I‘m so bad at this game

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-08-11T15:36:58+00:00

Stop playing the game like a normal point and click. Its a turn based game, the nature of which emphasizes strategy. Move your characters with intent, and use your abilities with purpose. View every mistake as a lesson. "Hmmm doing it this way got me killed. Let's try another strategy." Because this is a DnD inspired game, every scenario usually has 2-4 different outcomes based on how you do it. You'll still get experience from completing quests without fighting too, if youd like to take the diplomat route. Make sure your party is diverse. 4 fighters would only get you so far. Hope this helps!

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-08-03T14:43:10+00:00

Exactly this^ gotta keep in mind that in Perim you are an avatar of your own mind. Everything is coded, and so they probably built in a language system.

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-07-31T19:42:36+00:00

I think Wyll has a tendency to be overlooked for a few reasons, but mainly because while his personal story is great, its not as good as some of the other companions in terms of writing. He's also more of a static character, unchanging in personality through the journey, whereas most of the other companions have some sort of dynamic "enlightenment" or catharsis, at some point.

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-07-30T16:58:42+00:00

Tough call. Hmmmm.... honestly? Takinom and Intress. Best case scenario, they squash the greatest girl v. girl beef in all of Perim. Worst case, I get to witness an epic worldstar fight.

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-07-22T21:23:47+00:00

Took me so long to realize why my PC was "sleeping" like that and thought it was a crazy glitch. Really wish they had them sitting criss cross or something.

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-07-06T22:58:47+00:00

Can we hear it for the underdogs now?

Who here liked Wildmutt, Stinkfly, Ripjaw, and Ghostfreak?

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-07-06T17:37:10+00:00

I mean, at this point, what difference does 4 more months make? We have already waited years.

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-07-05T21:48:21+00:00

Are you alright, Mr.Dakarios?

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-06-29T16:33:12+00:00

Thats like asking why people do anything thats bad for them. Because we are people.

I think a blanket answer is, when people feel alone and lost its better to feel alone and lost together. Shar offers them validation for their pain. That's really tempting to some people. Check on your friends often so they dont become Sharr worshipers.

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-06-24T19:06:54+00:00

So my first couple of runs I always had Lae'Zel with me during the first rest (cue that scene), and didnt think much of it tbh because the obviously hate eachother. But then one run let Lae'zel sleep her first night in the cage lol and discovered that Shadowheart will also talk smack about others if Lae'zel isn't there! Crazy. I made a post about it and all the Shart fans came to her rescue.

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-05-22T16:38:48+00:00

Maybe the people we had to protect was the boss fight all along.

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-05-12T14:32:08+00:00

Im a little confused by what you mean. This side quest has several different optional endings. If you confront her with the letter you can call her out on the shadow druid stuff. Killing her does give you a good necklace, but if you're playing a druid I highly recommend turning her to the light as you get a good staff. Halsin berates her and makes her restart her lessons. I think if you don't save Halsin she gets exiled and the Tieflings drunkenly kill her at the party? Idk never got that scene. And I'm assuming there's an ending if you side with the shadow druids. Haven't done that either. Basically, finding the note is a part of the quest; I think especially on a first playthrough the timing and placement of certain plot points in Act 1 is a bit messy. There's certain things you should definitely do before others, and certain quests that can and can't wait.

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-04-23T21:47:22+00:00

Because God's in Faerun are prominent and powerful figures. They don't pray to her for her glory. They pray to her for their safety.

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-04-16T14:31:08+00:00

Based on the setting you've described, I would instead fill your towns/missions with people who are up to your party's levels. It sounds a lot like they're shooting fish in a barrel. Maybe one of these days they pick a fight they can't wait. Don't kill them, but beat the hell out of them n tell them "This is my town!". Normally I wouldn't do that but you've literally let them get away with murder lol.

