? Thieves can create traps as well as find and remove them, DMG pg. 20. I was thinking along the lines of a crude alarm or a snare... but that was just an example. I'm looking to streamline boring stuff and help us not overlook items/spells/abilities that should be used and are not because we are trying to streamline boring stuff. |
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Post by Wolfgar on Aug 21, 2012 9:04:05 GMT -5
Dan will cast Anti-Vermin Barrier before each Night Watch.
Dan uses Create Water before each Midday Watch. That makes 24 gallons. 14 gallons goes to fill water skins.
Each night, Dan will recharge the Ring of Spell Storing from the Necklace of Prayer Beads if the Ring has been used and the Prayer Bead of Curing has not been used.
Mamnoon uses Create Food and Water at 7th level before each Night Watch. That is enough to feed 21 people or 7 camels for a day or make roughly 52 gallons of water, or any combination thereof.
Mamnoon will speak with the camels each watch to see if they have any injuries that need attending. See if they smell any predators in the vicinity. See if they are getting enough food and water. He won't however take any guff from them. He will also talk to Prince Nimar. On occasion he will go flying with it. He will relay any comments on to the appropriate individuals.
Before each watch, Mamnoon will fly (invisibly) high enough to see the surrounding desert for several miles in all directions. He will check for signs of movement, other camps, ruins, inclement weather or any other features of note.
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Post by Friedrich on Aug 21, 2012 9:30:07 GMT -5
I'm pretty much amenable to anything but would it be cool if Friedrich an MT were on the same watch/
Friedrich will voice (within earshot of Mary) that he is is obligated to ensure her safety and being on watch together will ensure that
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Post by Wolfgar on Aug 21, 2012 9:47:32 GMT -5
It is better for game dynamics if people have characters on different watches. That way if something happens during a watch most people at the table get to participate. Wouldn't Friedrich rather watch over Mary while she is sleeping and vice versa? At least that way they can wake each other up if danger appears. But if you would rather only participate in 1 out of every 3 encounters I suppose we could shuffle things around.
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Post by venger on Aug 21, 2012 10:24:07 GMT -5
Mamnoon uses Create Food and Water at 7th level before each Night Watch. That is enough to feed 21 people or 7 camels for a day or make roughly 52 gallons of water, or any combination thereof. He'll have to create food & water surreptitiously. Mamnoon prefers not to deploy his powers in an ostentatious manner unless necessary (like facing demons). He isn't shy, but he prefers not be labeled a genie, as people are then apt to try to bottle him. He profoundly distrusts humans in this regard. Mamnoon will speak with the camels each watch to see if they have any injuries that need attending. See if they smell any predators in the vicinity. See if they are getting enough food and water. He won't however take any guff from them. He will also talk to Prince Nimar. On occasion he will go flying with it. If he can do so without being blatant about it. He will relay any comments on to the appropriate individuals. He doesn't really want to interact with anyone but Youssef if he's using Janee powers. Before each watch, Mamnoon will fly (invisibly) high enough to see the surrounding desert for several miles in all directions. He will check for signs of movement, other camps, ruins, inclement weather or any other features of note. More rolls on the random encounter table! Woohoo! |
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Post by Wolfgar on Aug 21, 2012 11:13:30 GMT -5
No problem. Mamnoon will interact solely with Youssef until he is willing to trust the party members. Anything he has to communicate or contribute will go through Youssef. He will act as Youssef's bodyguard and manservant. While tending to Youssef's camel, he can also check on some of the other camels.
If Dan takes on the Create Food and Water duties that will mean he needs 6 hours of sleep each day. It would be easier if Mamnoon could return with it after his invisible scouting and no one asks to many questions.
Does this mean he won't fly while anyone is watching? That he chooses to walk or ride with Youssef. Or he spends most of his time flying invisibly and only makes appearances when needed.
