As we continue to evolve the server and improve the flow for new users, some information on this page may become out-of-date. This is a good thing! It means we're working on improved ways to make sure you aren't overloaded with information when you join, and maybe one day we don't need any guides like this since it will all be smooth as gravy.
If you notice something out of date, feel free to ping an Admin or Edgelord to have it updated!
Part of the concern may be that there are so many channels, but there actually aren't a lot you have to pay attention to regularly. So a little trick is to aggressively mute channels you aren't involved in, which also helps you focus down until you get more comfortable as you figure out more. Advice below is just my opinion, everyone can have their own. You can always read channels that are muted, but not be bombarded with them while something is happening. ### How to Mute There is a method for muting an entire server. We recommend against that, as it highly encourages "out of sight, out of mind" which isn't fun for any of us! Instead, we recommend muting individual channels. A little bit of process now can make sure the server notifies you exactly as often about the things you'll care about. On PC/Mac, right-click or command click on the channel and select **Mute Channel** then **Until I turn it back on**. Just do this process for each channel you want to not notify you about. On mobile, long-press the channel and select the mute option from there. To unmute, go through the process and select **Unmute**. It's that easy! ### What to Mute (or not)This guide assumes you are interested in minimizing pings and alerts from the server to avoid overwhelm. As you get more comfortable with the server, definitely remove some channels off mute to engage more with RP opportunities and discussions!
#### Macguffins Ltd - The Essentials **Consider muting...** - `#welcome` unless you want to see as new people pop on to the server and say hello! - `#character-creation-discussion` after you have made your character, unless you are inclined to help out new players. **Consider keeping off mute...** - `#announcements-weather` as one ping a day isn't bad, and it can be great to keep on top of daily cycles at Luna Pine! **Don't mute...** - `#about-us` since it receives pings so rarely, but can be great for keeping abreast of the server. - `#new-members` as it receives messages very rarely, but they can be very helpful (even for veteran players). - `#server-statistics` as it is receives messages very, very rarely. - `#notable-npcs` as it is receives few updates, but when it does, it is ... notable. **ESPECIALLY don't mute...** - `#announcements-general` because they're incredibly important for staying on top of the #### Character Information **Consider muting...** - `#character-sheet-checking` after you have made your character, unless you're curious about what builds new players are trying. **Don't mute...** - `#character-descriptions` as it is valuable to see as new members join the server and have an understanding of who you may encounter in the world. - `#character-backgrounds` as it is not updated too often and can contain interesting insight about other characters - - `#character-memorial` because you'll want to know who dies, obviously. That's kind of a big deal. Very rarely gets pinged, luckily. - `#character-retirement` as it is rarely pinged and you'll probably need to pay attention as players change characters or leave. #### Avrae **Definitely mute**... - `#avrae-playground` as it will receive a lot of random pings and messages as people test things out, unless you are an Avrae pro and would like to help. Most people will ping `#avrae-talk-for-talking-about-avrae-but-not-for-actually-running-commands-in` if they need help, though **Consider muting...** - `#avrae-talk-for-talking-about-avrae-but-not-for-actually-running-commands-in` unless you are looking for help or willing to help answer questions about Avrae #### Discussion Channels As you can expect, discussion channels can be muted depending on your interest on the subject matter. This will be a subjective opinion. **Consider keeping off mute...** - `#random-talk`, `#serious-talk`, `#art-show`, `#book-talk`, `#food-talk`, `#critical-role-talk`, `#pet-pics-and-talk`. `#game-mechanics`, `#macguffins-io` unless you don't care about the particular topic being discussed **Don't mute...