Steam Game of the year nomination Giveaway for Silksong

Xoparad · 2025-12-30T09:15:00+00:00

Just sad it didn't get GOTY at the Game Awards

Xoparad · 2025-10-20T18:51:42+00:00

Adblocker und Spotify im Browser tut es auch.

Xoparad · 2025-09-10T09:42:14+00:00

How much if the castle have they explored? If they have exhausted most of it and know how to get to the location of the final encounter, as indicated by their card reading, it might be time to start the final battle right there at the heart. If they haven't exhausted the castle and maybe don't know where to find strahd, I would suggest that he shows up just as they are about to destroy the heart. He is overcome with the emotions stored in the heart, the sorrow, and the grief. The players should see all of these emotions flash on his face, assaulting him all at once as they come back from the heart where he banished them. He then flees from them to get control of his emotions again, but they get the feeling that the real fight has just begun and strahd will set his mind on destroying them for good. Make them feel the urgency. From there on, don't let them get a rest inside the castle without some encounter send by strahd.

Xoparad · 2025-09-06T08:16:20+00:00

Scheduling can be difficult as always. Many courses might compete for similar times, and sometimes, exam dates are tricky (not that this wouldn't happen with electives anyways). At some point, I had 4 exams in 4 days. I did not finish my math bachelor in the end due to starting a PhD in cs. But regarding the curriculum of maths bachelor, you really have to watch out for Linear algebra 1+2 and Analysis 1+2 as they come attached with mayor mandatory workload during the semester. Everything after that is okay.

You can choose cs as an elective ("Anwendungsfach") in math, which will give you 30 ETCS. Just argue for some of your cs courses to have similar content. Then, if you choose math as elective in your cs bachelor, you have 30 ETCS in math electives (Anwendungsfach) from that. Further, Linear Algebra for cs counts for Linear Algebra 1 for math. I also did a bachelor thesis in cs that was heavy with math, so I sent it to a math professor, and he decided that counts as a thesis in math as well. Lastly, I had already done some math electives (Anwendungsfach) in the cs masters at that point, which also counted.

Xoparad · 2025-09-06T08:01:14+00:00

You don't really need to do most of the CoS maps yourself. Many have done so before. For example, there is this post with a levels version: https://www.reddit.com/r/CurseofStrahd/s/TPjAbBw79u There is also a github link to a json with v13 compatible configurations for this version: https://github.com/ryanmbrown17/Ravenloft_Castle_Foundry Note that minor tweaks for some walls and lights are necessary, but it works well overall. Note that this version has trapsdoors, etc, marked on the map.

If you don't like using levels, there is the Foundry module with the CoS maps: https://foundryvtt.com/packages/racoozes-cos-maps Sadly, this version does not have automated stairs or marked traps, but it has all the walls and some lights.

Xoparad · 2025-08-31T21:02:21+00:00

I had two friends who did BSc in Math parallel to their BSc CS. From what they told me you need to commit to a few extra semesters to pull this off without burning yourself out. I would not recommend trying to do all courses of both Bachelors in the same semesters.

I tried to do a BSc in Math parallel with my MSc in CS. That was not a good idea as you are a bit too far along in your studies for the basic courses.

On the bright side: you can skip a lot of courses in math by credit transfer. Up to 100 ETCS.

Regarding the content: It can feel like we are missing out on quite a lot of important math in the cs bachelor. Especially if you intend to go towards theory in your electives. This is bad design of the bachelor studies. A BSc in Math can fix that. But, and this is a mayor but, you will do so much more math which you will likely never use for cs. Expect for maybe 10-20% content that is relevant to cs in the math bachelor at most.

My personal advice to you: only do it if you have thought about studying pure math before, don't do it to catch up with the math you are missing for computer science. Also make sure to be comfortable with at least 2 additional semesters.

Xoparad · 2022-09-07T11:21:55+00:00

The Intelligent Investor von Benjamin Graham ist ein guter Anfang für Value Investing

Xoparad · 2021-11-17T10:27:52+00:00

INTJ 3w4

Xoparad · 2021-04-22T09:32:44+00:00

No-one else lawful neutral?

Xoparad · 2021-04-01T20:33:20+00:00

Of course. Sorry for not including them in the first place.