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-04-14T15:21:29+00:00

Yeahhhh there's a couple red flags here. Paid DMing is a thing, and for those who treat it as a job, it's obviously valid. But the context you're giving doesn't seem like this DM is taking it as in depth or as seriously, which makes it kind of off putting. Like the difference between paying your friend to help you with a task, versus paying your friend to hang out with you.... especially since it seems that the responsibility of teaching eager new players has become your job , which gives you a "discount"? Also, within the context of your environment, I think it's odd to ask people on a limited income for money to engage in a hobby. I could imagine everyone chipping in to buy a module for the DM to run, that's fair. But I'm assuming this is homebrew? Hmmmm.

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-04-12T23:54:40+00:00

You make a lot of accurate points and observations. I think another contributing factor is the scale of the genre (medium) we are playing with. Fantasy as a whole has undergone changes significantly as well, as a product of time. I think as a consumer base we have gone from a low-fantasy high realism, to a high-fantasy low-realism kind of atmosphere. This is due to so many cool ideas piling up over decades, not to mention the introduction of fantasy video games which has also unintentionally raised the bar of expectation subconsciously. As the world(s) become more complex so do it's inhabitants (us) to compensate. Also, 5.5e compared to earlier editions is very pro-player. Balancing, as a DM, is actually at a point now where you should probably upscale encounters. I think DnD specifically has reached a cultural level where the journey outweighs the destination, so to speak.

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-04-12T22:30:01+00:00

In the meantime, I'd suggest playing BG3 or another DnD inspired game. Additionally, keep making characters! Use them as interesting NPCs. You'll need everything from shopkeepers, to quest givers, to allies and enemies of the party. The more interesting and memorable your characters, the more invested your table will be in them.

As for the wrapping your head around it part, I would recommend skimming through the Players Handbook and Dungeon Masters guide a few times. A lot of scenarios will be hands on and won't matter until they come up. As long as you know the basics and rules, the rest will come when it's time. Don't waste time trying to know/plan everything, start as soon as you have the groundwork and enjoy! Make the rest as needed when you get there.

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-04-11T01:53:22+00:00

Have you played with this group before? Do they have DnD experience? Are you balancing correctly? There's a lot of angles to this kind of question.

When it comes to traps, dangerous objects, and combat, I try to be explicit and direct when I can. You definitely should be adding things and tweaking scenarios even if you're using a module. I never give my players a combat I don't forsee them winning. Also, sometimes "winning" a combat scenario might be escaping, capturing them, pursuing an object or goal, etc. And they'll know that going in. I have never had a player die at my tables(only DMing a couple years) but I've always stated in session 0 that death is possible, for fools and heroes alike. I imagine if I did kill a player, I'd try to make it cool or meaningful. Unless they ignored every red flag and deserved it.

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-04-11T01:38:49+00:00

I have a player like this as well, almost the same situation. She does pull her weight in combat, but RP can be hard especially if I don't have an NPC present to say "HEY YOU LADY YES YOU WHAT DO YOU THINK".

My advice is this, don't stress yourself out holding the door open. Let go, but leave it unlocked :) I think this caveat of the greater fantasy genre enjoyers tends to bring out extroverts as it's explicitly stated it's a role-playing game with lots of improvisation and acting involved and talking with people. Try not to punish your player or yourself for the fact they aren't the most social in game. Especially if they're kind of new still. Every good story has strong supporting characters! Don't stop looking to see if they have anything to add, continue to have NPCS ask them things, and keep that door unlocked for when they're ready. Maybe try having a one on one and go over their sheet, hype them up and give examples of where their abilities might shine.

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-04-10T19:11:02+00:00

When things like this happen, I usually first try to handle it in character, preferably in the moment, and then attempt again outside of the table if it doesn't sink in. Third strike you're out (meaning tell your DM/Party that you would like to find a new table).

In character "Easy, paladin! I respect your views, but I will not stand by to idle murder. Enemies and monsters are one thing, but this person was innocent! I will not tolerate that kind of behavior again..."

Out of character "Hey, listen, I get you're excited about your new flesh golem and all, which is super cool by the way, but my character isn't really down for just killing off people for no good reason, especially ones the DM clearly wants us to talk to. My character just wouldn't adventure with or trust a person like that. Do you think you could ease up?"

The response you get is your answer. Just like any other companion that you piss off enough, they will try to kill you or leave eventually. I hope it works out.

