D&D 4th Edition in English

[MEATER]

As a follow up to the fun we had at the last Rollenspieltreffen I want to try and offer a regular D&D 4E round in english an a DM.

PLAYERS (round full):
- Achim (Dwarf, Clerik)
- Marianne (Human, Rogue)
- Szaki (Human Fighter or Eladrin, Wizard)
- Neon Samurai (Genasi, Swordmage)
- Kaelas (Half-Elf, Warlord)
- Oliver (Elf, Warlock or Wizard)

RULESET: D&D 4E as published so far incl. Forgotten Realms

SETTING: Fantasy but no official D&D

I will use the official WotC 4E adventures and adapt them to a setting of my own. I'll spice them up with more roleplaying and non-combat events though.

Each session should be no more than 60% max "metagamy" combat vs. "traditional" roleplaying. I'll add some thoughts about roleplaying later on so new players know what to expect.

TIME: Weekend (preferably Saturday), at least once a month

NEXT SESSION: Saturday, October, 18th

PLACE: At Achim's

Please tell me what races and classes you are interested in playing and feel free to ask if there are any questions!

[Achim]

MEATER, that sounds great! If you are going to use the official adventures, then I had better not look at them. I have already bought H1-H3, so if you do not have all of them yet, you could also use mine.

I think I would like to play a dwarven cleric again, but preferably the "devoted" build, i.e. focusing more on the ranged attack and healing powers. Somehow that feels more realistic to me than having to hit an enemy in order to heal someone. And I guess it would come closer to the shadow priest I used to play in WoW :-).

Other expectations? Hard to say. But putting in more role playing / non-combat elements sounds very good - I really enjoyed those in the two sessions I participated in so far at the "Treffen". I guess what I am trying to say is that I would like to take part in a story and not just stumble from one (combat) encounter to the next.

[Marianne]

Hey,
Meater, your session description sounds good. :) I like my character to have some kind of backstory and motivation for their actions. And I agree with Achim about taking part in a story rather than a random killing spree!

Hmm... what class would I like to play?
I actually really enjoyed playing a wizard yesterday (to my surprise). So maybe a wizard or a druid for me.
...
But then... I do like playing a rogue! Decisions decisions!

Hmm... yes, I think perhaps a rogue is called for...

or a druid
...
or a wizard

Clearly I'll have to think about this a bit more!!

Also, Achim... my main is a shadow priest too! :P

[MEATER]

Glad to hear we all (so far) want to have a story heavy campaign! So no random fighting, all the fights will be connected with a reason ;) And I also want characters with a backstory and motivation. I'll post some introduction to the setting as soon as we set a date for the first session.

Achim: I already have the H1 but when we finish it I wouldn't mind borrowing your H2 and 3!

Marianne, there are no druids in 4E so far - you can narrow it down to rogue and wizard or take a look at the new warlock class (basically a caster/damage dealer).

btw I played a druid in WOW ;)

I'll list the classes in the first post.

Let's hope more people show up so we can scheldue the first session!!!

[Szaki]

Well it seems you basically suggested the same things I wanted to. That is, I would really like to play again with this group, although I could live without my female fighter... Also, having a bit more actual "role" playing would be better then just slaughtering enemies all day.

What class would I pick? Dunno, if we lack the muscle then i´ll go for a fighter again, but if there is no wizard in the team, then I´d take that.

BTW am I the only one here who doesn´t play WOW?

[NeonSamurai]

I'm interessted, too.

Time to improve my english :)

Where and when did you want to play?

[MEATER]

I guess only Achim and I have the Players Handbook? Would make sense if everyone had a look at it and the races / classes available.

Szaki: Glad you're with us! Having at least one fighter (meaning a defender/tank) would make sense. But this is actually a role that many classes would fit so besides the "ordinary" fighter you could also pick a warlord (basically a fighter that shines through giving orders and tactics to others), a paladin (a fighter/clerik) or the swordmage (the class I played at the Treffen with some nice magic tricks up his sleaves).

Neon: What class would you like to play? If you join us we are ready to scheldue the first session!

Just to put a date on the map: What about Saturday, October, 18th?
Anyone in this round who isn't available on Saturdays in general?

