Online Campaign
Plans Within Plans
Turns 8-17
Introduction From The Jericho: Some of the group’s true character begins to emerge as the importance and danger of this mission begins to take hold. Then they head out and experience how tough combat can be when everyone is not sending in their turns daily. We take a break after this as many of us are going on vacation and with these set of turns we say goodbye to the email game.
Plans Within Plans: Turn 8
Gareth says "Nice speech Jus. Who said anything about not taking the
mission? I think we should go in the front of the camp changed into the
Claws stating we are the Bloody Claws with orders to deliver. We then
deliver the orders and leave. If they ask why we're early we say because
we traveled fast to get you the orders tonight. We might be ordered to
stay. In that case we either have to have an excuse to leave or we must
slip out after the horde begins to move. That way they probably won't
change the orders and we can then take care of the Claws.
Gareth says to Kat "Don't worry. You never really know how things will
come out when your out in the field. It's always a risk. Besides. I
swore an oath to protect you. Do the mission because if you don't your
mother's home could be destroyed if the horde gets here."
Kat says "OK I am not a statistician, so some one else start talking and I will add
in anything when and if I can."
Flaust says,"Question: Can any of us speak Orcish? We'll have to if we're
going to fool anybody. If not, can we charm/dominate an Orc in the camp and
have him come with us to help in the delivery of the message?"
Tiburon looks around at everyone and says, " I think one of the mages should use the Crystal Ball to locate the leaders tent. That way we will know just where we need to go. We can use the polymorphs once we get inserted so we can have the most time looking like Orcs. Once we get the plans switched, the mages should try to scry the real plans and we can mass teleport there, take the couriers by surprise and wipe them out. We can then join the Lord Roscoe and rest of the army to complete the rout of these scum. Anyone have any other ideas or refinements? "
Onrad says, "I agree with Gareth that we should scry the tent leaders that we have pictures of. We should also use this opportunity to listen in on their plans and conversation just to see if anything valuable to our mission is said.
Onrad says, "How can we scry on the original plans. We don't know what they look like? As I understand it, all we have to locate the Bloody Claws is their insignia. Is that right?
Onrad continues, "What I'm wondering concerning the delivering of the plans is whether the leaders there have ever met the Bloody Claws before? Is this group a usual message carrying group? If so, we could be setting ourselves up."]
After a pause, Flaust clears her throat and announces, "I took an oath with you, and I will keep it. Call when you need me and I'll be there for you. I'll be with my children otherwise."
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Jerry says: Add the following to The House Rules: All PC characters that go inactive for any reason immediately fall under the pervue of the Campaign DM and may be used by him as NPCs in any way he sees fit.
Jerry says: This issue has come up now both in the local game and the online game. No big deal. I just want everyone to understand that you can't leave your character, go to another and still maintain control of what your original character does in any way. There are three reasons for this. First, it is more, especially in the online game, than I want to handle. Dealing with one set of characters is enough for one group. The Second reason is that no two people can play a character the same way. I could try to play Jus and did for awhile when John was out of pocket for a month or so last year. However, I think everyone would agree that I didn't play him like John did. I simply don't want to be held responsible for what I do with a character under my control. This leads to the third reason: I don't want any arguments over who IS in control of non-active Player Characters. You're not currently playing it, therefore I am.
Jerry says: FYI, David Hill and I have not had a chance to discuss all of this yet. David, email me with a time we can discuss things online. How about tomorrow evening? I can be free from 4:30pm till 9:00pm Texas time. Name your time. I'll see you on my buddy list and we can go to a private room to chat.
Jerry says: Tony (Keith's roommate) has been removed from the macros. Keith, have him contact me if he should want to remain on the mailing list.
Jerry says: Don't panic and feel you have to rush through this part of the module. Take your time and do it right. Just enjoy yourselves and don't worry about the pace. I'll control it. Comments about pace are always welcome. Feel free to email me and yell and scream about things. I can yell back or ignore real good.
Jerry says: FYI, I only get 5 weeks for summer this year. Therefore I may not be able to get done all the things I wanted to this summer. I hope to send out a revamped player's folder. It will include a Table of Contents, upgraded maps (if JK finishes the labeling of them and gets them back to me), new legends, and the latest version of the House Rules. I also hope to get the Message Boards up and running. Anthony and I hope to do some major campaign brainstorming getting the Southern Continent down in permanent legend form with maps, etc. Finally, I will plan out the next year's campaigning ideas both for online and offline. I'd like to start a second group online this summer as well. I "think" that I have two local players all ready to play in it. A couple of weeks advertising and and contacting those who have visited the site and it should be set. The idea of course is that It should be a strong enough group that they can run themselves inside of 6 months for the most part.
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Turns Within Turns: Turn 9
Gareth says "I think if we approach the camp from the front that the
sentries will take us to the leaders tent. Of course, knowing ahead of
time the right tent will be good. If, on the other hand, we SNEAK in and
the orders just magically 'appear' then they would be suspicious. I
still like the idea of Roscoe changing us to look like the Bloody Claws
and just walking right up and giving the orders to them. Also, we should
be ready to teleport out - is that the word? - if we are suspected. Oh
yeah, what does statistician mean?"
Gareth says "Flaust, couldn't you be more help to the kids if you stay
with us and take back your share of the treasure for your kids? I find
myself in a similar situation. My family needs money and to move from
where they are but they can't because of money. Soon I will be able to
help them because I left them to earn money. If I would have stayed they
might NEVER be able to get out! Your kids need not only a guide, they
also need money and a way to earn it. I sure would hate to lose you over
a disagreement like this. Maybe there is another way..."
Flaust says: "I appreciate the show of support even if we disagree about the level of help that they need. I'll be honored to stay with the group as long as you'll have me."
She bows.
Onrad says, "Great. Another problem settled in record time. Now. I suppose once we accomplish the substitution of plans part of the mission, that we have our resident expert on the occult use the crystal ball to locate the Bloody Claws through their insignia. Right? Then wail on them and anyone with them with. We could use a cover story here too like asking them to give us the password and then claim that they are impostors and we were sent to arrest them and take them before the Dark Lord. I'm just assuming the possibility that they are not alone and we have to kill them from within a larger traveling group."
