Peacemonger

Jozelle - Human (Rogue/Monk)

The truth of the matter is with how busy each of them have been, it's hard to keep track of the small details. How long has Merridy been at this outpost? When is she supposed to be relieved? Who is supposed to relieve her? It's one of hundreds, thousands of small details that is falling on fewer and fewer shoulders to figure out. Beyond Callie, Argus, Aurelia, and Calar know of her, but can't say much beyond her being something of a wallflower, very studious, and not one to have too much initiative. Smart, but not the kind to take command. For Barris, it'll be the first time to meet her.

Before that though, the group learns of the lands where She fell, firsthand. As they round the first hill, leaving Jacoby and his raft behind, the wind picks up and already their clothes, their armor, their exposed skin begin to get covered in the reds and browns of the earth. For Aurelia, it is a familiar sensation. It used to be quite the sight as many a noble and uninitiated would wear their finest only for it to be stained by this land, a most humbling experience for any who tread here. All know that this last leg of the journey will not be easy, but they have their faith, their lessons, and each other to lean on.

It is not that there is no life here, but it is sparse and struggling. Dried bushes, tiny reptiles and insects scittering about, this too is familiar to the Elf. It has not changed since the first time she came.

Whether it feels short or long, the group comes upon the outpost, an old stone building that is clearly out of place, with rocks taken from the river. Large patches of dried mud are helping hold it together against the elements. Despite it being day, they can see lantern light emanating from within.

Modri

Hill Dwarf Outlander Wild Magic Barbarian

AC: 18 (+1Dex + 4Con + 3Shield ) | HP: 83/75 (5d12+20Con Modifier 4*Level+10Tough Feat: 2*Level+5Dwarven Toughness: 1*Level) | Speed: 25'
Senses: passive Perception 11, Insight 11, Investigation 10
StrSave: +6
Athletics: +6
Carrying Capacity: 240 lb.
Lift/Push/Drag: 480 lb.: 16 (+3) | DexSave: +1
Acrobatics: +1
Slight-of-Hand: +1
Stealth: +1: 13 (+1) | ConSave: +7: 18 (+4) | IntSave: +0
Arcana: +0
History: +0
Investigation: +0
Nature: +3
Religion: +0: 10 (+0) | WisSave: +1
Animal Handling: +4
Insight: +1
Medicine: +1
Perception: +1
Survival: +4: 12 (+1) | ChaSave: -1
Deception: -1
Intimidation: +2
Performance: -1
Persuasion: -1: 8 (-1)
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common, Dwarvish, Elvish

Wild Surge Rages: 3/3 | Magic Awareness: 2/2

Darkvision 60' | Dwarven ResilienceYou have advantage on saving throws against poison, and you have resistance against poison damage. | StonecunningWhenever you make an Intelligence (History) check related to the origin of stonework, you are considered proficient in the History skill and add double your proficiency bonus to the check, instead of your normal proficiency bonus. | Unarmored DefenseWhile you are not wearing any armor, your armor class equals 10 + your Dexterity modifier + your Constitution modifier. You can use a shield and still gain this benefit. | Danger SenseAt 2nd level, you gain an uncanny sense of when things nearby aren't as they should be, giving you an edge when you dodge away from danger. You have advantage on Dexterity saving throws against effects that you can see, such as traps and spells. To gain this benefit, you can't be blinded, deafened, or incapacitated. | Reckless AttackStarting at 2nd level, you can throw aside all concern for defense to attack with fierce desperation. When you make your first attack on your turn, you can decide to attack recklessly. Doing so gives you advantage on melee weapon attack rolls using Strength during this turn, but attack rolls against you have advantage until your next turn. | Extra Attack | Fast MovementStarting at 5th level, your speed increases by 10 feet while you aren't wearing heavy armor.

+1 Red Dragonnel Shield+1 shield that offers resistance to fire damage

“My words,” Modri said. | ‘My thoughts,’ Modri thought. | My actions . . .

