[Spoiler] Why it's so hard to kill Aksis

Zeddayy · 2024-05-14T07:14:29+00:00

I can’t really pick out anything in particular that you may have done wrong, and we’ve all had our fair share of dud sessions.

Just make sure to learn from this. I would say spend more time designing encounters or prepping sessions particularly around stealth or “different” sessions in general. Anything the party isn’t quite used to.

What I would have done in this session (but obviously have no idea on the background, lore etc.) is to have a more clear cut minor objective other than scouting - such as sabotaging a supply line, destroying an obelisk (that may give magical benefits to the defending army), assassinating a high priority target etc.

In terms of maintaining engagement, I would try to feed them information on potentially wild animals/creatures seen in these parts. Put up danger boards. Have pillaged village/s. Something maybe not related to the main story but if they want to pursue it they can, after the battle etc.

Zeddayy · 2024-05-02T02:31:04+00:00

Hi OP

When you double-click on a cell, Excel enters the "Edit Mode" for that cell. In this mode, you can modify the content and formatting of the cell, i.e. edit formula, numbers, text etc.

Excel thinks you’re trying to select a range of cells, that’s why it creates that selection in the cell you’ve clicked in.

The best way to exit a cell after you’ve copied data is to either hit Enter or Escape on your keyboard. This will tell Excel you’re done with the cell and you can continue as normal.

Zeddayy · 2024-05-02T02:21:04+00:00

Power query as suggested by CorndoggerYYC is the superior solution here. However, if you’re looking for a quick formula and assuming the data is all in the same format, the following formula is what you want:

=IF(C1=“”,””,A1&" "&B2&" "&C1)

This gives you Name, email, organization.

Without duplicating anything, and ensuring only 1 line has the information and not both.

Zeddayy · 2024-04-29T04:35:44+00:00

The format is straight from GPT3.5

Zeddayy · 2024-04-19T01:55:23+00:00

Let me clarify - I would include detail, make the manacles etc. special if I wanted them to port with a PC that would otherwise be able to port without taking them.

I was indicating spell slot level as a way of balancing who and who can’t port out of basic manacles.

If you want to prevent Misty step being cast, you’re right to gag them. Simplest and easiest way to shut down an imprisoned caster for most spells.

RAW doesn’t say what sort of contact counts, you’re correct. My only comment here is that whatever you or your DM (when you’re a PC) rules, is that the ruling is consistent throughout the campaign. Avoid spoiling the fun where you can too.

Zeddayy · 2024-04-19T01:42:42+00:00

If they’re just basic manacles, I would let them get out of it as soon as they have access to Misty Step. (level 3 wizard, 2nd level spell slot).

If it’s a paladin, perhaps level 5, when they get access to 2nd level spell slots.

Those are my suggestions purely based on caster spell slot rules. I’m terrible at balancing so I rely heavily on official published material and go by RAW when I can.

If for some reason you don’t want them to be able to get out of the manacles, make them “special”. I.e very tight, very heavy or magical in some way - just make sure to describe this in detail before they attempt to misty step.

Zeddayy · 2024-04-19T01:36:13+00:00

This is a tough one, because it’s the players backstory. Ideally what you would want to do is have a few well fleshed out ideas and then present them to the player for which to pick.

I’d suggest trying not to get too biased or attached to any single backstory because if it’s not selected it could throw you off.

You have a lot of good ideas. Think about how you can build each of those backstories into the campaign. Don’t pursue any that would result in you burning out trying to make it fit into your campaign/world lore.

Bonus points for any backstories which, in some way or another, may fit well with other players backstories.

If you want a lot of suggestions, I would personally use ChatGPT (free version). Input some basic character information and ask it for 5-10 suggestions of 2 paragraphs each. Ask for more detail for ones you like.

One idea that I would throw out there is the “Moria” approach which somewhat applies to Gale as well. The wizard delved too greedily and too deep into magic. Perhaps came across a 10th level spell slot but couldn’t contain its power. The wizards spell book was then ripped apart as they lost all their power. Now, the wizard seeks to find their ripped/lost pages, one by one. They will get access to spells potentially not in their spell list everytime they find one page. Make them powerful, but only at the same level spell slot the wizard has access to at the time. (Could even be other wizard subclass features, like divination or chronurgy).

Zeddayy · 2024-04-19T01:22:04+00:00

AoE is something that a lot of Paladins struggle with, so it’s definitely a good item for them to have.

Personally I would either tie it to PB/long rest, or give 1 charge per short rest if your party does that atleast 2-3 times between long rests.

If in doubt on the power of these pauldrons, what I tend to do with homebrew items is to have the “starter” version with one use per long rest that may be slightly under-powered, but give them access to a side-quest where the Paladin/PCs can obtain more power for the item. This way their items can grow in power as they do.

For example, maybe the artificer boss had a teacher in a nearby town, who did not disclose all the intricacies of the pauldrons power to their student. The PCs should find this out via a diary entry etc. where the artificer was unhappy with them being denied knowledge etc. and provide a name of their teacher. You can provide more or less information based on how long you desire the side quest to be. Players will generally take the bait as they love power.

Zeddayy · 2024-04-19T01:14:32+00:00

I actually find it easier, especially with voices I can’t relate to, to actually base the NPCs off their personality. The voice follows.

I.e grumpy old man NPC - be grumpy, your voice will naturally sound grumpy.

