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Posts
5501-6000
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Message 5501 of 6769 Reply
Re: Different religions questions list dm_jcw
(27/M/Atlanta, GA) 5/7/01 2:41 pm
I think the answer to this question (if you're asking the general DM public)
depends on how closely you want your campaign to parallel Earth history.
As a whole, the religious populace was not very tolerant or open-minded,
so things like "sheep" mentality, inquisitions, holy wars, and witch hunts
were pretty standard and somewhat accepted. If your populace is not as
enlightened as modern day man, than these events might fit in nicely.
My particular campaign which I'm developing (if you're asking a specific
DM public of one--me) has some closed-mindedness. Followers of certain
gods are pretty devout, and skirmishes over belief happen regularly. My
major pantheon (the one that's developed so far) is made up of demi-gods,
some of whom don't even want the adoration or praise that comes with being
a deity. Some of the sects understand that each god has his or her place,
as do their followers, but that still doesn't keep them from thinking
that their deity is the "best" and showing some disdain for others.
5a) Politics
There's always some political maneuverings by the larger church organizations.
Some societies are even run by theocracies.
5b) Daily Life
No more so than religion might play a part today, except in the lives
of priests, acolytes, etc.
Some of the pantheon do intervene in daily life, but in a very covert
way.
5c) 5d) Reactions
No more unusually than you might expect--some have stronger prejudices
than others.
6a) Holy days
I'm still developing a calendar for some of the deities and their celebrations.
6b) Conversions
Some sects more than others.
6c) Holy wars
I have a scenario that I'm developing which involves an abuse of power
by a member (or members) of one sect (or more), which sparks conflict
between several. There are some holy wars in the campaign's history, but
no major ones currently.
6d) Witch Hunts
Sure, again, depends on the sect.
7) Religious Spies
I really like this idea. Some sects employ "political" organizations to
affect their power base; this includes keeping informed of other sects'
actions.
---
I see religion as one of those game aspects which can be as flexible or
as cumbersome as you make it. Sometimes it's important, sometimes it's
not.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5481 by mattbcieri
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Message 5502 of 6769 Reply
Club's Page vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/7/01 9:26 pm
Still working on the Club's Page...have added some new sections to it...Check
it out. Click on the "Founder's Personel Home Page".
If/when any member creates a web page of one or more of the following
topics give me it's URL via my Email and I will put it on the page under
the appropriate heading:
1) Your World.
2) A Favorite Campaign.
3) A Special Topic Collection. (List of magic items, a new race discription
idea, etc)
4) An Article by you on ANY AD&D subject.
So if you wish to share something on a more permenant level then in these
posts then put it on a page and send me its URL.
cyrusredd@acsworld.net
Von Romig
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Message 5503 of 6769 Reply
Re: New Topics Kimball_G
(23/M/Charleston) 5/8/01 8:53 am
1) What type of PC....Well I would have to say that I like to play a rogue/sorcerer
type that stays in the background until it time to collect the booty.
A 'You go first and I be behind you...waaay behind you' character.
Or else I like to play a Dwarven Barbarian type that get easily aggitated
and will quickly take it out on 'eni mini minie YOU!'
2)As an NPC....Bartenders are always fun to play. Also like to play the
Evil NPC that the PC keep running into, but only long enough for her to
say a few quick witted comments, set some baddies against them, and then
dissapear again to only show up somewhere else unexpected.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5460 by vonromig
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Message 5504 of 6769 Reply
Re: The Club's Page krovar1972
(29/M/Peterborough) 5/8/01 9:08 am
Wow! Doing a great job. I'm glad you linked me. I like the Worlds section
of members. This page is for us everyone so enjoy, and participate. This
club is better than any RPG magazine I've ever read cause itis us. Well
except Knights of the Dinner Table. I don't think anyone could top that.
But we are a close second. :)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5492 by vonromig
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Message 5505 of 6769 Reply
Re: Regio sirgrapefellow
(37/M/Portland Oregon) 5/8/01 11:21 am
Thanks for this! I remebered this concept from leafing through an old
Ars Magica book. I couldn't for the life of me remember what it was called
and could find a book that would tell me.
Thanks... already inserted into my world
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5400 by lycantherope_69
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Message 5506 of 6769 Reply
A Mildly Stupid Question lordneodig
(29/M/Hobart, Indiana) 5/8/01 11:31 am
Ok, In various magic items and spells there are references like "This
item gives a +4 enhancement bonus to strength"
Now I just assmued that the bonus applied to the actualy strength score.
IE if you had a 18 strength, you would have a 22 strength if you had that
magic item.
But then I thought that the bonus might apply to the modifyer. 18 strength
gives you a +4 modifyer, so the magic item bonus would be +4, givingyou
a strength modifyer of +8 which woul be an effective strength of 24?
Which is it?
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Message 5507 of 6769 Reply
Re: A Mildly Stupid Question madteuton
(32/M/Keyport, NJ) 5/8/01 12:23 pm
The only stupid question here is the one not asked.
I, too, have always assumed that meant +4 to the actual STR score (18
bumped up to 22).
+4 to the modifier would mean an 8 point jump in STR!
Though that would be great when using spells like Bull's Strength and
Cat's Grace, it's just a tad much.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5506 by lordneodig
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Message 5508 of 6769 Reply
Re: A Mildly Stupid Question vahjra
(28/F/Missouri) 5/8/01 5:32 pm
I am pretty sure it is to the actual score. 18 up to 22
vahjra
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5506 by lordneodig
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Message 5509 of 6769 Reply
Campaign Creation 7-Mystery V vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/8/01 5:40 pm
One of the fun things I enjoy doing is setting up an informant for the
players...(you shouldn't just give them informants, role-play it and the
ongoing interaction between them becomes all that more enjoyable)
Informant Class: An informer, spy, or agent working for, or under the
orders of, the PCs.
The Informant can be any person in the 'know'. From a street-wise kid
to a member of the Thief's Guild. How good they are and how solid their
information is, is determined by who, and what access the informant has
in regard to the question AND the relationship between the PCs and the
informant.
An informer is just someone the PCs know, and suspects to have knowledge
of, or access to, a certain piece of he info. This info can be something
the informer already knows or something that the PCs tells him to keep
his ears open for...If the info desired is not immediately known to the
informer than how long until he gets it (if he can at all) is based on
the type of info and how 'dangerous' the knownledge of having it is. Let's
face it, he's not going to be James Bond in trying to get your info...unless
he is your agent, but that's a different class of informant. An informer
is like the police snitch type.
Some possible informers and how they got that way...
1) The thief or other member of a guild who the PCs caught doing something
against their GUILD. Not the Law, as then you would have to prove it in
court and then the judge would wonder why the PCs didn't give this info
earlier. And if given unanimously they may not believe it or can't find
the guy. BUT the guild has the chance to find him and they deal with 'traitors'
more harshly. And if the informer gives one piece of advice that is even
more that the PCs can hold over him...the guilds don't like snitches either.
2) The street kid, who because of being a kid can be places where info
is discussed and not be suspected or be a runner for the guild. He might
give this info because he idolizes one of the PCs or for money.
3) A friend or family member who happens to be already on the inside of
whatever organization the PCs need info from.
4) The prostitute who has fallin for one of the PCs or for extra money
gives out info from her other 'johns'.
5) From someone in the 'know' who owes the PCs for having saved their
life.
6) A 'Deep Throat' source who keeps his identity a secret and gives the
info to the PCs without being asked. He's doing it for revenge, against
an opponent/rival, or to throw off the PCs from the real path (info wrong
and misleading).
A spy is anyone, even an informer, that the PCs send to investigate an
individual or group. An informer gets info from his own knowledge or by
his own means, under his own choice of other sources...whereas the spy
is told who to spy on and what info specifically to obtain. The private
investigator type.
An agent is sent by the PCs to get any and all info on someone or something
by his own means, and to either relate it back to the PCs or deal with
it in accordance with the PCs motivation; expose, stop, redirect, or elimenate.
The James Bond type.
The spy and agent can be aquired the same way as an informer, but their
relationship is stronger, perhaps having become good friends or an equal
show of respect. They also can be hired. Or selected from a cadre of loyal
servants; From the PC's own 'power base' (homestead, henchmen, guild underling,
or friend); A royal/civil/ military service if the PC is of nobility or
in the armed forces; Or through a friend's 'power base' or service contacts.
A single person can be either an informer, spy, or agent at diferent times,
depending on the circumstances of their involvement each time.
But the how, where, and why of informers, spies, and agents should be
role-played. It gives the backgroung of their relationship and in doing
so the PC can determine the accurracy of any info from this source and
allow the strengthening or des
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Message 5510 of 6769 Reply
Campaign Creation 7-Mystery Va vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/8/01 5:57 pm
Continued...
...It gives the background of their relationship and in doing so the PCs
can determine the accurracy of any info from this source and allow the
strengthening or destruction of the PC-Informant bond.
Just keep in mind what that informant may know or have access to...they
shouldn't become encyclopedias, and their info should not be in glorious
details. Fill it with a hint here and a clue there, and nice little misleading
pieces everywhere...
Just a note; If you have a game going where the PCs are using a VERY reliable
agent to get them info and deal with certain 'problems' then why not start
another, perhaps smaller or single person, game to play the agent and
his help. The PCs in the first game would be the smaller game PC's boss...therefore
what info the agent gives and what action he takes is determined by other
player(s) and not from your imagination...The two groups don't even have
to know what is going on!
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5509 by vonromig
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Message 5511 of 6769 Reply
Dark Humans vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/8/01 7:56 pm
There are Drow and Duergar, both the evil versions of elves and dwarves,
but are there an evil versions of humans?
In my world I have created such a race. but not having the newest 3rd
Ed monster manual I don't know if they came out with one. If not, does
anybody else have some sort of 'Dark Human' in their world?
1) If so, what is the stats and history?
2) If you don't have such a race, what might they be like?
We could create one "By Committee" style. Where each willing member takes
a specific racial stat or trait (and without looking at the other's ideas
and comments) discribe it in detail. Therefore we would create a totally
unique race in a vaccuum, no outside influence. It is my thought that
the Platypus was created this way ;).
If you are interested in joining this venture let me know and I will assign
to you a stat or trait of the 'Dark Human' to detail...the combined results
will go on a page in the Club's page for all to see, all together. (use
the posts or Email me.)
Von Romig
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Message 5512 of 6769 Reply
Attack Cats? tibicen_suavis
5/8/01 8:02 pm
Can a Druid's feline companion flank an enemy and thus give him the +2
bonus? Or are kitties too innocuous to pose enough of a threat?
===
Message 5513 of 6769 Reply
DM Puzzlers vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/8/01 8:11 pm
I have many of these but would like to get everybody involved...
So if you have a puzzle, one of those situations that players put us DMs
into. One that makes you have to think harder then you should, then write
it up in here (numbering them in order...now on #4) It can be an actual
event in one of your games OR from your own imagination.
This way we can get to share our own perspectives...perhaps even learn
of a better or more enjoyable way. We are here to help each other...
Just allow 2-3 days between puzzlers to give everybody a chance to respond...please
take your turn :)
For newer members or as examples: (Or if you wish to give a responce to
the past puzzlers, here they are...)
DM Puzzler #1: Post #5022
DM Puzzler #2: Post #5044
DM Puzzler #3: Post #5288
Thanks,
Von Romig
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Message 5514 of 6769 Reply
Re: Different religions questions list mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 5/8/01 11:25 pm
Hello DM_JCW,
I am putting the question to the DM public as a whole, and I appreciate
everyone who has answered.
You are also right, that this aspect can be as flexible or combersome
as you wish.
I am trying to get a feel for how detailed relogions are in other DM's
campaigns. Even though I use a lot og pantheons there is almost no interaction
between the divine and the PC's. Nor is there any real impact.
I have been considering an aspect of being a good DM is to react to the
players, rahter than force the players in a direction.
Ravenloft has a tendancy to force players, so I am trying to react to
the players for one thing to keep them interested, for another to allow
them to feel some sort of control over their destiny.
The issue with religions came up partly because of a Dragon Magzine article
on creating pantheons.
Because religion has been so flat in my world, my players have hed little
to show any interest in. I am looking for ideas. I will try to introduce
some of them gradually so I can gague the PC's reactions. If they respond
favorably I will expand upon them. If not, then they will go away.
Thank you again for your answers to my post.
Matt
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5501 by dm_jcw
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Message 5515 of 6769 Reply
Re: Dark Humans lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 5/9/01 12:55 am
You know, this question has "land mine" written all over it.....
But, confining the scope of the question strictly to the FRPG environment,
I think we can navigate it.
Two questions leap to mind:
1) Are you thinking about a subterranian race, along the lines of your
examples?
2) Aren't normal humans evil enough already?
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5511 by vonromig
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Message 5516 of 6769 Reply
Re: Dark Humans shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 5/9/01 5:13 am
Humans, in general, in Fantasy RPG's especially, tend to have very fluid
histories, as each generation of humanity is only about 15-25 years from
the next, and with each generation comes new changes, new ideas, new rulers,
new alliances, new feuds, etc., etc.
Elves and Dwarves, on the other hand, have 40-110 years between generations,
so change is much slower, and more likely to be permanent. Once a Dwarf
or Elf clan is outcast, it's a pretty good bet that they will stay that
way for centuries. Humans are a bit more fickle.
Drow and Druegar, in all likelihood, do not consider themselves, as a
society, evil, but rather the ones who drove them underground so many
millenia ago and isolated/excommunicated them from the rest of the world.
Any human clan, country, society, etc. could suffer similar circumstances
if isolated from the rest of society. (Today's "rogue states" are a pretty
good example of this, they consider the rest of the world evil for threatening
them, not the other way around.) But, give those same people two or three
generations of openness and goodwill, and those who were bred to hate
will have died off and those who grew up seeing things as shades of grey,
and not black and white, will be in power.
The "dark humans" could be a cult, who fled to an island, or isolated
valley, etc. to avoid religious or political or social persecution and
prejudice, and have been since cut off from the rest of society for so
long that their habits, morals, etc. are significantly different from
other humans.
As "normal" humans do not have any special racial abilities, I would think
that the same would be true of "dark humans", but it is possible that
they would have different classes, or access to different spells .. maybe
a clan of psions. To balance them out, their different powers and abilities
should be class-related, and not racial.
my 2 fen.
s/g
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5515 by lfnotter
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Message 5517 of 6769 Reply
Re: Dark Humans adaen
(28/M/New Jersey) 5/9/01 9:41 am
I suppose that compared to Elves or Dwarves, humans can be considered
to have fluid histories. Just remember what happened to Yugoslavlia or
the Israel-Palestine situations.
Not that Fantasy has to mimic reality, just food for thought.
Adaen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5516 by shinto_gaijin
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Message 5518 of 6769 Reply
Re: Different religions questions list adaen
(28/M/New Jersey) 5/9/01 9:48 am
I'm going to make the assumption that you have a cleric or druid or paladin
among your party. Tailor-make a quest surrounding them and gradually introduce
more obscure elements of their religion. Make them subtle...things that
might have gone unnoticed unless the PC's had been paying attention. If
your PC's are good. Make the quest center around some Demon or Devil cult.
Go to www.necromancergames.com. They are Orcus afficianados there. Just
a thought. I'm overseas and bored.....so no one flame me.....or maybe
you should....
Adaen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5514 by mattbcieri
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Message 5519 of 6769 Reply
Re: Dark Humans adaen
(28/M/New Jersey) 5/9/01 9:52 am
Personally, I've always felt that that the "Dark races" have been overused.
I mean do the elves, dwarves, and gnomes all have to have evil-darkskinned
outcasts?
Why not haflings? huh?
There are plenty of more interesting races in folklore that could be used.
Adaen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5516 by shinto_gaijin
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Message 5520 of 6769 Reply
Re: Dark Humans adaen
(28/M/New Jersey) 5/9/01 9:59 am
Why not do lots of kinds o humans....like Vikings, and Mongols, and Arabs,
and Celts, and well you get the idea. I'm sure people could come up with
stats, etc. for all sorts of things.
Adaen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5519 by adaen
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Message 5521 of 6769 Reply
Keeping the faith (PCs and religion) SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 5/9/01 11:19 am
Re: Getting your players to show some interest in the pantheons in your
world
I'm assuming there's some benefit in being one of the faithful in your
world? Most PCs aren't interested in RPing the feelings of community or
spiritual fulfilment that are most basic benefits of many religions. Luckily,
in a game world, you can bait the spiritual hook with more tangible rewards
for the faithful.
I love NPCs as an avenue to demonstrate new ideas in a game world. Let's
say the henchman is a devoted worshipper of God X. He swears by the beard
of God X, says prayers in the morning, buys the PCs beers on X's holy
days, or whatever. The PCs laugh at their henchman's odd little quirk.
Maybe a few of them become interested in God X, but I wouldn't bet on
it.
Next time they're in town, arrange things so that they need something
which falls within God X's purview. Maybe he's a god of travel and cartographers,
and they need a map. They trundle over to the temple and peruse the maps
available, all of which are far more than they can afford.
The henchman wanders in. "Henchman!" exclaims the cleric. "Welcome back!
Are these your friends? Did you know this man single-handedly rebuild
the scriptorium as an act of faith? Here, take a map, with our blessings!
And return here if you need any healing."
A few more instances like that, where the advantages of being a known
worshipper of X, Y or Z is made clear, should get your PCs interested
in ho to acquire those advantages for themselves.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5514 by mattbcieri
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Message 5522 of 6769 Reply
Dark Races Evertree
5/9/01 1:25 pm
A thing to remember about humans and demi-humans, is that they were originally
designed to have inherent differences. Elves were almost all CG and lived
in forests, dwarves were almost all LG and prefered to live within stone.
The evil races were goblinoids and other monsters. Goblins couldn't help
but to be evil just as it was an elf's nature to be good. There were class
limitations, racial benefits with weapons and biology for all of the demi-humans.
Elves were perfect sorcerers, dwarves were perfect warriors, and halflings
the perfect thieves.
Humans, on the other hand, were simply unlimited in whatever class they
chose to pursue. They could readily be of any alignment and live in any
environment.
The evil demihumans had to be separate and "fallen" verisons of elves
and dwarves just because of the original nature of elves and dwarves.
Human's have no oruginal nature and don't need any reason to be evil.
In the realms, there are Thayvians who are a nation of evil mages and
there were evil organizations... but there were no inherently evil humans.
It was all personal choice and societal teachings.
In my worlds, humans of different regions and appearances have different
ability bonuses. The cultured elder nation has INT, the huge barbarians
have STR, the friendly merchant people of the heartlands have CHR. Alignment
is there choice, of course, but different areas are attracted to lawful,
chaotic or balancing ways. That's so because the world's balance depends
the balance of people's beliefs. Too much lawfulness and the stagnancy
of ice leads to the world's doom. Too much chaos and the consuming flames
rise again to destroy the world.
But I babble...
E. Gerhen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5516 by shinto_gaijin
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Message 5523 of 6769 Reply
Re: Attack Cats? madteuton
(32/M/Keyport, NJ) 5/9/01 1:43 pm
I think I would allow it. Cats, as they are, do have attacks after all.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5512 by tibicen_suavis
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Message 5524 of 6769 Reply
Re: Dark Races Overused madteuton
(32/M/Keyport, NJ) 5/9/01 1:48 pm
I agree completely, Adaen. I get sick now whenever I run across a PC who
only plays Drow characters. All the dark races are just trite at this
point. Somebody, please do something different already!
Drow decidedly do not exist in my world.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5519 by adaen
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Message 5525 of 6769 Reply
Re: Dark Humans madteuton
(32/M/Keyport, NJ) 5/9/01 2:44 pm
Precisely. There's enough variety (both racially and philosophically)
in humankind already to cover every role we'll every need.
In the campaign I run now, there is a contingent of power-mad sheikhs
(after our own world's Arab types). Sounds like a dark human race to me
(in both complexion and outlook).
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5520 by adaen
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Message 5526 of 6769 Reply
OT email difficulty bansheewolf29
5/9/01 2:45 pm
Anyone else having problems with the posts not reaching their e-mail.
I haven't gotten any e-mails in over 36 hrs.
===
Message 5527 of 6769 Reply
Re: OT email difficulty thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/9/01 3:03 pm
Hi Banshee,
Yes I was having the same problem. I could not even access the newer posts.
I kept getting redirected to the posts list page. By experimentation I
chose to go to the calendar section. I have not signed in to that function
before and as a result had to enter my Username and ID. Thereafter my
browser began to access the newer posts again. I assume I will receive
mail now also.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5526 by bansheewolf29
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Message 5528 of 6769 Reply
Re: Dark Humans dm_jcw
(27/M/Atlanta, GA) 5/9/01 3:20 pm
Several people have mentioned the fact that "dark" races do not necessarily
mean "evil", but more "subterranean." The fact that they have been driven
to a subterranean existence may have caused the race as a whole to have
animosity towards others (which, technically, you could call "evil").
There is, in fact, a race (or two) that seem to fit this subterranean
dark race for humans: Githyanki and Githzerai (see Fiend Folio or AD&D
CR 2.0). They have some societal quirks, but I've always thought they
were cool societies. (And wicked awesome swords...)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5516 by shinto_gaijin
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Message 5529 of 6769 Reply
Re: Dark Humans lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 5/9/01 4:07 pm
I've always been partial to the Morlocks.....
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5528 by dm_jcw
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Message 5530 of 6769 Reply
Please help! phinneas_phogg
(242/M/Teratrin) 5/9/01 4:31 pm
I have two players in my regular group who seem to think that keeping
a secret agenda means keeping it secret even from the Dm... how can the
plot progress when I have no idea what hooks to use on the pc's? Advice?
===
Message 5531 of 6769 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #1 tibicen_suavis
5/9/01 4:48 pm
New member here. It's an old thread, but I thought I'd add my thougths.
It seems to me that the simplest solution is to let them have their companions.
The thing is that you (the DM) get to control those companions! So, if
you really don't want to have the extra NPC's involved in the encounter
with the Giant, then you could determine that they are actually theives
waiting for the right moment to pickpocket the adventurers and ditch the
Giant campaign. So you would simply be using these NPCs to get the party
to the point where they can't turn back.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5022 by vonromig
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Message 5532 of 6769 Reply
Re: Please help! madteuton
(32/M/Keyport, NJ) 5/9/01 5:12 pm
Tell them the must be kept informed of such things without reservation.
Insist. Don't let them continue to get away with it ...
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5530 by phinneas_phogg
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Message 5533 of 6769 Reply
Re: Keeping the faith (PCs and religion) vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/9/01 5:14 pm
You make a very good point on how to involve the PCs in one's pantheon
of gods.
In my world I go just a little further...a cleric can heal, cure, bless,
etc ONLY those of the SAME faith, followers of the same deity. In my view
why would the god Banin heal a worshipper of another god. You can say
to show his compassion and such, thereby the suffering individual would
view Banin in a better light...but change one's faith for it? Iffy. The
cleric can do what is needed if the person in need makes a contribution
to the 'church' of Banin, but for free, no.
This prevents, in my world, the idea that clerics are just Medics.
Each PC has to take in his own god's availablity (knowing where his temples,
shrines and/or holy places are) and thus his choice of deity is more then
the god who has the same alignment or sphere of influence the player wishes
his character to have. If the player has his LG paladin choose the god
Yaquindar; the LG deity of Truth and Justice and his paladin lives in
Aster, where there are no temples to him (Yaquindar is of Malenon) then
his faith is further tested by the lack of support. (And the player would
have to give me a good reason for his character to have chosen a foriegn
deity, other than the fact that clerics and paladins of Yaquindar get
the natural ability of 'Detect Lie').
So more goes into picking which god your character will follow and in
how faithful he will stay on the straight and narrow.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5521 by SCA_Bard
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Message 5534 of 6769 Reply
Re: Dark Humans vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/9/01 5:51 pm
In my world 'Dark Humans' are not even dark or truely human...they were
the failed attempt of Nimias, god of Evil, to create his own race of humans
like those of Omhe The Great Mother. They are almost white and sunlight
causes a painful burning of the skin, sunburn royale!
I don't see the Drow and Duergar as the evil versions of elves and dwarves,
as elves and dwarves can be evil, it would seem redundant. The Drow and
Duergar are a different race altogether, but due to their close similarities
and more evil inclinations to the other races (elves/dwarves) they are
just referred as the Dark whatever...
As far as creating a new human race as in Vikings, Celts, and such, they
are not a different race, but a different social adaptation of the same
race...Such as my Asterians, Malenonians, and Zequixeks are. And my world
is full of beautiful people of color...The Beljareks are like Arabs, Casasseans
are like dark haired slavs, Malenonians are like olive skinned Romans,
Asterians are like blonde nordics, Jhonreaks are like African-Americans,
Nithorinites are like red-headed Irishmen, and Zequixeks are my Nimias
worshipping Babylonians (Persians). And none of these do I consider 'Dark
Humans'...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5529 by lfnotter
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Message 5535 of 6769 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #1 vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/9/01 5:59 pm
A very good possible choice Tibicen...you could even have them all go
there in a fanfair of "Kill the Giant! Kill the Giant!" and at the first
sign of danger...perhaps the Giant's Dire Wolves guarding the entrance,
they turn tail and run..."Forgot I left my stove on.", "Got to get up
early for work.", "I left my GOOD sword at home."
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5531 by tibicen_suavis
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Message 5536 of 6769 Reply
Re: Dark Humans x_zone15
(M/New Ulm, MN) 5/9/01 6:11 pm
Just to clear this up, Githzerai and Githyanki are a race that lives on
the Astral Plane, hardly a good choice for a subterranian race of "Dark
Humans."
Although I gander you could use it for that if you wanted to. The concept
of Dark Humans is rather silly, considering that humans are just as likely
to be evil as they are to be good (perhaps a few more neutral and evil
humans than good). But this is all dependent on your campaign, so I won't
intrude.
X, Darklord of Ravenloft (Destroyer of Worlds, etc., etc.)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5528 by dm_jcw
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Message 5537 of 6769 Reply
Re: Keeping the faith (PCs and religion) caersmane
(F/SLC (but really it's hell)) 5/9/01 6:14 pm
Hi, new here. Been playing d&d for about ten years but my dad played it
all my life. I only made the switch to DMing a couple of years ago.
Wanted to reply to the post about clerics... this is how I've always run
clerics. Makes things a little more challenging. A lot of my new players
don't agree with it but it's one of those subjects I won't discuss. There
is no chance of me changing my mind on this. My older players have gotten
used to it and enjoy the challenge it brings, now. Just my little bit.
caers
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5533 by vonromig
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Message 5538 of 6769 Reply
Re: Please help! vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/9/01 6:23 pm
I agree with Madteuton, and remember that if you don't know it and accept
it, it doesn't happen.
Not even the fact that their two PCs even talked about it. So if they
come up with...
PC #1: "My character does this, while his does that."
You say: "When did you plan this?"
PC#1: "When they were (someplace)."
You say: "Didn't happen then, as I was not aware of it, nor informed of
the conversation's content."
PC #2: "Why would you need to know?"
You say: "Because I'm not only all the gods of this world, but everyone
else...and your meeting could have been spied upon by an NPC and/or what
was said could have been overheard. Even events could have been so that
the meeting never took place."
As many of my players have been good friends outside the game, I am aware
that the chance they may talk about what is happening IN the game is very
likely. Therefore, I simply ask them that if any plans are discussed they
need to just let me know the where, why, and what of them. I will then
most often except it as so...Let's face it, we can not role-play ever
second of the PC's life or it would take just as long to role-play as
real life. So to save game-session time there can be outside discussions
as long as you know ALL the details.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5532 by madteuton
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Message 5539 of 6769 Reply
Re: Dark Races Overused teyindahl
(22/F/Underhill) 5/9/01 6:57 pm
"Drow decidedly do not exist in my world"
Nor mine, although I do have subterranian elves (and they're albino. A
suberranian race with black skin just plain doesn't make sense).