On the Way

Modri takes his time to listen to both his Dwarf kin. Well, the rest of our group won't be accusing us of Dwarf solidarity. But that's all right. Modri cracks his knuckles, not in any way as a threat, but just more his way of letting people he had a response. "Just for the benefit of our fine newcomers, perhaps a quick explanation. We've fought in several fights together now, and we seem to do it well, make a real good team we do. We've had a couple of prisoners, and we seem to agree less with that. The first was Lady Michelle. I won't claim any moral high ground on it. Just felt right in the moment as she was the last one left in her group, and felt she was fighting hard enough to give her a chance. I certainly didn't expect it to turn into... well, it's all a bit confusing, but the point is I won't ask anyone to change their mind about her just because I think she's... hm." Modri struggles a bit to find the words, or perhaps he knows the words, and is having a hard time saying them. "Point is, we're allowed to disagree, and any of you are free to call me a right fool, and I'll likely agree." He smiles a bit at the last comment.

"Second prisoner, different fight... now that one was sticky. It was one of those Draconians, and yes, there were threats made to it, and it responded by breaking free and attacking, and we put it down. War's messy business. It's why I prefer just the fighting part. Put my stubborn ass in front of a horde of invading soldiers to some dark goddess? Now that's an easy choice. It's everything around the fighting that's hurting my head just thinking about it. Which is just as well. Chances are one of these fights we'll find someone who's more than my match, or there'll just be too many of them. And then it won't be on my shoulders to make the hard choices, and won't have to worry about any conflicting feelings either."

He snorts as if to chide himself for the depressing thought. "There's an invading army. There's people who don't deserve to be invaded. I'm sticking around as that seems to be what's most important right now."

Modri

Hill Dwarf Outlander Wild Magic Barbarian

AC: 18 (+1Dex + 4Con + 3Shield ) | HP: 83/75 (5d12+20Con Modifier 4*Level+10Tough Feat: 2*Level+5Dwarven Toughness: 1*Level) | Speed: 25'
Senses: passive Perception 11, Insight 11, Investigation 10
StrSave: +6
Athletics: +6
Carrying Capacity: 240 lb.
Lift/Push/Drag: 480 lb.: 16 (+3) | DexSave: +1
Acrobatics: +1
Slight-of-Hand: +1
Stealth: +1: 13 (+1) | ConSave: +7: 18 (+4) | IntSave: +0
Arcana: +0
History: +0
Investigation: +0
Nature: +3
Religion: +0: 10 (+0) | WisSave: +1
Animal Handling: +4
Insight: +1
Medicine: +1
Perception: +1
Survival: +4: 12 (+1) | ChaSave: -1
Deception: -1
Intimidation: +2
Performance: -1
Persuasion: -1: 8 (-1)
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common, Dwarvish, Elvish

Wild Surge Rages: 3/3 | Magic Awareness: 2/2

Darkvision 60' | Dwarven ResilienceYou have advantage on saving throws against poison, and you have resistance against poison damage. | StonecunningWhenever you make an Intelligence (History) check related to the origin of stonework, you are considered proficient in the History skill and add double your proficiency bonus to the check, instead of your normal proficiency bonus. | Unarmored DefenseWhile you are not wearing any armor, your armor class equals 10 + your Dexterity modifier + your Constitution modifier. You can use a shield and still gain this benefit. | Danger SenseAt 2nd level, you gain an uncanny sense of when things nearby aren't as they should be, giving you an edge when you dodge away from danger. You have advantage on Dexterity saving throws against effects that you can see, such as traps and spells. To gain this benefit, you can't be blinded, deafened, or incapacitated. | Reckless AttackStarting at 2nd level, you can throw aside all concern for defense to attack with fierce desperation. When you make your first attack on your turn, you can decide to attack recklessly. Doing so gives you advantage on melee weapon attack rolls using Strength during this turn, but attack rolls against you have advantage until your next turn. | Extra Attack | Fast MovementStarting at 5th level, your speed increases by 10 feet while you aren't wearing heavy armor.

+1 Red Dragonnel Shield+1 shield that offers resistance to fire damage

“My words,” Modri said. | ‘My thoughts,’ Modri thought. | My actions . . .

On the Way

Modri chuckles at Fairla's use of 'coarse language' and 'unbecoming'. "Perhaps. But if she was all prim and proper she'd be dead. We would've killed her. Only reason I offered out my hand to suggest to her to surrender instead of join in with everyone else ready to slay the wicked Dragon Army officer was she looked like someone who'd had to fight real hard most her life and seemed a real shame to kill someone like that. But as I said, short of anyone trying to execute her or some other ill fate, if anyone wants to enlighten her on the arts of fine society and etiquette, they should feel free to do so. For me, I prefer the fire, the grit, the rough edges, but that's one Dwarf's opinion, and you need only one look at me to know how little reach my opinion has."