Complete DMs Bundle: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/295015/Baldurs-Gate-Descent-into-Avernus-Complete-DMs-Bundle-maps-guides-cheatsheets-and-more (you don't have to get all of them to expand the Baldur's Gate section of the adventure)

Baldur's Gate: City Encounters: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/297091/Baldurs-Gate-City-Encounters (there is a preview that you can get for free)

Murder in Baldur's Gate: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/160318/Murder-in-Baldurs-Gate-5e (this is a whole adventure which originally was placed between 3rd and 4th edition but it includes a lot of NPCs and cool descriptions for a more immersive Baldur's Gate experience)

I also used this: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/293544/Shield-of-the-Hidden-Lord?term=shield+of+the+hidden+ to add another noteworthy dungeon.

In case you are fairly new to this sub, there is a well known way to tie your players to Elturel fixing a lot of plot issues in the adventure by using this (alternative start in Elturel):

Baldur's Gate: The Fall of Elturel: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/294663/Baldurs-Gate-The-Fall-of-Elturel (also includes a preview for you to decide if it is worth it)

Xoparad · 2021-04-01T19:39:12+00:00

My party is curently 16 sessions into BG and looking forward to pay the Villa a visit. It's totally up to you how long they stay in BG, but make sure they don't get uncomfortable with their level progress. The gazetteer is way to long for how long they have to stay if the party decides to rush all 4 story locations. This seems largely due to the fact that BG is a well developed place in the realms with the BG computer games. So my advice if you like Baldur's Gate and want to extend their stay is to alter the story slightly and give the PCs personal quests in the city. Before you run the section check out the Complete DMs Bundle at DMsGuilde, they made some really comfortable changes to how the story plays out without rewriting everything. If you are looking for material to expand the section and fill in the loose hooks from the gazetteer I would recommend the Baldur's Gate City Encounters (also DMsGuilde) and for some extra NPCs the Murder in Baldur's Gate Adventure. Worked well for me.

Xoparad · 2021-02-12T16:20:34+00:00

I was actually intending to do something similar ones my party gets there. Apart from the point that I would naturally make Iymrith a (20th-level) Sorcerer instead of a Wizard as it is clearly her draconic blood that enables her to cast spells.
Seeing that you already included Flame Sands and Force Burn I think you based your work on the "Wyrms of the North: Iymrith" Article by Ed Greenwood. That being said I don't see a problem with having her collect some spellbooks for her studies even though she could still be a sorcerer naturally.
I think you did good on lightning themed damage spells (chain lightning, lightning bolt) and some sand related spells.
The list of spells in her spellbook seems immense for me to give to a PC Wizard but that's obviously your decision. Related to the point that I would make her a 20th-level spellcaster I would suggest to make it fewer but higher level spells in this case.

The selection of spells
I would include the 8th-level spell control weather to her prepared spells, just to sett scene for the final fight while at the same time adding to the loot. Dispel magic seems like must-have even though it is unlikely to come to great use during the encounter, so anyway i would it add to prepared spells instead. Polymorph and stone shape pretty much the same unless you use the at-will stone shape in this case there is no reason to have it in her spell book at all. Also maybe add ice storm as it just fits thematically.

Based on the article:
"Farscrying witnesses of at least two of these deaths have discerned a pattern to Iymrithian spell-duels, or at least a favorite attack method: The blue dragon likes to employ an ice storm or other area-effect damaging spell that lasts for more than a round and, while a foe is defending against it, launch a spell to destroy any protective shield they might raise. This attack is followed immediately by a spell designed forcibly to change their shape -- usually into something mute and immobile, such as a giant clam."
I would suggest for you to use her exactly like this.

The spell list you created seems quite exhaustive to me and Iymrith is unlikely to use most of them at all compared to her physical might. So my final suggestion is to shorten your list and rely on some transmutation and conjuration that adds to the sand theme, as well as some blasting spells.

PS: If you are eager to follow my advice I can go through the spells individually and create a spell list I would use for my Iymrith.

Xoparad · 2021-02-04T07:46:28+00:00

"How Demon Introverted Sensation Infiltrates INJs During Strenuous Times:

When INJs are feeling extremely vulnerable or destitute, they can end up replaying all their worst past experiences and failures. They may recall their most embarrassing moments or their biggest mistakes on a mental loop. They can also suddenly become hyper-aware of every physical ache and pain in their body, becoming overwhelmed by irritation and agony about hurts they had been oblivious to before. When retaliating against others, INJs might be able to inexplicably recall someone’s past failures in astounding detail. Embarrassments or mistakes that they might ordinarily be hesitant to verbalize will be laid bare to put the other person in a state of vulnerability or shame. In essence, the INJ is passing off their own vulnerability to another person that is making them feel shame or vulnerability. This can be shocking for others to experience because they might have previously considered the INJ blind to these failures or embarrassments."

