L&L Playtest Session 0 - Group 2 Report

Playtest Group 2 had done some earlier-version playing around with character creation and "arena combat", but were not up to date regarding latest revisions to character creation rules (new Ability stats, Weapons, Armor, etc.), so this session was effectively a restart for their efforts in Laurels & Loot. The fact that we will be playtesting in a "real play" environment was explained; this will provide an opportunity to not only exercise the Laurels & Loot rule system, but also the Forgotten Academy dungeon crawl adventure that is being developed in parallel with the rules.

The intent is to play the game as if this were a well-established and complete rule system with a published adventure. In addition to combat encounters and dungeon exploration, situations requiring "social interaction" will be played out - just as in any typical RPG experience.

The players were informed that there may be an occasional "do-over" called in the event something in either the rules or the adventure proves to be terribly out of balance. Things that are only slightly off-balance may simply be noted and repaired for the next playtest group, but severe imbalances will be corrected and retested.

Players got themselves squared away with WorldAnvil accounts, and created new characters (and tweaked some of the older ones). Each player will likely end up with at least two different characters to choose from for game sessions going forward - there are currently 4 playtesters in the group, and 7 characters in this campaigning party.

Changes and additions to Weapons were explained. (Armor will still need to be covered; it was only touched on briefly.) Changes in the acquisition of magic were discussed - at least two of the new characters will be magic wielding, so it will be important to get the Cantrips and Level 1 magic spells fully documented prior to next session.

A brainstorming session for "what's missing from the common items shopping lists" resulted in a number of useful items that need to be added to the tables.

A question about a "Stealth" Acquired Skill also came up, and with followup after the session, Tony offered a number of prior professions that would justify adding it. These will almost certainly get added after a bit of thought.

Finally, the players were given a quick introduction into the Forgotten Academy adventure they will be participating in. The starting premise was explained, though no actual roleplay ensued. A bit more character tweaking will be done offline via Discord during the next two weeks, and we will hopefully be able to hit the ground running, with the players arriving at the Base Camp to start their first actual adventure session.  

Action Items

Items in italics are "must do" items. Others are "try to do", or "might do".

Add suggested items to Common Items table

Add some form of "Stealth" Acquired Skill

Add some professions that grant the Stealth skill

Follow up with players individually to ensure character sheets are done.

Complete Cantrip and Level 1 spells lists (at least) for 5 magic variants

Build out the "Quartermaster's Store" in Forgotten Academy adventure

Build out other shops and services for Forgotten Academy adventure

Address the prior professions table (remove silly entries; deal with granted items)

Complete remaining levels of magic spells

Compile list of magical items