He turns back to Coltan. "So. The young lady who had to claw and snarl for every inch of respect she got is now a prisoner in the place that exiled her when she was a child. And she's still clawing and snarling. And we're in a war last time I checked with much bigger problems. You need to keep your distance, or have someone try to educate her to be more acceptable, or something else to ease the burden you're holding onto?" For Modri, he's little interest in an ethical debate that feels small compared to the much bigger threat they face. For him, it's more about finding a solution and moving forward.

I understand. It's normal for games to slow down but it happened for this one pretty much from the start and we've been moving with 2-3 active people out of five the whole time.

Besides I'm starting up classes again (I'm one of those who just seems to keep going back) so having a few games end is probably not a bad thing for me.

Happy gaming everyone!

Modri

Hill Dwarf Outlander Wild Magic Barbarian

AC: 18 (+1Dex + 4Con + 3Shield ) | HP: 83/75 (5d12+20Con Modifier 4*Level+10Tough Feat: 2*Level+5Dwarven Toughness: 1*Level) | Speed: 25'
Senses: passive Perception 11, Insight 11, Investigation 10
StrSave: +6
Athletics: +6
Carrying Capacity: 240 lb.
Lift/Push/Drag: 480 lb.: 16 (+3) | DexSave: +1
Acrobatics: +1
Slight-of-Hand: +1
Stealth: +1: 13 (+1) | ConSave: +7: 18 (+4) | IntSave: +0
Arcana: +0
History: +0
Investigation: +0
Nature: +3
Religion: +0: 10 (+0) | WisSave: +1
Animal Handling: +4
Insight: +1
Medicine: +1
Perception: +1
Survival: +4: 12 (+1) | ChaSave: -1
Deception: -1
Intimidation: +2
Performance: -1
Persuasion: -1: 8 (-1)
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common, Dwarvish, Elvish

Wild Surge Rages: 3/3 | Magic Awareness: 2/2

Darkvision 60' | Dwarven ResilienceYou have advantage on saving throws against poison, and you have resistance against poison damage. | StonecunningWhenever you make an Intelligence (History) check related to the origin of stonework, you are considered proficient in the History skill and add double your proficiency bonus to the check, instead of your normal proficiency bonus. | Unarmored DefenseWhile you are not wearing any armor, your armor class equals 10 + your Dexterity modifier + your Constitution modifier. You can use a shield and still gain this benefit. | Danger SenseAt 2nd level, you gain an uncanny sense of when things nearby aren't as they should be, giving you an edge when you dodge away from danger. You have advantage on Dexterity saving throws against effects that you can see, such as traps and spells. To gain this benefit, you can't be blinded, deafened, or incapacitated. | Reckless AttackStarting at 2nd level, you can throw aside all concern for defense to attack with fierce desperation. When you make your first attack on your turn, you can decide to attack recklessly. Doing so gives you advantage on melee weapon attack rolls using Strength during this turn, but attack rolls against you have advantage until your next turn. | Extra Attack | Fast MovementStarting at 5th level, your speed increases by 10 feet while you aren't wearing heavy armor.

+1 Red Dragonnel Shield+1 shield that offers resistance to fire damage

“My words,” Modri said. | ‘My thoughts,’ Modri thought. | My actions . . .

On the Way

Modri listens, and he thinks for a few moments on the words. Unlike many of the shorter lived races, it's not a race to retort quickly. He chews on Coltan's words, his past experiences, the exchange back in Kalaman.

"If it's a debate on morality, I doubt I'd favor well. I'm used to the wilds, and though there certainly are matters of honor there too, it's a much simpler thing." He really wishes he had a pipe and tobacco. Never much cared for it himself, but his mother would use it to help her focus, and feels like he could use her wisdom right about now.

"I won't speak for Hunni, certain she can say her thoughts just fine. I'm also not going to protect Michelle like she's some hapless damsel who needs a man to protect her from the world. She was dealt a bad hand. Exiled. Trying to make do in a hostile army. And she also played with that hand, and has to live with the consequences. I won't deny anyone from Vogler their anger. It was her face that told them their home was no longer theirs. Short of them trying to hang her, it's her fight to find herself again."