Tiburon leans on the wall, turning his head to look at everyone as they speak. He listens to all the discussion and seems to be mulling over everyone's ideas.
With this the door opens and Sir Roscoe enters. He has Sir Valdor of the Gold Dragons with him. Roscoe defers to Valdor.
Valdor speaks. "Gentlemen and ladies," eyeing Kat carefully, "It has come to our attention that you may have seen through a flaw in our plan. I believe you said that it might be best to take out the Bloody Claws before delivering the false plans. I think I understand, but please explain the logic of your thinking."
Sir Roscoe chimes in with, "I thought your ideas were good ones. Perhaps that's why I.......I didn't like it that I overlooked that angle. So, smart-asses, your ideas please."
Valdor says, "Roscoe!!!"
Roscoe says, "Hey! It's not as if Jandar or Bolerhusk or Oratai or thy holy daughter....or."
Valdor says, "Roscoe!!!!"
Roscoe says, "Yeah, yeah."
Actions?
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David Hill says: I guess I was confused between the timelines of the 'Treasure/Warehouse conversation' the independent rounds during the month' and 'the standard adventure after the month of respite.' My intent was that, between active adventures, Flaust go off to work on the orphanage. So, my interpretation of the timelines was that the Treasure/Warehouse discussion was occurring roughly simultaneously with the independent rounds (during the month off). Flaust opted out of the warehouse, feeling that it was, at this point in the group's career, extravagant - and that her faith demanded that her monies be used to help the orphans. In the first Turn or so of Plans within Plans, I saw that the group had gone, retrieved Flaust from the now-supposedly-established orphanage for the next great adventure.
David Hill Says: Sorry I didn't get with you earlier for clarification. I had the first truly relaxing vacation this weekend, and never got on-line to check my mail.
Jerry says: Great! Heartfelt relief. I'll include what you wrote above in the turn to straighten everyone up and get things going again. Hmm....in the local game where an adventure lasts three weeks avg. it is much easier to let each group of characters contain two from each player. Online as you can see with things running much slower, I'd rather not do that. When we start alternate groups, if you wish you can play in a second group to help me get them started and play one that way.....if that's ok with you. Personally, not speaking as Onrad, I think you've succeeded in playing a character that no one else I've seen as ever made work....and perhaps in the only medium that it could have worked....and that's high praise from me. A non-violent AD&D character that works. I'm extremely curious as to whether she can continue to be viable at high levels or not.
Jerry says: Then to clear things up, Flaust will not be living in the warehouse but with the kids wherever they end up.
JK says between trips: Jerry, you wrote: << , upgraded maps (if JK finishes the labeling of them and gets them back to me >>
I'll finish these before I do the message board. I've been way too busy lately. I figure there may be some time next week after we get settled in to our place in Ft. Worth. If I don't finish then, I'll have to do it after I get back from Georgia too.
Jerry says: JK, I understand totally. No pressure. I'll just bug ya incessantly until it's done once school's out. heh....heh (laughing like Keith laughs at me when he had a particularly nasty idea to spring on the party heh...heh)
Jerry says: Roscoe talks that way, not me.
Jerry says: TAAS scores came in today. Holding your breath to see if Jerry's school and grade will be plastered all over the papers? No way bub! You're looking at a master teacher! We went up 30 POINTS in average over one month to have 72% of all 6th graders pass the math part of the TAAS. This is in a class where 20% of the students couldn't qualify for special ed because their IQ was too low. So you are all required to brag on my success. All required get it! Or I'll start including math problems with each turn! I'll do it!
Jerry says: No turns from John, who is on vacation, or Keith, who is out of town, or JK, who is moving and taking two weeks off which now sounds like a month....:), or Anthony, who has finals this week. I dutifully ran the turn anyway. I hope to see turn from Anthony tomorrow. I take that back, I got Keith's late around 9:40pm....
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Plans Within Plans: Turn 10
Kat says "It's what I said, if we place the fake message BEFORE we take out the
claws everything can backfire. Like if we fail to take them out the real message
will be delivered and their guard will be up. It just makes more sense to me to
do it the other way. Now I realize that I am just a untried young woman but it
was a thought." She smiles slyly blushing at Valdor.
Valdor smiles openly.
Gareth says "Greetings Valdor. I think the idea is that there is a good
chance the Claws could get to camp before we have completed phase 1. If
we were to take them out say, now, we could then take their place and
not be as pressed for time to complete phase 1. I don't see that it
would take long to get rid of the Claws. If it does, then we can
teleport ahead to make up for it.
"Hmmm...."
Flaust says, "A partial truth will make the deception far more effective. I
suggest we use mind-reading abilities in conjunction with the crystal ball to
scry on a the leaders in the Bloody Claws group. Then, we can replace a
couple of the influential types, say the chief and the shaman, with members
from our own party. Basically, we become doppelgangers, knowing enough to
keep up the charade parade into the camp. We'll need to get around the
communication issue of speaking their language. The rest of our group could
assume other forms, such as hobgoblins or ogres, and either come along as part
of the envoy, or travel as a separate group. The big issue is knowing just
how much scrutiny the orders will face when delivered. We should combine the
transfer orders of captives along with the false troop movement orders to help
keep the cover-up more believable. We may even consider having a real orc
from the Bloody Claws do the final delivery, in case some type of truth-
detection is implemented."
"Too chancy," Roscoe says briefly.
Tiburon straightens and says, " Lord Valdor, if it is decided to eliminate the Bloody Claws first, will we be inserted along their course and then moved or will we have to seek them out and destroy them ? "
Valdor says, "Hmmm....."
Tiburon looks at the others and says," If we are going to be looking like Orcs, we should have some recognition signal or word so we can use to be sure we don't get any outsiders in with us or in case we get separated we can get back together. We also need to find a place to meet in case we get separated. We should also plan a retreat path in case it all blows up in our face. Let's look at the likely actions that might happen and plan for those so we won't be surprised when they do. Like Domi says," No plan survives intact after contact with the enemy. "
Valdor says, "Domi says that. Well."