Also we maybe should consider meeting on one evening for character creation.

Achim offered to host and if the offer is still valid I think he doesn't live too far out somewhere in the Schleißheimer Str.?

[Szaki]

I´m pretty sure that I could be a splendid little tank. The exact class should depend on the orientation of the party I guess.
Also, October the 18th looks fine for me.

[NeonSamurai]

I have a players guide, too (and much more 4th stuff).

Well, maybe a feypact Warlock would be fine. :)

I would prefer to play at the weekend.

[MEATER]

Neon: Don't look at any adventures then! I need to use them to save some time preparing :)

So on the weekend once or twice a month is fine for everybody I guess!

I'll try and post some information on the setting I have in mind tonight - including information on the races available as well as the roles of a different classes.

Neon, Achim and Marianne: Please let me know if Oct, 18th works for you, too!

[NeonSamurai]

Neon, Achim and Marianne: Please let me know if Oct, 18th works for you, too!

Sounds good! :)


Neon: Don't look at any adventures then!


I gmed Keep of the Shadowfell and the introduction in the Gamemasters Guide.

I will adventure as a player H2 and H3 in my other group. Maybe you use the Adventure Path in the Dragon (or Dungeon?) or the Faerun modules (F1) ?

[Marianne]

Hey,
October the 18th is fine for me.
Meeting up for character gen is a good idea, but I work every evening during the week except Wednesday.
Did you have a day/date for that in mind?

[Kaelas]

I would like to state my interest as well, if it is not yet to late.

I have to confess that I have never gmed the 4th edition and I do not own a single one of the books you need to play.

It would be quite nice if you would be willing to include me into the group.

October the 18th would be fine for me as well.

[MEATER]

Hi Kaelas, sure the 5th spot is still open, so you're welcome to join us. When you turn out to be totally crazy and everyone in the round hates you so much they never want to play again we can still throw you out I guess ;)

I'll try and post a list of possible classes and races since we have 3 people without even the PHB (Player's Handbook).

Meeting for char gen will be tough since the 18th is the first weekend from now I don't have plans AND the only day during week I am occupied is Wednesday where my weekly D&D session takes place... So it will be hard to get me and Marianne in one spot before we start.

Maybe Neon Samurai or Achim could help you out creating a character? Otherwise we'll have to work it out via e-mail and then fill out the char sheets before we start on the 18th (which shouldn't be a problem).

@Neon: Ok, I'll use the F1 book then and maybe try and play the H1 in my weekly round (should they let me DM).

[Achim]

Wow, this is really moving forward quickly!

So, to answer the questions:

Yes, I am still quite willing to provide the location. I live very close to subway station "Petuelring", so shouldn't be too hard to reach via public transport, bike, or car. I would prefer to provide detailed directions via e-mail or personal message.

October 18 is fine for me, looking forward to seeing all of you (again)!

About the adventures - if Neon already knows / is playing the H1-H3 series, that of course currently limits the choices for published adventures. :) MEATER, I have ordered F1, should be in the mail now. So if you don't have it yet, don't buy it. The adventure path that NeonSamurai mentioned is published in Dungeon (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/duarch/adp), already 3 adventures published, but I haven't looked at them yet. There are also some more adventures here: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/duarch/ad

What else was there? Ah yes, character generation. I still cannot safely say if and when I will be in Munich during the week, so I could only commit to a weekend date at this point in time, or possibly next Monday evening.

Achim

[MEATER]

Unfortunately I already bought the F1... But I'll have a look at the online adventures!

So I'm glad to see that the 18th is fine for everyone! Seems like we have our first session set!

Here's a short list of the available races and classes:

Dragonborn (look like human dragons, are strong, proud and honorable warriors and can breathe fire or an other kind of dragon's breath)

Eladrin (mysterious, almost otherworldly "High Elves", can teleport)

Elf (elves living in the wild forests of the land in harmony with nature)

Half-Elves (best of both worlds but torn between two heritages)

Halflings (small, quick witted and resourcefull)

Humans (very versatile fitting every possible class, in my setting actually a race close to extinction and the story revolves around humanity's fate)

Tieflings (looking like human half demons with horns and red skin combining an intimidating personality and dark side (*cough*Hellboy*cough*)

I'll actually leave out the Dwarf since Achim already wants to play one (and I guess you get the idea).

