A long sneak peek of Baldur’s Gate: Descent Into Avernus! – NewbieDM and KatoKatonian

September 8, 2019Zoltar Leave a comment

Here are the backs of each. Beautiful illustration of Zariel. pic.twitter.com/5Z0KEHD6UH

— Kato Katonian @ Avernus (@KatoKatonian) September 4, 2019

The special cover has the foil process they’ve used before to make it shiny. pic.twitter.com/lv0gmEKoKp

— Kato Katonian @ Avernus (@KatoKatonian) September 4, 2019

The book starts with a good description of the story, and the “beats” of where the PCs should be level-wise when they reach certain areas.

An entire city has descended to hell, leaving a crater behind. The PC’s must keep Baldur’s Gate from suffering the same fate! pic.twitter.com/k7RZaOnCea

— NewbieDM (@newbiedm) September 5, 2019

This handsome creature greets you on the front page. (Also appears as a miniature in the WizKids miniature line that ties in). pic.twitter.com/RXLwTVTHQr

— Kato Katonian @ Avernus (@KatoKatonian) September 4, 2019

Some quick facts: 256 page book across six chapters, a gazetteer, and seven appendices. Takes players from levels 1 to 13. A whole mess of people worked on this book. I’d tag them but it would look like username soup. So here’s the credits page: pic.twitter.com/j1WiKwY6Fe

— Kato Katonian @ Avernus (@KatoKatonian) September 4, 2019

Possible spoilers here in the Table of Contents. Scroll on by if you think the chapter contents will spoil something for you. pic.twitter.com/Rxekmo93d6

— Kato Katonian @ Avernus (@KatoKatonian) September 4, 2019

Minor copyright thing I noticed: WotC calls out that Arkhan the Cruel, Torogar Steelfist, and Krull the Tortle are properties of Joe Mangianello. No surprises there, just interesting how characters created outside of WotC can be incorporated and rights remain with creator. Several people asked for the disclaimer listed in Descent Into Avernus. Here it is. Scroll by if you don’t want it spoiled.

(Amusing nod to the Satanic Panic) pic.twitter.com/jNACiWWit3

— Kato Katonian @ Avernus (@KatoKatonian) September 4, 2019

There’s a @schleyMap of Baldur’s Gate. Looks like the one from Murder in Baldur’s Gate but not sure. cutaway in here! 💙 pic.twitter.com/0M8IMj97xA

— Kato Katonian @ Avernus (@KatoKatonian) September 4, 2019

Appendix A: Diabolical Deals. Information on how devils go about making deals. What devils want, what they offer. How contracts work (especially if you break them) and what forms they take (apparently “baby dolls” is an option)… pic.twitter.com/FYByMJJauj

— Kato Katonian @ Avernus (@KatoKatonian) September 4, 2019

This is a map of Vanthampur Villa in the Descent into Avernus book.

What’s interesting about it is that it is specifically called out in the credits as “inspired by a building design by Dean Turner”.

First time I’ve ever seen a real world architect get credit in a #dnd book. pic.twitter.com/xNDkB61oI3

— NewbieDM (@newbiedm) September 5, 2019

The adventure starts PCs off in the middle of a refugee crisis at the walls of Baldur’s Gate.

I recommend you learn to paraphrase. It is a necessary skill when running published adventures. That’s a hefty bit of boxed text. pic.twitter.com/yBxnEsglth

— NewbieDM (@newbiedm) September 5, 2019

Appendix B: Infernal War Machines. Vehicles built in the Nine Hells and fueled by souls of the damned. Rules for vehicles and how to use them. They have statblocks similar to monsters. Here’s The Scavenger for instance: Infernal War Machines are powered by soul coins (magical items containing a soul). Soul coins have a number of charges and those charges power the War Machine for an associated amount of time. The souls scream out as they are consumed by the war machine’s furnace. Fun.

— Kato Katonian @ Avernus (@KatoKatonian) September 4, 2019

Book details 4 example War Machines but includes rules for Fiendish Variations which are alternative armor, weapons, and magical gadgets with which war machines can be outfitted.
Vehicle rules include mishaps, repairs, crashing and falling. There’s also a Chase Complications table to allow you to use the DMGs rules for Chases. Would have liked maybe some more info here (it’s half a page) as I’ve found the DMG’s chase rules are kinda lacking.

— Kato Katonian @ Avernus (@KatoKatonian) September 4, 2019

Maps are once again brought to you by @DysonLogos pic.twitter.com/pn37p3ZqHq

— NewbieDM (@newbiedm) September 5, 2019

A song.

And now I am reminded of Dragonlance. Sigh. pic.twitter.com/uWKKNnNPjU

— NewbieDM (@newbiedm) September 5, 2019

There’s also a Chase Complications table to allow you to use the DMGs rules for Chases. Would have liked maybe some more info here (it’s half a page) as I’ve found the DMG’s chase rules are kinda lacking. Appendix C: Magic Items
Looks like 12 new magic items, many related to NPCs in the adventure. Arkhan the Cruel’s battleaxe “Fane-Eater” and Zariel’s sword are both statted out here. Also here’s the aforementioned soul coin. pic.twitter.com/Ec902f4E4F

— Kato Katonian @ Avernus (@KatoKatonian) September 4, 2019

For example: pic.twitter.com/vwuK8FUWDD

— Kato Katonian @ Avernus (@KatoKatonian) September 4, 2019

I’ve seen him before. Maybe in the Hoard of the Dragon Queen book? pic.twitter.com/TRvvKNaiZn

— NewbieDM (@newbiedm) September 5, 2019

This takes place after Tomb of Annihilation.

