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adelaide·AdelaidebyWindyRebel

Moving to Adelaide

I didn’t see anything in the rules about posts like this, so please let me know if general inquiry is not allowed here.

With that said, hello everyone!

My family (Americans from Chicago) will be moving to Adelaide next year because my wife accepted a university job over there (waiting on visa process for permanent residency).

What advice or general knowledge about Adelaide would you love for us to know?

Anything amazing we should be aware of, see, do, etc? I love D&D, so I’m hoping to find a group to play with eventually (I also love to DM).

We’ve been to Sydney and Cairns a couple of years ago and absolutely loved our time there. We all cannot wait!

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asklemmy·Ask LemmybyWindyRebel

When other countries say Americans are loud, what does this mean?

I read people say online that Americans are loud. What does this mean, exactly? Is it literal volume or is it our personality/presentation? Something else?

I may be moving to Australia because of my wife’s job, and I want to better understand this. I want to assimilate and I don’t want to be annoying. I’m personally pretty low key and listen more than speak, but this is my perception of myself.

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asklemmy·Ask LemmybyWindyRebel

Gaming Laptop Recs?

Hi all, my son is 11 and a gamer. He does a lot of Roblox (yeah, I know) but also has gaming interests outside of Roblox. He is getting into more robust games. He also likes to record and make YouTube videos of his gaming.

He had a Razer Blade 15 and it crapped out after a year (RMA says motherboard). I had the extended warranty and they are giving me a cash settlement (check) for what I paid for the computer because Razer apparently said they cannot replace the part as it’s not available anymore.

So, did I just have bad luck with the Blade and should I go for another in the Blade series OR go with a different gaming laptop replacement?

I’m researching on my own, but also looking for recommendations from people that have knowledge in this area.

Thank you!

Edit 1: Yes, it should be a laptop. My child likes to switch environments and space is also an issue. Eventually we will consider a desktop, but I am looking for laptop suggestions.

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dm_academy·DM AcademybyWindyRebel

Battle of the Bards

So I introduced a quest to save Dave Gnoll of the Fae Fighters who was captured by some bandits while the band was enjoying some time exploring the coast south of Waterdeep (they were hired by A Perfect Cantrip to lessen the competition). In order to have a reason for the band to be there, I created a Battle of the Bards music show with several bands including A Perfect Cantrip, Wizard Eat World, and The Casting Pumpkins.

Now the two bards (level 5) want to enter and compete. I am envisioning this being a skill challenge with rounds maybe DC 18 to start and as the rounds move up the DC goes down if the crowds like them (the crowds will warm to them every completion of a skill check).

I am wondering what the prize should be? I was going to go with:

  • monetary (1000 gold?)
  • a golden instrument (or maybe some artifact with a silly mechanic)?
  • some agent wanting to sign them

How would you run something like this?

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dm_academy·DM AcademybyWindyRebel

How many rituals is too many?

I have a player who is an experienced player while I am a new(ish) DM. Our party consists of path of Devotion Paladin, Bladesinger Wizard (the player), Thief Rogue, College of Eloquence Bard, College of Whispers Bard, and Battle Master Fighter. It’s already a strong party and the two bards can throw a wrench in a lot of stuff.

My campaign is doing a time jump (homebrew) of 2-2.5 years following the end of the original Phandelver. The wizard (who is a Changeling) is asking if he can pick up the following rituals during this time jump:

  1. water breathing
  2. unseen servant
  3. tensers floating disk
  4. phantom steed
  5. magic mouth
  6. leonmunds tiny hut
  7. illusory script
  8. identify
  9. gentle repose
  10. find familiar
  11. detect magic
  12. comprehend languages
  13. augury
  14. alarm

My response to him was as follows:

“I want to be a yes DM, but also you’re so low of level that many of these will subvert a lot of potential enemy actions. It feels like a little too much utility for [level] 5. With two bards, it’s already ridiculous with what you all can get away with.”

I did say that I am willing to let him have a few though.

Am I being too strict? If not, how many would you allow?

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asklemmy·Ask LemmybyWindyRebel

What food did you hate in the past, but enjoy now?

As a kid I hated veggies but as I got older I really enjoy some veggies, especially broccoli, roasted in a drizzle of olive oil and a little seasoning.

As an American, I also used to abhor vegemite when I tried it until I learned how to properly spread it on toast during my visit over there and I’m obsessed now!

What did you hate, but gave a second chance to? I’d love to try some new stuff!

