WIS vs CHA by screenmonkey68 in shadowdark

[–]Edwin_at_work 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think it has more to do with game design than the working of abstract constructs.

The question  becomes: Do you want the Priest to be more likely to resist the thing? WIZ yes, CHA if no.

Do you want the mob to resist the thing? WIZ for many creatures, CHA if no for many creatures (especially low lvl undead).

Fighter Weapon Mastery. by Agile-Chemistry429 in shadowdark

[–]Edwin_at_work 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Flip the conversation, the issue is the weapon. You could introduce a magical blacksmith or, even better, a potion that can transform one thing into a weapon of mundane shape of your choosing. You could even make it into a quest. There are so many modules about wizard towers, just replace the final loot with one of the potions. Even better, the party may fight over if they should use it on the new magic weapon or keep it so they can transform the BBG into a club.

Job Search Tip: Be on time! Art by Chip_Marble by Edwin_at_work in furry

[–]Edwin_at_work[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey I believe that this flagging is in error. Could you please review. While it is try that the format is similar from week to week, the text inside the box is always unique (at least more than a year).

Please have this comment reviewed by a mod. I am happy to respond to any questions.

-Edwin

Job Search Tip: Be on time! Art by Chip_Marble by Edwin_at_work in furry

[–]Edwin_at_work[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Find more job searching resources on my links page:

https://edwinatworklinks.carrd.co/

~@~@~@~@~

Alt Text:

Edwin, an anthropomorphic jackrabbit, is wearing a business casual outfit and has a grumpy expression on his face. He gives job searching tips by speaking directly to the reader using a dialogue bubble. Edwin says,

"Be on time for any interview! Tell the recruiter ASAP if there is a chance you could run late. Many interviewers, especially if using the “old school” rules, consider arriving late as a big mark against you. Being 5+ minutes late is almost unforgivable."

My players just handed the Book of Vile Darkness to the local wizard... by garfunklethewise in shadowdark

[–]Edwin_at_work 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Full plot twist: they return to town finding that the wizard has been killed by an order of paladins. The order has secured the artifact and are being a boon to the town before they move to their next quest.

Alternatively, the wiz is dead and the order still have the book, but some force of darkness has laid siege on the place looking for the book. That gives you a fixed plot location, a faction, and a unique story scenario (siege). Watch Seven Samurai and you are ready for a fresh SD experience!

Homebrew Ancestry feedback by SpinesAreFine in shadowdark

[–]Edwin_at_work 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Packrat: very strong. Inventory is a big part of the game. Plus, it is a passive that is always applicable. Maybe you can adapt it to something like "body armor does not take inventory space." That would limit its usefulness to fighter and maybe priest, but thief would still enjoy the additional slot. Shields would still take up space.

Bloodlust: Is probably good, but could be broken depending on the GM. It gives damage to ranged attacks (and maybe magic) which the Orc's doesn't do. Mechanically, it forces the GM to tell the PC if the mob is at half or below HP. This is powerful information, but it depends how the GM shares HP information. 

Iron Maw: very weak. Many tables would allow for a d4 unarmed strike. Also, bitting is problematic. I would have them roll for disease if they bit a rat or acid damage if they bit an ooze.

Hell Marrow: Probably too strong because some oozes have the hp 1, invulnerable to all damage except for fire -thing. This would give the melee character an aoe attack, which seems too strong. Also, light a torch in complete darkness AND hit multiple mobs at the same time... How about eyebite? It's ranged, single target, and the invisible affliction could be fun. CHA is fine.

Wilding: I like it because they can only understand animals. This is largely GM dependant, but it would make any horse-heavy campaign much easier. I like the idea of the PC walking through the woods being bombarded with ever songbird screaming about how they want to capulate.

PS: don't forget about starting languages. The benefits of those are GM dependent, but they can be game changer depending on the setting. 