Inherently evil races bother me, so I don't have them - even my "monster"
races aren't inherently evil. Brutish and barbaric and greedy, yes. Evil,
no. Nor do I have inherently good races. I don't have "evil" and "good"
gods, either. I think it makes more sense to have an evil society than
an evil race.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5524 by madteuton
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Message 5540 of 6769 Reply
Re: OT email difficulty lordneodig
(29/M/Hobart, Indiana) 5/9/01 7:51 pm
I've often noticed thatr I'll get 15 or 20 posts from the club in one
club at one time. I wonder if the club mail thingy just dumps once a day
or something.
Joe
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5526 by bansheewolf29
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Message 5541 of 6769 Reply
Re: Please help! thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/9/01 8:39 pm
Hi Phinn,
The DM is also the referee. You are the final word in adjudications. I
do not accept that anything has happened unless it is registered with
me. On rare occasions when I catch wind of it I don't mind if it's everyone
working against me, just wanting to keep secret their plans. That's totally
OK.
If however it is an attempt to gain advantage over another player then
you must be allowed the information and be able to roll or otherwise adjudicate
whatever chance, slim or not there is that they will be spied upon or
whatever. It's only fair to the other player(s)
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5530 by phinneas_phogg
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Message 5542 of 6769 Reply
Re: Dark Races Overused lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 5/9/01 9:03 pm
I tend to agree with you about most drow PCs - but, then again, I started
playing a drow ranger that used two swords about ten minutes after Unearthed
Arcana was released - well before that particular archetype ever saw print.
:) And Angus is still a NPC in one of my campaigns.
I have a standing rule that I'll allow any type of PC, as long as it is
a creative concept. Minotaur paladins, PC vampires, an adolescent steel
dragon, and an undead battlerager have all been PCs in one of my campaigns
or another. The only PC concept I've shot down was a Kercpa. Then again,
the player was an idiot, so that may have biased me....
So, while I do generally agree with you, I think there are still intelligent,
creative, and original character concepts lurking in the depths of the
(admittedly) overused drow.
Then again, it is true that making the drow different is your job...
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5524 by madteuton
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Message 5543 of 6769 Reply
Re: Dark Humans thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/9/01 10:09 pm
If you mean dark skinned as Drow and Druegar are supposed to be, I enjoy
over-turning these stereo-types by presenting them as rare to the world
of white humans, elves, what-have-you (Who have their own racial issues).
Depending on where you go, the different humanoid races may range anywhere
from friendly to feuding. If heavy monster opposition exists I see all
humanoids fighting a common enemy and throwing down (for now) their prejudice.
When the monsters are all dead I think they begin to look at their differences
again. Maybe folks in emerging societies need to have someone to look
down on.
In most cases including Drow and Druegar people aren't really at all what
the superstitious and racists have painted them to be. Some claims of
loss at their hands are correct (evil Drow are actually the most likely
to venture into the white-lands in my world) but many stories are simply
re-tellings of lies and half-truths. Similar to the theory that many sea-monster
stories may have been designed to cover incompetence and failure on the
part of sea captains. I reflect a world where I give due to the possibility
that these races keep to themselves because of the prejudice and ignorance
propagated mainly because they are dark in color and so many euphemisms
exist for darkness being evil and light being good. In my world the dark
humanoids have failed to grow larger in population for the same reasons.
One group of Black Drow were bested by my 1st generation characters who
felt none of these prejudices (being from the future) and treated them
as valued allies, tempting them into service by giving them loyalty and
a fair wage including magic treasure. They came to find the Drow to be
neutral in alignment but also highly lawful and honorable. These Drow
became the "Blood guard" and most loyal of their followers even more so
than some of their offspring turned out to be.....
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5528 by dm_jcw
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Message 5544 of 6769 Reply
OT search for websites bansheewolf29
5/10/01 10:29 am
I could use a little help from all my knowlegeable brothers and sisters.
Work is excruciatingly boring and I was wondering if anyone knew of any
sites with readable online RPG fantasy fiction.
(:
====
Message 5545 of 6769 Reply
Re: OT search for websites skid5212000
(M/Charlotte, NC) 5/10/01 10:57 am
Try the Story Hours on the message board at http://www.rpgplanet.com/dnd3e/.
Steve
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5544 by bansheewolf29
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Message 5546 of 6769 Reply
Re: Fate and Rote Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/10/01 1:30 pm
I disagree. I think a person's religious faith may come about as the result
of rote, but I think it is unfair to say all faith is rote. Pure faith,
and I know we are getting off subject here, but pure faith is the belief
in something without needing proof. I have faith that my baby daughter
loves me deeply, and will continue to do so as she gets older, and I require
no proof of that. In and of itself, this is independent of rote. We are
really discussing semantics here.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5484 by thrandorian
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Message 5547 of 6769 Reply
Re: Dark Humans Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/10/01 1:53 pm
<>
Grimlocks. 1st Editon Fiend Folio.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5511 by vonromig
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Message 5548 of 6769 Reply
Re: Different religions questions list Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/10/01 2:42 pm
Each religion in my world is different from the other, sometimes vastly
different. They are not just cookie cutter institutions with {INSERT GOD
NAME HERE}. Different religions have different philosophies, abilities,
hierarchies, etc.
1) Do the religions in your world encourage "sheep" mentality or thinking
and questioning the faith?
Both, depending on the religion. The religions that have a large peasant
following tend to be sheeplike.
2) How tolerant are the religions in your world of non-opposite religions?
Again, this depends on the religion. In general, if the tenets of one
faith do not openly conflict with another, the two churches will have
good relations. Most religions in my world accept the existence of a pantheon
of gods, and therefore are not very "our way is the only way" minded.
Also, if certain deities are known to be allies, chances are the churches
will be allies.
Also, in my world, there isn't necessarily only one religion per deity.
Some deities may have different sects, cults, and even different mainstream
orders that may differ in some philosophies and administrative issues.
Most of your other questions can be answered with the same phrase: "Depends
on the religion."
In general, religion plays a moderately large role in my campaign, and
when the players really get into it, it is a great deal of fun. It is
really differences in philosophy, and application of those differences.
This is one reason why I like the Planescape campaign so much.
7) Are there pretenders, spies, etc in the religions? An agent from another
religion infiltrating the church to spy on them?
Yes. There are also internal power struggles and other political issues.
In my world, all priests are not necessarily spellcasters, so it isn't
always easy to weed out the unrighteous from the righteous.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5481 by mattbcieri
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Message 5549 of 6769 Reply
Ring of Twitches madteuton
(32/M/Keyport, NJ) 5/10/01 4:57 pm
Here's a curs'd item I will introducing into my next gaming session. I'm
open to twitch ... I mean, tweaking.
The Ring of Twitches
This simple-looking silver band gives off a faint protection dweomer.
Further successful detecting might also indicate a transmutation dweomer.
Once slipped on, this ring will bestow a +1 protection bonus to the wearer's
AC. Its secondary, more difficult to detect function will not become apparent
until the next time the wearer attempts to cast an arcane spell that requires
a somatic component.
Once the spell-caster begins casting a spell of this type, the ring's
curse is activated. The wearer's hand will twitch and jerk during spell-casting,
and unless the caster makes a successful Concentration check vs. a DC
of 10 + the spell's level, the spell s/he is attempting to cast will be
ruined and lost.
The ring can only be removed from the wearer's finger after a cleric of
at least 6th level casts Remove Curse on it.
===
Message 5550 of 6769 Reply
Re: OT search for websites angelsboi21
5/10/01 6:15 pm
Hi my name is Angelsboi on the site that the link says. Right now, the
site is down but my story is A Light In The Darke. Chapter 1 just finished
up 'Gatherings of War' and now tonight i run A Light In The Darke - Chapter
2
please check it out =)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5545 by skid5212000
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Message 5551 of 6769 Reply
Re: Ring of Twitches vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/10/01 7:09 pm
I love it...cool curse!
My tweaking would be that when the magic-user starts a spell that would
activate the curse have his whole body twitch, and then for hours per
spell level after, he has momentary twitching fits...perhaps to hide the
source of the curse.
Even further, have a local ol'timer-NPC, who thinks he's a know-it-all,
say something like, 'Your friend seems to be suffering from the Shaking
Fever. An aliment I've come across when I was young, and adventuring in
the (location here). It was when me and Althorn was...'
A curse only gets better when the players don't think it is one...otherwise
they only try to have it removed. By not knowing, it lasts longer and
most times seek the wrong cure. Affecting the cursed PC as they continue
the 'mission'.
Just my two copper pieces...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5549 by madteuton
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Message 5552 of 6769 Reply
Re: Fate and Rote thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/11/01 6:06 am
I have to say that it seems like people want to take a statement and make
it out to be an absolute. Of course to say anything is "Always" is probably
wrong.
However Umb, I think you made the opposite point when you said:
"I have faith that my baby daughter loves me deeply, and will continue
to do so as she gets older, and I require no proof of that."
I bet you do get proof of her love daily and it comes in the form of happy
looks and (depending on her age) "I love you daddy's, hugs, kisses etc.
Most psychologists would agree that without some reinforcement that mothers,
fathers, children, do not feel secure without testimony and a history
of acts of love/loyalty/protection. If mommy gets all the love, daddy
feels unloved and in some cases it goes the other way. There are so many
examples of this I feel no need to elaborate.
I would say some of your belief in your daughters love is "faith-based"
especially regarding what the future may bring, however you must get solid,
undeniable evidence of her love don't you?
Go away for a few years, don't contact her and then you will have only
"Faith" to rely on. As it stands you lucky devil, you have all the proof
you need right there where you can hug it!
I have a 9 year old daughter. She leaves no question at all requiring
faith in her feelings. She makes them very clear on a regular basis. I
bet boys require more faith though. They don't act like they like anybody.
LOL
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5546 by Umbratikus
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Message 5553 of 6769 Reply
Trouble viewing recent messages... Kimball_G
(23/M/Charleston) 5/11/01 7:44 am
I have been unable to view any messages beyond 5547?
===
Message 5554 of 6769 Reply
Re: Trouble viewing recent messages... pirates_life_for_me
(37/M/Ann Arbor, MI) 5/11/01 9:47 am
I have had trouble since Yahoo had it's problems the other day, sometimes
I can only see the first 44 messages in a group.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5553 by Kimball_G
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Message 5555 of 6769 Reply
Re: Ring of Twitches sirgrapefellow
(37/M/Portland Oregon) 5/11/01 10:34 am
I know just the wizard to give this to thanks!
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5549 by madteuton
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Message 5556 of 6769 Reply
DM Questions 3rd Edition Range modifier? pirates_life_for_me
(37/M/Ann Arbor, MI) 5/11/01 11:53 am
Ok, I looked yesterday while playing and could not find it, where are
the DC mods listed for Ranged weapons. A longbow hass 100 ft range increment,
at 101 feet, what is the minus? At 201 feet what is the minus? I thought
I remembered reading -2 and -5 but I can't seem to remember where. Is
it in the PHB? DMG?
Don
===
Message 5557 of 6769 Reply
Re: DM Questions 3rd Edition Range modif Calitrojan
5/11/01 12:17 pm
Each range increment causes a cumulative -2 penalty to the attack roll.
A thrown weapon has a max of 5 range increments and a mechanical device
(bow, x-bow) has a max of 10 range increments. This is on Page 97 of the
PHB under range increment. It is also in the combat section, but one reference
should be enough.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5556 by pirates_life_for_me
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Message 5558 of 6769 Reply
maps vahjra
(28/F/Missouri) 5/11/01 1:02 pm
I finally got a PC at home and can now make maps. any suggestions as to
WHERE i can go to make maps? they dont have to be too nice, just some
basic dungeons or terrain.
vahjra
===
Message 5559 of 6769 Reply
Re: DM Questions 3rd Edition Range modif pirates_life_for_me
(37/M/Ann Arbor, MI) 5/11/01 1:06 pm
Thank you sir!
You would think someone would have put it on the DM's screen they sell
for 3rd Edition.
Don
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5557 by Calitrojan
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Message 5560 of 6769 Reply
Re: Ring of Twitches Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/11/01 2:52 pm
Sounds cool, but you might want to make a list of the bearer's spells
that have a somatic component, so you don't have to looke each spell up
during game-time.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5549 by madteuton
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Message 5561 of 6769 Reply
Re: Fate and Rote Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/11/01 3:00 pm
Okay, bad example on my part, but I still think my point is valid. Faith
does not have exist solely because of Rote. Is your faith in God more
than just what you have been taught by parents/religious leaders? (That
is meant to be rhetorical, BTW. No need to answer that here).
Umbratikus.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5552 by thrandorian
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Message 5562 of 6769 Reply
Re: Trouble viewing recent messages... Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/11/01 3:04 pm
I'm having trouble too. I think many of us are. I have been able to bypass
this by typing the message number I was going to directly in the "Go"
box (sometimes twice). I think the Yahoo server that this message board
is located on is getting a lot of hits. I think Yahoo needs to buy some
more servers.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5553 by Kimball_G
===
Message 5563 of 6769 Reply
Re: maps Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/11/01 3:14 pm
Your best bet, if you want to take the time to learn the software and
don't mind shelling out the bucks, is Profantasy's Campaign Cartographer
2 (http://www.profantasy.com/)
The Irony Games website has some good "free" online map generating tools,
too. (http://www.irony.com/webtools)
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5558 by vahjra
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Message 5564 of 6769 Reply
too much magic? Evertree
5/11/01 9:24 pm
Do you think the pre-made adventures around give away too many magic items?
I Dm'd a one shot little adventure this weekend including 3 dungeon magazine
"Side Trek" adventures. I didn't modify much except to change it all to
3E... it was just a one shot, after all.
The party ended up with a +1/+4 sword (evil), a power necromantic necklace
of armor, and a tower sprinkled with cursed or twisted magical items.
The last side trek had no treasure, but you had to have enchanted blades
to succeed.
I do remember gaming my own NPC's through pre-made adventures, and they
end up with more crap thab they could ever use. Non-lawful characters
seem to gather power around them at a remarkable speed.
Gerhen
===
Message 5565 of 6769 Reply
Re: too much magic? vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/11/01 11:06 pm
Yes, very much so!
In an article in Dragon Magazine many years ago they discussed this very
thing. The author, after his research, claimed that the reason for it
was; 1) The module's designers don't expect the PCs to find everything.
2) The magic items are 'only' suggested possiblities. 3) Some of them
are needed to complete the adventure successfully. 4) The more powerful
items will be needed to survive the next module in it's series. 5) Almost
all of them have a disclaimer somewhere in its package stating for the
DM to read through the module first and remove unwanted magical items
(as well as lowering or increasing the monsters' power/numbers, and to
fimilarize yourself with the overall story).
Of course that was back in the late '80s...the last time I got a module
(and Dragon Mag) and they may have changed, but it sounds like they didn't.
Note: One other thing I noticed was that magic items were either placed
in a position that the item would be very useful in getting it ( a Ring
of Water Breathing at the bottom of a deep pool or Cloak of Fire Resistence
on the other side of the lava pit) or in the room just before it would
be useful. Out of any real logical place, IMO.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5564 by Evertree
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Message 5566 of 6769 Reply
This is my god... vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/11/01 11:15 pm
Since we have resently been discussing the gods of our worlds and why
or how the PCs and the rest of our world's population views them...What
if a new player came to the game as a cleric and wanted to use a past
PC of his, including his god?
Of course, after deleting the two pages of magic items, that +4 Holy Mace,
and his pet copper dragon...would you let him keep the PC's god, Crom?
Von Romig
===
Message 5567 of 6769 Reply
Re: This is my god... Evertree
5/11/01 11:50 pm
"What if a new player came to the game as a cleric and wanted to use a
past PC of his, including his god?"
I wish more players would think that way!
I wonder how many clerics of Pelor there are in the 3E games? The gods
are soooooo boring in the PHB. I created 2 clerics for a game where I'm
a player, neither of them worship a known god.
-Domains Death & Strength, LN Fighter/Cleric mix. God? Possibly Druss
the Legend, Deathwalker, the Silver Slayer, Captain of the Ax from the
Drenai Saga (where he died as a legendary human hero).
-Domains Healing & Death, NG Cleric only. His holy symbol is a dragon
and a skeletal dragon each consuming the other's tail, sort of like yin-yang
symbol. God? The cycle of life and death. The Tao? the Force, Luke!
I could imagine a character worshipping a character who did great feats
like Raistlin. If you knew who Druss was, you'd think he ascended at his
death.
E.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5566 by vonromig
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Message 5568 of 6769 Reply
Re: This is my god... lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 5/12/01 2:47 am
Sure - the version of Crom in my campaign. If he worshipped a different
Crom, he'd just have to convert.
One of the PCs IMC is a cleric of Crom, but I doubt that her god would
have granted munchkin-boy a pet copper dragon. Her Crom would have watched
as the dragon rebelled against the presumptuous little shaved monkey and
laughed as the dragon had grilled munchkin for dinner.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5566 by vonromig
====
Message 5569 of 6769 Reply
Re: Different religions questions list sneakabout2
(M/Faerun) 5/12/01 5:44 am
1) In my worlds then the priesthood TRY to encourage sheep mentality.
However, they mostly have people who truly believe.
2) Think about this - how does a god of PEACE justify fighting against
ANYBODY. The priests of peace pray for the war priest's souls and the
war priests don't care about the peace religion because they appear to
be weak.
3) Religons don't LIKE each other but they can't really do anything but
deny help. Planar politics makes sure that no one just trys to kill everyone
else as then it would be a free day on the planes. Think the Blood War
*10. Sometimes refusing help can be against their religion - a priest
of healing and life won't stand back and let someone die even if they
are a priest of war.
4) In roleplay then I don't tend to get muc interference - religion is
downplayed in my campaign and clerics are all nondenominationspecific.
5) See 4
6) I throw in a couple of customs but otherwise the PC ignore it. Conversions
aren't much of an issue but there is one BIG holy war going on but most
peple don't realise that its happening - Dark elves as half-demon demon-worshipping
fanatics who want to set all their friends free. Lots of infiltration
but only by dark elves.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5481 by mattbcieri
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Message 5570 of 6769 Reply
Campaign Creation 8- Overview vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/12/01 11:48 am
For the rest of this series we will be working the campaign and throughout
it don't even consider the players nor their characters. They will be
discussed last, under the ironic title of 'Beginnings'. Since you may
not even know what type of players or class of PCs will be doing your
campaign, to try and second guess their courses of action will only lead
you to overwork those areas and possibly not the ones that they will actually
take.
Now that we have talked about HOW the PCs may find clues and solve puzzles
the DM has a better understanding of what is needed in the campaign make-up
to facilitate these. But keep in mind that this is AD&D and NOT 'Sherlock
Holmes Role-Playing'. So have puzzles galore, but don't let it overpower
the adventures.
As most of the clues and DM hints should lead to adventures and not just
more puzzles. And even though on paper the campaign may look extremely
complex, a true mind boggler, and huge in its scope you would be surprised
by the amount of data you have that is never used...bypassed by the intelligence
and style of the Players. But it still needs to be there because in the
making of the campaign you have no idea which path the PCs will take,
and even the clues and such that they will ignore.
DO NOT try and force the PCs to 'open' every avenue (link) you have created,
solve every puzzle, nor meet every NPC listed. This will not only slow
the game but take away the PC's freewill, it could even confuse them to
a standstill (especially if you have created a masterpiece of a storyline).
Also take note that you, as the DM, really isn't an all-knowing deity
and the PCs (players) may take the info discovered and do something completely
logical with it that you did not think of...whether this takes them way
off your designed course or bypasses steps in the flow chart. This path
may lead to NPCs that you don't have fleshed out or concepts not explored
and connected by you. Don't just put a roadblock up, instead wing-it until
you can rework the present path back into the storline after the session.
And even use their reasoning for that path (with your own twist) to put
them back into your storyline. It will make you seem omnipotent to the
players if it looks as though no matter what they do, you have it covered.
NEVER tell them their off course, NEVER tell them you didn't think of
this or that, and NEVER let them see you sweat :)
Von Romig
===
Message 5571 of 6769 Reply
Campaign Creation 9- Plot Ideas vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/12/01 3:30 pm
The Plot is the overall story in short-form. And the first thing the DM
needs to invent. Ideas can come from movies, books, TV shows, magazine
articles, newspapers, etc and can be a combination of two or more such
plots together. As the Plot is not the whole story it may be easier than
creating the storyline to fit it.
Here are some examples...
#1) A young prince wishes to take early control of the kingdom by backing
a rebel force against his father.
#2) The Merchant Guild joins with the Black Company Mercenary Corp to
stop the Orion Hill bandits raiding the caravans.
#3) A small time thief discovers an ancient, powerful artifact that gives
him god-like abilities which he uses to seek revenge against his homeland
that exiled him.
#4) A plague is ravishing the eastern kingdoms and a western empire wants
to use this chance to invade...so both are seeking protection from the
disease in the Tome of Rakiscis, which is lost.
And you can come up with millions of others, but notice one thing, the
Plot is direct, short, and just the base line to the events that are to
unfold in the story. The reason for keeping your intitial Plot so, is
to simplify the storyline's direction at first. Only after it gets moving
in your head while creating it does the plot expand and the storyline
grow. Also, due to the overwelming numbers of plots and the chance to
mix them together to get a more complex storline the simpler the plots
the easiler it is to mix them at the top level.
So the first thing to do is find the Plot that best suits your choice
of Campaign Type and Style (mentioned earlier). After you have this in
your head, work it and rework it until you have found the most unique
storyline to follow. Don't always go with the first Plot or the first
storyline... who knows, two weeks down the road a better one jumps to
mind. Therefore, keep track of any such plots and storylines at all times,
even if starting a previously made campaign. You could very well come
up with your next great campaign half way through the one you're playing
now and during a family reunion in Nantucket :)
Always keep your mind open for the plot ideas...
And if any members wish to make up a list of his/her own plot ideas to
share with us...great!
Von Romig
====
Message 5572 of 6769 Reply
Campaign Creation 10- The Plot vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/12/01 8:34 pm
Once you have the most awesome plot(s) to work with, next we must fill
in the minor details to it before moving unto the storyline. This involves
namimg the major NPCs, places, and things (artifacts, relics, etc), in
other words, placing it in your world. (As most plots I came up with are
not based on anything already in my world. Trying to use specific characters,
locations, and items seem to limit the imagination of creating plots),
AND overlaying multiple plots, and sub-plots generated from the main plot.
Here are the example plots I chose...
1) A young prince wishes to gain control of the kingdom early by joining
with a rebel group to overthrow his father.
2)The Merchant Guild joins with the Black Company Mercenary Corp to stop
the Orion Hill bandits from raiding the caravans.
Now join them together...
>> The young prince secretly joins the Orion Hill bandits and once hearing
of the Merchant Guild and Black Company's involvement cancels their license
in the kingdom. The Guild and Black Company 'declares war' on the prince
who then uses that excuse to rally for support against the weak King.
Now we place it into our world...
>>The Prince of Alor, Balquindar, joins the Orion Hill bandits of Resia
Province and upon hearing of the Milante Merchant Emporium and Black Company's
involvement cancels their Ashanite Charter to Alor. The Emporium and Black
Company 'declares war' on Balquindar, who uses this to rally support against
his father, King Egwyndar II.
Now throw in the sub-plots (in your world)...
1) With a few key set-ups the Emporium is connected to the Feather-On-The-Wind
Thief's Guild and the Black Company is accused of attempting to assassinate
the prince...This places the majority of the population on the prince's
side, as well as the other Merchant Guilds.
2) The King, Egwyndar, learns of his son's involvement with the bandits
and disowns him. He also send forth the Royal Guard to hunt the prince
down and attack the Black Company...further alienating the people of Alor.
3) The neighboring kingdom of Aster sends supplies, money, and trust-worthy
troops to the King's aid causing full scale rebellion.
NOW we have something to work with for a storyline. And the scope is very
large, enabling the DM to create many levels of NPCs, from the bottom
(thieves, bandits, Asterian Stormtroopers, etc) to the top (The king,
prince, Black Company Captain, etc)...just realize that even though the
plot and sub-plots seems open to you, the PCs and general public doesn't
know what's going on up top, their is no CNN ;) All the rest of the people,
including the PCs will 'see' are rumors of this and that, troops moving
here and there, merchants either harrassed (Emporium) or overloaded to
meet demand (other Guilds), raids increasing from bandits, and eventually
the choice of following a prince fighting the Thief's Guild or the King,
with foriegn mercenaries, fighting the merchants???
Now as you take each element of these plots and expand them, showing what
the participants are doing when, where, and how, and then what their underlings
are doing, and what the underling's underlings are doing and so forth
and so on...The PLOT THICKENS (when you are a PC looking at it from the
ground up!)
So when making up your plot keep these rules of thumb in mind:
1) Create the Plot separate, place it in your world afterwards...opens
up the imagination.
2) Insure that the Plot is large in scope, dealing with high powered and/or
leveled characters and groups. A Campaign is not about Billy stealing
a cookie from the corner store.
3) Use sub-Plots to expand the main Plot to increase the scope and complexity.
(Just think of what the outsiders to the main Plot would do in reaction,
to get your sub-Plots)
Von Romig
===
Message 5573 of 6769 Reply
Sorry... vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/12/01 9:23 pm
I have checked my Email and can see 12 messages for me, but can not enter
my inbox to read them. It seems that my server, ACSWorld, is having technical
difficulties after moving into their new building...So if you have sent
me anything regarding a URL to enter a Campaign, World, Magic-Item, or
an Article in the Club's Page please be patient or write the URL in a
Post.
Sorry.
Von Romig
===
Message 5574 of 6769 Reply
IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!!!!! Naz_Pierce
(19/M/Anywhere but here.) 5/12/01 11:23 pm
IMPORTANT ALL MEMBERS READ THIS. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ALL MEMBERS
SO ALL SHOULD READ IT.
Would you like to join an up and coming medieval fantasty type of RPG?
If so go here you won't be dissapointed. http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/returnoftheclans
===
Message 5575 of 6769 Reply
Gunpowder? vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/13/01 12:19 pm
Would you allow one of your PCs to "discover" the formula for gunpowder?
What if he/she had Alchemy and Knowledge(Arcana), with very high ranks,
and was a Loremaster?
Everone knows its just charcoal, potassium nitrate (saltpeter), and sulfur...and
you would think that with histories as long as some of the ones I've heard
in here and with so many alchemists over that time they might have stumbled
upon it?
What about a 'Magic Powder' that does the same thing?
Would such a device as a gun or cannon unbalance the game or turn it into
something we don't want?
Von Romig
====
Message 5576 of 6769 Reply
Re: Gunpowder? lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 5/13/01 1:54 pm
Not by accident. Not without a great deal of time and money being expended
- possibly years of game time. Lots and lots of alchemy successes before
he or she finally succeeds.
The problem with the question is the player's assumption that the PC can
research something that is strictly player knowledge. The PC has no idea
what gunpowder is, so there is no reason to suddenly say, "Hey, all of
a sudden I have this vision of a chemical compound that will revolutionize
warfare".
For that reason, I would rule that the PC has to do it the hard way -
time, money, lab equipment and lives list in explosions, risk to life
and limb, rivals stealing his or her work, etc, before I'd say, yeah,
ok, you discover something interesting.
Now, if the player tried to say, "I'm just going to happen to mix these
compounds in these particular amounts and see what happens" and was being
a smart ass about it, I'd either A) slam him for abusing player knowledge
and declare he just forfieted the PC's next 5 or 10,000 XP, or B) allow
him to succeed spectacularly - so much so that the city watch has a hard
time finding enough of his body to fill a breadbasket, and confiscates
the few tattered bits of his experiment records that survive the explosion.
The game will (and has) survived gunpowder. It has a harder time surviving
rules lawyers and abusive idiots.
You might also consider that making firearms involves a huge amount of
new technology, not just gunpowder itself. Early firearms were basicly
small cups on the end of a stick. To make a reasonable musket or flintlock,
you have to discover how to make the barrel, the trigger mechanism, the
striker, design a flashpan that won't blow up in your face, design ammunition,
and discover how to turn basic meal powder (what you get when you do mix
up homemade gunpowder) into grain powder. They have to discover the difference
between black powder and green powder. Rifled barrels? Forget it! Cartridge
ammo? No way! By reasonable trial and error, it will take centuries of
incremental refinements to get the weapon the player wants. If the player
is dead set on his or her PC becoming that campaign world's answer to
Samual Colt, they will have to dedicate the PC's life to it - meaning,
of course, retirement.
