Green Ice Cream

So, here's what I posted: Movement: running to the surrounding trees near the disturbance (Speed- 30 feet) Action: hiding among trees Bonus Action: equip shortbow - My apologies, but I have a few questions... 1. How many feet is each of those little squares on the map? I'm not sure if 30 feet gets me to the trees. 2. My intention was to 'hide' (as an action). I cannot find a definitive answer to what bonuses I add to the roll. Is it 1d20 + 6 (stealth)? 3. Do I even get a bonus action? Not certain. 4. Ideally, I would 'dash' to the trees if I needed extra movement to reach them. Then I would 'hide'. Is that a possibility? 5. Lastly, is equipping my shortbow required, or can I just attack? - Again, sorry for this. I've been reading guide after guide, but I'm still uncertain. I'd appreciate any help, and I'll do my best to catch on quickly. Thanks. 🙂

OOC: Yes, you are correct. However, being a total newbie, I need to ask for assistance getting through this first turn. I'll explain my concerns in the OOC thread, so not to clutter up this one.

Hello all. 🙂 My apologies for asking a simple question, but I'm still learning. I'm not 100% sure how to calculate the final value of rolling for the 'hide' action. Can anyone assist? Thanks.

Darkness consumes the forest clearing. The recently formed party of seven might just as well have been stationed in deep space, with Kresh's fire representing a lone star. And it wasn't only the lack of light. There was also a disturbing absence of sound. Almost hypnotized by the flames, Ultonius Zoelante wonders if the non-existent noise is related to the missing crystal. Kresh had recently checked the clearing's perimeter and now sits next to the human rogue. "Ultonius, you had arrived earlier than me, tell me, what made you want to go on this mission?" The forest is so quiet that Kresh's inquiry sounds deafening to Ultonius. Twigs snap and a foul odor becomes noticeable before the rogue can answer. Standing up, Kresh draws his sword and prepares his shield. "Wake up! Get up and arm yourselves, something approaches our camp!" he shouts. Ultonius is on his feet in an instant. He darts toward the surrounding trees adjacent to the disturbance, whatever it may be. At the same time, he yells. "You heard him! Wake up and ready your weapons! Get up now!" Focused upon reaching the nearest tree, Ultonius can see Kresh approaching the uninvited company. “Salkin ssussun!” Trisae incants, providing some much needed luminosity for the situation. - OOC: Movement: running to the surrounding trees near the disturbance (Speed- 30 feet) Action: hiding among trees Bonus Action: equip shortbow

Thanks for the speedy reply. 🙂 I'm really trying to get the hang of this. The help and kindness offered by other members has truly made it a pleasure!

You swipe the card with the teal square through the horizontal port. The red-tinted ray shield instantly vanishes. "Splendid!" Zan exclaims. "Thank you." (Player 2 earns two points for solving a puzzle and one point for logic.) (Score: 26 out of a possible 1,138) The Imp cannot be examined, for he's no longer in your line of sight. He entered the westmost cell, probably to interrogate the prisoner. (-1 Awareness) Your 'Awareness' total is now +1 When he was present in the corridor, you did NOT recognize him. However, you deduced that he's highly ranked. The Force flows through you. It has fully replenished. Although you feel no depletion of any kind, certain aspects of the energy field are still altered. Your ability to sense other beings is not completely severed, but you cannot recall how to access it. Detecting other Force-sensitives may prove easier. Again, you're unsure if your captors are responsible. Zan Sey, the male Zabrak, joins you in the east-west hallway. His skin is orange-beige. Alignment- LIGHT SIDE: +6

Roll (1d20 + 0 = 1) OOC: Ha! Figures my first roll is a one. Anyway, can someone tell me if I did this correctly? I added my wisdom modifier to the roll, and I don't believe my class features an applicable bonus. Thanks.