Valdor thinks for a minute and then speaks. "As I understand it, there are changeable parts of this mission, and there are unchangeable parts. Let's go over the unchangeable parts first. The enemy army moves out before morning. The plans must arrive a couple of hours before then....say middle of the night at the latest. Both of our main objectives must be accomplished before then. The reason we put things in the order we did was so that the easier of the two objectives could be accomplished first. Our thinking was that it would be easier to find the camp than the Bloody Claws. We have actual pictures of some army leaders. We only have an insignia of the Bloody Claws.
Valdor continues: "Yes it would be best to take out the messengers first, replace them and then deliver the false plans. We could even with the mass-teleport ring teleport you back to forge new false plans right quick after looking at the original plans.
Valdor continues: On the other hand, all is lost if we can't find the Bloody Claws. A last ditch effort could be to wait near the camp and watch for their arrival. Therefore the simple choice becomes: when do you attempt to locate the Bloody Claws?
Roscoe says, "That one is easy Valdor. I say now. Distance makes no difference when scrying. If we can locate them, we go for them now or this evening depending on how ready this party is to leave. If we can't then we try to figure out another means of locating them and then we have to decide whether to try to plant the false plans while we're looking.
Valdor says, "Yes, then if we hit a wall in locating the Bloody Claws, we do the unthinkable. We call in Arion and Schwangu."
Roscoe doesn't say anything. His eyes just focus in surprise on Valdor.
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David Hott says: In case anyone didn't know, Jonathan, my youngest son, had surgery
yesterday to repair a hernia yesterday. It went well. He's climbing
stairs today.
Jerry says: I didn't know. I'm glad he's doing well.
David Hill says: Jerry, thanks for the handling of that last turn.
Jerry says: Sure. You're welcome.
Anthony says: Here is my summer E-mail address. It will be my only e-mail address after June 1 until next year.
Use it or lose it! ; )
Jerry says: Add Anthony's summer address to your macros. Remove his school address June 1st. We don't want his email address full of AD&D stuff during the summer. Trust me. We DO NOT want that.
Jerry says: I heard no bragging on my TAAS scores. Getting out the math book.
Jerry says: John is on vacation. JK is on hiatus and moving to Ft. Worth.
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Plans Within Plans: Turn 11
Flaust says to Roscoe, "Sounds like a great idea! Let the scrying begin!"
Gareth says "We're ready now. It would be good to know how many of them
there are and what they can do. Do you have that kind of information?
Also, I like the idea of looking at the original orders and THEN making
the fake ones. That way we deliver the plans looking like the Claws AND
there is no suspicion on how the fake orders look. By the way, who's
Arion and Shwangu?"
Valdor gulps and then says, "They are two very powerful arch-wizards, but also very unpredictable. I've...killed....uh...I've had to oppose them sometimes and work with them on others. Arion was or is, who knows, cursed to perform 1,000 deeds of renown and would recruit adventuring groups and force them to help him with one. Schwangu used to run with us. Now, she's married to him. She is an enigma. The only living witch that exists out of the High Order."
Roscoe reaches up his sleeve and pulls out a small compartment which he opens. Inside are some small objects that look like toothpicks, very small fingernail size books etc. He picks up a glowing marble and closes the compartment. He whispers something over it and it grows incredibly into a crystal ball. The ball floats in front of him and he concentrates. He says, "Open my folder Kat and show me the insignia."
Kat does so.
He concentrates again. The lights in the place dim as Valdor goes around and sees to that. After a full minute he is sweating fully, He shudders and pulls away. Nothing. I get snippets and bits but nothing. I tried focusing on the emblem as an emblem and as a shoulder patch. Any other ideas?
Onrad says, "Think everyone! We need another angle."
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David Hott says: Congrats on the TOSS test success! I always knew you were excellent at teaching. You should go somewhere where they not only use your talents but recognize them in a tangible way as well (IMHO, as always...). Have
you ever watched the movie "Stand and Deliver"? You should rent it tonight - Seriously.
David Hott says: Matthew did well on his Standardized test. It was from Stanford I think. He did Excellent in Science and History (The things I talk about most..)
as well as critical listening; Above Average in Math (Big surprise there,
heh heh..) and vocabulary; Average in reading, grammar and spelling. He
had NO below average scores. I'm very proud of him. We'll work on his
reading this summer. We read to him too much and did not require him to
read to us enough. Shame on us for taking the easy way out (i.e. Less
time to read it to him when your tired at night...). It cost him. We'll
fix it though. Amazing how taking the easy way out ALWAYS causes
problems regardless the area of life applied.
Jerry says: David if you need some help here, let me know. Remember that mom is a Reading Specialist and she could give you some pointers. Do get that game they always advertise on the radio. The Phonics Game or something like that. I've heard great things about it as far as basic skills are concerned.
David says: We get our blueprints Sunday! Then we can go to the next phase of the project. Finally!
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David says to David: I was surprised to hear that Jonathan was already running around. Usually hernias keep you down a few days.
David says to Jerry: Told Shannon (wife) about your TAAS results, and she was very impressed. The question raised was, "How can IQ scores be too low to be in special ed?"
Jerry says: "I've asked that questions myself. The answer I always get from the CM (Content Mastery) teacher, which is our version of Special Ed (the terminology always changes) is that CM is for those students with designated learning disabilities who have IQs from (I think) 85-100 IQ. There is a second program called "Resource" which is used as a collective for three different kinds of students. These types are BA (those who need Behavior Adjustment), Resource (I think) those whose IQ are between 70-85 (I think). These things because of the lawsuits always involved in them which try to interpret what the congress of Texas meant when they set these things up. So there are some that do, believe it or not, slip through the cracks because their IQs are too low.
Now there are two reasons for their IQs rating that low. 1) They are really that low, due usually to something happening during mom's pregnancy such as drug use etc. 2) They have a SEVERE learning disability causing them to test below their normal IQ level because it's impossible to "standard" test someone with so severe a disability. These students can be (I think) tested with oral designed tests to determine their proper IQ without their disability, but it's expensive and difficult.