Console the player by saying that, one day, perhaps, the decendants of
the PC will be able to carry muskets around with pride, and look back
on the family's dynasty of weapon design - assuming you ever decide to
start a new campaign in that time period of your world, that is.
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5575 by vonromig
===
Message 5577 of 6769 Reply
Re: IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!!!!! thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/13/01 6:48 pm
Hey Naz,
If you just joined today maybe you should post and participate for a bit
before soliciting. Otherwise you are a spammer and deserve painful rectal
sores.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5574 by Naz_Pierce
===
Message 5578 of 6769 Reply
Re: Gunpowder? vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/13/01 9:04 pm
Beautiful post Ifnotter, I agree with evertyhing you stated to its fullest...
What are others views on this matter?
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5576 by lfnotter
===
Message 5579 of 6769 Reply
Re: IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!!!!! vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/13/01 9:13 pm
LOL!
The least you could do to flavor your spam, Naz, is indicate a willingness
to advertise our Club in yours. But hopefully you will stay on and join
our trip to enlightenment :)
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5577 by thrandorian
====
Message 5580 of 6769 Reply
DM Puzzler #4 vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/13/01 9:32 pm
Upon spending weeks developing the perfect campaign, the four players
are knee deep in it after only four sessions, and each has picked a good
aligned character (Cleric, Paladin, Druid, and Ranger) which fits perfectly
into your undead filled storyline, when...
The player of the Paladin pulls you to the side and wishes to change his
character to that of a thief. His reasoning is that the party doesn't
have access to the thief's special abilities.
What would you do?
Would it be different if...
1) The players are long-time friends and have been meeting for the last
ten years?
2) The players are long-time GAMERS, but new to each other and you?
3) First time players to the game, but friends of yours?
4) First time players to the game and unknown to each other and you.
Von Romig
====
Message 5581 of 6769 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #4 leeok31
(33/M/Catoosa, OK) 5/13/01 9:40 pm
what i'd do, and it wouldn't matter who they were - no changies, you don't
need to commit suicide over it, look around town and hire or inspire the
thief you seek... it's part of the game..
NPCs are fun, and it'd even be a hole for another player if one came along..
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5580 by vonromig
===
Message 5582 of 6769 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #4 tibicen_suavis
5/13/01 10:23 pm
I basically agree with leeok31. It wouldn't matter who they were. I would
explain that a character can't just miraculously change. I would give
him the following options.
(a) They could hire a theif as leeok31 suggested.
(b)He can find a way for his character to die or flee, and a new character
could enter. I would cooperate with providing some pretext for the new
entrance into the plot.
(c) He could multiclass. Depending on how recently he leveled, I might
let him take an XP penalty, subtract a paladin level and add rogue. Or,
if he were close to the next level, I would encourage him to tough it
out and multiclass then if he wishes.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5581 by leeok31
===
Message 5583 of 6769 Reply
Re: This is my god... SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 5/13/01 11:01 pm
No problem... but he's not likely to be from where the PCs are adventuring.
My world is still (and will probably perpetually be) under construction.
Sure, there's an island nation somewhere with Crom-worshippers, and your
longship washed ashore here in the Nargoth Empire.
But there's no temples or shrines of Crom around, and clerics of the native
war god will try and run you out of town on a rail if you try and assert
that Crom is the real man's (or woman's, or dwarf's) war god. But you'll
get your spells as usual. And if it party ever sails north to that island
nation, well, you'll be sitting pretty.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5568 by lfnotter
===
Message 5584 of 6769 Reply
Re: Gunpowder? SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 5/13/01 11:08 pm
I personally don't think AD&D rules are very well-suited to firearms,
just like something seems off with the crossbow damage. I'd prefer to
keep it out of my campaign. If the PCs want to be musketeers, I'll pull
out 7th Sea or something.
I know one GM who has stated that physics and chemistry are different
on her world, and gunpowder just doesn't work, so don't bother. I think
that's perhaps a bit extreme, but it does take care of players who really,
really want to discover gunpowder.
Luckily, I've only had a PC who wanted to discover chocolate. He never
did find the cocoa plant he'd need, but I'm sure that druid is still looking...
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5578 by vonromig
===
Message 5585 of 6769 Reply
Re: maps vahjra
(28/F/Missouri) 5/14/01 12:07 am
thanks Umbratikus
sorry it took me a while to get to you.
vahjra
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5563 by Umbratikus
===
Message 5586 of 6769 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #4 shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 5/14/01 6:02 am
What would you do?
It depends ...
Would it be different if...
1) The players are long-time friends and have been meeting for the last
ten years?
Probably. >> IMHO, as DM, can the player pull it off? Does he have a legitimate
story for learning these new abilities? How will it mesh with his Lawful
Good alignment (not exactly that of a rogue)? Would a rogue train a Paladin?
How much could he really learn just by observation and practice?
2) The players are long-time GAMERS, but new to each other and you?
Probably not, unless the player has really impressed me in his ability
to be (1) a good role-player and (2) true to the game.
3) First time players to the game, but friends of yours?
Probably not.
4) First time players to the game and unknown to each other and you.
Almost certainly not.
Paraphrased from 3ePHB pg 43: ".. a paladin may be a multiclass character,
but .. a paladin who .. raises another class by a level may never again
raise her paladin level, though she retains all her paladin abilities.
-- A paladin .. who willfully commits an evil act of who grossly violates
the code of conduct loses all special abilities and spells"
Depending on the situation, the specific paladin's code, and his diety,
I might allow him to retain his abilities, and perform in a "Dark Knight"-sort-of-role.
(One could argue that, is some comics, anyway, Batman was a lawful good
rogue - in some he's more Lawful Neutral, in others, he's more Chaotic
Good, but that's a different argument.)
Ultimately, it depends on whether or not I think the player can pull it
off, and if he's going to choke me when I strip him of all his paladin
abilities after he (1) does something evil or (2) violates his code.
s/g
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5580 by vonromig
====
Message 5587 of 6769 Reply
Re: too much magic? Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/14/01 10:10 am
<>
This is a matter of preference. It all depends on how "magic-infused"
you want your campaign to be. I think most of the "old-timers" here, myself
included, tend to like low-magic campaigns. I suppose that is the definitive
difference between "High Fantasy" and "Low Fantasy."
I use premade adventures all the time, simply because I don't always have
the time to develop all my adventures from scratch. However, I might as
well, with all the time I spend modifying them.
Right now I have taken four adventures out of old issues of Dungeon Mag
and have combined them into one seamless storyline in sync with my overall
campaign. Since these four adventures were designed by different people
with no intention of combining with others, this took a little bit of
work. Perhaps I would have been better time-wise doing this from scratch,
but the end result is a great and polished adventure that combines five
different minds (the authors of the four adventures and my own).
Whenever I use a premade adventure, I always modify it to A) fit it smoothly
into my campaign, B) remove 90% of all magic items not necessary for completion
or functionality of the adventure, and C) adjust the difficulty to conform
to my PCs' levels and abilities.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5564 by Evertree
===
Message 5588 of 6769 Reply
Re: This is my god... Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/14/01 10:14 am
<>
I would say "No."
My campaign is sacred in this regard. Any player coming into my campaign
world would have to start anew with a new character generated based on
my rules. If he still wanted to play a priest of that particular deity,
I would either A) offer him a different god in my campaign that is similar
to his old god or B) create one, if none exists and as long as it works
with my campaign's cosmology and theology.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5566 by vonromig
===
Message 5589 of 6769 Reply
Re: Gunpowder? Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/14/01 10:17 am
<>
NIMCY (anyone remember that acronym?)
Even when I delved into the Spelljammer rules, I avoided the G word. It
would just spoil the aestheitcs of my campagin.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5575 by vonromig
===
Message 5590 of 6769 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #4 Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/14/01 10:25 am
I would have no problem with the player actually retiring his character
and starting with a new one if he really wanted to. I don't want to force
a player to play something he doesn't want to. If I did, he would probably
not play it as well as if he were playing something he wanted to play.
However, I would make sure that we can make the switch believable and
make it fit logically into the storyline. You, the DM, can build on an
injury the PC had recieved recently, and have it worsen and be debilitating.
Perhaps you can create an entire side adventure and have the PC murdered.
The new character could be an investigator type of thief, sent by authorities
to aid in finding the killer, adding to the good make-up of the party,
and then staying with the group as he gets caught up in the events of
the campaign.
IOW, if I can make it work, I would accomodate the player (if he doesn't
mind starting at 1st level).
Umbratikus.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5580 by vonromig
====
Message 5591 of 6769 Reply
NIMCY SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 5/14/01 11:33 am
Well, NIMBY is Not In My BackYard - often applied to things the local
community needs but doesn't want - prisons, power plants, airports.
So is NIMCY Not In My Campaign's Yard?
Hm... Not In My Campaign World sounds better, but abbreviates to NIMCW.
(Now, you could go Welsh and pronounce it "Nim-Coo" but people would look
at you funny).
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5589 by Umbratikus
====
Message 5592 of 6769 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #4 teyindahl
(22/F/Underhill) 5/14/01 12:29 pm
It probably wouldn't matter how long I've known the players or how long
they've known each other, or how new they are to the game - the rules
are the rules.
I would probably say "If you can give me a good reason why your paladin
suddenly wants to be a thief, how he aquires the thief skills and training
in the middle of (wherever they are), then sure. Otherwise, no."
If they still really want a thief, I'd introduce an NPC thief of some
kind, and give that player control of him/her during battle, etc.
I'll allow just about anything if it's logical and fits in the world's
rules, but if not, forget it.
-Jenny
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5580 by vonromig
====
Message 5593 of 6769 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #4 Kimball_G
(23/M/Charleston) 5/14/01 12:40 pm
1) The players are long-time friends and have been meeting for the last
ten years?
I would probably say...Not every group of adventurers has a theif. If
you would like a thief, you have to go to town and try to hire one. While
including any changes in the scenero from them deviating from their current
path. Ex. Bad guys finding some of the other dead bad guys and then setting
ambush for the PC's when they come back for revenge.
2) The players are long-time GAMERS, but new to each other and you?
Depends on whether they really really need one or not. Most likely the
same answer as #1
3) First time players to the game, but friends of yours?
Most likely allow the change, because they were not really sure of the
specifics of the game and what might be needed in a general adventure.
The restrictions would be that he would loose any special items that he
may have aquired so far.
4) First time players to the game and unknown to each other and you.
Most likely would allow the change as long as everyone in the group thought
the change was necessary. Or if it might cause problems, would probably
allow them to hire a small time thief NPC.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5580 by vonromig
===
Message 5594 of 6769 Reply
Re: Gunpowder? dm_jcw
(27/M/Atlanta, GA) 5/14/01 2:28 pm
It sounds like I'll be adding to the prevailing thought on this topic...
It's very unlikely that a PC, in the course of dealing with battling monsters,
saving maidens (or young men, as the case may be), etc., would have the
time to devote to the ingredients to create gunpowder. And as far as stumbling
across the ingredients...
1) having a PC choose just the right ingredients to mix does start to
border on abuse of player-knowledge, and
2) physics has what is known as a "three-body" problem...two billiard
balls rolling towards each other have a high probability of colliding.
Three billiard balls have an extraordinarily LOW probability of all three
colliding simultaneously. The chances of PC's just HAPPENING to stumble
across the three exact ingredients to make gunpowder is pretty unlikely.
Now, perhaps somewhere else in the campaign, some NPC has devoted his
or her life to the study of pyrotechnics, and has developed a rudimentary
form of gunpowder. Perhaps the PC might be quested to obtain an improved
ingredient or develop a rudimentary delivery system. Or perhaps the NPC
doesn't have all the details yet, and the PC does find the one ingredient
to make the recipe complete. This might be a little more plausible, if
this sort of research is even allowed in the campaign. My campaign has
a slight technological bent to it, so I kind of like this idea. But one
does need to consider how unbalanced it will make the game.
But of course, with all good early scientific research, there are blunders
and mistakes...
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5575 by vonromig
===
Message 5595 of 6769 Reply
Re: NIMCY dm_jcw
(27/M/Atlanta, GA) 5/14/01 3:07 pm
NIMAC - Not In My Awesome Campaign
NIMTIW - Not In My Tolkien-Inspired World
NIMOY - Not In My Orcish Yard
NIMBLY - Not In My Beast-Laden Yard
NIMFOE - Not In My Fastasy Ordained Empire
Just a couple of other alternatives...
,:| (Spock with raised brow)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5591 by SCA_Bard
====
Message 5596 of 6769 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #4 dragonlordjr
5/14/01 4:38 pm
If he wishes to become dual-class, no.
If he wants to drop the paladin and re-roll up a thief, yes. His paladin
just gets a sign for his god to go do something else.
DRAGONLORD JR
(Dad's trouble maker)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5580 by vonromig
===
Message 5597 of 6769 Reply
Re: Gunpowder? dragonlordjr
5/14/01 4:45 pm
No. Those three ingredients creates nothing but a mess. The formula for
gunpowder in my world is three other ingredients, if the players guess
them they got gunpowder.
DRAGONLORD JR
(Dad's trouble maker)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5575 by vonromig
===
Message 5598 of 6769 Reply
Greetings caersmane
(F/SLC (but really it's hell)) 5/14/01 4:57 pm
yeah, and even salutations. Just wanted to say hullo, do the whole "introducing
myself" bit. Looks interesting so far. Well, I've been a player for over
ten years but I grew up around D&D. My dad played it, from almost the
first day that it came out. I've only been DMing for a couple of years
and not too regularly at that. Total time, maybe a year. It's hard to
find a good group around here. I miss my old group. sigh. we played together
for almost three years, before i moved. enough, though. Hoping to contribute
where I can.
caers
===
Message 5599 of 6769 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #4 vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/14/01 4:58 pm
I wish to thank all of you who responded, but for those who answered as
though it meant to become a dual class character I'm sorry for the confusion...Although
I enjoyed your answers to that aspect of the question.
The question was meant to be...What if the Paladin player wanted to drop
his present character and draw up another one...as a thief?
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5593 by Kimball_G
===
Message 5600 of 6769 Reply
Re: Spell Components dragonlordjr
5/14/01 5:12 pm
Old message but give my two cents. I think the players should use the
components. they cost money so it takes away some of the gold pieces.
the componenets thet he cant buy means he has to go find them and this
could cause him problems.
DRAGONLORD JR
(Dad's trouble maker)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5471 by lycantherope_69
===
Message 5601 of 6769 Reply
Re: Greetings dragonlordjr
5/14/01 5:23 pm
Hi caers. I'm a new member too. But read past messages and been to club's
page. This is the coolest club!!! The founders have created a great place
for DMs to learn.
(sorry my english is not that good, I'm a math major at UD in Ohio)
DRAGONLORD JR
(Dad's trouble maker)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5598 by caersmane
===
Message 5602 of 6769 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #4 thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/14/01 9:39 pm
"The question was meant to be...What if the Paladin player wanted to drop
his present character and draw up another one...as a thief?"
Then I say yes of course in every given case. If you want to start all
over from scratch again you must be freakin' desperate for a change! I
am not mean enough to resist such a plea. In fact I would be inclined
to allow the new character to start at less levels than the original Paladin
but above 1st.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5599 by vonromig
====
Message 5603 of 6769 Reply
Re: Greetings thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/14/01 9:50 pm
Welcome caers,
Check your saber and your wand at the door, but surrender not your + 2
rapier of wit to the comely wench with the ample bosom. Her breath smells
of lavender but she suckles upon the blood of the innocent and the unwary.
Without this weapon you will not last long.
Just thought you should know....
T
PS: no offense to the groups blood suckler’s is intended.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5598 by caersmane
===
Message 5604 of 6769 Reply
Re: Gunpowder? thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/14/01 9:58 pm
Gunpowder bad.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5575 by vonromig
====
Message 5605 of 6769 Reply
Help me with Thrandorbattle rules thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/14/01 10:31 pm
Hi Guys & Gals,
For those who have the inclination and the time...
I was looking for a way to deal with the large scale battles that occur
from time to time in the storyline of my world. I wish most of all to
keep the rules very short and simple. Many ideas have been shared with
me about how to make the system more correct as a simulation. I may be
willing to add one or two more features to the game if something that
really adds dimension or fun is suggested, however what I am seeking is
a game form that moves rapidly and is quick and easy to learn.
What I am asking for is a good proof reading, look for loop holes, and
make suggestions. If anyone wants to try play-testing it, I will be more
than happy to assist in any way and will look forward to any input offered.
This is only a little over 2 pages but will still require several postings.
====
Message 5606 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help me with Thrandorbattle rules thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/14/01 10:33 pm
Sequence of a turn
All moves are charted and turned in to the referee prior to special actions
which are resolved before determining the outcome of any battles. One
round of battle is resolved in all areas where opponents exist and after
all areas have completed one round of battle, retreat movement is taken
in the order of initiative.
1) Movement:
A) Recon movement and actions. Any unit lead by a druid and wishing to
use their unit as a recon unit must now make their movement and decide
which map squares to deploy recon to. (see "Magic Leaders", "Druid" below).
B) Troop movement: All movement is done secretly and on separate maps
which are turned in to the referee before the special actions phase of
play. Troops not engaged in battle may move 2 squares per turn. They must
enter a square in order to see if an enemy is there. (aside from a "re-coned"
square). If no enemy exists they may move an additional square. If an
enemy unit occupies the square, the unit must stop and fight.
Units already engaged in battle may choose to attempt a fighting retreat
(see below) but can not move until the move after this "retreat" from
battle. Thereafter the unit may move as normal even if pursued by an opponent
who occupies the same square, as long as no battle in this new square
has occurred (in which case another retreat will be needed before once
again returning to open movement).
3) Special actions: After all movement is made, leaders take their actions.
One per turn is allowed per leader. (See "Leader Types" below).
4) Battle: Battles are resolved one square at a time. Only units occupying
the same square at the end of the movement phase can do battle. Initiative
is rolled. If multiple areas of conflict exist, initiative winner determines
the order in which these battles will be fought. First all combatants
in the 1st battle-square chosen show their "troop tiles" (see image above)
and the worst initiative must announce which of their units will attack
which opponent units. Then the initiative winner (or next worst initiative
if more than 2 players exist in this square) does the same. Once all attacks
are assigned, all combatants roll 1 d10 for every "Attack Point" the unit
has (see "Attack", "Defense" and "Strength" below) and make any adjustments
to the units major attributes allowed by "Special Leaders". All attacks
of a unit must be directed against a single enemy unit not split between
multiple targets. A roll of 4 or greater, after opponents defense adjustment
is a hit. A roll of 10 is always a hit. One point of damage is done to
the enemy for each hit made. All attacks are considered to occur simultaneously
so every unit attacks, regardless of whether it is destroyed or forced
to retreat that turn. All damage is recorded immediately before moving
on to the next "Battle Square". A maximum of 18 "Strength Points" per
player may occupy any one square and if more accidentally or intentionally
attempt to enter a single square, the smallest ("Strength points" = size)
troops will be left one square behind so that only 18 points (or the most
possible below that number) will enter.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5605 by thrandorian
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Message 5607 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help me with Thrandorbattle rules thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/14/01 10:35 pm
5) Retreat movement: As referenced elsewhere 2 forms of retreat movement
are possible:
1) Forced retreat: Any unit reduced to 0 must retreat out of the contested
square into another adjacent square not occupied by the enemy. If no such
square exists, the unit is considered to be captured. The attacker may
pursue, following the retreating unit into the square, where they may
follow / attack/ prevent the unit from healing in the following turn.
2) Fighting retreat: The unit must spend the turn defending only but receives
a bonus of +2 to it's defense. The opponent is allowed full attacks. At
the end of the battle phase the unit retreats into any adjoining square
not occupied by an enemy. The opponent unit is not allowed to pursue until
next movement phase. The following turn the retreating group can continue
moving away or use a cleric to heal a point of strength etc., before the
next battle phase.
Factors that determine each troops strengths and weaknesses.
(The number of units and their point totals is agreed upon by all players
before the start of play)
1) Attack Power : This is the number of attack rolls (d 10) the unit makes
each turn. All attacks of a unit must be directed against a single enemy
unit not split between multiple targets. A roll of 4 or greater, after
opponents defense adjustment (see "Defense Rating" below) and "Special
Leader" adjustments, is a hit. A roll of 10 is always a hit. One point
of damage is done to the enemy for each hit made.
2) Defense Rating : This number is subtracted from all attackers d10 rolls.
It represents the units ability to use combat skill, terrain, weather
and other factors to their defensive advantage.
3) Strength : This represents either the size or simply the general toughness
of a unit. Think of it like the troops hit point total. For each hit taken
a point is removed from the strength total. Any unit reduced to 0 strength
must retreat at the end of the turn. A retreating unit can be pursued
and attacked on the following turn, although only 1/2 the attackers can
pursue so all attacks made against retreating forces are made at half
strength (rounded down) however no counter-attack is allowed to the retreating
unit. A unit reduced to -1 strength is destroyed. If a unit is reduced
to 50% or less of it's Strength Points it must make a moral check. .
4) Morale: Morale is rolled when 1/2 or more of a units strength points
have been lost or as a result of certain special actions. The moral check
is done by rolling a d 10. For every point of damage taken, the roll is
reduced by 1 A result of 1-3 (after any modifiers for special leaders
actions etc.) represents morale failure and the unit must retreat for
1 turn. (See forced retreat above).
Note: troops with the red E or SE in the top right corner are elite and
special elite. Elite troops have the following additional abilities:
1) Never check moral . 2) Can fight while retreating at full strength.
3) Have a 50% chance that 10-40% will actually escape the troops destruction
and reform 2-5 turns later at the nearest friendly town or fortress.
Troops with the SE in the top right corner are special elite. Special
elite troops have the abilities of elite forces and the following additional
attributes:
1) Can choose to bypass enemy troops by sneaking past. 2 rolls are made.
The 1st allows a flanking attack at +1 . A second successful roll allows
the unit to proceed un-noticed or take a rear attack at +2. Failure of
either equals normal engagement. The base chance is 60%. A Magic Leader
in the party increases the chance by 1% per level. A stealth leader increases
it by 2% per level.
Special Leaders that travel with and effect unit abilities.
(The number of special leaders is agreed upon by all players before the
start of play)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5606 by thrandorian
===
Message 5608 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help me with Thrandorbattle rules thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/14/01 10:43 pm
(The number of special leaders is agreed upon by all players before the
start of play)
Magic Leaders: clerics, illusionists, druids as well as magic users and
other classes will increase the effectiveness of any unit they lead. They
effect the unit in the following ways:
Clerics of 7th level or above, raise the defense factor of their unit
by 1. For every 4 levels of experience above the 7th (11th, 15th etc.)
an additional +1 is awarded. Special actions: Cleric leaders also have
the ability to heal 1 unit strength point of damage for every 7 levels
but if the unit is engaged in battle later that turn, the cleric does
not add to the units defense.
Illusionists above 7th level, have the ability to confuse the enemy. Each
round they have a 2% chance per level to confuse the enemy unit causing
their attacks to be nullified for the turn and reducing the confused units
attack and defense by 1. This is determined before any battle that turn.
Druids of 7th or higher level give their unit the ability to act as recon
and pass enemy troop location and strength info on to other units. The
unit has a base 40% + 3% per level chance of detecting enemy troop strength
and defense (not attack) within 2 squares of their location. Every failure
brings a point of damage to the druids unit. For every 5 levels of experience
the druids unit may attempt to recon 1 square per turn. This info is considered
to be passed along to all friendly units. Otherwise, a druid leader can
use their unit to attack normally with +1 to defense bonus (no higher
regardless of level) or they may set traps. The druids force can set traps
in a single square, equaling 1 pt of damage against the strength of entering
enemy units for every 9 levels of experience. Traps do not effect strength
1 forces at all and can never reduce an enemy unit below 1 in any case.
These traps stay active until an enemy unit enters the square or the traps
are disassembled by a druid force. Traps do automatic damage, no "to hit"
necessary. If the druids unit is still in the square the turn following
the setting of these traps or after, they may attack the entering units
as well, after damage from traps is accounted for first.
Magic Users of 9th level or above add 1 point to each the Attack, Def.
and St. of the unit they lead for every 9 levels of experience. Additionally
they have the following special actions available:
1) Frighten troops. This ability forces a moral check for the enemy.
2) Personal attack. This ability allows the magic user to fight on the
front line and automatically deliver an additional 1 pt of damage for
every 9 levels (no "to hit" roll required). This has a risk attached however
as the enemy is entitled to attack against the MU directly by rolling
a d10 just as in unit combat. A 4 or greater hits although the die is
modified by -1for every 4 levels of the MU.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5607 by thrandorian
===
Message 5609 of 6769 Reply
Final Post, Whew! Thrandorbattle rules thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/14/01 10:46 pm
Hero Leaders: Fighters, rangers, paladins
Fighters of 9th level or above increase the attack factor of their unit
by 1. For every 4 more levels (13th, 17th etc.) 1 more number is added.
In addition they decrease enemy unit moral rolls by 1.
Rangers of 9th level or above increase the attack factor of their unit
by one. No extra bonus is given for levels above 9th unless the surrounding
terrain is wooded or mountainous, in which case they provide an additional
+1 to defense for every 4 levels.
Paladins of 7th level or above increase the attack and moral factors of
their unit by 1 each.
Additionally they have the following special actions available:
1) Improved retreat. If this ability is used and the unit is forced to
retreat at the end of the battle sequence, 1 point of strength is automatically
restored to the unit after retreating. During a fighting retreat the unit
is allowed an attack die for every 7 levels of the paladins experience,
even though an attack is not normally allowed.
2) Emulate Cleric. This action allows the paladin to function as a cleric
of equal level for that turn, including use of special actions.
Stealth Leaders : Thieves, Assassins or monks will give the unit they
lead advanced warning of troop movement. These units will "see" one square
ahead unlike most other units that must occupy the same square to "see"
each other. This allows the unit to try to hide in ambush if they choose,
receiving either a free first attack or bypassing an enemy unit. A base
40% + 1% per level of the leader is the chance for success. Failure equals
normal engagement. If a stealth leader is joined with an SE unit, that
unit gains an additional 2% bonus per level to bypassing or Flank/Rear
attacking an enemy unit.
Assassins: During any turn that the assassins unit is in combat with an
opponent unit led by another “Special Leader”, there is a 2% chance per
level of the assassin that they will have the opportunity to assassinate
this leader. If this % roll is made the assassin gets a 50% +/- 2% per
level above/below the victim of success. Success allows the assassin to
escape with his victim dead. Failure means the assassin is killed/captured
and out of the game.
Thanks to those who take the time!
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5608 by thrandorian
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Message 5610 of 6769 Reply
No thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/14/01 10:56 pm
There is no "Image" as my text reads in the post regarding the unit "Tiles"
They look like this:
A 2
D 3
S 2
Attack, Defense, Strength
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5609 by thrandorian
====
Message 5611 of 6769 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #4 shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 5/15/01 4:12 am
If there is some way to realistically introduce a 1st level Rogue to the
party, then, by all means (and in all cases), yes.
If it could happen at the same time as the Paladin's departure, then great
.. if not, he'll be an NPC until I can work in a scene where he either
bows out or the party honorably or dies a heroic death.
However, there are some players that have the panache and role-playing
ability to play more than one character .. if he happens to be one of
those players (I would only know this in the first case) I might allow
him to play both the Paladin and the Rogue.
s/g
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5599 by vonromig
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Message 5612 of 6769 Reply
Re: ThrandorBattles SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 5/15/01 10:38 am
Wow! I will have to print those out and read them more closely. I tried
to cobble together something similar for my game world, but I could tell
it was broken before it even got to playtest.
For your general information: While trying to generate my own system,
I looked at how a few other games systems handle it. I didn't like GURPS
too much, which reduced PC Glory and Survival down to about two rolls,
and doesn't seem to take PC battle leaders' actions into account. (GURPS
massed combat shortcuts are in Compendium II).
