Past Posts

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Message 2153 of 6693 Reply

Re: magic Evertree
5/16/00 12:08 am
YOU created that blasted Cloak of No Left Turn? Damn you! I was killed 8 consecutive
times just attempting to get out of a dungeon where we found that freaking cloak. Thank
the gods we also found a rod of resurrection too. My killer axeman went from a heroic 17
constitution "Son of Druss" down to Harvey the beekeeper, constitution 9. Those rapid
and repeated deaths did boost my wisdom and understanding of the life and death cycle,
though. I could see the revolving cycles of nature... that's what made me a really kick-ass
beekeeper.

I ascended to legend status when the giant insects invaded from the swamp. And after
that, the unusually warm winter (due to dwarven industrialization and forge exhaust gases)
caused an spring time mosquito plague because winter was not cold enough to kill of the
eggs and slumbering larvae. Aye, from legend to proxy of the Druid god of nature in that
fiasco... the way I helped to keep nature balanced and all. I rindered the peels of several
thousand apples and seeds into an organic, bio-friendly insecticide and fertilyzer. Mix that
with a shot of my own special honey, some spinach juice and fresh churned butter and
you get a Halfling Super Growth Syrum. Imagine that, halflings the size of hill giants! And
that was just in time to rally and strengthen our local militia to stand-up against the ogre
and orc invasion. That moved me up to demigod status. Haretvaum, God of Horticulture,
Bees, Halflings and Butterscotch.

Strange sort of adventuring, now that I think of it. But what can you expect when you
have an Organic Chemistry and Biology major as your DM?

Yes. I made it all up.

E.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2152 by Calitrojan

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Message 2154 of 6693 Reply

Slow Poison question SCA_Bard
(23/F/Barony of Storvick) 5/16/00 12:50 pm
Wondering about the spell Slow Poison...

I threw a batch of drow at my PCs last week, armed with the typical sleep poison-coated
gear. Eventually, their tank fighter failed a saving throw and was scheduled for a nap,
when an NPC priest hit him with a Slow Poison. Now no nap for several hours.

Then he gets hit again and fails again. Same poison, different dose. Would the spell also
slow this dose, or would the spell need to be recast? What do you think?

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2151 by madteuton

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Message 2155 of 6693 Reply

Re: Slow Poison question madteuton
(30/M/Keyport, NJ) 5/16/00 1:36 pm
I would say yes, it would affect the second dose as well. In my mind, the spell has more
to do with the subject's body chemistry than anything else.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2154 by SCA_Bard

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Message 2156 of 6693 Reply

Re: magic Rusty_miller2
(17/M/San Jose) 5/16/00 2:17 pm
One that I just recently created that my pc's really hated, was the Switchback Sword. It
was a cursed item that, when held, bonded itself to the hand and upper arm of the person
who weilds it. After it does this, is switches alignments, personalities, and languages with
its wielder. Even after the encantment is broken, the sword still remains on his/her arm,
and if the spirits haven't been switched, the character's soul is lost forever. It has a
tendency to piss people off.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2152 by Calitrojan

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Message 2157 of 6694 Reply

Re: magic doc_souark
(40/M/Godforsaken,Arkansas) 5/16/00 3:41 pm
I know who to pray to when it comes time to rob my bees now oh mighty Hartvaurm.
Good one E fell out of the chair laughing.
Worst magic item I've seen lately was not mine but was "rewarded" to my nephew's
Halfling thief by his DM in Ruston.A cursed ring of female attraction instead of raising
your Cha. to 18 for female of the PCs race it lowers it to 3 to your race and raises it to
18 for a ramdon race in Rob's case Kobolds.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2153 by Evertree

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Message 2158 of 6694 Reply

Re: magic shaezyra
(987/M/Seattle, WA) 5/16/00 4:57 pm
Hmm... how about a "gem of true seeing" that sometimes shows nightmarish creatures
where none exist. The visions grow more frequent as the gem is used by a victim, until
he believes he is being stalked by invisible monsters.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2152 by Calitrojan

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Message 2159 of 6694 Reply

Re: magic orgruff
(32/M/Adelaide, Australia) 5/17/00 1:22 am
Best magic Item I ever saw was the Rhymestaff. it is a Staff of the magi usable by
Wizards, bards and those damn bladesinger elves. It was a standard walking arsenal staff
of Magi but to activate it the player had to come up with a new rhyme each time he
wanted to cast a spell and the spell name had to be the last words of the rhyme. e.g. to
cast lightning bolt.

"My foe does lots of damage take,
I smite him with a frightning jolt,
With this mighty staff I make,
a streaking lightning bolt"

The rhyme had to have as many lines as the spell had levels, or more, each line had to
rhyme and be relavent to the spell, you had to make each rhyme different, sounds easy?
try composing six rhymes for lightning bolt. Then try doing to make up another one real
quick. It is sooo painful to have a staff of the magi that you can't use because you can't
think of anything to rhyme with magic missile while there are will'o'the wisps flying about.

Orgruff
Dwarf of the new millennium

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2152 by Calitrojan

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Message 2160 of 6694 Reply

Re: magic madteuton
(30/M/Keyport, NJ) 5/17/00 9:57 am
Not exactly an award-winner, but a personal fav of mine: Powder of Heroic Disposition
-- a powerful analgesic, this powder will free the user from any sensations of pain for

4-6 turns. While damage is still taken as usual, the character can hold his hand over fire
to convince an enemy of his might without feeling the least pain, can withstand hours of
torture without being forced to give out sensitive information or may charge headlong into
the chirping bowstrings of an archer's nest without fear of feeling the stings of arrows
(improving the morale of skittish hirelings who follow). There is never a need to make
a system shock check *while under the influence* of this powder, but the user must make
one once the effects of the powder wear off (unless no damage was sustained anyway) and
then with a +10% bonus.

I love that Gem of True Seeing idea!

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2152 by Calitrojan

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Message 2161 of 6694 Reply

Re: magic eldrwyrm
(28/M/Aurora, CO) 5/17/00 9:57 am
Woo Hoo, Paranoia, nothing like it.

IMC I use a rule where potentially any magic item can have quirks or extra powers. Fully
10% of all items are "quirked", meaning that they have some sort of limitation or unexpected
side effect. My favorite one was a Wand of Really Make You Wonder (also known as the
wand of Pretidigiation).
The first time it was used it would always function as a wand of magic missiles. after that
about 1 in 20 were Magic Missiles. Other stuff included boquets of flowers, small white
rabbits, 100's of handkerchiefs, puffs of smoke, etc...

The Elder Wyrm

when the DM smiles, it's already too late.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2158 by shaezyra

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Message 2162 of 6694 Reply

Re: magic boothwah
(26/M/Roseburg, OR) 5/17/00 5:22 pm
Well, my entry isn't an "item" per se, but rather an on the fly ruling about potion miscibilty
that garnered one character with the lifetime affliction of chronic, ill-timed, flatulence.
Feodor "Stinky" Aelwinoc was always asked to stay at the end of the marching order, and
was not taken on stealth missions. He did, however, get along famously with troglodytes.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2161 by eldrwyrm

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Message 2163 of 6694 Reply

Re: magic doc_souark
(40/M/Godforsaken,Arkansas) 5/17/00 5:51 pm
I LIKE this one I'll have to use it on a certain awful good paladin in my campaign.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2162 by boothwah

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Message 2164 of 6694 Reply

Re: magic boothwah
(26/M/Roseburg, OR) 5/17/00 6:03 pm
By: boothwah
Date: 5/17/00 5:22 pm

Well, my entry isn't an "item" per se, but rather an on the fly ruling about potion miscibilty
that garnered one character with the lifetime affliction of chronic, ill-timed, flatulence.
Feodor "Stinky" Aelwinoc was always asked to stay at the end of the marching order, and
was not taken on stealth missions. He did, however, get along famously with troglodytE.

I forgot to mention it gave him a -12 modifier to his etiquette rolls, except when dealing with
barbarians.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2162 by boothwah

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Message 2165 of 6694 Reply

Racial Problems Calitrojan
5/17/00 10:31 pm
In my campaign the elves of the world once enslaved the humans. Causing a great amount
of hate towards elves by humans and causing the elves to mistrust the humans. I am
currently running an on-line campaign set in the time when the humans were rebelling
against their enslavers. I have a party made up of mostly free humans with a half-elven
outcast to mix things up. There currently is a lot of racial biggotry and really nice
role-palying going on in trying to over look their exterior qualities and come to trust one
another. I want to know anyones thoughts on keeping this productive role-palying environ
from degrading to a name calling session. Also any of your thoughts on racism in the game
itself.

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Message 2166 of 6694 Reply

Re: Racial Problems orgruff
(32/M/Adelaide, Australia) 5/18/00 12:14 am
Well you seem to have some problems here but nothing you can't work arround. Question
is where do you want the campaign to head? Do you want the players to try to help the
respective races get over it? or do you want it to lead to a war? or maybe a split society?

Players can be really thick, I know, I've been there. You may have to lead them through
interaction with NPC's. For example: Have a few town bullies, that the players already
don't like, kick the crap out of a young elf in full view (of the players) to illistrate how silly it
all is, if you want to go down a reconciliattion path, or try to devise a mission or goal or
quest that forces them to interact favourably or cooperate completely with some elves.
Some of the elves will be bigoted some will not.

If you want to go down another path but don't want to waste your time with insults just have
the elves walk away snooty, or use nasty looks instead of words.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2165 by Calitrojan

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Message 2167 of 6694 Reply

Re: Racial Problems shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 5/18/00 9:21 am
History is a hard thing to overcome. Why did the elves enslave humans .. what did they gain
by it ?? Why would they stop ??

Do the elves perceive themselves to be a "superior" race to humans .. how do the Gods fit
in ?? What do the elvish Gods teach about "all are created equal" (or are some "more equal"
than others) ??

Even if elves are longer-lived, and able to multi-class, they are still restricted in their ability.
Do you want your PC's to be heroes, or just part of the problem ?? What are their
alignments ??

Lawful Good would be a tough one, in this case .. especially a Paladin .. he may crusade
for equality, freedom at any price, or just redemption.
Neutral Good would most likely fight for equality.
Chaotic Good would lean more towards freedom at any price.
Lawful Neutral .. may lean in favor of slavery, if it appears to be the correct order for the
campaign .. or may fight to end the chaos caused by the animosity.
True Neutral .. would work to restore the balance between the races.
Chaotic Neutral .. would definitely fight the system .. but would remain discontent under
any rule (except maybe true democracy).
Lawful Evil .. would probably side with the slavers, improving his own position by
betraying his own. Neutral Evil .. his loyalties would be most flexible .. whatever proved
| to serve his interests best at the time. Chaotic Evil .. would either side with the slavers
(maybe someday taking over on his own) .. or would do his best to disrupt the system
and try to build his own empire from whatever remained.

Perhaps you should have them journey to another part of the realm (one where all races
do live in harmony) in order to moderate their prejudice, and then (someday, when they
might be powerful enough) return home to lead a revolt or bring about a peaceful
resolution (not very likely to be easy at all, even if both majorities desire it, with so much
inbred hatred and fear).

I don't envy you. It's quite a hole you've dug for yourself.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2166 by orgruff

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Message 2168 of 6694 Reply

Re: magic cplchaotic
(29/M/Wheeling, WV) 5/18/00 10:01 am
I like to make up my own items. It is alot more interesting than giving the same old stuff.
My most recent gag item was the "Ring of Bungholio"!
When worn the character would literaly talk out of his ass. Kinda like Jim Carey did in
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. Of course it was cursed. It took the party a trip back to
town to get rid of the irritating item. All-in-all the party loved it.
The Cpl

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2152 by Calitrojan

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Message 2169 of 6694 Reply

Re: magic cplchaotic
(29/M/Wheeling, WV) 5/18/00 10:06 am
Another one I made was the "Orb of Possibilities"
About 25% of the time, one could look into the orb and see something that may happen.
The other 75% of the time the viewer saw something totally absurd that may happen.

the Cpl

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2152 by Calitrojan

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Message 2170 of 6694 Reply

Re: At Ye Movies cplchaotic
(29/M/Wheeling, WV) 5/18/00 10:18 am
How about "Big Trouble in Little China" Modern and cheesy -- Yes, but I had a DM that
made an adventure out of it. It was GREAT.

The Cpl

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2063 by madteuton

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Message 2171 of 6694 Reply

Tallows Deep cplchaotic
(29/M/Wheeling, WV) 5/18/00 10:23 am
Does anyone have Dungeon Magazine #18. I've tried to bid on it but I always get outbid.
I'm really just looking for the Module called "Tallow's Deep". I played it several years
ago and would love to run my party through it now.

The Cpl

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Message 2172 of 6694 Reply

Re: At Ye Movies madteuton
(30/M/Keyport, NJ) 5/18/00 10:46 am
Oh, yeah! I kinda liked that movie. Great villains!!

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2170 by cplchaotic

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Message 2173 of 6694 Reply

Re: Racial Problems the_ageless_sage
(M/Why, i'm Here, of course.) 5/18/00 12:46 pm
Then how can they still be Elves? Is slavery not evil? Are Elves not predominately of
good alignment? If you research Elves you will learn that Elves are horrified by the
concept of slavery. They have a tendency to equate slavery with evil, oh yes, and humans.
You may have in fact nwittingly fashioned a new sub-race of Elves. Good Luck, little
godling

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2165 by Calitrojan

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Message 2174 of 6694 Reply

Re: Racial Problems madteuton
(30/M/Keyport, NJ) 5/18/00 1:39 pm
Welcome to the club.

Absolute statements like "elves are predominately good" or "elves are horrified by the
concept of slavery" are always troublesome to me ... unless a DM is talking about the
particular campaign world s/he created him/erself. I mean, who's to say that the infinite
rules that apply to some of TSR's/WoTC's pre-fab campaign worlds (like The Realms)
would necessarily apply to Calitrojan's world. I glean only those ideas I like from those
pre-fabs and leave the rest. The very gem at the heart of D&D in my estimation is
utilizing *my own* imagination.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2173 by the_ageless_sage

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Message 2175 of 6694 Reply

Re: Racial Problems MaisyStargazer
(49/F/northern Wisconsin) 5/18/00 2:41 pm
Yes, and one might point out that Drow in AD&D are Elves, and keep slaves as a matter
of course....

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2174 by madteuton

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Message 2176 of 6694 Reply

Re: Racial Problems the_ageless_sage
(M/Why, i'm Here, of course.) 5/18/00 2:51 pm
Thank you for the welcome
However, I don’t think my statements were “absolute” the term “predominately” was not
intended to state that all elves were good, just most of them. This is made clear on the
DM’s guide 1ed, 2ed and 3ed as well as “the Complete Elves Handbook” Monster
Manual 1 & 2, Fiend Folio, and various writings in Dragon Mag. The Basis for AD&D
worlds are in fact the AD&D rule books. If a DM deviates from them, fine, but then you
are going out into uncharted
waters, as calitrojan stated ” There currently is a lot of racial biggotry and really nice
role-palying going on in trying to over look their exterior qualities and come to trust one
another.” Calitrojan

also asked “. I want to know anyones thoughts on keeping this productive role-palying
environ from degrading to a name calling session.”
When I said, “Good luck, little godling” I did truly mean Good Luck. I, too, like to
deviate from pre-made dungeons, however, I have run into all too many “Bob’s
World-O-Wonder” where you are consistently wondering what the rules are.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2174 by madteuton

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Message 2177 of 6696 Reply

Re: Racial Problems Calitrojan
5/18/00 2:58 pm
Now we are drifting away from the true topic. We have come into the realm of what does
Lawful Good really mean? For instance a confederate plantation owner could be deemed
as lawful good even though he owned slave. because they of course considered
themselves above the black man. He was abiding by the laws of his society and in that
society slavery was a good thing. Not a necessary evil. It is important to note that the
elves of Arvail considered themselves above the humans and therefore felt they ahd the
right to enslave the humans for their own well being.
Because if they as a race could not coexisst together to survive against an elven invasion
then they probably would not survive in the long run without help, i.e. te advent of human
slavery. Of course the humans felt differently about hat. So now I think we need to begin
the alignment debate a new.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2174 by madteuton

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Message 2178 of 6696 Reply

Re: Racial Problems eldrwyrm
(28/M/Aurora, CO) 5/18/00 3:08 pm
I got an idea. lets conduct this alignment discussion somewhere else. i wade through
enough of these on r.g.f.d, dnd-l, and rpg.dnd.3e. i really don't want to wade through one
here.

Thanks

The Elder Wyrm

When the DM smirks, death awaits.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2177 by Calitrojan

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Message 2179 of 6696 Reply

Re: Racial Problems madteuton
(30/M/Keyport, NJ) 5/18/00 3:41 pm
Well-met, ageless.

The premise Calitrojan presents for us presupposes that these particular elves in question
are, apparently, okay with slavery.

Bob's World-O-Wonder? Ha-ha! Have I mentioned the time a particularly flighty DM gave
my third level cleric a nuclear returning hammer! Sheesh!

Yes, we should take this alignment discussion to a D&D club ... hey, wait a minute! This
*is* a D&D club! Heh-heh!

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2176 by the_ageless_sage

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Message 2180 of 6697 Reply

Re: Racial Problems Ima_Doppleganger
5/18/00 3:59 pm
Agreed, I also thought this was a area for discussion, and the reason I joined was to open
avenues for ideas and thoughts, discussions to help other DM’s as well as myself.
Otherwise I would be writing something banal like “I smiled wistfully at the barmaid, then
an orc walked in…” By the By, although Slavery may be Lawful it should not be
considered good (no absolutes, right?).

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2179 by madteuton

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Message 2181 of 6697 Reply

Re: Racial Problems madteuton
(30/M/Keyport, NJ) 5/18/00 4:04 pm
<<“I smiled wistfully at the barmaid, then an orc walked in…”>>

Damn! I was just gonna write that!

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2180 by Ima_Doppleganger

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Message 2182 of 6697 Reply

LG is relative, was: Racial Problems boothwah
(26/M/Roseburg, OR) 5/18/00 4:39 pm
For a really interesting look at "Lawful Good", check out the fiction in the current issue
of Dragon, "By the Job." In it there is a classic example of just how ugly "Lawful Good"
can be when it leans heavy on the Lawful side, and places the emphasis on the perceived
"good" of all, vs. the needs and rights of the few. Towards the middle of the story,
you'll start cursing the headstrong paladin the same way you'd curse Grummssh.

Which brings toward the point that alignment is relative as Calitrojan said. The unforgiving
tyrant who believes he can best serve his people and best take care of their welfare, is in
his own eyes, a just and benevolent LG.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2177 by Calitrojan

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Message 2183 of 6697 Reply

Re: LG is relative, was: Racial Problems the_ageless_sage
(M/Why, i'm Here, of course.) 5/18/00 5:28 pm
I seem to remember a premise of the Dragonlance Novels, wherein the Lawful good
priests had banished evil from there world, and later, over time, having no perspective
of evil, started to consider those of neutral or “less” good alignments as evil, i.e. “one
who has always lived in the light cannot conceive of darkness”, or apparently recognize it.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2182 by boothwah

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Message 2184 of 6697 Reply

Re: Racial Problems orgruff
(32/M/Adelaide, Australia) 5/18/00 7:57 pm
The ageless sage wrote > Then how can they still be Elves? Is slavery not evil? Are Elves
not predominately of good alignment? If you research Elves you will learn that Elves are
horrified by the concept of slavery.

Well yes I agree with you. But (and I know its not AD&D) didn't Tolkien write of the early
humans spending their lives in service to the elves in 'The Silmarillion'? I think the gist of it
was that the humans became servants to the elves and only after several generations had
spent their whole lives looking after the immortal elves did the elves stop and think that
their actions may not have been above board. It has been a while since I read it but it is
not a big leap from there to slavery.

Remember paid workers who have no options on where they live, who they work for,
where they buy their goods, and where they go are little better than slaves. One might
even argue that slavery is still rife in our world today (even among wealthy nations
like Australia, the UK and the US).

Orgruff (trying to be objective, not insulting)

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2173 by the_ageless_sage

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Message 2185 of 6697 Reply

Re:Racial problems dark_night_lost
(20/M/Nova Scotia, Canada) 5/18/00 9:11 pm
Is slavery not evil?
That depends on your point of view. Just because the humans don't like it does not mean
that the elves mean wrong. Maybe they noticed some thing in the humans in the past and
felt it was nesicary to take controll to avoid a possible disaster that the humans were
causing
with out knowing. Elves, being immortal or close to it, sometmes forget that other races
may learn their lessons faster than they did or just forgot that this was for the humans own
good and began treating them harsher and harsher untill the humans became slaves instead
of charges. This is just one posibility, but it does demonstrate how slavery might not be
evil.
I personaly object to the concept of slavery being good but the posibility still exists.

Dark_Night_Lost

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Message 2186 of 6697 Reply

Re: Racial Problems the_ageless_sage
(M/Why, i'm Here, of course.) 5/19/00 1:35 am
Ah, Good. I of course did not take offense, as I was sure none was intended. I am glad
DM's are thinking, conferring, and as I am, still learning.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2184 by orgruff

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Message 2187 of 6697 Reply

Re: Racial Problems shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 5/19/00 3:57 am
In my alignment "what they might do" discourse, I meant, of course, the PC's .. who I
assumed were free humans (and one outcast 1/2 elf)

If slavery promotes the general order of things, and the slaves are treated well, it can
easily be called lawful. Good, on the other hand, is a bit more tricky, but it may be easier
to accept from the elves' point of view ...

The shorter-lived races (humans, in particular), if left to their own devices, would probably
be waging war amongst themselves, overpopulating an area until the ecology could no
longer support them, set up trading systems based on valueless currency, and generally
making a mess of the place .. maybe the elves see slavery as a way to save them from
themselves, and saving the realm from the humans, which, in the big picture, and long
term (over the next few elven generations) would appear good.

"So you see, everything (we) said is true, from a certain point of view .."

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2186 by the_ageless_sage

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Message 2188 of 6697 Reply

Re: Racial Problems mharelick
5/19/00 8:59 am
Half - elven you say?

Does the half - elf consider him / herself
more human or more elven? How was the half - elf
created? Out of love, or was one if his / her parents a raped slave and the other a raping
master?

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2165 by Calitrojan

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Message 2189 of 6697 Reply

Re: Racial Problems mharelick
5/19/00 9:05 am
First off, sorry I missed that whole evil good
thing but its actually irrelevant to what you
asked originally.

This is my second question regarding your post.

What was the nature of the slavery that the elves imposed on the humans?

There are several ways that it can be manifest.

Was it the whips and chains variety?

Was it the "elves manipulate human society from
the shadows" variety?

How many generations of elves did the slavery exist for? Are there still elves alive who
remember when there was no slavery?

Matthew

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2165 by Calitrojan

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Message 2190 of 6697 Reply

Re:Racial problems (Blitzkrieg!) madteuton
(30/M/Keyport, NJ) 5/19/00 1:58 pm
To take it to its bitter end: the Nazis would not have considered themselves evil. Even the
"Final Solution" was something they viewed as something necessary to ensure the vitality
& success of their own "race". The Nazi regime would have been considered "good"
(certainly of the Lawful variety) to most Germans living in Berlin in the early to late thirties.
You may not agree with the particulars of my example here (which may be at the very heart
of this discussion), but you see
what I am *trying* to point out. Alignment, it would seem, is in the eyes of the diametrically
opposed, what-what? What of the American Indian holocaust? Some thought-provoking
comments have been made by everyone involved in this discussion. Thanks so much for
keeping it lively.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2185 by dark_night_lost

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Message 2191 of 6697 Reply

Re: Racial Problems dark_night_lost
(20/M/Nova Scotia, Canada) 5/19/00 4:37 pm
I agree with mharelick. Whether or not the slavery is evil depends entirely on how it was
instigated.
If it is evil, then I would not want to be the DM running that game. Maybe you should think
about
creating a method to oppose the slavery within the elven race. A system like the undrground
railroad from the times of the U.S. civil war. This may help to quell the name calling and
arguements.

Dark_Night_Lost

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2189 by mharelick

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Message 2192 of 6697 Reply

super char wren_the_elven_ranger
(122/F/Silvery moon) 5/19/00 6:39 pm
my friend just creted a char for our new party and even though were starting at lvl one
again} its another super char allready. it has a -6 ac at lvl 1. and a thaco of 13. this makes
it invincible in the earlyer adventures and i think ist stupid but he keeps saying its legal,
even though its still ridicouos.

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Message 2193 of 6697 Reply

Re: Racial Problems Calitrojan
5/19/00 7:18 pm
I just wanted to clarify some things about the campaign itself (as I have not dug a hole yet
and I enjoy this thread and would like to see some more discussion). The elven slavery is
not lengthy to elven standards, having only existed for three generations, but by human
standards, that is well over a thousand years.
Indeed the slaves are used for manual labor, but many are house servants, gladiators,
artisans, etc.
There is a wide variety of slavery though it is indeed of the conqueror over the conquered.
However the elves originally took the humans as servants because in their farsightedness
felt the human race was too irresponsible to live a productive life.
The half-elf in the group is a bastard, born to a human woman, by an elven father. He
considers

himself and outcast from elven society and wishes to ingratiate himself to the new human
uprising. What kind of DM would I be if I didn't bring in extra things like an underground
elves orginization working to free the humans. Of course most of their
involvement is deemed as radical poilitcs by the elven regime.
I think I answered all the questions. Also I would like to again say this is an on-line
campaign and I did not plan on the party making that big an effect on the outcome of what
happens, as this is also a historical campaign. i say that because I started up my original
campaign set in the future of this time when the humans are free and are now persecuting
their former captors
with bigotry and hatred... a very fun campaign human vs elf, elf vs elf human vs human...
its great. This campaign came about when one of my players asked if I would run
something
back in the time of slavery, so I put it together based on the histories I had written for the
original campaign. I always thought that racism was neglected in RPGs and needed to be
expolred (man is it ever in this thing!)

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2191 by dark_night_lost

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Message 2194 of 6697 Reply

Re: super char Ima_Doppleganger
5/19/00 7:24 pm
That’s too bad, I find that allowing a "Super Character" not only ruins the game for the
rest of the players /characters, it also belittles the DM. Instead of having to overcome
mental challenges with good role playing, your now left with "followers" in a Hack
and Slash dungeon. Some of my fondest memories are of playing with a "mediocre"
character that I had to really role play to make it work, She is also one of my highest level
characters . It was so satisfying and fun." Its all in
your mind". Ima

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2192 by wren_the_elven_ranger

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Message 2195 of 6697 Reply

Re: super char boothwah
(26/M/Roseburg, OR) 5/19/00 7:39 pm
Wren, I think I've seen your game being played on the back of the school bus driving
ahead of me. Explain to me what modifiers gave your friend, Beavis, an armor class of
negative six. Also I would like to know how Beavis got his Thaco down to 13. Also,
does Beavis still watch Power Rangers?
This Is a Reply to: Msg 2192 by wren_the_elven_ranger

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Message 2196 of 6697 Reply

Re: super char MaisyStargazer
(49/F/northern Wisconsin) 5/19/00 10:33 pm
I agree with Boothwah. How old (mentally) is this person? And what DM would let him
get away with it? If he's got all kinds of magic at first level, how the heck did he get it??
It's DM's perogative to set limits on characters; i.e. the DM in our campaigns has to
approve any out-of-the-ordinary type
stuff. And if the players don't like it, they don't have to play. Having a super character
like that just makes things miserable for everyone else.
My group gets bored with any character over 12th to 15th level, and we usually agree to
quit playing that campaign and go back to a first-level one, either with 'the next
generation' or with completely different characters. There's no challenge in being
Superman.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2195 by boothwah

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Message 2197 of 6697 Reply

Re: super char shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 5/19/00 11:27 pm
Every character has a weakness. In the case of yon "super char", the trick is to exploit it,
make him vulnerable, and make him rely on the other PC's for help. (I could help figure
something out to
"level the playing field" if you gave us info about what gives him such ridiculous stats.)