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nostupidquestions·No Stupid QuestionsbyWindyRebel

Using iPhone15 in Australia (Verizon)

Hello, I’ve never traveled internationally post smart phone world but I have Verizon and I added the month international plan so I can use my phone over in Australia.

I got the instructions back and it seems that I just need to turn roaming on and that’s it? I don’t need to activate a different eSIM or anything? Does anyone have experience with this on Verizon? It seems too easy and I’m worried I’ve missed something somewhere.

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dnd·Dungeons and DragonsbyWindyRebel

MCDM's Flee, Mortals! & Where Evil Lives is on Dndbeyond

Big fan of Matt Colville. I own Flee, Mortals the book and the PDF. I use the pdf in my games, but having everything in dndbeyond is also amazing. I think I’ll purchase it again and get Where Evil Lives too.

I’m stoked about all of the 3rd party content getting added such as Kobold Press. It’s making this digital stuff very worth it!

What does everyone else use and/or recommend?

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star_wars·Star WarsbyWindyRebel

Bad Batch Series Finale (Spoilers)

Anyone watch it yet? I am still processing it. I don’t know if I liked it or not.

::: spoiler Thoughts and spoilers here I was expecting more closure

  • Zillo beast was just in this whole series as a plot point to allow Omega to escape?
  • Rex and his crew had no resolution
  • Time jump with Omega in the Rebellion and literally no mention of her anywhere else?
  • What happened to Cody?
  • Why was Scorch done so dirty as a glorified name drop, he would’ve been covering their rear to make sure no one snuck up on them
  • Nothing about any of Tantiss’s other potential secrets
  • The clones didn’t have resolution. They’re just scattered across Pabu and Pantora?
  • The brain washed/mind controlled clones were cool but ultimately useless and easily defeated after spending all previous encounters handing everyone’s asses to them
  • Bunch of force sensitive kids out now to be discovered by Luke? Hunted by Vader?
  • Assaj was just there to tell us Omega was force sensitive? They could’ve used anyone to reveal this
  • Will Omega show up in Skeleton Crew or the crossover movie/show?

:::

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dnd·Dungeons and DragonsbyWindyRebel

Tabletop Suggestions

Hey all, please direct me to any community that would better serve me for this question and I will gladly delete here and move it there.

My conundrum: I have an old dining room table that is 30” high, 71” long, and 37.5” wide. It’s in my basement and sits against the wall when not in use and can be pulled out for room to sit on all sides.

I have 5 adult players and am adding a 6th to our table. It’s fine except for needing room for snacks and player accessories (sheets, dice, dice trays, etc).

I thought about getting a larger table that is foldable.

My other thought is what kind of accessories could I get that would help them be able to place things on the table but also leave room for my mat and miniatures? Is there anything that I could clamp on? Are there stands?

What options do I have? Money isn’t an object here, but I don’t want to have to break the bank if there are other options that I could do cheaper.

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marvelstudios·Marvel StudiosbyWindyRebel

Marvel has cast Pedro Pascal in its Fantastic Four movie, according to an unlikely source

I don’t know how reliable this is, but it seems legit and with his popularity I do think it’s possible.

What’s everyone’s thought on this as a rumor and as a potential actual casting?

Marvel has cast Pedro Pascal in its Fantastic Four movie, according to an unlikely sourcehttps://www.techradar.com/streaming/entertainment/fantastic-four-director-seemingly-confirms-pedro-pascal-will-star-in-the-eagerly-awaited-marvel-movieOpen linkView original on lemmy.world
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penguins·Pittsburgh PenguinsbyWindyRebel

Pens Vs Hawks - Oct 10

I didn’t get to watch the full thing since it was blacked out in my area for ESPN +, but yikes. They blew their lead again and it’s the first game.

I haven’t watched in a couple years, but I’m surprised to see the same things going on. So many changes and still some sloppy play. I can’t tell if the team leaders are complacent or if it’s the coaching. It feel like it’s gotta be the coaching?

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penguins·Pittsburgh PenguinsbyWindyRebel

Penguins removing Bob Errey, Steve Mears from TV booth

Longtime Penguins player and broadcaster Bob Errey was on vacation in Europe last week and returned to Pittsburgh to some unpleasant news.

Errey was informed on Wednesday evening that he will no longer be the color commentator during Penguins TV broadcasts —a position he has held for the entire Sidney Crosby era before starting his broadcasting career as the Penguins’ radio color commentator during the 1999-2000 season.

