D&D 4e -- Fighting Orcus and Reaching Level 30

[MorthoisJR]

when is the new video coming?!?!? u know the one

[crippledthehandicapp]

@repsesper map designs are very impressive

[rubin3364]

Hey Esper, just wondering if you'd do a video on Asmodeus at any point. I think it would be interesting to hear how you would play him.

[shon911]

I love the bit "Don't touch it! There is no way that's not cursed!"

[mrdomomaster345]

Repesper, I want to say when will you finish your campain. I have ran out of idea's of creating campains, and I will love one of your campains.

[rpgjames]

Really interesting video, pictures, game, campaign, narrative, and holy CRAP those maps are freaking epic in their OWN right. Just watched your vid (via FB) for the "D&D Next" announcement, and - not heretofore having been very familiar with you - after seeing the reasoned, thoughtful response (by which I mean thank you so VERY very much that you weren't yet another "railer") there, clicked over here to see another informed, thought out offering of insight, and all the extra "D&D candy" to boot!

[monster6607]

@repsesper How do you feel about Pathfinder?

[DoCWaSaBe]

repsesper, use a "Zoom H2n" its a good and well priced recorder than can record in all directions. It costs 200$

[inlife9]

I have only recently been involved with D&D4e. I started building a collection of books. I like what I have seen on your & others vids. Another guy I used to watch is switching to Pathfinder now, & I was wondering if you would be running more 4e or switching over also. I have the pathfinder core book, but I never liked D&D 3.0 or 3.5 so I dont really want to get into that. I understand 3.5 got a lot of new people into the hobby so they follow the "Your first game is loved" I get that. No fight.

[repsesper]

@inlife9 I don't expect to be playing Pathfinder, though I am dabbling in some other systems currently. And I'm working on a special secret project of my own ;)

[hankowen99]

repsesper, are you famillar with the holders seires it would make a great DND adventure

[pinkwater1234]

did u create at will encounter and daily powers for the players companions like can u do that if so please tell me how my ranger wants a grey wolf but idk if theres a list of those special attacks or i just create my own please help. thanks for all your great videos they have helped me so much

[TowerGuardDM]

Following you and your group has been a real pleasure. I deeply appreciate all of your contributions to the hobby and for allowing us to peek in the secret and sacred DM chambers where you practice your craft. You are a highly talented artist and storyteller. In addition, your fearless and unapologetic approach toward intelligent adaptation and improvisation with this (and other) systems is filled with truth, integrity and intent of goodwill toward and for all involved. You are a rare soul.

[repsesper]

@TowerGuardDM I am truly honored and touched by your words! I dream to inspire others, and it is so great to see when someone connects to these little glimpses into my world. Many thanks.

[terrainaholic]

I like your maps! I'm a terrain guy and build gaming tables and terrain pieces. Have you heard of Ben's rpg pile? I'm friends with him:) A guy with your artistic ability would make GREAT terrain!!! I applaud what you do and hope to see you possibly make some terrain props for your GREAT ADVENTURES:)!!! Again your 2d maps really convey a great feel. I bet you'd STUN every one if you took up even basic terrain making. Keep doing what your doing. Oh I do terrain how tos on my channel take care :)!

[repsesper]

@terrainaholic I am somewhat familiar with Ben's RPG Pile! Drawing and painting have always been callings of mine. I've done a little bit of 3D terrain, but the time it takes to produce it, low re-use rate, and loss of practicality make me stick with 2D. That said, I would LOVE to run an elaborate encounter using some great 3D terrain.

[akhitek]

I realize you're heard people talk up a storm about pathfinder, but I am curious what you think of FantasyCraft?

Also, I would be interested in seeing a 4e houserule video from you somewhere down the line, to get a feel for what you'd do to address the issues mentioned.

[highrule995]

I agree with you. i am a half orc fighter at the moment. i actually like being able to cleave or to knock targets down, rather then melee attack them, over and over and over....

[landonholmes]

I just DM'd my first session last night. Your videos have absolutely helped me along the way. Thank you, and please, continue to post!

[repsesper]

@landonholmes That's great to hear! That is one of the main reasons I run this channel.

[Acktheleone333]

hey looks like the ole chainmail rules from the 80s have really come a long way. I used to go to GEN CON almost every year. Well way back in the ole days. I also used to write a bit for AD&D a long time ago. I still remember long 3 day games, too much mountaindew, and not enough school. Sigh..those were the days. It is really great that there are some folks out there still gaming, roleplay style..whooot..hello to you guys..:) Ack..out

[santiagoacosta777]

You sound like a GREAT DM, I would love playing with you =)

[DrBasse]

I like your videos. Im a beginner DM with a beginner group on our first adventure. Any secret golden rules you might want to share :)

[repsesper]

@DrBasse You really should check out my videos, I have several that focus on DMing advice and ideas.

[MrMoviemakerdude]

@repsesper What would be a good encounter for a level 1 druid and a ranger?

[starshooter7324]

everyone talks about making mods of 3.5 but i make mods from 4. despite what you said, i don't really like 4th edition as much as pathfinder.

[sboxjunk]

As others have mentioned. Please give Pathfinder a try.

[Outlawstar257]

Funny- My campaign focuses on The Raven Queen hurling my players into a realm that has been torn away from the other planes for one purpose... she has trapped Orcus there and is using the players to kill her rival. So this helps a lot. (though i think i may buy Orcus as a trophy for my very first campaign, if it concludes successfully.

[therealrpgguy]

My first time here and it's really cool to see some actual play! I have to say, well done to your players for reaching level 30! Wow!

[JerryJoeHanson]

I'm so jealous...

