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sure, if you want to end up with a collection of cute little figurines and no upgraded weapons.....

*To myself: Ah, yes, a typical warrior's retort, a perspective where one's value depends on the weaponry - size of, quantity of - one wields.

Sigh. I have already made it quite clear that this statuette bears little by way of objective artistic merit, as adjudged by elves, though I'll admit - with a degree of reluctance - that a certain craftsmanship informed by no small skill was responsible for its creation.

Mind you, no Elf would be seen with such a thing, were we to contemplate the acquisition and collection of objects d'art made by others. Rather, I wish to confirm whether (or not) it has any magical properties……before we finally part with it.*
 
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(@Scepticalscribe, @Moyank24, @twietee, @Plutonius) is everyone comfortable with their upgraded new selves? clarifications needed?
syllin, have you picked your 2 new spells?

As to the questions asked: Re the first, I suppose that I am getting used to my (somewhat) enhanced powers. I daresay that they may be needed when facing the doubtless enhanced powers of the creatures and humanoids we may expect to counter who are set to oppose us.

Yes, when I have had time to mull over things a little more, I expect that I may yet seek further clarifications (and thank you for asking).

Re spells, no, I haven't chosen them. I assume that 'Identify' is out of my reach for now, unless @ravenvii rules that I have a single, solitary pearl in my component pouch.

(An aside: How has this been run - or interpreted - elsewhere, and previously?)
 
As to the questions asked: Re the first, I suppose that I am getting used to my (somewhat) enhanced powers. I daresay that they may be needed when facing the doubtless enhanced powers of the creatures and humanoids we may expect to counter who are set to oppose us.

Yes, when I have had time to mull over things a little more, I expect that I may yet seek further clarifications (and thank you for asking).

Re spells, no, I haven't chosen them. I assume that 'Identify' is out of my reach for now, unless @ravenvii rules that I have a single, solitary pearl in my component pouch.

(An aside: How has this been run - or interpreted - elsewhere, and previously?)


I would say that by the time, you'll need to use Identify on a magical items, your group will absolutly have gathered enough ressources to be able to afford a 100g pearl.

Right now, it's not really about the usefulness of a spell, you already have those, it's more the flavor you want to give to your character.
 
As to the questions asked: Re the first, I suppose that I am getting used to my (somewhat) enhanced powers. I daresay that they may be needed when facing the doubtless enhanced powers of the creatures and humanoids we may expect to counter who are set to oppose us.

Yes, when I have had time to mull over things a little more, I expect that I may yet seek further clarifications (and thank you for asking).

Re spells, no, I haven't chosen them. I assume that 'Identify' is out of my reach for now, unless @ravenvii rules that I have a single, solitary pearl in my component pouch.

(An aside: How has this been run - or interpreted - elsewhere, and previously?)

i think in general you would not get the pearl as a freeby. but raven might decide differently.
as an exercise to help you decide the spells, you can post what you think are the cons and pros of the 5 spells, including how often you would prepare/use them. then we can chime in on that regards

consider also that the next time you will get new spells (unless we find some along the way, which is fairly rare) is when you level up. Next is level 3, at 900 XP, when you will get another two spells, but you also get access to L2 spells, so the 2 would have to be picked from the remaining L1 and all the L2 spells, which obviously include some more powerful options
 
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But as your HP gives up so does the level of future adversaries. Funny how that works in RPGs... :p

Actually, it's based on level (not hit points). Going up to second level means that we will be fighting more difficult creatures.

Since Veit (@twietee) has the highest hit points right now, he will be staying in the front rank while us fighters will shoot / throw things from behind him :D.

[doublepost=1460042671][/doublepost]
Re spells, no, I haven't chosen them. I assume that 'Identify' is out of my reach for now, unless @ravenvii rules that I have a single, solitary pearl in my component pouch.

You only have to buy the pearl once. Besides, @ravenvii might take pity on us and have us find one in course of our adventuring.

@Don't panic is correct when he states that this time will probably be the last time you add to your first level spells. After you reach third level, you will be adding higher level spells to your book. As such, choose carefully :D.

For you entertainment, this is a description on how the 2nd edition AD&D Identify spell worked. I think you will agree that the current edition is much better as far as this spell.

@ravenvii, @Don't panic: A quick rules question. There was some mention of attainment / identification of magic items during a short rest without the use of an identify spell in 5e. In your 5e campaigns, how do you handle to identification of magic items ?
 
