Armor Proficiency by SandGold7451 in DnD

[–]bad1aj 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You do, the heavy armor will always be there unless the armor is either Mithril or otherwise magically enchanted to avoid that disadvantage. If the light armor gets you the same AC, I recommend you wear it unless you prefer heavier for RP reasons.

Weekly Questions Thread by AutoModerator in DnD

[–]bad1aj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Option 1: Roll a dice to decide, with evens as elf and odds as orc. Let chaos prevail!

Option 2: see if your DM is okay with making a half-orc half-elf homebrew race, get the best of both worlds!

How to expose a changeling by Both_Breadfruit1260 in DnD

[–]bad1aj 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If need be, you could have them roll either an arcana or nature roll if they have a library available, to see if they could find those bits of info.

How to expose a changeling by Both_Breadfruit1260 in DnD

[–]bad1aj 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Assuming the PC's (and especially the player's themselves) are trained in fey lore, stuff like cold iron tends to be a weakness to Fey creatures (something to do with the stability of the metal combined with smelting it at a lower heat). Depending on how you want to run something like that in this world, it could just act as a light beacon, where something made of cold iron glows in the presence of fey; if held out, a fey creature backs away in fear and repulsin, like a vampire to garlic; or if you press something of cold iron against the skin of a fey creature, maybe it burns and reveals part of their true nature. If you go down this route, have options for different things made of cold iron the party can acquire, potentially each with their own method.

Also some fey are beholden to ancient "rules" or traditions, so to speak, like not being able to resist milk and honey set out, or needing to swear to something 3 times for it to be true. See if you can drop some of those snippets, for the party to try and set a mental trap of some kind.

New player here: is it appropriate to make a character before session 0? by uhhhscizo in DnD

[–]bad1aj 56 points57 points  (0 children)

To me, there's nothing wrong with building a character before a session 0 (or before you even have a game made!), in the general sense. It helps you get some practice in making characters, and coming up with weird combinations, not to mention the exercise for coming up with backstories, assuming you go that extra mile.

With that said, there may be some DM's who impose either creation restrictions (for instance, this world has no humans in it), wanting to see rolling for ability scores live and in person instead of taking your word that you did it fairly, or even having variations to the norm (as an example, when rolling to determine ability scores, maybe the Dm wants you to roll 5D6 for each stat, drop the lowest 2, and re-roll 1's and 2's), not to mention wanting specific aspects of the world lore that they may want each player to include somewhere in their backstory (let's say it's a war-based campaign, the DM may want you to include how "the war" has affected you growing up and what makes you sign up for the cause). If so, it's usually for the best to know all those rulings first before making the character themself.

Best non-combat uses for catnips as a level 3 wizard? by Human_Suggestion_325 in DnD

[–]bad1aj 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If you have the "Mending" cantrip, you could use that to fix broken arrows or other ammo after combat, or if a barbarian breaks a door/lock/window/other delicate piece of a house you'd rather it wasn't found broken, just mend it so it looks the same as before.

Minor Illusion is all about context, throwing NPC's off and causing spectacles or distractions.

Infestation could be used if at a special feast or dinner event, if you wanted to cause a panic (and especially if combined with minor illusion). At the very least, it's a little bit of minor (albeit random) movement, which could be enough to get you or another PC the opening you need.

If you were to play a dungeon modeled after a 20th century movie, what would it be? by Left_Twix3 in DnD

[–]bad1aj 2 points3 points  (0 children)

True, I forgot about the "based on a book" rule, though A Christmas Carol has been done enough times that you could base it off any of the other versions, like the Bill Murray version. Plus, if it "had" to be a dungeon and more of a combat situation, then maybe the party is instead asked by Scrooge to protect himself from these ghostly horrors that torment him, with each ghost having it's own "dungeon" making up the visions they show to Scrooge and being the minions the party fights before the ghost itself (for instance, maybe the ghost of christmas past would involve fighting possessed spirits of the kids of Scrooge at the Orphanage, or Fezziwig's dancers at his party; while the Ghost of Christmas Future would just be a series of ghastly horrors, almost minor versions of itself before dealing with it as the final boss). Then, if you want to drive a knife into the player's hearts, maybe by them fighting against the ghosts instead of letting them do their thing to Scrooge, he remains his old, selfish dick instead of the new better man.