** - `#general-talk` because we are a community and a lot of important or fun conversations can happen here! If you do mute, you can also do so for a limited time if there's an active conversation you feel less compelled to engage in. - `#server-meta-discussion` as even if you feel you have little to say about the server, you can always benefit from learning more about what *others* are saying. #### Downtime **Definitely mute...** - `#downtime-dice` unless you want to enjoy watching what dice results people roll **Consider muting...** - `#downtime-proposals` unless you want to see what other players are attempting for their downtime for enjoyment - `#downtime-crafting` for similar reasons as above - `#downtime-discussion` to engage in conversation about downtimes and get inspiration - `#downtime-rp` unless you have an active session or would like to see what others are doing as their interesting downtime **Don't mute...** - `#downtime-overview` as it contains important information and updates about downtime #### Shops - Commerce Area **Definitely mute...** - `#merchant-dice` unless you love watching people remove money from their pouches in Avrae **Consider muting...** - `#abi-dalzims-horny-wildlings-shoppe`, `#bottle-shock`, `#general-nonsense`, `#kronks-krushers-and-kleavers`, `#temple-services`, `#unfamiliar-familiars` unless you are curious about what other people are purchasing or you have an active session there **Don't mute...** - `#merchant-ooc` unless you really don't want to engage with other players regarding shop activity - `#shop-of-secrets` because you may want the reminder whenever Mustard is back in town (you can temporarily mute if needed) #### Luna Pine Information **ESPECIALLY don't mute...** - `#town-lore` because it doesn't update often, but when it does, you'll *definitely* want to know - `#town-bulletin-board` because it doesn't update often, but when it does, it could be very valuable - `#rp-voting` because we're here to have fun and play D&D! It doesn't get pinged often and can be a great way to engage in channels that you have muted #### Town RP Area **Definitely mute...** - `#town-dice` unless you care about random and out-of-context dice rolls **Consider muting...** - `#town-guard-house`, `#tavern-east-room`, `#tavern-west-room`, `#tavern-back-room`, `#town-the-library`, `#town-1`, `#town-2`, `#town-3` unless you have an active RP session there or want to watch others RP **Consider keeping off mute...** - `#town-gates` as it is a valuable source of seeing new members to the town and give them a hearty wave! - `#tavern-bar-room` unless you want to actively avoid the open RP opportunities **Don't mute...** - `#town-ooc` unless you want to actively avoid discussion happening and you aren't engaged in any RP #### Edge of Town - RP Area **Definitely mute...** - `#edge-dice` unless you really want to see out-of-context dice rolls **Consider muting...** - `#temple-main`, `#temple-gardens`, `#temple-kitchen`, `#the-cemetery`, `#the-horse-farm`, `#the-roots`, `#the-grove`, `#the-hill`, `#the-pond`, `#the-edge-1`, `#the-edge-2`, `#the-edge-3` unless you have an active RP session there or want to watch others RP **Don't mute...** - `#edge-ooc` unless you want to actively avoid discussion or get insight about what is happening with others #### The Colosseum **Definitely mute...** - `#arena-dice`, and any other channel in here that isn't mentioned below (unless you are actively in an arena match there) **Consider muting...** - `#arena-lobby` as you will get a ping when it is your turn to join and RP your entrance. **Don't mute...** - `#arena-overview` as they update rarely but may be important if they do - `#arena-queue` to keep track of where you are in the queue and it only updates as people check - `#arena-ooc` as it mostly focuses around handling of the queue and asking questions about the arena, and not team chat #### The Arena: PVP **Definitely mute...** - `#arena-pvp-dice` because - again - it's just random rolling **Consider muting...** - `#arena-a-pvp` and `#arena-b-pvp` unless you want to watch others duke it out in here **Don't mute...** - `#arena-pvp-ooc` unless you don't care about PvP and what anyone has to say about it #### Player Logs **Consider muting...** - `#xp-log` unless you want the above, but for experience - `#magic-item-log` unless you want to keep track of new items coming into the server and what goodies are in store - `#spell-copying-log` unless you want to see the spells that others are trading around #### Quests **Consider muting...** - `#request-board` unless you're curious about the journeys and interest of others - `#request-discussion` unless you are engaged in a conversation there or want to see others chat **Don't mute...