Since the campaign will revolve around humanty's fate playing a human might be interesting but so will be playing Dragonborn, Eladrin, Tiefling as will anything else. The story will depend heavily on your choices so feel free to choose whatever appeals to you!

Now the classes:

Clerik (a devine healer)

Fighter (Most skilled at using weapons to deal damage as well as take damage wearing armor)

Paladin (Also extremely durable thanks to healing abilities, can challenge enemies to focus their attack on himself)

Ranger (dealing damage using ranged or dual wielded melee weapons, good leader in the wild)

Rogue (stealthy damage dealer and skilled thief)

Warlock (casting highly damaging spells often causing damage over time)

Warlord (an inspiring commander and master of battle tactics)

Wizard (not so much dealing direct damage but able to control the environment often covering areas with his spells)

Swordmage (skilled fighter dealing damage by channelling spells through his sword).

The class describtion is a bit combat heavy, what you make out of your character roleplaywise depends on your own imagination.

From the experience I had so far (which is all very low level) I can only tell that a warlord starts to shine once he has some allies engagin in melee combat and that the swordmage seems a bit imbalanced having some very nice utility powers as well as dealing and taking a sick amount of damage so he makes the ordinary fighter a bit less appealing.

If you are unsure just drop me a PM with a vague idea of a character you want to play and I'll recommend a class!

I'll try and post some notes on the setting tomorrow so you have a little background to back up your decision :)

[NeonSamurai]

I live about 5 minutes away from "Petuelring". :)

Can I choose from Faerun races?
So maybe a drow warlock. I you don't like a drow in the group then I choose a classic race - like Tiefling or something charisma-based.

Or, if we need a(nother) defender, then would love to try out a swordmage. :)

[MEATER]

I'll try and post a quick introduction to the setting I have in mind so far tonight.

I can fit in the drow if you want to play one but right now a Tiefling might be more interesting. It also depends very much on what the others choose to play though.

I'd rather have to defenders in the group than two cleriks or two wizards, although I totally leave it up to you guys.

Play whatever you want and feel interested in. The character should be based much more on your roleplaying preferences than on its fighting role.

[NeonSamurai]

Then i will try Swordmage.

[Oliver]

Hi,
I think it was a nice session at the last "Rollenspieltreffen", so I would like to join as well if you don't think the group is too crowded already.

[Achim]

Hi Oliver,

I was wondering if/when you would show up :) I guess that would make a total of 6 players plus master. I think I can manage that as far as the location is concerned - might have to improvise a bit with the table(s). So I guess it is really up to MEATER if he can adapt the adventures and handle that many players.

Personally I would think that having a slightly high number of players is better than too low, in case someone has to cancel on short notice.

Something we haven't discussed yet is at what time we will meet. Should we start at 11 like in the Rollenspieltreffen, or would you rather play in the evening?

Achim

[MEATER]

Here as promised an introduction to the setting. I actually wanted to put it on a homepage in oder to update it later on and keep it as a reference but I'm to tired tonight to set it up, so this is only copy and paste from the word doc I typed it up in.

Hope the word restrictions for a single msg are not to thight for this to fit :)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Over centuries humanity has prospered and quickly colonized the continent of Hyra only leaving the mountains in the North to the Dwarves and respecting the boarders of the Eladrin kingdom to the east.

In spite of mankind’s prosperity dragons and their various monstrous servants have always remained a problem. They raided cities and regularly captured and devoured humans wherever possible. Many regions settled into offering human sacrifices to keep the dragons and their offsprin well fed and content enough to spare their settlements.
Roughly two hundred years ago the prophecy was fulfilled and the foretold Dragonslayer emerged: A human warrior meant to free humanity and end the reign of the dragons over Hyra.

Wielding a sword forged by a dwarven smith the Dragonslayer managed to united Dwarves and the nomad Elves of the woods to the Alliance. Only the Eladrin refused to tamper with the balance in nature and insisted to remain neutral during the following war.
The Dragonslayer managed to slay the oldest dragon of the world throwing its offspring into a war among themselves and their armies of creatures. The Dragon Wars resulted in some tribes of the Dragonkin claiming freedom from a life in slavery and betrayed their dragon lords.