He truly does prefer the life in nature. Survival is a complicated thing in such places, but everything makes sense. "Perhaps I've let my soft spot cloud my judgement. But honestly? If the guards thought they could try to interrupt her, tell her follow them or else, speak to her like she was a little girl, then I think it's only fair she gets to give them an earful. I agree she was trying to exert control. I think she's trying to get control over her own life. She wasn't trying to take taxes, or have them toil in the fields. She was giving them a piece of her mind so that she could talk to us. Perhaps she could've tried rational debate, but felt the insults did a fine enough job so she could take a minute with us."

Modri sighs. "She's got rough edges, and think that makes her more interesting. Then again, I expect I'd make a very poor noble, so I'm likely not the best judge of how a noble should be."

Modri

Hill Dwarf Outlander Wild Magic Barbarian

AC: 18 (+1Dex + 4Con + 3Shield ) | HP: 83/75 (5d12+20Con Modifier 4*Level+10Tough Feat: 2*Level+5Dwarven Toughness: 1*Level) | Speed: 25'
Senses: passive Perception 11, Insight 11, Investigation 10
StrSave: +6
Athletics: +6
Carrying Capacity: 240 lb.
Lift/Push/Drag: 480 lb.: 16 (+3) | DexSave: +1
Acrobatics: +1
Slight-of-Hand: +1
Stealth: +1: 13 (+1) | ConSave: +7: 18 (+4) | IntSave: +0
Arcana: +0
History: +0
Investigation: +0
Nature: +3
Religion: +0: 10 (+0) | WisSave: +1
Animal Handling: +4
Insight: +1
Medicine: +1
Perception: +1
Survival: +4: 12 (+1) | ChaSave: -1
Deception: -1
Intimidation: +2
Performance: -1
Persuasion: -1: 8 (-1)
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common, Dwarvish, Elvish

Wild Surge Rages: 3/3 | Magic Awareness: 2/2

Darkvision 60' | Dwarven ResilienceYou have advantage on saving throws against poison, and you have resistance against poison damage. | StonecunningWhenever you make an Intelligence (History) check related to the origin of stonework, you are considered proficient in the History skill and add double your proficiency bonus to the check, instead of your normal proficiency bonus. | Unarmored DefenseWhile you are not wearing any armor, your armor class equals 10 + your Dexterity modifier + your Constitution modifier. You can use a shield and still gain this benefit. | Danger SenseAt 2nd level, you gain an uncanny sense of when things nearby aren't as they should be, giving you an edge when you dodge away from danger. You have advantage on Dexterity saving throws against effects that you can see, such as traps and spells. To gain this benefit, you can't be blinded, deafened, or incapacitated. | Reckless AttackStarting at 2nd level, you can throw aside all concern for defense to attack with fierce desperation. When you make your first attack on your turn, you can decide to attack recklessly. Doing so gives you advantage on melee weapon attack rolls using Strength during this turn, but attack rolls against you have advantage until your next turn. | Extra Attack | Fast MovementStarting at 5th level, your speed increases by 10 feet while you aren't wearing heavy armor.

+1 Red Dragonnel Shield+1 shield that offers resistance to fire damage

“My words,” Modri said. | ‘My thoughts,’ Modri thought. | My actions . . .

On the Way

Modri takes a swig of the whiskey with a nod, shifting a bit to find a slightly comfortable seated position. "Just one of many ways of saying stupid. And no, long as the other person gets that it's bad, that's usually enough. Unless of course, you're trying to insult them without them knowing, but that's a bit too tricky for my taste." He motions to hand the flask back.

"We all got our sore spots. Not one to judge what offends another. Feel like something hit one of your sore spots, no?" Gone is the fun, cheerful, fearless Modri. Instead there's the Dwarf as wise as his years. He's taking the conversation seriously.

Arriving at Steel Springs

"Left flank is mine!" Hammer and new Dragonnel-scale shield at the ready, Modri charges forward. He goes as fast as his feet will carry him trying to get in between the fleeing soldiers and the oncoming enemy.

"MOOOODRRRRIIIIII!" Modri bellows out his name and the far left horse and rider can feel their very lifeforce being drained from them as Modri looks even more revitalized. The manic grin is on his face, as he readies himself for another fight.

He remembers the last time they fought horses. Not that he held back last time, but he certainly won't now.

Jacoby's eyes light up, clearly surprised that Callie actually said yes. "Oh wow! I didn't think you'd say yes." And with his curse, he can't help but lay it out. "Well, all right then. I guess... well, I've a few things to take care of, but... well, when you all get back just use the flag post set up over there, and I'll make my way over. Will tell the others I've got it."