Either that, or have him (and his party) start being manipulated by an intelligent greater
power (high level NPC, lich, powerful vampire, mind flayer, githyanki knights, red or
shadow dragon, etc.) to unwittingly do their dirty work .. killing low level enemies,
acquiring certain magic items (only to have them stolen by the advesary or his minions
with a very sarcastic "thank you" note left behind)

Such a powerful character can easily be turned into a pawn in a greater scheme, even if
he doesn't know what he's doing, and make some pretty powerful enemies in the process.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2196 by MaisyStargazer

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Message 2198 of 6697 Reply

Re: Racial Problems mharelick
5/20/00 1:25 am
Your last paragraph looks like you are looking for
the name calling associated with racism.

Why don't you setup a situation where the players
end up imprisoned with an elf who is a member of
the underground, but dying, who can tell a little bit ( but just a little bit) about the
underground railroad / rebellion ? This might
help give the half-elf more respect.

Matthew

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2193 by Calitrojan

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Message 2199 of 6697 Reply

Re: super char wren_the_elven_ranger
(122/F/Silvery moon) 5/20/00 4:52 am
he got a negative armour class because.
1) he is a thrikreen - base ac 5
2) he has a dex of 19 (21 balance / 17 aim) giving -6 to ac.
3) body shield -2 for shield and bout another -3 to ac for profinceny.
and the thaco due to the 21 strength.
but i have solved this and now i make all the char for the party they dont even get a choice
in what they get.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2195 by boothwah

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Message 2200 of 6697 Reply

ps wren_the_elven_ranger
(122/F/Silvery moon) 5/20/00 4:54 am
the person in question is mentaly the same age as himself ie 15. but he loves super chars and
god-modeing.

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Message 2201 of 6697 Reply

Re: ps MaisyStargazer
(49/F/northern Wisconsin) 5/20/00 10:59 am
Wren, you seem to have found the answer to your problem! LOL. --what's REALLY bad
is I've run into some 30 and 40-year-old men with the same outlook as your player...ugh!!!!

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2200 by wren_the_elven_ranger

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Message 2202 of 6697 Reply

Half elves and secret doors doc_souark
(40/M/Godforsaken,Arkansas) 5/20/00 1:19 pm
I ran a game last night and was asked this question y'all give me your way of handleing
this..How
does a Elven-1/2 elven find a secret door ? what the player wanted to know was the way a
elven PC found it intuition,practice or acute senses.
A 1/2 Elven mage was in an ruined keeps lower level and found a secret door where noone
has been in a while. I know I used a lot of hyperbore for this but I didn't know how to put it.

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Message 2203 of 6697 Reply

Re: ps wren_the_elven_ranger
(122/F/Silvery moon) 5/20/00 7:00 pm
now thats awfull.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2201 by MaisyStargazer

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Message 2204 of 6698 Reply

Re: Half elves and secret doors Ima_Doppleganger
5/20/00 7:08 pm
What’s up Doc? Sorry couldn’t help it. I have always thought that Elves and ½ Elves found
secret doors by observation, a slightly blowing curtain, a scrape on the floor or a panel that
is not as the others are. They, maybe, can detect these because growing up in the forest you
must observe to survive and now its ingrained into there race like dwarves and detect
slopes. Ima

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2202 by doc_souark

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Message 2205 of 6698 Reply

Re: Half elves and secret doors MaisyStargazer
(49/F/northern Wisconsin) 5/20/00 10:28 pm
Yeah, I always figured it was keen senses, too. Especially eyesight, as 'The Rules' say you
have to be actively 'looking', even if you're an Elf. We usually give Half Elves half the chance
to find 'em that a full Elf gets--just seemed reasonable. --I expect running your fingers
along a wall as you walk
and feeling a slight "not quite right" area would qualify, too.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2204 by Ima_Doppleganger

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Message 2206 of 6698 Reply

Re: super char shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 5/20/00 11:36 pm
By allowing racial ability score bonuses to increase scores beyond 18, you have begun
digging your own hole on this one. By allowing a race that cannot effectively
communicate with others (which is what "role playing" is all about) the hole gets
deeper. Thri-Kreen seem to be built for 'min-max'ing and creating "super characters"
I would not allow them as a PC race, but if you feel that it is
necessary for your campaign .. you must balance it out.

I agree that they should have a bonus to DEX .. but (and yes, I know what the MM says)
their exoskeleton should not give them better than AC: 7 (part of their AC as a creature is
due to their dexterity, as well, IMO)
I don't think they should have a bonus to STR.
I think they should have a penalty to CON (life span less than 35 years).
There should be a penalty to WIS (Chaotic Neutral is not, generally, a very wise alignment).
Definitely a penaly to CHA .. no communication skills, looks like (in fact, is) a big bug.

The thri-kreen does have some weaknesses, though .. waist-high water will drown it
(insects breathe
through their abdomen) .. area-effect attacks are a great equalizer (a flaming flask of oil, for
example) .. and, most seriously (IMO) he can't communicate with other PC's.

"but i have solved this and now i make all the char for the party they dont even get a choice
in what they get."
I disagree that this is a proper solution .. D&D is all about choices .. being a DM is about
properly moderating and limiting those choices, however.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2199 by wren_the_elven_ranger

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Message 2207 of 6698 Reply

Re: super char wren_the_elven_ranger
(122/F/Silvery moon) 5/21/00 6:38 am
i no and ive banned thrikreenes.
that and i build all the char myself they get no say.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2206 by shinto_gaijin

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Message 2208 of 6698 Reply

the night below wren_the_elven_ranger
(122/F/Silvery moon) 5/21/00 6:41 am
has anyone here ever DMed the night below campaign? i have to DM it soon and if you
have any sudgestions to enhance it and things to stear clear of can you plz tell me.

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Message 2209 of 6698 Reply

Re: Half elves and secret doors doc_souark
(40/M/Godforsaken,Arkansas) 5/21/00 8:25 am
You wascally wabbit, I couldn't help it eather.I figured that it was keen senses too, but the
tomb that I had the players in was suoposed to have been empty for 200+ years.So no
scuff marks etc. Undead saved the day so to speak THEY used the door later on to attack
from behind so the question became moot.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2204 by Ima_Doppleganger

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Message 2210 of 6698 Reply

Re: the night below doc_souark
(40/M/Godforsaken,Arkansas) 5/21/00 8:40 am
Just besure to read and study every encounter and try to think of how the players will react.
I just DMed the first part so I don't have any thing for the underdark.But here's a few for
book 1..... 1)Have encounters other then whats in the book of couse,their not enough to
raise the PCs high

enough to survive later on.
2)Don't try to make a marathon out of it strech it out for 4-5 sessions.Not only will you have
a easier time but the players will to.
I haven't DMed it for a while so I forgoten a hairy spot or two,let me know how you doing.

Doc

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2208 by wren_the_elven_ranger

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Message 2211 of 6698 Reply

Most Dishonored and Overworked DMs... leaf_turner
(24/M/Biddeford, ME) 5/21/00 10:47 am
At long last you have the impartial, wise source for second opinions and healthy creativity!
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Hell, life is short--why not?

Hope to see you visiting! leaf_turner
P.S. It's a spanking new club...I hope to demonstrate the club's worthiness by satisfying
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String:
Games>RPGS>Vampire the Masquerade>The Storyteller's Safety Net

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Message 2212 of 6698 Reply

Re: super char Bane1975
(25/M/Central Kentucky) 5/21/00 12:02 pm
Thri-Kreen, if you want to know all there is to know about them, you need to find a copy of
a book that is out of print "Thri-Kreen of Athas".

The Kreen were a normal player race in the Darksun campaign setting, but it is out of print,
so good luck, I have almost all the darksun stuff though. On athas racial maxs were 20
because it is such a rough world to live on, and the kreen stats were +2 Dex, +1 Wis, -2
Chr, -1 Int. They also have special abilities as they level up. The armor class that is give for
them...AC 5 I think?? well the
exoskeleton takes them to 6, then you have minium dex score of 15, which then lowers it to
5, they also do not sleep and see it as a waste of time for other beings.

If you need anything more on the kreen, let me know, I check the boards every few days,
Later
This Is a Reply to: Msg 2206 by shinto_gaijin

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Message 2213 of 6698 Reply

Re: Most Dishonored and Overworked DMs.. doc_souark
(40/M/Godforsaken,Arkansas) 5/21/00 1:03 pm
NOW thats hyperbore

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2211 by leaf_turner

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Message 2214 of 6698 Reply

Re: super char MaisyStargazer
(49/F/northern Wisconsin) 5/21/00 1:08 pm
Well, that would explain it. DarkSun is a system/universe unto itself, and its races shouldn't
be mixed in with the "normal" AD&D ones, except, as always, at DM discretion. The
whole thing about inability to communicate with other races (and therefore how do you
make such a character a party member?!?) is an extremely good point also.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2212 by Bane1975

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Message 2215 of 6698 Reply

Re: super char Ima_Doppleganger
5/21/00 2:36 pm
Also, think about it, a visit to any town has the potential to alarm the citizens. The party will
pay a heavy price for this and the Tri Keen could surely lose its life via a mob or other
adventurers
(would you let a big bug in to your village / town / city?). AD&D has a lot of checks and
balances and NPC reaction is an important one.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2206 by shinto_gaijin

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Message 2216 of 6698 Reply

Check my new website omega100_ca
5/21/00 4:02 pm
I have to admit, I'm not a DM, but I never read any messages and I won't so don't worry
and hear me out. I'm appealing to all DM's out there to help me build my website. I'm
looking for stories of your players doing the stupidest things that result in death or just a lot of
pain. I've added the link to the links section. http://adndstories.tripod.com
I hope I see some posts soon, I have only the ones from my own DM right now. Enjoy

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Message 2217 of 6700 Reply

New Game teljaan
5/21/00 4:19 pm
I am starting a new game, and am looking for 10 serious Dms. I have been running it since
1980, and am now interested to see how it will do under other people. The game will fit any
dd, add or gurps system. Each DM will run his/her game separately; I will provide only the
write-ups and help. There will also be online help and information as this progresses.

The Game

Even a brief description of it is probably too long to post here. It's essentially a Quest
module, but one that is ever-expanding and able to incorporate any variation the DM
wishes without having to buy a grip of books. As a DM, the only thing you will need is
the willingness to try something different.

Run Length

The game will run as long as you want it to. A fair estimate is six months.

Learning Curve

The only thing different is the magic system. It makes a little more sense than the ADD
system. The learning curve on this is burdensome at first but quickly becomes second
nature for the DM. You will find that most of your players will enjoy it. If not, you can
run it with the ADD magic system, or GURPS or whatever.

Why Would I Want to Play This?

If you're looking for something ready-made that is more than a two-game run for your
players. If you're looking for something ready-made that you can easily and swiftly
incorporate into your own campaign.

What Do I Do?

Just contact me. I will email you the basic game description. If you're interested in it,
let me know and I will send you the write-ups. You go from there.

Are You Making Money From This?

No. It's just a rockin' good game. For twenty years people have been playing this in
Montana, Washington, Arizona and New Mexico. I've turned it over to other DMs in the
past, obviously, but now I am interested in what someone else besides me can do with
the structure. That's it.
Interested?

contact me at Teljaan@yahoo.com

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Message 2218 of 6700 Reply

Introducing Thunder Canyon! wulfgar_dra_guun
(30/M/Victoria, BC) 5/21/00 5:04 pm
Next generation PBeM has finally come! Check out the site and join the fun. New DM's
will find great inspiration and are welcome to use Arctica in their games. Experienced
DM's will just enjoy themselves...

http://members.xoom.com/IamMisko/Thunder_Canyon/index.htm

Also check out... Flavius Library!

http://members.xoom.com/IamMisko/Thunder_Canyon/Flavius_Library/index.htm

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Message 2219 of 6701 Reply

Re: the night below wren_the_elven_ranger
(122/F/Silvery moon) 5/21/00 5:25 pm
thanxs for that ill tell you how im going later.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2210 by doc_souark

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Message 2220 of 6701 Reply

Re: super char wren_the_elven_ranger
(122/F/Silvery moon) 5/21/00 5:29 pm
ahhh yes that would happen but my friend needed more char points so he bought sever
phobia of crowds, so i dont let him go into towns as he woul be scared of to many ppl.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2215 by Ima_Doppleganger

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Message 2221 of 6701 Reply

Doppelganger and Class the_ageless_sage
(M/Why, i'm Here, of course.) 5/22/00 1:38 pm
Hello
I would like to pose a question to the group. I was recently asked; “If a Doppelganger
assumes a PC’s or NPC’s Persona, through ESP when the Doppelganger takes another
“Persona” can it retain
knowledge, Class, skills etc. from the previous one(s) and if so how much and how
long?” Would a Doppelganger be able to use spells if it had just transitioned from a
magic user to fighter or use thieves skills acquired from eight or nine victims past?
Could a Doppelganger become a super NPC? - TAS

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Message 2222 of 6701 Reply

Re: Doppelganger and Class DarkLiege
5/22/00 4:37 pm
Doppelgangers cannot learn skills or abilities thru ESP. A doppelganger cannot replace a
Mage and then cast spells. It cannot replace a Thief and use thief skills. It can certainly
remember the things it learned thru ESP, but those things would be limited to things like
victim's name, profession,
mannerisms, names of acquaintances, and so on.

The ESP spell won't let a 3rd level Mage instantly learn thief abilities or learn all the
combat skills of a 20th level fighter. A doppelganger's ESP would work the same way.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2221 by the_ageless_sage

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Message 2223 of 6701 Reply

Re: Doppelganger and Class brutish_celt
(19/M/Harrison, AR) 5/22/00 6:01 pm
A doppleganger's ESP power allows it to know how to act, and what's expected of that
character's personality, thus rendering it less detectable.
While a doppleganger could certainly emulate a mage or thief, he wouldn't actually know
any of the skills. He would know basically what each of the classes does to perform
those skills, but it would not be able to actually do those things itself.
For instance, take the doppleganger who is copying Fred the thief. Fred was pretty darn
good at climbing walls and disarming traps. Bobo the dopple takes his place and is faced
with a situation in which Fred's companions would expect Fred to search a certain door
for traps. Though Bobo can't actually gain any skill to finding traps, he does know what
Fred looks like when performing that task. Unless the trap is easily found by any obserant
searcher, however, Bobo will pass by it, unkowingly.
The same goes for Bobo copying Mack the mage. Bobo knows what spells Mack had
memorized at the time of the ESP scan, and knows what caszting the spells looks like,
but no matter how many balls of sulfur he rolls between his fingers, Bobo still cn't cast
fireball, although he'll look like he knows what he's doing. This can be a very valuable
tool for the doppleganger to use in future bluffs.
Hope that htis little story of Bobo the Doppleganger helps.

T*B*C

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2222 by DarkLiege

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Message 2224 of 6701 Reply

Re: super char spellmaster15
5/22/00 11:27 pm
here is my solution to the problem: make the players want to create more regular
characters.

to do this, take the super character, put him in a wide open space, and find the weakest
monster in the game, then, overrun him with these little bastards until he dies, then tell him
he got is ass kicked by a bunch of weenies. Tell the player that the weenies had telepathic
powers that allowed them to know he was the strongest in the party(they did not attack
the mediocre characters, if any) therefore eliminating the super character, and if the
problem persists, reaply and repeat until the idiot learns that there is no such thing as
an easy game.

"Shortcuts lead to dead ends."

Also:

A new player of mine recently said (at the beginning of the game) that he wanted his
character to be like Blade(from the movie)
What are your opinions on the subject?

Me, that DM whose players despise him for the mischievious tricks he plays on them.

Toney

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2192 by wren_the_elven_ranger

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Message 2225 of 6701 Reply

Re: super char shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 5/23/00 3:15 am
IRT Daywalkers, Half-Vampires, Blade-wannabe's, or just another darn short-cut to
semi-godhood ..

From the MMM .. "Any human .. slain by the life energy drain of a vampire is doomed
to become a vampire himself. .. The transformation takes place one day after burial .."

First, he must come up with a plausible means of being a half-vampire (the "Blade" story
won't work in D&D terms), and surviving the wrath that would have followed in a realm
where vampires, dragons, and such are more than just myth. ".. it is .. traditional that the
bodies of a vampire's victims be burned or similarly destroyed. .. The vampire's unnatural
presence is all-pervasive and will cause dogs and similar animals to raise a cry of alarm
at the presence of the creature."

Second, he must come up with appropriate checks and balances to overcome the
watered-down vampiric powers he might possess.

All things considered, I would say "no" in almost every case. He's just looking for
another way to play a super-character, even if it is one that would be a great plot device
for the DM. If, by some miracle, he comes up with something that I would agree to
(which would have to include a small cumulative chance that he would become a vampire
every time he used the powers associated with one), I might be inclined to say "maybe",
but probably not. Might make an interesting NPC, though.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2224 by spellmaster15

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Message 2226 of 6701 Reply

Wagon Train (Cowboys & Grugach) madteuton
(30/M/Keyport, NJ) 5/23/00 9:14 am
In the campaign I am currently working on, I am planning a sizeable plains area (not unlike
the pre-settled American plains -- endless grasslands) which separates the kingdoms of
men and those of the high elves. And, just like in the American plains of yore I am
planning to include scattered tribes of xenophobic wild elves ... perhaps they've never
even seen a human (oh wait, those were *human* indians in the ol' west, not wild elves,
right?).

Anyway, does anyone know anything about Grugach society or ecology? I know they
are friends to animals, and are stronger than other elves ... but that's about it. I am figuring
on patterning them after American Indians. With some smatterings of Aztec and Inca
perhaps. Ideas?

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Message 2227 of 6701 Reply

Dampires Panaz101
(F/Malden,ma) 5/23/00 11:55 am
I know someone poted about damires but I can't find it. I'm looking for any info on
damires or know where I can get it. I have a PC who wants to play one. thank you

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Message 2228 of 6701 Reply

Re: Wagon Train (Cowboys & Grugach) boothwah
(26/M/Roseburg, OR) 5/23/00 12:08 pm
There was a wonderful article published in Dragon many years back on the grugach -
I'll have to dig through my back issues to let you know, when I get home.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2226 by madteuton

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Message 2229 of 6701 Reply

Re: Dampires madteuton
(30/M/Keyport, NJ) 5/23/00 12:08 pm
What, by Fafner's hoary beard, is a dampire????

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2227 by Panaz101

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Message 2230 of 6701 Reply

Re: Wagon Train (Cowboys & Grugach) madteuton
(30/M/Keyport, NJ) 5/23/00 12:09 pm
Boothwah, I would be indebted!!

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2228 by boothwah

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Message 2231 of 6701 Reply

Rocky mountain dragon .... madteuton
(30/M/Keyport, NJ) 5/23/00 4:20 pm
I'm off to Denver. Won't be back till 6/1. I'll actually miss keeping tabs on this club from
moment-to-moment. See ya all when I get back!! Woo-hoo!

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Message 2232 of 6701 Reply

Re: Rocky mountain dragon .... eldrwyrm
(29/M/Aurora, CO) 5/23/00 4:51 pm
If you get a chance, BenCon is memorial day weekend in Denver. It is a benfit convention.

it will be at the Sheraton Hotel West, call 303-987-2000 for more info.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2231 by madteuton

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Message 2233 of 6701 Reply

Re: super char spellmaster15
5/23/00 6:22 pm
well, i decided to give it a chance. I wrote up some info on it. i used a fighter as a basis,
and give it the obvious strength bonus, and a little dexterity. He can drink blood, has a
very limited ability to fly, although it is more like jumping high and long..... he has a bit
of regen and a little extra hp. the blood drinking attack allows him to make vampires,
which will serve him.

And now for the disadvantages. Every time he tastes blood, his own or otherwise, there
is a 70%
that it will 'intoxicate' him and he will go on a rampage, becoming an npc, and attack any
living thing he sees, especially the rest of the party. this rampage will last 5 days, or until
he can no longer find anything to feed off of, after which the player resumes control of
him. The worst part is that every day he goes without blood, he loses 1 point of strength,
dexterity, and constitution, if any stats go to 0, he dies and is reborn as a vampire. Here
is another trick i added, if he goes three or more days without blood he loses on point
from Str, Dex, and Con permanently. when they drink blood from a living being it deals
1-4 damage, and they regain that many points back to each of their stats. Therefore, he
needs blood to live, but risks losing his sanity each time he drinks.

Tell me what you think.

on the matter of how:

Ever see the anime movie Vampire Hunter D.
He is the son of a mortal and a vampire.

ME

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2225 by shinto_gaijin

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Message 2234 of 6701 Reply

Re: super char cplchaotic
(29/M/Wheeling, WV) 5/23/00 7:44 pm
I'm not sure if anyone brought this up yet but, how can a 1st level guy have enough gold
to buy full plate. Even with it and a shiled and 18 dex it can only be -4(i think)

The Cpl

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2192 by wren_the_elven_ranger

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Message 2235 of 6701 Reply

Re: super char cplchaotic
(29/M/Wheeling, WV) 5/23/00 7:49 pm
Players should get their choice in what they play but you should still limit something that
goes above and beyond the call of sanity. Players that make a character of thier own
creation generally like it better. At least that is me experience.

The Cpl

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2199 by wren_the_elven_ranger

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Message 2236 of 6701 Reply

Re: super char (blade wannabe) DarkLiege
5/23/00 9:49 pm
Your disadvantage is too easy to overcome. The PC can just be tied up before his daily
feeding of blood. If he fails his roll, he just stays tied up with no blood. Since he has no
chance of getting more blood, he won't stay in a rampage.

You need disadvantages that are at least equal to the advantages.

Advantages: bonus to str, bonus to dex, bonus HPs, regen, super jump ability

Disadvantages: must be tied up once per day and fed animal blood

There is no comparison, the disadvantage is minor. The advantages are huge.

His extra abilities only work at night or in total darkness.
He must drink blood at least once every 24 hou
Try these disadvantages.rs or temporarily lose his extra abilities
After 1 day/level without blood, he permanently loses all his extra abilities (str, dex, HP,
regen, fly). He is forever after just a fighter.
The blood must taken directly from a live human, or it isn't useful.
The human must make a system shock roll, or die and rise as a vampire.
Drinking blood from the same person 3 times will cause that person to die and rise as a
vampire.
Any vampire he creates (accidentally or on purpose) is not under his control.

Those disadvantages, IMO, are equal to the advantages you gave him.

well, i decided to give it a chance. I wrote up some info on it. i used a fighter as a basis,
and give it the obvious strength bonus, and a little dexterity. He can drink blood, has a
very limited ability to fly, although it is more like jumping high and long..... he has a bit of
regen and a little extra hp. the blood drinking attack allows him to make vampires, which
will serve him. And now for the disadvantages. Every time he tastes blood, his own or
otherwise, there is a 70% that it will 'intoxicate' him and he will go on a rampage,
becoming an npc, and attack any living thing he sees, especially the rest of the party. this
rampage will last 5 days, or until he can no longer find anything to feed off of, after which
the player resumes control of him. The worst part is that every day he goes without
blood, he loses 1 point of strength, dexterity, and constitution, if any stats go to 0, he
dies and is reborn as a vampire. Here is another trick i added, if he goes three or more
days without blood he loses on point from Str, Dex, and Con permanently. when they
drink blood from a living being it deals 1-4 damage, and they regain that many points
back to each of their stats. Therefore, he needs blood to live, but risks losing his sanity
each time he drinks. Tell me what you think. on the matter of how: Ever see the anime
movie Vampire Hunter D. He is the son of a mortal and a vampire. ME >>>

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2233 by spellmaster15

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Message 2237 of 6724 Reply

Re: super char (blade wannabe) shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 5/24/00 5:04 am
I thought it a bit over as well .. and these are the advantages and disadvantages I came up
with .. keep in mind the vampires in the D&D world do not survive on blood, but on "life
energy levels" and do not fly (except in the form of a bat) ..

+ -1 to Opponent's "surprise" rolls, +15% to Move Silently (if a Thief)
+ +1 STR (up to 18/00), +1 DEX (up to 18), +1 CHA (up to 18)
+ Any one touching him (or touched by him .. flesh to flesh contact) must pass a system
shock roll (or save vs. Death for creatures) or be temporarily drained of one "life energy"
level (or HD for creatures) .. each "level" drained in this manner requires one week to

recover
+ Regenerate 1 HP per turn
+ +2 to save vs. sleep, charm, hold, poison, paralysis, cold and electricity
+ Climb Walls +20% (if a Thief)

- Must be Chaotic or Evil (or both) (no demi-vampire Paladins)
- His reflection in mirrors is hazy and translucent (like Michael in "Lost Boys")
- -2 to WIS, -2 to CON
- -1 to CON for each week that passes without draining a creature & must pass a system
shock roll or go insane .. the nature of the insanity is a desire to feed .. he will be irritable
and seek combat, he will not use combat-related spells or weapons of any kind, and will
not retreat, until he drains at least one level (each level drained raises his CON back one
point, up to his original CON) .. the insanity passes after one full week at his original
CON .. if his CON is reduced to 0, he dies
- Repulsed by the odor of garlic (-2 to all rolls ("to hit", saves, damage, etc.) in the
presence of a strong garlic odor)
- If he sees his image in a mirror or sees a lawful good holy symbol .. must save vs.
system shock or be struck with fear (as per the 4th level Wizard spell) until he is no
longer in the line of sight
- Must save vs. system shock or take 1d6+1 damage if touched by Holy Water or a
Lawful Good Holy symbol
- Takes 1 point of damage per turn in direct sunlight, and cannot regenerate in direct
sunlight
- Must be invited into a residence or suffer -2 to all die rolls
- Makes all normal animals (dogs, horses, and such) uneasy when nearby (dogs growl,
horses snort and try to back away, cats arch their backs and hiss, etc.)
- Any human or humaniod reduced below 0-level by his energy drain attack dies, and if
buried, becomes a vampire one day later .. his first order of business upon re-awakening
will be to kill the demi-vampire in revenge for death (and subsequent un-death)
- If killed and buried, becomes a free-willed Vampire one day later

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2236 by DarkLiege

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Message 2238 of 6724 Reply

Re: super char wren_the_elven_ranger
(122/F/Silvery moon) 5/24/00 6:55 am
ahh yes but if i give my friends choice 2 of them make super char and the other makes a
normal char that has limits.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2235 by cplchaotic

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Message 2239 of 6724 Reply

Re: super char DarkLiege
5/24/00 12:08 pm
Are you the DM or are they? If they make a character that is too powerful, then deny it.
Don't give them a second chance to make it more reasonable. They had their chance and
blew it.

If you can't tell beforehand whether a new class/item/spell is too powerful, then you
should just play with the standard core rules. No kits, no Skills and Powers, only PHB
races, no new classes or spells.