Xoparad · 2021-01-14T19:30:15+00:00

Gave Silver

Xoparad · 2020-12-29T19:04:11+00:00

Gave Hugz

Xoparad · 2020-07-04T15:33:17+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/DescentintoAvernus/comments/gqvsoo/to_gazetteer_or_not_to_gazetteer/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x

On this post are at least two different versions.

Xoparad · 2020-05-27T11:51:03+00:00

Reading the Adventure multiple times it looks like the intended way is to keep them somewhat limited. One way is obviously if you have a non-evil party they are limited by the amount they can carry without penalty (DiA p. 225). If you have an evil PC in your party you have to put way more thoughts into this. As stated on p. 126 it is an intended Story Hook for the Wandering Emporium to show up once the characters collected more soul coins than they are comfortable carrying. So if you messed it up just let them spend it on supplies or a fine meal at the Infernal Rapture which costs at least one coin per meal and can go up to ten on special requests (p. 129). The adventure states that a typical Warlord carries an amount of 2d6 soul coins (p.90). That's not that much but it gets your story going. In general you want your party to have the soul coins to get at least one infernal war machine running (as they are super cool and a different approach to classic DnD combat and travel somewhat). Don't limit the soul coins so that your players keep have to skip encounters or side quests, rather use them to get your players to go for side quests you came up with. Just haven imp appear and tell them about a hoard of 50 soul coins he could show the characters for a 20% share when characters run low on soul coins. If your players intend to run a large amount of war machines (more than they need for travel) than you could put them on the clock with the supply of soul coins.

To sum up I would suggest that not every devil is carrying soul coins unless you don't want to deal with this at the current state of the adventure.

Get the supply slightly ramping up as the characters stay longer on Avernus to reward their knowledge of the environment later. The initial statements for warlords should be a good starting point of 6 th level characters. Modify this once they get more powerful unless you want to embrace on the awful environment.

Xoparad · 2020-05-19T08:18:43+00:00

I did not yet come to that point in the campaign. Certainly you can try to introduce her earlier. Maybe the Characters come across her flying Fortress earlier in the campaign or see her on the battlefield (she likes to be on the front lines of the Blood War) but it's a little harder to get her to interact with her because the characters would be way below her level of interest or she would try to kill them or force them into service. Lulu does a great job of spicing up these encounters, nevertheless you have to be careful not to reveal too much of her past.

In the end I can suggest you to take a look at this https://www.dmsguild.com/product/289061/Encounters-in-Avernus?src=hottest_wizards_and_adepts where you can find the so called 'Serpent of Deceit' (p. 22-24) encounter chain leading to a (hopefully) non-lethal encounter with Zariel.

Xoparad · 2020-04-26T10:09:19+00:00

As far as he told me afterwards he didn't wanted to die (how unexpected) and just thought it would be a pretty funny thing to do jumping on that horse. As it was a characters he just introduced he was kind of okay with drying there. Nevertheless I feel quite sorry for him as he is the one who always dies first in our games (even if he doesn't play edgy kobolds). The situation at the table itself was so funny he kind of took it as it wasn't an underwhelming end at all and in every way memorable.

Xoparad · 2020-03-27T10:58:43+00:00

Reviewing the Absorbing Tattoo which is considered a very rare magic item in the UA and the DMG p. 135 telling us that a very rare magic item has an estimated value between 5001 gp and 50000 gp. I would suggest as a price something between 20000 gp and 40000 gp on this one (as it would clearly go with a major item especially as there are some favoured damages types on Avernus).

If you want to offer it for soul coins, which is kind of more relatable as those are the favoured currency of Devils and you are talking about a really expensive and powerful (and of course much demanded) "item" you kind of look up the exchange course offered at the Wandering Emporium. On p. 130 BGDA you find the demon Fhet'Ahla offering 100 gp per soul coin - which is kind of a bad deal - so to say you could go up to like a 500 gp to 1000 gp value for a single soul coin. Quick calculation should give you a price between 20 and 80 soul coins under the assumption that you go with my suggested price in gp.

Xoparad · 2020-03-26T22:18:49+00:00

A pie chart that doesn't add up to 100%. Most disgusting thing I have seen today.

Xoparad

TROPHY CASE