The war between the dragons was wild, brutal and chaotic. The forces of the alliance got caught in the middle and although some battles could be won the dragons soon united again and turned against humanity systematically erasing every human city, village and camp across the continent starting on the coast in the west. Humans facing the dragons were either directly eaten, magically forced into fighting for the dragons or taken hostage possibly as food reserves for their attackers.

Realizing that they were fighting a war that could not be won the allies of the Dragonslayer retreated to Krete the largest city in the east of the continent. Goran a powerful Eladrian magic user that had betrayed his people and joined the Dragonslayer managed to cast a powerful spell creating an enormous protective sphere around the city and the surrounding land.

The spell was so powerful that Goran faded away and vanished once the spell was cast forfeiting his existence to create a sanctuary for everyone seeking safety from the dragons and their minions.

The Dragonslayer and the remains of his forces retreated to the dwarven kingdom to the north leading the resistance against the remaining elder dragons from the save caverns of the dwarven kingdom. The limited remaining forces left hit and run tactics as only option to carry on the fight for humanity’s freedom. The remaining fighters became known as The Hand and it became a matter of course for every gifted human to join the Hand.

Today, almost two generations of humans have lived under the sphere in safety of the dragons.

Life in the crater (as the remaining land of Krete under the sphere is now often called) brought changes however: Several humans born under the sphere developed differently than ordinary humans. Some humans gained the ability to use magic, others developed different kinds of skills like being able to wield weapons with greater power or have heightened senses or other abilities succeeding those of any ordinary human. Some of these so called Gifted also changed their appearance once their powers manifested turning into Halflings and Tieflings.

All Tieflings and Halflings were required to join the Hand, of course and although some citizens were concerned regarding these “new human” races, they were accepted as defenders and fighters for the cause as they like all members of the Hand were trained by the few heroes surviving the war to continue the fight.

The campaign will start off with the players joining the Hand. If you don't pick a Human, Tiefling, Halfling or Elf or other citizen of the crater you should think of a reason why your character is interested in joining.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Since I didn't think about the races added in the FR PHB I think I'll handle them like Halflings and Tieflings, humans born under the sphere that changed once their special abilities manifested.

*EDIT*: Oliver! Glad you're joining us! 6 players will be a bit tough but I think it should work and as Achim said: It's nice to have extra case some are not available or leave the round. Let me know what class and race you would be interested in playing!

[Kaelas]

I would choose a fighter or rogue, depending on Marianne's and Szaki's choice...

[Oliver]

Fighter or rogue would also be my choice. As for race I would go for either Elf or Half-Elf.

[Achim]

MEATER, that is a very nice setting. I hope that I understand it correctly:

a large part of the remaining forces of the Dragonslayer retreated to the dwarven kingdom in the North (and they are carrying out the fight against the dragons from there). However some remained in or retreated back to the crater - those later became The Hand, and they are carrying out the hit and run tactics.

Also I guess that the elves would either still be nomadic or that they have also retreated to the crater - I cannot imagine elves living in dwarven caves.

If this is correct, I would have an idea for my dwarf's background story. I would have been part of a force that was sent out from the dwarven caves to fight some dragons, but we were overwhelmed by the dragons and had to retreat back to the caverns. I was left for dead on the battlefield. Some short time later, a team from The Hand found me there, and an elvish cleric form that team noticed that I was still not quite dead. If he hadn't found and revived me, I would certainly have died a short time later. So that is when I decided to honor that cleric's god and become a cleric myself, and also to try and join The Hand.

Would that kind of story work out?

Also, what gods are we having in that setting - those from the core book, or the ones from Forgotten Realms?

[Marianne]

....

I've decided that I vote rogue. :)

[MEATER]

So at the moment the party looks like this:

- Achim (Dwarven Clerik)
- Neon Samurai (Swordmage)
- Marianne (Rogue)
- Szaki (Fighter or Wizard)
- Kaelas (Fighter or Rogue)
- Oliver (Fighter or Rogue) Elf, Half-Elf (or Eladrin?)