Legend of the Five Rings is somewhere in between GURPS and your shorthand
wargame. The GM rolls every round to see what happens to the PCs, and
things like a PC "Battle" skill and location in battle (frontlines, reserves,
etc) can affect it. Typical results are Wounds, Heroic Opportunity, or
Duel. But the outcome of the army vs army battle is left open, I think,
unless the GM arranges for a contested Battle roll between the generals,
modified for any battle plans the PCs or their enemies implement. I'd
guess by the level of detail you included in your writeup that this isn't
what you want, but I thought I'd mention it as a possible reference.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5610 by thrandorian
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Message 5613 of 6769 Reply
Re: NIMCY Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/15/01 11:10 am
Ding Ding Ding
Give that lady a Cee-gar!
"Not In My Campaign Yard." I didn't coin that phrase, BTW. Someone else
on this board did, but I don't remember who.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5591 by SCA_Bard
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Message 5614 of 6769 Reply
Re: NIMCY heres mine dungeonmaster1st
(100/M/muiltiverse) 5/15/01 1:51 pm
my favorite Dm saying !! Never Argue with God!!!
Don't piss off the DM .... pissed off dm = lots of back up PCs!!!!
a pissed off dm in my current group means
Tasselholf burfoot droops buy to say hi to the party !!! oops what did
you guys lose now !!:)heheheheheheheheheheeh
How do you know the DM is having a bad day ?
Well it's when your pc's encounter the party of kender who have to stop
buy and say high and try to help them find their way !!
when the kobold they see standoing in the middle of the raod wearing a
raggy old rub and unarmed says hand over all your $$ and no one gets hurt???
hehehehe the kobold is armed with girdle of titan strength and has learned
Judo !!!
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5613 by Umbratikus
===
Message 5615 of 6769 Reply
Re: ThrandorBattles vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/15/01 4:44 pm
Very interesting, Thrandorian. I have my own system, but it was created
after the only time a PC was actually in a battle.
So now the PCs play the side of the good guys when there is a battle being
fought during the campaign (although they're not in it) just to more fairly
decide who won, plus its fun for the players.
Mine is set up like an Avalon Hill game...
I have twenty-three different maps presently made for various areas of
my world. They are drawn to show terrain and ground heigth and overlaid
with hexagonal lines. They are on large posterboards, with two battlefields
using two such maps together.
The forces are grouped into company size units of 10 to 250 men in each.
And a Battle can have some 100 units on each side. The units are displayed
on the map as little multicolored cardboard tiles (from an old AH game)
with numerical identifications...I, VI, etc.
The players maintain a 'Record Sheet' of each unit, indicating the number
of men, type of units, their morale, their fatigue level, the units name,
and its commanding officer's name and stats. (the numbers are done in
pencil as multiple erasings will occur)...It looks something like this...
II- 100 Infantry M-50 F-65 Balto's Raiders, Capt Balto +2 att, +1 movement.
IV- 50 Archers M-80 F-74 Elite Force #2, Capt Vasunim +1 ranged attack.
Etc...
(M-Morale, higher better and F-Fatigue, lower better, are between 1-100)
I have made up these sheets and photo copied 50 or so at a time. They
are stylize as a character sheet is...with boxes for the numbers and lines
for the other info.
When combat occurs the number of troops on each side that is invovled
are tallied up as odds (Example; 200 attackers vs 100 defenders...odds
are 2-1, 200 attackers vs 300 defenders...odds are 2-3). The attacker
rolls a d20 and using a chart I made, finds his rolled number down the
line of the odds to get the results. The numbers within these results
indicates the loses on both sides (attacker and defender will lose a different
number of men). Then the percentage of the men killed in regards to the
total before, is checked and rolled against another chart to indicate
further loses due to morale (deserters) Then fatigue is increased on their
'Record Sheet' based on the troop types involved and their action; attacker
or defender. Fatigue is used to determine movement rate +/-.
After all this, the new numbers are indicated on the 'Record Sheet' and
the next battle in that turn is resovled, then the next and so on.
Von Romig-Cont...
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5612 by SCA_Bard
===
Message 5616 of 6769 Reply
Acronyms, humor and netbooks.. Shabooah
(20/M/Fayetteville, Arkansas) 5/15/01 4:44 pm
NIMCY has reminded me of a funny netbook that i once had, lost and have't
seen since. it was a satirical piece, presented as a glossary of RPG terms.
i remember a few of them such as FUBAR, hostile (defined as anything not
your character), monster (anything not a party member), and a couple of
neat acronyms: BOID and BOHICA
BOID- Bend Over, I'm Driving
BOHICA- Bend Over, Here It Comes Again
it was mostly a play on high power gaming and party killing DMs. it was
a really funny book, but since i've lost it and have no idea where to
find it, i was hoping that some one of you kind souls might be able to
share it or give me a lead.
====
Message 5617 of 6769 Reply
Re: ThrandorBattles vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/15/01 5:31 pm
The terrain factors include, movement rates through them and defencive
bonuses. There are roads shown which improve movement rates, and small
villages, farms, etc to hinder or protect troops. Terrain and land height
also gives a line-of-sight and bonuses for attackers or defenders, archers,
and charging cavalry.
Archers get a ranged attack, with appropiate charts...and no damage to
them, unless also hit by archers themselves.
Charging cavalry get bonuses when on flat ground, charging from higher
ground, and against routed units. They have penalties when charging village,
farm, or fortified hexes, and in certain terrains, like forest, swamps,
etc.
Supply wagons are also shown and each unit must spend one turn with a
supply wagon after three combat encounters for resupply, archers need
to after every four ranged attacks. This is all kept track of in the 'Record
Sheets'. So each side has to protect its supply wagons! The supply wagons
can only resupply five units AND two archer units before it too needs
to be resupplied. They have to return to their main camp for one whole
turn. If all of the supply wagons are destroyed then that side will eventually
run out, or force the units to have to travel all the way back to the
main camp. Units that are out of supply fight at 75% less...100 men unsupplied
will fight as 25 when figuring odds. Archers unsupplied get NO ranged
attacks and fight hand-to-hand also at 75% less. Each unit starts the
game with one supply wagon, but as these are prime targets they each will
be used to 'cover' more and more units.
Certain special troop types get bonuses when attacking or defending, in
movement, in spotting, and/or when attacking and defending against another
type (polearm vs cavalry, cav hurt bad).
Troop types include:
Infantry and cavalry; light, med, and heavy. Archers; short, longbow,
and elven. Polearms. Slingers. Peasent Levies. Elite Rangers. Scouts.
Spearmen or Javelin. Elepants. Mixed Armed.
Special Troop types:
Dwarven Fighters. Elven Infantry and Archers. Orcen Warriors and Spearmen.
Goblin or Kobold Warriors or Javelins. And rare combatants like a Giant,
Arch Mage, Dragon, etc but are given their own tile and considered singular.
Heavy Units:
Catapults, Ballistas, Seige Towers, Rams, etc.
Non-moveable Defensive items drawn on map:
Certain terrains, rivers and large streams, castles, keeps, moats, fortified
areas of pallisades, bunkers, trenches, etc, villages, farms, and such.
(note; fortified areas can be created during battle with the proper supplies
and time to finish)
There are more rules and such in the 'Rule Book' by you should get the
idea.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5615 by vonromig
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Message 5618 of 6769 Reply
Re: ThrandorBattles thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/15/01 6:22 pm
Hi Von,
Sounds like you have a system you use already. I was hoping for some input
about my post though.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5617 by vonromig
===
Message 5619 of 6769 Reply
Re: ThrandorBattles thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/15/01 6:48 pm
Thanks for your response SCA.
I am very open to hearing what does and doesn't make sense to you and
others or how to fine tune the concept. I guess I hope 1st of all that
it is written in such a way as to be comprehensible.
I intentionally avoided learning more than the moderate amount I already
do about the rules of popular war-games. I am trying to create a different
feeling system than what already exists. This is the main reason I included
"Retreat, Special actions, special leaders and adopted a rule for troops
having to occupy the same square, rather than be adjoining as in most
war games I have played.
I am currently working on rules for a "Special move" to be made by the
Players characters directly every 10 turns.
Any ideas are appreciated!
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5612 by SCA_Bard
===
Message 5620 of 6769 Reply
Re: Different religions questions list mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 5/15/01 9:59 pm
Facinating!
I was inspired to my line of questioning by a Dragon article or 2 which
touched lightly on the idea of different sects in the same religion.
It seems you have taken it one step further with power struggles, and
other politics.
I have been looking for ideas such as yours, so I can add some depth into
the religions in my world.
I have a long way to go, but I have some great Ideas from yuo and the
other club members.
Thank you!
Matt
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5548 by Umbratikus
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Message 5621 of 6769 Reply
Re: Ring of Twitches mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 5/15/01 10:05 pm
I guess I am just too evil ...
In my Ravenloft campaign, I would have the curse force the character to
slap himself in the forehead, and scream "Dough" Like Homer Simpson, or
sume such so that:
1) It runis verbal only spells too and,
2) Prehapse the ring grows a palm side spike so the mage can inflict some
damage upon him/her self in the process.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5551 by vonromig
====
Message 5622 of 6769 Reply
Re: too much magic? mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 5/15/01 10:18 pm
Perhaps this is off the subject but,
I had thought it would be great to have some generic treasure tables (ones
that actually describe categories of jewelry, gems or art items, instead
of the ones that just give a gold piece value.)
One of the games I have played (Master of Magic) allows you to convert
magic items to gold. (Actually it converts to spell points which can be
converted to gold.)
A teble like this would come in handy when you do not wich to dispense
the magic items, you could look it's equivalent up on the table.
Matt
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5565 by vonromig
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Message 5623 of 6769 Reply
Re: Gunpowder? mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 5/15/01 10:49 pm
I seem to remember the musketeers toting crude guns, and being shot at
by cannons in the movie. (but then again hollywood is not known for it's
historical accuracy).
The key was, I think, the time it takes to reload, and the accuracy.
I do not think fire arms would unbalance the game too much if they were
really not that reliable.
If archers are still more acurate at long and medium range then the guns
will be used for a few shots at best before retuening to more tried and
true weapons.
Also, how expensive is it to replace the parts when the gun backfires?
If guns are readily available, then guess what? The king's army will be
carying them.
As always, what the playeers can get will eventually fall into the hands
of their advisaries.
My only real concern, would be to limit the accuracy sufficiently to reflect
the usefulness of the weapon. Don't allow a fighter to double / tripple
specialixe in the gun so he can get a +10 +10 and wind up shooting the
stem off the apple at 100 paces.
I would not allow any specialization or bonuses for accuracy. Worse yet
I would give a munis to aim at an anything smaller than an elephant, any
further than 30 feet.
Matt
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5578 by vonromig
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Message 5624 of 6769 Reply
master of magic Evertree
5/15/01 11:15 pm
Ahh.... I loved that game. I don't have a PC slow enough to play it now.
:(
I never found another game like it.
E.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5622 by mattbcieri
===
Message 5625 of 6769 Reply
Help on spicing up a city the_dark_elf_drizzt_do_urden
5/16/01 1:20 am
My characters are entering a very large city in which they need to aquire
some information in. But I don't want their course to be a straight line.
I need some little extra stuff in the city to maybe lure them aside, or
just some cool stuff they can take part in in the city.
Any ideas on some cool stuff to put in a large city to add flavor to the
session?
Thanks everyone
Drizzt
PS: Von, I'm working on what you asked me too. I should have it ready
soon. :)
===
Message 5626 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help on spicing up a city queen_faeryl
(30/F/Baltimore MD) 5/16/01 3:26 am
Here are a few ideas:
1. A murder at the inn at which they are staying
2. An argument between a tax collector and merchant at the market
3. Cattle stampede on the way to the market
4. Lost child
5. A fire, with people to rescue and the cause to investigate
6. An infestation of rats from the sewers (what drove them out of the
sewers, hmmm?)
7. A woman/man flirts with a party member to make their partner jealous
8. Strange dreams (who/what is causing them?)
9. Find a mysterious item (do they return it, investigate, is it cursed?)
10. Minor noble out on the town insults, picks a fight with a party member
(how do they handle it? end up in jail?)
Hope this sparks a few ideas for you.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5625 by the_dark_elf_drizzt_do_urden
===
Message 5627 of 6769 Reply
Re: Ring of Twitches Shabooah
(20/M/Fayetteville, Arkansas) 5/16/01 6:23 am
<>
i hope for your players' sakes you've never seen Evil Dead 2, lol
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5621 by mattbcieri
===
Message 5628 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help on spicing up a city adaen
(28/M/New Jersey) 5/16/01 9:33 am
Make one of their planned stops a temple of nudists (for information from
a cleric there). They''ll be told that they can't enter clothes (or armored
or armed). It would make for an interesting scenario if someone made an
assassination attempt (or other extreme action) while they were busy paying
tribute.
This is sort of a half-baked idea, I know, but I'm dead tired. I just
got off work and I'm dead tired.
Cheers,
Adaen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5625 by the_dark_elf_drizzt_do_urden
===
Message 5629 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help on spicing up a city Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/16/01 9:38 am
Here is one I used recently that was really satisfying for me, the DM,
and the players. I thought they would be pissed, actually, but they thought
it was fun.
It was a case of mistaken identity. An NPC runs up to a PC carrying a
package and saying something like "Rufus, Rufus, I got that rare stuff
you needed." Then he realizes the PC was not who he thought it was and
apologizes profusely.
When I ran this one, the curiosity was too much and the PCs conspired
to determine what was in the package. Once they were able to do this,
they learned that the package contained strange items which, after much
research and well role played game time, they learned were spell components
for two spells [insert whatever spell and components you see fit]. The
encounter was totally irrelevant to the plot, but it was a fun diversion.
Of course, the PCs might not bite and may not give a damn about what is
in the package, but it worked for me.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5625 by the_dark_elf_drizzt_do_urden
===
Message 5630 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help on spicing up a city pirates_life_for_me
(37/M/Ann Arbor, MI) 5/16/01 10:38 am
Some standards that I have in my cities to keep things "spicey".
Organised thieves guild
Usually they have plants in each Inn in town and they start trying to
figure out how to seperate the PCs from their loot soon after the PC's
roll in.
Bar brawl
Overused but fun.
Holidays and Festivals
The PC's come into town during the big Festival of (insert some gods name
here.) On big party, little do they know that strangers (in this case
the PC's) are picked to be the sacrifices.
Arena of Death
As above, but instead of Sacrifices, party members find themselves fighting
for their lives in the Arena........
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5629 by Umbratikus
===
Message 5631 of 6769 Reply
Going to Gencon anyone? pirates_life_for_me
(37/M/Ann Arbor, MI) 5/16/01 11:02 am
I am attending my first GenCon this Summer. Anyone else from this board
going? Would be fun to meet some of the DM's here, maybe play a late night
game or two or meet for dinner.
Don
===
Message 5632 of 6769 Reply
Re: Going to Gencon anyone? sirgrapefellow
(37/M/Portland Oregon) 5/16/01 11:43 am
That would be great!
I really want to go...Gotta start working on the idea with my wife ;)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5631 by pirates_life_for_me
===
Message 5633 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help on spicing up a city lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 5/16/01 12:04 pm
Just a few things from the campaign I ran in Waterdeep a few years back:
1) A Painmistress of Loviatar in a spiked leather teddy hands them a flyer
that list the temple service times. "Come and find forgiveness for your
transgressions...."
2) A group of Kobolds in little suits and hats running up and offering
to shine the PC's boots. For that matter, I once had my players on the
floor with a female Kobold propsition the party with "Oh, you so big -
me love you long time! (delivered in an Alvin the Chipmonk voice)
3) A group of mime students from the local bardic acadamy starts walking
alongside the party, mimicing them.
4) If there are adventurer guilds, thieves guilds, etc. in your game,
throw a compliance auditor from the city's Department of Guildmember Affairs
at them. He's backed by several members of the City Watch and demands
to see the party's Guild papers and make sure their membership and licensing
are in order.
5) A steel dragon blocks their way and demands that they surrender all
the books in the party other than mage's spellbooks. She states that a
very rare book was stolen from her by a group resembling the party and
demands to search them to see if they have it. This is a ruse; she's just
feeling avaracious and is shaking down adventurers for any books or scrolls
they might have looted. She doesn't want to have to pay retail for them
after the party sells them. Unless the party wants to attack her, she
will demand the party give the books to her as an apology on behalf of
all adventuring groups, everywhere.
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5625 by the_dark_elf_drizzt_do_urden
====
Message 5634 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help on spicing up a city sirgrapefellow
(37/M/Portland Oregon) 5/16/01 12:45 pm
I like this idea.
Here is one I just did a few month ago. ( Let me just preface this with
saying it is potentialy dangerous in more ways than one... but it is spicy
and worked well for us in many ways).
While the PC are dinnig, may be in celebration of a birthday or adventure
completed...whatever, have the serving wench over hear the celebration
and give them a small card, in honor of the event. On the card it says
good for one group reading at Madam Clemaras, on the other side it is
an advertisement. Let Madam Clemara look into your future.
If the characters go to have their fortunes told use what ever info you
have for possible up comming events or encounters and come up with some
possible outcomes. Have her look into her crystal ball go into a trance
and start seeing short burst of visions, " I see you and...who is that...yes
it is you, (pointing at the characters), The cleric is kneeling by your
side...oh it's gone...wait what's this...huh!...a dragon high in the sky...he
see you...( have this go on as long as you want, with what ever info is
exciting). Now get more and more frightening until she can't go on. Have
her come out of her trance, breathing haard, white as a ghost, she will
not say what she saw... it is to horrible.
This in itself was pretty fun, but it goes on. Madam Clemara feels bad
for not telling the PC the rest of their fortunes and desides to get her
box down from the shelf.( If anyone scanned the room detecting magic they
could see many faint auras but the strongest aura by far is seeping out
from hunder the lid of this box.) " To make up for that poor reading,"
she says, "you may pick a card form my deck, know this, the results may
be very benificial, changing your life! But they can also be harmful and
change your life for the worse." Inside the box is a Deck of Many Things.
She asks each character how many cards they wish to pick.Once said they
must pick that many no more no less. After each drawing the deck vanishes
back into the box.
Now in my game we had a good mix of good and bad things happen but nothing
to unbalancing. I used a tarrot card deck for them to pick from. Also
the cleric of the group lagged behind after the party was leaving and
pressed to know what she saw. With only the one cleric there she told
him...(what it is, is up to you but make it a doozy. My cleric is still
holding onto the info dosn't no what to do with it but he is woried :)
Sir Grapefellow
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5629 by Umbratikus
===
Message 5635 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help on spicing up a city dungeonmaster1st
(100/M/muiltiverse) 5/16/01 1:15 pm
i like it i did something simular , but it was in a ravenlofth campaign
lol:)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5634 by sirgrapefellow
===
Message 5636 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help on spicing up a city dungeonmaster1st
(100/M/muiltiverse) 5/16/01 1:24 pm
drizzit !!
try this old time favorite
the local teenage seamtress is being terrified buy a ghost!!
as the pcs are walking down the merchnts row *or what ever you may call
it* they pass her sho-p and she comes out screeming and runs into a pc
perferable the paladin or other noble knight and is in a awful frieght
stuttering theres a ghost in there...... after the pc's investigate and
solve the problem she can give them the information they are needing or
looking for plus great deals on seamtress taloir work!!
face it pcs always go shopping when they get to town!!
now whether the ghost is a real ghost or the local boy who is playing
a prank with his ring of invisbilty is up to the dm and pc level
ANOTHER favorite side trek of mine is the haunted fountain with the prankster
teenage mage!
then local sage has the info they need but he needs a a rare spell component
and the pc's need to get it for him sample * wereratfur*
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5625 by the_dark_elf_drizzt_do_urden
===
Message 5637 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help on spicing up a city dungeonmaster1st
(100/M/muiltiverse) 5/16/01 1:25 pm
dam I can't typee and spell today oops !
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5636 by dungeonmaster1st
===
Message 5638 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help on spicing up a city Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/16/01 3:05 pm
>>3) A group of mime students from the local bardic acadamy starts walking
alongside the party, mimicing them.
Ha! I love it. I'm gonna have to use this one.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5633 by lfnotter
===
Message 5639 of 6769 Reply
Writing Protection scolls Demonic_Cultist
(27/M/Hopkins, MN) 5/16/01 3:26 pm
(2nd Ed.) Can both priests and wizards write/create protection scrolls?
FOr some reason I thought only priests could.
Thanks!
===
Message 5640 of 6769 Reply
Re: Writing Protection scolls madteuton
(32/M/Keyport, NJ) 5/16/01 3:27 pm
In 3e?
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5639 by Demonic_Cultist
====
Message 5641 of 6769 Reply
Re: Writing Protection scolls vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/16/01 5:26 pm
It would be my understanding that Clerics could write Protection from
Evil/Good, Fear, Curse, Disease, and such prayer scrolls, basically those
'spells' that they themselves can cast. While Mages can create spell scrolls
from their own class' list of spells. So if they can cast it they can
create a 'Protection From' spell/prayer. Of course in my world the reader
of the Cleric's prayer scroll has to be of the same deity, for it to work...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5639 by Demonic_Cultist
===
Message 5642 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help on spicing up a city vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/16/01 6:01 pm
As they pace around your metropolis...
1) A fire in the warehouse district, they need bucket haulers for the
water.
2) A kid of ten or so being chased by a merchant for stealing, runs up
to a party member and calls him dad...
3) An outcasted cleric stands on a 'soapbox' preaching his faith (trying
to redeem himself) when the PCs near he looks at one of them and freezes...the
runs off screaming that destruction of the city is near!!!
4) A group of tall (9') grayish 'men' in bright red robes walks silently
down the street...no one else seems to see them. When/if the party gives
any indication that they do see them, then one of the robed 'men' waves
his hand and they no longer see 'em...
5) A man in gold armor is being paraded down the broad avenue, with a
massive chearing crowd showering him with coins and flowers. Women are
begging to 'be' with him, men are swearing to follow him to hell and back...truely
beloved. As he passes the party he casually tosses one of them a ring.
(A ring of three wishes, used)
6) A contest is being held on the main square, one that a PC has a strong
skill in. The reward is something of use to the party.
7) Everyone they pass seems in a daze, nothing quite happens like its
suppose to (shopkeepers pay the customers, the beer foam is at the bottom,
no one makes footprints in the road's dust, people talk as though in an
ol'karate movie, and such). The city is the work of a master Illusionist
who is trying something really big, he just doesn't have it right yet.
8) A wagon-on-wagon accident that caused massive damage to both merchant's
goods, that the PCs were witness to and are asked by the City Guard to
appear at the trial. (A way to make this interesting is to write up the
accident and have the players read it, then as they appear before the
judge have them answer questions seperate from the others...you would
be surprised by the different accounts. I taped it so they are could 'see'
this after it was over.)
A few of my ideas...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5625 by the_dark_elf_drizzt_do_urden
====
Message 5643 of 6769 Reply
Re: Going to Gencon anyone? vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/16/01 6:05 pm
Would love to go...but haven't been able to find out when and where for
this year.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5631 by pirates_life_for_me
===
Message 5644 of 6769 Reply
Re: Going to Gencon anyone? pirates_life_for_me
(37/M/Ann Arbor, MI) 5/16/01 6:49 pm
http://www.wizards.com/gencon/2001/main.asp?x=2001/welcome,3
That has all the info anyone would ever need.
GenCon is alway in Milwaukee, although it has just about outgrown the
town. Origins is in Ohio this year.
Don
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5643 by vonromig
===
Message 5645 of 6769 Reply
Re: Writing Protection scolls lordneodig
(29/M/Hobart, Indiana) 5/16/01 7:43 pm
Here are the protection scrolls and the corresponding spells that were
needed for their creation. This is what we used in our 2nd campaign
Acid
Resist Acid And Corrosion (POSM Pg.165)
Cold
Fire Shield (PHB Pg.158)
Control Temperature 10' Radius (PHB Pg.216)
Disintegration
Wall Of Force (PHB Pg.172)
Dragon Breath
Dragon Bane (TM Pg.99)
Electricity
Protection From Lightning (PHB Pg.219)
Fire
Proof Versus Combustion (POSM Pg.148)
Protection from Fire (PHB Pg.212)
Gas
Neutralize Gas (POSM Pg.154)
Zone of Sweat Air (TM Pg.73)
Inner Planar Creatures
Dismissal (PHB Pg.167)
Elemental Forbiddance (TM Pg.91)
Lycanthropes
Mordenkainen's Defense Against Lycanthropes (GA Pg.56)
Magic
Anti-Magic Shell (PHB Pg.173)
Outer Planar Creatures
Banishment (PHB Pg.182)
Dispel Evil (PHB Pg.222)
Petrification
Stone to Flesh (PHB Pg.181)
Physical Damage
Stoneskin (PHB Pg.163)
Ironskin (DK Pg.121)
Plants
Anti-Plant Shell (PHB Pg.221)
Poison
Poison To Water(OA Pg.90)
Neutralize Poison (PHB Pg.219)
Possession
Mind Blank (PHB Pg.190)
Dispel Evil (PHB Pg.222)
Psionics
Psionic Dampener (DS Pg.91)
Impervious Sanctity Of Mind (POSM Pg.178)
Undead
Control Undead (PHB Pg.183)
Undead Ward (TM Pg.97)
Water
Airy Water (PHB Pg.165)
DK: Dragon Kings
GA: Greyhawk Adventures
OA: Oriental Adventures
PHB: Player’s Handbook
POSM: Player’s Options Skills and Magic
TM: Tome of Magic
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5639 by Demonic_Cultist
====
Message 5646 of 6769 Reply
2nd Edition Files lordneodig
(29/M/Hobart, Indiana) 5/16/01 8:06 pm
Hi
I've uploaded into my briefcase three files that people who still use
2nd ed might find of some use.
There is a listing of all magic items in the DMG with the descriptions,
and two files that list mage and cleric spells, along with book and page
notations, so you can find the spells easily.
Justt look at my profile, then look in my briefcase.
===
Message 5647 of 6769 Reply
Re: Going to Gencon anyone? the_dark_elf_drizzt_do_urden
5/17/01 12:07 am
I went to Gen Con in 96 it was absolutely awesome. That was back when
TSR still in charge of things. I loved it but since it was a 14 hour drive,
me and my gaming buddies have been attending Origins (only about a 4-5
hour drive) for the last three years. Origins is also awesome. Although
not as large as Gen Con, it is still a great con. I would recommend every
gamer attend at least one of these two cons. Because there is absolutely
nothing like getting away from the house for a weekend and going to a
gaming paradise where your surrounded by thousands upon thousands of other
gamers just like yourself. Its a great experience.
This year I'm going to both Marcon and Origins. Marcon is also held in
Colombus Ohio. It is not nearly as large as either of the other cons,
but I'm going because my favorite author, Robert Jordan, is going to be
there. I'll be leaving for it next week actually. :)
Don, have you ever attended either of the cons before? Are you going to
Origins as well? Is anyone going to Origins for that matter?
-Dark Elf-
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5644 by pirates_life_for_me
===
Message 5648 of 6769 Reply
Dragons for 3rd Edition Inches_72
(17/M/Ben Lomond, Australia) 5/17/01 1:16 am
I lied.
www.angelfire.com/geek/knownworld
Check it out!
===
Message 5649 of 6769 Reply
Re: Going to Gencon anyone? Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/17/01 8:32 am
Please nobody stone me to death or anything but...I have lived in Columbus
for 8 years and still have never gone to Origins.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5647 by the_dark_elf_drizzt_do_urden
===
Message 5650 of 6769 Reply
Re: Going to Gencon anyone? pirates_life_for_me
(37/M/Ann Arbor, MI) 5/17/01 9:35 am
Unbratikus,
I have not been to Origins since it was held in Cherry Hill New Jersey
in the mid 1980s.
Maybe that was early 1980s.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5649 by Umbratikus
===
Message 5651 of 6769 Reply
Re: Going to Gencon anyone? pirates_life_for_me
(37/M/Ann Arbor, MI) 5/17/01 9:39 am
Dark Elf,
I would love to attend Origins.... but.....
Comes down to money. I used to have friends who lived in those parts I
could crash with, now they live near the Kent State campus.
I think we should ask Umbratikus to put us up. I only snore a little......
