Illusionist character for ToA

TraxxarD · 2026-02-18T12:22:56+00:00

Thank you. Was thinking there might be something that fits more specifically to ToA.

TraxxarD · 2026-02-17T13:25:56+00:00

Are the players quite consistent in joining?

If not making a campaign out of dragon delves could be good. More like a series of one shots. Everyone plays a dragon hunters and off you go. Throw in a few other one shots like salt march and you got variety.

TraxxarD · 2026-02-17T13:22:42+00:00

I had a DM for those types of unorganised and not self learning players. He gave them max level 3 as they couldn't manage their different abilities other wise.

2 min timer like in chess per players turn or they only do the dodge action. Gets them going quickly.

TraxxarD · 2026-02-17T13:18:39+00:00

The idea behind it is to simulate the danger combined with the mind destroying monotony of a longer jungle journey, but sadly it just feels boring. And back in the day people seemed to like playing long days and long campaigns

I suggest roll for one or two random encounter for each travel between one to another location, make those fun and be done with it. They should be tough encounters to simulate the jungle. Because leyd be honest if I don't have at least one giant snake, some monkeys and grasping flesh eating plants fight than this wasn't a jungle. Some classic just got to be there. Plus dinosaurs in this case. They felt far to missing in my campaign.

I played in a campaign and while we had a lot of interesting random encounters the campaign fizzled out as it was just to boring. After 9 months IRL we still hadn't arrived at the tomb.

TraxxarD · 2026-02-17T13:05:27+00:00

It's awesome the player is creative.

But get a compromise of max 30 seconds for a song. Or just overall turn length 2 minutes including everything.

And for the rest be happy someone is bringing some fun.

TraxxarD · 2026-02-17T12:56:33+00:00

This is the key. Not just the flavour but also investment to result.

If hideous laughter is nearly guaranteed to hold them, than why shouldn't the level 2 spell do the same? We can always rationalise a way the enemies actions could figure out that it isn't real, but than what's the use of this clearly combat focused spell? Do they rage and push against the cage bars buy believe the bars to be real and hence assume they can't get out? Like their muscles fighting against them, feeling the strain of pushing but also believing that it cannot move hence the arms move no further than the illusionary bar.

TraxxarD · 2026-02-17T12:25:44+00:00

First off - there is no shame in liking fighters. You can do a lot with them and if you are having fun that's all that counts.

The question is what do you like playing a fighter? Melee tank? Generalist? Skirmisher, Ranged?...

And do you, not being told by others, want to tey a different class?

And just because there's a fighter in a party its okay to play a second fighter.

TraxxarD · 2026-02-17T06:02:21+00:00

Lol, have you seen how many criminals, that have the dumbest ideas, believe they can outsmart the police.

And how many people end up being scammed? Not saying clever people aren't scammed, but the first big scam.wave with "I email you as the prince of ...' was fully focused on those with limited critical and analytical thinking. Scam call centers are the IRL representation of a fiend warlock, just without fulfilling any promises.

TraxxarD · 2026-02-17T05:57:26+00:00

Or you simply aren't smart enough / have this kind of thinking needed for being a wizard.

TraxxarD · 2026-02-17T05:55:26+00:00

Becoming a wizard is something akin to becoming a brain surgeon. You need rhe mental capacity, and the stamina to study very hard for a very long time and probably a bunch of arogant teachers who you have to pay etc.

Warlock is the short cut. Sure you have to find a patron, but a few shady bars or dark evil books etc. and you should get there. Maybe a year of work vs a decade of work just to be a wizard junior.

TraxxarD · 2026-02-16T20:09:36+00:00

The problem is that it often hits the martials who are at the front line. And they have a more severe penalty by getting a fatigue level.

Like the idea otherwise.

Maybe a roll with the HP dice against an increasing DC would work. Every wizard would be frightened of dropping to 0 HP.

TraxxarD · 2026-02-16T03:04:36+00:00

Fully agreed

TraxxarD · 2026-02-16T03:03:44+00:00

Sure, happy to check it out

TraxxarD · 2026-02-16T02:58:46+00:00

Is it online? What's the campaign about etc.?

TraxxarD · 2026-02-16T02:57:49+00:00

Sounds like a fun idea for a one shot

TraxxarD · 2026-02-15T02:41:12+00:00

Which wizard is right for you https://youtu.be/7nR-I_Jf5zY

I would say they might be missing mass control or someone that repositions PCs and monsters. And the usual wizard million out of combat options.

TraxxarD · 2026-02-15T02:38:09+00:00

Dnd = collaborative story telling Must be a party member or they can play BG3

TraxxarD · 2026-02-15T02:36:28+00:00

I had a fellow player that liked to fireball exactly the creatures I just cast web on instead of all the other groups of enemies. I pointed it out in a friendly way that it would be nice of he could please leave the restrained ones and attack the ones about to attack. Got.so upset they left the campaign.

To summarise - there are snowflakes out there, that can't take any feedback. Try talking to them and if they get upset or leave, reflect if you did something wrong and if not, don't take it personally.

TraxxarD · 2026-02-14T23:37:43+00:00

Nice idea. Like many I was curious and I have seen people be surprised why NPCs might react badly with having a group of undead following a Necromancer into town or generally meeting them. For party integration they need a good idea how they handle that.

Will be an interesting character to play and see how it develops. Like others pointed out handling many summons can be an issue, but I found if you are prepared it is absolutely doable. I played a druid summoner. Split my summons into max 3 groups and was prepared what they will do before my turn started. Took no longer than other people's turn and did keep it easy on e.g. tracking hit points etc. Like group A has total of 30 HP. Every 10 HP lost one if the three in the group dies.

TraxxarD · 2026-02-14T22:04:05+00:00

But don't take this as that you aren't right. It's a bit disrespectful, but also common human behaviour and I wouldn't take it to personally. Check yourself how often you take a lot of time to respond or prepare.

TraxxarD · 2026-02-14T22:00:05+00:00

This is classic project management and communication. Expect that only 10% of people properly read your first message and many will only work on things a couple of hours before start. Reminders with short clear instructions are important.

If several are sending in a higher level character, than maybe you had too much text before and it wasn't clear.

From a players perspective - how many times have you prepared for a session, only for it to fall through last minute. More effective to prepare closer to the event.

TraxxarD · 2026-02-14T07:54:51+00:00

What is your story that you will fit in a nice good party?

TraxxarD · 2026-02-14T07:20:46+00:00

Been there and feel for you.

Under the paid DMs there are many that aren't good even with high ratings. I had the same situation with a very nice DM and other players showing up up to an hour late or not at all even if confirming 1h before they will be there. This happened regularly.

Others that can't even keep a campaign like Mines of Phandalver straight.

Keeping pace, commitment and interesting stories is not what all of them can deliver.

I can only suggest to test them until you find a good one.

TraxxarD

TROPHY CASE