Don't let the players push you around. The DM needs to decide what is reasonable and
balanced in his world. Also, if you allow something for the players that means you allow
it for the NPCs. If something is too powerful, then either restrict it, or have NPCs use it.
In the case of a player who lied and claimed he could legally play a Thri-kreen with an AC
of -6 and a THAC0 of 13 at level 1, I would attack him while he waited outside a city.
Send 3 identical Thri-kreen characters (with AC -6, THAC0 13) to kill him and take his
stuff. Or send a band of 7th level hunters to kill him for his parts. I'm sure Thri-kreen
exoskeletons are in demand somewhere.

<<

>>

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2238 by wren_the_elven_ranger

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Message 2240 of 6724 Reply

Re: super char wren_the_elven_ranger
(122/F/Silvery moon) 5/24/00 5:03 pm
ha they allready made super char (again) so they dont even no wat there char are going to
be until the adventure starts.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2239 by DarkLiege

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Message 2241 of 6724 Reply

Re: super char (blade wannabe) spellmaster15
5/24/00 7:24 pm
well, that is a little more than i can remember.

about just tying him down: the rampage will not end while he sees living things, and i do
not think that the players could find anything strong enough to hold him down, as his
strength triples while in the rampage.

i like the idea that he loses his special abilities when he does not feed, and the lack of
control over his offspring vamps

i will try to work out the kinks and post the results for you guys to see what you think

ME, who else?

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2237 by shinto_gaijin

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Message 2242 of 6724 Reply

Re: super char Sir_Silverhawk
(41/M/Ashland,WI.) 5/25/00 12:28 am
Greetings a friend put me on to this club. From what I've been reading it sounnds very
interesting and fun.. But as for super characters you must remember as DM's you are
GOD and it should be what you say is law in your world, if they don't like it well conform
or die (tough luck make up a new PC). This is my thoughts.Take it or leave it ....

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2240 by wren_the_elven_ranger

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Message 2243 of 6724 Reply

Re: super char doc_souark
(40/M/Godforsaken,Arkansas) 5/25/00 10:03 am
Hi Wren
A simple solution is to have pre-made characters
waiting for your players next time you play.Get a adventure from the Dungeon or make
one of your own. Do this like a tounerment ask them what class they want to play Ftr,
M-u,Thf,Prst and have a pre-rolled sheet ready.MAYBE this well get them to
relize that you are in charge,and if they don't like it then pack up your books and go
home.
Wren You are the DM and if they run over you it's no longer your game to run but their's.
It's a drastic solution but it might work.

Good luck Wren as a new DM you are the future of this hobby,No pressure huh :-).
Doc

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2240 by

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Message 2244 of 6724 Reply

Re: super char boothwah
(26/M/Roseburg, OR) 5/25/00 1:53 pm
I've seen a ton of heavy handed to solutions to Beavis and Butthead's super character
problem - I think the age group we're talking about has many inherent problems in their
game itself. Any truly heavy handed, "here's the character I'm going to make you play"
approach is going to flop simply because your gonna have 15 year olds dealing with
control issues. Then the denigrates into us vs. the DM.

I've had issues with players in my group thinking they could play supercharacters, and
have developed a few more subtle ways to deal with it.

1. For the guy who flipped through the guides and decided that his sword just had to be
a no-daichi since it had the biggest damage dice - Well after the initial argument of, no,
you coudn't typically find that weapon in our campaign area, I relented when he took the
time to prepare an elaborate background sstory of how it was a family heirloom. Two
sessions later when he lost it a rust monster, he really regretted taking weapon
specialization in a weapon he could not easily replace. (two campaign years later and he
finally has a new one, cost him a couple of henchmen, 10,000. gp worth of travel
expenses and narrowly flleing the Celestial Imperium with his life)

2. For the character who had to be convinced tha tfull plate isn't the way to go: Fully
enforced encumbrance rules from combat and tactics - A couple of waterborne
adventures go along ways as well - quicksand is always a plus.

3. Tired of high STR, DEX, CON characters with INT WIS CHR under a 10. I fyou
really want to deal with min/maxers run them through a series of WIllieWalsh adventures
from Dungeoun. Enforce int/wis/chr rolls when they act over and above their capacities.
Let the adventure's run their course, and they'll see how cool that weenie of a bard with
no physical stats over a 13 is.

4. Drow rangers...All dwarven battle-rager parties....Half-ogre barbarians...Thri-keen
gladiators..Here's how you deal with them: Have townsfolk, militia men, and other NPC's
react accordingly. If there isn't outright animosity, there will at least run into prejudices on
a regular basis. Maybe the human merchant will charge them 150% of normal price for
goods, if he'll deal with them at all. Maybe the drow has to stay in the local gendarmes
gaol until his companions are ready to leave town. Maybe the innkeeper will not sell the
party a room due to their companion.
My group was at one time entirely composed of elves and 1/2 elves, and halfiings for a
time....they quickly got tired of being a spectacle in every human city they visited.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2243 by doc_souark

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Message 2245 of 6724 Reply

Re: super char/ a question doc_souark
(40/M/Godforsaken,Arkansas) 5/25/00 2:46 pm
Your right Booth,I forgot the players and DM were all 15 or so,The last time I DMed a
teenager he was family.You'rd be surprised how a noogie can settle a argument.
Does anyone know where I can find a copy of Bunnies and Burrows my wife doesn't
believe that it was a game,maybe it was the story about the fighter bunnie with the RPG
(rocket propelled Grenade) launcher.
Doc

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2244 by boothwah

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Message 2246 of 6724 Reply

Re: super char Ima_Doppleganger
5/25/00 5:00 pm
How about Thieves? Or just plane bad men. If you have an item that is valuable (a super
wand, ring, armor or weapon) would that not cause a veritable plague of thieves to
attempt
to steal the item or swarm the party, after all if one player has a valuable or unique item
how about the rest of the party? By the By, if I were a 6+ level thief and a 10- level
any-body entered a bar with a valuable item… P.S. don’t forget the local lord (that’s
why they weren’t elected) or thieves guild. Ima

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2244 by boothwah

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Message 2247 of 6724 Reply

you know your a bona fide gamer when.... boothwah
(26/M/Roseburg, OR) 5/25/00 6:35 pm
Someone asked this question in one of my other clubs. After reading my answer, I
realized I truly am a Die Hard Gamer, and thought you guys would get a kick out of it.

". Does anyone still actually own dice?? "

437 AS OF MY LAST COUNT.

87 TWENTY SIDERS
131 SIX SIDERS
68 TENS SIDERS
44 EIGHT SIDERS
38 TWELVE SIDERS
42 FOUR SIDERS
2 DIE 100'S
12 POKER DICE
1 SIX SIDER WITH A PICTURE OF A DUCK INSTEAD OF THE 2 AND 4 (DON'T
ASK ME WHY)
THE 9 ALL WISE DICE OF FUDGING(A SET OF D6'S WITH SKULLS ON TWO
FACES, SMILEY FACES ON TWO, AND BLANK ON TWO OTHER)
3 DIE 30'S (WHICH I HAVE NEVER USED)

SADLY, MOST OF THEM HAVE A BACKSTORY MORE IMPRESSIVE THAN
SOME OF MY PLAYER'S CHARACTERS.

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Message 2248 of 6724 Reply

Re: you know your a bona fide gamer when Rune_Lord
(26/M/Where I am, I am) 5/25/00 6:54 pm
I have to agree with you on having too many dice.

I have 523....too many to detail; each set has a story, particular adventure or character
they are associated with. I still have my very first set from when I started gaming over 15
years ago.

The things we do as gamers. Crazy, but fun.

Rune Lord

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2247 by boothwah

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Message 2249 of 6724 Reply

Re: you know your a bona fide gamer when mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 5/25/00 10:50 pm
I lost count, but I know for sure that I have at least 360 D6!!!!!

We were preparing for Champions campaign, with lots of power where 50 to 150 D6
were not going to be too outrageoud for a Mega attack, so I bought them 36 to a case,
each in their own color.

I just bought an over large set of Dice last week, I guess I just like dice.

Matt

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2247 by boothwah

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Message 2250 of 6724 Reply

Re: How about thieves? fatalily
(35/wherever i am) 5/25/00 11:24 pm
I play thieves of high level, and I think...Only a lower level thief would be part of a
"swarm" of rogues going after one character's powerful item he stupidly displays in
public every time he enters a tavern. A swarm of thieves would be a great consequence
for over confidant or boastful chars, or chars who rely too much on their magic and
artifacts. The higher the level of a thief, and especially if his wisdom is high, the more
discreet he will be. If he's at 6+ already, a great amount of ingenuity supposedly got him
there. How would a thief target a powerful item unless the item was clearly displayed...not
likely that a 10+ level char would do anything that dumb. What was the original scenario?
I'd be interested to hear this one. LOL

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2246 by Ima_Doppleganger

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Message 2251 of 6724 Reply

Re: super char mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 5/25/00 11:54 pm
All of these ideas are interesting. I have had my run of Power/Gamers, Rules Lawyers, min/maxers, and those players who have got to play 'I'm king of the Hill' with their characters.

Although the average age of the players is close to 30, the attitute of most is about 15.

I like to use a different approach when dealing with these type. Super Characters are Allowable, but dont forget to create a Super Germ. (IE Superman and Kryptonite)

1] Powerful Characters have powerful enemies. This Bug Boy might be seen as an Abomination by a cult of Prey Mantis Worshipers. perhapse introduce them as a martial Arts Group.

2] The Prey mantis Itself has a HUGE Disatvantage, why not inflict it upon your Super bug. Know how these Bugs Mate, for starters, when the male senses a ready female he gets into position for the 'mating'. What does the female do? For starters she Rips off his head!!! Then Lays Eggs (Either in the carcas or after devouring it'
Take this one step further, How to make bug boy inneffective, make the main villian in an area a female bug in Heat. Bug boy might just leave the continent.

3]other ideas for using natural circumstances or other things in nature to your advantage. He has to shed that armor/exoskeleton to grow. There is a period of time where the new layer is soft and moist (pre-hardened). This could lower the armor class all the way to 10 if you really wanted.
Loss of ac from the soft pre-hardened plates, Aching and inflamation of the joints (remember he grows first, then his flesh pushes out/off the old skin.)

Another variation is to know thy enemies. If this Super bug harasses a specific area long enough, there will be those who will attempt to research SPECIFIC ways of dealing with him.
Power Word Molt?

4] remember, when he is not molting, his plates are rigid, inflexible, and addached to the outside of his skin. Drop a powerful glue on him. Whatch some of his limbs frieze up. (Lower AC).
Bug Boy "O I use my SUPER STRENGTH to break free" GM "Well OK, roll bend bars/ you made it, that's too bad you tear out one of your plates, and some internal organs to boot. Loose some hits and Con, Roll system shock."

5] make strength a disadvantage! Mono-filiment wire, algel hair, of the like. Specific Spiders can spin these threads which are rasor sharp. Toss a net of this stuff on him.
BUG BOY "I use my SUPER STRENGTH to break it"
GM "Well OK, Roll a save vs (something). It seems that the threads of this net are razor sharp, in fact, it has cut off one of your thumbs whith out doing much damage to the net."

6] There are mundane ways to research and hinder the Bug Boy. Do you know how bugs breathe? Tiny holes along their abdomin. Tiny. Drob a 50 lb bag of flour on the Bug, and watch him drom from suffocation.

My theory is to let them do what they want, but also to warn them that Huge Advantages court unwanted attention, challengers from unexpected places, etc, and that there are natural disadvantages whic can be exploited all too easly.
The large amount of unwanted attention will get people trying to invent or research these methors to kill, maim or incapacitate the Super Bug.

Watch Hurcules. Isn't every 2 bit warlord looking to carve a name for himself in Hurc's hide? Does Hurc count as a Super Character? If so, How many times do you see him march up to the baddies, and stomp them to bits? There is always something holding him back? The baddies are always finding ways to tie him up.

Hope this helps. I've found it fun to watch Superman go rushing into the Kryptonite Mike, then have the beg the others for help.

Matt

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2246 by Ima_Doppleganger

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Message 2252 of 6724 Reply

Hi, I'm new roci15
5/26/00 12:46 am
Can anyone help me or tell me how can I learn to play D&D?

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Message 2253 of 6724 Reply

Re: super char wren_the_elven_ranger
(122/F/Silvery moon) 5/26/00 4:25 am
hey we have allready had an adventure that has desintigrated into pcs VS dm. and i was so pissed off that i got all there 15th lvl char killed by a group of mages who wanted the thri-kreen dead and they killed the party as well. now they have given up because they have realised im a heartless bastard and dont regret a thing. now they all have char with no stats over 17. and its finally a chalange.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2244 by boothwah

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Message 2254 of 6724 Reply

Re: Hi, I'm new spellmaster15
5/26/00 9:07 am
try playing the board game Dragon Strike, i have found that it is a good way of introducing new players to dungeons and dragons.

Darn, i left my soup cooking on the stove!!!

The kitchen is on fire!!!!!!help, someone!!!!!

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2252 by roci15

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Message 2255 of 6724 Reply

Re: Hi, I'm new doc_souark
(40/M/Godforsaken,Arkansas) 5/26/00 1:17 pm
Hopefully you have a hobby store near you that carries DnD,ask if they carry a list of local players and/or DMs.If they don't look for any conventions in the your area.
Have fun Doc

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2252 by roci15

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Message 2256 of 6724 Reply

Re: Hi, I'm new grunson_grimcrag
(16/M/my house) 5/26/00 3:43 pm
The best way to learn to play D'n'D is to be chucked in at the deep end with a rubbish character and a difficult adventure, (you will get killed very quickly, i did) thats how i started and four years later i now have my own D'n'D club (http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/dungeonsanddragonsonline) and have been DMing for about a year and a half.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2252 by roci15

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Message 2257 of 6724 Reply

Re: Hi, I'm new doc_souark
(40/M/Godforsaken,Arkansas) 5/26/00 4:36 pm
Ya but first he's got FIND that adventure.You can also get on the RPGA network web-site and see if a DMs near you is listed.
Doc > 20+ years playing/DMing

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2256 by grunson_grimcrag

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Message 2258 of 6724 Reply

Re: Dampires Panaz101
(F/Malden,ma) 5/26/00 8:45 pm
A dampire is a half-breed vampire/human mix.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2229 by madteuton

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Message 2259 of 6724 Reply

Re: super char mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 5/28/00 3:30 am
I am glad to hear the problem is over. As a DM it is tough not to let it degenerate into you vs. them. I have always tried to use logic, what would happen in the real world, and apply it to the Super Character. I try to let the more chunchy characters have a fighting chance to bug out of harm's way before the sledgehammer falls. (although if I followed logic, I should have wiped out the whole paqrty because of 1 showoff in my group.)

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2253 by wren_the_elven_ranger

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Message 2260 of 6724 Reply

Re: Hi, I'm new mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 5/28/00 3:35 am
You might check in the local hobbie stores to see if they host their-own tornaments or game nights. I am lucky to have one that hosts many different games over the course of a week.
Also, if the local store does not already have a player/ DM roster, ask for permission to start one. I did at another local store. (I was working at the place at the time, but was able to convince the manager that I would not buy the books unless I had someone to play the game with.)

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2257 by doc_souark

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Message 2261 of 6724 Reply

Re: super char wren_the_elven_ranger
(122/F/Silvery moon) 5/28/00 5:18 am
well i would have tried logic but the person useing the super death beast has an annoying tendancey if you say somepthig he dosent agree with or he knows he has lost he will reiterate whatever you say in a really high pitched and annoying voice that makes you just want to punch his lights out.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2259 by mattbcieri

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Message 2262 of 6724 Reply

I've improved my site omega100_ca
5/28/00 1:23 pm
I've advertised my site here last week and have since improved it. It's a site featuring stupid or strange things players have done to kill or injure themselves. Since I expect most submissions from DM's, I'm advertising here. I put this site up because of a lack of AD&D humour pages on the web. I need some submissions to make it work. I have a form on the site now so you don't have to fart around with mailto links. I hope you will at least consider posting me some "rookie mistakes" or stuff like that. Thank you for reading.

I have the site in links but here it is again
http://adndstories.tripod.com

Omega

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Message 2263 of 6724 Reply

Re: super char mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 5/28/00 3:51 pm
Uggh! I hat that kind of player, they usually do not get invoted back to my games, fortunately I did not encounter many of those types of whiners.

Actually this guy sounds like a Saturday Noght Live Skit, where there are 2 servants who make fun of thePrince whenever he leaves the room. The prince said "I will not be mocked" in thatr high pitched voide, so the other 2 kept saying it after he left the room.

As the game master it really is your way or the highway, sometimes you have to show the players the highway.

We had picked up 2 bozos who were on the same intellectual level as Bug Boy (How they survived to make it to their 30's is beyond me). But every time the GM made a ruling they did not like they would spend hours breating, and brow-beating the DM to give in, or rule in his favor.
This was wasting valuable game time for the rest of us, though the GM never gave in. It got so bad one day, that one of the other players yelled at him (for 1/2 hour straight) to shut the f**k up. (The funny thing was that all the rest of the players were ready to do the same. The bigger of the 2 bozoes was asked to either leave the attitide home for the next session, or do not come. Bozo # 2 stopped comming after 3 sessions.
And there was much rejoicing (The group was able to get stuff done for a change).

Matt

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2261 by wren_the_elven_ranger

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Message 2264 of 6724 Reply

Re: super char omega100_ca
5/28/00 5:26 pm
Anyone dumb enough to tell off the DM should have their characters "mysteriously" killed off, then not invited back till they lose the attitude. And as far as that super character, here's a situation to throw him in to test his role-playing ability. A DM friend of mine was in this situation with an ordinary character and got out of it with an action that surprised his own DM.

Here's the situation. You are in some caves when all of a sudden, a whole wave of hands comes towards you. They are about twice the size of human hands and crawl along the ground. Your party is greatly outnumbered, I'd like some guesses as to how this character outsmarted the DM. I'll let you all know shortly, but I bet the super character would die here as brute strength was never used. Have fun.

Omega

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2263 by mattbcieri

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Message 2265 of 6724 Reply

Re: super char doc_souark
(40/M/Godforsaken,Arkansas) 5/28/00 8:28 pm
Wren just who is the DM in your group? Is the other people in the group as annoyed with bug-boy as you are,if they are just play without him.Maybe after he's not invited to 2 or more games he will get the idea.to quote Spock "the needs of the many out weigh the needs of the one".
If you don't to kick him out of the group ask HIM to DM,let BB have the joys of dealing with out of control players.
Good luck Doc

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2261 by wren_the_elven_ranger

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Message 2266 of 6724 Reply

Re: super char mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 5/29/00 9:43 pm
This situation lacks information, such as can the party out run the wave of hands?

If this scenario were in a ZORK game, I'm sure the answer would be something like wave hands back, or clap.

My first impression (Considering this is in an AD&D setting) would be to climb, float, or jump uo to the ceiling. (not knowing if the hands can climb.)

Prehapse using sign language to communicate would be in order (How do a bunch of hands communicate?)

Would standing on your hands work? What do they sense? How do they tell what you are? By touch? Then you might trick them into thinking you are a pair of hands by standing on them!

That's all the Ideas I have 'on hand' right now.

(yes, pun intended)

Matt

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2264 by omega100_ca

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Message 2267 of 6724 Reply

Re: super char wren_the_elven_ranger
(122/F/Silvery moon) 5/30/00 6:11 am
enfough about the crawling horrors or whatever they are. i woud refuse to let bug boy to play but were the only 4 ppl we no who paly dnd so its a bit hard. there are only 3 char in the group soits bad enfough as it is. each pc now has 2 char so we can play a big campaign.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2266 by mattbcieri

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Message 2268 of 6724 Reply

Re: super char omega100_ca
5/30/00 7:21 am
Ok Matt, running may work but the hands know the caverns a lot better and would catch up. Now that that question has been answered, what did the player do? If you'd rather wait to guess, I'll leave a few spaces...

The player had his character jump up and down repeatedly and come down very hard. The hands could not maintain a grip on the fiercely moving object and were crushed by the larger player. Give bug boy a logic puzzle or two, with traps and all. I bet his saving throws at level 1 still bite. Anyhoo, I still need stories for my website, I only have 1 so far

Regards
Omega

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2266 by mattbcieri

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Message 2269 of 6724 Reply

Gamers Needed bi_chick_lvr
(19/F/Colorado Springs, CO) 5/30/00 7:06 pm
My boyfriend and I are looking for gamers in Colorado Springs to play Forgotten Realms, Dragonlance, Shadowrun, Warewolf, and Vampire with. We need serious gamers who wont flake on us. We are looking at gaming sessions on Sunday or Monday. I hope to hear from the serious RPGers soon.

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Message 2270 of 6724 Reply

Players handbook on the web? omega100_ca
5/31/00 10:13 am
I'm wondering if anyone knows where I can find a good player's handbook on the web so I may play online. If anyone knows, let me know.
Omega

P.S. Still need your stories for my site
http://adndstories.tripod.com

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Message 2271 of 6724 Reply

Re: Players handbook on the web? Rogue_Dogg
(19/M/Castle Darkness in the Ch) 5/31/00 8:43 pm
Hey Omega.....I got a website that has tones of info on D&D i got Players Handbook and The Tome of Magic plus a few more netbooks. Here is my address ROGUE DOGG'S CHAOS REALM http://www.crosswinds.net/~roguedogg R.D.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2270 by omega100_ca

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Message 2272 of 6724 Reply

Re: Rocky mountain dragon .... madteuton
(30/M/Keyport, NJ) 6/1/00 1:37 pm
Dang! If only I had seen this post in time! Did you go? How was it?

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2232 by eldrwyrm

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Message 2273 of 6724 Reply

Re: Rocky mountain dragon .... eldrwyrm
(29/M/Aurora, CO) 6/1/00 2:40 pm
Unfortunately no, I was "scheduled" to do mass amounts of house work that weekend. I am not so patiently waiting the next big con. labor day weekend, 4 days.

The Elder Wyrm

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2272 by madteuton

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Message 2274 of 6724 Reply

Re: Rocky mountain dragon .... madteuton
(30/M/Keyport, NJ) 6/1/00 3:30 pm
Ooo. Where's that one?

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2273 by eldrwyrm

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Message 2275 of 6724 Reply

Re: Rocky mountain dragon .... eldrwyrm
(29/M/Aurora, CO) 6/1/00 5:27 pm
In Denver, this one is put on by the Denver Gamer's Association. Nothing official has come out yet, but their webpage is:
www.denvergamers.com

They put on 2 cons per year, GenghisCon in february, which has been going on for 22 years now, and TactiCon which is in September, which I think is coming up on 20 years. It's great because we have a lot of artists that live up and down the front range, as a matter of fact last week I ran in to Doug Schuler (Serra Angel guy) at the hobby store where I shop, he was dropping off some artwork for sale and buying wargaming figurines. Susan Van Camp also lives in the area and shows up to several cons as a guest. 2 Years ago she did an appearance at Jr. Con (part of Genghis) where she drew pictures with the kids, pretty cool stuff.
Sorry I strayed a little.

The Elder Wyrm

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2274 by madteuton

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Message 2276 of 6724 Reply

Spelunk! madteuton
(30/M/Keyport, NJ) 6/2/00 12:13 pm
I've always been kinda partial to the dungeon entrance type where the party has to lower themselves down from the surface into a wide, yawning antechamber. There's something about *lowering* oneself into the inky Unknown I find especially spooky. As opposed to simply walking through a door, that is. Perhaps it is the great energy one would have to expend to get back up.

What was the most compelling dungeon entrance you've ever created/encountered?

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Message 2277 of 6724 Reply

Re: Spelunk! mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/2/00 3:12 pm
Perhapse it it the thought that IF the party ever did decide to RUN AWAY, it is difficult to run up a rope!

Matt

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2276 by madteuton

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Message 2278 of 6724 Reply

Re: Spelunk! Ima_Doppleganger
6/2/00 6:22 pm
The Under mountain Adventures of Forgotten Realms. At the most well known entrance you have to lower yourselves down a well from inside the "Yawning Portal", an inn near the docks of waterdeep. Its a great Campaign to run or learn form. Ima

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2276 by madteuton

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Message 2279 of 6724 Reply

Re: Spelunk! doc_souark
(40/M/Godforsaken,Arkansas) 6/2/00 8:16 pm
Maybe it's the thought of a large,damp hole that you like Rod ;p. Sorry couldn't resist the best entrance I saw was though a hollow tree.A very large tree invested with Giant wasp,ants,spiders the whole creepy crawly menagerie.The insectPhophic PCs were not happy.
Doc

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2276 by madteuton

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Message 2280 of 6724 Reply

Re: Spelunk! MaisyStargazer
(49/F/northern Wisconsin) 6/2/00 8:21 pm
My friend Bromley says his favorite entrance was through a book--had to lower himself down through its open pages! (And hope a breeze didn't come up in the mean time? Sheesh!) He says it was called The Book of Trees, it acted like a portal to another world.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2279 by doc_souark

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Message 2281 of 6724 Reply

Is the proverbial new guy. archanex_jotham_overmage
(20/M/Ayenee) 6/4/00 1:23 am
Whats up fellows. I was just passing by the roleplaying game area. And being how I have been a DM on several games I figured I would join up just for shitz n gigglez. I am an unorthodox DM but a good one none the less. If u wanna try out a game a three with me let me know. Will see u fellows around.

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Message 2282 of 6724 Reply

New Member! Just want an opinion or 3! Bladestrike21
(22/M/Red Deer, Alberta, Canada) 6/4/00 5:02 pm
Ok just out for an opinion of my campaign Idea. I am an avide player of both ADnD and Magic:the gathering. SO in my campaign I am currently using many of the Magic:TG creatures and was just wondering what some other people think of that.
I have plans to put the stat for all the creatures I create this way onto my club. And if anyone else had this Idea and has stats for any of the creatures they are welcome to send them to me! I currently have stats for the Angels, Most Rebels, some Mercenaries, and a couple types of monsters.
I'd apprieciate input on this Thanks!!!

BladeStrike21@yahoo.com,
Club: BladeStrike's Realm

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Message 2283 of 6724 Reply

Re: Hi, I'm new maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 6/4/00 6:11 pm
Ever played the PC game Baldur's Gate? Its pretty close to the way the AD&D rules work. Warning though - this game is extremly addictive

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2252 by roci15

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Message 2284 of 6724 Reply

Super Char maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 6/4/00 6:16 pm
Answer to super char?

Kill them. Brutally with extreme prejudice.

That seems harsh, but super character players abuse the system to boost thier pitiful ego, usually at the expense of everyone's good time. No character is invincible. Have them spring a trap with dust of disenchantment or wander into a magic dead area. Then hit them with tough monsters.

Super characters believe they cannot be killed. This is unacceptable. If there's no chance of the character getting killed, where's the thrill? Never pull punches and don't let super characters get away with it!

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Message 2285 of 6724 Reply

New guy's houde rule maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 6/4/00 6:21 pm
Hey all, just joined up. Wanted to share a rule I developed for my own campaign. It covers how blocks are resolved.

When blocks were first introduced in the fighter's handbook, you rolled against an opponent's AC to block. This makes no sense. What does thier armor have to do with stopping thier sword.

C&T uses an opposed roll to compare the skill of the fighters. This is more realistic, but somewhat cumbersome.

