I DM’d a group that tried to optimize every situation, and every turn off combat. That’s okay as long as it stays fun, but once they start spinning their wheels, or one player turns combat into a slog, then I take measures.

In my experience (and from what I’ve heard of other groups) optimisers are rarely the cause of this problem, usually it’s the more casual or inexperienced players.

How much damage did she take from the poison?

made the poison, then promptly drank it to sacrifice it

That sounds, uh, inadvisable.

like is there a single thing she hasn’t already done and excelled at

Having self-confidence

Talking to Razira without turning into a flustered mess

Saying rude words

is bardlock a mix of bard and warlock?

Yes

why is everything a warlock in dnd?

It multiclasses well, two levels for agonising repelling blast, plus a subclass feature, and then you can pick any charisma caster.

Ring of magic detection

As an action, you may use this ring to discover the location of the nearest magic item.

And its counterpart, the ring of wand detection.

I once unleashed an ancient evil on the world in a failed attempt to open an unlocked door.

If it’s this dangerous there’s sure to be great loot at the end.

Impeccable logic

They’ve got accusations coming out the wazoo

This reminds me of a comic I saw a while ago where the BBEG was gloating that he could only be killed by the sword next to him that couldn’t be pulled from the stone. The barbarian picks up the BBEG and swings him at the sword.

Dry ice certainly makes the atmosphere look mysterious.

I’m sure other people have brought up rich people taking a huge share of it already, but there’s also the sheer number of people determined to work in the arts. If there’s, say, ten billion dollars to go around, it sounds like a lot, but if it’s split between a couple of million artists it doesn’t go very far.

Total coincidence they picked someone Jewish for their conspiracies about bankers secretly controlling the world.

None of these folks are capable of manufacturing modern nitrocellulose gun powder or primer caps necessary to reload their fancy rifles and handguns.

This gave me a thought, would having equipment for ammonia and other chemicals (for fertiliser as well as explosives) be useful for preppers?

That can be delayed for a long time by stockpiling spare parts.

I assume people decided it had the vibe of accusing Ukraine of being underhanded (it’s not, but internet gonna internet)

Also, she’s immune to all poisons.

How did she get that?

As well as spreading and planting seeds, clearing competing plants, and providing water and nutrients.