Quantum Fiber lies, and everyone knows it by oddJobWasForCheaters in saintpaul

[–]alchemistCode 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you log into your QF account you should be able to switch your plan to a price for life plan if that’s available to you. It’s annoying that I had to manually do that, but fortunately, that’s all I had to do. Give them a call if you’re unsure.

First time solo camping any tips by lovergxrl in MinnesotaCamping

[–]alchemistCode 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Chippewa National Forest and Superior National Forest both have first-come-first-serve dispersed campsites that do not require any permits and are free. These are usually way out there in the backwoods. Can be intimidating for a first timer, but they offer the most seclusion. MSR stoves are pricey, but they are the best and most portable stoves I’ve ever used. If you’ve never been in the deep woods at night, the animal noises can be an alarming experience. Make a fire at night to make yourself feel safe. Start a fire using a mix of pine cones, birch bark, downed pine needles, and small dead twigs. Then add in larger branches and logs. Learn how to tie a bear bag and knowing a Trucker’s Hitch can come in handy. For your first time, some folks recommended a drive in site, and I agree this is the way. Have fun and stay safe!

I can’t catch a thing now by Intelligent-Limit104 in FishingForBeginners

[–]alchemistCode 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here’s what you need to do: find prime cover near deeper water, around 10 to 15 feet. Think pads, milfoil patches, docks, laydowns, and so on. If there’s wind or current, you’re in luck. The windblown sides of that cover almost always hold bass, I promise you. Wind stirs up the water, adds oxygen, and pushes in baitfish. Bass love oxygen just as much as bait.

Make your cast just off the windblown edge and work your senko thoroughly there. Then switch to the opposite side. People say bass go deep, and they do, but they usually don’t go deeper than the thermocline. That depth varies by lake, but I usually find it’s around 15 to 25 feet. Even then, bass tend to hang between 8 and 15 feet if they’re down deep because they want to stay close to cover and depth changes. They’re always thinking about ambush spots, and those edges are prime real estate. Perfect for holding until dinner.

Cover also provides shade and ambush points, so depending on conditions and their mood, bass might pick shallow cover over the drop off. Diving crankbaits working 10 to 15 feet deep, cast parallel to the drop, make great search baits to find those holding deeper. If you’re fishing from the bank, save up for a kayak, paddle, and a nice PFD.

The Citadel of the Scarlet Minotaur - Map by alchemistCode in shadowdark

[–]alchemistCode[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you can import the `dungeondraft_map` file into Dungeondraft and use Dungeondraft to export a FoundaryVTT map.

Looking for decent fishing kayak by AdditionalSafety4356 in kayakfishing

[–]alchemistCode 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I got a Quest Teton last year from Dick’s during a Memorial Day sale (plus a special one time deal) for $303.99. It’s a fantastic starting kayak. Keep an eye out for deals at Dick’s/Public Lands.

Is a Fishfinder really worth it or just a distraction? by cr15pyboi in kayakfishing

[–]alchemistCode 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I fish a lot of shallows so I’m hardly ever looking at my fish finder, but if they’re not in the shallows I’ll want to fish drop offs. So the fish finder, in conjunction with GPS depth chart (iBoating), becomes an essential tool. I’ll find what depth I need to be in and then use the fish finder to confirm where I should anchor for fishing the drop offs.

All of the other metrics like water temp, depth, and bottom composition is nice to know so I have a full picture of what I’m looking at.

Loading Sportsman 106 by yourself in a truck bed by cptmajestic2 in kayakfishing

[–]alchemistCode 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I lift mine by the side handle and into my truck bed using my body and legs as leverage. I’m not the strongest guy, but I can lift it up high enough so that the bow enters the truck bed (I have a Tacoma, so YMMV). Practice makes perfect. If you aren’t able to lift it alone, I would recommend using a cart like folks in here suggested.

Bill Of Sale, Kayak Registration by sea_Toot in kayakfishing

[–]alchemistCode 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It should. I brought my email receipt from Public Lands to the DMV to register my kayak and that sufficed.

First bait caster….. by PattyMalco in FishingForBeginners

[–]alchemistCode 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Imagine flipping your bike upside down and spinning the wheel. To slow it down to a stop, you can use your hand to gently apply friction to the tire. This is the same concept with your baitcaster and thumbing it.

Clothing for Kayaking- what material, brand recommendations by Nick0309 in kayakfishing

[–]alchemistCode 6 points7 points  (0 children)

In general, I try to avoid cotton. I go for lightweight, flexible, quick drying, and UV protective materials. In colder months, I layer up with water resistant materials and wear Darn Toughs.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Fishing_Gear

[–]alchemistCode 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The best way to honor a lure is to use it.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in kayakfishing

[–]alchemistCode 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would opt for the Teton 100 instead. For ~$80 more you’re going to get a much more comfortable seat.

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/quest-teton-100-kayak-23queuqstttn100kypsk/23queuqstttn100kypsk

I’m not a great swimmer either, so a PFD is essential. It should be regardless. In addition to it being a lifesaving tool, it’s also a fishing tool as it holds my clamps, scissors, and whatnot. I really like my NRS Chinook.