My rule is this:calculate the adjusted thac0 of the attacker, with strength, magic, etc. taken into account. Subtract 10. Roll an attack roll against this number, as if it were an armor class. If you hit, you block the weapon. One roll solved the problem. Well, later all

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Message 2286 of 6724 Reply

Re: New guy's houde rule shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 6/5/00 4:22 am
I prefer to use it as a "parry" option available to anyone wielding a weapon .. or "dodge" to everyone

- A parry is only successful against weapons (not claws, etc.).
- The attacker that chooses to parry that round gets no attacks.
- An attacker can only parry if he has initiative on all his opponents.
- His AC receives a bonus of +1 (+ any "to hit" bonuses with that weapon due to STR, magic, specialization, etc.) for the number of attacks he would normally have with that weapon for that round.
- He may not use his shield to block the same attack he tries to parry.
- A successful parry has a chance to knock loose the weapon parried (PC or NPC attackers must pass an "Open Doors" roll at +5, + any magical bonuses for the weapon, to hold on to it .. Creatures are assumed to have a STR of 9 + Hit Dice, if their STR stat is not given)
- Anything that can be picked up and easily held can be used to parry, but anything other than melee weapons must save vs. crushing blow or suffer appropriate damage

- A character may choose to "dodge" one or more attacks (1+DEX Reaction Bonus) (note, characters with a DEX of less than 6 cannot dodge)
- A character can only choose to "dodge" if he has initiative on his attackers.
- A the dodging character's AC is decreased by -2 for each attack he attampts to dodge.

No extra rolls required.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2285 by maddman_75

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Message 2287 of 6724 Reply

Re: Spelunk! madteuton
(30/M/Keyport, NJ) 6/5/00 8:37 am
Now, that *is* cool!! I may stea ... I mean "borrow" this one!

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2280 by MaisyStargazer

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Message 2288 of 6724 Reply

Re: Hi, I'm new (BG) madteuton
(30/M/Keyport, NJ) 6/5/00 8:40 am
Wow, that's spooky, man. I *just* got BG and started playing last night. I can see its addictive side -- was up till 3am last night (a work night! D'oh!).

I did "The Friendly Arm Inn", travelled south and am currently adventuring around that city (south of The Friendly Arm ... starts with a B).

Great game!!!

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2283 by maddman_75

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Message 2289 of 6724 Reply

Re: Spelunk! madteuton
(30/M/Keyport, NJ) 6/5/00 8:42 am
You're from the *Deep* South, "ain't cha", Doc? ;-) (Hmmm, but maybe you're righ ... naw, can't be!)

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2279 by doc_souark

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Message 2290 of 6724 Reply

Interesting Show the_ageless_sage
(M/Why, i'm Here, of course.) 6/5/00 12:17 pm
As a DM, if you’re interested in increasing your knowledge and understanding of religion and the druid (et al) class in AD&D, this should be a good show to watch.

Goddess Remembered
Mon Jun05
PBS, 8:30-10pm
Filmmaker Donna Read explores ancient
religious sites and interviews scholars
about the origins of goddess-worship.
Specials/Documentary
TAS

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Message 2291 of 6724 Reply

New Game in LA area dcampit
(26/M/Weho) 6/6/00 6:02 pm
Looking to start a new game in The Los Angeles area. Adnd or a whitewold game. Please e-mail me if you are interested. Most likely every other week in the Hollywood/West Hollywood area.

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Message 2292 of 6724 Reply

Re: Hi, I'm new (BG) wren_the_elven_ranger
(122/F/Silvery moon) 6/7/00 5:35 pm
bg rocks. i think your at beregost.
did you find jackheria and kahleed?
jackhere is only a few hundred points of the next level.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2288 by madteuton

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Message 2293 of 6724 Reply

Hi, newly arrived and eager to please! espiritumorte
(29/M/VA) 6/7/00 8:56 pm
Just found this place and I have a DM overview question....
What do you(everyone) think of the new release of TSR's D&D? I have followed in Dragon Mag. so far. What is the general concensus?
Enquiring DM's want to know. Thanks

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Message 2294 of 6724 Reply

Re: Hi, newly arrived and eager to pleas maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 6/7/00 9:10 pm
I think its great for new players, not having to buy so many books, but for us established players I see little reason to switch. One rule I do like (and my group is adopting) is the counterspelling rule. I'm very apprehensive about the free and loose race/class combinations. One of the things I LIKE about D&D is how each class provides a focus for your abilities. I'd hate to see it devolve to a total skill point system, where any character can take any ability. I like that even with all the optional rules, skills&powers, etc., a fighter still feels like a fighter. I hope 3rd stays in this spirit

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2293 by espiritumorte

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Message 2295 of 6724 Reply

Re: Hi, newly arrived and eager to pleas espiritumorte
(29/M/VA) 6/7/00 9:14 pm
I agree with the counterspell idea. Now that TSR is owned by WOC I think we will be seeing a large influnce of magic monsters as well as rules. Mox as a treasure/artifact? Goblin bowling team?

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2294 by maddman_75

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Message 2296 of 6724 Reply

Re: Hi, newly arrived and eager to pleas maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 6/7/00 9:20 pm
I've seen rumors of a 'Dominia Campaign Set' from time to time. It certainly seems like a good idea, unless they fear backlash from percieved gross exploitation of a product. Wait what am I saying, this is the company that makes Pokemon! jk. More importantly than WotC, owning TSR, Hasbro now owns WotC, which oculd mean much heavier mainstream marketing and advertising than we've seen in the past.

I for one would love to see details on the 'Demiplane of Phyrexia'

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2295 by espiritumorte

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Message 2297 of 6724 Reply

Re: Hi, newly arrived and eager to pleas espiritumorte
(29/M/VA) 6/7/00 9:25 pm
I do enjoy new and intersting ideas. I was in the retail business for 10 years and it was hard to sell a lot of gaming stuff with little or no public exposure. Magic and hasbro(I sold stuff from them too) have the draw and the money to make this happen. Even if we get deluged by large quantities of magic/tsr it may turn out to be for the better as long as DM's can contribute to the cause. 3rd edition may or maynot be the starting point.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2296 by maddman_75

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Message 2298 of 6724 Reply

Town Populations JeffS78
(21/M/Schenectady NY) 6/7/00 10:54 pm
Hey all.. I'm making a world, put there is one problem I'm running into. I don't know the average town and city sizes during the midevil ages. I would like the came to stay as realistic as possible. Any idea's where I can get some pointers on World generation itself?? I bought the worldbuilder's guide, and promptly decided to use it as toilet paper. Thanks alot.

Jeff

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Message 2299 of 6724 Reply

Alternate Combat JeffS78
(21/M/Schenectady NY) 6/8/00 12:22 am
Has anyone ever seen or tried making an alternate combat system for AD&D?? My group has had real problems with the standard combat system. Just the idea of 2 people standing in front of each other exchanging blows doesn't set well with my players. I have tried another system, but it was way to much math, and converting in game stuff and blah blah blah....any ideas would be appreciated.

Jeff

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Message 2300 of 6724 Reply

Re: Alternate Combat mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/8/00 2:58 am
If you have ever played Role-master, soem of their combat system options allows it to fit in with D&D. Rune Quest is another interesting system for combat, but I do not think it meshed as well with D&D.

The advantage of these systems is that they are both d100%, and both have a critical hit system pre-built in. It is a lit easier to dismember or get dismembered (For exceptional skill) than it is for the D&D critical hit system putlined in the Best of Dragon.

Another system I has used was quite brutal. it might have been based loosly on Champions. The basic premise is that damage comes in Stun and killing types. After a successful to-hit roll, you would roll a seconed d20 for hit location. average being the chest stomache area, a 20 is the head / neck area. Each hit location has a number of hit points (a percentage based off of your total hit-points). let's say for arguement sahe the arm is worth 5 points. After 5 hitpoints of damage are doen to that arm it is no longer useful. There is also a transferrence factor which determines how many of those 5 points will be subtracted from your total hits. Probably 60% or 3 points. As that arm takes any more damage, no more will be taken from the main hit-points, since it is already useless. However, higher multiples of the max damage start having bad effects. x2 damage (10 points) would require more serious cures. somewhere arround x4 to x5 damage (20-25) will totally destroy that lim.

Hope this helps

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2299 by JeffS78

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Message 2301 of 6724 Reply

Re: Town Populations shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 6/8/00 7:09 am
JeffS .. the trick with a fantasy world is, it can be whatever you want or need, but you have to make it seem realistic .. these are some guidelines I use for typical towns ..

What do most of the people do to feed their families .. farming, livestock, fishing, trapping, and hunting are the big ones, but they each require land (or water) that will support them .. some craftsmen are crappy hunters/gatherers, and must trade for their food (but their wares and services make it easier to hunt or gather)

A "village" should be mostly self-sufficient (even with a well-developed trade system that may bring them goods from afar) and able to defend itself against bandits and such .. I would say about 10-20 households (5-10 (d6+4) Simple Farmers, 1-6 hunters/trappers/fishers, and 1-4 craftsmen) ..

Any more families than this, and your probably going to have disputes, which requires some form of government, a general store or two (and a well-established barter system), a town sherrif, and maybe a church or two (each of which provide nothing but a service to the community, no real goods) which falls into my "small town" category .. 21-50 Households .. 1-4 Government Officials (Mayor, Constable, Judge, Deputy .. for example), 1-2 General Stores (where the community trades their stuff for other stuff), 1-2 Churches, Temples, etc (if two, they may complement each other or be rivals), 10-20 (2d6+8) Farmers, 3-12 Hunters, etc., and 5-10 (d6+4) Craftsmen

A "town" is going to be the smallest community that attracts outsiders frequently enough to have specialized traders, merchants, a hotel or two, and maybe a stable and a tavern or two .. 51-100 families .. 25-40 (3d6+22) Farmers, 13-20 (d8+12) Hunters, 5-10 Govt. Officials, 7-12 (d6+6) Shops, 1-2 Hotels, 0-1 Stables, 1-2 Taverns, 1-3 Churches

You get the idea, and can continue from there .. a large town may have 101-250 households, a small city may have 251-1000 households, and a city, more than 1000 (the exact upper limit should be up to you)

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2298 by JeffS78

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Message 2302 of 6724 Reply

Re: Hi, I'm new (BG) madteuton
(31/M/Keyport, NJ) 6/8/00 9:11 am
Yep, and Minsc and his gal-pal -- after raiding the gnoll stronghold, cleared the mine, killed the assassin Timur (damn, he was tough!). Now, I think, I'm off to the bandit camp (50gps/scalp, eh?).

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2292 by wren_the_elven_ranger

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Message 2303 of 6724 Reply

Re: Alternate Combat maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 6/8/00 11:44 am
You tried Combat & Tactics? The rules make for a lot more options in combat other than, as you said, standing there and hacking at each other

Another thing to remember is that D&D isn't supposed to be a realistic game, but a heroic one. Realism loses to speed of play and action. There are other games out there if you want a more realistic combat system

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2299 by JeffS78

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Message 2304 of 6724 Reply

Re: Town Populations maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 6/8/00 11:47 am
I usually don't even identify the exact number of people, but number of buildings. this gives the players a more accurate view of a town's size. What gives you a better idea, a village of 100 people, or a hamlet with a dozen cottages?

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2301 by shinto_gaijin

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Message 2305 of 6724 Reply

Cool Show Ima_Doppleganger
6/8/00 12:39 pm
Hello

I hope I’m not bothering anyone with these TV postings, however, I have seen this one before and it is an excellent documentary on the life of the Nomads of the Russian and Mongolian steppes. It provides a window into their daily life and society. So, if you’re interested:

Nova
Thu Jun08
PBS, 8-9pm

Ice Mummies: Siberian Ice Maiden
An ancient female corpse is very
well-preserved. CC, Stereo.
Infotainment/Nature

Ima

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Message 2306 of 6724 Reply

I'm having some trouble..... Rusty_miller2
(17/M/San Jose) 6/8/00 3:06 pm
Can anyone help me figure out the name for a kingdom? I've kinda run out of ideas. :p

Alex

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Message 2307 of 6724 Reply

Re: I'm having some trouble..... maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 6/8/00 4:05 pm
Give us some information. What kind of kingdom is it? How does the ruler treat the poeple? Thier neighbors? What historical/literary/legendary society is it based on? These things could suggest a good name

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2306 by Rusty_miller2

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Message 2308 of 6724 Reply

Re: I'm having some trouble..... dariel_thaurgoth
6/8/00 6:03 pm
Sure call it the Kingdom of Thaurgoth. LOL

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2306 by Rusty_miller2

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Message 2309 of 6724 Reply

Re: I'm having some trouble..... orgruff
(32/M/Adelaide, Australia) 6/8/00 7:54 pm
Names for poeple places can be a problem, Don't try to make something up, grab a street directory, Phonebook or Atlas. I'm looking on page 684 of my local White pages and herte are just a few of the more appropriate ones:
Koorong, Kootenay, Kopka, Kopriva, Korbetis, Korall, Kosandiak, Kosmina.

From an Atlas I have I got these names for my campaign: Cantaur, Ravenscrag, Govenlock, Treelon, Crichton, Glenbain, Lillestrom, Glenn Kerr, Massiefield, Kincaid, Mortlock, Burrstail, Inglenook, Flaxcombe, Rockhaven (now there's a Dwarf kingdom) Battleford, Lonerock, Artland, Yonker, Sonningdale, Wierdale, Ravendale, Rossendale, Eriksdale, Broad valley, Chain Valley, Edendale, Neids Crossing, Sifton Valley, Loreburn, Strongfield, Lockwood, Briarcrest, Kelvington, Ladywood, Underhill, Elphin Stone, Edenwold, Brunkild.

Can anyone guess where I got those names from?

Or if you want something more exotic, go to a Library and check out some town names from somewhere completely different from where you live, but do not look at the big towns as your players will know where you got them from. For example you probably all know Sydney, Melboune and Brisbane from Australia. But what about Mellool, Walpeup, Chinkapook, Meetian, Lalbert, Nyah, Murrabit, Woorinen, Quambatook, and Manangatang.

I'm sure you could do the same for Ireland, Germany, Iraq, Greece, Mozambique, or Burma. Whatever suits your campaign.

Orgruff

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2306 by Rusty_miller2

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Message 2310 of 6724 Reply

Re: Spelunk! orgruff
(32/M/Adelaide, Australia) 6/8/00 8:40 pm
My favorite Dungeon entrance was one I made up for SYDCON 97 that got canceled.

The PCs go down into a foreboding blight on the landscape called Runestone Crag which is a series of narrow twisting gorges almost devoid of plant and animal life. in the middle is a huge black stone covered in Runes, some are magical, and some written in an ancient tounge.

The magic runes activate a teleport and a curse to bind the local Black dragon (which Lairs in the next gorge over) to come and attack anyone fooling about at the Runestone. The non-magical script is a rhyme:
Dance round the runestone, watch with fear.
Listen for the sounds of dragons near.
Dance round the runestone just for a lark.
Creep through the tunnels to find the secrets dark.

Anybody circling the stone while completing any sort of dance, Jig waltz, raindance, etc gets teleported into the dungeon once they have circumnavigated the stone twice.

Touching the stone also produced some interesting effects. Then there was another rhyme that was a clue as to how to exit the dungeon.

I also liked the entrance in "Beyond the cyrstal cave" by TSR.

Orgruff, Dwarf of the new millennium

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2276 by madteuton

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Message 2311 of 6724 Reply

Deserve to Survive! OneArtist
(29/M/Corinth, MS) 6/9/00 12:02 am
J. Scott Pittman, ("joespitt"), Game Designer, Artist

EPICS: Deserve to Survive!
http://www.tsixroads.com/~joespitt/epics.htm

The old days when players
could sit around the table
and let the game-master do
all the work are gone. Now
the players will not only
have to fight, but they will
have to think about their
characters and role-play if
they want to survive. This
is the new age of gaming,
where characters are
designed as they are
played. This is EPICS.

EPICS is the first unique
system to hit the gaming field
in years. In EPICS, characters
are detailed as they are played,
by the players themselves. As
a reward, their characters
receive Survival Points,
allowing them to survive when
attacked. If the player quits
thinking, role-playing and
making his character
interesting, he will run out of
Survival Points and possibly
die! It’s a great, simple system
that will keep the players
doing everything they can to
stay in the game.

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Message 2312 of 6724 Reply

Re: Town Populations shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 6/9/00 4:50 am
maddman .. that's what I mean by "households" .. chances are, except in larger cities, where indentured servants, hirelings, etc. would be more common, a family's place of business would also serve as their home .. plus, it leaves a lot more to the DM's imagination about the make-up of the households.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2304 by maddman_75

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Message 2313 of 6724 Reply

Re: I'm having some trouble..... mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/9/00 6:45 pm
Perhapse you could check out some issues of Dragon mag from 1999 that had d100% roll ups for names of different races. Perhapse they will come out with one for places.
As for my mehtods of name generations, some times I use word reversal, or annagrams. Think about an important characteristic of the place. trhen rearrange the letters, or reverse them. See how it sounds / looks.
Onne all I could come up with was that the place had no name Which reversed nicely into Emanon (pronounced M-a-non, with a ling name)

I have used the phone book as well. I think I got the name Diagelev from there.

Also, a friend of mine wrote a program (you can write them in excel) which has lists of names, which it combines into town /place names.
I remember some of the names he generated for Inn / taverns:
Blue Parrot, Sleeping Dragon, Happy Nynph
I think the lists were Adjative and noun resspectively.

As I stated these 'programs' can be written in Microsoft Excel or similar package (without an abundance of actual programming knowledge). I WOULD write them myself, but I do not have time with my current school work. However, I am willing to show anyone who is interested how to create it. In fact, when I did have time i created the magic Item Property Roll Up from Dragon magazine 253.

Matt

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2309 by orgruff

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Message 2314 of 6724 Reply

Re: I'm having some trouble..... Rusty_miller2
(17/M/San Jose) 6/9/00 7:21 pm
Thanx for all of your help! I believe I can come up with a few names now! Thanx again!

Alex

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2313 by mattbcieri

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Message 2315 of 6724 Reply

Need a Netbook omega100_ca
6/11/00 1:10 am
I'm currently trying to play online AD&D with no sucess. There isn't enough DM's and I'm seriously contemplating being one myself. I'm wondering if anyone knows where to get the DM handbook online.

Oh, and I've got quite a few more stories on my site now, thanks to the people at AD&D online.

http://adndstories.tripod.com
Thanks for any help you can give.

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Message 2316 of 6724 Reply

Re: Need a Netbook Danduin_
(~30/M/In front of a computer) 6/11/00 8:28 am
I don't know aboput the DMG online but you can find a lot of stuff at Blue Troll

http://troll.saucybard.com/

The DMG itself is not too costly of an investment especially if you want to be a DM/GM

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2315 by omega100_ca

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Message 2317 of 6724 Reply

Re: Super Char Danduin_
(~30/M/In front of a computer) 6/11/00 8:56 am
I had a pc who was a super character but he was also excellent at getting all the best magic items from the group and using them to his advantage. . . . that is until he found the ultra powerful Soul Gem which has a rather strange effect of destroying most magic items when it is first picked up(saving throw for the items). It sends a message to its creator so as to track it down as well. Anyway he had to have it and when he got it *poof* a large portion of his items went bye-bye. Not to mention everytime he tired to use his main magic item now (the gem) a very mean wizard was closing in on him. *chuckle*. This idea was drastic in the extreme but it brought his character back in line with everyone else (eventually).

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2284 by maddman_75

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Message 2318 of 6724 Reply

New Guy MARSBOT7
(20/KY) 6/11/00 7:02 pm
One problem I had was that I would find my imagination running out. I would play the modules but, you could only play them once and there is only so many of them. I tried adapting plots to fit from movies and rehashing old modules but, after a while I ran out of steam. I was one of those guys that got nominated to be DM and was good at it but, I played to much and got burned out. I took a break and wouldn't mind trying again.

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Message 2319 of 6724 Reply

Re: New Guy espiritumorte
(29/M/VA) 6/11/00 8:13 pm
I've had the same problem with eventual burnout. I always take a few months at another game system but eventually return to the fold. If nothing else I would compile misc snippets from dragon, dungeon, white wolf, role aids and any other bit of mythology or friends worlds to enhance my own. Needless to say I have 2 full book shelves of games and game data. Including modules I have written and some run.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2318 by MARSBOT7

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Message 2320 of 6724 Reply

Re: New Guy tieflings
6/11/00 9:01 pm
One solution to never letting your imagination run out is to throw in an encounter at the begging, middle, or end of campains. Them encounters can easly develop into new campains. Example: in one of my campains the PC's got tore up by a goblin ambush. So, I made them run into this old mage. He had a healing potion, they offered him money after they drank it. But he said "Money means nothing, we will just say you owe me one." Because of that encounter a new campain arouse in were the PC's got to pay back this mage by doing a favor. I tell you what, encounters always keep my imagination running.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2318 by MARSBOT7

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Message 2321 of 6724 Reply

Hello, New Dude Here tieflings
6/11/00 9:08 pm
Hey, just joined the club and I wanted to say hi. Ahhh finaly a place were DM's can unite. I live in a town were AD&D isnt popular, but luckly I have taught all my friends to play. So I realy have no one to talk to about my DM problems... except for JOE, but he went to boot camp. So just wanted to say thank you and I hope I can help new comers to the wonderful but painstaking world of DMing.

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Message 2322 of 6724 Reply

Re: New Guy mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/11/00 10:26 pm
I (fortunately) have never had this problem. perhapse because in college, this was one of the problems I was worried about the most. I had asked a fellow GM in our group how he deals with this problem.
He said he did not think he would ever run out of adventures or ideas, because he has read so much fantacy liturature, seen so many movies, and can take an idea from here, another from there, and bang out an adventure. When he does not have any ideas, he rummages through old movies, and books for some interesting adventure hooks.
Imagine an adventure like "The 13th warrior", "The Mummy", or "The Princess Bride". Out of genre does not mean out of bounds. "Star trek First Contact" or "Jack of All Trades" TV show can still give good ideas for adventures.

Matt

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2320 by tieflings

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Message 2323 of 6724 Reply

Re: Super Char mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/11/00 10:31 pm
A wonderful Idea Danduin. I have used similar ideas along this line. However it was a Litch-Lord (Very old Cleric Litch of my own creation), and he was after them for killing one of his trainees (a Necromaner), who was going to become his vassle-litch (see Van Richten's guide.)
I believe that for every action, there is an equal but opposite reaction. Those who want to be supernam, will have the nuclear missle aimed at them all the time! Deal with it, or don't play superman!

Matt

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2317 by Danduin_

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Message 2324 of 6724 Reply

Re: New Guy HRMITT
6/12/00 2:01 am
You could always have some new bad gay's move into the old cleaned out modules and the PC's have to go in and put down the new threat. All you have to do is edit the map some to add surprise, add new inhabitants and go. This work’s well if you use Time Lines.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2318 by MARSBOT7

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Message 2325 of 6724 Reply

Re: New Guy shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 6/12/00 4:59 am
The "DM's Writer's Block" is always a stumbling point for creativity .. I haven't played a module in probably fifteen years, but have used many of them as the basis for long-term campaigns or smaller adventures

My most recent "now what am I going to throw at them" adventure was based loosely on the classic western "The Magnificent Seven" (or, if you prefer, the classic Kurasawa "The Seven Samurai") .. this was in my Oriental Adventures campaign (yes, we STILL play 1st Edition AD&D) .. but, the kicker is .. the small band of baddies they ran off left behind written orders and other clues about something bigger in the works .. my players are more than a little bit nervous (and the "powers that be" don't seem to be concerned in the least) .. they're only 3rd or 4th level now, but have the potential to be serious powers to be reckoned with (and local, if not more widespread, heroes) if they survive (or, even better, thwart) the coming invasion

Just like in "The Phantom Menace" .. "there's always a bigger fish"

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2324 by HRMITT

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Message 2326 of 6724 Reply

Wild Mages tieflings
6/12/00 5:57 pm
Down here in my town I cant get ahold of The Tomb Of Magic. Whats the deal on Wild Mages? Can someone mail me their stats or the Wild Surge chart? I would be a lot of help. Thanks.

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Message 2327 of 6724 Reply

Re: Wild Mages urbaal_flare
(18/M/Saint Charles, MN) 6/12/00 6:27 pm
Give me your e-mail address and I could send it to you, or you could use the table for the wand of wonder in the DMG as PO:S&M suggests.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2326 by tieflings

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Message 2328 of 6724 Reply

Re: New Guy MARSBOT7
(20/KY) 6/12/00 7:30 pm
It doesn't matter what edition you play as long as you have fun! I mean that is what RPGs were made for right?

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2325 by shinto_gaijin

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Message 2329 of 6724 Reply

Re: Wild Mages MARSBOT7
(20/KY) 6/12/00 7:33 pm
In the "Forgotten Realms Adventure" book they talk about Wild Magic Regions.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2326 by tieflings

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Message 2330 of 6724 Reply

Re: Need a Netbook Myrkul999
(21/M/Ft. Lauderdale, FL) 6/13/00 12:23 pm
Hey, I found a great site which apperently has the DMG(this one i tested, It's as good as it gets.) and also the Monstrous Manual (as yet untested) the DMG is at : http://saba.jrnl.ut.ee/~surra/add/raamatud/DMG.ZIPand the site is at : http://www.jrnl.ut.ee/~surra/add/raamatud/dm.html

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2315 by omega100_ca

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Message 2331 of 6724 Reply

Re: Town Populations cplchaotic
(29/M/Wheeling, WV) 6/14/00 12:38 am
It's your world and it is fantasy just based on Medieval society, wing it. Think about how many people are living in your town and you can kinda base it on that.

The Cpl

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2298 by JeffS78

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Message 2332 of 6724 Reply

Kender tieflings
6/14/00 2:05 am
As a Kender Character class, how would you do theiving. Cuz according to books Kenders "aquire" things so how would you go about playing a PC Kender? Would the DM from time to time roll a steal percentage to see if they unknowingly aquired something? How would this work?

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Message 2333 of 6724 Reply

Re: Kender shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 6/14/00 3:46 am
If the PC is not playing the Kender well .. and that includes hyperactive curiosity, occaisional kleptomania, attention-defecit disorder, etc. .. the DM does not give full experience points fo the adventure

However, some player need help .. having a few "secret notes" on 3x5 cards made up before hand that have certain items he "notices" (most of which are junk, but one or two may be an important clue or piece to a puzzle, or, in rare cases, valuable) .. more often than not, picking up loose items should get him into minor trouble, but when it turns out that the knick-knack that caught his eye a few days ago turns out to be the key to an "unpickable" lock, he's a hero, and it makes all the trouble worthwhile ..