Don
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5647 by the_dark_elf_drizzt_do_urden
===
Message 5652 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help on spicing up a city cplchaotic
(30/M/Wheeling, WV) 5/17/01 10:08 am
Oh Good Lord NOOOOOO! Not the DECK OF MANY THINGS!
My party had a saying. Live by the deck. Die by the deck.
I used to throw it in every once in a long while. Until I had a brand
new player in the party. He drew the best card in the deck. Of course...
The wishes. I couldn't make him understand the whole concept of D&D wishes.
First wish... I wish for every magic item in the world. Of course I messed
with the wish since it was left wide open with the phrasing. But he was
pretty made in real world when his character was crushed by several tons
of items.
The Cpl
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5634 by sirgrapefellow
===
Message 5653 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help on spicing up a city dungeonmaster1st
(100/M/muiltiverse) 5/17/01 11:29 am
lolrotf i like that one .. my favorite is giving them wishes when they
don't know they have them heheheh makes it more fun when they say the
words I wish in refence to something else heheheh
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5652 by cplchaotic
===
Message 5654 of 6769 Reply
Re: Going to Gencon anyone? dungeonmaster1st
(100/M/muiltiverse) 5/17/01 11:31 am
whne and where is marcon in clombus ohio ?? i live in northern ohio
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5647 by the_dark_elf_drizzt_do_urden
===
Message 5655 of 6769 Reply
Re: Going to Gencon anyone? the_dark_elf_drizzt_do_urden
5/17/01 1:28 pm
Marcon and Origins are both being held in the Greater Columbus Convention
Center, which is connected to the Hyatt Regency. Marcon is being held
May 25, 26, and 27. Which is next Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
http://www.marcon.org
Go there for complete info.
-Drow Ranger-
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5654 by dungeonmaster1st
====
Message 5656 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help on spicing up a city sirgrapefellow
(37/M/Portland Oregon) 5/17/01 2:22 pm
I must say being new to the group I'm so impressed and excited with the
usefulness of this club. Great ideas here! This topic is very timely for
me too.
Grape
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5642 by vonromig
===
Message 5657 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help on spicing up a city sirgrapefellow
(37/M/Portland Oregon) 5/17/01 2:31 pm
I had a similar crushing experience with a player a year or so ago with
a wish spell.
I know the DECK can be a big problem... but hey it did add some fun spice
to this particular adventure I used it in. I know I was lucky with the
cards my PC picked, could have turned into a nightmare. I risked it.
Grape
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5652 by cplchaotic
===
Message 5658 of 6769 Reply
Re: Deck of Many Things rubbercocktail
(20/M) 5/17/01 3:28 pm
Has anyone had problems with the xp amounts not being changed on the jester
and sun cards? 10,000 xp and 50,000 xp were fitting for 2nd ed xp scales,
but its a little off balance when it only takes 45,000 to get from level
1 to level 10.
Charlie Gordon
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5657 by sirgrapefellow
===
Message 5659 of 6769 Reply
Re: ThrandorBattles vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/17/01 4:33 pm
Sorry. But by me stating how I did my major battles I thought you might
pick up some ideas or have some questions about it. As for ThrandorBattles
it is a good system, but I have two points of questioning...
1) What are the range dimensions of the squares?
In section 1, part b) you state: 'They must enter a square in order to
see if an enemy is there.' IMHO, this gives the indication that the distances
are very great for the individual units NOT to be able to see beyond their
on square. As any large force, down to a company size (100+) can be seen
from 1/2 mile in the open and battalions (1000+) can be spotted up to
1 1/2 miles in the open. This would mean your squares cover up to 3 miles
for battalion size forces, or a mile for company size units. This is not
a problem in itself, but due to medieval communications during warfare
this distance would prevent any general from controlling the battle after
the first set of orders was given, back at camp.
2) What amount of men due the units represent? The reasons I don't have
individual PCs or NPCs listed and used to give bonuses are...
a) My forces are to big in size for the presents of one individual to
make such a difference, and since both sides would be using magical attacks
they negate themselves out when it comes down to determining damage (those
killed).
b) 99.9% of my battles involved trained, professional armies, and as such
the common infantry privates are 1-2nd level fighters, sgts are 3-4th
level and elite forces are 3-5+ levels. Therefore, their saving throw
capabilies would prevent massive destruction when attacked by a mages'
spells. And as few spells are large, area-affecting, and limited in numbers
to the individual wizard...their actions are much like a cannon barrage
before the troops meet in arm-to-arm fighting. Bam, Bam, Zap...Charge!
3) Therefore, as the 'artillary' and 'medics' of the opposing force the
mages and clerics would be primary targets and their lifespan on the battle
field would be short.
Now don't get me wrong. I think your system is perfectly fine, but the
items I mentioned would be the only thing I would question...as far as
realism is concerned. But this is a fantasy game isn't it? Otherwise,
no other problems.
Great job.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5618 by thrandorian
===
Message 5660 of 6769 Reply
Was this the club Danduin_
(31/M/Cinti OH) 5/17/01 9:14 pm
where someone was asking about a more realistic combat system? A system
where specific body parts may be rendered unusable due to damage, etc.
If so let me know I have some "official" Optional rules for you from TSR
(2nd ed.)
===
Message 5661 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help on spicing up a city the_dark_elf_drizzt_do_urden
5/18/01 12:08 am
Sirgrapefellow, what stuff have you done with your city to occupy the
players so far? Maybe we can help each other out.
And thanks for everyone's input and help on the topic. I am planning on
using a lot of the suggestions everyone made throughout their stay in
the city. You all are some kick ass DM's! :)
-Drizzt-
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5656 by sirgrapefellow
===
Message 5662 of 6769 Reply
hello etherion1
(37/F/West Virginia) 5/18/01 1:39 am
I am etherion1 and I have a site on MSN
called RPG Campaign World. It is an affiliate of Campaign
World on Delphi forums. We are currently seeking gamers who like play
by post on line and
are looking for games, and Dm's who are seking players.
the RPG Campaign World has many free downloads and links to games.
Come and check us out at:
http://communities.msn.com/RPGCampaignWorld
thank you for your time & happy gaming
etherion1 ( aka hungrylady36)
etherion1@yahoo.com
===
Message 5663 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help on spicing up a city shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 5/18/01 3:52 am
>> First wish... I wish for every magic item in the world. Of course I
messed with the wish since it was left wide open with the phrasing.
I can think of a few ways to handle this, without burying the PC's under
the best treasure trove in the galaxy .. the best two are:
Sadistic .. "The first item to appear is a sphere of annihilation .. "
(Hmm, a world without magic items .. interesting.)
For the rules lawyer .. "Before you appears a roll of paper, as wide as
a man and as large around as a wagon wheel. In tiny, barely legible, script
is written: 'The bearer of this scroll is the legal owner of the following
items: .. '" (Now all he has to do is present the scroll to the proper
authorities and the current possessors of his stuff. He might be able
to sell the scroll to a Mages/Sages Guild.)
s/g
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5652 by cplchaotic
===
Message 5664 of 6769 Reply
Re: ThrandorBattles thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/18/01 7:07 am
Excellent Von,
Actually I am goading you just a smidge to get some of your highly analytical
feedback. Thank you I think you started a couple of good questions. I
would welcome anyone's comments on the following:
1) Range dimension of squares is 10 miles. I am unsure if I made an error
by choosing to force combat into the same square rather than adjacent
squares. This changes some of the strategy normally associated with most
board games. To enforce size limits the number of St. Pts. allowed in
any 1 square is 16 per side.
2) The size of forces is equal to approximately 100 men or the equivalent
thereof per strength point. Most of all I took a ratio of the 2 sides
and as long as that ratio was correct I figured the exact number was less
important.
3) I am unsure how to reconcile when to have movement and recon so that
info can be properly used to intercept an opponent. As the rules read
now recon units move at the beginning of the turn and then spot, then
other units move. This allows more of a guesstimation than knowledge of
exactly where you may intercept the enemy. Maybe that's ok though.
4) The character classes are inserted to give each unit widely varying
strengths and weaknesses. Actually we have experienced tremendous impact
on ground troops from flying magic users who used spells like “Wall of
Fire” in a ring to kill literally hundreds of soldiers with a single spell
use. This was all done with normal 1st ed D&D rules applied. Make me a
9th-16th level MU and I guarantee I could figure a way to destroy an army
of those without one. If the enemy has one or more, give me a magical
partner and I will lay a trap to destroy the enemy magic users and then
decimate their earth bound troops. Entangle, Animal friendship etc. These
are supposed to be represented by the recon and trap abilities of the
druid.
Thanks again Von. I just wanted your help directly and the help/advise
of other members. You have more stuff written up already than most (me
for sure) on scores of subjects and it’s really very impressive, but I
didn't want an answer that was created before my question was even asked
but rather a fresh one based on my needs.
A little chaotic of me but I will perform 1 lawful act tomorrow to balance
my Chi.
Thx,
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5659 by vonromig
===
Message 5665 of 6769 Reply
Re: Going to Gencon anyone? lazarus1020
(22/M/Louisville,Ky) 5/18/01 7:15 am
Me and a few of my friends are going again this year. It would be cool
to meet a few actual role players instead of the usual power games we
have met.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5631 by pirates_life_for_me
===
Message 5666 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help on spicing up a city dungeonmaster1st
(100/M/muiltiverse) 5/18/01 9:15 am
LOL I'm the DungeonMaster after all lol :)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5661 by the_dark_elf_drizzt_do_urden
===
Message 5667 of 6769 Reply
Re: Going to Gencon anyone? the_dark_elf_drizzt_do_urden
5/18/01 10:03 am
Hey lazarus, I just live about two to three hours away from Louiseville.
You wouldn't happen to know a guy named Alex Locklear or Mike Carroll
would you?
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5665 by lazarus1020
===
Message 5668 of 6769 Reply
Re: wishes Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/18/01 11:03 am
>>Sadistic .. "The first item to appear is a sphere of annihilation ..
" (Hmm, a world without magic items .. interesting.)
Ha! I love this one. I would go for that. I love getting the players involved
in world altering events. Of course magic items would eventually filter
in from other Prime Material worlds and from other planes, which would
be the basis for a whole slew of adventures.
I had a guy wish for a million gp once. I had him teleported into a sealed,
underground treasure vault built by a miserly noble centuries ago. I presume
his withered corpse is still there.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5663 by shinto_gaijin
===
Message 5669 of 6769 Reply
Re: wishes lordneodig
(29/M/Hobart, Indiana) 5/18/01 7:49 pm
The first wish I ever got I wished for 1,000,000 platinum pieces. Which
got dropped on my head. However, 2 minutes later Pazuzus showed up wanting
to know why I thought I could steal from him and get away from it.
I started my second character ever shortly afterwards.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5668 by Umbratikus
===
Message 5670 of 6769 Reply
3rd Edition. purplejade1999
(21/F/Fairbanks, AK) 5/19/01 1:19 am
How many of you are into the 3rd edition of DnD? That's what I'm running
my Campaign in and this is really the first time any one of my friends
or I have delt with this system. Basically it's a testing campaign and
so far they are liking it alot, even though I am a new DM and they are
helping me out, they still like it alot. I have questions that I would
like to ask, but I just need to know how many are familiar with 3rd ed
before I post them.
Also, is anyone interested in starting a DnD campaign via Interenet either
by Chatting about it or posting the answers and going by that or what?
The one Edition I am really familiar with is 3rd ed so that would be the
edition I woiuld like to play with. Let me know what you think.
Purplejade99
===
Message 5671 of 6769 Reply
Re: 3rd Edition. ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 5/19/01 7:59 am
1st edition had lots of little idiosyncracies that were problems, that
the '2nd' edition never corrected, or often made worse...(fundamental
problems) 3rd isnt perfect (what is) but it does fix some of the GLARING
errors and stupidity in the prior 2 editions.
thats my spin on it...i would like to find some real world players, but
they are hard to find...
good luck
mikey
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5670 by purplejade1999
===
Message 5672 of 6769 Reply
Beastmaster weapon Panaz101
(F/Groton,CT) 5/19/01 5:08 pm
Ok here's my problem. I have a player who wants to make the beast master's
weapon carving it every night. I said level 10 min before they can make
it. I also said it would take up 3 slots min. Club,short sword and some
sort of pole arm. I was wondering if there was any idea on what the damage
should be. I've limited that weapon to ranger (forest) and druid's only.
If anyon has any idea please share them. 2.5 edtion(mixed 3rd and 2nd.)
===
Message 5673 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help on spicing up a city Panaz101
(F/Groton,CT) 5/19/01 5:32 pm
They one my PC'c hate me for was the magic users had to register. That
wouldn't have been a bad thing but the office worker was a complete basket
case. Couldn't remeber why they were there. Fought with 2 PC, then had
to send them out to see if they were worthy.I sent them to a blind seer
who gave them dreams. (they got dumped in a lose version of Ravenloft)
so they got all the info about the world. Since they weren't registered
they had to wear a collar that stopped their magic. It worked out great
becase inate abilites counted if you used them. Now my office worker(Hal)
is a big problem becauase he has 3 brothers and my party is upset becasue
they are looking for the 3rd on. Did I mention he's a were-rat. This has
alot of fun and is great just to make the Pc's twitch.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5625 by the_dark_elf_drizzt_do_urden
===
Message 5674 of 6769 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #4 Panaz101
(F/Groton,CT) 5/19/01 5:46 pm
I personally won't but I'd add and NPC in there unless as Dm you decide
not to put to many trap and stuff that requires thief skills. They group
I've played with I intoduce a Pixie squrrel. He works great doesn't come
out unless yelled for so he's not up there fighting. He has alot of skills
that the Pc's don't know about. Since he's not up front no one bother
to much with him. He's also is great in getting new pc's together.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5580 by vonromig
===
Message 5675 of 6769 Reply
Re: Going to Gencon anyone? creativemountain
5/19/01 9:35 pm
I'll be heading up from Chicago and DMing four of the D&D Feature slots.
Anyone else on this Dungeon Master's Guild list going to be there and
DMing at the big Con?
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5665 by lazarus1020
===
Message 5676 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help on spicing up a city dragonlordjr
5/19/01 11:17 pm
Anti-magic collars! I love it! A society that enforces such a law must
be very anal-retentive. Did they also take the groups weapons at the city
gate? And who did the people trust to make them? He must have been a powerful
wizard and was still able to use his magic.
DRAGONLORD JR
(Sneaking into Dad's study)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5673 by Panaz101
===
Message 5677 of 6769 Reply
Druids in a City kwan_darkwood
(21/M) 5/20/01 1:52 am
It seems I have a dilemna. In my Dragonlance campaign, one of the players
has a druid character. He's never played a druid before, and I have never
been the Dungeon Master for a druid character either so neither of us
have much experience in the matter. Anyhow, the problem is that most of
my campaign takes place in urban envirnoments, and the druid just can't
seem to find his place. I'm looking for some suggestions for him to be
able to make use of his skills in the city and be useful to the party.
===
Message 5678 of 6769 Reply
Re: Druids in a City zarndelius
(28/M/The air isle of Rosebush) 5/20/01 2:46 am
LOL, I am playing a druid in a city, I just roleplay a lot. Like at the
bar, I thought that the bar table was a sliding thing, so I jumped on
it and slid across it, I did a lot of that, acting ignorant in the city
ways.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5677 by kwan_darkwood
===
Message 5679 of 6769 Reply
Re: Druids in a City Eoganachta
(36/M/Glendale, CA) 5/20/01 4:29 am
I don't really see a big problem, there is vegetation in the city, bushes,
grass, trees, etc. The druid could 'hang out' in the fresh food market
with the farmers, he/she could spend time with the artisans and smiths.
Every city needs farmers to sustain it. I think druids have a lot more
to offer than people give them credit for. They don't have to be Eco-freaks,
just people who understand the power of nature and have invested their
time in gaining some control of that power.
plot lines...more tricky, but imaginable.
Some powerful person in the city grew up with druids and trusts them more
than clerics.
The local mages have need of a druids talents for finding a lost magic
item. (lost in a forest somewhere)
A band of theivies has stolen a sacred druidic item and is thought to
be in that city.
A ranger training school is located there and needs a druid to teach the
ways of nature to new recruits.
A bard has made that city his home and has gathered a party to travel
with, including a druid.
The druid was a less than perfect student and his mentor has sent him
to complete a task...investigating a evil mage in that city.
just off the top of my brain.
Once the druid gains the shapeshifting ability the druid will be an excellent
gatherer of information, imagine where a bird or a rat can go, that a
person can not. The spells should not be a problem.
I have a site dedicated to druids, it might help a little.
http://www.geocities.com/charlier64/
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5677 by kwan_darkwood
===
Message 5680 of 6769 Reply
Re: Druids in a City vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/20/01 2:32 pm
As stated by Kwan there can be many reasons for a druid to be in a cityscape.
Also, since many of the people whose life is dependent on nature will
want their deities represented; farmers, lumberjacks, rangers, ranchers,
and such. They too would have their temples/shrines within the city, surrounded
by a large, beautiful garden. This is where the druid could spend much
of his time, getting back in touch with nature.
Perhaps the city is experiencing a drought and needs druidic help.
The Mason Guild is damaging the eco-system by mining marble nearby, and
the high 'Wazoo' of druids sent him to stop them.
A new shrine, just outside the city, is about to be built and the ground
needs to be 'blessed', the gardens planned and planted properly, and the
ceremonies conducted...such things could keep the druid busy for quite
some time while he gets involved in other matters with the rest of the
party.
A clerical order of a god of nature and a the local druidic sect are in
conflict over some philosophical textbook and a gathering of clerics and
druids from all over are being called in.
Or he is in need of help with a problem in the wilderness of his region,
but that help is to be found in the city.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5677 by kwan_darkwood
====
Message 5681 of 6769 Reply
Re: Druids in a City thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/20/01 2:39 pm
kwan,
I'd say you have the makings of a great frustrated druid! He could be
played along the lines of an "Eco-Terrorist", taking down polluters, anonymously.
He/She could for instance leave a card ala "The Saint" and be the unknown
scourge of industries, farms, users of many solvents and those who dump
wastes or take advantage of the land or resources. Even in medieval settings
such things existed.
Never having run the druid before gives you something to research and
learn. Thus DM growth. Have a blast with it!
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5677 by kwan_darkwood
===
Message 5682 of 6769 Reply
Re: Druids in a City vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/20/01 2:39 pm
As stated by Eoganachta, Kwan their...
Oops, slipping on my sentence structure.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5680 by vonromig
===
Message 5683 of 6769 Reply
New guys names thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/20/01 3:14 pm
I just gotta say... Any club that attracts new members with names like
"littlewhitenuts" and "ArmoredYak" has to be ok!
Great handles folks! Lol x 2.23
T
===
Message 5684 of 6769 Reply
To the founders thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/20/01 4:06 pm
I think a group like this one needs an area to post not just pics but
word documents and other formats as well. In other words a "Files" section
instead of "Photos".
Most services provide this option. Does Yahoo? Then submittions other
than JPEG, GIF and BMP can be shared and worked on if desired by multiple
members.
Just an idea,
T
===
Message 5685 of 6769 Reply
Re: To the founders vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/20/01 7:00 pm
Well Thrandorian, the closest thing I can think of is the use of the Club's
Page. When a member writes up anything related to AD&D in a Yahoo!GeoCities
page, and sends me its URL, I can add it to the appropiate section for
all to read.
If you would like to try this...
1) Go to Yahoo. com
2) Click on GeoCities in the big list.
3) Click on Yahoo!PageBuilder, the line with the small hammer next to
it...you may have to fill out the form.
4) It may send you back to the site where you have to click on Yahoo!PageBuilder
again.
5) Click on the yellow bar that reads, Launch PageBuilder...it will take
about 3-5 minutes to load. DO NOT close any windows that pop up.
6) Once in the PageBuilder just hit 'Text' button and click in the rectangle
that appears. Start typing your data. Eventually you will learn to change
colors, expand the text area, add lines and bars, different fonts, add
pictures, etc.
7) Once done, save your page, and send me its URL address to my Email...
cyrusredd@acsworld.net
8)I will then add a link from the Club's Page to your geocities page...allowing
anyone to read it.
If everyone in the club started doing this, the Club's Page would become
a new focus for info and ideas, the likes of which no other club has.
Title pages can be an Article on anything AD&D, much like what you see
in Dragon and White Dwarf magazines, a discription of a new magic item,
spell, or character class, and Outline of a favorite campaign, and a overview
of your gaming world...All have their own section. If a member writes
up something unique a new section will be created in the Club's Page,
like what Krovar did with non-d&d book references.
If anyone has a better idea, please share...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5684 by thrandorian
===
Message 5686 of 6769 Reply
Scorpion King vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/20/01 7:09 pm
I'm sure most of the members have seen the new movie out, The Mummy Returns,
with Brendan Frasier...
What about a brainstorming session on what the statistics of the 'Scorpion
King' creature at the ending would be?
Right off the bat I can see him/it having up to five attacks...four pinchers
(two on his hands and two from his scorpion body) and his tail stinger.
Damage:
Pincher Hands- 1d10+2
Body Pinchers- 1d12+2
Tail Stinger- 1d6+4 (poison?)
Just a start...
Von Romig
===
Message 5687 of 6769 Reply
Club Picture vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/20/01 7:54 pm
I finally got me a scanner (actually an all-in-one; scanner, printer,
fax, and copier).
I did a quick doodle for the club's picture, with more time I will do
a better one. The Club's Page will also be improved once I get the time
to draw more...
Hope you like it.
Von Romig
===
Message 5688 of 6769 Reply
Re: To the founders Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/21/01 10:09 am
You can also use the "briefcase" function under your profile and then
alert people as to it's presence. Perhaps we can have a central clearing
house for these things, although Yahoo might have a limit on server space.
Personally, I agree with you. The club needs to have a "files" section.
If we want a central clearing house for info, perhaps Von Romig's idea
is best. Send them to him to post on the club web page.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5684 by thrandorian
===
Message 5689 of 6769 Reply
Re: Druids in a City Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/21/01 10:17 am
Keep in mind, above all things, a druid is a priest. In a city, he would
not only want be useful to the party, but he would also want to impress
his faith on those city folks who have essentially turned their back on
nature. Whenever possible and/or appropriate, he would be using his spells
and abilities to demonstrate to people why they should show their homage
to the earth. This type of activity should be as important to the druid
as the goals of his adventuring party are, if not moreso. If most of the
adventures are city based, the druid should have an ongoing goal of trying
to bring the citizens closer to nature. Perhaps that could be his self
perceived purpose in life...to bring faith to the city-bound faithless
(so to speak).
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5677 by kwan_darkwood
===
Message 5690 of 6769 Reply
Re: To the founders teyindahl
(22/F/Underhill) 5/21/01 11:57 am
Von,
"When a member writes up anything related to AD&D in a Yahoo!GeoCities
page, and sends me its URL, I can add it to the appropiate section for
all to read."
Does it have to be a Yahoo!GeoCities page? I would assume not, but because
of your wording, I thought I'd ask.
-Jenny
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5685 by vonromig
---
Message 5691 of 6769 Reply
Re: To the founders vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/21/01 2:36 pm
No, it doesn't have to be a GeoCities page. That is the only one I know
that is free...if there are other page sites, great.
I will post any web site, home page, etc that relates to AD&D in any way.
If I don't have a section that your writings or such fit into, then I
will create one.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5690 by teyindahl
====
Message 5692 of 6769 Reply
Re: Beastmaster weapon SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 5/21/01 2:57 pm
Huh?
What's the beast master's weapon? The only "beast master" I know of is
the Fighter's kit (2e) of the same name. Is this somehow derived from
the TV show of that name? If so, can you describe it?
Why put a level restriction on it? And why does it need weapon proficiency
in three very dissimilar weapons? Personally, I think this is a great
way to spend some proficiency slots.
Spend 3 for the Weaponsmith NWP. Yeah, you're not smithing (he's carving
it, right?) but you need to know how to make a good weapon. A generous
GM might allow "Primitive Weaponscraft" for flint and wood items at 2
slots, but it is entirely different from the one in the PH and doesn't
allow crossover. (Read: if he ever wants to take steel Weaponsmithing,
he'll have to pay the full 3 slots again).
Make the PC spend time, money and resources tracking down the NPCs that
can assist in the endeavor. Maybe a reclusive sage has records of the
ancient peoples who also used a similar weapon. And the sage wants recompense
for the PC impinging on his free time. If a mage has to spend money and
time on researching new spells, so should the fighter developing a new
weapons style. Alternately, the money represents the effort expended in
determining the perfect wood, the best shape, flawed versions that broke,
etc etc... rarely is anything made perfectly on the first try. He'll carve
many versions of this thing until it comes out right.
The weapon of his dreams has been made! Now he has to learn how to wield
it effectively. Fight with it in every combat with the -2 nonproficiency
penalty until your next weapons proficiency slot comes around. Used an
old weapon? No XP for the encounter, 1/2 XP for the adventure, just like
the old dual class rules.
Finally! He has learned how to use this thing effectively. He spends his
next WP on "beast master weapon" and is fully proficient. Specialization
will cost extra, as always.
I'm not familiar with much of 3e, but I wouldn't let him use combat Feats
with it until he's proficient.
Now if he just spends another NWP on "Instructor," when those followers
show up at 9th level, he can teach them and become a renown founder of
a weapons school.
As for damage, I'd look at other weapons and see what looks reasonable.
Two-handed weapons tend to higher damage, usually 2dsomething. The factors
you trade off are usually speed, handedness, and damage. Huge, slow, 2-handed
weapons do the most damage (two-handed sword is a fine example, though
I can't recall its damage right now). Small, light, fast one-handed weapons
do less damage (like a 1d4 dagger). Medium sized, medium fast one-handed
weapons (mace, long sword) do damage in the 1d6+1 to 1d8 range.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5672 by Panaz101
===
Message 5693 of 6769 Reply
Re: To the founders thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/21/01 3:41 pm
Hi Von,
Are we talking about constructing an HTML page? I am unfamiliar with "Page
builder". Is this a a free mini website option? I have 2 sites of my own
and can easily create HTML. Do I need to send a URL and you just post
a link? If so maybe the solution is a free website dedicated solely to
uploading and downloading member shared files. This could of course be
easily accomplished and if well conceived and executed could potentially
result in our inclusion in web rings (like TWoTC) and other groups that
could propel our group into actual notability in the gaming community.
Or not. I'm not sure what is best for the club but this thought has germinated
as I have observed the range and depth of the varying skills within our
group. Together we may be one of the more formidable collaborations this
side of the pros.
Just an idea,
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5685 by vonromig
===
Message 5694 of 6769 Reply
Re: 3rd Edition. reverendzen
(24/M) 5/21/01 4:25 pm
Purplejade99,
I have been playing D&D for the past 15 years, and have kept up with the
game through the ages and changes. I am well-versed in the ways of the
3rd edition, as are many of my cohorts that partake in our gaming sessions.
If you need questions answered, feel free to ask. Someone somewhere will
hear the call and respond accordingly.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5670 by purplejade1999
===
Message 5695 of 6769 Reply
You're a woman? reverendzen
(24/M) 5/21/01 4:34 pm
dragon_lord_yu,
I couldn't help but notice, you've portrayed yourself as a woman. In the
Photos section, you used a picture from Dragonlance and claimed you were
the first person to the right. In case you are unaware, this is a picture
of Kitiara, a female dragonrider, and one of the loves of Tanis Half-elven.
Just thought I'd bring this to your attention.
Reverend Zen
===
Message 5696 of 6769 Reply
Re: Help on spicing up a city Panaz101
(F/Groton,CT) 5/21/01 5:26 pm
My Pc never tried to find out what would happen if they didn't follow
the rules. They just did as they we're told. The person they were sent
to was out of the cuty the moment they tried to leave there collors were
removed. It was great like was said evryone goes to buy things so the
Pc weren't together. So they had to come back to town and they went back
several times. It is a great set-up.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5676 by dragonlordjr
====
Message 5697 of 6769 Reply
Re: Beastmaster weapon Panaz101
(F/Groton,CT) 5/21/01 5:31 pm
Sorry I wasn't specific enough. Yes the one from the show. it looks kind
of like a polearm that comes apart to be a to handed weapon. I give level
becasue I figure they are carving it and working with it and all of that.