Sure enough as they start to arrive, there is an old, wooden flagpole set up, with a bright yellow flag tied to the bottom of it. Clearly when Merridy needs to come over to the town, it's her way to call a boat over.

"I'm very excited. I mean, I know it's just a date, but I'm still excited... and the creeping fear of saying too much is comin back." He shakes his head, but the happiness outweighs the nervousness. "But all right! Glad the Dockmaster sent you all to me. Glad my raft was just big enough. Glad you all are taking this journey."

It's with that they land on the other side. "I think Merridy's place is maybe an hour or two walk. Just follow the trail."

As they land, there is no dock, just a place of land jutting out into the river a little bit. There is a rough, unkept path in front of them. As they begin to step off, the feel a slightly cold wind blow across them, with the scent of heavy earth and something a bit burnt. It sinks in to them all that the remainder of their journey is through these badlands, a place that has not recovered in a thousand years, one that has never been settled since She sacrificed herself.

Jacoby is so focused on Callie's story, on Callie herself, that by the time she finishes the tale, the raft has stopped. It takes a few moments for him to notice, and he quickly pushes them towards the far shore once more. "That is a story, and as far as I'm concerned, it's more than a fair trade for this trip, and the trip back should you need it."

There's a pause as he looks down, looking for the words to say. "Um... Callie? I'd prefer to wait for a better time, but don't think there'll be one. Could I... I mean... I'd very much like to take you to a dinner, or some other sort of date after your trip is over. I mean, I could, well... travel as I don't expect you to stay in Salt and all. You're under no obligation, wouldn't refuse service to this group if you say no. I'd be kicking myself a long time if I didn't ask."

He pushes himself to get over his embarrassment and look straight at Callie as he finishes.

Jozelle - Human (Rogue/Monk)

Will post this evening. For now, a Con Save

Since we only have one hit die total, may as well just use it now.

Amberlyn Hillheart

Halfling Folk Hero Celestial Warlock

AC: 15 (Studded Leather Armor+3 Dex) | HP: 24/24 (2d8Hit Die+6Con modifier+4Tough Feat) | Speed: 25 ft.
Senses: passive Perception 11, Insight 11, Investigation 9
Str:Save: -1

Athletics: -1

Carrying Capacity: 120 lb.
Lift/Push/Drag: 240 lb. 8 (-1) | Dex:Initiative: +3

Save: +3

Acrobatics: +3
Slight-of-Hand: +3
Stealth: +3 16 (+3) | Con:Save: +3 16 (+3) | Int:Save: -1

Arcana: -1
History: -1
Investigation: -1
Nature: +1
Religion: -1 8 (-1) | Wis:Save: +3

Animal Handling: +3
Insight: +1
Medicine: +1
Perception: +1
Survival: +3 12 (+1) | Cha:Save: +6

Deception: +4
Intimidation: +6
Performance: +4
Persuasion: +4 19 (+4)
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common, Halfling

Spell Slots: 2/2 | Healing Light: 0/3d6 |

BraveYou have advantage on saving throws against being frightened. | LuckyWhen you roll a 1 on an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw, you can reroll the die. You must use the new result, even if it is a 1. | NimbleYou can move through the space of any creature that is of a size larger than yours. | Children of the WoodsYou know the Druidcraft Cantrip. At 3rd level, you can cast the Entangle spell once per long rest. At 5th level, you can cast Spike Growth spell once per long rest. These spells don't require the material components normally required. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for these spells. | TimberwalkAbility checks made to track you are at disadvantage and you can move through difficult terrain made of non-magical plants and overgrowth without expending extra movement. | Eldritch InvocationsAgonizing Blast
Repelling Blast

“My words,” | ‘My thoughts,’ | My actions . . .