Errey told The Athletic that his broadcast partner since 2017, Steve Mears, will also not return.

Team sources believe that radio play-by-play broadcaster Josh Getzoff will replace Mears in the TV booth. Phil Bourque will remain as an analyst, though it remains to be seen if he will work in his customary radio slot or move to television.

The sources expect Colby Armstrong to play a bigger role in Penguins broadcasts moving forward.

Dan Potash, the popular reporter who has been a part of Penguins broadcasts for more than two decades, told The Athletic that he will remain on the team’s TV broadcasts.

“I can confirm that I have been retained by SportsNet Pittsburgh,” Potash wrote in a statement. “I do not have any further details to share at this time. However, I am grateful to remain a part of the Penguins broadcast team.”

Errey was the Penguins’ first-round pick in 1983 and won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1991 and 1992. He was also captain of the San Jose Sharks.

The Montreal native worked alongside Mike Lange, Paul Steigerwald and Mears during his broadcast career.

The Penguins’ ownership group, Fenway Sports Group, now owns the Penguins TV rights and is beginning its own network, SportsNet Pittsburgh. This network will replace the financially troubled AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh for regional Pittsburgh broadcasts. Fenway Sports Group also owns 80 percent of the New England Sports Network (NESN) and is expected to use a similar format with the new Pittsburgh venture.

Errey provided The Athletic with a letter he wrote to Pittsburgh fans:

Dear Pittsburgh Penguin Fans,

It is with a heavy heart that I share this with you. I received an unexpected call yesterday informing me that I would not be returning as Pittsburgh Penguins TV analyst this coming season.

My journey began in 1983 as a wide-eyed teenager with no idea of what to expect on the ice or in the City of Pittsburgh. It took time but with determined players and passionate fans we achieved the dream of bringing the Cup to Pittsburgh.

After my playing days, as luck would have it, I took the radio analyst position. My family dug our roots into the community and into youth hockey. We loved the ‘Burgh and me my job.

I was fortunate to work with Paul Steigerwald, who lives and breathes hockey, and who helped me get better every day. I was willing to learn. With the arrival of Sidney Crosby I moved to the TV booth with Hall of Famer Mike Lange. I was as excited and nervous probably as you guys were. Both to work with Mike and to watch Sid do his thing. Wow! Very fortunate.

My last six years in the booth with Steve Mears have been equally as rewarding. What a pro. Tremendous talent. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our friend Dan Potash for our laughs and his connection with the players. Truly one of a kind.

I have nothing but the utmost respect and love for my former colleagues and friends that I have worked with for the past 22 years! You the fans have consistently tuned in and made us the No. 1 local broadcast in the league every year. Incredible, really.

I loved my nights in Pittsburgh and in the booth. I will cherish the many incredible moments this seat has given me. It has brought me a special joy and excitement and I hope it did for you as well.

I am not sure where my travels will take me next but I look forward to the next chapter and will put as much energy and effort into it as I have here. And if you see me in this great city, make sure to stop me and say hello!

Thank you again.

It’s been my pleasure.

— Bob Errey

Penguins removing Bob Errey, Steve Mears from TV boothhttps://theathletic.com/4825526/2023/09/01/penguins-bob-errey-steve-mears-tv/?amp=1Open linkView original on lemmy.world
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asklemmy·Ask LemmybyWindyRebel

Gift for Muslim Family

We have next door neighbors that are Muslim and are so very kind. They bring us plates of food when they cook and they even scared away some kids trying to steal our car at 2 in the morning.

I wanted to return the favor with a nice card from us and a gift. I don’t know how strict they are with Halal, and I read that Halal-friendly might not be good enough so I’m weary of a gift card to a restaurant even if it says Halal.

So what kind of gift(s) would be appropriate for a thank you? I appreciate any help you all can provide!

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dm_academy·DM AcademybyWindyRebel

[5E] Ready Action Question

How do you all handle ready action for your players? Do you only allow calling of a single scenario or multiples?

I’m think of implementing a rule at my table where a player that readies an action can calls out a scenario and a “otherwise” option. The reason is that, we as players, often think about our options on our turn and strategize - simulating a character deciding what they would do in that moment.

An example of how I’d see this idea in use: Your character is next to a monster but there are a couple of enemies closing in that could choose you or a teammate. You ready an action so that you use Dodge if the enemy closing in reaches you to attack OTHERWISE you will attack the creature you’re engaged with when it makes their next attack.

Thoughts?

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