So by the time it is done' they will have spent years on it.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5692 by SCA_Bard
===
Message 5698 of 6769 Reply
Re: Druids in a City kwan_darkwood
(21/M) 5/21/01 7:31 pm
Thank you all for your suggestions, they are very helpful, and I shall
certainly put them to good use. As always, this club is a lifesaver.
After I posted my message last night me and the druid have worked together
on some different class options and we have created a new druid kit, based
on the Lycanthropic Ranger mentioned in the Complete Ranger's Handbook.
I wanted to go ahead and post it here and see what you guys thought about
it.
Lycanthropic Druid
The Lycanthropic Druid has a taint of lycanthropy in their blood and gains
the ability to harness its power after attaining higher levels. The druid
must choose one version of lycanthrope when the kit is selected. The chosen
animal must be native to the druid's terrain choice, ie. a desert druid
can not choose a polar bear as his were- animal.
The character then develops a natural affinity for both the were- and
true versions of the animal and can communicate freely with them. Upon
attaining fifth level however, the character recieves the ability to shapeshift
into the were-version of the creature a number of times per day equal
to their experience level divided by three plus one(exp lvl/3 rnd down
+1) . The character does not gain the normal shapeshifting options of
the druid class, but they do retain the ability to heal when they switch
forms. Healing is done upon assuming a new form, the druid heals 10% to
60% (1d6x10) of all damage (fractions rounded down). For example, if the
druid has suffered 15 points of damage and rolls a 3 on a d6, he heals
30% of 15hp or 4.5 rounded down to 4.
While in the were form, the THACO is the same as that of the druid. The
were form takes only half damage from nonmagical weapons (but no successful
attack can do less than 1 damage), but takes full damage from silver and
+1 or better weapons.
Examples of were animals include but is not limited to : wererat, wereboar,
werebat, weretiger, werebear, wereboar, wereleopard, werefox, werewolf,
etc.
Advantages: Can shape shift sooner than other druid classes and into lycanthropic
variations. Gains an affinity for the animal chosen in both normal and
were- versions. Can communicate with chosen animal type freely without
spells.
Disadvantages: Once chosen, this kit cannot be abandoned or changed due
to the lycanthrophy. Can only change into one animal form and this must
be chosen at the time the kit is chosen. Has little use for treasure or
urban areas due to the amount of time spent in animal form. (except the
wererat, which would tend to spend time in the slums and sewers.) This
kit also starts with one fewer NWP (three instead of four).
It also requires a constitution score of 13 to take this kit.
Of course, this was no solution to my problem of a druid in a city, but
I have found my answers here and I can tell that they will make things
well. Thanks again.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5689 by Umbratikus
===
Message 5699 of 6770 Reply
Re: Druids in a City ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 5/22/01 2:47 am
i would have a problem with allowing this, simply because the character
can no longer sustain the neutrality of his alignment.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5698 by kwan_darkwood
===
Message 5700 of 6770 Reply
Re: 3rd Edition. sirgrapefellow
(37/M/Portland Oregon) 5/22/01 10:26 am
Purplejade,
My group switched to the 3rd edition, I've played them all...I love the
3E! much smoother all around. Infact I just finished my last 2E game via
the internet and half way through this glorious battle I was wishing we
were playing 3E!!! It was hard going back after playing 3E with my main
group. Anyway I don't claim to be an expert on 3E but I think we are all
here to help and be supportive!
Sir Grapefellow
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5670 by purplejade1999
===
Message 5701 of 6770 Reply
Re: Druids in a City Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/22/01 10:33 am
Unless an lycanthropic druid COULD sustain neutrality. It seems to me
that the druid gains affinity for the animal type early on. The pure form
of the animal is Neutral in alignment, the druid is Neutral in alignment,
therefore, I wouldn't have a problem with the lycanthropic druid to maintain
his Neutral alignment in were-form. This is controlled and voluntary lycanthropy,
after all.
My question would be one of game balance, but I think this could work.
May need a little tweaking after you use it in actual game play if you
find one or more of the abilities unbalanced with the rest of the party,
but it sounds viable.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5699 by ArmoredYak
===
Message 5702 of 6770 Reply
Re: Druids in a City teyindahl
(22/F/Underhill) 5/22/01 12:04 pm
Lycanthropes in my game can be of any alignment - in fact the dominant
alignment would probably be neutral. It's also a genetic trait, not something
that is spread by bite, which works well with the kit.
How do you differentiate between the were- and true versions of an animal?
I'm curious because I've always had lycanthopy be the ability to change
between human and animal - meaning the true animal.
-Jenny
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5699 by ArmoredYak
===
Message 5703 of 6770 Reply
Re: Druids in a City vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/22/01 3:14 pm
I think the Lycanthropic druid is a very interesting concept, full of
possibilities. The one major balancing factor would be other people's
reaction to him, once he was found out.
The terror of were-creatures are legendary, and superstitious folk won't
care what the 'beast' is in human form, nor understand the difference
between Cursed Lycanthrops and Lycanthropic Druids, their fear and hatred
would be the same. And as such gossip would be pure gold, the identity
of and presence of a 'were-beast' among the party would spread all across
the merchant roads of your world. As long as the DM takes this into account
you have your balance.
My two copper pieces...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5701 by Umbratikus
===
Message 5704 of 6770 Reply
Re: Druids in a City thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/22/01 3:59 pm
Actually Jenny, Lycanthropes (according to Ad&d 1st & 2nd edition at least)
are a completely different fish all together. For instance, wererats have
3 forms: human, human sized rat and giant rat. Weretigers are humanoid-tigers.
In addition, most of the other were creatures have humanoid characteristics
and various abilities which are often outside the normal attributes of
either the host-species or the animal type.
The only opposition I have to the use of lycanthropic characters is the
intrinsic "lost soul" aspect that I feel should come hand-in-hand with
lycanthropic and vampiric afflictions. At least I’d like to see psychological
conflict for any good character, ala Wesley Snipes in "Blade". Man is
not meant for these forms or these powers in my opinion. When he adopts
them he does so at great peril and his only hope of eventual salvation
is to have an iron will and keep ever vigilant to rein in the primitive
drives that must come with these dubious powers.
IMHO, yata, yata, yata,
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5702 by teyindahl
===
Message 5705 of 6770 Reply
Re: ThrandorBattles vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/22/01 4:06 pm
Thrandorian,
It seems that not to many others wish to respond, but don't blame them,
not many DMs have the need, nor have within their style of play, to include
major battles within their world, IMHO. So I will give some more thoughts
for you to ponder upon...
From your last post...
#1-#2) A combat map where the squares are 10 miles and the force size
being around 100 would indicate to me that the number of forces (tiles)
would be in the thousands on each side. Battles from Mesopotamia (3500
bc) up to the Civil War was fought within an area of 1-15 miles. This
was due mostly to supply, communication, and command control needs. It
could happen in a magical world, but only if each unit was equipped with
an endless supply of armements (Staff of Creation)and some sort of crystal
ball (communication & command control).
#3) Think about this; have each side of the conflict keep a 'graph' of
all their units listed down the side, with the turns across the top. Now
label each square with a numbering system. Have each side plan their units
moves two turns inadvance using the square's number for its next move
(EX: turn 1- Beginning point, plan turns 2-4 then move for turn 2...after
that is resovled, the players plan turn 5, then move for turn 3, and so
on.) This will give the feeling of lacking communication and add an element
of tactical planning.
Recon groups would spot on the same turn as they are played, but the square
being searched would have a DC factor based on the terrain and the size
of the forces there (smaller is harder). After contact is made the recon
can keep track of that unit, with a 10% chance of losing them compounded
each turn (100% first turn, 90% 2nd turn, 80% 3rd turn...) while the unit
under surveillance would have a increasing chance of spotting the recon
group, starting at 10% the 1st turn...20% the 2nd turn, etc. Recon units
would run the gambit of keeping contact with the enemy and being spotted
and attacked themselves.
#4) In a world that has powerful mages (illusionists, clerics, etc) acting
in battles would transform, over a short time, into a tactically brief,
but deadly pre-battle concept of warfare between the opposing 'wizards'
FIRST. The surviving ones with spells remaining would then do their damage
(artillery barrage) and then depart...Thieves and rangers would become
the spies and perhaps 'recon', and the fighters and paladins the unit's
leaders. IMHO, the idea of having a whole group of warriors enhanced with
the abilities of their leader, if he be a ranger, cleric, thief, mage,
etc would skip out-of-bounds with acceptability. As they are trained only
to fight with weapons of their unit's class, Infantry, Archers, Cavalry,
etc. And to have groups of 100 rangers, 100 clerics, 100 thieves would
be just silly...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5664 by thrandorian
===
Message 5706 of 6770 Reply
What does neutral mean to most members? thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/22/01 4:22 pm
What do you think? I see it this way...
Neutral usually relates to one of the following:
1) Good and evil
2) Lawful and chaotic
I believe that there must be 2 forms of neutrality in either case:
a) Neutral that (like a sports referee) is supposed to believe that even
when the balance is shifted one way or the other that you stay the same
path of neutrality.
b) Neutral that seeks to bring things into balance by acting in such a
manner as to correct the imbalance.
How do you see it?
T
====
Message 5707 of 6770 Reply
Re: Druids in a City teyindahl
(22/F/Underhill) 5/22/01 4:37 pm
Ah - it's been so long since I'd seen the actual AD&D rules for lycanthropes
that I'd all but forgotten what they were. I've had to reason to bother
with them; none of my friends' games have had them, and, like I said,
in my world the rules are different.
-Jenny
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5704 by thrandorian
===
Message 5708 of 6770 Reply
Who's Burning in Hell? vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/22/01 4:39 pm
Here's a question for ya'll...
In an AD&D world where pretty much everybody believes that the gods are
real and follow the one deity that defines his/her place in life...then
who are the souls burning in Hell?
1) What evil, cleric or worshipper, would follow a god of the same, if
their 'reward' is to suffer tremendous agony for eternity?
2) Would not the evil worshippers wish to continue their need to perform
evil in the afterlife? And thus their desire to please their Evil god,
so that they may be put in a more promising position in Hell.
3) Doesn't a follower of the God of Evil wishes that in his afterlife
he could have wealth, sex-slaves, and those to torment, himself? If so,
then who are those being tormented?
4) The idea that all of those following an Evil deity are the tormented
and that they were but duped into believing otherwise would hold little
water after so long, what with resurrection spells, trips to Hell and
back by great heroes, and such revealing such knowledge to the masses.
So how could the Evil gods (and Good ones) keep it a secret?
5) Even if those individuals that followed NO god on 'earth' were the
tormented souls, would there be enough of them to fill 9 planes of Hell,
666 planes of the Abyss, 3 of Hades, 4 of Gehenna, and 6 planes of Tarterus?
(PH 1st ED, pg 121)
6) Could it be that the gods, all of them, are perfectionists. And to
follow them, but not with your whole heart and soul, and keep ALL of His/Hers
'commandments' and duties...would banish one from Their 'paradise'. If
so, then to which realm of punishment would they go?
So, who is burning in Hell?
Von Romig
===
Message 5709 of 6770 Reply
Re: What does neutral mean to most memb teyindahl
(22/F/Underhill) 5/22/01 4:49 pm
I've always seen a neutral person as a bit removed from surrounding events
- whether trying to steer things into a balanced place or merely not caring
what happens, they set themselves appart. It would mean following one's
own code - or the code of a neutral order, in the case of druids or clerics
of a neutral god (in worlds were the gods have alignments) - regardless
of the code of the land/city/monarch.
A neutral person would also not be bothered with morality, or at least
not as much as a good person would, but wouldn't have the maliciousness
of someone who's evil. In other words, a neutral person wouldn't purposely
set out to kill someone, but if that person got in the way and happened
to die, well, these things happen.
I'm not sure if I'm making sense anymore, so I think I'll stop.
-Jenny
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5706 by thrandorian
===
Message 5710 of 6770 Reply
Re: ThrandorBattles thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/22/01 4:59 pm
Thanks Von,
In regard to others helping, I have had a few members email me directly.
It has proved to be a good way to deal with issues not necessarily of
interest to the entire group. Inches_72 and I are working on his HTML
and website concepts also.
I can see now how hard it must be for others to read and absorb my thrandorbattle
rules. In the posting format it is hard to follow. I will cut and paste
your suggestions and review them again in the next day or two. I am intrigued
by your idea of charting a couple moves ahead and may have further inquiry
into your thoughts there. Your thoughts on graphing are the same as mine
we have numbered & lettered the 2 axis' are keeping the "Tiles" listed
separately so armies can be easily tracked and after test playing this
for about 30 turns we are having fun but occasionally run into a need
for new rules. I agree that druid units etc. would not be made up of 100
druids but rather do the rough work of setting traps etc. under the leaders
direction. I also agree that the game should reflect that MU's and other
spell casting leaders would be very self-preservation oriented. Even the
lawful good ones would surely realize that their continued use is of tremendous
value to their side and as such that they must survive if at all possible.
I will send you a link to a complete set of rules when they are put together
and play tested.
Thanks again. You consistent participation is building validation to your
post as a leader within the club. If anyone wants to help with the rules
I will gladly send them a complete set as an attachment (it’s much easier
to read that way).
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5705 by vonromig
===
Message 5711 of 6770 Reply
Re: What does neutral mean to most memb vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/22/01 5:09 pm
T
"I believe that there must be 2 forms of neutrality in either case."
a) The 'Aloof Neutral'.
b) The 'Pro-Active Neutral'.
a) To me, the 'Aloof Neurtal, believes that ones own actions do not affect
the world as a whole, so why bother. Do for yourself in all things. I'm
number one! How you interact with those around you determines the form
your neutrality takes; chaotic or evil.
b) To me, the 'Pro-Active Neutral, everything is connected...(a butterfly
flapping its wings in Japan causes a hurricane in the Atlantic). Therefore,
to maintain my place in the world as its center for being here the Fates
and Balance must remain in perfect harmony, or I will no longer find my
peace. How I go about restoring this order determines how others see me,
good or lawful.
Neutrals, IMHO, are all about thinking of their own self. They are all
the matters. They help those that can return the help (good), they do
unto others before worst is done to them (evil), they abide by the restrictions
of society if it maintains their sense of worth (lawful), or they do as
they please to better enjoy their all-important existence (chaotic).
My two copper pieces...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5706 by thrandorian
===
Message 5712 of 6770 Reply
Re: Who's Burning in Hell? thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/22/01 5:26 pm
I’m burning in hell and I got here 1st so get off that hot rock it's mine!
Here is my answer:
1, 2 & 3)In a lawful evil afterlife:
They would have to hope for some evilly earned reward. Possibly tormenting/dominating/controlling
a number of others commensurate with the depth of your evil in life. You
would also be tormented/dominated buy the percentage of souls that were
more evil (or as in all things more politically approved). Thus a life
of great evil would entitle you to more outgoing than incoming tormenting/domination/control.
1, 2 & 3)In a chaotic evil afterlife: The same as above with the reward
system based more on the chaotic needs of the evil god at the moment or
by the basis of their ability to rise above others through greed, deception
or guile.
Question #4:
I don't let dead folks visit their deity until they have been dead for
some time and then they could be easily fooled by their god into thinking
anything, including that ice cream is served in hell!
5) I have always thought these folks ended up in a world created by whatever
beliefs they might have had, dim or ill-defined as they may be. (this
is an AD&D concept only not my religious belief. That I am uncertain of).
6) what a scary world those gods present. Many real-world religions DO
adhere to that belief.
Wow, long question I need a snack....
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5708 by vonromig
===
Message 5713 of 6770 Reply
NOOOOOO!!! SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 5/22/01 5:27 pm
Not another True Neutral debate!
Has anyone calculated their frequency? I'd say once a year, at least...
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5706 by thrandorian
===
Message 5714 of 6770 Reply
Re: Who's Burning in Hell? SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 5/22/01 5:42 pm
No one, apparently. From what I understand, they're all grubs.
From what I recall of the Manual of the Planes and what little Planescape
I've gotten ahold of, souls go to the Outer Plane that most suits their
alignment. These are "petitioners." Whether they're vaguely human-shaped
entities on the Good planes or larva on the Evil planes, they sort of
sit around, contemplating the nature of lawful good or chaotic evil until
the plane (which embodies this alignment) absorbs them. I don't think
the core rules address whether these souls reincarnate or just pile up
in the Outer Planes. As far as I know, there's no Armaggedon or Ragnarok
scheduled in most versions. But neither is the issue of where new souls
come from. (It might be... my books are at home and I only read through
them once or twice).
It's not the sort of cosmology I think I'd develop.
In Nomine describes a version of Hell very aptly. You can do anything
you want in Hell - anything at all. Unfortunately for you, there are many
creatures more powerful than you, and what they want to do is suck the
Essence out of you by torturing you until you give it up. They, in turn,
have to obey their Demon Princes or get ripped into their component Forces.
It's a pecking order sort of thing.
And one last random though-bubble - my guess would be that the vast majority
of damned souls (in an AD&D cosmology) aren't active clerics or followers
of an evil god. They're just those whose in-game alignment would best
be described as Evil: the brutal soldier, the town bully, the con artist:
the casually cruel and abusive ones who consistently value their own wants
and whims over everything and everyone else.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5708 by vonromig
===
Message 5715 of 6770 Reply
Left high and dry by WOTC in Seattle glasya_llyr
(36/M/GReater Seattle Area) 5/22/01 9:42 pm
Wizards closed their flagship store in Seattle last year and now the fact
they drove all the other gaming stores out of business is coming back
to haunt us. The WATC retail stores will not allow message boards and
the RPGA is useless for locating other gamers or putting on local events.
This coupled with an anemic offering of gaming conventions in the Seattle
are has left nowhere to congregate and meet other gamers.
I remember when the local Gaming store was a place to hangout and meet
new people, when meeting gamers in a new city was as easy as going to
the local hobby gaming store, but now it is a ghost town of “would you
like fries with that” attitudes at the local monopoly WATC store. Are
there no gaming stores run by those who love the game any more?
The game got better, but finding people to play has become incredibly
harder.
Any genuine advice would be gratefully accepted.
Please respond via e-mail as well as posting if possible.
Sincerely
Llyr
===
Message 5718 of 6770 Reply
Question about wands... dolphin99it
(20/M/Bolzano - Italy) 5/23/01 8:49 am
Hello, friends! I'm Luca, AD&D second edition's DM from Italy!
I've a doubt about wands and other magical devices usable in combat to
perform spells and similar effects: what happens if a character tries
to cast a cone of cold with a magic wand against an enemy but the same
enemy hits the character before the cone can be fired?
I don't know: do I have to treat it like a spell (so the wand doesn't
have any effect 'cause the mage loses its concentration) or concentration
is not so important to use a wand?
Thank you for your help! Hope to hear from ya soon!
-LUCA
===
Message 5719 of 6770 Reply
Re: Question about wands... Jiriki13
(31/M/Chicago area) 5/23/01 9:05 am
Concentration is not the issue when your talking about wands, staves,
rings and such. One thing that I do if the wand user gets hit before they
get their attack off is that the character must make a save vs. paralyzation
to keep their aim true. If they fail I roll a d8(or warhammer direction
die) to see which direction the wand hand was knocked to face towards.
Anyone in the area of effect gets nailed.
Prince Jiriki
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5718 by dolphin99it
===
Message 5720 of 6770 Reply
Re: Who's Burning in Hell? Kimball_G
(23/M/Charleston) 5/23/01 9:30 am
IMHO, it would most likely be a mixture of people.
Some of the people would be the ex-follower's that have died, and for
one reason or another either displeased or were dupped by their god and
are now cannon fodder for their god.
Some may believe in other gods, but are slaves to the evil gods or their
worshiper's and their normal everyday life is a living hell.
Maybe they just believed in a god that didn't exist in the first place.
It is possible also that the people inhabiting the planes of hell, are
born there, generation after generation. They live their entire lives
suffering and not knowing that their could be good elsewhere in the universe.
The multiple planes of hell could actually be other world's where evil
is dominate and good is taboo or non-existant.
Another possibility that I can think of is that the souls that worship
the evil gods know and expect to be burned in hell after they have served.
To them, this would be a reward, because they could believe that the more
they suffer, the more their god loves them. Kind of like Pinhead, they
learn to love the beauty of pain.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5708 by vonromig
===
Message 5721 of 6770 Reply
Re: What does neutral mean to most memb Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/23/01 10:20 am
There is also animal neutral. Animals are neutral because they do not
have the capacity to make moral judgements. They go with the flow of Nature
and follow their instincts. They don't care whether something is good,
evil, lawful, or chaotic. I would imagine that druidic neutrality would
strive to simulate that form of neutrality.
Personally, I find True Neutral a very difficult alignment to play effectively,
and have toyed with the idea of disallowing it from my campaign (unless
you are a druid). To me, alignment represents personal ideology, and everyone
has an ideology. Neutrality should be reserved for the non-thinking creatures
(and the druids).
I suppose if a person were in a state where he just didn't care about
ANYTHING, like a manic depressive or something, that could be True Neutral.
I have Neutral PC in my game right now, and he is having trouble playing
it effectively.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5706 by thrandorian
===
Message 5722 of 6770 Reply
Re: Who's Burning in Hell? Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/23/01 10:36 am
1) What evil, cleric or worshipper, would follow a god of the same, if
their 'reward' is to suffer tremendous agony for eternity?
None. A worshipper follows a god for one or two reasons: A) the promise
of an afterlife that is beneficial in the eyes of the worshipper, or B)
to further or better his life in THIS life. A worshipper of an evil deity
would probably be focused more on the latter, but would also believe that
his afterlife will be pleasant for him.
2) Would not the evil worshippers wish to continue their need to perform
evil in the afterlife? And thus their desire to please their Evil god,
so that they may be put in a more promising position in Hell.
Yes.
3) Doesn't a follower of the God of Evil wishes that in his afterlife
he could have wealth, sex-slaves, and those to torment, himself? If so,
then who are those being tormented?
This is what the follower believes, however, it might not be so. In most
evil planes there is a pecking order, so although you are doing some of
the pecking, you may also be one getting pecked.
Many of the tormented could be souls sent there from other planes because
they have offended or simply fallen out of favor with their god, and have
been sent to the Lowers for punishment.
4) The idea that all of those following an Evil deity are the tormented
and that they were but duped into believing otherwise would hold little
water after so long, what with resurrection spells, trips to Hell and
back by great heroes, and such revealing such knowledge to the masses.
So how could the Evil gods (and Good ones) keep it a secret?
The masses will believe what the preists preach. The priests will be assured
as well, from their holy writings and teachings that they, being priests,
will assume a position of power in the afterlife. The truly evil might
know their follwers will be tormented, but won't dare tell THEM that.
5) Even if those individuals that followed NO god on 'earth' were the
tormented souls, would there be enough of them to fill 9 planes of Hell,
666 planes of the Abyss, 3 of Hades, 4 of Gehenna, and 6 planes of Tarterus?
(PH 1st ED, pg 121)
Over an eternity in an infinite prime material plane? Of course. Although
"fill" is a pretty strong word. There are always room for more.
6) Could it be that the gods, all of them, are perfectionists. And to
follow them, but not with your whole heart and soul, and keep ALL of His/Hers
'commandments' and duties...would banish one from Their 'paradise'. If
so, then to which realm of punishment would they go?
Probably one diametrically opposed, or in the case of the Lower planes,
perhaps the very bottom of the pecking order.
The Lower Planes aren't necessarily places of torment. They are planes
that reflect alignment. Those souls aligned with the planes, would not
necessarily find these places a bad place (although they may not necessarily
find them pleasant either), but they would fit in.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5708 by vonromig
===
Message 5723 of 6770 Reply
Re: Left high and dry by WOTC in Seattle pirates_life_for_me
(37/M/Ann Arbor, MI) 5/23/01 11:01 am
Wizards of the Coast's web site has a classified message section which
allows people to look for players in their own area........
===
Message 5724 of 6770 Reply
Gencon Ready pirates_life_for_me
(37/M/Ann Arbor, MI) 5/23/01 11:08 am
Ok, I have payed for a badge, faxed in my event registration form and
signed up for some 3E events, secured lodging not too terribly far from
the Convention Center. Now what?
===
Message 5725 of 6770 Reply
Re: Question about wands... vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/23/01 3:00 pm
The way I read it, is that a wand is just a stick that holds the power
of up to fifty charges of one specific spell. 'Wands use the spell trigger
activation method...', and thus the same actions that cause the spell
to be cast is what brings forth the power of the wand. So the wand has
the same chance of being interupted as a spell...due to the length of
the casting. Basically, a wand is a device that allows non-Magic Users
the ability to 'cast' a spell.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5718 by dolphin99it
===
Message 5726 of 6770 Reply
Re: Question about wands... reverendzen
5/23/01 3:38 pm
There is no concentration needed to wield a wand. Casting the spell actually
comes from the mage's mind. Using a wand is much like swinging a sword.
If a monster hits a fighter before it is his turn, does he lose his attack?
I think not. With a wand, the user simply utters the command word (which
takes less than a second, or less than one melee round) and the wand does
its thing.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5718 by dolphin99it
===
Message 5727 of 6770 Reply
Re: Question about wands... reverendzen
5/23/01 3:41 pm
"...and thus the same actions that cause the spell to be cast is what
brings forth the power of the wand."
In the event of a Wand of Magic Missiles, which anyone can use, how would
a fighter or rogue know the actions to cast a spell?
Just a thought...
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5725 by vonromig
===
Message 5728 of 6770 Reply
Re: Question about wands... rubbercocktail
(20/M) 5/23/01 4:26 pm
"Basically, a wand is a device that allows non-Magic Users the ability
to 'cast' a spell."
Wands and staves have up to 50 charges (when new) and store spells. Like
scrolls, they require the user to be a spellcaster with the appropriate
spell on his class list. But activating the spell within the wand or staff
is automatic when a word is spoken.
That's a direct quote from the PHB, but I don't know if it changed when
the DMG came out. Going by this it would seem that only spellcaster can
use wands.
Charlie Gordon
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5725 by vonromig
====
Message 5729 of 6770 Reply
Re: Question about wands... vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/23/01 4:36 pm
A wand of this type is activated by a mental command only...one segment
action, easily useable. As are quite a few of them, but some of the more
powerful wands (higher spell levels) take more then one segment to use
and their knowledge to activate a requirement. It is all in HOW the are
created. A first level spell like Magic Missile put into wand form is
meant to be used by the common adventurer, but the wizard who takes the
time and effort to create a Wand of Fireballs (10th level) doesn't want
any Joe Blow to use it, nor does the spell lend itself to easy operation.
Rings, staves, rods, etc can also be used likewise if you so desire. But
as these are more involved, creation-wise, I place them on a higher level
of operation. Being a wand is just an enchanted stick, while the others
are more finely manufactured...allowing for stronger and unique powers
to be adherred to them. And thus the use of their power is more evenly
matched with the creator's purpose (giving a ring of Fireballs, 10th level,
a one segment casting time...).
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5727 by reverendzen
===
Message 5730 of 6770 Reply
Re: Question about wands... vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/23/01 4:51 pm
There being three different editions to the game and mutliple articles
in AD&D magazines on types and usage of wands (as well as all other magic
items) when and where changes in game functions occur is hard to say.
I have before me three pages of photocopies of charts listing all magic
items and who can use them...but I don't remember where I got it from,
nor what edition.
Also, as with most everybody, I have my own guidelines to magic item usage,
creation, availability, # of charges, and such. Therefore, you can place
my responces as IMHO, or In My Own World (IMOW).
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5728 by rubbercocktail
===
Message 5731 of 6770 Reply
DM Puzzler #5 vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/23/01 6:19 pm
The Overzealous Player:
Shortly after starting your newest campaign, one of your six players,
the Cleric decides that he is REALLY into role-playing. The Cleric is
constently bring up conversations about his faith to almost every NPC,
berating the others in the party as to their actions in regards to their
own chosen faith, and is always going off on 'religious pilgrimages' (to
talk to this high priest, or that decon, of the Temple in their present
city).
At first, the actions of the Player's Cleric is the butt of jokes and
snide remarks, but after 5 or 6 sessions the DM notices that the majority
of the gaming time is spent with the Cleric and his extracurricular agenda.
