u/Electronic_Roll2185

I’m completely new to D&D and have been putting together my first character using the 2024 Core 5e rules. I’d love some feedback on whether Alston works mechanically and as a character.

Alston Folkor is a 295-year-old Forest Gnome Cleric, with the Noble background and Neutral Good alignment. He’s a Cleric of Oghma, the god of knowledge.

Mechanically, he’s built around high Wisdom and Constitution. His ability scores are STR 10, DEX 14, CON 16, INT 13, WIS 19, CHA 12. He’s got 11 HP, AC 17 with his chain shirt and shield, and +4 Initiative from Alert.

His main spells are Sacred Flame, Mending, Minor Illusion and Spare the Dying, with Cure Wounds and Speak with Animals as his 1st-level spells. He also has Divine Order: Thaumaturge.

Personality-wise, he’s a very polite and eloquent noble who genuinely believes that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. However, he secretly believes that everyone is beneath him. His family has an important alliance with another noble family that he feels obligated to maintain.

The idea is basically a well-mannered, knowledgeable little aristocrat who will happily help ordinary people, but internally thinks he’s the smartest and most important person in the room.

I’m mainly looking for feedback on whether the character makes sense for the 2024 rules, whether anything looks mechanically wrong or unnecessarily complicated, and whether the personality/backstory gives enough to work with as a first-time player.

I’m also wondering whether Cleric is a reasonable class for a complete beginner, or whether I’m making things unnecessarily difficult for myself.

I’m 25M from the Southern Gold Coast, open to meeting someone in Brisbane too. I’m pretty laid-back and quiet at first, but I open up quickly once we click on shared interests.

I’m into a mix of things that keep life interesting; cars, alternative music, gaming, movies/TV, checking out museums, and anything that involves good conversation or a bit of friendly competition.

Looking for something genuine that can grow naturally. I value good banter, kindness, loyalty, communication, and not taking life too seriously. I think the best connections come from being comfortable together and enjoying the small moments.

For dates, I’m happy with something simple like coffee, a walk, arcade, bowling, or exploring somewhere new.

If you’re after something low-key and real, feel free to say hi 🙂

I’m coming back to VALORANT after about a 12 month break and I’m honestly feeling pretty rusty.
I’m Level 44, and the highest I ever reached in Competitive was Iron 3 back in Episode 8 Act III. I mainly play Controller and Initiator because I enjoy setting up the team more than chasing kills, but it’s been a rough return. My KDA across my last three matches is only 0.48, so I’m clearly making a lot of mistakes.

For anyone who’s come back after a long break, how long did it take before things started to click again? Did you just keep playing matches, or did you spend time in Aim Labs, the Range, or Deathmatch first?

I’m not expecting to suddenly climb ranks. I just want to get back to being a reliable teammate and stop feeling like I’m holding my team back.

Hi all,

I’m a 25M currently finishing a Bachelor of Communications and I’m looking at applying for the RAAF as an Air Intelligence Officer around early/mid 2027.

I’ve been speaking with a former ADF recruiter/personnel member through a voluntary mentorship program to better understand the officer pathway, but I’d appreciate advice from current/former ADF members, especially anyone familiar with Air Intelligence or the Officer Selection Board (OSB).

One area I’ve been reflecting on is my leadership style. I would describe myself as someone who leads by example, focuses on team cohesion, and tries to develop people rather than micromanage them.

My approach is:

Demonstrate the standard and explain the task.
Allow the person to attempt it independently.
Provide guidance when needed, but not simply take over.
Encourage people to think through problems by asking questions like “Where do you think you went wrong?” or “What do you think the correct procedure is?”

Seek feedback from both subordinates and senior leaders because I believe good leaders should continually improve.

I strongly believe that leadership is about developing capable people and creating a team that can succeed collectively, rather than relying on one person.

My question is: does this leadership approach align with what the ADF looks for in an officer, particularly an Air Intelligence Officer? Are there any areas I should develop before applying or things I should focus on for OSB?

I understand officers need to balance being approachable and supportive with making decisions, enforcing standards, and taking responsibility, so I’d appreciate honest feedback.
Thanks in advance.

I’m (25M) in a bit of a difficult situation and could use some outside perspectives.

Before my girlfriend and I started dating, she said something that deeply offended one of my closest mates. I still don’t know exactly what was said because neither of them will tell me the full story.

My mate has made it clear that he wants nothing to do with her, but he’s also told me he won’t stop me from being with her or make me choose between us. He has said that if she ever apologises, it has to be face to face because the insult happened face to face. Otherwise, he isn’t interested.

My girlfriend, on the other hand, refuses to apologise and has told me she can’t stand him.
The frustrating part is that I actually met my girlfriend through this mate, so they’ve known each other longer than we’ve been together.
I’ve already told both of them that I’m not going to be the messenger. If they have something to say to each other, they need to say it directly. I don’t want to carry messages back and forth or be expected to fix a conflict that isn’t mine.

I’m a very loyal person, but I don’t believe loyalty means choosing one person over another when they’re the ones who have the issue.
So my question is this:

How do I maintain both relationships without getting dragged into their conflict? Is there anything more I should be doing, or have I already done everything that’s reasonably within my control?

I’m looking for some advice because I’m stuck in an uncomfortable situation.

My (25M) parents, especially my dad, recently ended a long-standing personal and professional relationship with another family due to serious business disagreements. There were issues involving money, loss of income, and behaviour that my parents believe crossed the line, including fraud.
Because of this, my parents have completely cut ties with the other family and have no intention of repairing the relationship.

The complicated part is that their children are around my age, and I have known them for a while. They want to continue having me in their lives as friends, and from my perspective, they have personally never done anything wrong to me.
However, I’m struggling with whether I should continue the friendship. Part of me feels conflicted because their parents caused significant problems for my family, and I find myself thinking, “Why should I stay close with people whose family hurt mine?”

I have spoken to my parents about it, and they have said they don’t want to control who I’m friends with. They said it is ultimately my decision, but they also made it clear they will not be trying to reconcile with the other family.

I’m torn because I don’t want to punish their children for something their parents did, but I also don’t want to ignore what happened to my family.
What would you do in this situation? Would you maintain the friendship but keep boundaries, or would you distance yourself because of the conflict between the families?