Remember her? pic.twitter.com/4fqy54ueTr

— NewbieDM (@newbiedm) September 5, 2019

Appendix E is the Infernal Rapture Menu which I won’t spoil.
Quick flip looks like there’s another 22 statblocks scattered throughout the rest of the book, mostly NPCs. But also this good fiendy boy: Appendix F: is Story Concept Art. Neat stuff here as usual.
Appendix: G: Infernal Script. A cipher for writing in or deciphering Infernal. pic.twitter.com/Y9wffYgKaq

— Kato Katonian @ Avernus (@KatoKatonian) September 4, 2019

Epic. Griffon ridin’! pic.twitter.com/mOCVCTxGnX

— NewbieDM (@newbiedm) September 5, 2019

The Fall of Zariel (possible spoilers, though this was all mentioned in a relatively recent Dragon Talk.) pic.twitter.com/tZh0g2LU29

— Kato Katonian @ Avernus (@KatoKatonian) September 4, 2019

Each chapter has a flowchart pic.twitter.com/yHUqXkTBY0

— NewbieDM (@newbiedm) September 5, 2019

So far best table in Baldur’s Gate: Descent Into Avernus is “Flesh Warping”. Roll to see what happens when you come in contact with Demon Ichor. pic.twitter.com/OFT3fXltdE

— Kato Katonian @ Avernus (@KatoKatonian) September 4, 2019

Ah, in this chapter I recognize some of the names, they were characters in the Descent event I went to in LA back in May. pic.twitter.com/LpsVjHcENS

— NewbieDM (@newbiedm) September 5, 2019

Canon. #Criticalrole pic.twitter.com/PKZAcI2n55

— NewbieDM (@newbiedm) September 5, 2019

So chapter 3 branches off into 2 possible paths as the PCs search for the Sword of Zariel. Path of Demons and Path of Devils. Basically locations the PCs must visit as they ride their war machines through Avernus. pic.twitter.com/2vg2mQoIit

— NewbieDM (@newbiedm) September 5, 2019

Finally there are twenty double-sided cards. One is the infernal cipher again. There are also a Strange Encounters in Avernus, and a Trinkets table… pic.twitter.com/faUuznN3oZ

— Kato Katonian @ Avernus (@KatoKatonian) September 5, 2019

The Baldur’s Gate gazeteer describes it as it is in 1492 DR. pic.twitter.com/0hvTkj1xQe

— NewbieDM (@newbiedm) September 5, 2019

There are new features to adapt backgrounds for BG specifically, and a whole new one, Faceless. I am reminded of Arya Stark. pic.twitter.com/k69m4ONsnW

— NewbieDM (@newbiedm) September 5, 2019

Okay. This is cool. The story assumes the party is already together and share a Dark Secret—a conspiracy, a murder, theft, or a failed coup. pic.twitter.com/M7cvvMj0zG

— NewbieDM (@newbiedm) September 5, 2019

The concept art section is great! I hope it is downlodable at @DnDBeyond once the adventure goes live on there. Could be useful. pic.twitter.com/UexwBqnEE9

— NewbieDM (@newbiedm) September 5, 2019

Visit the birthplace of Dungeons & Dragons With Satine, Stephan and Matt Mercer

September 8, 2019Zoltar Leave a comment

The Company of the Windgorgon, which perished in Undermountain in the 1350s

September 8, 2019Zoltar Leave a comment

.@TheEdVerse Regarding the Company of the Windgorgon, which perished in Undermountain in the 1350s… what is a windgorgon, in the Realms?

— Xaeyruudh (@xaeyruudh) August 3, 2019

1)
A windgorgon is a very rare (because it was so aggressive that most were swiftly slain after coming into contact with humans), larger cousin of the gorgon that has a acid-cloud breath weapon that jets with force enough to be about equal to a Thunderwave spell.#Realsmlore https://twitter.com/xaeyruudh/status/1157506520063467520 …2)
(So it doesn't petrify foes.) Windgorgons are as smart as humans, capable of speech (and mimicry), cunning in battle and defense (setting traps around their wilderland lairs), and are mostly seen in heraldry (rampant and breathing), these days, not in the flesh.#Realmslore

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) August 3, 2019

Thank you! It’s similar to the Monster Manual gorgon in appearance? And in climate/habitat? Yes to appearance, but wider climate tolerance than the gorgon, so found in all but arctic mountains, hills and wilderland terrain everywhere (i.e. where humans are sparse).#Realmslore