[PippinCatY]

You should work for Wizard of the Coast. You could design D&D 5e

[Hydroman774]

So is Orcus a villain or a monster? Because Orcus is in the monster manuel.

[thedreadnaughtx]

You are an awesome DM. Should have seen my first game. I was talking with my friends and asked how they would feel about trying the game. I hadn't really read any of the books. They were so enthusiastic about it we played then and there. I had to learn the all the books in an hour and from there it grew to something much bigger. I have only played 4e because that is what I had. I love being a DM. Have been doing it for about 7 months now. I have already begun building a brand new world.

[Samwise7RPG]

I appreciate your honesty concerning your preferred system.

[LOXMYTHIC]

Had some trouble finding the large graph paper locally. Checked Office Depot, Staples. Also checked stationary department of Hobby Lobby and Michaels. No luck. Finally found some at Amazon.com. It was around $30 some dollars for 2 pack of 50 sheets. 27" X 35 ?/? " - 1" graph. They call it grid paper I think. Hope that half info helps.

[headcrabgordan]

@LOXMYTHIC gaming paper, it is like 5 bucks a giant role really high quality and I believe if you buy it online you get a free mini..

[mptothedc]

Congratulations Esper! 

[dnd00000]

is there a good website for getting ready made dungeons! if so could someone please tell me :,

[headcrabgordan]

@dnd00000 donjon random dungeon generator.

[zorono44]

great work as allways keep it up

[Orbitdeathrants]

basically you mean all powers at the end of the day feel samey by removing the shortcomings which would otherwise make each class distinguishable and special.

It sucks they didnt update the boss themselves. I feel you on the storytelling, I LOVE storytelling aspects and trying to react the way my character would which kinda fall flat when you call your powers dramatically then you explain what you meant to the DM who misunderstood what you said and you ruined your actions and the pace...

[Kratax]

D&D Treasure not found

[Pgaither84]

It's to bad I can only "like" this video once. Great work!

[EldritchThing]

Are there any tips on monster design such as recommended supplements or your own personal rules?

[Malkasphia]

This was really cool. I have to agree with your criticisms and truly truly applaud your redesign of Orcus, he gained the defensive powers he needed to survive the constant barrage of crap players can sling ...which makes other encounters doable but solo-encounters kind of a let-down.

[LordXenocide]

yeah both me and my brother don't like the magic of 4th ed as much as the other D and D or even pathfinder magic systems

that and the power system is kind of interesting to look at but it doesn't really allow for the feeling of creating your own description of what you're doing (just from my experience of playing this) i still enjoy the system and i'll admit it has flaws but i still find it fun

[Azanhour]

Well done!

[TonPappa]

So what did he do with his wand? Im curious now. 

[Aizuaka]

What will you and your group do now that you have finished up ? Go back to one of your custom versions or perhaps a new game altogether ?

[Dubheitte]

@Aizuaka Most of us were already in a campaign that Esper started about 5 months ago, which is also set in Vurland. That campaign started at level one, and we recently hit level 5. We were merely bringing this long running campaign to a close, and can now focus on the other one.

[pinkwater1234]

wow the map is amazing how long did i take you to draw that?

[repsesper]

@pinkwater1234 If you are referring to the one used in the encounter with Orcus, I drew that one really quick. 20-30 minutes.

[queenfan1991]

Have you consider giving Pathfinder a try? As I've said, that's what I play, and I truly do love it.

[repsesper]

@queenfan1991 I actually ran my own mod of 3.5 for about 3 years, so I feel like if I wanted to play a patched 3.5, we'd just play mine again.

I have tried some other systems that are significantly different from D&D, however, and I've learned a few interesting things from those experiences.

[hexen203]

This whole controversy of having "look alike" powers in today's 4.0 D&D and the old 3.5 and 3.0 rules kinda bother me until today. 4.0 made the system much easier to grasp but made things that were iconic seem much less iconic. I liked 3.5 for its capability of actually "feeling" your character but for the most part, Mages, Clerics and pretty much every other spellcaster ended up ruining the fun of the game for the non-caster. I feel the need for a midterm but whenever I try to make one it sucks

[DuppyBruh]

Is that an Orcus miniature or some type of lord of the rings movie toy or collectable?

And also, it must be a bitter sweet feeling to have finally reached level 30, and fight a monster thats been waiting since 2008 for your group. Congradulations to you and your players

[repsesper]

@DuppyBruh It's the 4e balor mini with a 4 x 4 base. I was not going to spend $80 on a mini that we'd use for one encounter.

[Tiniere]

In terms of the mages getting a broader array of abilities to choose from, I think the Witch from the new Heroes of the Feywild takes a step in that direction? I has the ability to swap out powers freely each day, they don't particularly have any more powers, but they are more flexible from day to day, even more so than the spellbook wizard.

[repsesper]

@Tiniere It is a step in the right direction. The only real criticism I have of the Witch is that it doesn't get ritual casting. What about witches' rituals in the woods at night? Bubbling cauldrons with potions made from strange ingredients? I feel the same about the Shaman.

[takethysoul]

dude love what you have done with Orcus. It just seams simply refreshing to see inovation in your ability to bend characters into something worthy fighting.

[ookpaia]

Great to hear about your gaming experience. Funny you would post this the night before i'm DMing for the first time. Wish me luck. The books have taught me the mechanics, but really, you are the one that taught me how to play. Keep making video's and doing your thing. Cheers!

[repsesper]

@ookpaia May Avandra bless you with great fortune!

[wilfre2097]

So is your character gonna have its child and you will be able to play as a hybrid? Or just keep playing as your character at level 30? If you do that try increasing the level cap to 40 like a few people do.

[randomstuffstudios]

Congratulations! That's quite a feat they accomplished. Hope that you continue having great sessions!