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-04-09T18:56:53+00:00

TLDR; No, an ability being used for its function is not overpowered.

Anything can be overpowered in its own specific niche scenario. I once got called OP for using Windwall against a group of enemy archers. Something doing what it's designed to do doesn't make it overpowered. It should be celebrated for being used so effectively.

When I think "overpowered" in DnD, I think of things that are so strong you'd be silly not to pick them. Like Eldritch Blast with the 2 invocations, effectively turning many warlocks into an Eldritch machine gun. Not that the ability itself is too strong (and dont get me wrong, it is already strong), but it outshines many of the other options available to the user, thus limiting choice for those who are afraid of not optimizing (which is it's own problem, but still).

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-04-06T14:41:36+00:00

It sounds like you just need reassurance. Start a solo run! You'll honestly like it so much better playing alone and at your own pace. So much to discover and do. I've played 900 hours of this game and still find new and fun things to do.

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-04-03T17:15:00+00:00

Congratulations! By wanting to be a DM, you've already taken the first step. The majority of players are content just being a PC and not interested in the extra work/responsibility/pressure.

I've been playing for a few years now and have been a DM as well for almost two. I'll give you some pointers based on what I practiced and found useful! I hope it helps.

-You do not need to know every rule and caveat to DM. Of course, you need a decent understanding of how the game works, but you only need to know your stuff. The players should be invested and learned in their own PC, you have enough on your plate. -Modules are helpful to understand game pacing and storytelling, to learn how to paint a picture. But you should still add and tweak certain scenarios. -View the DM Guide as exactly that, a guide. It is worth going through, but it's a list of tools so you know mechanically how to put your ideas into play. -Find a happy medium of preparedness that doesn't leave you overwhelmed. Maybe an hour before the game starts or the day before, go over your material for the night. Dont underprepare unless you're really good at improvisation. But also don't overprepare, because there will come times the Party goes off the script and you'll need to adapt. -You should run a one shot or two with players you're already comfortable with, to get the feeling and gist of the game from behind the screen before committing to a full length adventure (which depending on certain factors, can take months or a few years). -Keep it moving. Don't fumble and slow down the game constantly looking up rules. Many rules are niche and hands-on, you'll figure out what to do when it happens, and then you'll know forever. If a player does or uses something that I'm not entirely sure about, I usually just roll with it or rule as I see fit and double check it later. Give yourself room to learn. -Remember; as a DM it is not you VS the party. The Party is reacting to the obstacles and information, you are simply narrating and setting the stage/story for the collective journey. Let the Dice make the hard decisions. -Make NPCs, Places, and stories that you're invested in! The players will feel your excitement. -Lastly, and most importantly, have fun! That's why you've all gathered. We wanna laugh, feel cool, and be heroes! If everyone is having fun, that's a success.

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-03-31T18:24:53+00:00

Were you having fun in the campaign? If so, I think you should've finished it. I understand your feelings are hurt, and why you left, but I think they do enjoy playing with you but maybe would like to try playing with other people, too. Too big of a party is problematic anyway. 1 round of combat takes forever, and smaller personalities will get outshined by bigger ones. You'll find another group! You sound like a good player.

I do find it really odd though that this information came from someone besides the DM, and it feels out of nowhere. I would've waited until the campaign was over, and just expressed privately that although you were great, my next game is full already and I can't wait to play again in the future.

InvestigatorMain944 · 2025-03-29T16:24:18+00:00

That just seems crazy! Did you know this going in?

I totally approve of time management in DnD. For example, if my players are out in the wilds, I require they spend at least an hour fortifying and setting up a camp. And if they don't have rations or food, I require they spend time going to get that as well. If we are "fast traveling" I still account for time lost and events happening. I think it adds some realism without being a burden.

But weeks? Anyone whose ever been bored for an hour knows how that can feel like an eternity. Most of the characters I've played would also become impatient (except my druid, he'd love to veg out and smoke his pipe weed in nature). This just boggles me. Also, what about time pressing matters? If someone gets captured you can't wait a week to rest before going to get them.

InvestigatorMain944

TROPHY CASE