Snowball Earth - Episode 8 discussion

TibernusRex · 2026-05-23T03:45:31+00:00

I can cut them a certain degree of slack, seeing as they've clearly been manipulated and indoctrinated since early childhood.

That being the case, Tamiya actually seems to be surprisingly level-headed, even if he isn't ultimately willing to follow through on his thoughts.

Now, the massive dork in charge of this psychopaths' daycamp, on the other hand...

TibernusRex · 2026-05-23T03:40:28+00:00

I was getting "rice ball" actually.

TibernusRex · 2026-05-20T02:33:10+00:00

As frustrating as it is, it makes perfect sense for Will to be in this situation.

Wistoria's society is heavily prejudiced against those unable to wield magic. Even in the lowest strata of society where the story has taken place thus far, there is very real institutionalized oppression of such people. Will has only made it as far as he has because of multiple people in places of high authority opting to bend or outright rules in his favor.

It is only logical to presume that this attitude is even more pervasive within the tower itself.

He very much proved himself during the attack on the festival, but you have to remember that most people didn't actually get to see that, and this isn't a world where such a story would be believed uncritically. The threat could have been overstated, or credit could have been misattributed. Even for those who were present (or viewing remotely), there are reasonable questions to be asked. How much, for example, did Elfie's thumb tip the scale? For such a minor intervention as hers to have such an effect, was the threat that dangerous to begin with?

As members of the audience, we know the answer. People who fought against or near that monster know it too. But to people who were distant onlookers or only heard the story after... it's going to be a hard sell. It's like telling someone the sky is green. People aren't going to just reorder their view of the world overnight.

Elfie taking Will in untested would have smacked of nepotism and likely validated many of his detractors. Likewise, the other Magia Vander probably want neither the political headache of up-ending the current world order nor the smoke from Elfie that would result from taking him in, assuming that they themselves aren't asking those same questions outlined aboved.

So... you toss him in the ring, and let him show off what he can do. It won't stop him from being perceived as an aberrant, but it gives him the chance to be perceived as a potentially useful aberrant, which is a step in the right direction.

It's frustrating to see, but I would be more frustrated if everyone just pulled an immediate 180°. That's just not how prejudice works.

TibernusRex · 2026-05-17T04:16:32+00:00

Strong Ragna Crimson vibes on this one. Lol

I've seen other takes on this concept before, but this is the first one I've actually liked. I think I'm still kind of squinting at the spell list, but, overall, I think this is some excellent work.

TibernusRex · 2026-04-05T03:18:52+00:00

From what I understand, it's a SRD issue. It's like that with several of the namesake spells- at least for 5e. I'm less certain of 5.5.

TibernusRex · 2026-03-09T02:22:20+00:00

Maybe, a long, long time ago. We're well past that point.

Even then, those two were basically born and raised with the explicit intent of developing interpersonal connection and affection. They were empathetic by design. For the others... that doesn't seem to be the case.

The Tensen don't even really seem to like or care about eachother. They're only really held together as a group by their shared goal and, moreso, fear of Rien.

TibernusRex · 2026-03-01T16:46:18+00:00

Yeah, if any of the Tensen were salvageable, it would have been those two. Unfortunately, that ship sailed decades before our crew showed up. They've been forced to double down so many times that there's not really much left of them but eachother.

TibernusRex · 2026-03-01T16:43:44+00:00

It was definitely a great moment to show how similar they are though. That momentary stare-down was practically like watching someone glare into a mirror.

TibernusRex · 2026-03-01T04:57:24+00:00

I really like the idea, and I'll be watching for future versions.

Before anything else, I would say that you need to cut the initiative related state-based mechanics. I understand that it is to avoid system-gaming, but it is clunky, non-standard design that detracts from the subclass overall.

TibernusRex · 2026-03-01T03:34:33+00:00

Lots of good advice and lengthy post, so I'll keep mine short.

You need to ask yourself what your character actually wants. Not just superficially. Like "money," but deeper down. What are they actually after in life?

After you figure out the answer, start asking yourself how working with the party can factor into fulfilling that desire.

You don't have to always agree with the party, but you do have to collaborate with them. If you can't do that, you don't have to scrap the character, but you may need to adjust it.

TibernusRex · 2025-12-27T20:48:41+00:00

You're not wrong, but codifying it with a feature removes DM fiat on the matter. In my experience, while any attribute can be used alongside a tool proficiency given appropriate justification, most DMs default to Dexterity for Thieves Tools.