Notice that I don't know alot of the particulars here. Sorry. It's not my area of expertise, so to speak and these things get very complicated. I've had it explained to me time and time again, as have the rest of us teachers, but they always do so in such a convoluted manner that it's hard to make generalizations. The above is my current understanding of things.
We have 7 CM students our of our 40 and 4 resource students. The CM students take the test but their scores don't count towards the school's total. However, those students who slip through the cracks, of which we had 10, do count. Four of these passed either the Math or the Reading test....just barely for most of them. We tutored them daily with accredited teachers, worked with them after school on a rotating basis. We assigned each of them a mentor from Sheppard Air Force Base to work on their "environment" issues such as home situation, school frustrations etc. Then each was designated as a 504 student, named after the state law section, which allowed for PEPS, Personal Education Plans for each students success. We defined success as passing the TAAS test which is equivalent to having them on level to graduate. Professional councilors were brought in for 3 of these student by-weekly or even daily in one. All were sent to doctors if the parents agreed to have them tested for specific medical disabilities such as ADD or hyperactivity and in some cases medication was prescribed. There's more, but you begin to see the "extra" amount of time and planning necessary to get these kids even ready to begin learning. WE used the PALS program where upper minority students attending WFHS came over twice a week to work one on one with a student of the same minority as a second social mentor or to work in a simple specific skill such as multiplication facts. The hardest part is to work them to the bone without wearing them out or discouraging them. The relationship with these kids is always very special. When I showed actual scores to some kids today who passed by say 2 points, many tears were shed. They were actually hugging each other. Same tears for those who missed passing by 1 or 2 questions. I had one, the worst, in tears from missing academic recognition by one problem. My comment to the principal was that something is wrong when something, anything, caused such stress to 12 year old children, not to mention their teachers. He said that he wished he was a teacher and could comment on that question.
Well, kids that's my monologue for the day.
Jerry says: No turns received from Anthony, or Keith. Guys with John and JK both out right now, we've only four players and 5 characters. We need everyone daily if possible, to make a stab at this.
David Hill says: Got a question: Is it currently evening? Looking back at Turn 1, I think it is. Roscoe confused me with that last comment <If we can locate them (Bloody Claws), we go for them now or this evening depending on how ready this party is to leave.>
Jerry says: Turn 1 says, "One night late, the party is awakened by a knock at the door." Late night to me meant middle of the night which in my mind was around 3:00AM or so. Therefore by now it is early morning. When Roscoe says this evening, then he is referring to the next evening to come.
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Plans Within Plans: Turn 12
Tiburon walks back and forth for a moment and then says, " If we can't find them soon, we need to go and insert the plans and THEN backtrack their path to eliminate them. After all, getting the plans in is the most important part of the plans."
Flaust says, "Do we know anything else about the Bloody Claws? If nothing
else, can we focus on the region where the camp is located, then swing back
along the expected route of the Bloody Claws, and run across them that way.
Are there any rangers or druids in the area that could communicate with the
wildlife to check on their passage? The orders supposedly deal with the
dispensation of prisoners. Any ideas about which prisoners are involved?
Perhaps we track from that angle."
Roscoe says: It doesn't work that way. We must have something we've seen to focus the crystal ball with: a face, an insignia, a building, etc.
Tiburon snaps his fingers and says, " Try the insignia as a Tattoo. Maybe everyone has it tattooed on for identification. "
Roscoe smiles, "Yes, demihumans are notorious for tattoos and brands. He concentrates again and the lights lower. Hmm......something. Ahh....our insignia is incomplete, there is yes, drops of blood or tears dripping of of one end......yes....Whooo! Get Rowdy! I've got them!
A cheer goes up throughout the room. Valdor claps Roscoe on the back and the ball drops. Kat neatly reaches out and catches it.
"Oops, sorry Roscoe." says Valdor turning red.
"Sok, I should have been ready for it after all these years my friend."
Roscoe then focuses once again and says, "Kat, I'm going to cast a spell enabling you too view with me and see what I see. When I nod, put your hands over mine. Stand behind me.....there."
Kat lays her head on his shoulder and then her hands when he nods. Electricity races over both of them. "Better than se....." they both murmur at the same time.
Kat whispers, "Sorry."
Roscoe says, "Not me."
Kat says, "Dirty old man."
Roscoe ignores her and says, "There."
Kat says, "Yes I can see it. The orders are in a sealed tube."
Roscoe says, "Let's see if I can focus in on the seal."
There...."Two glowing eyes of flame set over crossed bones. The tube is 3" diameter and.....3 hands long.....about 18". Made of leather.....yuck...human leather...
Let's turn up the sound.
Now everyone can hear what they are saying. If anyone speaks orc, you can hear what the first few sentences are. Then Roscoe casts and the words are translated for the group.
"Not chee um for-not." says one heavy voice.
"Chee." comes an humble answer from a high pitched orc.
"Not chee!!!" the first one says.
"Good." Says a third. I hate travel day. We sleep there. Mist keep all away."
"Yes." comes the humble answer from the 2nd orc.
Kat says, "They are moving toward a copse of trees engulfed in mist."
Several grunts and groans.
Kat continues, "They have picked a spot beside a small stream. There are 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,and 8 of them. Two seem smaller than the others and are being made to haul the two biggest one's packs. Four and I think the one I numbered Five...."
Roscoe counters, "Six"
Kat corrects, "Yes, Six are fishing. One with a knife and the other with a hook and string."
A new voice says, "The mist is coming."
The first voice says, "Good."
The mist then begins to obscure everything and when it clears, Kat exclaims, "They are gone!!!"
Roscoe breaks contact and looks sadly at Valdor. Both say one word.
"Ravenloft."
Roscoe turns to the group, "The Dark Lord can summon great clouds of semi-intelligent Ravenloft mist which tend to be drawn to magic. How much control The Dark Lord or this group has over these mists we don't know.
Valdor says, "My guess is that they are going to the Demiplane to rest out of the sun and then will return to that same location to finish their journey near nightfall."
Onrad says, "Good. By my calculations, this gives the mages and clerics time to change out spells if needed, and for the rest of us to make final plans. I say that now we be at that stream in that copse of trees when The Bloody Claws return, hit them, don their clothing, perhaps a simple spell Jus to hide any wounds that will not be on us and take their places."