Ultonius sits on the almost barren ground, leaning casually against a smooth rock. He looks at the blanket he bought earlier, but decides not to use it. Instead, he turns toward Kresh's roaring fire and warms his hands. Nodding to the green barbarian, Ultonius speaks. "We must thank you for selflessly making the fire. A stellar job indeed." The grateful rogue's eyes dart back and forth, surveying the clearing for any activity. He continues to address Kresh. "I'll join you on first watch. I'm not much of an early sleeper anyway." Unsure if these parts were considered the outskirts of the forest, Ultonius chose to avoid slumber until he familiarized himself with the area surrounding the clearing. He desperately wanted, and needed, to quash his anxiety. There were some glimmers of hope during the trek from the great oaken tree to this location. Though there were only a few breaks so far, Trisae would play her flute during each. She entertained the group, and the upbeat tunes somehow kept Ultonius' intrusive musings at bay. Additionally, the more he learned about the party, the less he obsessed about the pirates. Ultonius wished he could hear the music right now, but Trisae had just turned in for the evening. He thought about the breakfast she'd prepared, which led to thoughts about Kresh's generous behavior as well. 'Two people showing kindness in the same party?' he mused with a touch of cynicism. 'Too good to be true.'

Hallway EE-S [Section 2] (East-West Hallway) Tagged in Aurebesh text, a sign hangs high on the northern wall. Beneath, a horizontal swiping port protrudes out of a console. A plasteel equipment rack is recessed into the wall. It holds one personal shield generator. There's a holding cell to the south. Its designation is written in Aurebesh. It reads 'Holding Cell EE-88'. Due to its ray shield being activated, the cell is inaccessible. Once again, you notice the detention block schematic attached to the southern wall on both sides of the cell's aperture. You grab the Imperial key card (with bronze square) from your utility belt. Just as you rush over to the console, you hear a loud buzz from the corridor's west end. Only distracted for a moment, you refocus and swipe the card through the horizontal port. Another loud buzz, higher in pitch, informs you that the card's been rejected. The ray shield remains functional. "Yes, I am a Jedi," you tell the Zabrak prisoner. "I'm Zan," he replies, disappointed that the shield is still active. "I don't get it. Your card looks exactly like the one they used." Listening to Zan, you near the recessed rack. Personal shield generator: Taken. You call out to the male Zabrak. "What's your name?" "Um." He pauses, wondering if you had heard him. "It's Zan... Zan Sey." One section to the west (the west end), a high-ranking Imp enters the hallway from a north passage. He seems to ignore your presence, and approaches the cell in front of him. Satisfied that you haven't been noticed, you quietly continue talking to Zan. "Why are they holding you here?" The Imperial officer engages in conversation with another captive. You can't make out the words. Zan Sey answers. "The Imperials claim that I have vital knowledge pertaining to their ravine, and frankly, I have no idea what they're talking about." You proceed with another inquiry. "Do you know the way out?" The Imp swipes his key card and enters the westmost cell, probably to interrogate. "All I know," Zan explains, "is that the north passage leads to some sort of guard station... but there are no controls for the door. Oh, and there's a hangar bay somewhere to the east." You look down the corridor one section and study the west end. The northern station must be where the Imp entered from. No one is approaching at the moment. (+1 Awareness) Your 'Awareness' total is now +2