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Post by Ginger on Aug 21, 2012 11:29:09 GMT -5
He'll have to create food & water surreptitiously. Mamnoon prefers not to deploy his powers in an ostentatious manner unless necessary (like facing demons). He isn't shy, but he prefers not be labeled a genie, as people are then apt to try to bottle him. He profoundly distrusts humans in this regard. CHAR ( # ) ITEM ( ) SHERLANE'S MANOR Party ( 1 ) stoppered iron flask |
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Post by venger on Aug 21, 2012 11:45:14 GMT -5
It would be easier if Mamnoon could return with it after his invisible He doesn't mind supplementing the party's supplies as long as no one is watching and will claim ignorance of it afterward. Does this mean he won't fly while anyone is watching? That he chooses to walk or ride with Youssef. Or he spends most of his time flying invisibly and only makes appearances when needed. He walks or rides with Youssef to maintain appearances, but is no extra burden on the camel considering he can hover or reduce his size. If is he going to fly he prefers to do so invisibly. |
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Post by Wolfgar on Aug 21, 2012 14:22:54 GMT -5
For traveling order, let's go 3 abreast, with some decent spacing, with Khaddil and the rangers leading the way. Azhbar--Basmadoos--Bolo------Colby-----Mr. Trommer ---------Gabul-------Youssef---Paavo-----Khaddil Haddiq--Dan--------Mary-------Friedrich--Nordel I would shift Dan and Haddiq to opposite sides to split the clerical abilities. Friedrich and Nordel are on the same camel. Bolo will need to join Gabul on a camel given our losses. Mamnoon typically rides with Youssef. We will need to shift around supplies from the dead camels to the camels carrying people not in heavy armor. Assuming we are down to 13 camels, I would propose something like: | Dan | Gabul/Bolo | Colby | Mr. Trommer | | pack camel | Basmadoos | Youssef/Mamnoon | Paavo | Khaddil | | Haddiq | Azhbar | Mary | Nordel/Friedrich |
Alternatively, we could make each watch into an effective squad. Squads would travel together as a smaller unit keeping visual contact with the other squads. I am not sure this would provide any advantage but it sounds cool. |
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Post by Bolo on Aug 21, 2012 18:54:43 GMT -5
The firepower in the proposed riding formation seems to me to be weighted too heavily toward the front. That's good if we bump into something that isn't expecting us. But if we're ambushed, or if we encounter demons that can teleport to any location they want, then the back of the column is really vulnerable. The pack camel shouldn't be at the very back. Instead, one of the heavy hitters should be there as a rearguard.
Also, what about PfE? Doesn't one of the new people provide this? If so, are he and Paavo at opposite ends of the formation so everyone is covered?
I agree that traveling as three squads, widely separated, sounds sort of cool. But in practical terms I think it runs too many risks -- separated by an unexpected sandstorm, one squad surrounded before the others can connect up with them, etc.
Bolo suggests that the second-lightest party member, after himself, is probably Mary Tanner. So perhaps Bolo should share a camel with Mary, rather than Gabul. But Bolo won't enter into a lengthy discussion on this point, if his suggestion is rejected, as the whole subject of camels is too painful for him. He is still mourning the loss of his dear Humphrey ("Humpy").
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Post by Ginger on Aug 22, 2012 12:59:35 GMT -5
To get back on S.O.P. stuff, Colby's defender should always be assumed to be in defense mode, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
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Post by Ginger on Aug 22, 2012 13:06:38 GMT -5
The firepower in the proposed riding formation seems to me to be weighted too heavily toward the front. That's good if we bump into something that isn't expecting us. But if we're ambushed, or if we encounter demons that can teleport to any location they want, then the back of the column is really vulnerable. The pack camel shouldn't be at the very back. Instead, one of the heavy hitters should be there as a rearguard. Regarding demons, I think this works out quite well for the back of the party. You're better off next to someone who can cast PfE on you than next to a fighter. |
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Post by Bolo on Aug 22, 2012 13:51:22 GMT -5
So long as someone who understands these things has thought through them, I'm happy to go along with whatever you guys decide.