Valdor says, "Yes. Then substitute our fake document inside and reseal it."
Roscoe says, "I'll do you one better. Once you have the Bloody Claws. Grab them and mass teleport back here to this room. I'll have clerics standing by to speak with dead and a member of the core to interrogate any psionically who you might capture, and we'll get some quick intelligence on entry into the camp. I'll have a team of forgers from the Black Blades here to make the inserted plans look authentic. Don't worry. They will be supervised."
Jus says, "Then we can be whisked away at the time we should arrive to a couple of miles outside their camp and play out phase two. We can nap while here.
Tiburon rubs his chin and says, "How about that recognition code ? We could use something like ' Valdor' and you answer ' Rules' if everything is O.K. or ' Lies ' if there is a problem ?"
Onrad says, "Sounds like we have our plan then. Do any of you need to rest and or change out any spells?
Actions?
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David says to Jerry: What advice would you give on handling elementary school
students with an attitude, when you receive no support from other teachers or
the principal at your school? Shannon has three students who have been
repeatedly suspended, and brought back in. They are easier to handle apart,
but all three are kept together in the same class. There is no chance of
splitting them into other classes, and they are disruptive to the rest of the
class.
Jerry says: I'm sure Shannon is a great teacher and knows her options are limited when her principal and other teachers will not help. I'm sure she's already contacted the parents as well. It's a tough thing that all teachers go through. School's almost out. It's one of those things that you can't judge without seeing the environment of the problem.....the class, the principal, the teacher, parents, etc. If this is a one year situation, stick it out. If it's an every year situation, perhaps a transfer is in order. If the "faculty personality" is such that they do not work together, consider transferring. The principal once punishment is administered has to put the kids back in the classroom, there is no other answer. Changing their homerooms might be a good move, but I doubt it would be considered this late in the school year. If I was the principal, I'd be trying to put the onus on the parents. As the teacher, perhaps you can do some of that.
Basic discipline techniques call for NEVER showing the kids the worst punishment you have ever come up with. Do things that are inconvenient for the parents. If the principal has been willing to suspend them then the onus can also be put on him. Use the "stupid" strategy and go to him and say, "You're our instructional leader, I'm at a loss. Here's all the things I've tried. Tell me what do to." Then no matter what that is....DO IT. Then you can with good heart go back to him again and again saying here's what I did. Here's what happened. What do I try next? You must be very consistent for this to work. Keep a daily log of every warning by these students not in tally form but sentence form. Then have those kids sign it at the end of each day. Allow no disagreements. That way when they go to the office or you (Shannon) are questioned by parents, kids, or principal, or anyone else about what you've done, at least there is nothing to pin upon the teacher. The discipline came from the principal, he behavior from the students who have signed their behavior log agreeing that they did each thing as set down. If it gets to the point that they are disagreeing with what they did, knowing that admitting what they did will get them in trouble, record their behavior with a tape player or video camera. You can even use that as a discipline technique, although only if there is no chance of building a relationship with this student.
That's another important key. NEVER let them see that they have got your goat. You must WIN each battle. You do this by acting/pretending to be in control even if you're not. You know their tendencies, plan a response for when they do their "usual" stuff ahead of time. Tell them you will not allow a certain thing anymore and when they step over the line, this is what will happen, this will happen after that, and that you have other things ready for them if they choose to misbehave after that.
I could help more, if asked, if I knew some specific episodes. I don't wish to imply that I know all or that Shannon doesn't. [grin] I hope this didn't come of as condescending. [slap self]
----------------------
Plans Within Plans: Turn 13
Gareth says "How do we do this mass teleport thing? If it doesn't work I
guess we fight."
Roscoe says, "You pass the ring around. When it gets back to the original person who "owns" the ring, he visualizes where he wants to be, just like the spell, then you're there."
Flaust says, "Ravenloft?! I didn't know the Dark Lord had that kind of power!
Fear usually isn't something I waste energy over, but THAT is something to be
feared. Onrad, all I have to say is, 'Do not teleport us near those mists.'"
Onrad says, "Me? Teleport? I'm not a mage!"
Kat says, "I'll do it." Roscoe hands her the ring.
Flaust tells the Three, "I do need to rest and request different spells for
this venture."
Onrad says, "Go then."
Roscoe calls for an assistant and gives instructions to provide a place for the casters to rest, study and or pray.
The mages depart. Later they return.
Tiburon says to Onrad, " I need to go to the Market and get something then change a few spells. After that, I'll be ready to go."
Tiburon turns to the rest, " Would anyone like to go along ? "
Onrad says, "I'll go with you."
Tiburon and Onrad depart and return.
It is now mid-afternoon.
Tiburon asks Roscoe ," When those Mists return the Orcs, will they take us to Ravenloft if we're too close ? "
Roscoe looks thoughtful and consults his notes. "No, not according to our scouts. The mists that return a subject are extremely localized...perhaps 50' X 50'. That's a guess. They appear to be of a different orientation to the "magic hunting" mists which seek to capture magic into the Demiplane for some unknown reason."
Roscoe then suggests that they go ahead and change the party into their orc forms so you can have a few hours to get used to them.
He walks around the table and casts on you one at a time. As each of you changes into the new form a shiver or bit of static electricity flows through you. You feel your body change all over. It is an extremely tramatic experience. Your abilities seem the same as you move about, yet it feels weird to talk, move, you resist the need to examine yourselves too closely afraid as to what you might find there.
Actions:
----------------
New Charisma scores: Gareth stays at 6. Jus lowers to 8. Kat lowers to 8. Onrad lowers to 7. Tiburon lowers to 7. Nonam lowers to 8. Flaust improves to 7.
David says to Jerry: Thanks for the advice. FYI, Shannon does do most of
what you suggested. She is very good at 'Never Losing.' And she frequently
utilizes contracts. Unfortunately, there is no parent support -- they are
actually at the root of the problem. I will pass along the suggestion of
repeatedly going back to the principal and 'playing dumb'. Thanks again for
the response.
Jerry says: Sure.
To DM: I'm submitting a new character sheet with different spells selected.