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i think in general you would not get the pearl as a freeby. but raven might decide differently.
as an exercise to help you decide the spells, you can post what you think are the cons and pros of the 5 spells, including how often you would prepare/use them. then we can chime in on that regards

consider also that the next time you will get new spells (unless we find some along the way, which is fairly rare) is when you level up. Next is level 3, at 900 XP, when you will get another two spells, but you also get access to L2 spells, so the 2 would have to be picked from the remaining L1 and all the L2 spells, which obviously include some more powerful options

I suppose what I really would like to know is whether I can add Identify to my spell book as one of the eight spells inscribed there even when I lack one of the key, core, ingredients.

With five passive slots, plus Arcane Recovery, (which allows recovery of a slot after four hours), and plus, Detect Magic (a ritual spell cast differently), I can now add an extra spell to the original four, and call upon an extra spell.

My immediate instincts are to have Sleep, Magic Missile, Mage Armour and Burning Hands - the last not used on our foray into the goblins' den, or hideout, - at all times.

Shield is obviously useful, and I must read the descriptions of the others, to see what two extra spells might benefit from addition to my spell book.

There are two things to decide, really. The first is the choice of the two spells to be added to the spell book, and the second is whatever extra spell - and it will be one at most because the core spells are too useful - is to be added to my spell slots.

It would be nice if I could add Identify to the Spell Book, even if it could not be called upon immediately for use in a slot.
 
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So where are you guys?
  • Outskirts of town
  • Pub
  • Smithy
  • House of fine threads
  • Watching a play in the park
  • Brothel
  • Stable
  • Apothecary
  • GeneraL Merchandise Merchant
  • Sitting on the porch at the tavern
  • Ye Old Arcane and Magical Supplies
  • Striking up a conversation with the serving wench
  • Pancake house
  • Walking through the Renaissance Faire
  • Back alley gambling establishment
  • Taking a hot bath
  • Sleeping for 24 hrs at the tavern
  • Looking for your employer to tell him you lost his wagon and all the supplies too, but you'd like a raise. ;)
 
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But as your HP gives up so does the level of future adversaries. Funny how that works in RPGs... :p

Yes, but raven could have rolled a 1 for me and the future adversaries would still have higher levels. :p

Since Veit (@twietee) has the highest hit points right now, he will be staying in the front rank while us fighters will shoot / throw things from behind him :D.

I like the front row! Lucky me that I'm a dwarf. ;)
 
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So where are you guys?
  • Outskirts of town
  • Pub
  • Smithy
  • House of fine threads
  • Watching a play in the park
  • Brothel
  • Apothecary
  • GeneraL Merchandise Merchant
  • Sitting on the porch at the tavern
  • Ye Old Arcane and Magical Supplies
  • Striking up a conversation with the serving wench
  • Pancake house
  • Walking through the Renaissance Faire
  • Back alley gambling establishment
  • Taking a hot bath
  • Sleeping for 24 hrs at the tavern
  • Looking for your employer to tell him you lost his wagon and all the supplies too, but you'd like a raise. ;)

Our employer was kidnapped, so we report to those with whom he may have worked. I assume that Sildar Hallwinter - who has been strangely close-mouthed, - although naturally grateful for his rescue - may tender some advice on this once we arrive at the conurbation.

Re the destroyed wagon, do, please, bear in mind, that Sildar Hallwinter has promised to ensure that this little adventure will not leave us out of pocket, so we can expect to receive the monies owed to us.

Moreover, the stuff we found in the goblin hideout will allow for the turning of a small profit.

Indeed, this means that those for whom this was intended as a small adventure to gain experience or perhaps,
some small coin, will be amply remunerated and will be able to withdraw if that was their sole motivation.

Also, we lost our own mounts on this expedition, a matter which I am sure will be mentioned.

Not only that, we also cleared the road of an infestation of goblins, who had been robbing, raiding and kidnapping for quite some time if the elaborate nature of their hideout was anything to go by - rendering it more secure for both trade and traffic, something which can only benefit the town. This is a point we ought to make, politely yet firmly.

So, in truth, requesting a raise strikes me as entirely logical in the circumstances, the response of a fellowship who know their true value and worth.
 
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I suppose what I really would like to know is whether I can add Identify to my spell book as one of the eight spells inscribed there even when I lack one of the key, core, ingredients.

With five passive slots, plus Arcane Recovery, (which allows recovery of a slot after four hours), and plus, Detect Magic (a ritual spell cast differently), I can now add an extra spell to the original four, and call upon an extra spell.

My immediate instincts are to have Sleep, Magic Missile, Mage Armour and Burning Hands - the last not used on our foray into the goblins' den, or hideout, - at all times.