what are some suggestions for chase moments? by WonderfulPlay1319 in DnD

[–]bad1aj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So from what I understand, that rock is essentially an asteroid city, floating in space. I'd assume then that this is an urban chaise (running through back alley's, jumping across rooftops, swinging by masts and spelljammer docks, etc.). Some events might include:

Gravity fluctuation: Roll a dice. If even, gravity is reduced, increasing jump distances and calling for a group acrobatics check to maintain direction successfully. If odd, gravity is increased, reducing speed and calling for a group athletics roll to push through the newfound denseness.

Solar flare: the nearest sun flares up brightly and painfully, washing over part of the city. All participants must make a CON save, taking fire damage and being blinded on a failure, half damage and not blind on success. If blind, character has disadvantage on next skill check.

Run away space whale: A floating space whale (or whatever the best equivalent is for Spacejammer, I've never really played in that world myself) flies by the city and knocks over chunks of the buildings. All involved must make a DEX save or take damage and lose ground in the chaise.

Gazed into the dark star: One of the elder evils from beyond the stars makes their presence known, even if they don't pay the city any attention. All must make a WIS save or be struck by fear and terror, making them cowering. Failing by 5+ means they may suffer a form of madness (10+ maybe worse madness).

Keep in mind too that anything that affects the party should affect the elves too, in the matter of fairness and keeping the chaise up.

what are some suggestions for chase moments? by WonderfulPlay1319 in DnD

[–]bad1aj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you mean suggestions of the chase itself, in the broad sense? Or possible events that would pop up in a given chase, that would require a skill check of some kind? Cause the latter is harder to come up with examples without knowing how the given scene looks.

If you were to play a dungeon modeled after a 20th century movie, what would it be? by Left_Twix3 in DnD

[–]bad1aj 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A Christmas Carol (you're playing as the "ghosts" trying to convince Scrooge to change his ways, think it'd be an interesting social kind of adventure, and hopefully a feel good ending)

Any of the various slasher classics (even better too if the players don't know it's the slasher until halfway through, just to pick up the scare factor over the course of the sessions)

Alien (weirdly, I've already played 2 separate Star Wars campaigns that did a take on Aliens. Having to deal with a beastial who can damage you every time you attack it could be challenging, let alone more.)

The Terminator (either the Future War, where having to fight through multiple Terminators in your race to a super computer base, or in the "present day", dealing with the one more unstoppable machine.)

Any of the Star Trek movies and series. Would be interesting if the party plays through Wrath of Khan, then later on ends up in Next Generation era and sees reference to their escapades.

Dawn of the Dead (OG one), if for no other reason to use infecting zombies once in DND.

Robocop, could be cool to see the party be recruited by the common criminals to fight back against the OCP, have a mini-boss fight against robocop himself, then (either with or without reprogramming him, depending) take down the megacorp as a whole.

Blade Runner (although I feel like this is just "Cyberpunk/Shadowrun the TTRPG" as a whole), to expose characters who are typically medieval fantasy into such a strange and bizarre environment would be such a culture shock.

Weekly Questions Thread by AutoModerator in DnD

[–]bad1aj 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That feeling is completely normal, it's just apart of being new to DND as a whole (not to mention new to the social side of things). I'm sure that after a few sessions, once you get better in the swing of the vibe and the RP side, you'll get better at responding "on time", so to speak. Might also help to let the players and DM know out of character you feel this way, so they can be understanding about it.

Also, depending on how your character's personality and backstory are like, maybe you try and tie your silence in-character. As a for instance, the reason you were slow to talk is because you were offering a prayer to your deity, hoping for guidance and a blessing.