** - `#quest-rules` as it is important and never receives posts - `#dm-review` because you should see as reviews about the community come in, and it isn't too active - `#dm-bio-channel` for similar reasons above, because our DMs are here for you and you should care - `#completed-quests` because it can be real neat-o to see what other people are up to! **ESPECIALLY don't mute...** - `#quest-board` unless you don't want to quest (but are you really going to D&D without questing?) In the end, you should have a handful of places that you can focus on, and you can feel free to read the rest at your leisure! ***(Written by Kautiontape)*** # Character Sheets # D&D Beyond [https://www.dndbeyond.com](https://www.dndbeyond.com/) If you need help with D&D Beyond, please reach out to our expert customer service representatives in `#avrae-questions`! # Dicecloud ## Using Dicecloud [Dicecloud](https://dicecloud.com) is the middle-road between the "does everything for you at a cost" style of D&DBeyond and the more manual efforts of the Google Sheets. There is some mild effort to set up Dicecloud, but once you do this, there is a lot of power and automation. Feel free to ask any questions in `#avrae-help` or visit the [Dicecloud Discord](https://discord.gg/rNKAgFEU) for more information. ## Getting Started Parts of this guide are taken from the guide in the Dicecloud Discord linked above, in the channel `#your-first-character`. They've been reconstructed for your benefit here. ### First Step: Get the Library If you are brand new, subscribe to the below collection by clicking the link, signing into your Dicecloud account, and clicking the "**Subscribe**" button at the *top-right* of the page. This must be done before you create your first character.[**The Libraries of Vexus**](https://dicecloud.com/library-collection/jp6xTaHDZK4ELYzvN)
This is the bread-and-butter 5e content that is community maintained, and it is provided in a helpful package that is updated regularly so you don't have to hand-enter your content or pay for books on D&DBeyond. The Admins and DMs running the server have access to the content we are providing you, so this is just a faster route to entering your character's provided details. We will update if different libraries become available. ### Create a Character 1. From Dicecloud, go to the Character's page on the left side of the navigation. 2. Click the big red "+" on the bottom right of the screen. 3. Fill out your characters Biography information. 4. Click **Next** 5. Toggle off "All User Libraries" and select only "Libraries of Vexus" to remove the SRD content and use the content crafted in the library you Subscribed to above. If you do not have this option, you need to stop creating this character and go subscribe in the "First Step" section like we asked you to. Otherwise, you can do all of this manually, but it is just not fun and very time consuming for no real benefit.  # Google Sheets ### Sheet Resources **[Version 2.1](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ieu9aVAXYWsfMGkIJSeGz9DDifHqjOQfwhkUkHf-qgk/edit?usp=sharing)** / [Version 1.4](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1etrBJ0qCDXACovYHUM4XvjE0erndThwRLcUQzX6ts8w/edit#gid=1750226729) ### Troubleshooting > **Help! Whenever I try to run `!gsheet` or `!update` I get some weird string about `Error loading character: Unexpected input on line 1, col 6: expected DECIMAL, D, INTEGER, LPAR, _WS, U_OP`** 9/10 times this occurs because you have messed up the formatting on one of the cells. Compare to another sheet in #character-sheet-checking and make sure the format is very similar. Common culprits include how you formatted weapon attack damage (separate damage from type with space, not a slash) and how you fill in your spells (do not fill the second sheet for spells and attacks unless you have to). # Dicecloud v1Dicecloud v1 has been cast aside in favor of the new hotness in Dicecloud v2. You can still access your v1 characters through the website and Avrae at [https://v1.dicecloud.com,](https://v1.dicecloud.com,) but moving forward, new characters should be created in v2.
Due to changes between v2 and v1, characters created in v1 are *not* supported in v2. To migrate an existing character, you have to recreate them in v2 using the guide as if it were a new character. We're always willing to help, too, so feel free to drop a message in `#avrae-questions` if you want help with your migration.