Jerry says: Thanks for sending it already on a character sheet.
Jerry says: Here is an email between JK and me recently about the message boards I thought you'd enjoy reading.
<< Will we be able to easily duplicate more of these from a template form of this
for expansion, other games, and to use when the first ones fill up or get too
long?
yes
Assuming we can do the above, could we start with say, 5 boards?
yes
Can we put passwords on them?
no, but I have a way to keep outsiders from using it
Can we test how difficult it is to edit them?
we can, but I already know it isn't difficult
Can we test how difficult it is to turn a completed adventure in to a text form
to post under the adventures of The Three or whatever group it is?
it will be much, much easier than what we are doing now - because it will be created in the needed html format
JK says: the computer is hooked up, and as soon as I get some more boxes unpacked I'll get busy
I'll send an address and phone number later - I can't remember them right now.
-jk
Jerry says: Will see ya'll tomorrow.
----------------
Plans Within Plans: Turn 14
Flaust stutters, "So...this is what it's like to feel beautiful." Tears start
welling up in her eyes, and she covers her face in muffled sobs. Shortly, she
stops, looks up, showing a dry face. "Talk about over-rated," she says.
Flaust checks to see if she has a tattoo of the Bloody Claws. She does.
Once spells are memorized, Flaust lets the Three know she's ready to go, and
says, "I've got a couple of Entangles, a Silence, a Hesitation, and a Hold
Person spell to use. I'd like to use the Entangles at the start to slow them
down."
Onrad says: Sounds good. We should all "hold" our attacks until Gareth gives the nod.
Gareth smiles at the others "Now you guys get to see what it's like to
be ugly!" To Roscoe he says "I see a problem in the plan. If we are
going to grab these guys and teleport back, how are we going to pass the
ring around AFTER we grab them to come back here?"
Roscoe says: "The ring can teleport up to 10 living beings and an unlimited number of dead ones. Just slip it on the fingers of those who are still alive before transport after they've been captured and immobilized."
Jus saunters over to Kat, grinning, "Hey, baby. Does that hair go all the way down
your back? I have to admit, you look good enough to turn my stomach!"
Chuckling, he returns his attention to his new form; checking out his flexibility
for spell casting and defense. "Cool! I think this is gonna be a blast! Hey
Flaust, Lookin' good!"
"I, uh, guess I'd better keep quite when we meet people. I'm SURE it'll be easy
to...", Jus sheepishly concludes.
Tiburon suddenly looks up. " Uh.. Roscoe... You think I can get a different shield from the stores to use for now ? I think mine wouldn't quite fit into the image we're trying to give ." He raises his shield to show Roscoe the Crossed Swords of Domi emblazoned upon it."
He then starts. His Shield of Domi is gone. In place of it is a normal metal shield bent and used. By all that's holy!
Roscoe says, "The spell includes changing items on the person. I took the liberty of changing your items to look orcish. They will still function as they did before however. I hope this is not an affront to your beliefs. I've adventured with Jandar the Bold also of Domi and he never minded a little subterfuge.
Tiburon then turns to the party and says: The spells I have memorized are, Bless, Command ( x2), Entangle, Cure light wounds, Hold Person ( x2), Heat Metal ( x2). Do you think I should cast Entangle as they return from the mist or as the mist starts to form?"
Gareth says: Tib, I suggest you select another so we have a varied attack. You're the expert however.
Kat says "Is everyone ready?" If they are I guess she visualizes the grove
and puts the teleport ring on and then passes it to Flaust.
Flaust passes it to Onrad. Onrad passes it to Gareth.......and so on.
Roscoe says, "Don't forget this Kat." and tosses her the Crystal Ball in marble form.
"Command word 'Witchy Woman'.....sorry." he says.
When it returns to Kat she grins orcishly trying to look sexy, but not quite pulling it off and closes her eyes and concentrates......
Poof.
You find yourselves across the stream in a bunch of bushes about 60' from where the orcs disappeared......you think. The field has been reversed since the view from the crystal ball. You face east looking across the narrow stream (about 3 feet across) to where Kat last saw the orcs.
Kat says, "The depth perception is slightly different than when you're looking through the crystal ball I think."
The sun is setting. The wolves are beginning to howl. The summer heat dissipates and the air is cool. The soil you are laying on is very red.
Suddenly you feel an unnatural chill. A mist begins to form across the river. It coalesces and shifts in the evening breeze. Somewhere in this moment, the sun sets. The mist shifts and whirls suddenly and the orcs appear swords ready and casters casting. One speaks in Orcish which you find you can now understand.
"Who?" He commands.
Actions?
-------------------------
John says: Back from Canada! What a blast! We got a digital camera before we
left... I'll send one or two small pictures when I get it a computer. Gotta go.
Dinner ready. Thought I'd quick respond to the turn.
Anthony says: Jerry I think I lost a turn somewhere. I am WAY lost. PS please send the woldian address seeing as how I have lost it as well.
Jerry says: woldian@usa.net Be sure to send to it and me both. Also if I were you, I'd be archiving your turns so you know which ones you are missing if any. Tell me the turn numbers and I'll send them.
Jerry says: Heard from JK. He is back in Ft. Worth, his new home, until Sunday. He'll be coming up to Wichita Saturday. They head to Georgia to his parents house on Sunday. I think after that he'll be back with us. He said he will barring unfortunate things happening have the message boards up and running before the end of June.
Jerry says: Erin, will you have a computer at college? If so I'd like to have you in the second online group. Tony, are you interested in the second group? Steve is online now, but is as usual having computer troubles getting things to work. Perhaps he can join this second group. I also have a 15 year old Magic player who has impressed me who may join this group. We don't want him in the local group because he goes to the same school that Anthony teaches at. Kevin Wemberly (in and out again Wemberly) for those of you who date back to the first adventure will play in it as well. So it looks like a second group of exes forming plus a few to be added later. I'd like to start them in July.
-----------------
Plans Within Plans: Turn 15
Player's Actions:
Gareth fires arrows at the nearest spell caster in an attempt to disrupt
the spells saying "You!". He continues to fire until the fighters begin
to close. He then draws his sword and does his thing.