Why is it everyone wants a fighter or a rogue? :)

I sure hope Szaki will go for the wizard, then - really would be a pity not to have a wizard, wouldn't it?

But as I promised I will let you play whatever you want, so you CAN all pick Fighters or Rogues if you prefer HOWEVER I'd also like you to consider some of the other classes.

The Ranger for example might be a nice alternative for a Rogue. There will be a fair amount of travelling through the wild lands and a Ranger would really shine finding save paths through woods possibly avoiding the attention of some of the dragon's minions.

Also consider: Stealing is not that exciting without many large cities to pick rich men's pockets ;)

A Rogue in the Hand would be more like a trained assassin than a thief.

And for those of you interested in Fighters: A Warlord for example will be really powerfull having that many melee fighters at his disposal that he can buff in combat.

As for the races, please think of them, too. While the class will decide over your role in combat the race will be very important for the roleplaying!

Do you want to belong to the "real" or "pure" humans who (in a way) started the war, lost everything in it and now are battling extinction?

Do you want to belong to one of the "new" human races like Halfling or Tiefling who are fairly new to the world and still have to find their place in it?

Do you want to belong to one of the "ancient" races like the Dwarves, Dragonborn or Eladrin? Or a nomad Elf living mostly in the woods? Or a half-elf born from a human-elven relationship? Either wanting to fight the dragons seeing them as oppressors or seeing them as just part of the cosmic balance?

I'll actually have to prepare most of our first session this weekend since the following weekend is pretty stuffed and I don't have the time to take down more than a few ideas during the evenings over the week.

So it would be nice to have a rough idea what classes and races you are interested in before I get started. Not having any human at all in the group would make a huge difference for example as would having a majority of Elves, Darves or Tieflings!

I don't wanna pressure you buuuut YOU want to have the best story possible, right? So please help me out getting the right angle to approach the epic tale :)

[Oliver]

Rogue would have been my preferred class, but since it seems everybody else wants to play one, I'll change my mind and play an Elven Warlock or Wizard. The character can still have the personality of a rogue. ;-)

[Szaki]

Hi there!

To make life easier for the rest of the party, I have generated a human fighter (Bar brawler, kinda Bud Spencer-ish), and an Eladrin wizard (the archetypical absent minded professor).
I have used this D&d 4E chargen: http://www.pathguy.com/cg4.htm
And this site for getting the appropriate descriptions for races, classes, feats and stuff: http://ww2.wizards.com/dnd/insider/database.aspx?searchterm=

Both characters have a nice little background behind them, and I am equally happy to play with both of em.
If there will be no wizard in the party then I will provide one, otherwise you can expect a fighter from me.

[MEATER]

Awesome links Szaki! Thanks for posting them!

If you choose a Dragonborn, Eladrin, Elf or Dwarf please think about a motivation to join (or at least work closely with) the Hand. Some kind of affinity for humans would come with it.

From the setting an Eladrin might need the most explaining since they refused to take part in the war.

Any other character born in the crater would join naturally.

I also think we should move the thread to the Hausrunden part of the board since we don't really need more players or a location.

Do any of you still want to meet for character creation or maybe discussing the setting or anything else that still might bother you?

@NeonSamurai: Can we just move the whole thread or do I have to start a new one?

[NeonSamurai]

I'll move it. :)

[Kaelas]

Ok, than I would like to try a warlord. I just don't think that I could play a ranger convincingly. Race would be Half-elf.

[MEATER]

Thanks for moving the thread, Neon!

So far the party looks like this:

- Achim (Dwarf, Clerik)
- Marianne (??, Rogue)
- Szaki (Human Fighter or Eladrin Wizard)
- Neon Samurai (??, Swordmage)
- Kaelas (Half-Elf, Warlord)
- Oliver (Elf, Warlock or Wizard)

I'm anxious to hear what races Neon Samurai and Marianne are going to choose :)

I sense a certain affinity towards pointed ears in the party so far as well as a supspicion towards the mighty Dragonborn, the shady Tieflings, the little Halflings and the endangered humans ;)

[Marianne]

Endangered human for me please :)

[Kaelas]

If we would create our own character, do we use the 32 point buy system?