## Using Dicecloud v1 When in [Dicecloud](https://v1.dicecloud.com), you aren't going to be touching the Stats page directly unless you use it for HP tracking. Instead, you'll do a combination of the following: In the "Persona" tab you will see a `+` next to "Level 0". This is where you add a class and set the level. The base configuration is done through these two tabs to start, by clicking on them and clicking the ✎ in the upper right of the modal. For your race, what features do you get in terms of Base speed, stats, and language proficiencies? You'll click the pencil and "Add Effect" for the changes to stats and setting a base, and "Add Proficiency" for langauge. Plus anything else. Don't confuse the "Add" modifier (default selection) with "Base". In most cases you will add a modifier, but for things like speed you will be setting the base. Similarly, with your class, you want to do the same thing but use it for Hit Points, spell slots, Hit dice, and all your proficiencies you get from your class. For Wizard, I set my Base Value of Hit Points in this to `(6) + (4) * (level - 1)`. That would be the base die (6) plus the average for each level after 1. You may have to change this if you multiclass (I can explain how if that's the case). All of the formulas you need for spell slots are in the second tab of that Google Sheet I linked. You set those up with that and you will never have to edit your spell slot number again as you level, because it will be automatically calculated. Features work almost exactly the same way. Throw in the text you want for the feature. If you can only use it X times per whatever, set to "Limit uses" if you'd like, but know that Avrae also tracks this independently. Like with Gsheet, nothing that happens in Avrae changes your sheet. But if a feature changes something permanent about your character (like giving you an attack or a plus modifier) then you can also do that from here. Otherwise, that should be it. While the initial start can be slightly daunting, it's actually not hard. Just remember if you want something to change on the sheet, you probably need to find a spot to just add an Effect. ## Useful Sites and Info First, you know [https://dicecloud.com](https://dicecloud.com). That's going to be your (mobile-friendly) bread and butter site, but it doesn't have everything from the get-go. So for this, you may want to use [Andrew Zhu's "AutoChar" site](https://andrew-zhu.com/dnd/dicecloudtools/autochar.html). Otherwise, you can follow the advice above and make the site you want.To get the API key, that's in your account settings after you register on Dicecloud. You can plug in the details to that page, and magically, a character sheet will appear with most of the stuff filled out.
You will need to add your inventory to your Inventory page and clicking the + in the bottom right. If the item is SRD, you can add it from library and put it in the right bag. Otherwise, you'll need to copy the item down from your favorite site. You also have a spellbook which contains spells, not all of which are SRD. Luckily, there's a thing for that, too, with [Andrew Zhu's Spellbook site](https://andrew-zhu.com/dnd/dicecloudtools/spellbook.html). Same API key but copy your character sheet URL. Then just find the spells and put them in the list, then click Add. For anything else special you may need, there is a [spreadsheet of common formulas](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UfZ9e9Z9XFiZ7uapyDxrh9UskZSmPGa-nWr7mCqzevw/edit#gid=0) to enter into Dicecloud. ## Character Examples You can feel free to check out some of our members did as examples here: ### Kaution [Relinquish](https://dicecloud.com/character/cbXzfrwyWEroxfaNG/Relinquish) (Tiefling