Flaust waits for Gareth to respond to the orc's command of "Who?".
When Gareth gives the signal, Flaust casts Entangle, focused on the back of
the group of orcs, attempting to immobilize spell casters. If time and
distance permit, Flaust will crack off another Entangle at the (presumed)
charging group of orcs.
Tiburon begins casting Hold Person ( centering it upon the spellcasters ).
Onrad rushes across the stream his swords singing as he draws them from their scabbards. He attacks #1 and 2 closing with both so as to leave the other fighters free to take the others.
------------------------
Results:
The party gets initiative.
Gareth sees casting from #6 and fires. He fumbles. He spends the rest of the round recovering.
Flaust casts Entangle and the back four have to save. 5 and 7 saves. 6 and 8 are entangled.
Tiburon casts Hold Person and 5 saves. 7, 6, and 8 do not.
Onrad attacks twice hitting #1 for 6 points damage. He misses #2 as he ducks like a sissy.
The Bloody Claws initiative:
#1 attacks Onrad hitting him for 11 points damage. Onrad staggers back mouth open.
#2 attack Onrad and misses as Onrad bravely ducks.
#3 crosses the river and closes with Flaust. He attacks. He misses.
#4 fires twice at Tiburon. He hits and misses. The first arrow is laced with poison. Tiburon saves. He takes 8 points of damage as the arrow embeds itself in his upper arm.
#5 Casts Entangle at the casters in the party. Tiburon saves. Flaust does not and is caught fast.
#6 is entangled and held.
#7 is held.
#8 is entangled and held.
-----------------------
Below the Line:
Jerry says: I need a new character sheet from David Hott.
Jerry says: I did not do actions for those who did not send in a turn.
Jerry says: I'm sure you're wondering why the turn looks so different. I'm experimenting with what I think things will be like on the message boards. Let me give you a run down and some choices to discuss and decide upon.
1) Initiative amongst the party will be done in the order in which they are posted.
2) Both the party and the monsters will use group initiative. If you have a weapon that attacks first in a round, send in your character sheet....[grin] and remind me the first round of every combat.
3) This makes for initiative being a severe advantage or disadvantage as you can see from the above. One whole side gets to go before the other. To mix it up takes time and that's what I'm trying to save here.
4) There are two ways to do spells and initiative. One is like we did things this turn. The other is to say that all melee happens first then the spells. That limits the power of the spellcaster. This combat for the most part eliminates attacking the spellcaster while he or she is casting. We can discuss holding until after the other team goes, but I think it's a bit much to allow holding until a certain caster casts. That then puts the ball in the attacker's court totally leaving the spellcaster at the whim of anyone who holds.
5) It limits everyone to one action and only one action during combat. No if thens. Out of combat, we'll have to experiment. JK will do a short one week thing with pregenerated characters later when we kick off the actual message boards.
6) The DM will not run characters besides his own in this system. This reverts back to the live game way of doing things. Check your House Rules. Anyone may volunteer to play the character of someone who is out of town and receive 1/2 xp for it. The player who arranges for someone to play his character when unavailable or leaves it for someone to play, also gets 1/2 xp.
Criticism is welcome. Just remember that I'm trying to keep the fun and eliminate the DM's time in running the turn to under 30 minutes. This time I had to print out the 4th level character sheets I had received, deal with new THACOS, and use the new method which had only been seen before this in my mind. It took less than an hour including the below the line stuff. Nice from my end. It seemed to still have a game flow that could be enjoyed, but then I'm feeding you propaganda. Be honest and yet fair.
Here's hoping I'm not to be lynched.
Here's hoping the Bloody Claws get initiative next round...hehe.
--------------------
Plans Within Plans: Turn 16
Player's Actions:
Flaust tosses her combat net onto her attacker, orc #3.
Gareth draws his sword and moves to attack #3 to prevent an attack on
Flaust.
Seeing Onrad's reaction, Jus screams and runs, swinging his swords, to help Onrad. Jus attempts to take on both of the Orcs if Onrad needs to disengage.
Tiburon says," Hey! That hurt ! " then he casts Hold Person ( centering it upon the bowman ).
Onrad continues to wail on the orc in front of him allowing Jus to get one. He yells at Jus, "I'll survive here, move on to the casters. We've got to take them out while we can!"
------------------
Results:
The Bloody Claws get initiative:
#1 attacks Onrad twice and misses with both attacks.
#2 attacks Onrad twice and misses with both attacks.
#3 saves vs. the Entangle spell that his compatriot cast last round on Flaust and chooses to remain there and attack the Entangled Flaust twice. He hits with his first attack doing a maximum damage of 14 points. He fumbles on the second attack.
#4 fires twice at Flaust taking a penalty to avoid hitting his comrade and do to the flailing plants. He gets a bonus because Flaust is Entangled. He misses with the first attack and hits with the second for a maximum amount of 8 points damage. It is poisoned but Flaust shrugs off the poison.
#5 Casts Dispel Magic in the area of the Entangle and Hold Person spells and rolls once for each spell. He fails on the Entangle, but dispels the Hold Person.
#6 is entangled.
#7 Casts Blindness at Gareth. Gareth fails his save and sees his vision fade to a greyness before his eyes that prevents his seeing anything.
#8 is entangled.
The party's initiative:
Flaust is entangled.
Gareth blindly moves in the direction of Flaust listening to her voice as she screams from the pain. Gareth then reaches the edge of the Entanglement area and gets caught in the waving greenery and is held fast.
Jus attacks #2 and hits him for 7 points damage.
Tiburon casts Hold Person on #4 and holds him fast.
Onrad attacks #1 twice and misses twice..
--------
Below The Line:
John says: I guess my last response was too late. If Jus is here, ignore the
last turn and include this one. Otherwise do as you will, but let me know. Sorry
about that.
John says: My first impression on the first-come, first-initiative was not
positive. But thinking about it, it would be even nicer if when someone logs in to
post their turn they are able to read what the other characters have already done
that turn (since their earlier submittals would mean their character's turns would
have already been performed). This view would help prevent the common occurrence of duplicate or nullified actions (the later is especially frustrating as Jus'
experience in the Tavern Brawl demonstrated to me). This would also give the spell
casters more flexibility in "complementing" the fighters rather than getting in
their way. Then again, it also effectively gives all spells immediate casting
times. I guess I have to hold me final opinion until it is tried a few times.