Which level would we start at?

A question for my background, how many years are two generations?

[MEATER]

If we would create our own character, do we use the 32 point buy system?

buy system but with 22 points :)


Which level would we start at?

Level 1

A question for my background, how many years are two generations?

I'd say about 80 to 100 years. So if you play a human or "new" human your grandfather might have fought in the war. If you play a dwarf, dragonborn or elf you might even have fought in it yourself (they all get over 200 years old).

[NeonSamurai]

How about Genasi?

[MEATER]

In my setting Gensai (and Drow) would work like Tieflings and Halflings. They were born as humans in the crater and started manifesting strange abilities and changed their appearance while growing up.

While halflings and tieflings are fairly common by now drow and genasi only started appearing very recently so a player deciding for one of those races could be one of very few or even the first one to emerge.

So roleplaywhise neither drow nor genasi will be intersting to play when you are looking to play out on their cultural background from FR. Apart from their personality they will turn out very similar to a Tiefling regarding their social status in human society.

Talking about Tieflings: OLIVER! A tiefling might be a very interesting choice when you want a warlock or wizard with a rogue personality. :)

Since tieflings feel a bit alienated by the majority of humans in the crater they have a society of their own in a certain part of the city. Having a tiefling in the party might be helpfull if you would want to blend in with the tieflings looking for information.

But as I said, it's all up to you guys and what role you want to play!

[NeonSamurai]

k, Genasi for Neon. :)

[MEATER]

k, Genasi for Neon. :)

Ok, I think I already have some ideas for having a Genasi Swordmage in the party :)

Let me know what element you decide to manifest!

[NeonSamurai]

I will but i'm not shure in the moment. Maybe Fire or Earth. Or both. ;)

[Achim]

Just wondering: how would a dragonborn fit into the setting? I mean, they look a bit too different from humans to be just "mutations", at least if you stick to the player's handbook. And given the role that dragons seem to play in the world, maybe there is something special about them?

[MEATER]

The Dragon Wars resulted in some tribes of the Dragonkin claiming freedom from a life in slavery and betrayed their dragon lords.

The Dragonkin are the Dragonborn.

Don't want to give too much away but each of the Dragons had a tribe of Dragonborn serving him. During the war some of the Dragonborn revolted and fought on the side of the humans against the dragons. So some but not all Dragonborn are "human friendly".

At the moment the dwarves, elves (the more high culture eladrin and nomad "forest" elves) and dragonborn are the only races known to live outside the crater.

[Oliver]

Just to clarify:

Did we agree on a time? Achim raised the question before, but I don't think there was an answer. My preference is early afternoon, maybe around two o'clock.

Also, I don't know or own the rules, so I would need someone to help me create my character. Or did we decide to create the characters at the first session?

[MEATER]

I'm pretty flexible regarding when we start but I would like to wrap up around 7 pm.

So it depends on how much game you want to get out of the day ;)

I've asked about character creation and also offered a meeting during the week in the evening (excluding Wednesday). Just let me know when and where!

Everyone can also create a character using the links Szaki posted. I can also offer support by PM or e-mail regarding character creation and background.

But I would really like to start playing right away on the 18th and only take some time for a short q&a up front. So I presume everybody shows up with at least the background story and the basic stats for his character set.

[Oliver]

If we have to finish at 7 pm we should start earlier than two o'clock. The same time as the "Rollenspieltreffen" would be okay I guess: 11 o'clock.

[NeonSamurai]

Before 12 o'clock at the weekend? Pleeeeeaaaaseeee not. ;)

[MEATER]

Didn't you live like just 5 minutes from Achim's place?! ;)

How about be start at 12 and finish around 8?

[NeonSamurai]

Didn't you live like just 5 minutes from Achim's place?! ;)

yes. ;)


How about be start at 12 and finish around 8?
Sounds perfect to me. :)

[Szaki]

Hi everybody!

12 o'clock would be better for me too (after all it IS a saturday).
About character creation: I think I've managed to put together a nice fighter and a wizard, but before we start playing a quick peek at my character sheet from a more experienced player would be appreciated.