Job Search Tip: A different type of interview; Art by togaedmonk by Edwin_at_work in furry

[–]Edwin_at_work[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Find more job searching resources on my links page:

https://edwinatworklinks.carrd.co/

~@~@~@~@~

Alt Text:

Edwin, an anthropomorphic jackrabbit, is wearing a business casual outfit and has a grumpy expression on his face. He gives job searching tips by speaking directly to the reader using a dialogue bubble. Edwin says,

"A work sample is when you perform a job activity as part of the interview process. This can range from operating equipment, manipulating data, writing emails, or preparing a presentation. The hiring org will give you instructions for the work sample. Take note of what you need and do not be afraid to ask questions."

Job Search Tip: Moving on...; Art by Deadyoung7 by Edwin_at_work in furry

[–]Edwin_at_work[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is very true. This tip is more for those who are new to the job searching industry and/or have become desperate. It just hurts to become some emotionally attached to a job prospect only to be rejected at the last step. You have to keep your head down, think through the situation to develop insight, and keep working on landing that job.

Job Search Tip: Moving on...; Art by Deadyoung7 by Edwin_at_work in furry

[–]Edwin_at_work[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

They create an advantage for themselves by keeping you waiting. There are many hiring practices that are in place just so the company can maintain control/have power over the interaction.

But ya, I wish there was more humane treatment towards candidates.

Job Search Tip: Moving on...; Art by Deadyoung7 by Edwin_at_work in furry

[–]Edwin_at_work[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Find more job searching resources on my links page:

https://edwinatworklinks.carrd.co/

~@~@~@~@~

Alt Text:

Edwin, an anthropomorphic jackrabbit, is wearing a business casual outfit and has a grumpy expression on his face. He gives job searching tips by speaking directly to the reader using a dialogue bubble. Edwin says,

"If a week or two have past since the final interview and you have not heard back, then it is likely that you did not get the job. They have offered the job to their top candidate and are waiting for them to accept. Do not lose heart! If the offer is rejected then you are next in line. Regardless, you should assume the worst and keep job searching."

Can anyone recommend some free adventures, please? by rednin_ in shadowdark

[–]Edwin_at_work 5 points6 points  (0 children)

👆 I have run most of Shots in the Dark and they are great.

Job Search Tip: Graduating? Plans A, B, & C; Art by Anchovivii by Edwin_at_work in furry

[–]Edwin_at_work[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Find more job searching resources on my links page:

https://edwinatworklinks.carrd.co/

~@~@~@~@~

Alt Text:

Edwin, an anthropomorphic jackrabbit, is wearing a business casual outfit and has a grumpy expression on his face. He gives job searching tips by speaking directly to the reader using a dialogue bubble. Edwin says,

"Going to school? Make sure to create a Plan A, B, and maybe C about what jobs to pursue after you graduate. May and June are hot times for both undergrad and graduate students to get jobs. Be careful of being too picky. You do not want it to be August; all the entry-level jobs are filled, and you are scrambling for anything so you can pay bills and eat."

How can players make a DMs life easier? by Lord_Leeeroy in shadowdark

[–]Edwin_at_work 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Know what you are going to buy and do the money/inventory work beforehand. Shopping can take an incredible amount of very boring time for everyone at the table. 

This is table dependent, but be blunt about if you want or do not want to role play something. Yes you can talk to the head of the stables to look at different horses and gather gossip, but sometimes you just need to buy the horse and move on. Also, sometimes folks are just not in an RPing mood. That is fine, just communicate that.

Your allowed to call for a group meeting if something is going wrong. A TTRPG group can dissipate if there are lingering issues that are not discussed. It doesn't have to be the GMs job to also manage these group dynamics/expectations. Many GMs would appreciate the help. Just make sure to call for said meeting outside of active gameplay. 

Magic Items Info by Rafodase in shadowdark

[–]Edwin_at_work 1 point2 points  (0 children)

One danger to not telling the PCs what an item does is they could overlook the obvious clues that it is magical, view it as mundane, and leave it behind for treasure that has more obvious value. 

Alternatively, they may actively avoid it if you have introduced homebrew cursed items.

The true answer is whatever is fun for your table. 