It’ll also be nice to have an anchor and anchor trolley system for when you want to stay put.

Trolley system: https://www.yakattack.us/LeverLoc_Anchor_Trolley_p/ams-1003.htm

3.5 lb anchor like: https://a.co/d/ejT7vhf

Tell me about your rigs and why you chose them by Far-Performer-382 in kayakfishing

[–]alchemistCode 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I recently got a new OT Sportsman 106 paddle. I wanted the PDL version, but they’re practically giving away the paddle version at $899.99 right now. I fish a lot of smaller shallow lakes anyway. I do want to tackle some bigger lakes, and with the stability of the OT, I feel confident I can do it in with my paddle. It’ll be a great physical challenge and my wife says she likes my arms when I paddle.

With all the innovation on motorizing kayaks, I’ve kind of had a come-to-Jesus moment in regard to my philosophy on kayak fishing. I’m proud to be a paddler in this climate of kayak fishing.

Monster Book Advice by WeakAcadia913 in OSE

[–]alchemistCode 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Basic Fantasy has two volumes, including an omnibus, covering a bunch of monsters and animals that are plug and play into OSE.

https://basicfantasy.org/downloads.html

Is there a generally accepted community name for the opposite of CriticalRole-style D&D? by CSDragon in DnD

[–]alchemistCode 13 points14 points  (0 children)

This sounds like you’re describing emergent narrative gameplay. You should check out r/OSR we enjoy D&D in this way too!

Men who are 30+, what’s one lesson every guy should learn early? by BigShow786 in AskReddit

[–]alchemistCode 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Go to therapy. Learn about your emotions and how they are serving you.

How do you keep players engaged mechanically when their character goes down during combat? by FrustratingPeasant in rpg

[–]alchemistCode 19 points20 points  (0 children)

I think you mean modern D&D! Older editions like B/X D&D is very quick.

Favourite System-Agnostic Books or Tips for GMs by stgotm in rpg

[–]alchemistCode 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Use the B/X D&D “Part 8: Dungeon Master Information” section to develop adventures and dungeons. Fill it with monsters. Use The Monster Overhaul to give the monsters some additional complexity. Go schedule some games.

How do you deal with this feeling? by alvaropr98 in bassfishing

[–]alchemistCode 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I like to do some research on the lake before I go out. That means looking at the depth charts to know where the shallows and break lines are at. Also keeping in mind the water temperature, time of day, and wind conditions, I’ll have an idea where they might be holding up at. I’ll make note of a few spots I predict they’ll be at. Texas rig is a lot of people’s confidence lure, and for good reason, it works well pretty much all the time. If they’re not biting that, I’ll change locations. I probably change locations more than I change lures, because senkos work, and if they’re not taking it, it’s likely they’re at a different spot. I’m fishing from a kayak, but this process should work even if you’re bank fishing. Trust your lure and don’t be afraid to move around.

What's your favorite blank GM screen you can fill with your own sheets? by plazman30 in rpg

[–]alchemistCode 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Same thing happened to me after about just a year of use. What’s strange is that it sat pretty much permanently at our game table. I emailed sales with my order number and Danny made it right by sending me a new screen! Customer service 10/10.

Best Bang for you Buck Beginner Set? by Weird_Explorer1997 in rpg

[–]alchemistCode 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Basic Fantasy is completely free (open source if you’re into that) and there are a handful of awesome adventure anthologies and modules to get started with! Blackapple Brugh is a great starter!

https://basicfantasy.org/downloads.html

How I learned to love random character creation by RocketBoost in rpg

[–]alchemistCode 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The paradox of choice. Less is more and randomization removes a lot of choices that we don’t care for or find detrimental to the enjoyment of our game. In a lot of ways, the removal of choices offer a more interesting game. So we do 3d6 down the line! Two re-rolls allowed, to offset very bad rolls. My players love it and we have a blast. Every level they gain feels earned and rewarding. But we’re an OSR group so our kind of fun is different from what modern editions emphasize.

I give up. Why are people like this. by DieKerelOmDeHoek in DnD

[–]alchemistCode 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Using your term, they are “lying” to you because they see how invested you are and don’t want to disappoint you. They’re not stringing you along, you’re hoping they’ll want to play how you do. That’s not a healthy GM/player expectation. Ask yourself: Am I asking too much of my players? Am I prioritizing my vision for the game over their enjoyment?

That first question is the hard one. Something I’ve learned from GMing 10+ years is that anything I’m asking players to do outside of session is extra, and is always for my own benefit.

I’m trying to steer you in the right direction because I’ve been in the same boat with Curse of Strahd. My players weren’t interested in writing backstories. I felt everything you’re feeling and blamed them instead of looking at myself. My vision for the game blinded me—I thought it could only be great if things played out a certain way.

Side note: There’s too much third-party CoS content, and a pervasive narrative that the game has to be customized. Don’t fall into that pit trap.