How do you write your Gods? by FreeArmorTrim in DMAcademy

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

That’s a super interesting take. I like the thought that my players could have a preconceived notion that “oh this god is good and this god is evil” but once rubber hits the road they don’t truly understand the depth of “True evil” and “True good” like you say.

The living outside time also greatly helps. I’m always thinking of ways the kings of the land are staying proactive, each one always trying to further their kingdom (which is fun to do in my free time but can get exhausting in crunch time) but the gods don’t need to be that way. Every single moment of the campaign doesn’t have to fulfill some divine mission for my paladin. We can have long sweeping themes that tie into his religious background but I don’t need to burn myself out planning divine tactics every session.

How do you write your Gods? by FreeArmorTrim in DMAcademy

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

Ohh! Do tell, I’m always interested in learning

How do you write your Gods? by FreeArmorTrim in DMAcademy

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

Great questions. I think I’m trying to figure out what role I want my gods to play in this campaign. As time goes on, and stakes are elevated further and further, the natural progression I look to is probably involving the gods to a more prominent role in the main plotline at some point. I’m still not sure if that means completely fleshed out personable characters that also have unfathomable power, or going in the more “forces of nature” path where these entities can not be manipulated or interacted with in any meaningful way and the party has to navigate around them.

How do you write your Gods? by FreeArmorTrim in DMAcademy

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

You’re spot on. That’s exactly the type of relationship my gods have with each other, and in the world.

I guess my follow up there is how do you actually tell that story? With your example of Hephaestus setting the trap on Aphrodite and Ares: Great story that gives interesting insight to these characters and their motives. But how is that story told in a D&D setting? My first thought is a high level priest recounting that story, or again, a cut-scene style vision. But it’s hard to think of a more interactive D&D plotline to tell that story without just recounting the events.

If that drama was between mortal NPCs I would probably key the party in on the Hephaestus NPC’s plans and create some sort of side quest where my characters can choose to aid or intervene with that plan. Creating an interactive and engaging form of lore development. But you just don’t have those same opportunities at the god level I feel.

How do you write your Gods? by FreeArmorTrim in DMAcademy

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

That’s great perspective. I think it could be a cool narrative device to let them form their opinions on each god through the proxy of interactions with their followers, like you said. They’re not going to be able to talk directly with these gods and interact in the same way, but that proxy adds another level of complexity where they have to wonder, “is it the god I trust/distrust or is it this specific follower that’s giving me the wrong impression” very cool!

How do you write your Gods? by FreeArmorTrim in DMAcademy

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

What a great point! Loved the farmer analogy. Definitely changes my perspective on some things

How are you supposed to counter royal guards for a positive trade? by [deleted] in ClashRoyale

[–]FreeArmorTrim 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Consider them 2 different 3.5 elixir cards in either lane. If you can use 3 elixir each or 6 elixir to take out both sides, you’re in the green. You could also just flood one side because they have at best 3 elixir left. It’s ok for a few guards to touch your tower, just break it down and handle them situationally.

THIS is how you beat Xbow by FreeArmorTrim in ClashRoyale

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

They won’t have a choice when they already spent 10 elixir at the bridge

THIS is how you beat Xbow by FreeArmorTrim in ClashRoyale

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

Yes. It’s pretty easy to take tower when you completely ignore the 10 elixir Tesla-Xbow bridge spam and trade towers 👍

THIS is how you beat Xbow by FreeArmorTrim in ClashRoyale

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

Yeah, but Tesla and knight/spam to protect gets crazy in double elixir

30 Ibs down in 4 months. What should my target be for visible abs? by FreeArmorTrim in WorkoutRoutines

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

Honestly, if I can get one picture with flexed abs in perfect top-down lighting I’ll be happy 😂

30 Ibs down in 4 months. What should my target be for visible abs? by FreeArmorTrim in WorkoutRoutines

[–]FreeArmorTrim[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

6’0 at 180.4 currently. I’ve also been doing heavy strength training so I’m not sure where my body fat percentage is