Downtime

Work

Modri

Hill Dwarf Outlander Wild Magic Barbarian

AC: 18 (+1Dex + 4Con + 3Shield ) | HP: 75/75 (5d12+20Con Modifier 4*Level+10Tough Feat: 2*Level+5Dwarven Toughness: 1*Level) | Speed: 25'
Senses: passive Perception 11, Insight 11, Investigation 10
StrSave: +6
Athletics: +6
Carrying Capacity: 240 lb.
Lift/Push/Drag: 480 lb.: 16 (+3) | DexSave: +1
Acrobatics: +1
Slight-of-Hand: +1
Stealth: +1: 13 (+1) | ConSave: +7: 18 (+4) | IntSave: +0
Arcana: +0
History: +0
Investigation: +0
Nature: +3
Religion: +0: 10 (+0) | WisSave: +1
Animal Handling: +4
Insight: +1
Medicine: +1
Perception: +1
Survival: +4: 12 (+1) | ChaSave: -1
Deception: -1
Intimidation: +2
Performance: -1
Persuasion: -1: 8 (-1)
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common, Dwarvish, Elvish

Wild Surge Rages: 3/3 | Magic Awareness: 2/2

Darkvision 60' | Dwarven ResilienceYou have advantage on saving throws against poison, and you have resistance against poison damage. | StonecunningWhenever you make an Intelligence (History) check related to the origin of stonework, you are considered proficient in the History skill and add double your proficiency bonus to the check, instead of your normal proficiency bonus. | Unarmored DefenseWhile you are not wearing any armor, your armor class equals 10 + your Dexterity modifier + your Constitution modifier. You can use a shield and still gain this benefit. | Danger SenseAt 2nd level, you gain an uncanny sense of when things nearby aren't as they should be, giving you an edge when you dodge away from danger. You have advantage on Dexterity saving throws against effects that you can see, such as traps and spells. To gain this benefit, you can't be blinded, deafened, or incapacitated. | Reckless AttackStarting at 2nd level, you can throw aside all concern for defense to attack with fierce desperation. When you make your first attack on your turn, you can decide to attack recklessly. Doing so gives you advantage on melee weapon attack rolls using Strength during this turn, but attack rolls against you have advantage until your next turn. | Extra Attack | Fast MovementStarting at 5th level, your speed increases by 10 feet while you aren't wearing heavy armor.

+1 Red Dragonnel Shield+1 shield that offers resistance to fire damage

“My words,” Modri said. | ‘My thoughts,’ Modri thought. | My actions . . .

Modri smile fades as he accepts Coltan is not enjoying the moment as he is. "Sure, but perhaps when you're in a lighter spirit. Perhaps over drinks we can spar with words and talk about everything."

Modri switches over to Dwarvish. "Deeds over words, brother. We've an army to fight, and don't have the luxury of collecting other grudges."

The Barbarian's expression is more solemn, thoughtful. Coltan knows, perhaps others too, that Modri generally hides that part of himself. He does show it when the need arises. He doesn't feel any need to stop the Cleric from leaving and taking the time he needs.

Paths to Resolution

I've put in a few posts here about conflict resolution, debates, arguments, etc. One thing I've hinted at, but haven't be explicit about, is the underlying philosophy. The problem that many of us run into is when there is a disagreement, when there is a problem, we focus on the wrong questions, we lean into the wrong goals. Then we get confused and annoyed when it doesn't feel like we've been heard, or when even if the GM and/or players rule in our favor it doesn't feel satisfying. It's because we've been having the wrong conversation.

For the most part, in TTRPG the resolution should be "we continue to play/go back to playing a fun collaborative storytelling game". That's the whole point. To play in a game, that is collaborative and storytelling in natures, whether it leans towards one of these aspects or is shared equally among game - collaborative - storytelling. Being "right" or "correct" usually has little to do with the game, and more with a player or GM's own ego. Too often our ego gets intertwined with our fun in the game, and though it's not an automatic killer to a game, it does set up conditions that could, if our ego gets too wounded, can indeed ruin the game.

This is probably the root of a lot of what has worked well for me as a GM, and even as a players. It's not that I don't make mistakes or offend anyone. It's that when someone calls me out, I aim to resolve it, which is never to get into a debate. On the rare occasion I really feel like someone's roleplaying is a problem, one more the goal isn't to debate them, isn't to tear them down, but to resolve the specific issue(s). Personal attacks true or not, harsh or mild are not just petty, but ineffective. So long as "how do we reach a resolution?" is front of mind, it's hard not to be genuine.

There's two things I think are worth keeping in mind with this. The first is discipline. It's one thing to say to focus on resolutions, to work things out, to admit we're wrong, or just let it go when someone else is, it's another to put it into practice. We all get frustrated. We all get annoyed. We all at some point wished someone else would've done something differently in a game at it's bothersome. Part of it is to keep in mind that's real life too, why should our roleplaying games be any different? Part of it is to resist the temptation to get sidetracked. Cause it's tempting. What's tempting will be different for each of us. For some, it's tempting to get into that flame war, for others it's tempting to step onto the soapbox with alignment and morality, and for others still it's tempting to try to take control of a situation that's not ours to take the reigns for. Step back, eye on the prize, course correct.