Wizard), [Barbera](https://dicecloud.com/character/o8yzexxfmwzwvpq6R/Barbera) (Variant Human Cleric), [Terry Folds](https://dicecloud.com/character/xPtL86Su3Hjtx5mfo/Terry-Folds) (Changeling Bard), ["Mister" Jinx](https://dicecloud.com/character/FDXWfqSmY5Fhn3syt/Mister-Jinx) (Tabaxi Paladin) > I personally enjoy making categories and coloring them, since things are sorted by color. So I can make sure my Magic Items appear before my boring items (and especially quest items). I do the same for features, although I do some other fancy tricks with `| **Item** | **Rarity** |
| All-Purpose Tool, +1 | Uncommon |
| Amulet of the Devout, +1 | Uncommon |
| Arcane Grimoire, +1 | Uncommon |
| Bloodwell Vial, +1 | Uncommon |
| Dragonhide Belt, +1 | Uncommon |
| Moon Sickle, +1 | Uncommon |
| Rhythm-Maker's Drum, +1 | Uncommon |
| Rod of the Pact Keeper, +1 | Uncommon |
| Wand of Magic Missiles | Uncommon |
| All-Purpose Tool, +2 | Rare |
| Amulet of the Devout, +2 | Rare |
| Arcane Grimoire, +2 | Rare |
| Bloodwell Vial, +2 | Rare |
| Dragonhide Belt, +2 | Rare |
| Moon Sickle, +2 | Rare |
| Rhythm-Maker's Drum, +2 | Rare |
| Rod of the Pact Keeper, +2 | Rare |
| Cloak of Displacement | Rare |
| Failed Experiment Wand | Rare |
| Mantle of Spell Resistance | Rare |
| Reveler's Concertina | Rare |
| Ring of Spell Storing | Rare |
| Wand of Fireballs | Rare |
| Wand of Lightning Bolts | Rare |
| All-Purpose Tool, +3 | Very Rare |
| Amulet of the Devout, +3 | Very Rare |
| Arcane Grimoire, +3 | Very Rare |
| Bloodwell Vial, +3 | Very Rare |
| Dragonhide Belt, +3 | Very Rare |
| Moon Sickle, +3 | Very Rare |
| Rhythm-Maker's Drum, +3 | Very Rare |
| Rod of the Pact Keeper, +3 | Very Rare |
| Shield (\*), +3 | Very Rare |
| Wand of the War Mage, +3 | Very Rare |
| Weapon, +3 | Very Rare |
| Belt of Fire Giant Strength | Very Rare |
| Horn of Valhalla, Bronze | Very Rare |
| Nine Lives Stealer | Very Rare |
| Robe of Stars | Very Rare |
| Spellguard Shield | Very Rare |
| Wand of Polymorph | Very Rare |
| **Item** | **Rarity** |
| Broom of Flying | Uncommon |
| Winged Boots | Uncommon |
| Docent | Rare |
| Flying Chariot | Rare |
| Helm of Teleportation | Rare |
| Horn of the Endless Maze | Rare |
| Horn of Valhalla, Brass | Rare |
| Horn of Valhalla, Silver | Rare |
| Mind Lash | Rare |
| Professor Skant | Rare |
| Rod of Rulership | Rare |
| Shield of Far Sight | Rare |
| Wand of Viscid Globs | Rare |
| Weird Tank | Rare |
| Wings of Flying | Rare |
| Amulet of the Planes | Very Rare |
| Carpet of Flying | Very Rare |
| Conch of Teleportation | Very Rare |
| Helm of Devil Command | Very Rare |
| Ioun Stone, Absorption | Very Rare |
| Manual of Bodily Health | Very Rare |
| Manual of Gainful Exercise | Very Rare |
| Manual of Quickness of Action | Very Rare |
| Navigation Orb | Very Rare |
| Orb of the Veil | Very Rare |
| Peregrine Mask | Very Rare |
| Ring of Regeneration | Very Rare |
| Rod of Absorption | Very Rare |
| Soul Bag | Very Rare |
| Timepiece of Travel | Very Rare |
| Tome of Clear Thought | Very Rare |
| Tome of Leadership and Influence | Very Rare |
| Tome of Understanding | Very Rare |
| **Item** | **Rarity** |
| Infernal Puzzle Box | Uncommon |
| Daern's Instant Fortress | Rare |
| Wand of Wonder | Rare |
| Devastation Orb of Air | Very Rare |
| Devastation Orb of Earth | Very Rare |
| Devastation Orb of Fire | Very Rare |
| Devastation Orb of Water | Very Rare |
| Efreeti Bottle | Very Rare |
| Manual of Clay Golems | Very Rare |
| Manual of Flesh Golems | Very Rare |
| Manual of Iron Golems | Very Rare |
| Manual of Stone Golems | Very Rare |
| Mirror of Life Trapping | Very Rare |
Note: Only non-hostile creatures at least one size category larger than you have any chance of being ride-able.