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) August 3, 2019

You say it’s aggressive but also that it is as intelligent as humans. It wouldn’t be wrong to have one that is sort of like xanathar would it? I was just thinking how cool it would be to have one as a crime Lord. Oh, sure. The survivors have learned from what happened to their fellows. Yes, one could be a crime lord. :}#Realmslore

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) August 4, 2019

I don’t post unused maps because I like to repurpose many pieces of the buffalo, but I’m too proud of one of these

September 8, 2019Zoltar Leave a comment

I don’t post unused maps because I like to repurpose many pieces of the buffalo, but I’m too proud of one of these. 🙂#CriticalRole pic.twitter.com/PqqMPmNIGq

— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) August 9, 2019

As was I for many years (and the collection was amassed over time). I wish I had access to all the itema you use to make your maps. But I am too poor! Even so, the bells and whistles aren’t necessary, and simple hand-drawn maps combined with cheaper crafts can be nearly as evocative! 🙂

— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) August 9, 2019

How much does each map cost you? Do you set a budget before making them? Each map is made of modular @dwarvenforge pieces, vinyl maps by @matsbymars, and the odd hobby store miniature terrain piece. A bit of an upfront investment, but the week-to-week cost is negligible when it’s all reuseable!

— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) August 9, 2019

Where do you get your trees? I’ve been looking everywhere for good fauna for d&d Hobby shops! They are generally for model train sets and hobby miniature land scapes!

— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) August 9, 2019

Love love love the dusting of snow!!! What are you using for it? It almost looks like a solid dusting of salt, but less crystalline! Fake model snow! Found at hobby shops. 🙂

— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) August 9, 2019

Just a wooden board cut to 24” x 24”, then sprayed with Plastidip to help minimize slippage. 🙂

— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) August 9, 2019

Just curious, with you guys being as big and popular as you are. Do you still make your own maps/props I know as gm of our group, that's one of my favorite parts.

— Salvatore Marzano (@Sal_Marzano) August 9, 2019

Completely! It’s one of my favorite aspects of being a GM! It’s too personal a process to give to someone else. Some occasional props are out of my depth/limited by my time constraints, however… that’s when folks like @DevenRue come in. 😉 https://t.co/VE3Acob1lr

— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) August 9, 2019

I just need to know how you keep these away from @Marisha_Ray ?! Like y’all live in the same house… Right?! I build these at the studio now, so it’s much easier! Previously, I’d just keep her out of my office. 😉

— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) August 9, 2019

So I’d like to convert Magnetist’s Gloves to 5e and give them away

September 8, 2019Zoltar Leave a comment

So I’d like to convert these gloves to 5e and give them away, but then I’ve opened up the option of disarming foes in my game. Any DMs dealing with disarm in 5e? I'm leery of opening general disarm options outside class features or feats and the like, so keeping it locked to a magic item might be okay (especially if it has limited uses).

Just think about how many things are defanged as far as challenge goes if you take away a weapon.

— Dan Dillon 👥 (@Dan_Dillon_1) July 11, 2019

Disarm is already a Battle Master option in the game. Making a pair of Gloves that give your 1-3 superiority dice and the disarm maneuver, seems totally in the realms of balance. Just take a look at how Battlemaster treats it and use it as a template. This is a great way to handle it, just be careful how those extra superiority dice refresh.

— Dan Dillon 👥 (@Dan_Dillon_1) July 11, 2019

“Put up thy sword, I pray, and spare the king for the realm’s sake”

September 8, 2019Zoltar Leave a comment

The royal riders cross the realm, for new sacrifices must be selected
The dragon gets impatient when they aren’t all waiting to be collected

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) August 15, 2019

Headsman, Headsman,
Do your duty
Remove the head
Of yon traitor beauty
Then send it to the King
Without delay
There’s a recipe
He wants to try today

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) August 15, 2019

Put up thy sword, I pray, and spare the king for the realm’s sake
For if the throne be emptied, lawlessness shall the entire land overtake

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) August 16, 2019

And on her slender fingers gleamed such beautiful, enchanted rings
That I quite forgot they were prisons for the souls of so many proud slaughtered kings

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) August 17, 2019

Do you build your character around your stat rolls, or decide what you want to play and then roll?

September 7, 2019Zoltar 1 Comment

Do you build your character around your stat rolls, or decide what you want to play and THEN roll? Depends. In 5e I definitely start with a concept and then build stats (with array or point buy) to fit.

In a system like 3d6 in order stats, well, my advice is don't get attached to an idea until you see what you can actually manage.

— Dan Dillon 👥 (@Dan_Dillon_1) July 17, 2019

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Questions on Dungeons & Dragons answered by designers

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A long sneak peek of Baldur’s Gate: Descent Into Avernus! – NewbieDM and KatoKatonian

Visit the birthplace of Dungeons & Dragons With Satine, Stephan and Matt Mercer

The Company of the Windgorgon, which perished in Undermountain in the 1350s

I don’t post unused maps because I like to repurpose many pieces of the buffalo, but I’m too proud of one of these

So I’d like to convert Magnetist’s Gloves to 5e and give them away

“Put up thy sword, I pray, and spare the king for the realm’s sake”

Do you build your character around your stat rolls, or decide what you want to play and then roll?

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