After that, the player should be saying "this is boring, I look around for something more interesting" or "do I notice anything out of the ordinary?" .. and a good DM will be prepared with " (blah) catches your eye" or "you notice that .." (keeping in mind that a 3' tall kender is going to notice different things than your average human, and vice-versa)

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2332 by tieflings

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Message 2334 of 6724 Reply

Re: Kender espiritumorte
(29/M/VA) 6/14/00 4:18 pm
first you pike them on a steel pole, then roast slowly over an open fire for 3 hours marinating every 15 minutes. This will glaze nicely.... sorry personal feelings. Have the character pre roll a set of thief pick pockets before the game. Add in any DM descretion and reveal the results as the game progresses.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2332 by tieflings

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Message 2335 of 6724 Reply

Re: Kender the_ageless_sage
(M/Why, i'm Here, of course.) 6/14/00 6:13 pm
Now, now, now, everyone knows that if you put a Kender on a STEEL pole it will convey too much heat and burn the interior portions. However, hickory will impart a nice flavor, oh, and add some garlic too.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2334 by espiritumorte

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Message 2336 of 6724 Reply

Re: Kender espiritumorte
(29/M/VA) 6/14/00 6:32 pm
I am sooo sorry. I have acted rashly and without thought. Kenders should not be piked on a steel pole. Hickory or a nice mesquite is more appropriate. Cloves come in handy too.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2335 by the_ageless_sage

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Message 2337 of 6724 Reply

Re: Kender Ima_Doppleganger
6/14/00 6:47 pm
Ha, old man. If you catch them “acquiring” your purse, they can be great “finger” foods as well. Ima

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2335 by the_ageless_sage

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Message 2338 of 6724 Reply

Re: Kender the_ageless_sage
(M/Why, i'm Here, of course.) 6/14/00 7:00 pm
Ah, my little imposter, today you are attractive, however, someday you just might assume a Kender. How then might your fingers taste? Tas

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2337 by Ima_Doppleganger

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Message 2339 of 6724 Reply

Re: Town Populations MARSBOT7
(20/KY) 6/14/00 8:45 pm
Try your local library.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2298 by JeffS78

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Message 2340 of 6724 Reply

NEED SUGGESTIONS lord_seagen
(39/M/Oak Harbor, WA.) 6/14/00 10:29 pm
I'M STARTING A LOCAL GAME AND I NEED SUGGESTION ON HOW TO GET THE PC'S TO WORK FOR THE MAIN CHARACTER. HELP!!!

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Message 2341 of 6724 Reply

Re: NEED SUGGESTIONS HRMITT
6/15/00 2:38 am
Well, We need more info, but here are some suggestions:
1. Have them get hired by him, to get something or protect something for him/her.
2. Arange to have the PC's save him form a attack/raid in a caravan or such.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2340 by lord_seagen

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Message 2342 of 6724 Reply

Re: I'm having some trouble..... cplchaotic
(29/M/Wheeling, WV) 6/15/00 2:51 am
To truly be of any help, I must know what kind of kingdom (elvish, human, dawarvish)?
The Cpl

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2306 by Rusty_miller2

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Message 2343 of 6724 Reply

Re: NEED SUGGESTIONS Danduin_
(~30/M/In front of a computer) 6/15/00 2:04 pm

This is one of my 'standard ways'to start a group off. First the "main character" needs to be someone with a bit of authority or you can use the local leader/king/steward/vampire/evil genius bent on world domination/whatever as the go between for the PCs and the main dude. Anyway the game starts out in the throne room/.../whatever the (for sake of my fingers) King asks for the prisoners (read PCs) to be brought forth. Of course they are all total strangers. The King then begins recounting all the vile (I usually make them ridiculous) deeds the PCs have comitted. At this point the King states that the penalty for each of these crimes is NORMALLY death, (pause for effect here) however if you can complete one task for me, which no one else can do, I will 'overlook' your disgressions this time. If the PCs agree to do his bidding have a mage give them magical amulets which can make life very difficult if there is any trickery/fleeing/etc/detected (wheteher or not this is true is up to you)/ or that they will be watched/whatever. If you need it I do have a list of appropriately stupid crimes of which the PCs can be accused. Make *some* items available to the PCs, but not much.

This method works well for a first adventure type wossname and you get to make a few side adventures centered around the #$%^&*!@ amulets the PCs can't seem to remove.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2340 by lord_seagen

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Message 2344 of 6724 Reply

Baldur's Gate CD Ima_Doppleganger
6/17/00 11:36 pm
I HATE BALDUR’S GATE!!! No, I’m not trying to write a limerick (there once was a man from the gate…), I’m talking about the CD game. I’m addicted to it and its really %*$$*#@ me off. Is any one else playing this game? Have any tips? Like playing only 2 - 3 hours at a time. Every time I start to get where I want to some damm Kobolds comes along and kills half the party, or an Ogre comes out of the woods and pounds you into the ground like a tent peg. At $42.95+tax, It is just too much fun. Ima

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Message 2345 of 6724 Reply

Re: Baldur's Gate CD Jiriki13
(30/M/Chicago area) 6/17/00 11:45 pm
It is a great game, but what kind of tips are you looking for. Party composition tips or actual game tips. As for party composition tips, I think that you should only have 2-3 up front warriors, including one of those as a paladin, and the rest of the party, i.e. the cleric, mage, & misc. character in the back dealing out damage with magic or missile weapons. It works really well, especially against the pesky kobolds and xvarts. Usually they get killed by missile fire before my front line warriors ever get there.
By the way, I started out with a full group of six on this last time. Unfortunatly, my computer needs to be repaired and I think I am going to have to start over. To think I was almost to the end.

Dave

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2344 by Ima_Doppleganger

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Message 2346 of 6724 Reply

Re: NEED SUGGESTIONS mharelick
6/18/00 12:11 am
1) Bribe them: See #3
2) Force them through loyalty / imprisonment slavery.
3) Trick them: See #2
4) Extort them. See #2

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2340 by lord_seagen

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Message 2347 of 6724 Reply

Re: Baldur's Gate CD maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 6/18/00 12:14 am
Here's a Baldur's Gate tip

In chapter 3, you are assigned to hunt bandits, getting a bounty of 50 gp each. this is great, finally getting some money in this game! When you meet the bandits, you have three choices of things to say, generally

1) Please don't hurt me, take my money
2) Die, bitch
3) I want to join you

It seems you are supposed to join the bandits at some point to find out who they're working for. Unfortunatly, I found this out AFTER I'd killed every bandit in the area! I have to start over now!!!

As far as getting killed, Make Imoen an archer, possibly another character too. Magic players would say that bows are 'broken' in this game. You may feel like a bitch, but save after every battle and reload if anyone is killed until you have enough money that a few hundred to bring someone back doesn't bother you.

Good luck!

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2345 by Jiriki13

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Message 2348 of 6724 Reply

Re: Baldur's Gate CD Ima_Doppleganger
6/18/00 12:14 am
How high of a level did you get? After almost 20 game days I only have 400+ Ex pts per character. It if a pretty fun game, it's just frustrating and seem to go slow. Is there a place where you can go for 1st level combat. I’m at the Nashkell mines right mow, is that too hard for 1st level? Ima

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2345 by Jiriki13

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Message 2349 of 6724 Reply

Re: Baldur's Gate CD maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 6/18/00 12:33 am
The game does go slow. 1st level should do okay in the mines, as long as you have good equipment. Spend time in the wilderness to get money and maybe up to second level if your having problems

Before I realized my screw-up, I had over a hundred game days. My highest level character was Imoen, at 5th level

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2348 by Ima_Doppleganger

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Message 2350 of 6724 Reply

Re: Baldur's Gate CD Ima_Doppleganger
6/18/00 12:56 pm
Thanks I seem to be moving faster and having PC dying less. I did figure out the adventure in the wilderness part. I have cleared out four sections so far. It is a fun game, more detailed than the older Unlimited Adventures. Ima

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2349 by maddman_75

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Message 2351 of 6724 Reply

Re: Baldur's Gate CD madteuton
(31/M/Keyport, NJ) 6/19/00 10:04 am
Do the Gnoll stronghold in the SW first to get Dynahier (Minsc's ladyfriend mage). Only 400 xps!?! Do some quests!

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2348 by Ima_Doppleganger

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Message 2352 of 6724 Reply

Re: Baldur's Gate CD grunson_grimcrag
(16/M/uk) 6/19/00 4:26 pm
this game sound brilliant, does anyone have the game and live in the uk so i can biorrow it for a couple of days.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2351 by madteuton

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Message 2353 of 6724 Reply

Re: Baldur's Gate CD maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 6/20/00 8:22 am
If you want to try the game out first, they sell a single CD with the first 2 chapters on it for around $10

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2352 by grunson_grimcrag

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Message 2354 of 6724 Reply

What do you guy's think of this? archduke_gareth
(20/M/Memphis TN) 6/21/00 11:14 pm
"Your party enters a wide and cavernous chamber. In the center of the vaulted room, illuminated by a single candelabra, lies a worn and antique coffin, atop a stone slab. The coffin is closed."

When the characters open the coffin:
"Inside you see a horrible visage. A corpse, the skin palled and sunken lies within. Two long fangs protrude from the lips of the corpse. It opens its eyes and lunges for you!"
(fortunately I just happened to make sure the party has a... you guessed it: a wooden stake)
"You plunge the stake into the heart of the beast, and the flesh is nearly torn from your hands in a fiery blast. You are sent reeling back against the far wall, still clutching the splintered and smoldering fragments of your stake. Suddenly, a panel in the wall opens behind you, and you are faced with the macabre lord of horror, Lord Vlad Nochter, the legendary vampire. You feel his gaze fall on you, and your blood runs cold at his sinister sneer. 'You must think me a fool, blood-sack! Did you really expect me to be found so easily?
"You desperately struggle to draw your sword, but your blasted hands and fingers refuse to close over the grip of your only defense."

The corpse in the coffin was a zombie, animated by the vampire, with a flask of Oil of Impact in it's rotted chest cavity and a false set of fangs. Sneaky.

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Message 2355 of 6724 Reply

Re: What do you guy's think of this? madteuton
(31/M/Keyport, NJ) 6/22/00 8:09 am
Blood-sack?!?

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2354 by archduke_gareth

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Message 2356 of 6724 Reply

Re: What do you guy's think of this? shaezyra
(987/M/Seattle, WA) 6/22/00 3:04 pm
So the, um, Vampire just remains behind the panel in case anybody should happen along, open the coffin, and drive a stake through the heart? What happens when the Vampire needs to sleep? Does the corpse have its odor masked? Is the stake through the heart a gimme, or do they need to roll to hit?

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2354 by archduke_gareth

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Message 2357 of 6724 Reply

Re: What do you guy's think of this? wren_the_elven_ranger
(122/F/Silvery moon) 6/22/00 5:06 pm
i love it. i may just have to steal it to ok?

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2354 by archduke_gareth

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Message 2358 of 6724 Reply

Re: What do you guy's think of this? maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 6/22/00 5:41 pm
Bravo, Bravo!!! Was this regular game or Ravenloft? I love this encounter - beautiful

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2354 by archduke_gareth

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Message 2359 of 6724 Reply

Re: What do you guy's think of this? maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 6/22/00 5:45 pm
The Vampire doubtless is aware of intruders as soon as the heroes entered its lair, they probably had to fight many guardians to get here. This encounter is obvously at night, since the vampire is actually active. If the heroes don't think it odd that the vampire is sleeping at night, that's thier problem.

During the day he could have a charmed guardian creature waiting to attack anyone that disturbs this fake coffin.

Vampires are extremely intelligent and clever. This is EXACTLY the type of encounters PCs should have to face when battling one.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2356 by shaezyra

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Message 2360 of 6724 Reply

Mood Music JeffS78
(21/M/SchenectadyMessage 2364 of 6724 Reply

Looking for a netbook maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 6/24/00 5:22 am
Anyone know where I can get a NetBook of Domains of Dread??

ANY) 6/22/00 10:40 pm
Have any of you tried using sound effects to go with your game?? Like rain, or t-storms effects things like that? If so any idea where I can get some of the web??

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Message 2361 of 6724 Reply

Re: Mood Music wren_the_elven_ranger
(122/F/Silvery moon) 6/23/00 9:03 am
i usually play some mood music in the back ground but thats it.
you could get the sound effects from the baldurs gate cd dut it would take a wile to find it, the thunder and rain sounds in that game are quite good.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2360 by JeffS78

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Message 2362 of 6724 Reply

mood muzic leafdragon
6/23/00 1:11 pm
i usually use music all the time. i use celtic dance music for villages and towns, and the nature for trek's through the wilderness, but sometimes ya need some upbeat stuff to get them in the mood for a fight, good soundtracks are good for that, like the new star wars music.

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Message 2363 of 6724 Reply

Re: What do you guy's think of this? mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/23/00 2:41 pm
It's pure evil I say. It is almost the same idea in the Tomb of Horrs where you see a Litch Lying on a Gold Cough, When you unleash your full might to obliterate it, and find it was only a zimbie desguised to look mennacing.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2354 by archduke_gareth

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Message 2364 of 6724 Reply

Looking for a netbook maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 6/24/00 5:22 am
Anyone know where I can get a NetBook of Domains of Dread??

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Message 2365 of 6724 Reply

PBeM Game Masters and Players Listen up! wulfgar_dra_guun
(30/M/Victoria, BC) 6/25/00 1:47 pm
There's a new club that is looking for the best and the newbie game master and players that love PBeMs. Any type of PBeM is acceptable. You play it, run it, or just want info about them... come to this club.

http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/pbemgamemastersandplayers

It has a lot of promise and if you sign up right now we promise NOT to send a Ogre to your house to pull a dirty sweaty sock over your head! That's right... sign up and be the only person on your block NOT have to get a visit by the Ogre.

Here's a REAL special offer... but you have to do it in the next 30 minutes. Sign up when you visit and receive a war party of Goblins... that's right, lay waste to your enemies or your school, whom ever you like. Trash that bully in school, that jock with the good looking girl... no more messing around with you.

The offers only good for the next 30 minutes so be quick! Operators are waiting for your call, visit the site and get the number.

PS... Goblins are limited and only one war party per person. Takes anywhere from 6 to 28 weeks to deliver... all depends on how motivated we can get them to march. Prohibited where laws so say.

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Message 2366 of 6724 Reply

Re: mood muzic Ima_Doppleganger
6/25/00 8:18 pm
Enya (no, not in ya), Clanad or Loreena McKennitt. Remember, think of good playing music like a movie soundtrack, you shouldn't become aware of it’s presence, however, you would notice the absence of it. Ima

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2362 by leafdragon

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Message 2367 of 6724 Reply

Re: mood muzic MaisyStargazer
(49/F/northern Wisconsin) 6/26/00 9:33 pm
Those Ima named are good, but then there are movie soundtracks that work well too. Love "Conan" for fights, Muppet Treasure Island or Waterworld for voyages, Labyrinth (for dungeons! LOL!!!), Ladyhawk, Robin Hood, Man in the Iron Mask, Three Musketeers, The Crow, etc., etc......

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2366 by Ima_Doppleganger

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Message 2368 of 6724 Reply

Re: mood muzic maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 6/26/00 9:50 pm
Braveheart soundtrack!!

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2367 by MaisyStargazer

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Message 2369 of 6724 Reply

here are what i play during game leafdragon
6/26/00 10:48 pm
for soundracks, i use, Professional, Exotica, and the conan soundtracks, i use those cds you can get at the nature stores also. great for setting ambiance. mechwarrior2 and ecco the dolphin have music on them also. take em out of the pc and try it.

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Message 2370 of 6724 Reply

Looking For Gamers In S Chicago Burbs thorun09
(27/M/Blue Island) 6/27/00 11:51 am
We are looking for gamers in the Chicago South Burbs, namely Oak Lawn and Blue Island. We meet twice a month and have a blast with long running campaigns...

If interested Email me at Thorun09@yahoo.com

Bob

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Message 2371 of 6724 Reply

Advice on Fire Giants... thorun09
(27/M/Blue Island) 6/27/00 11:56 am
I'm currently running Against the Giants, and my party has pretty much dominated there way through the Hill and Frost, with only a few problems. However, after reading the Fire Giants I forsee a few problems. The drow can be very difficult. I have chose to put some time and effort, as the club has been out for two months into a few tactics, as they know the party is within King Snurres Palace.
What I could use is some tactics for the Giants and Drow, not to kill the party but definately to challenge them...
Thanks Bob

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Message 2372 of 6724 Reply

Re: Advice on Fire Giants... maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 6/28/00 1:13 am
I'm not familiar with the adventure your running (My group throws dice at me when I try to run a module :) ), but I can give you advice on running giants and drow.

Giants are huge walls of hit points. If the heroes gang up on one, they can take him out in a round or two. Giants generally like to split into 2 groups. One will charge the heroes, the others will stay behind cover, throwing rocks. When the fighters are weakened, the rock throwers come down and the weakened ones pull back, trying to get up to the rock throwing position. They also use any servant/guardian creatures to full efficiency.

Drow are widely feared, and rightly so. They will use thier magical abilities to thier fullest extent to hinder and confuse opponents, then strike with thier poisoned bolts. If need be, they will seek to escape then counter attack when the heroes are vulnerable. The idea of a fair fight is a joke to the drow!

You also stated you don't want to kill the heroes. While its good to make sure they have a chance, never be afraid to kill a character! The players will have a lot more fun, and appreciate thier achievements a lot more if they know you aren't pulling any punches. Besides, if thier higher level, a pc death is a good excuse to lighten thier magical load. Priests in my campaign NEVER bring a character back from the dead for mere money. Generally a good item will get a raise dead. If the character wants to keep thier point of constitution, a resurrection costs a truly powerful item.

The players should realize that if they rush headlong into any situation, they will get killed sooner or later. Sometimes, the right answer is to run away or at least re group

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2371 by thorun09

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Message 2373 of 6724 Reply

Re: Advice on Fire Giants... HRMITT
(30/M/Silverdale, Wa) 6/28/00 4:04 am
How are the PC's Dominating the Giants. please tell us. If there Playing there PC's well thats good.
Simple way's to beef up the NPC's is give them magic that only they can use. i.e. large size magic swords, armor, and other items that if the PC get a hold of, it will be useless to them. Thay don't have to be powerfull, but could cause the encounter to be tougher for them.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2371 by thorun09

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Message 2374 of 6724 Reply

Re: Advice on Fire Giants... shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 6/28/00 5:04 am
A quick glance at the MM tells me that while not exactly geniuses (5-10 Intelligence), a well-prepared group of Fire Giants would pose a bit of difficulty for a moderately strong group of adventurers ..

Use their immunity to normal heat and fire to the utmost .. one example in the MM is using a hot spring or lava pool as an ambush site, with rocks suitable for throwing stashed in the pool .. the same could be done with a large bonfire or trench full of hot coals .. or substitute the rocks with ceramic jars full of boiling oil for a truly nasty missile weapon .. or with a wick attached for a giant-sized molotav cocktail .. 200 yards is a long way to travel while 2-foot diameter incendinary grenades are being thrown down on you .. especially if the way is trapped (and, guess what, the MM says Fire Giants are fond of trapping their lairs)

If the drow are supposed to work with the Fire Giants, have them provide reconnaissance and magic support, and especially, harrass the PC's at night (maybe even capturing one or two .. making it all that much more important for the remaining PC's to climb that 200 yards through a rain of fire)

Even moderately intelligent creatures will be aware of their weaknesses .. fire giants are weak against magic (especially invisibility, fly, and cold-based spells) .. make them have reasonable defenses against such.

my 2 cp
SG

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2373 by HRMITT

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Message 2375 of 6724 Reply

Giants thorun09
(27/M/Blue Island) 6/28/00 12:06 pm
Thanks for the suggestions, I especially like the missile style approach. Mostly good tactics have been used, except on occasion. We have lost a few characters, from the same player. He seems to place his PC in bad situations. My party knows that more than half have died before, and if they play carelessly it could happen again. Their tactics are improving, and that is why I ask for some improvements to the Giants. I have set up a nice battle in the Temple of the Eye, that should really challenge them.
They seem vulnerable to magic, as 3 Rashasha's in a chamber made them struggle. And now the drow are around the corner...

Anyway, more suggestions are welcome

Thanks
Bob

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Message 2376 of 6724 Reply

Re: mood muzic boothwah
(26/M/left of center) 6/28/00 5:57 pm
All good cinematic music mentioned - and it does provide a great effect. I remember however, an amazing DM I played with about 5 years ago who actually had a CD that he had purchased specifically with sound effects for use in role-playing. My play group would pay $30.00 bucks if we could hunt down a copy.

It had averything: A 10 minute run of tavern babble that you could repeat, big medeival city market noise 5 min that you could loop, a 45 second clip of swords clanging and grunts of exertion, a 15 sec clip of an army shouting it's war cry (blood-chilling), snake hissing, arrow thwips, 3 minute water dripping and echoing(dungeon fave), Chains rattling, evil laghter (echoing), and a bunch of other cool stuff -

Man, we had a blast. It added so much ambience. Have any of you guys sen anything similar? I you know where I can get my hands on it, let me know.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2368 by maddman_75

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Message 2377 of 6724 Reply

Re: Giants & Drow, Oh My! mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/28/00 6:21 pm
Hi,

I have a tendancy to like to invent new and interesting tourtures for adventuring party, keeping in mind the flavor of their advasaries.

I like the suggestions for Fire Giants so far. (I could even add adventurer bowling, if the Giants were up hill from the party.) but i wish to give some ideas on the Drow...

Drow being both Magical, and with an affinity for spiders leads me to think of some spidery tactics.

The trapdoor spider uses his silk to weave dirt into a trap door. Usually this spoder waits till you walk over his door then jumps out at yuo from behind with a loop or 2 of silk ready to tie you up. Quick as a flash he is out, nabbs his victim, and retreated.

Another idea (involving the inventions0 would be some kind of grenade that uses glue, or Drider silk. throw a couple of these at the party. it takes a lot of strenght to break free (see the write up on the driders.)

Another tactic, would be to set up an ambush in a large cavern. have the top of the cavern filled with magical darkness, and filled with Drow or Driders. They can drop or shoot at the party, and not be discovered, unless the party has powerful magic. Remember Drow use MAGICAL darkness, the races with Infravision, can NOT see through this usually wothout some magic assistance.

Additionally, Drow could be casting sleep, using entangle spells, poisons (to render unconsious instead of dead). Once the party is captured, the Drow could sell the PC's into slavery. (an old module involving Gianta and Drow had slavery as the underlying evil.)

For some truely evil tactics, have the drow cast darkness, then add illusion to the darkness to have the party walk into something nasty, a chage, a tar pit, a pit of spikes, a spider web. etc.) use your imagination.

oh, and do not forget, that Drow weapons traditionally disintegrate in direct sunlight, so you do not have to feel too bad about letting the party walk off with powerful drow weapons, they will be gone before the next adventure is under way.

Matt

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2375 by thorun09

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Message 2378 of 6724 Reply

Re: mood muzic ODYSSEUS_THE_TRAVELER
(31/M/HAVE SLEEPING BAG WILL HA) 6/28/00 8:58 pm
Hey all,

I dont have the cd your talkin bout, with all the sound bites,,,but i did manage to find a web page that has LOTS of sound bites suitable for gameing,,, check it out,,,

ps, no its not MY site nor anyone that I know!

here it is:

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Meadows/6158/_private/wav/index.html

enjoy and good hunting,

Mike aka ODY

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2376 by boothwah

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Message 2379 of 6724 Reply

Problems?? JeffS78
(21/M/Schenectady NY) 6/28/00 9:24 pm
Is anyone else having trouble reading the response
to RE:Mood Music from ODYSSEUS_THE_TRAVELER??? Everytime I try to read it I get sent back to the first post in the group.

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Message 2380 of 6724 Reply

Looking for a Game anaring_rith
6/29/00 12:23 am
Hi Everybody
I’m looking for a AD&D Game in the San Francisco, CA area. I have been playing for 20+ years now and my group is disbanding due to various reasons. I am more inclined towards Forgotten Realms, but, anything will do. If interested, please check my profile and e-mail me.

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Message 2381 of 6724 Reply

Re: Problems?? Eoganachta
(35/M/Glendale, CA) 6/29/00 11:15 am
that sometimes happens when someone from outside the US posts. the first day that it is there, you see the post, but when you click on it - you get sent to the messages list.

?????????

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2379 by JeffS78

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Message 2382 of 6724 Reply

Re: mood muzic boothwah
(26/M/left of center) 6/29/00 12:06 pm
Thankee ODY - that site was great - Any else know of any cool sites. I'm really hoping to find atavern murmer wav. or a merchant fair wav.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2378 by ODYSSEUS_THE_TRAVELER

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Message 2383 of 6724 Reply

Re: Problems?? Yahoo'ed again boothwah
(26/M/left of center) 6/29/00 2:29 pm
You were Yahoo'ed - Every once in a while (lately, every third day) Some portion of Yahoo will die for a couple of hours. You might not be able to get your e-mail. You might not be able to read current messages on your clubs. You might not be able to play Hearts.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2379 by JeffS78

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Message 2384 of 6724 Reply

Heroes wanted: dacrumby
(666/M/Aerion) 7/2/00 2:56 am
I have started a game at my club http://www.clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/aerion
I need more PCs to play at name level(9-10).If interested join the club, make a chara.,send a copy to me , and I will give you money and magic items. Background is avail. at the club on previous post and my home page.I will be avail. every night to play.

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Message 2385 of 6724 Reply

Re: mood muzic wren_the_elven_ranger
(122/F/Silvery moon) 7/2/00 10:13 am
i use the gladiator sound trac a lot. the total annihilation 2nd cd has a lot of good music on it also.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2368 by maddman_75

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Message 2386 of 6724 Reply

RE: Mood Music JeffS78
(21/M/Schenectady NY) 7/2/00 2:08 pm
I found a CD that looks like it would be pretty cool. Its at www.toxicbag.com Its called the Fantasy Gamer's Collection. But i'm kinda skeptical. They were featured in Dragon awhile back. But I saw a post from someone in another newsgroup saying he ordered it and it had been 4 months and he still hadn't received the product. I tried e-mailing him to ask him about it, but his address is no longer valid. Has anyone heard or know anything about these guys?? Looks like its a kinda low ball operation. Thanks.

Jeff

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Message 2387 of 6724 Reply

Westchester NY D&D club just started prolixlacuna
7/3/00 2:52 pm
Hi everyone,

I started a new club for people interested in live play in the Westchester County, NY and surrounding areas. Please join if you are interested.

http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/westchesterny3rdeddandd

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Message 2388 of 6724 Reply

BRAWLING BLADES and GATEWAY news!!! wulfgar_dra_guun
(30/M/Victoria, BC) 7/3/00 2:53 pm
Thanks to everyone! Many visitors have expressed interets in both sites. This post is to notify all those that wish to know more can find answers at the GATEWAYS only official club!

http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/pbemgamemastersandplayers

This club has been selected to be the official club for the GATEWAY! What's that mean?

Well... any news or updates will be reported there FIRST! Items about the GATEWAY will dicussed with the memebers of that club. Voting on issues will be done by those members only. Reviews again... by those members.

Plus... if members wish to list their game or site... no problem, that is where to do it! At least for now...

There has been great activity on the GATEWAY and all the sites (the three currently there) have ALL received traffic from people visiting the GATEWAY!

There has is expressed interest in both the Brawling Blades and the others... this club will report any further updates or news releases.

Questions like...

How do I sign up? How do I list my site? Where do I go to do sos and so? Plus any others you may have can be anwswered at this official GATEWAY club!

Do yourself a favour... sign up!

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Message 2389 of 6724 Reply

15 Pages added the Brawling Blades!!! wulfgar_dra_guun
(30/M/Victoria, BC) 7/4/00 6:12 pm
Great news! By popular demand!!! 15 pages added for viewing! You'll be able to get a better idea of what it's all about. Enjoy!

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Message 2390 of 6724 Reply

Link to Brawling Blades! wulfgar_dra_guun
(30/M/Victoria, BC) 7/4/00 6:13 pm
http://members.amethyst-alliance.com/arena/index.htm

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Message 2391 of 6724 Reply

Re: Link to Brawling Blades! darkharbenger
(32/M/Upstate New York) 7/5/00 8:06 pm
What does this have to do with AD&D?