[NeonSamurai]

12 o'clock would be better for me too (after all it IS a saturday).

The prosecution rests. :P

[Achim]

Ok, 12 o'clock is fine for me as well. What do you guys (and lady, of course) want to have for drinks? I'll definitely have mineral water and coffee available (as well as tea). If there is anything else you would like, let me know.

I'll send you all some directions how to find my place via PN.

Anything else I am missing concerning the logistics?

Oh, and I also created my cleric already, I will look at it again and then send it to MEATER to check.

Achim

[Marianne]

Hey guys,
Sorry to throw a spanner in the works, but I have to teach from 11 until 12.30 every Saturday so I imagine I won't be able to get there until 1.30. I live rent free in a house with a couple and teach their daughter in exchange. However, I'm currently looking for my own flat (any tips are welcome) so hopefully the situation will be different in a month or so.
I'll definitely still be living there on the 18th though. :(
Marianne

[Achim]

Hm, that's too bad, I guess that would mean we only have about 4,5 hours if MEATER doesn't want to play into the evening. But that's life :)

So what we could still do is start at 12 for those that still have to create their characters. And/or I could pick you up at your place by car if that would be quicker.

Achim

[Marianne]

Hi,
It's nice of you to offer to pick me up. I live in Daglfing so looking at the route I'd have to take it probably would be quicker for you to pick me up. I don't want to inconvenience you though so it's up to you. As I said, I'll finish teaching at 12.30 on Saturday, assuming I haven't found a place and moved out before then (which would be brilliant, but seems unlikely).
Marianne

[Achim]

Ok, Daglfing should be 15-20 minutes by car depending on traffic. So if I pick you up at 12.30, that would mean we could aim to start at 1 p.m.

Would that be ok for everyone? Or does anybody want to meet earlier for things like character creation and/or ordering lunch?

[NeonSamurai]

Sounds fine and thanks for your support (car, location,...) :)

[Kaelas]

Sounds good, see you saturday...

[MEATER]

Really looking forward to the session already! :)

Meeting at 13:00 is fine, I'll push my plans for the evining a bit so we can play till 8pm. But please everybody show up with some character preparation. This means:

- Have a concept of the character you want to play (mainly class and role as well as his or her motivation as a hero)
- If you play a Dwarf or Eladrin think of a good reason why your character wants to join the hand. Also be ready to describe your characteristics to some extent (you've known each other for about two years maybe more!)
- Using the links Szaki sent through, click your character together with the editor and print it out
- Take notes of questions you have regarding the character information you printed out

This way we should only have to discuss powers and some rule mechnics and questions regarding the setting before we start.

Everyone who owns a PHB should bring it so we have several copies to look up the powers etc.

@Achim: Can I use your copy of the MM and DMG?

[Szaki]

Folks, I have bad news. I have to go to a big friends/familiy get together in Hungary this weekend, and this means I can not attend to the game on Saturday. So, just go on without me... :(

I am quite sorry about this, but luckily the group has still enough players for a good game, and hopefully no such problem will occur at the next session.
I wish you a good game for now, and I really hope that the group will stay together, so we can play again in the near future.

And if anyone could post a short summary after the game about what trouble you got into this time, I would appreciate it.

[MEATER]

That's a pity but still: Have a good trip to Hungary and a fun gathering there!

I'll post a summary after the game on here so you'll know what you missed!

And thanks for telling up fornt, so I can still tune down the encounters planned tomorrow evening :)

[Achim]

Ok, great - it looks like most people will be there. Really looking forward to the session myself. So far we have confirmations from

- MEATER
- Oliver
- NeonSamurai
- Kaelas

Szaki declined - have a good trip! Answer from Marianne still outstanding - it will be difficult for me to pick you up if you don't tell me where ;). Oh and I guess I will be there myself as well.

[NeonSamurai]

Which classes are already choosen?

[Achim]

@Achim: Can I use your copy of the MM and DMG?

Guess I missed this question last night. Of course you can use my manuals as well as the DM screen.