Shield is obviously useful, and I must read the descriptions of the others, to see what two extra spells might benefit from addition to my spell book.

There are two things to decide, really. The first is the choir of the two spells to be added to the spell book, and the second is whatever extra spell - and it will be one at most because the core spells are too useful - is to be added to my spell slots.

It would be nice if I could add Identify to the Spell Book, even if it could not be called upon immediately for use in a slot.

yes, you certainly can get Identify for later use.
Also, Identify can be cast normally but also as a Ritual, so you don't necessarily need a slot to use Identify, nor need to always prepare it (like Detect Magic). in that case you do need extra time and quiet

A note on Ritual casting for wizards: some spells can be cast as ritual, taking some extra time and not requiring a slot, nor the spell to be prepared (the cleric needs to prepare it). However, they can ALSO be cast normally, during regular actions or in combat, when there would be no time to do the Ritual. in that case they do use a slot and need to be prepared.

Finally, be aware that any character can learn the basic properties of a magic item, just by dedicating a short rest to studying it. So to an extent, Identify is not strictly required (it does get more information and quicker, though)
 
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Our employer was kidnapped, so we report to those with whom he may have worked. I assume that Sildar Hallwinter - who has been strangely close-mouthed, - although naturally grateful for his rescue - may tender some advice on this once we arrive at the conurbation.
Re the destroyed wagon, do, please, bear in mind, that Sildar Hallwinter has promised to ensure that this little adventure will not leave us out of pocket, so we can expect to receive the monies owed to us.

Moreover, the stuff we found in the goblin hideout will allow for the turning of a small profit.

Indeed, this means that those for whom this was intended as a small adventure to gain experience or perhaps,
some small coin, will be amply remunerated and will be able to withdraw if that was their sole motivation.

Also, we lost our own mounts on this expedition, a matter which I am sure will be mentioned.

Not only that, we also cleared the road of an infestation of goblins, who had been robbing, raiding and kidnapping for quite dome time if the elaborate nature of their hideout was anything to go by - rendering it more secure for both trade and traffic, something which can only benefit the town. This is a point we ought to make, politely yet firmly.

So, in truth, requesting a raise strikes me as entirely logical in the circumstances, the response of a fellowship who know their true value and worth.

Ah yes, thanks for the memory jog, Gunren Rockseeker set out ahead from Neverwinter to Phandalin, with the party to follow with the wagon. Besides Sildar Hallwinter, who has not said anything, who was the person in Phandalin, who might know something about the endeavor? In other words, you will the party be the party is looking for in town? I don't remember. :(
 
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Neverwinter region minus future story related landmarks
I've always found maps to help my immersion, so I can see if where I'm at in the adventuring world. Please let me know if they are or are not appreciated. If objections, I'll remove.


Craigmaw Hideout
(I realize this would have been a major spoiler if posted before visiting there).


Unmarked Phandalin

For Phandalin, I can upload a marked map which includes things like the Phandalin Miner's Exchange, Town Master's Hall, Barthen's Provisions, Stonehill Inn, an Orchard, and locations that may be adventure related such as individual's homes. If you don't consider these things as spoilers, I can upload that one. Of note, I have not previewed any of the future story narrative.





Ah yes, thanks for the memory jog, Gunren Rockseeker set out ahead from Neverwinter to Phandalin, with the party to follow with the wagon. Besides Sildar Hallwinter, who has not said anything, who was the person in Phandalin, who might know something about the endeavor? In other words, you will the party be the party is looking for in town? I don't remember. :(

maps are nice, but i think you should check with ravenvii before uploading any of the maps.
More so when they includes locales where we have not been yet (like the general map and the village map)
 
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maps are nice, but i think you should check with ravenvii before uploading any of the maps.
More so when they includes locales where we have not been yet (like the general map and the village map)

Well the region map with general features is specifically minus all of the story related landmarks except Cragmaw Hideout (which I added). Can it be assumed that these characters did not grow up in a vacuum and are familiar with the general features of region they are in? And the town has no features marked on it. However, if the group or DM wants me to remove these things I can.
 
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the characters have different backgrounds, so some will and some will not be familiar with any or all of the geographical hallmarks od the area, and the layout of the village.
but my point was more that what to show or not should be a decision of the DM.
if ravenvii is fine with it, i have no objections
 
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the characters have different backgrounds, so some will and some will not be familiar with any or all of the geographical hallmarks od the area, and the layout of the village.
but my point was more that what to show or not should be a decision of the DM.
if ravenvii is fine with it, i have no objections

I've removed the display of two of the maps, but they are still attached.
 
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