Greets.
Frank Mentzer here.

This thread is for info, Q&A, and discussion of my replay from NTRPG 1.
The adventure is formally "SAR: Blueberry Cockle" (aka Stoned Again due to the plethora of petrifactions present).

IF YOU ARE A PLAYER, please check in here! We need to sort who's got which characters, and all that.

WARNING: This is an extremely difficult adventure. That said, it can be completely thought out and outguessed. It has no Gygaxian surprise-deathtraps (though the system may contain some at VHL). As you would expect, this is about resource planning & usage, plus high-end strategic & tactical competence.

ATTACHED BELOW is the full set of character sheets (PDF).
New spells and odd items are included, as well as other tables & mechanics pertinent to VHL play.
All players are assumed to be familiar with the characteristics (especially resources & assets) of all player characters... or at least all attending.

...

I will ramble in this thread about some of the characteristics of VHL play, tips for smooth party functionality, rule importance (strict vs handwaived), etc etc.

F

I am playing in this game, I'll take Muir (the druid) if we're just picking.

Noah Green checking in here. This looks pretty darn amazing. If we are picking characters then I would like to request Ferumbras Took. Thanks!

First dibs! Heresy for Muir.
Next?

And the superhobbit is also tagged. (Enjoy your magic items)

Eight to go. Oscar is... challenging. ;>

Party Highlights

Tillich (Cleric): AC -4 hp 90 Str 15 Dex 16
Muir (Druid): AC -1 hp 128 Str 14 Dex 15 Cha 17
Ranger: AC -3 hp 110 Str 18/65 Dex 16
Oscar (Mage): AC -5 hp 64 Str 14 Dex 17
Thelonius (Monk): AC -1 hp 67 Str 17 Dex 18
Conan (Detective): AC -2 hp 82 Str 18/18 Dex 14
Mac (Thief): AC -4 hp 74 Str 15 Dex 18
Ferumbras (Hobbit): AC -4 hp 108 Str 16 Dex 17
Warwick (Dwarf): AC -1 hp 97 Str 18/81 Dex 15
Thurston (Gnome): AC -3 hp 65 Str 16 Dex 17

Tillich
Heavy combatant (90 hp) and principal healbot (with Conan)
Communications (speak giant & dragon, also Tongues spell)
Auto-Turn Vampires, auto-Destroy Mummies

Muir
Heavy combatant (128 hp) & nature specialist
Of note: Bridge Club (turns into small wooden bridge on command)

no-name Ranger
Principal combatant (110 hp), scout & tactical leader
Indy-style Fedora and Whip

Oscar
The Wizard of Oz, sees all (Permanent Det Invis & Det Magic)
Staff of Power, Wand Conjuration

Thelonious
Communications (speak with animals & plants); Pied piper (flute)
Vertically proficient (climbing, falling, spear levitation), various immunities

Conan
Sherlock Holmes magic items
Backup Ranger; Frostbrand sword & Mace Disruption

Mac
Cloak of Disguise, extreme skills; Spells selected for thiefly uses
Almost unkillable (spirit gem)

Ferumbras
Staff (undetectable, also shrink), Ring Invis/Silence, Pipe & Kettle
Communications: Earring of Translation

Warwick
Rod of Lordly Might (Mace form); backup Cleric
Boomerang Hammer & necklace of hammers, Nose-ring

Thurston
Can't suffocate, likes swimming (can cast underwater)
Specialty arrows (v lycs, undead, giants, dragons)