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… A Star Wars Text Adventure (Game 1) - 'A Matter of the Mind' Episode I – 'Bits and Pieces' 12 ABY (The New Republic Era - EU) Playable Character: A female Mirialan Jedi Knight with partial amnesia. Primary Goal: Escape from the Imperial base holding you captive. Score: TWENTY-THREE points out of a possible 1,138 BEGIN- Hallway EE-S [Section 4] (East-West Hallway) Tagged in Aurebesh text, two halves of a broken sign lie upon the pristine floor. A pair of E-11 blaster rifles sit on the floor as well. The horizontal swiping port, once on the north wall, has been destroyed. It now exists only as plasteel shards littered across the hallway. There's also a small, empty recess above the fried console. A plasteel equipment rack, undamaged, is recessed into the wall. It holds two E-11 blaster rifles. There's a holding cell to the south. Its designation is written in Aurebesh, which you... couldn't read. However, comprehension of the text is slowly returning to you. You don't know what caused this recall, but the text reads 'Holding Cell EE-90'. Due to its ray shield being deactivated, the cell is accessible. Again, you notice the schematic attached to the southern wall on both sides of the cell's aperture: The rooms depicted by the schematic are labeled in Aurebesh. Since you seem to be able to read Aurebesh again, you peruse the labels corresponding to the east-west hallway: You hear nothing but the drone of the illumination banks, coupled with your saber's hum. Staring westward, beyond your greenish-yellow hands and the lightsaber, you're a bit stunned that the corridor is now empty. You finally remove one hand from your exquisite hilt, and immediately notice that your palm features a dark, geometrically repetitive tattoo. You don't know when any adversaries may show up. However, there are three more unguarded cells within the east-west hallway. > Examine the hallway, the swiping port/s and the cells. See if Sulon left the magenta card behind, or if there is another nearby. See if any of the other three cells are occupied. Call out to any occupants. "Hello in there! I'll get you out if I can. Any advice?" You commence with your examination. All of the swiping ports are functional, with the exception of Section Four's. You know the card with a teal square opened your cell, and the card with a magenta square opened Sulon's cell. However, you DON'T know which cards open the three remaining cells. Electing to study the cells, you enter Holding Cell EE-90, which was Sulon's. Holding Cell EE-90 You can now examine the human's cell from within the room itself. Without delay, you study the holding cell. You see two power cells, lying on the pristine floor. There's a crude wooden chair in the southeast corner of the room. Sitting atop the chair is a plasma gas cartridge. You exit Holding Cell EE-90, returning to the east-west corridor. Sulon did NOT leave the magenta card behind, and you find no cards of any kind. The other three cells are indeed occupied. Considering you've already stared at the occupant in Holding Cell EE-88, you head over to Section Two of the hallway. Hallway EE-S [Section 2] (East-West Hallway) Tagged in Aurebesh text, a sign hangs high on the northern wall. Beneath, a horizontal swiping port protrudes out of a console. A plasteel equipment rack is recessed into the wall. It holds one personal shield generator. There's a holding cell to the south. Its designation is written in Aurebesh. It reads 'Holding Cell EE-88'. Due to its ray shield being activated, the cell is inaccessible. Once again, you notice the detention block schematic attached to the southern wall on both sides of the cell's aperture. You call out to the occupant, a male Zabrak sitting upon a crude wooden chair. "Hello in there! I'll get you out if I can. Any advice?" His distraught face looks up and examines you for a moment. Then, he springs to the floor and nears the ray shield with a glint of hope in his eyes. "Hello. I've seen them swipe the key card. It's marked with a small square." > Go east. You head east. Hallway EE-S [Section 3] (East-West Hallway) Tagged in Aurebesh text, a sign with a blast mark hangs high on the northern wall. Beneath, a horizontal swiping port protrudes out of a console. Still accessible, Holding Cell EE-89 is located to the south. Its designation is notated in Aurebesh. The detention block schematic is found on both sides of the aperture. "Are you a Jedi?" the Zabrak asks loudly from his holding cell. "What should I do?" You have now visited FIVE locations. Explore seven more to receive 12 points!

Ultonius Zoelante - Human Rogue 1 Ultonius watches the others ready their supplies. He had already grabbed a compass and rations, as well as bought three days worth of extra rations, a grappling hook, a blanket, and an extra quiver of arrows. Having finished breakfast thirty minutes ago, Ultonius decides to thank Trisae. "Delicious... that really hit the spot. You have my thanks." Then, he heads to the nearest wall and leans against it in his typical fashion. Waiting there for the journey to begin, the pensive rogue recalls his attempt to sleep just a few hours prior. He had been contemplating asking the group if they could steer clear of the forest outskirts. Ultimately, he opted not to. 'Probably a good idea to save acts of persuasion for our adversaries,' he thought. Once his decision was made, slumber came quickly, and even though he had hit the sack by three, dawn arrived quickly as well. Now, in Ultonius' mind, he was rested enough. 'If I come across those scoundrels, then I'll think of something... I always do.'