Jerry says: Yes, I agree that seeing the other's turns will help.
John says: In regards to the test site: I suggest a text block for "below the
line" comments should be added to aid in the automatic response generation. Maybe we should do a requirements analysis and see what the interface requirements are. ;)
Jerry says: I'm not JK, but I would think that the simpler the message board the better it will work. Just draw your line after your move and write what you want to below the line.
David says: If people do not send in turns, and the result is going to be no action
is taken by that character in a combat situation, then IMO that
character should get a smaller experience point value and the ones who
do should get more.
Jerry says: Not sending in turns during a combat can be deadly as is shown by this turn.
David Hill says: On my attack with the net, does the orc lose all armor-related AC
(only having dexterity plus magic)?
Jerry says: What attack? You were entangled last turn. :) Hmm...how big is your net David? JK can you help me here? Anthony? No time to look it up tonight.
-------------------------
Plans Within Plans: Turn 17
Party Actions:
Jus moves in spell range to the real Orc spell casters, planting his swords into
the ground. He then casts Color Spray, attempting to catch as many of the spell
casters as possible.
Tiburon cast Command at Orc 5 saying ," Sleep ". He then uses the rest of the round drawing his sword.
Flaust will crouch (as much as possible) and use her healing prof. on herself
to stop the bleeding.
Gareth attempts to break free from the greenery and attack #3.
---------------------
Results:
Gareth gets first initiative.
Gareth is held fast.
The Bloody Claws get second initiative:
#1 attacks Onrad once misses.
#2 attacks Jus once and hits for 8 points.
#3 misses his attack due to his fumble and also fails his third save vs. the Entangle spell and is held fast.
#4 is held.
#5 moves to his right and casts Sleep on Tiburon and Gareth. Neither, due to their Constitution giving them a HD of 4+3 succumb.
#6 is Entangled.
#7 moves to his left and casts Blindness on Onrad. Onrad fails his save and is blinded.
#8 is Entangled.
The Three get third initiative:
Jus having to choose between #5 and #7 chooses the lower number by default and casts Color Spray on him. He saves.
Tiburon Casts Sleep on #5 who is not affected.
Flaust tries to crouch, but cannot move. Flaust tries to use her healing proficiency on herself, but cannot move.
Gareth struggles against the plants that hold him. He is held fast.
Actions?
------------------
Below the LIne:
Jerry says: FYI, the Entangle Spell says and I quote: "....holding them fast for the duration of the spell."
David Hott says: Hey! Gareth ALWAYS get first attack with his sword (Sword of Speed). i.e. Initiative or no he gets an attack on #3 BEFORE the Blindness spell.
Your rule not mine.
Jerry says: Yes, but I said below the line a few days back that anyone with automatic initiative would have to be responsible for telling me so the first round of EACH and EVERY combat. The onus is on you and you were told. I gave it to you this round since you FINALLY got around to doing as I asked and informed me of Gareth's situation. (Responding tone for tone....Nice is nicer Daave [grin])
David Continues: Also, are you saying that in the segment where #7 is
'unheld' he is then able to cast a multiple segment spell and have it go
off the SAME segment he gets UNHELD? I don't think so. If everyone on
one side goes before the other side then #7 should be able to do nothing
at all but get unheld. IMO, of course. Also, did Gareth fail his save
for the Entangle also?
Jerry says: Ok you have a point here. I was looking ahead and making a call. Since when the message boards are up, and as John deftly put the other day, you will be responding to the posts that are ahead of you, it makes sense to allow characters affected by previous posts to act with that knowledge. Initiative within the party is in the order posted. If this is so, then the monsters may act in their order of posting as well, which in this case is 1-8.
However, where David, although he doesn't realize it, is correct is that we are not yet on the message board and therefore should not be allowed to act on previous posts until the party can do so.
Now if you guys want to go with things as David has put them above once we get on the message board that's fine with me, but I think that it does away with a very interesting new set of strategies that I'd like to see explored.
I do NOT apologize for this mistake. We are as I said when I began this adapting. You guys know me well enough to understand that I make things right when they need to be made right. You DO NOT have to YELL at me or take a TONE to get your way. Common knowledge has always said that using all caps online is considered shouting. The only thing ELSE I have to say about this is that it is very interesting to me that I have been able to once again get David interested enough in a role-playing game that it elicits such a response. One DM point for Jerry the Master DM of the Universe.
Since we were using "group" initiative his actions did not happen in the same segment but the same round. For the last two rounds, we've been having spells go off the same segment as the fighters blades. Why complain now?
Ok until we hit the message boards all of one side's initiative will be considered to happen at the same time preventing anyone from reacting to another of the same side. I'll undo the spell that #7 cast last round. Therefore Gareth is not blinded and that spell has not yet been cast. We will continue to ignore the "after the fact" rule until we are comfortable with the changes. Gareth however did, by his own choice, enter the entangle zone and yes, he did miss his save. So he is Entangled for the duration of the spell.
David says: Gareth will use hero points to resave against any spell attack.
Jerry says: Kudos to David who roleplays for real trying to do what most of you would not have knowing that they were caught. New rule: you may use a hero point to reroll a roll you failed the following round. You will still be subject to the situation (in this case Entangled) for one round until the reroll is made, assuming that it succeeds.
Jerry: rerolling Gareth's save using his hero point.......sorry still caught. :(
David Hill says: Don't know what I was thinking -- forgot about the Entangle spell when I submitted that last turn.
Jerry: Everyone please be patient as we enter into this time of transition, voice your opinions, but be nice about it if you wish the same in return.
Jerry: I have seen the message board and it looks nice and works well. I've asked JK to put 5 of them up and select ours. Then we can just chat and practice on it for a week or so until everyone is comfortable. JK is in Georgia visiting his parents so it may be a week or two until he gets it up for you to experiment on.
Jerry says: I hope everyone is having fun. That's the important thing.