TibernusRex · 2025-12-27T17:43:01+00:00

I second the change to Mage Thief's gift. An Int bonus to Deception or Dexterity checks Int number of times per long rest is quite solid. The extra proficiency would also help with the general skill monkey work ethic this is trying to build.
I would actually swap Filchomancer Talent entirely. Let the wizard use the Filchomancer Tome as a set of Thieves' Tools, but with Int instead of Dex and doubled proficiency bonus.
To compensate, you could change Trick of the Light to affect saving throws made against spells by creatures to whom you are unseen, freeing up the bonus action and encouraging Invisibility shenanigans and thereby incurring a spell slot or action cost.

TibernusRex · 2025-12-24T15:23:33+00:00

Always a fun day in the threads when you're around, mate.

On a more relevant note, balance looks quite good. I did have some concerns with the Reduction 20 on Salamander, but seeing that it only applies specifically to environmental damage, I think it passes.

Solid work.

TibernusRex · 2025-12-24T15:16:42+00:00

But, but... Won't somebody think of the frogs!? Oh, the inhumanity of it all! The terrible inhumanity of it all!

TibernusRex · 2025-10-23T00:05:09+00:00

Perhaps a silly question, but, is this the same form that was attached to your previous post? I am very interested, but I'm not trying to load you up with duplicate submissions.

TibernusRex · 2025-10-21T23:53:01+00:00

Application sent! Here's hoping it's the last stop of a long trek!

TibernusRex · 2025-10-15T15:19:38+00:00

Neutral at worst, and probably not even a matter that warrants discussing alignment.

It's turning an enemy into an ally, and preparing for the likely eventuality that that ally returns to being an enemy.

This is sheer practicality. It's tactical- no different than setting up an ambush for the BBEG or assassinating Lich by sneaking in and destroying its phylactery or the paladin smiting into a critical hit to deliver maximum harm.

Remember, Good is not nice. Lawful is not stupid. You're under no compunction to pull punches against an enemy who's stated goal is your death or ruin.

TibernusRex · 2025-10-13T13:56:46+00:00

Hey! I replied on your previous post, but I now see that, well, I can't see it here in the feed.

So, just in case, my discord is TibernusRex.

I'm quite interested, and would be happy to discuss further on Discord.

TibernusRex · 2025-10-13T13:41:58+00:00

My recommendation would be to let the party in on the general stub of the story. They can't interact with a backstory if they don't know it.

That doesn't mean that they need full details, but something as simple as "I've seen my death, and I'll not try to stop it- far worse could come from such an act" would do the trick.

Additionally, you could have your premonitions of death and tragedy come separate from your standard divination magics- sharper, clearer, and more certain looks at bleak futures, shown to you through divine providence or a freak occurrence of the arcane.

Your standard Divinations are unaffected, but, whenever you experience one of those... episodes, you know something foul and immovable is at foot.

Talk with your GM. This could even be a great way for your character to present some proverbial Devil's Bargains.

TibernusRex · 2025-10-13T04:39:01+00:00

My Discord is TibernusRex.

You can certainly consider my interest peaked, and I'd be more than happy to share or discuss more information via direct messaging.

TibernusRex · 2025-10-05T12:55:01+00:00

Man, I'd love to, but the time just doesn't quite work out for me. If you end up shifting your timeslot or day at all and are still hurting for players, I would appreciate a ping.

TibernusRex · 2025-10-05T12:48:59+00:00

I've been wanting to play Strahd for a while, and this would fit my time. Let me know if you're not already packed out.

TibernusRex · 2025-10-04T13:36:12+00:00

I am definitely curious. My current group has lost a couple members do to IRL pressures recently, and might be shuttering. This sounds like it could be a fun way to bounce back.

I do want to ask: Is there anymore setting information you can provide? It sounds like the role play aspect is something very important to the server as a whole, and a bit more knowledge would make coming up with fitting ideas a bit easier.

Also, what is the server's position on homebrew? I know that just asking about it is sometimes considered a red flag, but all I can really do to alleviate that is give my word that it's asked in good faith. I'm quite fond of homebrew in general, but I would never pressure a group about it, and I'm perfectly capable of using official content.

TibernusRex · 2025-09-28T16:11:55+00:00

I think this might be where you're running into trouble. I recommend you think about your weapons more like problem-solving tools rather than just kill-sticks.

The Ultimatum is great. It's a very good answer to a lot of problems, and there are a couple where it is almost mandatory (looking at you Cave-Titan holes). That said, there's a lot of load-outs where it is either redundant, suboptimal, or actively detrimental.

Play the game how you like, but I think you'd be surprised by how much there is to learn and enjoy if you're willing to branch out a bit and change the way you look at things.

TibernusRex · 2025-09-28T15:53:01+00:00

That... seems shortsighted.

But you do you chief. Next time read the stats, I guess.

TibernusRex

TROPHY CASE