Yes, I had intended to, but the story has moved ahead. I see you went ahead and crafted your post. Nicely done, and thanks for the courteous inquiry. 🙂 If it helps (in the future), feel free to make minor decisions concerning Ultonius, for the sake of continuity. I'll just follow accordingly in my next post.

Leaning against an oaken wall near the hall's exit, Ultonius Zoelante waits for Aelysûne to complete her perusal of the map. "Thank you, Brother Lu-Tze," she says. Now the concerned rogue could take a glance. Ultonius instantly points to the coordinates of the hall, and runs his finger northeast to the area in question. If the group sticks to the road, then they'd avoid a good portion of the forest outskirts. Of course, Ultonius would have to convince the diverse party to do so. After thanking Lu-Tze, the rogue takes a moment to ponder. Whilst studying the map, he had spotted Durin exiting the hall abruptly. Ultonius follows suit.

Nice catch. I’d make the appropriate edit, but that topic is locked now. Is that okay, or is there a way to edit my arrival? And yes, I can see the new game thread. Coolness!

'Avoid the Forest of Ravenswood at all costs.' Ultonius had been repeating this sentence inside his head for several months. Within the realm of Eldoria, the mysterious forest was the newest location he had deemed off-limits. However, an unexpected circumstance had arisen. The persuasive rogue had received an invitation, and it generated enough incentive to make him ignore any self-imposed restriction. 'I'm supposed to be manipulating other folks… not myself,' Ultonius thought with much cynicism. And so there he was, navigating through a dark forest at midnight. Miraculously, he emerged from the trees unscathed, and positioned perfectly at the correct coordinates. Surprised by his own accuracy, Ultonius took a moment to examine his surroundings. He looked up a nearby hill. There, perched upon the hill's apex, was the Hall of Echoed Wisdom, lit majestically by the Harvest Moon. With his destination in view, Ultonius immediately began to scramble up the hill. As his ascension progressed, the rogue's psyche reeled on about many unexplainable truths. The fact that he'd not encountered any ordeals in the forest was most prominent. Only eight months ago, he had made some powerful enemies in these parts. Specifically, a group of pirates who frequented the forest outskirts wanted compensation for being double-crossed… and they'd take it in any fashion required. Ultonius' doubt grew with every step he took towards the oaken hall. 'Why am I doing this?' Trusting his keen instincts, Ultonius had decided that the unexpected invitation was crafted by the High Council. Now, he cleared the forefront of his mentality in an effort to quash all apprehension. Arriving at the intricate structure, his curiosity piqued. Despite skepticism about the council's motivations, Ultonius found the opportunity alluring. 'What awaits me beyond these oaken doors?' He took a deep breath, exhaled, and entered. Before Ultonius could survey the entire scene, he noticed a dais at the end of the magnificent hall. A motley group of humanoids were gathered around the dais, discussing the importance of some crystal. 'By the guardians!' the rogue exclaimed in his mind, and instantly dropped into a mode of stealth. 'I must be behind schedule.' Slinking through the tree's humid air, he started searching for an appropriate hiding spot. Ultonius was able to remain unseen for a useless moment. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a friendly monk appeared. Bidding Ultonius welcome, the monk gestured towards the dais. "Please, be welcome. The counsil will meet you shortly when everybody has arrived."

Apologies. I'll post shortly so you can start the game thread.

Yes, I'm good to go. Working on pre-game post now. 🙂

Not sure if this goes here, but I didn't want to start a second 'Introductions' topic. I just wanted to thank and for all the help. 🙂 It really made starting a game simple and fun. The community is stellar... so polite and generous. A follow-up question: As far as the 'Game System' goes, what's the difference between 'Freeform' and 'Miscellaneous'? I've seen conflicting definitions. Might as well throw the term 'Homebrew' in there as well. Just need simple definitions pertaining to this site. Thanks again!