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2390 by wulfgar_dra_guun

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Message 2392 of 6724 Reply

Re: Link to Brawling Blades! wulfgar_dra_guun
(30/M/Victoria, BC) 7/5/00 10:40 pm
It IS AD&D played over the NET! What do you mean?

I may have misunderstood what this club is about... but I am a Dungeon Master, play AD&D and D&D, am playing currently and AM offering a great new look at what AD&D can do.

No offense was intended. I have need for guild leaders and dungeon masters if there are people interested.

Brawling Blades IS the future. With the new 3rd Edition and A TON of hot new computer games coming out... there will be great market battle. Sure there will the loyalists and die hards but with soooo many attempts at PBeM's, IRC's, and message board games on the net something has to incorporate all the best features!

Try not to judge the page too quickly... there is much more to come. Use your imagination... like the best Dungeon Masters. Don't get too upset at a simple link on your massive message board. It's a huge internet world out there and you don't have to travel to places you don't want too.

I hope everyone checks out Brawling Blades and leaves with a little insight or benefit in some way. Creativity is the message... inspiration is the goal!

Sincerely,

Mike

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2391 by darkharbenger

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Message 2393 of 6724 Reply

Re: Link to Brawling Blades! darkharbenger
(32/M/Upstate New York) 7/6/00 5:32 pm
I'm sorry masser dm sir....silly me all I did was ask a question and you start with the lip flapping arrogance.Let me tell you something son I've been playing AD&D since the get go,over 21+ years most have been dming.So here is some wisdom to you.When a person asks a simple question you answer it not get all high and mighty ok.I mean if your a "fair" dm you will take this under advisement.If your not then I must have misjudged you when you gave such rudeness to a person asking a simple question .So what will it be,the ball is now in your court your serve......

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2392 by wulfgar_dra_guun

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Message 2394 of 6724 Reply

Re: What do you guy's think of this? darkharbenger
(32/M/Upstate New York) 7/6/00 6:42 pm
Niceone would make even the most veteran played upset at your craftyness.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2354 by archduke_gareth

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Message 2395 of 6724 Reply

Re: What do you guy's think of this? darkharbenger
(32/M/Upstate New York) 7/6/00 6:45 pm
The true coffin I would say would be behind the panel,most if not all undead stink they are after all undead,and I always have player's roll to hit the heart a called shot.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2356 by shaezyra

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Message 2396 of 6724 Reply

Re: What do you guy's think of this? darkharbenger
(32/M/Upstate New York) 7/6/00 6:47 pm
I agree these are the moves player's will be talking about years from now.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2359 by maddman_75

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Message 2397 of 6724 Reply

Re: here are what i play during game darkharbenger
(32/M/Upstate New York) 7/6/00 6:49 pm
Can't do wrong by conan,some wagner the ring cycle is also nice as well,I just got the sound track from the movie Gladiator very nice to play by.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2369 by leafdragon

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Message 2398 of 6724 Reply

Re: Problems?? Yahoo'ed again darkharbenger
(32/M/Upstate New York) 7/6/00 6:59 pm
Yes thats one reason I moved my game to the delphi site.Very cool delphi alot more you can do with you game as well.I have done the following in my delphi-site:
1.Posted maps of the ares so the player's will know where they are and wht the surrounding area looks like.
2.Keep track of player's info right on the site you can post your character sheets right there for them.
3.Keep track of multi-group splits(Don't you hate when the split up)well with them posting in each file you post you can keep track.
Now it takes a little bit to get use to the delphi postings after all "yahell" is a baby book where delphi is like a collage book.Check it out people I think your agree it is ten time better than yahell.I use yahell just because it is simple in it's childish but enjoyable way.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2383 by boothwah

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Message 2399 of 6724 Reply

Re: Link to Brawling Blades! wulfgar_dra_guun
(30/M/Victoria, BC) 7/7/00 4:34 pm
I did not mean to come off so high and mighty. I did not realize you question was just that.. a simple question! I figure you were offended for me placing the link on the board. I appologize!

I too have 20+ years experienc playing, mostly all DMing, and consider myself a very good DM. It was just my ill attempt to defend myself when there apparently was no need.

I only wanted to share something that I was excited and passionate about. I will forget this happened if you will.

How's life? All the best! May your dice roll fairly! :-)

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2393 by darkharbenger

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Message 2400 of 6724 Reply

Re: Link to Brawling Blades! darkharbenger
(32/M/Upstate New York) 7/7/00 5:15 pm
True enough I have a bad temper too,guess it comes with age ;). I'm fine with that and what were we upset about?Hey once your up and running I would be honored to join if you let the old and grumpy in.My address is darkharbenger_1999@yahoo.com

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2399 by wulfgar_dra_guun

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Message 2401 of 6724 Reply

Re: Link to Brawling Blades! wulfgar_dra_guun
(30/M/Victoria, BC) 7/7/00 8:41 pm
I'd be honoured to have you join my humble little AD&D game on the net! After all old and grumpy is proof of great wisdom... isn't it? LOL

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2400 by darkharbenger

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Message 2402 of 6724 Reply

Re: Link to Brawling Blades! darkharbenger
(32/M/Upstate New York) 7/8/00 12:24 pm
Thank you I'll be honoured to join your game.You are right old and grumpy are we.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2401 by wulfgar_dra_guun

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Message 2403 of 6724 Reply

GATEWAY is open for travel! wulfgar_dra_guun
(30/M/Victoria, BC) 7/8/00 9:00 pm
Got a site to promote? OR looking for something new? Check out the GATEWAY! It's opan and accepting URL's.

List your site and be the first to benefit from this new site! Worth checking out if you are a fan of role playing!

http://members.amethyst-alliance.com/arena/index.htm

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Message 2404 of 6724 Reply

i need help wren_the_elven_ranger
(122/F/Silvery moon) 7/9/00 5:28 pm
im DM ing the night below campaign and weve got through the 1st book. but now the party is turning on itslef. the two thieves are constantley bickering, the palading is just waiting to kill the evil necromancer (probley there only chance to destroy the towers at the end). the bard has been killed one two many times and has about 6 constotution. and the fighter is just to stupid to try and stop any of this.
what should i do?

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Message 2405 of 6724 Reply

Re: i need help maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 7/10/00 2:08 am
Here's what I'd do - wait until all hell breaks loose, with all the characters at each others throats. Then attack with a terrible horde of monsters. Make them something like....purple worms or absilisks or something that will mess up the bodies so raise dead is impossible. If they drop thier difference to work together, give them a break on the dice. If not, kill kill kill. Kill the whole party and start over with first levels if you have to. Players in my campaign don't pull that crap, because they know that I'm not afraid to kill them off. They have to work together to survive.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2404 by wren_the_elven_ranger

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Message 2406 of 6724 Reply

Gamers needed to play in CO Springs bi_chick_lvr
(19/F/Colorado Springs, CO) 7/10/00 2:11 am
Hi,
A friend and I are looking for serious gamers who will show up every week. We play D&D/AD&D, Werewolf, Vampire, Shadowrun, and others. Will be playing either Saturday Night, Sundays, or Mondays. If interested, reply to Earthlorelvr@aol.com.

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Message 2407 of 6724 Reply

Re: i need help shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 7/10/00 4:31 am
Or, you can kill them off one by one .. each time one dies, have the advesary be something that would have accented the abilities and skills of the PC who is no longer among them .. it's a painful lesson to learn, sometimes, but they need to work together as players and characters .. they need to build a party that will work together, and not just throw together a bunch of "wouldn't be cool if I played a .." PC's

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2405 by maddman_75

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Message 2408 of 6724 Reply

Re: i need help Jiriki13
(31/M/Chicago area) 7/10/00 8:38 am
I wouldn't throw something at them like a purple worm or basilisk unless they are high enough level to handle something like that. In a situiation against something that is out of their league, it wouldn't matter if they started working together if they just aren't good enough to defeat something of that caliber. I would set them up against a comparitive leveled/HD encounter, maybe some equal or slightly less leveled drop patrol, if this would be feasible where they are now. I haven't played this campaign, but I would love to. Actually, a friend of mine and me made up a couple of would be drow renegades for this campaign and started it, but the guy DM'ing us didn't stay with us long enough to get very far. He wasn't that good of a DM anyway.
Back to your problem. I would put something up against them that is very smart and play them that way. I would probably say drow, duergar, or maybe even derro patrols. Remember though that if you don't play them to their potential then the party won't have a reason to try and work together. If these encounters are played to their potential and are of an equal challenge level to the PC's, they will have to work together or will suffer death or worse. Maybe they get captured and torture for months or even years. I would just kill them staight out because I've found that if the party never had a chance to actually defeat the encounter then it won't make as good of an impact on the players. On the other hand, if the players are just that dense then it might not matter what you do.
Another suggestion that I might make is that you might not want to allow evil PCs' to be played. I don't allow evil PCs' in my campaigns, unless that whole group is going to be evil. Evil PCs' just don't work because sooner or later the rest of the party is going to find out and then all hell will break loose. Besides, if an evil PC is played correctly, sooner or later he will betray the group for greener pastures. An evil PC shouldn't work in your party just because of the evil necromancer. The paladin shouldn't be willing to even work with this PC unless there is no other choice and then he still may not do it, choosing death before dishonor and all that goody
stuff.

Dave (Katinflas "The Masterful")

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2404 by wren_the_elven_ranger

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Message 2409 of 6724 Reply

Vampire bait and switch pirates_life_for_me
(M/Ann Arbor, MI) 7/10/00 2:49 pm
I liked the earlier post with the Vampire hiding in a secret compartment. I agree that intelligent monsters got to be 10th level because they were smart enough not to get killed.

Since I am starting up DMing after 5 years of not playing, was wondering if anyone has some custom spells/magic items/monster they would like to swap either here (or in email if you have players who read here)

SE MI Gamers?

Any South East MI RPGers reading in here, looking for one or two players for a brand new group starting up. AD&D 2nd edition with lots of "house rules".

Don

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Message 2410 of 6724 Reply

Evil PCs: Why I changed my mind SCA_Bard
(23/F/Barony of Storvick) 7/10/00 3:32 pm
Usually, I agree with Jiriki on not allowing evil PCs in a non-evil party. I've seen it disintegrate into player backstabbing waaaay too many times. But in the latest game I'm running, I've finally seen an evil character that's made me change my mind from "NO!" to "Well, maybe..."

One of my players is playing a kobold thief out of Humanoids Handbook, and he does it perfectly: a cowardly, petty little beast very concerned with hiding from Big Ones and protecting his stash of property, down to the last dead spider in a tin box (don't ask). He stays with the party because they feed him and protect him. They put up with him because he usually doesn't hurt party members (unless he feels that they've wronged him). When he does, it's something so weird and non-lethal yet annoying that the PC can't retaliate without looking even more petty. (Ticks in the bedroll are his current favorite).

No question: he is, by almost any definition, evil. But it's a sort of cute and petty little evil, like a nasty 10 year old. He's less cute when he's backstabbing my drow priestesses and killing them, but his roleplaying has led to some of the funniest things I've seen around the gaming table. There are occassional issues, but fewer, I think, than between the two priests of friendly (but different) faiths. Despite my initial reservations, I'm very glad I let him play the character.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2408 by Jiriki13

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Message 2411 of 6724 Reply

Re: mood muzic Umbratikus
(34/M/Central Ohio) 7/10/00 3:44 pm
I use actual medieval music. 12th and 13th c. are good. Loreena McKennitt's early music is good, too. Yes, movie soundtracks for fights. Can't beat'm.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2385 by wren_the_elven_ranger

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Message 2412 of 6724 Reply

Re: Evil PCs: Why I changed my mind realmsquest
7/10/00 3:49 pm
I would have to say I am very loath to accept evil PCs into a primarily good campaign. However I am not totally against it. Player co-operation is a must for a good game, though co-operation does not mean all the players have to like each other or agree all the time. Disputes tend to come up whether or not any one in your group is evil.

Being evil does not necessarily mean that PC has to betray or be an enemy of the party. It is quite possible to have an evil PC that holds friendship and loyaltee with those of the group and can be trusted to a certain extent at least. There are varying degrees of evil.

It is not like we in real life carry signs on our foreheads declaring "good" or "evil" nor should the PCs, so the "good" group should never know for sure that another PC is evil. They may suspect, but no one is a perfect saint.

I have no limitations on alignment, but I do make sure all new PCs know to make their characters so that they can be accepted (if not totally liked) by the current group, and to be able to co-operate and work with them and not against them. This goes for die hard paladin types as well.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2410 by SCA_Bard

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Message 2413 of 6724 Reply

Re: Evil PCs: Why I changed my mind Umbratikus
(34/M/Central Ohio) 7/10/00 3:51 pm
Evil PC's in a predominantly good party can work if played properly. Sure sometimes they can be a pain in the ass, but usually the rest of the party will take care of problem characters, or problem players for that matter.

It also depends on your group's gaming goals. Is your goal simply to get through a TSR module alive or is it about interpersonal dynamics and role playing to the hilt. Is it about amassing wealth and power or is it about the nuances of the game.

In short, evil PCs can work, but they aren't for every gaming group out there.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2410 by SCA_Bard

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Message 2414 of 6724 Reply

RealmsQuest PBEM - part 1 realmsquest
7/10/00 3:51 pm
Blackness choked the still sky. The silver moon was blotted out by a black mass of clouds that drifted slowly in the night. Azure fire flickered in the clouds above. A sliver of ghostly blue light from the crystal turret cast an eerie radiance upon the troubled waters.

It could have been the fell magics practiced within that haunted tower that drew such wrath from the skies, or a bi-product of the horrifying power that was ripped from the fabric of the world. A streak of blue fire struck the tower with a terrifying roar. The waves beneath it soared up with an angry hiss. However, not even the sheer might of the heavens, nor the maddened waters below, had the strength to disturb the delicate balance that was contained within the rising sliver of blue ice that housed the Necromancer's sanctuary.

=======================================

A darkened shadow of a man sat within the ring of black fire. The flames rose up from the cold stone as if fed by some unearthly power. No warmth did it shed, nor light did it cast, and silent shadows danced around it.

His head was bowed low, and the oily black cowl that fell before his face almost touched the stone. His hands were tucked within the cascading folds of softest velvet that hung over his slender shoulders.

Slowly his hands reached out before him, and cupped within his slender fingers was a chalice of dusky gray silver. Runes were carved upon its lip. Silver etched leaves held the bowl, and a delicate spiral of elven craftsmanship formed the stem that reached down to the roots etched within the base.

With gentle hands the chalice was placed upon the smooth stone before the ring of black flame. He raised his open hands with palms upward to summon the smokey shadow that swirled around within the chalice. The shadow deepened as it rose from the elven silver and slowly took the wavery form of a demon reflected within the wisps of smoke. Black as midnight a pair of horns showed within that dark shadow. And eyes burned with red fire as a hellish light broke through from the chalice to light it, bathing the Necromancer's face with the illusion of blood.

Open palms turned towards the forming monster as though holding its menacing eyes of hatred at bay. Words fell from the Necromancer's like poisoned daggers; words too unnatural for any human lips to form. Monstrous they were, and guttural, and yet filled with unspoken power. The beast was driven back across the circle of black flame.

The flames rose with silent intensity, containing the beast's growing wrath. The Necromancer's words fell silent, and his hands dropped as a feather to be swallowed by the sleeves of his robe. His eyes burned with cold power as he met the flaming rage of the demon's stare.

Fully formed now as a dark mass of shadow with eyes burning with the fury of hellfire, the demon paced the wall of black fire searching for the slightest weakness, the slightest flaw in that weave of magic flame. The fire crackled fiercely as his silent rage shook it. The circle was flawless.

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Message 2415 of 6724 Reply

RealmsQuest PBEM - part 2 realmsquest
7/10/00 3:52 pm
"Foolish mageling, you have summoned your own death!" the demon hissed with venom, his words crashed through the fire like the low distant boom of thunder. The demon's eyes blazed with bright fire as he flung his wrath once more against the dark flames holding him, dark flames fueled by the Necromancer's will alone. Still the flames did not budge. This was a strong one, the demon admitted within his own silent thoughts. Few mages could create such a flawless barrier; fewer mages still could withstand the wrath of one of the abyss's Princes. And none have yet to withstand his power. None until now.

The Necromancer's eyes remained locked upon the demon as his wrath was spent in this test of wills. His own authority went unspoken; fearless under the demon's assault. The demon ceased his pacing to stand once more before the Necromancer.

"What is your will master?" the words galled the demon more then the thought of death itself, but he could no longer deny the truth that his captor was indeed a True Master. And the thought of slavery was worse yet a fate then the rent in his pride, but only by service would he be free of it; a service he wished to complete quickly so he could be free once more to plot his own revenge.

"The child," the Necromancer spoke softly; to softly for mortal ears, but the demon heard. "Destroy the child."

With a silent nod, the demon became as shadow, and then vanished. The flames had begun to waver. The Necromancer's will was failing, but calling upon the last reserves of his strength he severed the link before the flames died completely lest the demon return to take vengeance. The echo of silver rang off the stone walls as the chalice rolled across the floor.

=======================================

Centering around it's own PBeM and fantasy community, RealmsQuest has expanded to include other resources for the avid role-player and fantasy lover.

If you are interested in a custom portrait or in our Play By Email game just visit our site for more information.

http://www.realmsquest.com/
http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/realmsquest
http://www.egroups.com/group/realmsquest

DM@realmsquest.com

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Message 2416 of 6724 Reply

Re: RealmsQuest PBEM - part 2 madteuton
(31/M/Keyport, NJ) 7/10/00 3:57 pm
(sigh)

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2415 by realmsquest

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Message 2417 of 6724 Reply

Re: Evil PCs: Why I changed my mind prolixlacuna
7/10/00 6:02 pm
I allow evil PCs in my parties. I like my worlds as realistic as possible. And that means you can't take anything for granted. In my opinion, PCs should take steps to find out about PCs or NPCs who join the party. It's not too difficult to take precautions. If they don't, they deserve whatever they get.

Evil does not mean stupid, but unfortunately, thats how most people play evil PCs. I agree that stupid evil tends to disrupt the game. Stupid evil players tend to use it as an excuse to screw the other PCs as much as possible. This quickly becomes obvious. The other PCs should kill off the stupid evil PC as soon as possible.

A smart evil player can cause a great deal of evil in the world while traveling with a good party. This might be as simple as herding the party towards less "good" tasks. Or by warning the "evil" forces of the party's plans. There is no limit to the things an evil PC can do without it being obvious to the other PCs. Of course, they might find out. But it is a matter of which PC can outwit the other PC. This is fine in my game.

Players that use evil PCs or neutral Thieves to screw the other players are just disruptive. Its also an indication of the player's alignment, not just his character's alignment. But, in my opinion, its still a matter for the other PCs to deal with. The DM's job is to make sure his world moves forward in a realistic manner. PC's actions affect NPCs and the game world. The DM shouldn't worry about how the PCs interact with each other. It's not his job to babysit the PCs.

PL

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2410 by SCA_Bard

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Message 2418 of 6724 Reply

Re: i need help maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 7/10/00 10:14 pm
Exactly! I always punish parties who do not consider each others skills when they make thier characters. No priest=lots of undead. No thief= traps and locks everywhere

Its also important to provide situations where each character's abilities are useful at least once per game IMO

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2407 by shinto_gaijin

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Message 2419 of 6724 Reply

Re: i need help maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 7/10/00 10:19 pm
True, purple worms and basilisks are tough customers. Maybe ghouls for lower level heroes. The point is that the person commented that one character had been brought back from the dead many times. The heroes should face challenges where defeat means death - permenant death.

I agree that evil PCs should be restricted. The only way I'd allow it is for role-play value. Perhaps the character was an assassin, who gave up his trade for the life of an adventurer. But, old habits die hard, and he struggles with his morality. But if the player want an evil character 'so I can do whatever I want' - no. AD&D isn't that kind of game. Go play vampire

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2408 by Jiriki13

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Message 2420 of 6724 Reply

Re: Vampire bait and switch maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 7/10/00 10:22 pm
want a nasty idea? vampire wizards

anti-magic shell is demented in this situation. Lets see, you can't damage them, you can't cast spells on them, they lose thier charm and other natural abilities, but a critter with 18/76 strength that can't be damaged is downright nasty.

Not undefeatable though - the vampire would still be vulnerable to normal fire, and anti magic shell does wear off eventually

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2409 by pirates_life_for_me

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Message 2421 of 6724 Reply

Re: Evil PCs: Why I changed my mind maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 7/10/00 10:27 pm
Actually, I do remember a campaign where having an evil character in the party made for some great role-playing

I had a LG cleric, this other guy had a LE thief. We adventured well, tolerated each other for the most part.

Things got interesting when we began to gain power in the local town we'd been defending. Eventually you had an intense situation, with my cleric on the council, the thief providing pleasures and bribes to the other council members. The characters became political rivals, even trying to sway other party members to our sides in the town.

The DM kept things in control because our adventures generally involved protecting the town. Since both the characters had a vested interest in defending the town, it kept things together

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2410 by SCA_Bard

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Message 2422 of 6724 Reply

Re: Evil PCs: Why I changed my mind shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 7/11/00 4:59 am
While evil PC's pose a problem for some parties, I agree with several statements made on the subject so far .. this is one of my favorites ..

"it's not like it's stamped on their foreheads" .. an intelligent evil (particularly Lawful Evil) PC should have motives that he considers more important than the petty little good deeds that the party takes part in .. and should be able to tolerate the ethics and morals of his peers in order to further his own goals ..

Very rarely in a good adventure does the entire party stick together .. some usually branch off on one sub-plot, while another group heads in another direction .. hopefully to meet somewhere before the end .. whether this is the Paladin knocking on the front door and while the Thief sneaks in the window, or something drastically more diverse, home-brewed adventures should be tailored for the party .. part of the fun of DM'ing

Of course, the same arguement can be made for good PC's in a primarily evil party .. a problem I have encountered ..

"Evil will always triumph, because good is dumb." .. Dark Helmet, Spaceballs, The Movie

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2421 by maddman_75

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Message 2423 of 6724 Reply

Re: Vampire bait and switch Jiriki13
(31/M/Chicago area) 7/11/00 8:26 am
I do have a couple of custom monsters, spells, and magic items that I would give to a fellow DM. If you're interested just email me at Jiriki13@yahoo.com. I do have players that read here so you understand.

Dave (Katinflas "The Masterful")

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2409 by pirates_life_for_me

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Message 2424 of 6724 Reply

Re: Evil PCs: Why I changed my mind mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 7/11/00 11:07 am
Some important considerations which have been missed or hinted at:
I like the example of the LE thief on the town council. The problem is not necessary the EVIL-nell but the CHAOTIC-ness of the 'I wannabe evil so I can do what I want' type of players. In this example (of the LE thief) he/she should have played (and I would as a GM hold them to), not doing anything illegal according to the laws of the town council. (for the most part) lawful anything will uphold the LAWS, however you can get into the Laywer's tactic of upholding the LETTER of the LAW vs. the SPIRIT of the law.
The Lawful good will uphold the letter and spirit of the law (usually), the LE may only uphold the letter of the law.

EVIL to one culture may not be evil to another. You (as a GM) must define a morality which is generally accptable to most in your world. The the evil characters ca define themselves as by which moral codes they choose to disobey.

A large part of the problem, is that modern morality is tied up into many of our laws. It was not this way in the Dark Ages. (Laws of the church were not the laws of the land. Peasants had no rights (or very little). Remember Dragon Heart, the prince was using pesants as target pactice. An evil act but not unLAWFUL, unless the pesants had some basic rights.

A good point was brought up about the EVIl character valuing Friendship to the point of being loyal to the Party. This is plausable. Frindship is not evil, nor good. Loyalty is not evil nor good. In fact some Evil characters use loyalty to build up armies, favors or other perks. I will do you a favor...

Evil does not mean backstabbing, does not mean stealing off of party members. Evil could mean burning down houses, defiling good churches, beating up peasants, kidnaping children for ransom, stealing from villagers...
And can still be loyal to the party (just do not let the Paladin find out it was you.)

Evil in an all good party needs to be subtle. Of course there are great role playing possibilities. Rent or read Dangerous Liasons. The main character sets out to seduce a woman of virture, but first he has to win her confidence, by feining reform, by pretending to be influenced by her virtue to the point that he worships her. Now she (the goog character) is damned if she runs out on him (to get away from the evil character) and damned if she stayes (because old habits die hard).

This is a possible way for an evil character to role-play his way out of being hacked down by the paladin once discovered. HEll, if done right, he could role-play himself into having the paladin protect him from the rest of the group, while beginning the process to reform...

Matt

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2422 by shinto_gaijin

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Message 2425 of 6724 Reply

Maps... dirtydwarf
(31/M/Michigan) 7/11/00 3:52 pm
Anyone know of any site that had the maps to dungeons, caves, dwarven mines, ect that are used in various popular novels?? Like Mithril HAll in R.A. Salvatore's books for example?

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Message 2426 of 6724 Reply

Re: Evil PCs: Why I changed my mind maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 7/12/00 4:07 am
Your absolutely right, and that's what he did. For instance, this was an independant frontier town, legal code not completely defined. He tried to get a slave ring going, which my cleric managed to get outlawed despite his bribes. Once it was outlawed, he abandoned slavery and moved to gambling (our next battlefield)

The evil part of his character wanted maximum profit from minimum effort, thus getting involved in slavery, gambling, etc. The lawful part of him recognized that doing these things illegally was a really bad idea

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2424 by mattbcieri

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Message 2427 of 6724 Reply

Re: Maps... maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 7/12/00 4:09 am
try searching for a site with scans of the Forgotten Realms Atlas - has all those maps. don't know of any specific sites though, T$R tends to be touchy about that stuff

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2425 by dirtydwarf

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Message 2428 of 6724 Reply

Re: i need help thorun09
(27/M/Blue Island) 7/12/00 6:15 pm
I have played most of the above part in that series, taking over the castle and whatnot, and a little below, Trolls with tattoos and so forth. First of all any long running campaign is going to run into problems. I had problems with teamwork on a number of occasions. I have used different tactics to place the PC's lives in that of their allies (other PC). An example is targeting a Paladin with a Hold Spell, Or Chromatic ORB, a 9th level wizard can place a hold on him for some time even with a save. That gives the others a chance to shine. The two thieves need to consider the possibilities of true danger, spice it up with more traps, simple ones, but ones that will get their focus...And possibly a neat trap that disarming involves the both of them at different areas, say each side of a passage or room. I played a wizard, Atam, and I fealt very abused by the players, always complaining for Stoneskins, and then when I needed something the turn backs. Anyways, I would talk to Necromancer and ask what part of the Necromancer excites him or her, truthfully this boxed set isn't really where I think a necromancer should be exploring. All in all, have a general discussion with them on their individual goals, team goals and the like.
If all else fails, place a awesome NPC in there, one that everyone likes. A couple of sessions, have him or her kidnapped. That should cause their consentration to the module, and don't get far off the text, as that can lead to disaster.