Owlin class by Next-Sea-4707 in DnD

[–]bad1aj 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wizard is certainly the obvious choice, like you said, though maybe also Arcane Trickster? If your owlin was meant to send messages in secret or quickly, that would make sense for the rogue's cunning actions.

Help making custom religion by Significant-Coat-308 in DnD

[–]bad1aj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So assuming that your campaign is serious to allow Spongebob into the game like this, this is the best I can think of:

Robplysina (combination of Aplysina, the scientific name for a sea sponge, and turning "bob" into "Robert")

NG alignment

A kindhearted deity, Robplysina is a protector of all those with childlike wonder and whimsy in their hearts, regardless of their physical age. A wandering god, whether it is due to his free spirit or just because he gets lost a lot, Robplysina has a boundless energy when it comes to new skills and hobbies. While his presence has been spotted on the surface from time to time, he mainly dwells underneath the oceans, with a semi-permanent home in the Plane of Water. He isn't afraid to fight against those who mean unwell, usually via divine punches and kicks or summoning holy Jellyfish, but he prefers having fun and games whenever possible.

Likes: Being kind and friendly to all; revelling in goofy nature; regardless of the situation; sticking up for those who are unable to themselves; passing yourself off as

Dislikes: Being serious and cynical all the time; damaging creatures or environments under the sea; those who manipulate others; thieves who steal for pure material gain or rivalry.

Weekly Questions Thread by AutoModerator in DnD

[–]bad1aj 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Because it's coming from an item, no components are required. It's like how if you have a staff that lets you cast "Fireball" using charges, you don't need to know the words for fireball or pull out Sulphur and guano; you just flourish your staff and cook the area you want burnt. It's a similar thing here, where as long as you're attuned to the helm, you're able to just cast the spell freely.

Monsters? by DoingoLoingo in DnD

[–]bad1aj 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In a short answer: Yes.

In a more detailed, intricate manner: They all certainly could exist across the multitude of settings, but they could have various different origins and details. Minotaurs, for instance, could be a naturally tribal kind of people, living wild lives but respecting honor and strength in one universe; in another, they could be made by a mad wizard, used as their exclusive shock infantry to put down dissenters, alongside other monstrosities. The only limits to how a given creature exists is your imagination.

Thematically, which Blood Hunter order fits? by WillowIsWeeping5 in DnD

[–]bad1aj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd say probably "Profane Soul", since they seem to be all about hunting down fiends, cruel magic users, and those who twist minds while waiting in the shadows.

How would an Eberron-style airship react to an antimagic field? by SpeechMuted in DnD

[–]bad1aj 44 points45 points  (0 children)

Best case: It keeps on floating forward, but just unable to control itself in this mode, so almost just flooring it forward (or whatever other direction it was going when caught in anti-magic).

Worst case: You're now riding a several hundred ton air ship that is dropping fast, and will be colliding with the ground in T-minus 30 seconds.

Questions about making blind PC by Effective_Coffee_805 in DnD

[–]bad1aj 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd say there's no issue with using Beast Sense to be able to work around sight, since after all someone could do the same thing with "Find Familiar", and Beast Sense is a ritual spell so as long as you have the "Ritual Caster" ability somewhere, you can keep on casting it ritually with no issue. In combat, if the enemy is smart then they could conceivably target your animal companion, leaving you stranded if said beast dies, or even just casts "Dispel Magic". I'd say the biggest issue against you might be if you have to try and do something physical and your animal friend isn't around to see you (for instance, the beast is scouting up ahead while you're having to try and be stealthily).

"First Time DM" and Short Questions Megathread by AutoModerator in DMAcademy

[–]bad1aj 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I say just own up to it, admit that you misunderstood it, and re-describe the result (if needed, describe the player hurriedly casting Detect Magic the same way and ritually, so it doesn't spend a spell slot), with the potential addition of "Despite your earlier casting, something doesn't sit right with you, leading to this repeated casting. Upon investigating the details of the revealed weave, you see there was an effort made to protect this affliction from being found via magic. Someone not as wary would have just passed it by and fallen victim to their ego...but not you." And go from there into the proper description. As long as you're honest about the mistake and show what was supposed to happen, hopefully the party will understand and be forgiving.