"I am serious, and don't call me Shirley."

valence

Name: Ultonius Zoelante Race: Human (+1 to each ability score) Gender: Male Class: Rogue Level: 1 Background: Charlatan Alignment: Chaotic Neutral Experience: 0 Ability Scores (using Standard Array of 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8): STRENGTH 13 (+1) DEXTERITY 16 (+3) CONSTITUTION 14 (+2) INTELLIGENCE 9 (-1) CHARISMA 15 (+2) WISDOM 11 (0) Saving Throws: STR +1 / DEX +5 / CON +2 / INT +1 / CHA +2 / WIS 0 Skills: Deception +6 / Acrobatics +5 / Sleight of Hand +5 / Performance +6 / Persuasion +4 / Stealth +5 Passive Wisdom (Perception): 10 Initiative: +3 Hit Points: 1d8 (8+2) = 10 Proficiency Bonus: +2 Tools: Disguise, Forgery, Thieves' Tools Equipment: set of fine clothes, disguise kit, weighted dice Special Features: False Identity, Expertise, Sneak Attack, Thieves' Cant Attributes: Size- Medium / Speed- 30 feet / Languages- Common, Elvish Armor: leather Armor Class: 11 + 3 = 14 Weapons: shortbow (quiver of 20 arrows), burglar's pack, 2 daggers, rapier

<You Have Selected> Mirialan Your character is now a female Mirialan (name unknown). Unbeknownst to yourself, you possess an impressively effective charisma. Tapping into this ability, you feign acceptance of Breuten Halaarsk's strange proposal. "Understood," you say with clever grace. "Perhaps I can head him off." (+1 Deception) The high-ranking Imperial is already headed back toward the corridor's west end when you inquire about the bay. "What's the quickest way to the hangar bay from here?" Turning to face a northern hallway, he answers. "Just head east." Then, Breuten leaves. Halaarsk is gone before you're able to ask your follow-up questions. You're left to hear nothing but the drone of the illumination banks, coupled with your saber's hum. Staring ahead, beyond your greenish-yellow hands and the lightsaber, you're a bit stunned. 'He just... left?' you muse. You're still standing in the fourth section of Hallway EE-S. You don't know when any adversaries may show up. However, it does dawn on you that three more unguarded cells exist within the east-west hallway.

Yeah, it's quite infuriating when a simple search spoils the game, movie, or show. Think you would've moved the rug if you hadn't been spoiled? Oh, yeah... the sword (found above the trophy case) glows blue when danger is near. Entering the cellar will cause it to glow, but the lantern must be activated to avoid grue attacks. Pitch darkness is your enemy! lol I tend to hoard as well. It was very tough for me to drop the leaflet. And yes, inventory management is crucial in Zork, especially when attempting to get the treasures above ground. Lemme know if you ever give it another spin.

"No I didn't. I just said there were blasters on the wall!" By the time you speak your mind, Sulon is already at the hallway's east end. Hence, your irritation with him goes unheard. 'Better off,' you muse, realizing that now is not the time. Alignment- LIGHT SIDE: +4 Keeping your emerald blade a few inches away from Halaarsk's brow, you remain in a defensive stance. His underling, the female Imperial officer, has not moved. Her hands are still behind her back. You use this opportunity to examine Breuten more closely, looking for any threats or weapons. His crisp tailored jacket is obviously made from high-quality fabric. As far as you know, it's typical Imperial garb for a high ranking officer. Your instincts tell you that he must've earned the rank of admiral or better, considering how much his attire features the color white. Breuten's utility belt is equipped with a holster, but it's empty. His polished leather boots shine magnificently. You suppose it's possible that he could use them to conceal a weapon. Due to your proximity to him, you now notice a thin mustache. "What can I say?" you reply to his inquiry. "I was lonely escaping all by myself." Halaarsk doesn't look the slightest bit intimidated, and you tighten your grip on your hilt. With a stern face, you continue. "Stand aside and I will not harm you." Alignment- LIGHT SIDE: +5 Breuten Halaarsk sports a sly grin. He does not budge. "Haven't I already conveyed how distraught I am over the missing datacard?" His grin vanishes. "I truly believe it would be in your best interest to cooperate." He interlocks his fingers and remains inches from your blade. "Considering you freed the culprit, I think it's only fair that the task of questioning him falls to you." Breuten turns to his officer. "Kasari, please elaborate on the situation." They trade places. However, Kasari doesn't stand quite as close to your lightsaber. (+1 Intimidation) Still, she conveys her disdain for your kind. "Wretched... <Please Select Species> Cerean, Duros, Human, Mirialan, Rodian, Sullustan, Twi'lek, Zabrak (Don't be too concerned about your pick. You'll be able to cycle through these species later in the game.) "Wretched <Species>, you have no business being a Knight." She composes herself. "The missing datacard contains override codes for Imperial encryption. Since the encryption was used to reprogram Sulon's starfighter, we have no doubt that he's behind the theft." Kasari pauses. "He's headed for the hangar bay. Obviously, he'll use the codes to override our security encryption. He must not escape this outpost." She looks to her superior. Halaarsk waves his hand. "Officer Kesyk, you're dismissed." She nods, turns around, and heads back west. Breuten points a finger at you. "You are to find Sulon and acquire that datacard. No one is to know you're working for me. Stormtroopers have been trained to hunt you down, so don't expect immunity." "What is it that Sulon did?" You maintain your defensive positioning and realize how quiet it's become. The ruckus from the east end has ended. You and Breuten Halaarsk are the only beings left in the corridor. The sly grin returns. "Let's just say he's stumbled upon our ravine and wants to purloin some valuable artifacts."