And to answer NeonSamurai's question - I assume the classes listed in the beginning of the thread are still correct:

- Achim (Dwarf, Clerik)
- Marianne (Human, Rogue)
(- Szaki (Human Fighter or Eladrin, Wizard) )
- Neon Samurai (Genasi, Swordmage)
- Kaelas (Half-Elf, Warlord)
- Oliver (Elf, Warlock or Wizard)

So without Szaki, we don't have any fighter. But I guess if Neon sticks with his Swordmage, that would cover the defender role.

[Marianne]

Hi!
Yes, I will be coming. Hopefully my sore throat will be a bit better tomorrow. Looking forward to the game.
Marianne

[Achim]

Fantastic, then it looks like everyone except for Szaki will be there. And we will be able to start at 1 p.m. as planned if Google maps is correct about the driving time to/from Marianne's place.

Achim

[MEATER]

Thanks for the fun session on saturday! I had a lot of fun and am really looking forward to continue the adventure! :)

Next session will be on Sat. Nov, 15th. We should start again at 13:00 but can maybe extend the session later into the evening.

I also promised a short summary for Szaki, so here it is:

Having completed your training in the hand you have been waiting for some while for the final test to prove you are ready - although you already have a pretty clear idea what the test will include (proving that you can survive outside the crater, proving that you are willing to help the people in the crater, proving that you are able to administer justice and represent human values) you have spend the last days waiting for the trial to be announced in some official manner.

Today was a special day you have been looking forward to since today one of the great heroes returns to the crater and you expect this famous Paladin named Kendar to supervise your final test.

While killing the time waiting for Kendar's arrival, Ambir (Achims Dwarven Clerik) encountered a boy who recognized him from his fathers funeral and asked him for help since his brother had left the crater following a dare by a gang of Tiefling youngsters and was killed by a pack of drakes.

The party decided to take the boy to his mother first and was asked to retrive a valuable medal that had been in the family's possession for a long time.

Leaving the crater (a first time for some of the party!) the group managed to retrieve the medal from a strange little dragon creature after confronting a bunch of drakes that were about to kill a young tiefling thug who fled the battle as soon as he had the chance.

Apparently the little dragon used to be a messenger between dragons and humans and was quite excited to be able to talk to humans again and showing interest in Jett (Neon's Genasi Swordmage). Without a fight the party traded a pouch full of dried meat for the medal.

In order to hide the fact that Corvin (Alex's Warlord) and Porphyria (Marianne's Rogue) were covered in drake blood from a failed attempt to open their stomachs searching for the medal the party decided to enter the crater again from an other position to reach the hand training ground without having to cross through the city again.

Arriving back on the training grounds (and after a short change of cloths) they joined the feast in the mess hall held to honor the return of Kendar and his party.

The next session will start with Porphyria, Ambir, Jett, Moonglum and Corvin joining with Szaki's Fighter at his table during the feast.

I'll give Szaki some information on the events happening during your absence at the academy before the next session begins.

You will also earn some XP for your little adventure outside of the crater, but I have to calculate the numbers yet (busy week so far...).

Also any kind of feedback regarding the session would be welcome (and I am NOT fishing for any compliments here! *g*) so I can try and focus further session more on parts you enjoy and try and cut on things you don't like that much.

[Szaki]

Hi everybody!

Thank you for the summary. I have also talked to Kaelas (as we work in the same building) so I am more or less filled in on what you where doing in my absence. Achim has sent me your e-mail addresses, and I have given him mine, so hopefully you will all get it shortly.

The other thing: I see I can play my fighter (defender) on the next session, but I have been told that you already have enough defenders, but lack strikers. So would the team more like a defensive or offensive type of warrior? (be warned, the offensive fighter will be exceptionally dumb, the defender is more balanced)

[MEATER]

Actually I don't think there could be enough or too many defenders. from the experience I have so far with 4E a problem for a party could be having too many characters with low hitpoints that shouldn't end up in melee combat.

Also I would count the swordmage more as a striker than as defender. At least I think he can dish out more than a Fighter or Paladin.

And finally: I don't think the difference between a Fighter played either way will make that much of a difference in combat, so you should base your decision more on what kind of character you would want to play out of combat.

[Szaki]

Okay, defender it is then.