Bolo is happy to include some triplines or traps as part of our overnight camping SOPs. Any thoughts on what that should be? Bolo has 100' of fishing line, Nordel has three handbells, and there are 5 spikes in the q-box. I suppose that's the makings of a simple tripline. Any better ideas?
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Post by Wolfgar on Aug 23, 2012 9:19:08 GMT -5
Yeah, the ring of shooting stars is AWESOME. Use it or lose it. Rings are also at 12th level (11th maybe?) so they'll beat a lot of magic resistance. Since it is best used outside at night, it makes sense to pass the ring around between night watches. Given characters that are awake on each watch I suggest passing it between Mary (1st watch), Gabul (2nd watch) and Youssef (3rd watch). Mary will have to agree to this plan. Each night, Dan (1st watch) will pass the staff of light to Azhbar (2nd watch) and Haddiq (3rd watch). He will teach them rhymes needed to generate light, continual light and sunburst. Dan recharges the staff of light each day. How is this? destroy the curst* give me a sunburst *curst is an archaic form of cursed. I think D&D has got to allow archaic forms. |
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Post by Wolfgar on Aug 23, 2012 9:26:41 GMT -5
So long as someone who understands these things has thought through them, I'm happy to go along with whatever you guys decide. Bolo is happy to include some triplines or traps as part of our overnight camping SOPs. Any thoughts on what that should be? Bolo has 100' of fishing line, Nordel has three handbells, and there are 5 spikes in the q-box. I suppose that's the makings of a simple tripline. Any better ideas? I don't know how specific the DM needs you to be. According to DMG p 20 you are supposed to provide him with a drawing of the trap. 100' isn't much to surround an area (25' a side). We basically fill that area with all of our camels and people. So anything that trips it will already be too close. If you could ensure the direction intruders are coming from then you could set up something further from camp. You would still need enough line to stretch back to camp and attach to the bells. |
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Post by venger on Aug 23, 2012 9:54:47 GMT -5
Cursed and sunburst rhyme well enough without being archaic. Only a cleric can use the staff of light. I would need the trap to be more specific than a list of items that could comprise a trap. It would give if someone would compile a working draft of the agreed upon S.O.P.'s. I'll get you started: Marching Order (Wilderness) A ("The Colby Formation"):Azhbar--Basmadoos--Bolo------Colby-----Mr. Trommer ---------Gabul-------Youssef---Paavo-----Khaddil Haddiq--Dan--------Mary-------Friedrich--Nordel Marching Order (Wilderness) B ("The Paavo Pattern"): | Dan | Gabul/Bolo | Colby | Mr. Trommer | | pack camel | Basmadoos | Youssef/Mamnoon | Paavo | Khaddil | | Haddiq | Azhbar | Mary | Nordel/Friedrich |
Watch 1: Dan, Trommer, Colby, Gabul, Khaddil Watch 2: Paavo, Mary, Basmadoos, Bolo, Nordel Watch 3: Youssef, Friedrich, Azhbar, Haddiq Night Watch Schedule B:1st: Trommer, Basmadoos, Bolo, Mary, Dan 2nd: Paavo, Nordel, Colby, Gabul, Azhbar 3rd: Friedrich, Khaddil, Youssef, Mamnoon, Haddiq Day Watch schedule A1st: Friedrich, Khaddil, Youssef, Mamnoon, Haddiq (memorizing) 2st: Trommer, Basmadoos, Bolo, Mary, Dan (memorizing) 3nd: Paavo, Nordel, Colby, Gabul, Azhbar Camp Setup:No campfire in the desert. Animals and sleeping people in the middle, surrounded by watchers. Individual:Dan: ---cast (3) Endure Heat after Night Watch. ---cast Anti-Vermin Barrier before Night Watch. ---Create Water before each Midday Watch. ---recharge the Ring of Spell Storing from the Necklace of Prayer Beads if needed Youssef: ---Mamnoon Create Food during Night Watch. Speak w/camels. Colby: ---defender +1 defense Haddiq: ---cast (3) Endure Heat after Day Watch |
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Post by Wolfgar on Aug 23, 2012 11:54:41 GMT -5
Haddiq can take the staff of light when he is on watch and return it when he is done.