The other thing is priority. The death of games is when having a fun time, of putting in energy and care falls too far down on the priority list. As said, roleplaying games shouldn't be someone's top priority. Even for professional DMs, there's still loved ones and other life stuff too to put higher up on the list. Just as when someone just can't post any more, can't sit down for 15-45 minutes to knock out a post, the game is essentially over, so too is it the case when the priority is to focus and fuel some sort of problem. Whether it's hating a fellow player, whether it's being mad at the trajectory of a story, or a rule decision, or anything else, the more effort we put into being upset pushing resolution further and further away, and it isn't sustainable. As always, maybe a problem is too big, and the game is ruined for us. It happens. At that point, the resolution is to walk away.

Modri

Hill Dwarf Outlander Wild Magic Barbarian

AC: 18 (+1Dex + 4Con + 3Shield ) | HP: 75/75 (5d12+20Con Modifier 4*Level+10Tough Feat: 2*Level+5Dwarven Toughness: 1*Level) | Speed: 25'
Senses: passive Perception 11, Insight 11, Investigation 10
StrSave: +6
Athletics: +6
Carrying Capacity: 240 lb.
Lift/Push/Drag: 480 lb.: 16 (+3) | DexSave: +1
Acrobatics: +1
Slight-of-Hand: +1
Stealth: +1: 13 (+1) | ConSave: +7: 18 (+4) | IntSave: +0
Arcana: +0
History: +0
Investigation: +0
Nature: +3
Religion: +0: 10 (+0) | WisSave: +1
Animal Handling: +4
Insight: +1
Medicine: +1
Perception: +1
Survival: +4: 12 (+1) | ChaSave: -1
Deception: -1
Intimidation: +2
Performance: -1
Persuasion: -1: 8 (-1)
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common, Dwarvish, Elvish

Wild Surge Rages: 3/3 | Magic Awareness: 2/2

Darkvision 60' | Dwarven ResilienceYou have advantage on saving throws against poison, and you have resistance against poison damage. | StonecunningWhenever you make an Intelligence (History) check related to the origin of stonework, you are considered proficient in the History skill and add double your proficiency bonus to the check, instead of your normal proficiency bonus. | Unarmored DefenseWhile you are not wearing any armor, your armor class equals 10 + your Dexterity modifier + your Constitution modifier. You can use a shield and still gain this benefit. | Danger SenseAt 2nd level, you gain an uncanny sense of when things nearby aren't as they should be, giving you an edge when you dodge away from danger. You have advantage on Dexterity saving throws against effects that you can see, such as traps and spells. To gain this benefit, you can't be blinded, deafened, or incapacitated. | Reckless AttackStarting at 2nd level, you can throw aside all concern for defense to attack with fierce desperation. When you make your first attack on your turn, you can decide to attack recklessly. Doing so gives you advantage on melee weapon attack rolls using Strength during this turn, but attack rolls against you have advantage until your next turn. | Extra Attack | Fast MovementStarting at 5th level, your speed increases by 10 feet while you aren't wearing heavy armor.

+1 Red Dragonnel Shield+1 shield that offers resistance to fire damage

“My words,” Modri said. | ‘My thoughts,’ Modri thought. | My actions . . .

Having handed over the vast majority of all the coin and other fancy things he'd collected, Modri feels a weight lifted on his shoulders. With Michelle's display, he's holding in a laughter, until they're finally gone. "Ahar! Now that's an exit!" He shakes his head smiling. "Damn war. Makes me wonder how many fun and fiery folk are in the Dragon Army ranks. Plenty of cowards and fiends to be sure, but likely a handful I'd share a drink with if given the chance. Alas, can just share a fight with them."

He glances at those still around. "I'm a mind to say the same thing or worse if anyone asks me to be prim and proper. Doesn't matter, since it looks like we're heading out again."

-

Modri offers up 50 gold to get the supplies, wagons, and horses they need. His pack is much, much lighter now, just over 200 gold worth left before his contribution. Even that much feels like far too much for the Dwarf, but realizes these are strange times. The exchange earlier with Michelle has put Modri in a good mood.