You tilt your head towards the immaculate floor, motioning at the blaster rifles you Force-pulled. "The ones on the floor are loaded," you tell Sulon, who has just reached your position. Now standing back-to-back in defensive stances, you both keep tabs on your corresponding adversaries. Sulon faces east, while you face west. He picks up the nearest E-11 and responds to you with cynicism. "Oh really? These are loaded? You told me the other ones were loaded!" Sulon drops the useless blaster rifle, and prepares the new one. "I've got your head right in my sights trooper!" he yells down the corridor. However, the pair of stormtroopers have switched places with the jade guards. Wielding their cyclers, the guards approach, with the troopers bringing up the rear. They've found new E-11s as well. Still tracking the Imperial officer and her superior, you quietly address Sulon. "Can you make sense of this blue diagram?" Again, you motion with a head tilt, this time towards the wall. Stunned by your inquiry, Sulon answers loudly. "Sure!" he exclaims in jest. "I'll just break down the cell block schematics in their entirety for you! It's not like we're surrounded by six enemies!" You reply with another question. "Which way do we go?" Attempting to blast Sulon, KS-527 and trooper #2 pull their triggers in unison. To your surprise, their aim is so horrendous that both bolts strike the swiping port on the north wall. A small explosion produces shards of plasteel. "Well, considering the situation, I'd say any direction that leads away from 'here' would be a solid choice!!!" Sulon charges at the two jade guards, as the stormtroopers prepare to fire again. 'He is a bold one,' you think to yourself, and follow suit. "You are unarmed," you say to the Imperial officer. "What is your intention?" (Your alignment increases by 1.) Alignment- LIGHT SIDE: +3 She flashes you a wry smile and says nothing. Then, she folds her hands behind her back, moves aside, and allows her superior to approach you. Staying close to Sulon is not possible at the moment. He's rushed towards the east end of the hallway to face four adversaries on his own. Just turning to look at him would surely put you in danger. You remain focused on the west. Keeping steady, you place your shimmering blade between you and your new foe. You hear a distinctive and recognizable sound from behind you. It's the combined sound of a high-pitched crack, and a reverberating whine. You know it's one of the cycler rifles. Then, you hear it two more times, just before laser fire becomes the dominant noise. Obviously, Sulon's got himself into a difficult firefight. Your new foe stands in front of you, ever so close to your humming emerald blade. He wears a white tailored jacket. It's both crisp and adorned with code cylinders. "My name is Breuten Halaarsk." You notice a decorative medal displayed on his chest, and multiple badges attached to his collar. "I have been tasked with preventing Sulon's escape from this outpost." The golden epaulettes on his shoulders gleam brightly from your saber light. "Presently, I am quite distraught, for a datacard of extreme importance went missing earlier today." This guy certainly conveys a sense of professionalism and prestige. "Am I to understand that you're responsible for that loathsome criminal's release?"