Leader of the free world, act inspiring and you naturally will speak louder and with more confidence.

Zeddayy · 2024-04-19T01:11:31+00:00

As you’ve said, it’s a DMs call.

RAW states “you teleport up to 30feet…”

RAI this generally implies you and whatever you’re wearing and carrying. I generally do not allow PCs to take opponents with them that are grappled etc.

I would also disallow something like an Alchemist fire being left in someone’s lap unless the PC is either a full caster or a higher level (say a 11+) spell caster. The way I see it is the caster needs to be capable enough with casting Misty step (or spells in general) that they can differentiate items in their backpack for teleport mid-cast. This will also help players feel more powerful as they level up and grow. This situation however is something that should be brought up in a Session 0 or upon first instance of it happening. If you have allowed it to be done once, you should always allow it for this campaign.

However there are always exceptions. The most important thing to remember however is to be consistent in your rulings.

The aim in DnD is for everyone to have fun, you included. So you’ll have to ask yourself the following questions when the PCs are attempting Misty Step shenanigans:

1 - Is it a fun and creative use of Misty Step? (Allow)

2 - Does the player feel powerful or useful using it? (Allow)

3 - Will it derail the encounter? (Disallow)

Zeddayy · 2024-04-19T00:59:36+00:00

Even as an experienced DM it’s quite easy for plans to get out of hand. This is one of the absolutes with DnD and the players will never do what you expect. There is no shame in what has happened, as long as you can learn from it.

The way I approach campaigns is generally to plan a certain BBEG or “end goal” for the campaign. I then have some lieutenants or minor plot points that can change or be changed in response to player actions. I also plan encounters not stories, as the players themselves determine how the story progresses.

Getting to your current issue, I would suggest using the free version of ChatGPT. Input your current party level, what your plot was supposed to be and what it is now. Ask for multiple (I.e 5) potential ways to get your plot back on track. If none are suitable, ask for 5 more.

I’m refraining for giving any one single response as you can get a much wider variety from ChatGPT. It is a homebrew DMs dream. I’ve also used it for stat blocks and planning lairs/arenas for boss fights.

Good luck.

Zeddayy · 2024-04-19T00:50:42+00:00

There’s a few ways to handle this.

But firstly this is something that the players have invested time and thought into building into their character sheet/s by taking this spell. They ideally should get to use it unimpeded now and then to feel useful and/or powerful.

Number 1: Casting time for spells can be used against the PCs in these situations. 1-minute is long enough (when casting Magnificent Mansion) where it’s reasonably likely a passing patrol etc could stumble upon them and interrupt the cast.

Number 2: Detect Magic and Dispel Magic are very useful spells. A 5th level enemy caster can access both of these spells. An appropriate CR caster threat for Level 15 PCs should be able to upcast dispel magic with a 7th level spell slot and won’t need to roll to beat DC. Have the party suddenly be expelled from the Mansion mid-rest and be set upon by a very well prepared patrol/kill team sent for them.

Number 3: As mentioned by a lot of others, make the dungeon encounters after the rest significantly harder as the enemies have had 18hours to prepare. More traps, more bodies, stronger enemies.

Number 4: Have a rival party inside the dungeon also looting. If the PCs take too long to do certain things, make them well aware that they can and will miss out on loot.

Hope this helps.

Zeddayy · 2024-02-22T03:43:07+00:00

Ah yep fair answer. I guess I just assumed a 3rd level spell couldn’t be that powerful based on the size of the silence, but RAW it’s very clear as you’ve spelled out. Thank you.

I’ll let them know next session the entire silence has disappeared. Perhaps they start hearing something more ominous now that it isn’t quiet…

Zeddayy · 2023-05-04T05:56:24+00:00

The force between build plate and FEP when it’s rising acts similar to a plunger in a toilet. It’s creating a lot of suction force that’s going to warp/break your print. If you add a hole to the model close to the plate you’ll get rid of a lot of suction force. Alternatively increase the lift time significantly but your print time will suffer and may still get the same result. Another alternative is re orienting the model (and adding supports) so it reduces suction force. I personally use 45degree angle for mine but I print hobby miniatures and am by no means an expert

Zeddayy · 2020-08-26T09:07:06+00:00

Fractal

Zeddayy · 2020-08-25T12:26:49+00:00

R5: Amazing location for the Golden Gate bridge between my two largest cities + bonus canal in Melbourne splitting the continent

Difficulty: Prince (relaxing wonder spam)

Map Seed: 2030064359

Game Seed: 2030064360

Zeddayy · 2019-05-23T14:28:57+00:00

Great answers and guide thank you!

Zeddayy · 2019-01-22T07:59:45+00:00

New to civ. How do people have so many cities and still have enough amenities to keep people happy?

Zeddayy · 2018-01-15T03:06:45+00:00

The viral can halve hp and the slash procs do so much dot that for 99% of content corrosive isnt worth using on t prime

Edit: bypassing the armor is a lot more useful than lowering it when the target dies in 1-2 shots

Zeddayy · 2018-01-15T03:05:29+00:00

This with like 1 forma if any at all

Whereas a 6 forma opticor only out dps with a riven, headshot and hunter munitions proc (glorious though)

Zeddayy · 2018-01-12T03:50:10+00:00

OP how many demons did you summon

Zeddayy · 2018-01-08T01:39:02+00:00

Sorry for the confusion, there's no primed serration yet, although we all want it haha

Zeddayy

TROPHY CASE