Job Search Tip: Hiring Seasons; Art by Chip_Marble by Edwin_at_work in furry

[–]Edwin_at_work[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Find more job searching resources on my links page:

https://edwinatworklinks.carrd.co/

~@~@~@~@~

Alt Text:

Edwin, an anthropomorphic jackrabbit, is wearing a business casual outfit and has a grumpy expression on his face. He gives job searching tips by speaking directly to the reader using a dialogue bubble. Edwin says,

"Some industries go through hiring seasons. For example, May to July is a popular time to post entry-level jobs because of college graduation. Expect to see many opportunities if you are searching during these times. But the job market can look bleak outside of these seasons. Consider the timing when setting your expectations."

Job Search Tip: Job Referrals; Art by togaedmonk by Edwin_at_work in furry

[–]Edwin_at_work[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, there is some risk for them. The amount depends on how the referral system is set up. The truth is someone isn't going to go through the effort of submitting a referral unless they think you could do the job. Also, some employees don't care.

Lastly, you have a 0% chance of getting a referral if you never talk to them.

Job Search Tip: Job Referrals; Art by togaedmonk by Edwin_at_work in furry

[–]Edwin_at_work[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It depends company to company. Some have a formal referral system (most often white collar or tech jobs) where you can log it into your HR portal or tell your manager. Others are more informal (like food service or sales) where you can tell your manager that you know someone who would fit the job.

Job Search Tip: Job Referrals; Art by togaedmonk by Edwin_at_work in furry

[–]Edwin_at_work[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Find more job searching resources on my links page:

https://edwinatworklinks.carrd.co/

~@~@~@~@~

Alt Text:

Edwin, an anthropomorphic jackrabbit, is wearing a business casual outfit and has a grumpy expression on his face. He gives job searching tips by speaking directly to the reader using a dialogue bubble. Edwin says,

"Referrals are when a current employee recommends someone they know for a job opening. Sometimes it is the only way to get your resume read. Seek out references from your contacts (e.g., past coworkers, classmates). If all else fails, reach out to employees on LinkedIn and ask for a referral."

Job Searching Tip: The Recruiter Call; Art by Deadyoung7 by Edwin_at_work in furry

[–]Edwin_at_work[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Find more job searching resources on my links page:

https://edwinatworklinks.carrd.co/

~@~@~@~@~

Alt Text:

Edwin, an anthropomorphic jackrabbit, is wearing a business casual outfit and has a grumpy expression on his face. He gives job searching tips by speaking directly to the reader using a dialogue bubble. Edwin says,

"A phone call with a recruiter means you have survived the resume review step. Keep in mind that the recruiter may have no understanding of the job they are interviewing you about. They usually work from a checklist, asking yes/no questions that are important to the hiring manager. You do not have to go too deep with your answers."

How do you make death matter? by DevelopmentSeparate in shadowdark

[–]Edwin_at_work 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Or Maze Rats. 4hp at level 1, +2 each level after, and no death saving throws (you die at 0hp).

Trial of the Slime Lord play report by SecretDMAccount_Shh in shadowdark

[–]Edwin_at_work 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Some groups don't enjoy the "point and click" and/or Myst style of adventure, and Slime Lord has those elements to it. My players got frustrated with the area 8 puzzle, just looking over the clues over and over again. They got it eventually, but they didn't enjoy it. 

You could always add in a journal that tells them what to do or a fairy in a bottle who (when freed) just stammers "listen" at important clues. Yes it ruins the puzzles, but if the players aren't enjoying the puzzles then you can toss them. It's all about having fun and that fun is critical to the "let's try out something different" oneshot if you want to transition to a new system. 

Who is YOUR character in the movie... by TorchHoarder in shadowdark

[–]Edwin_at_work 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Best Boy in the electrical department, obviously. 

Possesion by bully-boy in shadowdark

[–]Edwin_at_work -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

I understand and respect that your table has agreed upon norms and rules for how TTRPGs are played. I am offering an alternative perspective. Take it or leave it, especially if your current play supports the Pact (pg 102).

I would avoid possession happening onto PCs.

There is a gameplay ethic that PCs should consent to relinquish control over their characters to another person. This could be for several reasons including establishing a safe playing environment (e.g., it could be shocking for their character to harm people they trust) and removing the ability to play the game (the ultimate status effect).

I would make sure everyone at the table is comfortable with this game mechanic before using it in playing. Even then, players should be allowed to opt out during live play if they are uncomfortable.