#### Controlled Mounts While mounts are in combat there are two options for how they act: Controlled or Independent. Most of the time while you are riding your mount, it will be a **controlled mount**. A controlled mount is effectively an extension of your character. It moves during your turn and the mount can only take the Dash, Disengage, or Dodge actions. It can still take bonus actions and reactions including attacks of opportunity, provided it is physically capable of doing so. E.g. a warhorse requires its hooves to attack, so would be unable to make an AoO if its feet are stuck in quicksand or mud. Controlled mounts are controlled by the player. #### Independent Mounts Intelligent creatures or wild animals are typically always **independent mounts**, but in special circumstances - such as the Find Steed spell - may consent to become a controlled mount. Independent mounts roll their own initiative and act on their own turn, but have access to all actions including making attacks. However, you may be required to make an ability check to get an independent mount to follow your instructions. Independent mounts may choose to flee combat, or throw off their riders of their own accord and are controlled by the DM. ##### Items and Mounts Controlled mounts can wear barding and other equipment designed for them, but **cannot** wield weapons nor use magic items (except items specifically designed for mounts). Independent mounts may be able to use other objects, at DM discretion. #### **Frequently Asked Questions** D&D 5e is not especially good at explaining mounts and mounted combat, here are some of the most common questions. #### How big is my mount? A Medium creature fills a 1x1 square on a battlemap and can only be ridden by Small or smaller creatures. A Large creature fills a 2x2 square on a battlemap grid, while riding a Large mount you are treated as occupying all of those squares for the purpose of attack reach and AoOs. A Huge creature fills a 3x3 square on a battlemap grid, while a Medium or smaller creature is riding a Huge mount you are normally treated as occupying the entire 3x3 square for the purpose of attack reach and AoOs. However, your DM may choose to treat you as occupying the central square of a Huge mount - be sure to ask which rule they use. #### Can “X” be my mount? In general, creatures that can fly, or cause status effects (other than “prone”) such as ‘poisoned’ or ‘restrained’ are not allowed as mounts, unless given by a DM for use only during a specific quest. #### Examples **Example: “I ride up to the Orc and attack him with my sword.”** *Controlled mount:* the mount moves as part of your turn, you use your action on your turn to make your attack making two (or more attacks) if you have the Extra Attack feature. The mount cannot attack, but may Disengage and continue moving after you have attacked. *Independent mount: * On your turn: You use your movement and bonus action, then Hold Action to attack once in range of the Orc, then instruct your mount to approach the Orc. On mount’s turn: The mount uses its movement to get within 5ft of the Orc, triggering your held action. You use your reaction to make a single attack against the Orc, (Extra Attack only applies to attacks on your turn.) Your mount can then make its attack against the Orc. # How does Animate Dead work? #### Creating Undead Currently, you are permitted to create undead creatures during quests or arenas with the permission of the DM or using downtime (see: [Downtime Rules](https://macguffins.org/books/2-what-to-do/page/downtime-activities) for details). You cannot create undead inside of Luna Pine during RP. If you wish to convert a fresh corpse into bones, so that you may raise a skeleton instead of a zombie, this would typically require 1 hour worth of work by 1 creature. You must adhere to the rules of the relevant spells : i.e. the corpse must be of a humanoid or beast of the appropriate size. This means any of your undead creatures that are reduced to 0 hp cannot be reanimated as their creature type has changed to “undead”. #### Undead Stats / Equipment Undead creatures use their published stat block. Individual DMs may allow undead to wear other non-magical equipment or use magic items during their quest / arena, but this is not the default. Undead not specified in the spell cannot be created - e.g. animating the bones of a minotaur does not create a Minotaur Skeleton. #### Undead in Luna Pine and Towns In general, undead creatures that are under the control of a necromancer are permitted in Luna Pine. You may RP with 1-2 undead creatures in the rp areas, however other player characters may justifiably believe undead to be innately evil creatures and wish to destroy them. Please be considerate and courteous to such player characters. We recommend necromancers either leave their undead outside of towns or have a means to hide / carry the undead creatures while inside towns, such as a bag of holding / portable hole or a specially designed homebrew item (make a request in #request-board to be considered to receive such an item). See table below for size capacity for each type of container:| Item | Zombie | Skeleton | Exit Speed |
| Bag of Holding | ⅓ of the bag, max 3 / bag | ⅙ of the bag, max 6 / bag | Can be turned inside out to empty as 1 action |
| Portable Hole | 1/12 of the hole, max 12 / hole | 1/24 of the hole, max 24 / hole | 3 exit per round. |