The other PCs shouldn't have any personal gripes with the Cleric as he
is always forthcoming with help, and perhaps even have saved a life or
two with his bravery BUT the other players wish him to die! Some of the
more devious ones are plotting the Clerics demise, even though in actual
game sense their PCs are indebted to him.
The DM takes the Cleric's player aside and lets him in on what the others
are feeling and how he is taking an unproportional amount of game time.
His responce, "I'm just role-playing my character as he would in 'reality'."
After indicating that he should tone it down a bit, the player says, "I
will try..."
He doesn't, but now he has an animosity towards the others. So then he
continues the overzealous role-playing, but now twists it to irk the others
when they need something from him. (Need healing? Now the PC must be on
knees praying to the Clerics god... After a fight demands more of a share
to appease his Deity's need...As he is lawful good, he tries to 'turn
in' the two thieves in the party, secretly...)
What to do?
Von Romig
===
Message 5732 of 6770 Reply
Re: Question about wands... wannabesuperman
(23/M/Atlanta, GA) 5/23/01 6:22 pm
Keep in mind that I am only familiar with 3rd edition.
Not just anyone can use a wand. According to the rules, the typical wand
requires the user to know the spell that is being cast.
Having said that, as a DM, I would allow the creation of wands that could
be used by anyone.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5730 by vonromig
===
Message 5733 of 6770 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #5 SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 5/23/01 7:01 pm
I sit the *whole* group out and read to them aloud from the back of the
7th Sea Player's Guide. There's a wonderful, wonderful piece in there
that addresses the issue of "But I'm just playing my character!" as an
excuse for disruptive behavior, whether the disruption is intentional
or not.
I will tell them that I run games to have fun. Arbiting this sort of crap
is not fun, and it is *not* going to happen with the next set of characters.
Next set? they cry. But we like these characters. We don't want to switch
because Bob's cleric is being a pain.
I tell them that I doubt they'll be able to put this in-game animosity
behind them with their current PCs. The sniping will continue.
No it won't, they say. We promise.
All right, then. But the first time Bob's cleric demands something extra
for healing, or one of you tries to get him killed or maimed, I'll stopping
the game and we're rolling up new PCs. Can we play nice now?
And if they can't, we take a 2 week break while they cool down and I think
of a new campaign.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5731 by vonromig
===
Message 5734 of 6770 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #5 x_zone15
(M/New Ulm, MN) 5/23/01 7:33 pm
Well, there are several answers to this problem,
1) I say that turnabout is fair play, and to encourage the other players
to role-play a bit more, and go on their own little side-quests, therefore
irking the ornery priest so much that perhaps he will realize the error
of his ways and will tone it down.
2) give him a hit on his alignment, lowering it just enough that he loses
his cleric powers (based on his selfish actions, of course). He will probably
have a fit, but the other players will have their revenge, and you will
have the priest atoneing in no time.
3) divine intervention. Cheesy, but will probably scare the pants off
of the cleric enough that he will makes amends to his comrades.
X, Darklord of Ravenloft (and the Lord of the Dance)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5731 by vonromig
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Message 5735 of 6770 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #5 lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 5/23/01 7:42 pm
A) Tell the player running the cleric that you want to handle his witnessing
and talks with the church elders offstage. You will assume he is converting
the heathens when he says he wants to and then FIRMLY move to the other
players. You will tell him how he did when it's his turn again.
B) His faith get him noticed and he is promoted in the church - to a desk
job. Roll up a new PC.
C) Tell him you will not protect him from the other players, and that
they are just role playing their characters when they whack him for being
a snitch.
D) Tell him, DM to player, that he needs to either knock that crap off
or find another group. He is welcome to stay, but he needs to tone it
down. If he persists in being disruptive, ask him to leave the group.
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5731 by vonromig
===
Message 5736 of 6770 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #5 messiah_of_metal
(18/M/FL) 5/23/01 11:11 pm
I dont see why he's being punished for roleplaying. I think the other
players need to be encouraged more to role play. Maybe to open the clerics
eyes, have the theives save his life. That way he will think twice before
turning them in. The guy is probaly acting more stubborn than a dwarf
because the other PC's, the people who are suppose to be his friends and
hes suppose to trust and work with, and making fun of his Diety and his
Faith. If I was a Cleric, I would be a dick to the party if they were
dissin me like dat yo!
Just my input!
Truely yours (anytime after 9pm),
Levi Lafayette
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5735 by lfnotter
===
Message 5737 of 6770 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #5 lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 5/23/01 11:37 pm
He is not being punished for roleplaying. In the fact pattern given, he
is being disruptive on purpose. That is what he is being sanctioned for.
If someone is being a "dick" just to be disruptive and annoy the other
players, then you as DM have a responsability to either convice them to
stop or ask them to leave.
Good roleplaying is a desirable thing in the right context, but it is
not a blanket excuse for social ineptitude.
If you are being "dissed", perhaps it's for a good reason. Respect is
earned, not demanded. When the other players and the DM ask you not to
engage in a behavior, you either respect the request, or you get the F***
out of my game.
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5736 by messiah_of_metal
===
Message 5738 of 6770 Reply
Re: Question about wands... dolphin99it
(20/M/Bolzano - Italy) 5/24/01 7:27 am
Thank you for helping me! After reading every message related to the "Wand
problem", I've taken my decision: being hit while trying to use a wand
does not cause the spell/effect to be uneffective. It seems to be the
most common thought.
Thx again, friends! See ya...
-LUCA
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5732 by wannabesuperman
===
Message 5739 of 6770 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #5 Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/24/01 9:56 am
First of all, I love players like this. The more into their character
they are, the better. However it is obvious that this is disrupting the
rest of the game.
I wouldn't discourage the Cleric players role playing, even if he is a
tad overzealous. Instead I would encourage the others to role play more.
I disagree that he was "over role playing" just to be disruptive. It sounds
to me that he was just being enthusiastic about his character and the
role he played in my campaign world. I would never discourage that.
But since the other players already seem to be getting frustrated, here
are the specific steps I would take.
1) I would take a good look at my campaign. I would alter it in two ways.
A) I would try to find a thread that could be vitally important to the
cleric's deity and make that the focus of the campaign. I would not tell
any of the players this, though. B) I would set a strict time table for
completion of the party's ultimate goal, to minimize the little side treks
and extracurricular activities of the Cleric.
2) I would take the Cleric aside in a 1-on-1 session where he is actually
visited by either a high priest or a direct proxy of his deity. This messenger
will relay to the cleric his master plan, and that it is imperative that
such and such a goal is accomplished in x amount of time, and that the
cleric's adventuring party must be the ones to accomplish the goal. They
[the whole party] are instruments in the deity's plan. However, the party
cannot know this, and the cleric must keep it a secret
3) Now the cleric has a new set of objectives: He must A) complete the
goal with his adventuring party, B) keep the party together and keep them
on track, without letting them know that it is part of his deity's plan,
C) maintain a level of respect within the party to maximize his influence
(it might be suggested to the cleric that he tone down his religious fervor
around the party so as not to offend the faithless or those of other faiths.
This would give the cleric direction and allow him to role play to the
fullest without aggravating the party too much (hopefully) and minimizing
the "cleric-only" directions of the campaign.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5731 by vonromig
==
Message 5740 of 6770 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #5 dungeonmaster1st
(100/M/muiltiverse) 5/24/01 11:01 am
2 things i'd do 1st i'd set up a couple of encounters designed to pull
the party back together again as a group... and trun the anger towards
the bad guys in the game!!! marauding rd dragons always work nicely!!!
2nd set up e-mail for the cleric and the DM si inbwteeen game sexxions
encouters with the clerics faith can be roll played out.... a good wasy
to give information the the cleric with out the other pcs hearing it ...
then when game sessions roll around the cleric will take up less time
form the others as for haveing gotten some rpg out of the way ... ps make
sure the cleric player understands this!!
as for the first another good way to bring the party together is to create
the classi reacuring villian that pissed them all off and they only way
to beat him/her/it is to work as a party once more !!!
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5731 by vonromig
====
Message 5741 of 6781 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #5 ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 5/24/01 5:23 pm
"role playing" or not, if a player becomes disruptive or is spoiling the
evening for everyone else with their quasi-authentic 'role' play, and
the dm doesnt do something to 'squelch' this kind of attention seeking,
i predict a few of the players will go, followed by the rest, until the
attention seeker has the full attention of the DM.
My advice, the most procrustean is to have the inconvenient character
meet doom, at the hands of whatever foe the other players leave them to.
the 'other players' may not be as motivated to 'role play' they might
want to be having 'fun' it might not be a bad idea to ask them what they
think or how they feel...
thats what i would do.
then the chips fall where they will....
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5740 by dungeonmaster1st
===
Message 5742 of 6781 Reply
Re: Druids in a City kwan_darkwood
(21/M) 5/24/01 7:36 pm
Thanks again for your input. I'm hoping that this druid kit will work
out, thought I am certain that a few tweaks and changes will be in order.
I'll keep you guys updated on how it works out.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5707 by teyindahl
===
Message 5743 of 6781 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #5 vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/24/01 11:23 pm
The best I try to do is just get the other players more involved in their
characters and the storyline, so they have as much (or even more) action
to also occupy my time...
Makes it kind of silly to be worried about what the Cleric is saying to
another priest about the upcoming celebration, when the Thief and Fighter
are being chased over the rooftops of the city, AND the Mage is being
turtured by the party's nemesis! All because the Cleric player 'suggested'
that they split up and take care of 'personal' matters...meaning he wanted
more time to get his Cleric involved in the Harvestfest Parade, to show-off
to the other PCs.
Since it is the DM who decides the what, where, and whens, the Cleric's
actions could all be for naught, while the others are getting deep into
the thick of things. Leaving the Cleric behind because of his own actions.
So what if he is the Grand Master of Ceremony at the celebration if it
was cancelled because the Mages fireball spell to excape started a massive
fire on Market Street, just on the other side of Temple Row, AND the authorities
need to clear up the mystery as to why there are so many dead bodies scattered
on the rooftops throughout the city.
The DM controls the game...
Von Romig
===
Message 5744 of 6781 Reply
Politically Correct- Slaves? vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/24/01 11:46 pm
In a day an age when most of the people spilt into political partys over
ideologies on the most insignificant subjects one has to wonder, does
this tranmute itself into the 'Game World'? What we say and how it is
said can be viewed out of context to imply that we gamers think something
that is not true...
Like the presents of slavery in our game worlds.
Slavery: How many DMs have slaves within their world? What about the whole
package...slavelords, slave trainers, sex-slaves, slavers, rebel slave
'armies', slave markets, slave blocks, a Deity for slaves, and so on?
And if so what is the intitial reaction of the players? Does it slide
by unnoticed or do they get the sudden urge to free them all?
And why do you have slaves in your world? And if NOT why not?
Von Romig
===
Message 5745 of 6781 Reply
book review page krovar1972
(29/M/Peterborough) 5/25/01 1:18 am
Hi guys. Been real buissy. Don't suppose anyone missed. I updated the
DMG book page. Check it out, let me know what you think. Also looking
for new aditions to the book list.
====
Message 5746 of 6781 Reply
Re: book review page krovar1972
(29/M/Peterborough) 5/25/01 1:20 am
Sorry the link is http://top.mcttelecom.com/~krovar
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5745 by krovar1972
====
Message 5747 of 6781 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? elroyj
(36/M/San Jose, CA) 5/25/01 2:11 am
In general, I would not hesitate to include slavery in a fantasy world.
It has been a key influence on human society in the past. Its presence
would allow various alignments to be acted out. It could also serve as
a vehicle for challenging the PC's: they could be enslaved or be drawn
in if an acquaintance is enslaved.
I haven't DM'd for a while, so I'm not sure how I would answer the other
questions.
The only reason I might specifically exclude slavery would be if a player
had a serious negative reaction to it.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5744 by vonromig
====
Message 5748 of 6781 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 5/25/01 3:32 am
As a player, I have encountered slaving organizations, been captured by
slavers, etc. (all with one character, who will someday, if we ever play
again, go on a crusade to free slaves).
I have not used them as a plot hook yet, and probably won't in the near
future .. my world has a strict caste system, and while peasants are not
slaves, they are treated little better, but are respected (and have self-respect)
due to their contribution to society. Convicted criminals (at leats those
in the custody of the powers-that-be) are, the closest thing to legal
slavery.
If my world called for it, I would not hesitate to introduce slavery.
s/g
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5747 by elroyj
===
Message 5749 of 6781 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/25/01 3:51 am
Heres my take...
"What we say and how it is said can be viewed out of context to imply
that we gamers think something that is not true..."
Well I would remind those who make these statements about AD&D that in
many games (war games, video games etc., you pretend to kill people, steal
and do other things that aren't supposed to be acceptable in our society
as well. Hell in Monopoly you act like a heartless slumlord, giving no
slack at all for those who owe you. You want them to go to jail or into
bankruptcy! People go to movies and watch horrible acts in movies like
"Silence of the Lambs". Does this mean they support these things?
"...what is the initial reaction of the players? Does it slide by unnoticed
or do they get the sudden urge to free them all?"
About 1/2 & 1/2 in my runs. Some have even used slaves. They were ok people
in real life playing a role different from their daily selves.
"And why do you have slaves in your world? And if NOT why not?"
Yes, I do because every age of man has seen slavery. Its just like having
evil in your campaign. It serves to create the dynamics essential to what
is basically a conflict-oriented game. You must have evil or good has
no background to shine forth from.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5744 by vonromig
=====
Message 5750 of 6781 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 5/25/01 5:50 am
most of the monsters in D&D have racial emnitys with humanoids different
from them, for example the illithids/mind flayers take slaves called thralls,
stated in the monster manual. The potential for using magic to insure
compliance in horrendous conditions also exists. Battle captives, and
institutionalized bigotry are pretty much guarantees that slavery would
exist in a fantasy world, even though the actual 'need for slaves might
be rather limited. There would still be the brothel load of pleasure slaves,
the personal servants, criminals, and slaves as spoils of war. One of
the traits which lumps the orcs, ogres, etc. in the 'evil' pile would
unquestionably be their propensity for taking and degrading slaves, the
irony is, that the 'races' are all capable of interbreeding, and producing
1/2 this and 1/2 that, so their physical differences are so slight that
viable offspring are produced in willing/unwiling union, which indicates
the genetic closeness between say, orcs and elves (hahahahahahahahah)
enjoy chewing on that.
mikey
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5749 by thrandorian
===
Message 5751 of 6781 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #5 Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/25/01 10:48 am
The problem with having the "inconvenient character meet doom" is that
the player will probably be just as enthusiastic about his next character,
whatever it might be, and in the end it is the overzealousness of the
player that is being disruptive, not the character.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5741 by ArmoredYak
===
Message 5752 of 6781 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/25/01 11:01 am
Yes, slavery exists in my game world. Orcs are notorious slavers, but
the slavery here is not racially motivated. The orcs will enslave anyone
they can dominate. Some other regions in my world use slaves, too. It
is not overly common, however.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5744 by vonromig
====
Message 5753 of 6781 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 5/25/01 11:11 am
Yes, in various forms.
The New Kingdom of the Outlands, the Kansas Coalition, New Ectopia, and
the Reformed United States do not practice slavery as such. Convicted
criminals are usually sentanced to hard labor in chain gangs, but that's
as close as they get.
Las Vegas and Montrose Free Zone also use convict labor, as well as debt
slavery. Debt slaves work off their debt at rates mandated by the Courts
- people with high-value skills get out very quickly compared to laborers
or other unskilled workers.
Sexual slavery is very common, but not in an official capacity. Hunger
is a powerful aphrodisiac, and there are a lot of very hungry survivors
and refugees out there. "Food barons" frequently force survivors of both
sexes to earn their meals by providing sexual services. A few actual "slavers"
in the traditional fantasy sense exist, buying or abducting survivors
that fit a given special order from a wealthy client.
Slave markets do exist. Debt slaves in Las Vegas are auctioned off to
prospective employer-owners on Mondays and Thursdays at the Mandalay Bay.
People can also sell themselves into slavery (usually at a brothel) voluntarily
in order to raise money for their families.
Slave rebellions are usually short-lived, and their success or failure
is almost always determined by who gets to the armory first. If the slaves
can't get enough guns, the rebellion usually dies out under a hail of
bullets.
The Ka Corporation is the only full-fledged slaving empire. People can
be enslaved for the slightest offense, real or not. Once enslaved, they
are often worked to death, sometimes in a matter of months.
So, why have slavery?
a) The PCs need EVIL to fight. Slavery provides a nice supply of EVIL.
Freeing slaves makes the players feel good.
b) The post-Collapse economy depends on it.
c) All cultures, throughout history, have practiced it in one form or
another. There is even the term "wage slave" in the modern corporate world.
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5744 by vonromig
===
Message 5754 of 6781 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #5 leeok31
(33/M/Catoosa, OK) 5/25/01 11:15 am
Interesting..
Firstly, it's not illegal to be a thief - he'd have to turn them in over
some specific crime.. but that's not really what I'm wanting to talk about.
Telling him what the others were thinking is kinda out of bounds, I would
think. For the reasons you mentioned - now he's making things worth, daring
them, or calling them out..
One way to cut down on his time taken is, when he says something like,
'i go off looking for temple such and such', say ok, next? Go on to the
next player. If they do something and the priest tries to step in, say
'you're off looking for a temple'.. In short, give him less role-playing
opportunities off on his own. You could even make a quest out of it. He
goes seeking some temple, only to discover that the high priest has been
abducted, they want the priest to rescue him - he will need the party
for this, and will have to inspire them to join him in any way he can..
Nothing brings a party together like a quest..
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5731 by vonromig
===
Message 5755 of 6781 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? leeok31
(33/M/Catoosa, OK) 5/25/01 11:25 am
Within my world, there are many countries, some have slaves, some do not.
My players are kept on a pretty much need-to-know basis. If they discover
that people are being taken from one place and made slaves elsewhere,
they would be inspired to step in.
Why do I have slaves in my world? It's an easy hook..
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5744 by vonromig
===
Message 5756 of 6781 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? sirgrapefellow
(37/M/Portland Oregon) 5/25/01 11:44 am
In our last adventure my PC arrived at the village of one of their own
party members(barbarian) to find nearly all the inhabitants of her tribe
captured and taken into slavery.
Yes the slave trade is alive and well in my world.
Although it's usually seen in two forms. One is pure evil, the slaves
are used in evil ways, slaves are treated as little more that cattle,
abused and treated as disposable "Use'em up, we'll get more...bwahaha!"
The other is a kinder gentler slavery. It is seen on a fairly large scale
but not perceived as evil. This slavery is that between serf and Landlord.
Some serf's eventualy will be made free through various obligations met,
but many are willing to keep on enjoying the bargin they've struck with
thier lord. Of course this is fantasy and it also depends on the particular
Lord, nice lords are great and treat thier people well.
All in all my players have a harder time with choping down forests, and
hunting for sport then they do with slavery. That's not to say they don't
have a problem with slavery...just that I've had more reaction from them
on other issues.
PS sorry for any spelling or typing errors
Sir Grapefellow
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5744 by vonromig
====
Message 5757 of 6781 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? lazarus1020
(22/M/Louisville,Ky) 5/25/01 7:30 pm
I began a campaign where the PC's were slaves. They were forced to fight
in gladator combats, forced labor, or slaying creatures for their owner.
Eventually the party over threw their master and began a life of freedom.
This life was short lived as they were hunted for slaying their master
and the innumerable crimes they committed afterwards. They were returned
to their life of slavery and eventually met their doom fighting in the
arena.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5744 by vonromig
====
Message 5758 of 6781 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/25/01 11:21 pm
At present three human kingdoms have slaves; The Casassean Empire of the
north, the Island Domain of Zequixek, and The Desert Principalities of
Beljarek. The Land of Brimorror is made up mostly of slaves to the Lich,
unless they 'worship' Brimorror as a Demi-god, the Orcen Empire of Vile
Rune takes great pride in their elven slaves, and the Pirate Kings of
The Great Ocean trade quite profitably in slaves.
Why? Since the beginning of recorded history slavery has played an important
part in how our society has advanced. From the Assyrians to the Romans,
slaves were made up of those defeated in battle. During the Middle Ages
slaves came not only from conquest but from the prisons and social climbers
(bond slaves). Then, of course, the outright slave trade of Africans...sold
from their own peoples (or warring tribes) to another for manual labor
and with no honor in it, it metamorphed into racial concerns, rather than
spoils...
I pretty much keep my players away from it, as most of the games take
place in Aster, Alor and Malenon...all slave free. The Journeymen's End
Campaign dealt with it and only as a hook, and one party got involved
for other reasons...
One party actually bought slaves, but that was only for cover, as they
had travelled to Zequixek under the guise of wealthy merchants. And wealth
is determined in Zequixek by the number of slaves one can afford to have.
One of the players tried to have a romance of an honorable sort with one
of his pretty pleasure slaves but as she was born to slavery, knowing
nothing else, he could not convince her to 'love' him as a himself and
not as her master. A bad situation turned worse.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5744 by vonromig
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Message 5759 of 6781 Reply
Re: book review page vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/25/01 11:25 pm
Or at anytime reach his site through the Club's Page under the Special
section...
And thanks Krovar for keeping this updated!!!
You will be recieving my list very shortly.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5746 by krovar1972
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Message 5760 of 6781 Reply
Club's Page Update vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/25/01 11:59 pm
I have updated the Past Post section and have added an article of my own
to the DMG Gazette.
If you wish to create an article also, but are stuck on a subject, just
do what I did...I took a past post (#5068 by Wixlar Xeoric) and expanded
on it, using not only my viewpoint but aided by the responces given to
the post. So just pick a topic that interests you from the Past Post section,
read the appropriate responces and 'go to town'.
Read my article for an example of what one CAN be, although if your style
differs, great!
If others don't help out here soon, the whole thing will be just me, as
I am also working on other articles, a magic item, and a new creature.
And if someone else has pick the subject you were or might have chosen,
so what, each of us have differing views and that is what we want!!!
Von Romig
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Message 5761 of 6781 Reply
Re: book review page krovar1972
(29/M/Peterborough) 5/26/01 1:07 am
Ohboy! Beleive me, a few of the books on this list I plan on picking up.
Though I must confess, I have a peice of paper in my wallet so when I
hit the used books stores I can go over my list and maybe if the gawds
of fate smile upon me I can find one at a great price.
Vonromig, I anxiously await your selections.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5759 by vonromig
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Message 5762 of 6781 Reply
Re: book review page ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 5/26/01 12:23 pm
if you add 'thieves world, and a very limited and selected number of post
1985 fantasy sci-fi to the list in the 1st edition dmg of 'inspirational
reading' you have a pretty complete list.
signed
someone who hates boring, melodramatic, lets see how many time life books
we can write in the series stupid piers anthony plotless dreck slop novels
mikey
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5761 by krovar1972
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Message 5763 of 6781 Reply
Re: book review page thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/26/01 2:45 pm
Hey careful with the Peirs-dissing. I thought the Peirs Police gathered
you folks up a while ago and sent you to an island somewhere.
Only 1/2 kidding.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5762 by ArmoredYak
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Message 5764 of 6781 Reply
Re: book review page krovar1972
(29/M/Peterborough) 5/26/01 3:03 pm
<"if you add 'thieves world, and a very limited and selected number of
post 1985 fantasy sci-fi to the list in the 1st edition dmg of 'inspirational
reading' you have a pretty complete list.">
Thankyou for the imput. I will add "Theives World" Shortly along with
some other recomendations I received via email. As far as the limited
selection of post 1985 fantasy sci-fi books, could you help me out with
some tightles. I know I enjoyed the "Amber Books" by Zelazny. Really good
stuff. Others books like "The War Against the Chtorr" books, by David
Gerrold was great. How bout, "A Call to Arms", by Allan Dean Foster? Maybe
"The Dragon and the Unicorn", by A. A. Antasnio? I'm working from memory
here so forgive me any mis-spellings. What are some of your favorites.
Beleive it or not, I am pretty light on the fantasy stuff. Most of the
ones I've read are barely entertaining clones of one another. I usually
fall more in love with diferent aspects of the various worlds then the
characters, Sort of like the Lords of DUS, series. Probably the first
fantasy based books I ever read. The world rocked. I literally wanted
to be an Overman riding on top of my Warbeast. I rewrote that serries
many times in my head. Recently I re-read the series and found that the
world still rocked though the story telling was lacking. Though it was
some pretty rocking reading for a 13 yearold. Ahh, the sweet days of my
innocense. Funny thing is I am still pretty much a boy trapped in a mans
body... Err, something like that.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5762 by ArmoredYak
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Message 5765 of 6781 Reply
Re: book review page ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 5/26/01 3:20 pm
a basic list, has to include the 'conan' books, the 'elric' books, the
'thieves world' books, the 'tolkien' series, & so forth...the r.e.h. conan
stories are a wealth of material.
piers anthony, is instrumental if you want a stupid or retarded world
mikey
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5764 by krovar1972
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Message 5766 of 6781 Reply
Re: book review page mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 5/26/01 4:22 pm
>>piers anthony, is instrumental if you want a >>stupid or retarded world
Not so!!! not so in the least!
piers books are not plotless, the potblem you may have nisunderstoos is
that they all have the same plot!
The usefulness of Piers pooks is his characterizations, and his eye for
detail in describing the interactions of fantacy elements.
Like a fresh water mermaid falling in love with a sea water merman! While
this does not seem to be that big of a deal, the waters of each other's
environments are poisonus to each other.
In the framework of his copy plot books, he goes into great detail ot
cause and effect. If piers were a DM he wouls have a better answer to
the why's and how's , things happen in his world other than "I am the
Dm and I said so'.
Do you know the origin of all of the half man races? What is the origin
in your world?
Do you know the sorce of magic? Can magic ever be turned off on your world,
completely gone, and the mightiest of mages can do nothing but become
mundane?
If you focus on plot, then the books are very limited, but my fellow DM
there are a million more things that make a game wrold great, and piers
anthony does a great job on some of the other things.
Have you ever notices how the main characters are not hack and shash characters?
They can not be because of the old plot he uses of a boy growing into
a man, and using every ability at his disposal to overcome his greatest
challenge to earn the right to call himself a man?
matt
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5765 by ArmoredYak
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Message 5767 of 6781 Reply
Re: book review page ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 5/26/01 5:09 pm
if i want ever want a book to help me go to sleep, i will pick up a piers
anthony snoozer.
gag
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5766 by mattbcieri
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Message 5768 of 6781 Reply
Re: book review page vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/26/01 10:09 pm
It would be a shame if you truely felt that way, ArmoredYak. As I am a
big fan of his, having read everything he has wrote, I can tell you that
you haven't given him the chance he deserves. And since you think they
are 'snoozer' then one can only guess that you haven't read to many of
them.
It is true that many of his more well known novels are pulp-trash, but
that is more due to him pumping them out at such a rapid rate for his
publisher's needs. But his earlier works were pure genius, IMHO, simply
for the uniqueness of plot and his writing style. When I was beginning
my dual role as a writer I looked to Peirs Anthony, as well as others,
to find my inspiration. Now, having my own set of books published, I was
truely pleased to be able to thank him at an event we both attended...
Of course it is amazing that he is even mentioned, since most of his novels
pertain to sci-fi, and not fantasy. This is not a bad thing as ideas can
come from anywhere, just interesting.
And I was under the opinion that the list was to be NON-fantasy books
that can give DMs ideas and info to better run their worlds. If it is
to become a list of our favorite fantasy novels then let me know soon,
as I have been collecting the other source material instead.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5767 by ArmoredYak
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Message 5769 of 6781 Reply
Campaign Creation 11a- Storyline vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/26/01 10:41 pm
After you have created your plot, now we move into fleshing it out in
a storyline formation. This involves four seperate but equally joined
avenues; The Plans, The Link Chart, The Calendar of Events, and The Index
Files.
The Plans...
Using the top motivators (goals) of the plot we transcibe his master plans.
Detailing them from beginning to end, and as this is for a campaign, they
should encompass more then a year's worth of time. Including all of the
other NPCs that he will use or abuse. Basically writing down what he is
thinking will and should happen over that time, ignoring all the possible
problems.