Dan casts endure heat on Friedrich, Paavo and Trommer each morning. That gives them the ability to wear metal armor for 9 hours. Does Haddiq need to cover the late afternoon? I just checked the hourly forecast for Death Valley, it is above 90F pretty much all day long. The Ovens are worse but I don't know about the rest of the Sea of Sand.
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Post by Ginger on Aug 23, 2012 11:59:44 GMT -5
Haddiq can take the staff of light when he is on watch and return it when he is done. Dan casts endure heat on Friedrich, Paavo and Trommer each morning. That gives them the ability to wear metal armor for 9 hours. Does Haddiq need to cover the late afternoon? I just checked the hourly forecast for Death Valley, it is above 90F pretty much all day long. The Ovens are worse but I don't know about the rest of the Sea of Sand. Haddiq can cover the afternoon shift of 3 Endure Heat spells, but he will mock all recipients by noting how unmanly and foolish it is to cower behind heavy armor. |
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Post by venger on Aug 23, 2012 12:01:11 GMT -5
Two shifts of Endure Heat would alleviate any of my concerns about characters in heavy armor.
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Post by Wolfgar on Aug 26, 2012 19:11:49 GMT -5
More SOP. Except for Dan and Youssef these are suggestions.
Gabul
---weapons practice
---care for camels
Bolo
---set up perimeter defenses
Mr. Trommer
---check for forageables and medicinals
Khaddil
---check for forageables
Nordel
---check for forageables
Mary
---cast Strength(s)
---cast Deep Pockets
---memorize and cast Mend as needed
---memorize during Day watch
Colby:
---set up perimeter defenses
---cast Strength(s)
---cast Deep Pockets
---memorize during Day watch
Haddiq:
---memorize during Day Watch
Dan:
---memorize during Day Watch
Youssef:
---Mamnoon check surrounding area from sky.
---memorize during Day watch
---care for camels
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Post by Ginger on Aug 26, 2012 21:47:42 GMT -5
I've been assuming that Deeppockets isn't necessary as long as we're riding on camels, since the saddle bags are plenty big to carry my gear.
Who wants a Strength spell at the beginning of each day? I don't know if Basmadoos is strong enough to make it worthwhile.
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Post by Wolfgar on Aug 27, 2012 7:53:33 GMT -5
You probably don't need Deeppockets to lighten the load for the camels. You might however feel that the books are safer on your person as opposed to a camel that could run away at any time and has worse saving throws. You would need two a day to cover both periods we are moving.
With Strength spells, they are nice to have if we encounter something. However we can encounter something at any time during the day. A person would need at least two a day to cover the periods we are moving as well as the times they are on watch. Since we aren't using the spells for anything else right now I think it is a good idea. How many 2nd level spells are Colby and Mary willing to commit each day to Strength? Paavo would be happy to receive some Strength if they are available.
BTW, what is Gabul's strength?
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Post by venger on Aug 27, 2012 8:55:34 GMT -5
Gabul ---weapons practice ---care for camels Gabul does not require weapons practice any more than any other 1st level fighter and he has no special ability to care for pack animals. ---set up perimeter defenses More specifics required. ---check for forageables and medicinals This is not feasible while traveling. During the party's stay at the Great Oasis this would have been a possibility. |
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Post by venger on Aug 27, 2012 8:56:26 GMT -5
I believe Gabul and Basmadoos both have 12 strength, but I'm at work.
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Post by venger on Aug 27, 2012 8:58:42 GMT -5
---memorize during Day Watch Does this mean there is a period in the morning when the casters do not have spells until they memorize during Day Watch? Does this mean Endure Heat does not go up until midday? |
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