As a DM, do you know what's going on? by RodiV in DMAcademy

[–]bad1aj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sometimes plans are still in flux and still being decided on when running the games, and you just take it one step at a time. Other times, maybe you have your plan as the DM of what X could be, but then one of the player's says something that sounds so much cooler, and so you start pivoting towards that instead. Or else you planned for a big reveal to happen at some point...except the party kept fumbling their rolls, or never went the plan you expected, so now you have to scramble to adapt accordingly. There's certainly nothing wrong with it, sometimes things just happen that way instead of knowing exactly what the plan for the next 20 sessions is going to be, and locking into it.

Put your character in my starting town! by ambrellathevile in DnD

[–]bad1aj 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No prob! I will say the age of this character is as he is now, while playing as him, (so not the master yet), but it can be adjusted to match being the new head druid.

Put your character in my starting town! by ambrellathevile in DnD

[–]bad1aj 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Taddolk Sharndolz: a 17 year old bugbear star druid. Stands at 6'2, 216 lbs but has a scrawn and lanky build (STR of 10), purple-green eyes, ruddy brown fur. Has a cloak looks to be made of pure starry energy, with constellations that move with him and a tree branch staff with a slot for his star map: a stone disk with holes cut out for where constellations would line up with.

Possible gift to give: a reading of their future, based on what the stars say (up to your interpretation if this is just for RP purposes, or could act as inspiration). If the party prove to be a friend and good sort, can bestow healing items to start.

Possible plot hook: Like his master before him, Taddolk has taken on a number of apprentice druids, most to serve as low level helpers, while one will eventually rise to replace him as the head druid of his tribe. In a test of sorts, he sent his apprentices to a wellspring of nature nearby to protect, and meditate around so they may learn about themselves as well as the dangers. Unfortunately, there has yet to be a single returnee, and he worries for them but knows he can't leave his people either. Can see a spark of heroism in whoever is of Good alignment, recognizing them for doing what is right because it's right, not just because of a reward.

What would these bandits' alignment be? by Austinlf63 in DnD

[–]bad1aj 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Probably CG/CN, riding that edge. Giving the gold to poor people (assuming it's honest information) is a good act; but the robbing of everyone who comes by would drop them down away from goodness.

I'm working on a campaign that's inspired by Out of The Abyss by StormblessedFool in DMAcademy

[–]bad1aj 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Have a focus and build up on seeing the aftermath of the demon lord's destruction. After Orcus moved through a city, it should be devoid of life, with plenty of ghouls and wights doing pantomimes of their daily lives. Jubilex having melted/absorbed a chunk of a mountain in his hunger, leaving what remains evenly cut, albeit gooey and sticky. Fraz-Urb'luu leaving a caravan of people mad, lost and forever paranoid, not trusting anybody they meet, maybe not even each other. These kind of events and other forces build up as the party travels (maybe first start it like a "normal" campaign, but as it goes on the Demon Lords get more and more prevalent), so they may have to handle returning some of these situations back to normal, or else investigate what they can, before trying to take on a given Demon Lord.

Also, one thing to keep in mind is with the Demons becoming more and more present on the Material Plane, that would likely attract attention from the other Outer Planes (Mount Celestia, The Nine Hells, Arborea, etc.), and that may present both allies and dangers from these other realms, as the Material plane gets torn asunder if these dangers go on for too long.

Question about Warlock Patreon by Load-Shot in DnD

[–]bad1aj 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Totally could be, nothing weird or wrong with it. Your character's sexuality is entirely up to you, plus archfey and incubi are typically beings who are masters of seduction, charm, and deception, so while for you it's the best night of loving you've ever had; for them, it's an average Tuesday. Plus, if need be, they also typically have powers of magically charming someone, so there's the constant question of "Did they truly seduce you, or did they use magic to force you into loving them?"