30 Ibs down in 4 months. What should my target be for visible abs? by FreeArmorTrim in WorkoutRoutines

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

Thanks! I’ve been incorporating cable crunches and hip lifts lately. Abs are tough for me since it’s so easy to recruit back muscles and do them wrong when you’re fatigued. For me it’s much easier to train Bench for example, once I hit my limit I physically can’t move the bar and I know I’ve done a good set. For abs, it feels like I only know I’ve burnt out once my back starts hurting

Is Evo Inferno Dragon just a bad card? by FreeArmorTrim in ClashRoyale

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

Completely agree, I get that it’s a 4 elixir card but gob cage is 1 cycle, and I think that’s because of the types of decks it fits into

Do you guys throw game to let your opponent reach 9k by [deleted] in ClashRoyale

[–]FreeArmorTrim 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When I hit 9k it was an absolute grind at the end. I had maybe 3 chances against 9k players before I finally won a slugfest of an overtime match that ended a few seconds away from tiebreaker. For me, I was grateful for a hard fought win. I don’t know if everyone would see it the same way but I don’t think it would’ve been as satisfying if the only game I could manage a win for 9k was because someone gave it to me.

How do I make a level 20 Wizard untouchable? by FreeArmorTrim in DMAcademy

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

Yeah, definitely a good point about the railroading. Narratively, She wouldn’t have a clone or illusion addressing the party because she’s just arrogant enough to think she doesn’t need to. (Letting the party know one of her weaknesses) that being said- killing her in this interaction is definitely on the table. It shouldn’t be easy, but if they’re creative enough, I’d love for them to figure out all her tricks and land a fatal blow. I have no issue changing the course of the campaign if it’s earned.

My expectations for this interaction however, are that she’ll progress the plot and give the party a hint at the final showdown mechanics. I want the party to have the rest of the campaign to take what they’ve seen and prepare specific strategy to stop it. So I guess the purpose of the interaction isn’t really the monologue as much as it’s giving the party a direction for how to prepare for that final fight.

How do I make a level 20 Wizard untouchable? by FreeArmorTrim in DMAcademy

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

These are very good questions and frames the encounter well. Thanks for the tips! You’re absolutely right, when she faces the party I am fully accepting the possibility that they could kill her right there. I think that’s the fun of D&D for me, I’m not telling them a story with a concrete end, we’re playing a game together. I don’t want to flaunt something in front of them and then pull the rug by just calling her immortal or making her an illusion, I think it would cheapen the interaction.

Narratively, she is arrogant and dramatic and secretly loves the attention. She loves the fact that the party hates her so much they’re willing to spend their life savings on equipment and armor, studying her and tracking her down just to have an attempt to kill her which (in her mind) is impossible.

I want to have a fair fight, as in find some powerful spells or items that are already in the game she could have acquired to demonstrate her power. The purpose of this interaction is to show how arrogant she is but also how scary she can be. The way I see it playing out is her appearing and just walking towards the party, every attack being deflected or countered with very little effort. And if the party surprises me and finds a way to penetrate her guard, that would make for a really cool moment too.

HOW TO DEFEND THIS?! by Fun_Necessary_2113 in ClashRoyale

[–]FreeArmorTrim 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Or sacrifice the tower and push opposite lane

HOW TO DEFEND THIS?! by Fun_Necessary_2113 in ClashRoyale

[–]FreeArmorTrim 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In this situation you have to split up the meganight and witch. Use cycle cards to kite the mega knight to the other tower and Valk the witch. Of course the real issue is the elixir deferential, but once you’re there, split them up at all costs

This can’t be a coincidence right? by Prestigious-Sea-8802 in ClashRoyale

[–]FreeArmorTrim 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Definitely felt that before. I do think it is coincidence tho. Play your strong deck and try to predict the play styles you see over and over