[IC] New Crobuzon & the World Beyond

[GM Marvel]

Question:  Betimi was not even in the ballpark with an attack roll of 18? But dog hit with a 14?   I know firing into melee imposed a -4, but just making sure you did not confuse my damage roll with my attack roll

First, your roll wasn't an 18.  Unless I'm reading it wrong, you rolled a 14.  The dog rolled a 14 before adding any bonuses.

In that case, heeding Simon Betimi will fire her crossbow at the creatures legs instead of calling down lightning.

Crossbow att [1d20+9]=5+9=14; Dmg [1d8+1]=6+1=7; + cold [1d6]=1

Second, Dog is no longer just a typical wolf-hound.  You are 5th level and about to move up to 6th.  I did not see a problem with Dog gaining 1 or 2 HD to help keep him alive.  He also benefits from Bless and Dark Knowledge.

Third, if I do say something like, 'it's not in the same ball park," it isn't to berate your roll.  It's to give you a hint of what kind of AC you're trying to hit.  I try to drop hints about many things that's happening during an encounter without coming out and saying, 'hey, you rolled a 14, you're either going to have to roll a hell of a lot better or just maybe you might want to just stick with lightning bolts!'