Bob

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2404 by wren_the_elven_ranger

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Message 2429 of 6724 Reply

A Rare Thing Calitrojan
7/12/00 7:25 pm
A rare posting from me, the ever endearing DM. I recently lost my entire group to moves and job changes (again!). So I now have a lot of free time to devote to my on-line game. As a DM I enjoy on-line gaming as it gives me a better chance to role-play with a variety of other players... Also I now have the opportunity to live a real life as I only have to create an adventure for every few months, instead of weeks.
What are your feelings on on-line game play... web bbased and e-mail based.

Also recently I read the Swashbuckling issue of Dragon... I have to admit I was not all that impressed with the insights offered, but I do love swashbuckling and will be bringing that into my on-line campaign.... any thoughts on the high seas and daring do of a swashbuckling campaign?

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Message 2430 of 6724 Reply

Comments, Ideas, Suggestions & Critiques Dragonwulf_1
7/12/00 7:47 pm
Any & all comments, ideas, suggestions & critiques welcome. This is a rough draft & still has a lot of bugs in it.

Start with the basic premise that the Deities have either restricted themselves or have been restricted from the Prime Material. They are only allowed to use Avatars with a limited amount of power depending on their rank in the pantheon(s). But instead of just sending an Avatar to the Prime Material when ever they please they must follow certain rules.

To make an Avatar a Deity must impregnate a mortal female (hermaphrodite) of the main race that the Deity watches over. The Avatar must grow as a normal member of the society that it comes from. Once it reaches adulthood then it starts taking on the aspects that it was imbued with. No one will know who or what the child is except there will be a birthmark that only the high priest(ess) of the particular Deity in question will recognize & keep secret (not even the mother will know). The Deity can send visions that the child was born but can not tell where only give vague & cryptic hints. The temple priest(esse)s must find the child to protect it from harm. It will be required of the high priest(ess) to keep the true identity of the child a complete secret. Even the evil Deities will require this. Sure there will always be vague rumors that such children exist, but never will be confirmed.

This way the Deities are as dependent on their worshippers as the worshippers are on them. Before anyone ask what about Goddesses, in my campaign world I consider the Deities to be hermaphrodites & a power that no mortal could fully comprehend in its full glory. Thus the Avatars, which the Deities can use to show a certain sex or not. That is why mortals have their Deities as male, female or hermaphroditic.

Also I will not have the Avatars at the beck & call of the worshippers. The primary reason that they are there is to keep an eye on things for their respective Deities not to bail out the worshippers from every trouble that arises. That is why the secret of their existence must be kept, if an Avatar is destroyed the Deity in question must go through the whole process again to make another Avatar. The Deity must find the right female (hermaphrodite) for the conception, afterwards depending on the race must wait until the child is born & grows up to once again have its presence on the Prime Material. The process cannot be rushed in any way.

(Hope all this makes sense }:~})

Dragonwulf

P.S. I apologize for the long post & any bad grammar in it.

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Message 2431 of 6724 Reply

Re: A Rare Thing pirates_life_for_me
(37/M/Ann Arbor, MI) 7/12/00 11:37 pm
RE Swashbuckling campaign....

Well, talking like a pirate captain helps. So does GMing with a wooden leg. If you want to go all out, a parrot and an eye patch.

More seriously... Reading some books on the early days of sailing and piracy is awful fun (Ok it was for me) and gives some insight to the sea-faring mind. There have been several good fantasy books, my favorite was the Ursela Leguine (sp?) the Earthsea trilogy. She thought out alot on the culture of an archipelligo society. (sp again?) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0553262505/affiniinc/103-1385839-2236647

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2429 by Calitrojan

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Message 2432 of 6724 Reply

Re: Comments, Ideas, Suggestions & Criti mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 7/13/00 12:47 am
This works well if your AVATARS atr to be nothing more than watchers.
If DIETIES play a more prominent part in the world, like in the XENA series, then this is not too good. AVATARS could be like Hurc where he only has one aspect of the origional God's greatness. Rival gods will try to destroy him / her / it. And it could be run like any Hurc or XENA story. Where the other Avataurs to not kill out right (for feer of the others), but defeat (or try to), the Avatar from trying to accomplish a goal.
RUNEQUEST had an Idea on this that I liked. An Avataur could not affect the followers of another, but could grant some awesome abilities to their followers (pased on how well they kept their faith), and the followers could affect the othes.

A good example, A high con, could yield an ammount of 18 Hit points in the chest area. A Thunder bolt (divine magic given to followers in good standing, and dter making the proper sacrifice) will do 3d6. Bacause it is divine it ignorea all ARMOR, SPELLS of protection inless they are also divine, and any attempts to block or dodge (UNLESS the target scores a critical success - must role under 5% of their total chance of success.) And no to hit role is needed because it is divine. NASTY!!!
Id I havean 80% chance to parry this bolt, then I can only successfully parry (Critical success 5% of my 80%) on a role of 4% or less. YIKES!!!
Messing with divine magic is very nasty, 1 good roll will kill instantly if it strikes a major location.

SO it really depends on the function that AVATARS play in your world:

Watchers
combatants (remember that is how Forgotten Realms got messed up)
or non-combatant influences (giving clues, spells, teachings, instructions.)

Matt

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2430 by Dragonwulf_1

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Message 2433 of 6724 Reply

Re: Comments, Ideas, Suggestions & Criti Dragonwulf_1
7/13/00 2:24 am
No, they are not based at all on Hercules & Xena. Yuck :~P Though I do watch the shows it is for entertainment (they gets pretty silly). The gods in those two shows are silly & at best superficial. I actually got the idea that I have from some old posts in this club.

The Avatars are to be as you put "watchers & to be non-combat influences". I should have add that in my description, my apologies. I don't want them to be combative because that would take away from the players that they are the driving force of the saga. A Gods war could happen down the road, though I'm not sure that I really want that. At least not yet, if that is the direction the players wish to take it then maybe, but that is a long time off (maybe a couple of PC generations at least). Only time will tell. This saga is suppose to be about the player characters, not the Deities.

I do like the idea that you suggest about not being able to affect the followers of another only their own. I'll see what I can come up with.

Dragonwulf

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2432 by mattbcieri

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Message 2434 of 6724 Reply

Re: Comments, Ideas, Suggestions & Criti Dragonwulf_1
7/13/00 2:55 am
I'm a little confused on your example that you give for your suggestion.

>> A good example, A high Con., could yield an amount of 18 hp in the chest area. <<

Do you mean they get 18 hp against any one who makes a call shot for their chest?

>> A Thunder bolt (divine magic given to followers in good standing and after making the proper sacrifice) will do 3d6. Because it is divine it ignores all armor & spells of protection unless they are also divine; also any attempts to block or dodge (unless the target scores a critical success - must role under 5% of their total chance of success.). And no to hit roll is needed because it is divine. <<

Would it not be better to give the recipient the equivalent mage spell (or a spell that reflects the Deity in question). I'm not sure about the ignoring armor & spells of protection part, that could be asking for unbalancing the game. Wouldn't a bonus to hit be better that to give an automatic to hit.

>> I'd have an 80% chance to parry this bolt, then I can only successfully parry (critical success 5% of my 80%) on a role of 4% or less. <<

Ok, I admit it this part went entirely over my head. :~b Please explain.

Dragonwulf

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2432 by mattbcieri

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Message 2435 of 6724 Reply

Re: A Rare Thing maddman_75
(25/M/Illinois) 7/13/00 4:10 am
DON'T buy of ships and the sea! The rules are so complicated and involved, I won't use them and I'm a combat & Tactics fan! Also, they are incompatable with C&T, so even if your a wargame freak you'll have to do a lot of conversion. There isn't even any role-playing stuff, ya know, some pirate NPCs, adventure hooks, lost island descriptions, etc. The thing reads like stereo instructions

A much better product is Pirates of the Fallen Stars. Its a FR book, but could easily be used in any world. The rules are quick to use and reasonably realistic. Its out of print, so you;ll have to hunt for it. Viva la Ebay!

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2429 by Calitrojan

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Message 2436 of 6724 Reply

Re: A Rare Thing shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 7/13/00 5:25 am
The trouble with sea-faring campaigns is that darn few people really know anything worthwhile about sailing boats in general, much less about ships appropriate to the timeframe of most D&D settings.

I recommend, as well as reading fiction about sea-faring adventuring and pirates and such, reading as much decent non-fiction as you can put your paws on about the types of ships you want in your campaign and how they were used in combat.

Then comes the D&D twist .. how would ships in an era of magic be different ?? One I can think of is the all-too-common third level mage spell "Fire Ball" (or if you're really lucky, a wand of fire) .. one fire ball can ruin any sailing vessel's day, and if properly aimed or combined with other spells, will probably leave the cargo and crew (if the pirates are into slavery) intact.

Also .. should you develop a separate class "Sailor" (or even sub-classes of Warrior, Mage, Priest, and Rogue ..maybe Marine (Warrior), Sea Mage (Hydromancer??), Specialty Priests to certain Dieties, and (of course) Sailor (Rogue)) .. any of these could be "Pirates" (just as nearly any class can be a land-based outlaw)

There should be NWP's appropriate to seafaring .. some of which should be required of certain classes, and should be required for someone to be considered for certain positions of leadership or authority

You get the idea .. I've put a lot of thought into this (I love sailing and Naval History) but I haven't really put much onto paper ..

It doesn't surprise me that most of the sea-faring supplements out there are very difficult to understand .. putting role-playing out on the high seas throws in a whole new dimension to the game.

Good luck.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2435 by maddman_75

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Message 2437 of 6724 Reply

Re: A Rare Thing pirates_life_for_me
(37/M/Ann Arbor, MI) 7/13/00 12:14 pm
Shinto, good post, but...

A sailing ship is expensive, if I spent all the gold to build one in a magic using setting, wouldn't anti fire protection be purchased too? Actually High level wizards could make a killing adding fish finding magics or GPS type magical maps to wizarded boats.....

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2436 by shinto_gaijin

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Message 2438 of 6724 Reply

Re: A Rare Thing Calitrojan
7/13/00 8:50 pm
Belive it or not, I own Pirates of the Fallen Stars... a throw back to when I cared about the Realms and its working, now I have a fully fleshed out world of my own that seems to live on in my mind, even though my groups seem to be falling apart.

I was thinking more along th elines of more daring - do than sailing of ships, why do swashbuckling campaigns have to take place on a boat?

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2435 by maddman_75

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Message 2439 of 6724 Reply

Re: A Rare Thing Calitrojan
7/13/00 8:55 pm
I love the idea of a marine, as I have resently been reading Steven Pressfield's books... Gates of Fire and Tides of War about the Greeks. Woderful stff if you are a history buff. I admire the way they took on sea warfare... I think I shall develop a marine kit as well as work on a Hydromancer of sorts... Probably won't call it that but it works... Just adding those two elements into my game should help out...

NPC interaction perhaps will bring more of the game towards the daring-do of old Hollywood... maybe an NPC who enjoys swinging from chandeliers and rescuing women from the evil duke step uncle whohas a wooden leg and carries a whip-like rapier...

Oh this gets better every time I think about it.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2436 by shinto_gaijin

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Message 2440 of 6724 Reply

hunting players davesworking
7/14/00 12:20 am
does anyone know of a way to search the clubs for local members I'm trying to find local denver players cause I don't fell up to trying to run an on line game (unless some one can tell me it's really easy)

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Message 2441 of 6724 Reply

Re: Comments, Ideas, RUNEQUEST p1 mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 7/14/00 4:16 am
All the examples you are confused come from a game called RUNEQUEST which was put out by Avalon Hills. It was a rival system to D&D and TSR.
If you are familiar with I.C.E.'s ROLEMASTER you will have a good idea of the differenes between RUNEQUEST and D&D. (about 3/4th of it anyway).

RUNEQUEST is very diffeent from D&D in a lot of ways. There is NO LEVEL in RUNEQUEST.

It is skill based. So your stats and skills add up to a % chance to do something. Since there are no LEVELS in RUNEQUEST advancement is achieved by increasing the % chance to do something. (There are a lot of rules governing this, which I will not get int, for now.)

>Do you mean they get 18 hp against any one who makes a call shot for their chest?<

The CONSTITUTION score determines overall hitpoints and hit points per location. Locations are: head, checst, lower torso, r. arm, l. arm, r. leg, l. leg.

RUNEQUEST can be deadly in the fact that all attachs role a d20 to determine hit locations. (I can dig up the table if you want it). There are very few things which do general hit point damage. The deadliness comes in that if you take full damage to any 2 hit locations you are dead.

So this guy with the 18 in the chest, probably has an 11 in the arms and legs. the general hit points are probably about 24. 18+11 is 29.

I do not remember the rules for called shots, but we never used them. (I can look them up if you wish).

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2434 by Dragonwulf_1

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Message 2442 of 6724 Reply

Re: Comments, Ideas, RUNEQUEST p2 mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 7/14/00 4:17 am
>> A Thunder bolt (divine magic given to followers in good standing and after making the proper sacrifice) will do 3d6. Because it is divine it ignores all armor & spells of protection unless they are also divine; also any attempts to block or dodge (unless the target scores a critical success - must role under 5% of their total chance of success.). And no to hit roll is needed because it is divine. <<

>Would it not be better to give the recipient the equivalent mage spell (or a spell that reflects the Deity in question). I'm not sure about the ignoring armor & spells of protection part, that could be asking for unbalancing the game. Wouldn't a bonus to hit be better that to give an automatic to hit.<

RUNEQUEST has a stat I have never seen in anyother game system POWER. POWER is literally the character's soul. Specific spells can attack this. And characters can sacrifice their POWER to gain DIVINE magic. A related stat is MAGIC POINTS which is your current power. This is what you use to cast any spell (other than divine magic).

There are 3 types of magic in RUNEQUEST, shamen or spirit, Sorcer, and DIVINE.

DIVINE magic is AWESOME. and since it requires such a high cost to het, it is truely powerful and requires no to HIT role. 'To err is human'

Also, depending on your rank in your religious order the DIVINE magic may not come back ever.

The levels are initiate, acolyte, rune-priest, rune-lord.
Initiates can not get divine magei, acolytes loose it when they use it. Rune-priests, and Rune-lords can prey to get it back once they use it.

Everyone in runequest has some magic usually spirit magic. The only way to increase your POW score is to use your magic to overcome another in magic combat. So the standard RUNEQUEST party will cast disrupt spirit magic (1d4) damage to a hit location just before melee to get the chance to increase their POW. This spell works on level comparison and resistance. (once again there is no to hit) but the resistance roll is 50% plus or minus the diffeence between your power and your target's power times 5 percent.

so if you have 12 POW and I have 10 and you ast disrupt at me my chance to resist damage is 40% (50% + (10-12 0r -2)*5%).

I failed to mention that the THUNDER BOLT was given to followers of the STORM GOD. GODS who had influence onver other areas would have spells in their area of influence. SO the SUN GOD would not grant THUNDER BOLTS, but perhapse a SUN SHAFT or similar.

The MAGE spells, are sorcer spells. Sorcers do not usually follow GODS (and there for do not have DIVINE magic), SORCERS deal with sumoning and binding elementals to do their will.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2441 by mattbcieri

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Message 2443 of 6724 Reply

Re: Comments, Ideas, RUNEQUEST p3 mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 7/14/00 4:17 am
>> I'd have an 80% chance to parry this bolt, then I can only successfully parry (critical success 5% of my 80%) on a role of 4% or less. <<

>Ok, I admit it this part went entirely over my head. :~b Please explain.<

RUNEQUEST is lowball! you always want to roll very low. Your ability to do anything is a %. If you work up your attact with a sword up to 80% then you will score a normal success on a dice roll of 80 or less.

There are 2 other sucess categories onther than normal. They are special, and critical.

A special success is when you roll so well, that you roll under 20% of your chance to succede so 20% of 80 is 16. When you swing your sword you have a special success when you roll 16 or less. A special success will ignore some armor (A special success or better on a shield parry is needed to block the incomming damage.)

A critical success is when you roll so well, that you roll under 5% or your chance to succede so 5% of 80 is 4. When you swing your sword you will have a critical sucess when you roll 4 or less. A critical success will ignore ALL armor. (a critica success is needed on a shield parry is needed to block the incomming damege from a critical strike or a DEVINE spell.)

Hope this helps.

if you have any more questions, just ask and I will do my best.

Matt

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2442 by mattbcieri

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Message 2444 of 6724 Reply

Re: hunting players JBurns97
(29/M/Massachusetts) 7/14/00 7:05 pm
One website I know of is http://www.accessdenied.net/
It is a database that you can search to find players.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2440 by davesworking

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Message 2445 of 6724 Reply

Promotion opportunity at the GATEWAY!!! wulfgar_dra_guun
(30/M/Victoria, BC) 7/17/00 11:53 am
BELIEVE IT!! IT'S GROWN... yet there is still room for game masters to promote their sites... check it out! Players are also welcomed. Not just any site is listed... each is judged and has to be of top notch caliber to get on the list. Your time won't be wasted...

http://members.amethyst-alliance.com/arena/index.htm

Writers and Stalkers still needed!

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Message 2446 of 6724 Reply

Hello, I'm a newbie at DMing adamr3365
(15/M/Indianapolis, IN) 7/17/00 8:39 pm
Hello, I'm a new Dm and I need some tips to have a good session. Any help would be appricated. Thanks.

Adam

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Message 2447 of 6724 Reply

Re: Hello, I'm a newbie at DMing mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 7/18/00 10:44 am
What kind of problems / issues are you struggling with currnetly? There is a lot to DM-ing, in fact dragon magazine for the past 20 issues has had a how to column for this called DungeonCraft.
So, with out writing a 300 page article here, it would be helpful knowing where you are having difficulties.

Matt

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2446 by adamr3365

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Message 2448 of 6724 Reply

Some advice thorun09
(27/M/Blue Island) 7/18/00 1:52 pm
I am looking for some advice on how to run efficiently an event at Gencon 2001. I have been purchasing Dwarven Forge Dragon Maze Products for the last few years, and have an awesome idea. I want to run a dungeon hack a tack, sort of say. The idea is to set up the terrain, have pregen warriors, and rumble.
My questions are things like, how do we determine a winner (Last Man Standing or Lady) or (Most kills) etc. Also, I want to limit the view of characters, such as torches illuminating maybe 60 foot of vision, however I wonder how to hide PCs from one another. Maybe a drawn version and pencil in PC's location. Also, what other things would make it funner for my players.

Any and all advice welcome

Thanks,
Soon to be King,
Bob

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Message 2449 of 6724 Reply

Re: Hello, I'm a newbie at DMing madteuton
(31/M/Keyport, NJ) 7/18/00 3:20 pm
Ne'er give a player a break. Try to kill off their PCs at every turn. If a die roll doesn't please you, disregard it (make sure the PCs see you do it though). Make the PCs sweat blood for even the lowliest of prizes! Implement a rule where your traps are undetectable and always fatal. Follow these, young grasshopper, and you are on the road to success ....

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2446 by adamr3365

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Message 2450 of 6724 Reply

Re: Hello, I'm a newbie at DMing Umbratikus
(34/M/Central Ohio) 7/18/00 3:23 pm
I agree with Matt. There are too many issues to cover, however, here are a few general pointers:

1) Get to know your players, their adventuring likes and dislikes, and focus on that in your adventures. In short, give the players what they want, but remember, you can't please everybody all the time.

2) Tailor your adventures to match the classes and levels of the PCs. Give your PC's a chance to use their skills, and don't make adventures too hard or too easy for them.

3) Don't try to pidgeonhole your players into a fixed plotline, even if you think the adventure would be cooler that way. Let them go where they want. There are tricks to keeping the storyline flowing the way you want without forcing it on the players.

4) Have fun. If everyone goes home mad, what was the point?

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2446 by adamr3365

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Message 2451 of 6724 Reply

Re: i need help Umbratikus
(34/M/Central Ohio) 7/18/00 3:40 pm
I think all of us DM's who have been DMing for a long period of time have run into similar situations. Here is something I did last time my party was ready to kill each other off. It worked wonders for me, but it may or may not work for you.

Anyway, I had the PC's stumble upon a cursed artifact. As soon as the item was touched, the characters all switched personas. That is right, each was playing another player's character. The PCs knew two things instinctively. 1) that if one character died, his alter ego would also die and 2) if they were able to destroy the artifact by thowing it in molten lava, then they would revert back to their original personas.

At first I thought this backfired on me because the first response (after yelling at me and calling me names I care not to repeat here) was to start arguing with each other over possessions ("That is my potion in that backpack, in fact, that is my backpack!" etc.), but then cooler heads prevailed and they decided to work together to destroy the artifact so that they could get their characters back. They played well together ever since (whether from the positive experience I placed before them, or from fear of me doing it again, I'm not sure).

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2404 by wren_the_elven_ranger

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Message 2452 of 6724 Reply

Re: Re: I'm a newbie at DMing adamr3365
(15/M/Indianapolis, IN) 7/18/00 3:52 pm
The main problem I'm facing is keeping the story going. The characters are all at weak levels <1-3>. They don't see a point to the plot, and I will admit that it is kind of slow moving, at first, but once they start to play it, it gets better. How can I keep them intrested in the plot?

Adam

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Message 2453 of 6724 Reply

Re: Re: I'm a newbie at DMing madteuton
(31/M/Keyport, NJ) 7/18/00 3:55 pm
Devise little sub-plots to occupy them along the way (quests, errands, encounters ...). These could be made to advance the larger plot in some way as well.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2452 by adamr3365

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Message 2454 of 6724 Reply

Re: Hello, I'm a newbie at DMing pelt5802
7/18/00 4:07 pm
Well Adam my name is Jim and I have been a DM for 15yrs. I wish you could be more specific but I will try to help. Preperation is a BIG thing.Expect the unexpected.If you are playing a module players ALWAYS do something that is not covered in the module. Players will always catch you of guard with their creative minds. The only advice I have for that is not to let them know they caught you of guard and find ways to gently get them back on track for what you have in mind. Never make it obvious that you are steering them in a specific direction. I hope this helps.-Jim-

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2446 by adamr3365

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Message 2455 of 6724 Reply

Re: Re: I'm a newbie at DMing pelt5802
7/18/00 4:31 pm
Well Adam the first three levels are the hardest. You have to pull your puches and save the really cool monsters until the characters are tough enough to handle them. Try a tempory magic item or two to make them stronger. Make memorable villians that they will really hate and have the villian escape a time or two. I promise they will love finally catching up with him. Now if you are in a mean mood try giving the mage in the party a troublesome familiar.(like a fairy dragon). Try a minor curse on someone and then they will have to quest to have it removed. You can also try to encourage roleplaying by offering experience points for staying in character. Players also love a good mystery. Give them a good riddle or even msterious murder to solve. -Jim-

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2452 by adamr3365

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Message 2456 of 6724 Reply

Re: Re: I'm a newbie at DMing mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 7/18/00 11:37 pm
Ah, several good quesztions and answers have been presented so far. I would like to elaborate on a few:

RE: Steering the players to a plot:
Use minor plots, counter plots, sub-plots, and even meaning less plots who's only purpose is to get the players back on track. Like kisd playing ball, and the ball gets lost down a well. Who's gonna go get it? Have one of the kids whine at the PC's to get their ball. That way the PC's can uncovere a scroll, map, severt passage, dead body... or some other clue to get them back on track.

RE: Players like a good mystery: Not always. Sometimes your players just want to beat the living snot out of something (I am usually that way after a bas week at the offfice). Design several encounters in your scenario. Dragon Magazine Article DUNGEON CRAFT has a great idea for this. Several staged encounters whith 3 catagories: 1 ROMP, 2 Chanange, 3 Knock-Down-Drag-Out-Fight.
The article compares these categories to the over all combined level of the party a romp is where the monsters are 1/4 of the PC levels (and are expected to get wiped out without causing the PC's to break a sweat), 2 the challenge is about 1/2 to 3/4 of the PC level. The final battles are the category 3 which is close to or over the total level of the PC's. The atricle also suggested mixxing up these encounters to lead up to the finale battle.

How to hide the players on the battle board:
Dragon magasine article The Role of Modles suggests placing plastic cups over the figures (not letting the players see you set them up, and roll dice for orientation when they move.

I would suggest (if you have time and the effort) to construct a layer of cotton balls on some kind of support or frame (to simulate fog) and keep the players under this blanket while you move them.

my $0.02

Matt

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2455 by pelt5802

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Message 2457 of 6724 Reply

Re: Re: I'm a newbie at DMing blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/19/00 1:46 pm
One of the things that I have found always works is to invite the players to tell you what their characters interests are.

For example, the fighter with a less than stellar strength might be interested in finding a pair of guantlets of ogre kind. How does one find them? If your campaign has mage guilds it is possible that they can go and get them from there. How much is the next aspect, availability etc.

It's also possible that the mage's might want something specific in exchange for the guantlets. (Plot hook)

All of this stems from one character saying that his character could really use a pair of guantlets. How many characters are there and what are their wants. Nobody says that you need to give in to their wants and demands, but they can make for good plot hooks.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2452 by adamr3365

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Message 2458 of 6724 Reply

Out of subject, but need help knightmare6
(23/M/Brooklyn, NY) 7/19/00 2:15 pm
Is anyone here a fan of Transformers and do they know how many episodes there were? Cause some guy is auctioning them off on Amazon and the bids at $10.50 right now, but this guy says there are over 20 VHS tapes. This sounds like bull to me, but does anyone know for sure?

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Message 2459 of 6724 Reply

Bonded Mount JeffS78
(21/M/Schenectady NY) 7/19/00 6:35 pm
Its about that time. My heroes are almost 4th level now, and the Paladin in my campaign is almost ready to receive his bonded mount. I really don't wanna give him the traditional warhorse. I was thinking of like a baby dragon or something, but I was afraid that would be to powerful. But then I got to thinking of some kind of curse, spell, etc to limit his powers and abilities. What do u guys think?? Any ideas on cool bonded mounts would also be helpful. Thanks.

Jeff

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Message 2460 of 6724 Reply

Re: Bonded Mount Dragonwulf_1
7/19/00 8:56 pm
I think if you want to give him a non-standard mount try a Pegasus or a Griffon, they are more suited for a 4th level PC.

There are several reasons I wouldn't give him a Dragon.
1) They are to powerful especially for 4th level.
(I would never give a dragon a curse.)
2) A baby Dragon is to small to carry a human, I think they have to be either young adult or adult to be able to support a rider (have to look it up to be sure which), which leads us back to the 1st reason I gave (even more so).
3) Unless it is an epic quest which also concerns Dragonkind the Dragon will become bored after a while.
4) (This one is my personal opinion as to how I see Dragons.) Dragons are highly intelligent, sentient creatures with big egos. Unless they develop a very special relationship with a specific person or Dragonkind is at peril they will not let anyone use them as a common mount. As for the former; a human life span is just to short for a Dragon to form a meaningful relationship. For the latter unless its the Council of Wyrms setting or Krynn, you probably don't have Dragons in peril.

If you go ahead & give the player a Dragon for a mount remember:
1) Take in account the size & the type of Dragon. The Dragon must be large enough to support the rider. Certain Dragons are more people friendly than others, also consider their alignment in relationship to the PC.
2) How are the people who come in contact with the PC & Dragon going to react. If Dragons are scarce in your world, people might be afraid of them. If the only contact people have had with Dragons are the ones who maraud & kill there will be at a minimum hostility if not an out right desire to kill the Dragon & anyone who is allied with it.
3) Remember you are the DM & that you will be the Dragon's personality. Play the Dragon with certain beliefs, taboos, desires, etc. to keep from destroying game balance. Just because a player wants his PC's mount to do something doesn't mean it has to (remember their intelligence & ego).

Hope this all made sense, if not ask me to clarify & I will try. There are probably people who don't agree with me on these, but they are just my opinions.

Dragonwulf

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2459 by JeffS78

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Message 2461 of 6724 Reply

Re: Bonded Mount orgruff
(32/M/Adelaide, Australia) 7/20/00 12:08 am
I agree with Dragonwulf1, Dragons are way too powerful. I also think that if some of his suggestions were implemented then the Paladin and more increasingly his dragon mount would become the major focus of the game. This might upset some of the other players causing disintrest and game break up.

It would be better to change focus like he said to a pegasus or something, maybe a unicorn if the Paladin is female. Another option might be a huge tiger or Rhinoceros if it would fit into the campaign. Or have a magical mount that the player could wear as a pendant while not actually riding, or maybe a sentient flying carpet. If the unicorn could teleport once a day, or the pegasus could talk, or was blue, then that might be enough for your player to feel his Paladin is very special.

I'd be worried about upsetting game balance if I were to go much further than this.

Orgruff

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2459 by JeffS78

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Message 2462 of 6724 Reply

Re: Bonded Mount shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 7/20/00 4:29 am
I agree that a Paladin's "bonded mount" should be more than your average war horse ..

but a baby dragon .. even a hippogriff, griffon or pegasus .. that's quite a prize, and will unbalance the game significantly (unless your realm is just teeming with flying mounts)

What I have done in the past is make the Paladin's War Horse just as I described it above "more than your average war horse" .. for example ..

Your average "Heavy War Horse" vs. a Paladin's War Horse (only differences are included)
Intelligence: Animal (1) - - - - - Low (5-7)
Alignment: Neutral - - - - - Lawful Good
Armor Class: 7 - - - - - 5
Movement: 15 - - - - - 24 (as a Light War Horse)
Hit Dice (Hit Points): 3+3 (16-17) - - - - - 5+5 (27-28)
THACO: 17 - - - - - 15
Special Attack: none - - - - - ** attacks as a +1 magic weapon vs. evil creatures, +2 vs. undead
Special Defense: none - - - - - ** Paladinaic Prot. from Evil 10' rad.
Morale: Unsteady (5-7) - - - - - ** Fanatic (17-18)

** - only applies when the Paladin and War Horse are fighting within 60 feet of each other.

Other special abilities:
(1) Two-way empathy with the paladin (they both know what each other is feeling about certain circumstances, people, creatures, etc.) when they are within one mile of each other. Also, the War Horse will refuse to leave the Paladin's side if the Paladin is uncertain about entering a building, dungeon, etc. and will make every reasonable (not suicidal) effort to join the Paladin if they are separated and the Paladin begins fearing for his well-being, if they are within range.
(2) Can detect large traps, magic effects, and even when creatures are trying to betray or otherwise deceive the Paladin some of the time (roughly 50%, depending on how well the deception is hidden) when the Paladin is mounted.
(3) Improves the Paladin's ability to turn undead by one level when the Paladin is mounted.
(4) Will only allow riders that the Paladin trusts.

These special abilities make the War Horse special to the Paladin, and as such, the War Horse should be only gained either as the result of, or in the process of, a great quest. These powers (except for the empathy) will not be readily obvious to the Paladin, but will surface as they are needed.

But hey, it's your campaign.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2461 by orgruff

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Message 2463 of 6724 Reply

Re: Bonded Mount Jiriki13
(31/M/Chicago area) 7/20/00 8:59 am
I tend to agree that a dragon is way too powerful and if a character should ever actually befriend a dragon and that dragon decides to travel with the character as his mount this would take quite a long time. By the time this would happen the character would be quite experienced(at least 12th+level)before I would even think about allowing something like this.
I do something similar with paladins, even though they are quite scarce with my group, that shinto does. I reward the paladin with a mount that is hightly intelligent, for animals, and has either some empathic or telepathic link with the paladin. As to which one the mount has is decided randomly. I use a percentage chance for most of the abilities, intelligence, etc. The paladin will usually gain an enhanced heavy warhorse for his first mount. Much of what I do to enhance the horse is similar to shinto. Increased hit dice(THAC0, etc.), intelligence(usually either low or average), and I also extend the paladins powers to the horse depending on situations and proximity between horse and paladin. To decide whether intelligence is low or average I usually will roll percentile and if the roll is more than 80% the horse will have average intelligence. If the horse has low int. he has an empathic link, if average int. he has telepathic link. This link is only with the paladin though. Of course then the horse can understand common is their is a telepathic link.
I also usually give the horse 1-3 minor magical abilities. I used to just roll on the magical effects table for intelligent swords, but recently have made up my own table due to a brand new paladin being played by someone in my group. I also give the bonded mount a 50% know alignment ability. I don't get too many paladins and this one has also just reached fourth level and will be receiving his mount in a session or two.
I wouldn't give a fourth level PC something as grand as a pegasus, unicorn(if female), griffon, hippogriff, or anything that can fly or teleport. Something that I have been thinking about for this new paladin of mine is that as the character gets to a certain level range after gaining his bonded mount that his deity, or a representative of his deity, would transform the mount into something of a grander nature, i.e. pegasus, griffon, asperii, etc., also with some enhanced abilities and hit dice. I haven't exactly thought out at what levels of experience the paladin would become elegible for this kind of upgraded gift yet. Maybe something like between 8-10 levels he can become eligible for the first upgrade, 11-13 a second upgrade, etc. It's just something I'm toying with right now. Of course this all depends on two things; first on if the mount actually survives for this long and if the upgrade will unbalance the campaign or not. It also depends on how well the paladin has role played and lived up to his code and deity beliefs.
That's my two cents. If anyone has any other ideas or criticisms about the upgrade idea I would love to hear them.

Dave

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2461 by orgruff

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Message 2464 of 6724 Reply

Re: Bonded Mount blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/20/00 10:34 am
Why don't you make it specific to his ethos. For example, a Paladin of Neptune/Poseidon would be looking for a kick ass horse, but you could also send him after a hippocampus. Depends on where you are taking your campaign. A sea bound campaign would benefit greatly from this. I'm pretty sure that there isn't an ethos that would try for a dragon. Let me know what god your paladin follows and I can help with some suggestions.

Don't fall into the trap of giving in to a player's wants by thinking that it would be cool to have. A vampire player character is an interesting thought on paper, but not in practice. Be very careful about what you give to the players in that respect. A game that becomes very easy isn't fun, but one that is tough and fair is usually a lot of fun.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2459 by JeffS78

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Message 2465 of 6724 Reply

Re: Hello!!!! blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/20/00 10:49 am
NE as an alignment is very much a control freak haven. If you can't play a manipulative and controlling character this is not a good place for you to be.

The party, for a NE, is there for one reason alone, to do everything that I want done, but don't want to do.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 30 by dragn_lady

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Message 2466 of 6725 Reply

Re: INFRA VISION blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/20/00 11:01 am
It states that a light source removes the capability to see using infravision, even a magical one. Infravision is the method of seeing heat emanations coming off of an object. Objects that are the same ambient temperature (skeletons, tables, chairs, etc.) are invisible under these circumstances.

Are you asking about the second edition infravision, or are you still using the first edition rules?

Jim

This Is a Reply to: Msg 43 by Mortimor_Paladin_of_Tyr

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Message 2467 of 6725 Reply

Re: New player blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/20/00 11:03 am
Belated congratulations and much rejoicing

This Is a Reply to: Msg 46 by dragn_lady

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Message 2468 of 6725 Reply

Re: hows this? blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/20/00 11:09 am
Is there a question in here that I am missing?

Min/maxing is a very poor way, in my opinion, of character creation. In a game that I play in I am playing a priest of Braggi/bard (skills and powers) and his stats are fairly reasonable. When it came time to split the number I ended up with a choice on my charisma. My charisma was a 16 and I split it 14/18 leadership/appearance. This has added an awful lot to the gaming experience as the dm has been playing heavily on the fact that I am at the maximum looks for a human being.

Is this what was in mind with your statement or did I miss the boat entirely?

This Is a Reply to: Msg 50 by Manchot_13

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Message 2469 of 6725 Reply

Re: hows this? blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/20/00 11:14 am
Forgot to add this in to my earlier post.

Don't forget that the various tomes that add to your stats have to be adjusted (in skills and powers). We found a tome of leadership and influence and my priest/bard used it. It gave him a level and one point of charisma. The dm had to come up with a ruling on how it impacted the subabilities. He ruled (appropriately in my mind) that the tome granted a two point boost in my leadership subability. I don't think that the tome should have had an impact on my appearance.

It will also allow you to put minor tomes in that only impact subabilities by one point and have no effect on the main ability. One that comes to mind would be the Alberto's tome of cosmetic improvement (increase appearance by 1)

Thoughts from the top of one head.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 50 by Manchot_13

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Message 2470 of 6725 Reply

Re: Another Spell System Idea blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/20/00 12:37 pm
Why don't you just allow the mage to cast any spell that he has in his book. This gets away from the memorization problems and also the "I didn't memorize feather fall and am I gonna hurt in a second" issue. He/she can still only cast the number of spells that he/she is entitled to, but the spell can be any from the complement.

This will also change what the time is for. The time will be to refer back to his book so that he can refresh the spells that he has already learned, or just to rethink on the spells that he knows to refresh them in his mind (either way he will need time to sit and think).

The downside to this method is that you will have to be very sparing in the spells that you hand out, or careful to hand out only the spells that could be campaign breakers.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 130 by yourcouchpotato

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Message 2471 of 6725 Reply

Re: Dragons blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/20/00 12:57 pm
Problems with the banding together of evil dragons. Who is in charge? It's the same problem with a group of evil pc's.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 138 by Umbratikus

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Message 2472 of 6725 Reply

RE:Bonded Mount JeffS78
(21/M/Schenectady NY) 7/20/00 6:35 pm
Well actually we're playing on my own campaign world. And I didn't really have time to fully map out EVERYTHING about the world. So I created the essentials and we're kind of developing the rest as we move along. Its been working out Wonderful so far. The case of Dragons haven't really been thought out much at all. So far they've been all myth and legend. Nobody has ever seen a dragon (at least to the party's knowledge) As far as the God my Paladin worships. Its a homebrew God. (Goddess actually) She's a novice in the realm of the Gods and this was actually her first world with followers. She created everything was good yadda yadda, but the world turned to anarchy. The Goddess felt the chaos was due to the lack of representation of evil. (Whats good if u don't know evil) So she decided to bestow upon her strongest follower (so she knew he would survive basically) all her knowledge of evil. He became the representation of Evil yadda yadda yadda... but anyways!!! As far as a Mount for the particular Ethos, there isn't really one that stands out. But I do like the idea of "upgrading" the mount as the campaign continues. The mount DEFINATELY is going to be intelligent. If it can't speak, its going to have empath abilities. Thanks for all the great ideas.. I have alot to think about. I knew I could count on you guys!! :)

Jeff

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Message 2473 of 6725 Reply

Optimum number of players? pirates_life_for_me
(37/M/Ann Arbor, MI) 7/20/00 9:58 pm
Just a question for other DM's... What do you consider the min or max number of people you will frp with? Starting a new campaign, have not played in a few years (ok, 5 years) and asked around work and now have six people wanting to play. That is a max for me, I think I would rather have 3 to 4 players, keeps things moving faster, people less bored waiting for their input, etc. What do others think?

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Message 2474 of 6725 Reply

Re: Optimum number of players? Jiriki13
(31/M/Chicago area) 7/20/00 10:37 pm
I actually feel that six people is a maximum group that I would DM. In the past I once DM'd a group that had eleven players. It was a nightmare. This was when I was still a young DM and didn't know any better. The group I DM for know at one time had seven players and that was, IMO, too much. I think that the perfect group is four players strong, but I would allow up to six unless the four were a very good group. Sometimes when you add players it screws up the continuity of the group. Some players get a little out of hand and try to take over the group and steal the enjoyment from the other players. I know, I had one group nearly destroyed by one player.

Dave

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2473 by pirates_life_for_me

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Message 2475 of 6725 Reply

Re: Optimum number of players? mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 7/21/00 12:38 am
I have DM'ed for as few as 1 and as many as 12. In my group I have heard of other DM's runnign groups close to or exceding 20 players.

The real limit on the group size is 2 fold:
1) How much can you handle as a DM?
-- You mist be really well organized to handle over 6 players IMHO. The more disasterous occurance with large groups is that they will split up into smaller (but still effective) groups. You must gave a good time line for events that happen, so that you can judge when 1 group is going way out of sync with another. Group A spends hours searching a ruin, while group B will spend minutes in a fight.)
2) How well do your players cooperate?
--In out group of 12 the glory hogs, rules lawyers, and other undesirables have been ejected. The more the players cooperate, the larger group size will be possible.
--Strict adhearance to rules of declaration, and resolution.
With the larger groups it must be clear hoe declarations and resolutions will be dealt with.
A good rule here, is that all players be prepared with their declarations, and no other player speak to the DM while he/she is asking for a declaration from another player.

hope this helps.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2474 by Jiriki13

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Message 2476 of 6725 Reply

Re: Optimum number of players? shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 7/21/00 5:35 am
I concur that it is a factor of your ability to (1) keep track of the PC's and (2) entertain the players

As for splitting up into smaller (but still effective) groups .. this is less a disaster than a challenge, IMO .. the easiest way I have found to handle it is to excuse one mini-party while you resolve what happens to the other .. it lets them go on a soda run, go out for a smoke, talk strategy, etc. while the other is hack & slashing or sneak & peeking .. then craftily guide the two groups back together

My max is 4 marginally effective players up to 8 great players (if, by some miracle, me and all my old-time gaming friends ever find each other in one place).

I actually prefer smaller groups of newbies or bickerers (if I have to have any) .. they tend to blame someone for their downfall, and that way they have fewer people to blame before they realize that it was their own darn fault.

It may be best to start off in three groups of two, so that you can get a chance to feel out your players and their characters, they get a chance to get to know your style, and realize that they need some help to survive the big bad world you have laid out for them.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2475 by mattbcieri

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Message 2477 of 6725 Reply

Re: Optimum number of players? Vheod_Runechild
7/21/00 9:38 am
Hi, new here.

I find it that a tight group of five or six players works best. You can have them all taking some action in the game and thus no one feels left out.

The one recurrent thing that I've noticed in my games is that there's always the leader types and the followers. And in times, some of the follower types will just sit quietly an don't say or do anything that isn't following the other guys.

Another problem I find with a large group is when people start to miss games. It's Ok to tell, say, three players that the game will be postponed for next week because player 4 didn't make it. But how do you say the same to 10 or 12 players because the last one failed to show? With so many people you have to take into consideration the ones that showed up for the game, and in the long run the ones that didn't show will be left behind and out of the story loop. (And it's a pain to have to use around an hour of game time to recount the events of the last few games to the players that missed it)

But not all is bad with large groups. For one thing, it sure limits the number of NPCs that you'd have to include in a group. Unless by some weird coincidence you have 10 players an not a single one plays a thief. (I once had a group of 6 Fighters and 1 Warrior/cleric. The group lasted until they started to come across a lot of traps.)

Also, the stories involving large groups tend to be different. I mean, with 9 to 12 players you'd have a pretty nice mercenary unit. Or a tight band of Pirates. =)

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2476 by shinto_gaijin

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Message 2478 of 6725 Reply

Re: Bonded Mount Umbratikus
(35/M/Central Ohio) 7/21/00 10:06 am
What's wrong with a paladin's warhorse? I always thought they kicked ass.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2459 by JeffS78

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Message 2479 of 6725 Reply

Re: Bonded Mount blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/21/00 10:15 am
Questions:

1) Give the paladin his warhorse? The acquisition of a bonded mount is supposed to be the central theme of a great quest. Why would you give a paladin his mount?

2) The deity may change the mount into something else? The deity is giving the paladin the vision of his mount to prod him/her into the quest. If the deity wants him/her to have a special mount, the deity would likely show the paladin the image of whatever the deity wants the paladin to have (if a griffin, then the griffin will show up in the paladin's mind with a directional pointer or a sense of great sorrow/evil being done to it, etc.)

Jim

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2463 by Jiriki13

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Message 2480 of 6725 Reply

Re: Re: I'm a newbie at DMing Umbratikus
(35/M/Central Ohio) 7/21/00 10:20 am
No, no, no, no. Don't give low level PC's powerful magic items to keep them from getting bored. Gauntlets of Ogre Power??? At first level??? I guess it depends on the campaign you want to play, but in my book, this is a good way to ruin a good campaign.

The first three levels, while (as someone said) often the most difficult, they can also be the most exciting and rewarding. One reason for this is that they could be slain at any turn. Simply running into a single wandering kobold could spell death for the low of level. Build on this paranoia.

Follow the examples of exciting novels or movies. Keep them from getting bored by fine tuning your adventure to maintain constant threat to the characters. Once they overcome one threat, have another bigger threat present itself. Let the tension build. The threats don't have to be actual threats, just percieved threats.

Did the party recently piss off the local thieve's guild? Is someone following them? Ask them questions often like "who is in back, " or something similar to build paranoia. Ask them to make saving throws for no reason. Become a master of pacing the story so that there are no dry spells. Keep the action moving. When you prepare your adventures, prepare a "bag of tricks" along with it that pertain to the story and that you can throw at the PC's when signs of boredom begin to crop up.

Just a few ideas.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2452 by adamr3365

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Message 2481 of 6725 Reply

Re: Re: I'm a newbie at DMing blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/21/00 10:26 am
Of course, if you hand items out and find out that they don't fit or are game breakers then have the people that the party is irritating with the items hire a thief. Always remember that items are portable.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2480 by Umbratikus

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Message 2482 of 6725 Reply

Re: Optimum number of players? Umbratikus
(35/M/Central Ohio) 7/21/00 10:31 am
I, too, have played with as little as one to as many as 12 players. All of them worked fine. Like others have mentioned, it has to do with the comfort level and ability of the DM, as well as the players. I am currently DMing a party of 2 PCs and that low number tends to create problems now and again. I tend to like about 4 players. That would be my optimum.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2473 by pirates_life_for_me

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Message 2483 of 6725 Reply

Re: Optimum number of players? mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 7/21/00 10:31 am
Yes, larger groups are difficult to coordinate. Our group of 12 plays once every 3 months...

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2477 by Vheod_Runechild

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Message 2484 of 6725 Reply

Re: Bonded Mount Jiriki13
(31/M/Chicago area) 7/21/00 10:40 am
First of all, if I stated that I was going to give the paladin his bonded mount I made a mistake. I make that part of a great quest also.
Second, the part about the deity transforming the mount was meant for when the paladin becomes more experienced (i.e. more prominent within the church ranks)and has shown that he is a devout worshipper(i.e. role played his devotion to the deities' cause well) he will be rewarded by having his current mount be transformed into a more powerful mount(i.e. pegasus, asperii, griffon, etc.). As I stated before, I don't allow a low level character to attain a game/campaign breaking mount, henchman, or follower.

Dave

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2479 by blackbart69c

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Message 2485 of 6725 Reply

Re: Player Creativity blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/21/00 10:53 am
I don't know about anyone else, but with situations like this I find a one sided dice (marble) for wandering monsters to be effective. Also when I award bonus experience I tend to be more generous to the creative. I had a party in the past that had 2 second level fighters, 1 third level thief, 1 third level mage and 1 sixth level cleric. The player playing the cleric was very creative and effective.

The other thing is that I have the dubious honour of killing characters that do stupid things (they call me body count up here). I have managed to kill one player's two favourite characters because of stupid things that he did and he is still playing because he realizes that he has done some stupid things (a fighter/cleric with a high intelligence/wisdom that goes into single combat against a fighter that is twice his level and is specialized in the weapon that he is using even though he has been effectively removed from combat for a long time in a wall of force).

I agree that in order for the fantasy realm to work the reality of death has to happen, however, I do not penalize a creative plan that fails as harshly. I am more likely to fudge the roll to keep the characters alive and retreating if they have tried something creative than if they are standing toe to toe with something they are not equipped to deal with.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 221 by Gatfish

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Message 2486 of 6725 Reply

Re: Does anyone... blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/21/00 12:36 pm
What spell was cast and is the mace magical (if so how strong is the enchantment). What level is the cleric.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 231 by macbeth_of_klamath

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Message 2487 of 6725 Reply

Re: Yikes... blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/21/00 1:00 pm
I think that we will all agree that a critical hit is a critical hit. However, weapons can only do so much damage before breaking. Even ICE uses a weapon damage capability.

It has been recommended that a weapon only do two or three (I forget) times it's damage before breaking and the amount of strength bonus has been reduced as well. It's to stop the fighter with a 19+ strength who is specialized with darts from becoming his own seige engine.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 238 by Pictii

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Message 2488 of 6725 Reply

Re: Yes, but... blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/21/00 1:04 pm
or you could use the running rules. Jogging is twice movement rate. Strength check for next category (3x movement rate). Strength check at minuses (4x movement rate). Strength check at even more minuses (5x movement rate).

Feet don't fail me now.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 249 by Umbratikus

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Message 2489 of 6725 Reply

Re: Right and now a tiger... blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/21/00 1:06 pm
Unless of course you are doing dex checks with those dice in which case the guy rolling the one will pull off an amazing feat of dexterity and outstrip the guy that rolled a 17 (hope he has a dex of 17 or better).

This Is a Reply to: Msg 252 by Pictii

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Message 2490 of 6725 Reply

Re: Wotc, Complete *.* books and Core ru blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/21/00 1:25 pm
Skills and powers (and the spells and magic off shoot) are designed to hone a character to an edge. The creation process is now a point based thing (which of itself is neither good nor evil).

The down side of this process is that you can hoop yourself good and proper. Take a cleric for example, they must buy their spheres and are given a certain amount of points to do it. No two clerics will be the same (finally) and there are now ways of making that even more pronounced. I can make a cleric that is absolutely incredible at healing (buy the healing sphere and the expert healer option) and I could also make it so that I need to have my particular holy symbol (talisman - a free set of points right). The downside is that if I had to overlook a sphere so that I could heal one extra time a day and I need a spell that's in it, too bad. If I have taken talisman and someone takes my holy symbol from me I'm screwed. I can't cast spells for a set period of time while I pray, cleanse and make (that's right, make) a new one.

All in all it makes for interesting characters that have flaws as well as advantages. A character may look nasty to start with, but take him out of his advantage and he is no longer as nasty.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 277 by Danduin_

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Message 2491 of 6725 Reply

Re: Ahhh the evil pc... blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/21/00 1:46 pm
Pictii (what clan are you from)

There are problems with the alignment issue that stem from a much broader base than one guy wanting to play an evil character. If I am evil I want to take charge of the party and will do what I have to to do that. I will poison, browbeat, withhold information, etc. in order to make everyone do what I want. It could be an active thing (where people may be aware of it) or I could be doing things in the background. Either way it is not good for group dynamics. However, an evil person will also see themselves as a superior form and will do things that may get him killed (short life expectancy is the paramount mark of an evil character), i.e. that paladin is a wimp, I don't care if he is 400th level and has a two headed battle axe/holy avenger. I'm gonna take it from him and hang his head on the wall. That's sure to get the whole party killed.

The only way an evil is going to get to hang around is if he doesn't display it.

The ultimate amusement is a true neutral that is played correctly. Let's see, this area is chaotic and evil so I will need to ensure that the balance is kept by acting even more lawful good than the paladin. As the balance shifts back to lawful and good, the neutral shifts over to chaotic and evil (perhaps even going so far as to kill the paladin as the prime example of LG in the area).

A few thoughts and in keeping with the spirit

Pictii Canadiana
"Go carefully"

This Is a Reply to: Msg 282 by Pictii

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Message 2492 of 6725 Reply

Re: weapon spec and other stuff blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/21/00 2:01 pm
I personally think that as they are for combat they should be WP. But that's just me

This Is a Reply to: Msg 311 by Umbratikus

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Message 2493 of 6725 Reply

Re: Identifying Magical Items blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/21/00 4:00 pm
Detect Magic will tell them that it is magical (and the strength of it's enchantment).

Faint, Weak, Medium, Strong, Potent
+1 +2 +3 +4 +5

Identify is a wonderful spell. I would recommend that you don't ever tell a party that they have a luckblade (it contains wishes). Wishes are fun to fulfill in a twisted kind of way (I wish that ...).

This Is a Reply to: Msg 333 by Birdbone

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Message 2494 of 6725 Reply

Re: DM Survey blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/21/00 4:39 pm
I would like to see it please.

Please ship to nodens@pcgeek.net

Jim
"Go Carefully"

This Is a Reply to: Msg 395 by Danduin_

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Message 2495 of 6725 Reply

Re: Magic Resistance blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/21/00 5:08 pm
Is it a spell and do they get a save vs spell?

The answer is yes. Therefore Magic Resistance counts. Now if it was rock to mud on the roof and then dispel magic on the mud, no they would not get a magic resistance against the resulting stone cage that they would be in.

My opinion, anyone else?

Go carefully

This Is a Reply to: Msg 417 by Zancrest

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Message 2496 of 6725 Reply

Re: Good answer, Vesper blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/21/00 5:10 pm
I think that you will find that regardless of conjuration/summoning, if the spell gives a save vs spell it is magic and magic resistance applies.

Conjured creatures don't give a save.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 421 by Umbratikus

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Message 2497 of 6725 Reply

Re: Ummm...Question for the dungeon mast blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/21/00 5:20 pm
Specialty priest of Isis
Specialty priest of Azuz(?)

The specialty priest of Isis is definitely a multi-class priest/mage.

Half-elves, or is that elves, can be multi-class fighter/cleric/mages (I'm doing this without the benefit of "The Book")

There is a god out there that allows a priest to sub in a mage spell for a cleric spell.

Options, depends on how you want to rule it and where you are playing.

Personally I like the option of subbing in a mage spell for a cleric spell.

Anyone else?

This Is a Reply to: Msg 447 by Pictii

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Message 2498 of 6725 Reply

Re: However, blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/21/00 5:29 pm
Personally I believe that "holy warriors" (paladins) should not be limited by their alignment. If you read LG you will see that basically they live in the spirit of the law. That being said could a CE deity have a paladin. Certainly because they are LG in respect to their order, not necessarily the land around them.

Paladins are allowed to have off days and lose their tempers. They don't have to be goody goody all the time. To further extrapolate how does a paladin to a god of war work into a campaign set in an idyllic agrarian area? Peace loving people are likely to set his teeth on edge. It's all a matter of perspective and I think that mine will certainly open up new venues of talking about this subject.

Go carefully

This Is a Reply to: Msg 456 by Umbratikus

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Message 2499 of 6725 Reply

Re: Mass Combat. blackbart69c
(33/M/Calgary, AB) 7/21/00 5:49 pm
The birthright system has a not bad system.

This Is a Reply to: Msg 491 by dirtydwarf

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Message 2500 of 6725 Reply

Re: Optimum number of players? cplchaotic
(29/M/Wheeling, WV) 7/22/00 7:26 am
I usually have 2 or 3 players. I let them play 1 or 2 characters (a habit I brought over from when I played in the Air Force because of a particuarly deadly DM). I have played with up to eight players at one time. It can work, but the more players, the greater the chance of having some nasty personality conflicts.
The Cpl

This Is a Reply to: Msg 2473 by pirates_life_for_me