Then take the next NPC down the line from the main motivator and create
his plan. As he will be, not only doing what the main motivator wants
of him, but his own goals are. Then the next in line, the one after that,
and so forth until you have ALL of the major NPCs plans 'spelled out'.
Because each plan adds another layer to the plot and also expands the
area of influence that the original motivator has an effect on.
The Link Chart...
WHILE creating the plans of all of the participants in the storyline work
up your Link Chart to better show how they are all connected. This is
a diagram indicating the name, with a brief message to jog your mind as
to who he or she is, and has lines (links) to the others, with a notation
as to their connection. Since my campaigns are very complex I tend to
use seveval sheets of posterboard and write very small. Staring from the
top and working downward it will eventually look like an upsidedown 'family-tree',
and if you have more then one major motivator it can look like a forest...
SEE EXAMPLE IN PHOTO SECTION UNDER: LINKCHART.
Continued...
Von Romig
===
Message 5770 of 6781 Reply
Campaign Creation 11b- Storyline vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/26/01 11:19 pm
Also at the same time you create your NPCs Plan outlines place them in
a calendar. I use a calendar in my world of twelve months, each with 30
days, so I have to print them up. But if your world's calendar is like
the one we use in the 'real world' then just get an old one that wasn't
used...and if you're like me you have recieved many over the course of
the year.
If you have Mr. Mavis planning to do A, then B, then C, and so forth write
a note in the calendar under the date as to when he does A, B, C etc,
and as you work out each NPC you will see your calendar fill up pretty
quick. Therefore, when you use the calendar during the game you can tell
what is going on in the background that either the players don't know
about or are witness to... (if on 'July' 16th Mr Mavis plans to burn down
the tavern in Rashire, then the players if there, can see it as it happens,
OR if elsewhere may learn of it later) But the time and date of any and
all occurances will be maintained and easier for you, the DM, to keep
straight. Nothing more irksome then to tell the Players that the tavern
burned down six weeks ago and then four game sessions later mention that
so-and-so was seen drinking there two days after it was to have been burnt
to the ground...and if the PCs kept better notes then you they will notice
this inconsistency. Note; and if a calendar is used you will also be able
to add weather, temperatures, and phases of the moon (great thing for
visibility at night or were-creatures).
The Index Files...
For all major and minor NPCs created for the storyline I like to makeup
an index card showing his stats; Race, Class, Ability Scores, etc, and
a brief note on personality, friends, family, and what relation he/she
has to the plot/storyline. And when I create non-used characters, those
that are on standby for when the PC get off the path, I also make them
an index card, just so the PC won't be gauging the importance based on
the fact that I DON'T have an index card for him/her. I can add to the
Index File of my present game by using those from previous campaigns if
the PC really get way off the path or start travelling one that I have
not planned for but is still on line...
Continued...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5769 by vonromig
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Message 5771 of 6781 Reply
Re: book review page elroyj
(36/M/San Jose, CA) 5/26/01 11:23 pm
I would agree that the Xanth books were not very interesting, over all,
but I liked Split Inifinity and the books that followed. If you want a
good read, I just finished the Otherland series by Tad Williams, and really
enjoyed it.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5767 by ArmoredYak
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Message 5772 of 6781 Reply
Campaign Creation 11c- Storyline vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/26/01 11:53 pm
Creating the Storyline the way I do, makes this the most time consuming
part of the proccess, but also the most enjoyable...for me! For as I chart
each character and who he knows and what he knows and when he knows it,
I can see the whole picture coming together. And as I do so, I get to
see how clever I can be by connecting the NPCs, whether by DM clue, hint,
informant, research source, and such and how the different paths can become
overlapping. (if I have already linked the Baron down through to a thief,
Hesim, and while linking up the Evil Cleric I decide to have a thief in
the course of his link why not have it be Hesim also)
And as I work up the Index Files I can put in other connections...like
the Baron and Evil Cleric are brothers but know nothing of it, but their
uncle, Olaf Treecutter does, but keeps it a secret because his wife is
the aunt of the Evil Cleric on the mother's side and LOATHES the Baron.
Now if the PC need to get the Baron and Evil Cleric to join together to
do something (which they will;)) they learn of the aunt and go to her,
overhearing that conversation and the importance of the need, Olaf brings
up the fact about being related to both. Now the PCs have just got to
convince the Baron and Evil Cleric that they are brothers...
One other thing that will happen (if this is done right) is that the farther
from the top you go the less knowledge the NPCs have of the main goal
and the more seperated they are from anything directly related to it...even
to the point that if looked at together the two would seem an outrageous
combo. (ex; a Priest of Banin in Malenon and the worst whore in Alor)
Continued...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5770 by vonromig
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Message 5773 of 6781 Reply
Campaign Creation 11d- Storyline vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/27/01 1:03 am
Now as you are writing up the NPCs and their plans, with their connections,
work into the whole thing that others (not the PCs) alter, change completely,
or interrupt some of the plans of others by their actions or conflicting
plans so that they need revising...and put this in as happening. What
this will do from the PC's perspective is show that other forces are at
work and nothing goes in a straight line. ( The PCs have been tracking
an elder woodsmen who sole purpose has been to buy some sort of magical
bag, when all of a sudden he now seems to want to kill some young fisher
from the capitol) It will also be more realistic and give credence to
the idea that not everyone is stagnet and are doing things and getting
things done themselves. (The PC had talked to a Gemcutter about his friend,
Kyle, who he hasn't seen in four years and was told that he knew Kyle
was searching for his abducted wife, but the next day when the PCs found
Kyle he was happied living with his wife and expecting their third child
soon...info given can be wrong just by the 'time factor') Adding these
simple little twist to the story will not only make your world seem more
alive but more realistic. The people in it are not just there, their living
their lives!
So have your Storyline flow and write it all up WITHOUT the player's characters
taking any part in it. Complete it to the end as though the NPCs (all
of them) have either failed or succeeded own their own, and the main bad
guys wins. Then only through their actions can the PCs stop them. But
since you don't know when, where, or even IF the PCs will be able to stop
the villian. Have it already set and moving that the Villian WILL win
if the PCs don't put a stop to it before he does win...remember that by
use of the calendar there is a time limit. (Another reason for making
the campaign take so long...to give the PCs enough time to do what they
must) Of course the Villian winning doesn't have to be the end, just the
first round.
Hey, if the PCs are stagnating show them that the rest of the world is
passing them by...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5772 by vonromig
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Message 5774 of 6781 Reply
Re: book review page lordneodig
(29/M/Hobart, Indiana) 5/27/01 2:03 am
I would like to recommend the Fionavar Tapestry by Guy Gavriel Kay.
The trilogy starts out as the standard "Dnd-playing-college-kids-get-sucked-into-fantasy-world"
shtick, but then goes in a completely new direction. The characters in
this book have an incredible depth and believability. The best that I
have ever read.
It's just a great read.
Here's the Info:
The Summer Tree (Fionavar Tapestry #1)
ISBN: 0451458222
The Wandering Fire, Vol. 2
ISBN: 0451458265
The Darkest Road, Vol. 3
ISBN: 0451458338
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5745 by krovar1972
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Message 5775 of 6781 Reply
Re: book review page krovar1972
(29/M/Peterborough) 5/27/01 2:41 am
Whew! I'm glad there has been some discussion of some our favorite books.
As far as P.A. goes, I tried reading one of his books, and yes it was
a snoozer. I actually fell asleep in the bathroom of my hobby shop.(The
Hobby Shop whent under shortly after I filed for divorce :( ) I don't
know if it was the book or sleep deprivation. Come to think of it I totaled
three cars that year. Oops.. I digress. Anyhow. Later on while I was licking
my emotional wounds I picked up a different book of his called Ogre Ogre.
The book was a riot. So you never know.
-------
Seems as though I got pretty empty table of contents. So it wouldn't be
a problem to add a seperate fantasy-si-Fi favorite book section. After
all this is part of which fuels the gameing fire.
-------
I was thinking a gameing movie section also.
-------
The only problem will be mixed posts. You know th posts that includes
both roleplaying aids&sci-fi, fantasy books. Mixed posts will be placed
on the existing page. Then I will link the related posts to the proper
page. Wow! That should keep me buissy for awile. Thankyou for your recomendations.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5768 by vonromig
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Message 5776 of 6781 Reply
Re: book review page krovar1972
(29/M/Peterborough) 5/27/01 2:47 am
Kewl! You even added the ISBN#s. You are a gem. The other kewl thing is
I never heard of the series.
WARNING I DIGRESS
------------------
I really got to get to the library. Or even maybe the used books stores
in the area. If I was'nt currently spending all my extra money on MageKnight
I could actually order some of these books new from my local book store.
Doh! A mans got to have priorities though.
I'm actually am useing my figures in a dungeon crawl. Just Hack and slash
baby. My kid loves it. It will do until HackMaster comes out in August.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5774 by lordneodig
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Message 5777 of 6781 Reply
Re: book review page Shabooah
(20/M/Fayetteville, Arkansas) 5/27/01 3:06 am
i've found that well written historical fiction can be a great aid to
making an entertaining setting.
in particular i'd like to highly recommend Aztec by Gary Jennings, as
both a potential source of campaign material, and as an outstanding book(the
sequel, Aztec Autumn, although a poor story and made that much worse by
the greatness of the original, might have some inspirational use).
i've read about half of James Clavell's Shogun, and have thoroughly enjoyed
it so far.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5776 by krovar1972
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Message 5778 of 6781 Reply
Re: book review page Shabooah
(20/M/Fayetteville, Arkansas) 5/27/01 3:09 am
ps: glad i'm not the only one looking forward to Hackmaster! can't wait
to see how they do it. and swinging a hackmaster +12 would be great fun...
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5777 by Shabooah
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Message 5779 of 6781 Reply
Re: Druids in a City dungeonkeeperuk
(31/M/Leeds, UK) 5/27/01 5:42 am
Kind of along the same lines as this, but I have developed an "Urban Druid"
for my NetBook of Cities over on the DnD Community Council. I havn't tried
it out/playtested it, so if any of you people out there wanna take a look
and tell me what you think...follow the link below..Thanks
DKUK
http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/dungeonsndragonsarchive
DnD Community Council
http://www.dndcommunitycouncil.org/
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5677 by kwan_darkwood
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Message 5780 of 6781 Reply
Re: book review page tashkal
(28/M/Kentucky) 5/27/01 7:30 pm
First time poster here...
As far as Piers goes, I like a lot of his stuff -- the beginnings of series
are usually pretty good for him, even Xanth IMO. I do think he has a bad
habit of going back to the well more than he should, though. One of my
favorite series from him was Bio of a Space Tyrant.
As to a useful book.... _Ancient Inventions_ by Peter James and Nick Thorpe
(Ballantine Books, NY, 1994, ISBN 0-345-40102-6) is pretty handy, and
even spawned a short series on Discovery/Learning/whatever channel it
was on. It's about odd advances and inventions you wouldn't expect from
ancient cultures. There are some who would dispute whether some of the
things in it were for real, but even if it's not rather than is, it's
still great for stealing ideas for a game.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5775 by krovar1972
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Message 5781 of 6781 Reply
Gameplay vs. Role-Play vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/27/01 9:01 pm
Each DM runs his or her game differently, but the style of play can be
broken down into; gameplay, role-play, or a mix of the two...
Gameplay...
PC (to DM): "I tell my boss at the tavern that I'm leaving to fight the
band of Orcen Raiders."
DM: "OK."
Role-Play...
PC (to DM): "Go to the tavern..."
DM: "OK, your boss is behind the counter, stocking the newly cleaned glasses."
PC (to Boss): "Hey, Mr. Rylan, can we talk?"
Boss: "Sure kid, what's wrong? You look a little shaken."
PC: "Well, that's what I want to talk to you about... That raid last night
caused alot of damage to my parents' farm..."
Boss: " And?"
PC: "Well, me and a couple of others are going to go after them."
Boss: "A little young to go stomping off after a bunch of killers like
that..."
PC: "No I'm not! Dad showed me since I was real little how to use a bow
and such...I'm a man now Mr. Rylan, time I proved it."
Boss (with uneasy laughter): "I know kid...uh, Tarbok, I know. Well you
got to do what you got to do...I will hold your job till you get back."
PC: "Thanks. Anyways I got to go, see ya."
Boss: "Yeah...good luck."
Of course, Role-playing is a two way street. Not only does the DM have
to put himself fully into each character he 'plays' but the players also
have to really 'get into' their own character. Each has to look at the
present situation and decide what their character might be feeling and
his/her reaction to that, and what is said by others. Although on the
surface heavy Role-Playing may seem to be more time consuming, but in
fact it doesn't take much more than Gameplaying. The example above only
would take a minute or so, but it expanded on the PC's relationship with
his boss, and such actions can play a deeper role down the road.
So do you Gameplay or Role-Play?
If mixed at times, what situations causes Role-Playing as compared to
Gameplay?
What are your thoughts on the whole concept...?
Von Romig
====
Message 5782 of 6781 Reply
Re: Gameplay vs. Role-Play ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 5/27/01 9:18 pm
there is also the 'gameplay' trivial situations, mundane one time encounter
NPC's, cannon fodder adversaries, and role-play the more interesting situations,
characters, and so forth.
example, spending even an extra 2 minutes bogging down over the nuances
and minutia of the camel dung on the boot, or the texture of the spittle
the beggar discharged on a player, gets a bit trite and annoying...
'less yak yak, more hack hack' to quote something in the past...fantasy
adventure means different things to different people, adventure for some,
might be 'my dinner with andre' but i think most people will agree its
actually more like 'die hard'
and of course the usual arguments and contradictions follow
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5781 by vonromig
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Message 5783 of 6781 Reply
Re: Who's Burning in Hell? dragonlordjr
(26/M/UD Ohio) 5/27/01 11:39 pm
I read a book a long time ago so I don't remeber the title in it all the
dead went to wander a vast wasteland until their god's herald came for
them. Those that stayed ther were taken by demons to become a part of
the wall around some evil demon city.
It was a cool idea to me so i use that one.
DRAGONLORD JR
(if you wait long to check this club the messages realy piled up)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5708 by vonromig
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Message 5784 of 6781 Reply
Re: Question about wands... dragonlordjr
(26/M/UD Ohio) 5/27/01 11:48 pm
in the book it says that wands STORE the spell so it would be cast instentaniously.
You would not have a problem with it if the magic user used it it would
go off on his turn.
DRAGONLORD JR
(Borrowed dad's dragon last night:)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5718 by dolphin99it
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Message 5785 of 6781 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #5 dragonlordjr
(26/M/UD Ohio) 5/27/01 11:58 pm
When i was a player these kind of players botherd me a lot so I know how
the other players would feel so as a dungoen master I would have the cleric
meet a terrible fate on one of his extracurricular activities. Then his
new character would be something else then a cleric. Then if he continued
to act the same way i would ask him to leave the game.
DRAGONLORD JR
(borrowed dad's dragon last night)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5731 by vonromig
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Message 5786 of 6781 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #5 dragonlordjr
(26/M/UD Ohio) 5/28/01 12:05 am
Why would you let one player make you change your game just to make him
happy? but i do like the idea of getting the others to play there characters
better. but not every player knows how to play the game better what would
you do then?
DRAGONLORD JR
(getting caught riding dad's dragon)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5739 by Umbratikus
===
Message 5787 of 6781 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #5 dragonlordjr
(26/M/UD Ohio) 5/28/01 12:10 am
I agree with armoured yak why let one player cause the others to want
to quit. Since he is the only one causing the problem have him change
or leave the game.
DRAGONLORD JR
(Master of the Sky)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5741 by ArmoredYak
===
Message 5788 of 6781 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? dragonlordjr
(26/M/UD Ohio) 5/28/01 12:17 am
vonromig I can't beleive you would bring up something like slavery in
a dungoens and dragons game club. Why would anyone want to have the problems
of having there players quit because of slavery. My ancestors fought to
free the blacks a long time ago and i would never have them put back into
such an evil institution like slavery again even in the idea of a fantasy
game.
DRAGONLORD JR
(no slaves allowed in game)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5744 by vonromig
====
Message 5789 of 6781 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? dragonlordjr
(26/M/UD Ohio) 5/28/01 12:23 am
After reading the other members answers i see that you are all talking
about not just black slaves but white and elven and orcs. I still don't
think it is right.
And ifnotter why are your kingdoms name like those in America?
DRAGONLORD JR
(No slaves allowed in my game)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5753 by lfnotter
====
Message 5790 of 6781 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 5/28/01 12:46 am
No Slaves?
Not even in Ravenloft where evil seeps out of every poor of the plane?
What kind of evil should the PC's be fighting to make them feel like the
good guys then?
Matt
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5789 by dragonlordjr
===
Message 5791 of 6781 Reply
Star Trek in the D20 System? champions_guru_y2k
(34/M/Hudson City) 5/28/01 2:40 am
Is anyone interested in Star Trek in the D20 System? If so I have a club
dedicated to it. http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/startrekforthed20system
I would appreciate your input.
Thanks,
da Guru
===
Message 5792 of 6781 Reply
This Club... dragonlordjr
(26/M/UD Ohio) 5/28/01 2:52 am
Its a good thing that not everybody who logs into this club responds or
it would take forever to read the daily postings. 35, 40, wow.
Anyway I just want to give you all a thumbs-up. I have been keeping my
eye on the AD and D Players Club because it was the biggest. But they
talk to much about things that are not related to Ad and D. But this club
stays true to the topic and gives a full share of ideas. I have been reading
the other club's messages for months but didn't feel the need to join
it until resently, but as soon as i read some of your past posts topics
in the realy cool club page i knew this was the place for me. I hope you
can maintain this level of a high standard. All i got to do now is log
in more often so i don't have to give my answers in one big long line
of posts :)
DRAGONLORD JR
(Master of the SKY)
===
Message 5793 of 6781 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? dragonlordjr
(26/M/UD Ohio) 5/28/01 2:59 am
I don't play in Ravenloft, i play in Greyhawk. And there is enough evil
around with orcs, dragons, and evil clerics around you don't need slaves.
One of my players is an african- american and i don't think he would like
it at all.
DRAGONLORD JR
(Master of the SKY)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5790 by mattbcieri
====
Message 5794 of 6781 Reply
Book Review Page has been updated krovar1972
(29/M/Peterborough) 5/28/01 4:21 am
Yep, Done! Thankyou everyone for participating.
====
Message 5795 of 6781 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? kwan_darkwood
(21/M) 5/28/01 5:44 am
It was not only the african americans who were enslaved in our world's
history. They are merely the more recent and more public of them. In the
past, the welsh would enslave their own kind, in the grand kingdom of
Egypt most people were slaves. That was how they got things completed.
IMHO, slavery is a dark but integral part of history. Even in the Middle
Ages, the peasants of the lords were really slaves themselves as well,
since they had very few rights, if any.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5793 by dragonlordjr
===
Message 5796 of 6781 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 5/28/01 6:28 pm
>And ifnotter why are your kingdoms name like >those in America?
Well, Junior, firstly the name's LFNOTTER. No 'i' involved.
Secondly, because it's set in America.
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5789 by dragonlordjr
===
Message 5797 of 6781 Reply
Lets share a magic device or two !!! thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/28/01 6:37 pm
Hey Y’all,
I thought we might all like to share some magic devices. They can be the
most powerful, or just enjoyable. My 1st submission is one of 5 magic
devices called Power Swords. In my campaign three have been discovered
2 have yet to be.
One of them is called Vaussa. Here are the stats:
VAUSSA 3rd SWORD OF ARCAINIA: +3To Hit +8 To Dam
Continual powers when worn:
1. Immunity to fear.
2. Communicate with any creature under 5 intelligence.
3. Regenerate 2 hpts. per turn.
4. 10% magic resistance.
Powers when in hand:
1. Plane shift 1x per day.
2. Turn opponents bones to jelly on a hit 1x per day. Save at -2.
3. True seeing 1x per day.
4. Reverse time at 1/2 second per users highest level of experience. (Only
user is aware of rollback in time). 1 x per week.
Side effect: When the sword is 1st grasped by it's handle it will feel
warm to the touch. If held for 6 seconds a semi-sentient presence is detected
by the wielder. This presence is a telepathic link between the creature
and the sword. The creature will then become aware of the bargain of the
sword. It is as follows: Possessor will receive a percentage (or if above
100 hpts. all) of the above abilities in return for exactly 1/2 of their
hit points (rounded down). These hit points are given to the sword permanently
and can never be recovered.
Who else has a fun, kick-ass or interesting magic device they want to
share???
T
====
Message 5798 of 6781 Reply
Re: Lets share a magic device or two !!! ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 5/28/01 9:23 pm
Back in the days when clerics could only use non edged weapons,,,,,
'Mace of Righteous Fury' Magical +2 Mace in the hands of a non-cleric,
Unusable by any evil alignment (touch causes damage as if wielded by cleric
of appropriate alignments)
Mace +5 Double Damage to all Undead and Supernatural Creatures. Can cast
'heal' or 'harm' on contact (including a strike) 1 x Per Day for every
5 Levels of Wielder. Has Disruption effects /increases undead turning
ability as if wielder were 5 levels higher than normal. Glows in the presence
of evil or undead within 100 feet.
Not that it would work now, but a book of infinite spells with magic missile
on every page was made by a spellcaster in our group a long time ago (followed
by ones with 'knock' 'lightning bolt' and dimension door as their only
spells)
oops got to go back to work
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5797 by thrandorian
===
Message 5799 of 6781 Reply
Re: Lets share a magic device or two !!! lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 5/28/01 9:56 pm
It's not original, but I've always been partial to the cloak of blending.
It looks like a normal, full-length cloak, with a silver clasp. The clasp
is agorned with one ruby and six diamonds. Touching one of the diamonds
creates a blade barrier spell inside the cloak. The runes inscribed under
the diamonds translate to "Chop" "Crush" "Blend" "Puree" "Frappe" and
"Liquidate". The ruby, of course, says "Stop".
Ahhhhh. That takes me back ;-)
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5798 by ArmoredYak
====
Message 5800 of 6781 Reply
Re: Lets share a magic device or two !!! vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/28/01 10:08 pm
Chazijorum the Black, the high priest of Nimias (my God of Evil) carries
the Box of Damnation...
The Box of Damnation is a small, solid gold box with blue diamonds encrusted
into it, forming a pentagram. He can open it twice a day, once to put
something into it and once to bring things out. The things he 'collects'
with it are living beings, not their souls but the whole 'person'. When
he opens it and activates the box his target is flashed into it, appearing
in a large, pitch black room with all of the other beings previously 'caught'.
When he is on a mission to the Shore Kingdoms under the orders of The
Grand Lord of Zequixek, he carries in the box his own Unholy Guards, kept
there as a secret security force ready to come to his aid if he needs
them. Or when an enemy is forced into the box a unit of troops to kill
the person for him. The Unholy Guards number nine, and are all 8-10th
level fighters in plated-chainmail and longswords.
When travelling his home island as the 'Arm of Justice' to The Grand Lord
he has within the box some hideous beast to devour those he finds guilty
of any crime against the Laws of Nimias (this usually means rebels). As
he simply sucks them in with the beast...
All individuals can save only on a roll of 20 using a d20, while clerics
of good alignment get their level in a bonus (1st lvl 19+, 5th lvl 15+,
10th lvl 10+, etc) and paladins gets one bonus for every two levels. No
save on being 'cast' out from the box, and the person being cast out will
always appear on the nearest area of land (no casting them out over a
cliff). No magical item can ever be trapped in the box, so if a victim
is wearing or has hold of such an item, that item would remain outside
the box when he was captured. It does not help the victim, he just loses
his magical items.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5797 by thrandorian
====
Message 5801 of 6788 Reply
Re: Lets share a magic device or two !!! vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/28/01 10:38 pm
Thought I would give you another one...
The Gates of KalStrom;
Eons ago in Brumaldar, just as the dwarven race was moving to live within
the hills and mountains and while they still used magic, their Master
Mage, KalStrom, created a series of Teleportation Gates that connected
the dwarven cities (at that time).
Each Gate is a large marble ring, sitting on its edge before a stone altar-like
platform. The ring is encrusted with yellow crystals and ancient writings
in blacken bones. On the stone 'table' there are twenty-two carved divots
arranged within the silver plated pattern, and three large platium spheres
(balls) that fit perfectly into the divots.
By placing the three platium spheres in the correct divots will cause
the center of the ring to shimmer a golden curtain of translucent energy
and be the doorway to another gate. The other gate can be 100 miles away
or 1000 miles away, it all depends on the combo used and its correlating
gate. Not all combos of spheres in divots leads to a gate, and even those
that would may not work if the other gate has been destroyed or vandalized.
And over the ages as each gate has been discovered by someone or thing
the valueable materials (platium spheres, silver plate, yellow crystals,
and even the whole thing being marble)may have been removed, destroying
the gate forever.
In the present time almost all of these ancient dwarven cities have long
been abandoned and overtaken by others or just forgotten.
This idea came not from Star Gate SG-1, but from an episode of Star Trek,
the original series, I watched in the early eighties.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5797 by thrandorian
===
Message 5802 of 6788 Reply
Re: Lets share a magic device or two !!! rubbercocktail
(20/M) 5/29/01 2:37 am
Inspired by an item in the book Angel Fire East, by Terry Brooks, I gave
one of my PCs an item called The Book of Names. It is a weathered black
book with 100 pages and room for 45 names on each side of each page. The
front sides of the pages are filled with the true names of every person
the PC has personally killed since receiving the book. The back sides
are filled with the true names of people the PC has been commanded to
kill or has succesfully killed by command of the minor god known only
as "Death", a chaotic-neutral elemental deity responsible for the passage
of souls from the prime material plane to the underworld. It is a gift
from the god on gaining the prestige class known as "Death's Hand", a
class responsible for cleaning up those souls that have cheated fate and
returned to life too many times.
In my campaign a character can only be returned to life (reincarnation
doesn't count) a number of times equal to the sum of their starting int,
wis, and cha modifiers. If your total was two, you could be raised two
times without any problems. After that, you would have a "hand" sent after
you. If you defeat the hand you are free to go until the next time you
are raised. As soon as you are raised a number of times beyond your total,
your true name appears in the book of the nearest hand. If two "hands"
are nearly equidistant from you, your name will flicker in both books
and the two "hands" will compete to have your name in their kill list.
If a hand survives long enough to have their book completely filled with
names, they become the current champion for the god, and as such, gain
a seat in the court of the nameless highgod.
The biggest advantage of having this item is that you definately know
that you have killed any enemy you have been after. There won't be any
"Murdock" enemies for the character that has this item. The downside is
that the item is pretty campaign specific, although it could be modified
easily to fit other uses.
Charlie Gordon
p.s. Sorry for the run-ons and rambling.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5797 by thrandorian
===
Message 5803 of 6788 Reply
Re: Lets share a magic device or two !!! Kimball_G
(23/M/Charleston) 5/29/01 7:58 am
A small simple device that I have created is the Chest of a Dinner Forenight.
It is a small chest weighing about 10 lbs, 1'x1'x1/2'tall. It is like
a bag of holding with a permanent cold spell placed inside. It will keep
2 weeks worth of food fresh for 2 people long enough to eat. Basically
a small portable fridge.
Also, for those who are worried about leaving dead monsters lying around
in a dungeon. This could be turned into a box of monster disposal by changing
the changing the bag of holding into a bag of devouring.
One last quick one. For those who are afraid of leaving their valuable's
just anywhere... I have the 'The Chest of Thief Protection' It is a 3'x2'x2'tall
chest. Both the top and bottom can appear to be exactly the same. This
chest can be opened on either the top or the bottom, but this is where
the trick is. One side opens to a 'bag of holding' type area, the other...that
right...you guess it...a 'bag of devouring.' Since when you look in either
side the opening looks black, there is no way of telling which is which
without reaching in some way or another. The PC who attained this item,
has placed a plaque on either side. The correct side says 'Don't open'
the bad side says 'Open here'.
Kimball
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5802 by rubbercocktail
====
Message 5804 of 6788 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #5 Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/29/01 10:54 am
>>Why would you let one player make you change your game just to make
him happy? >>
The players change my game all the time. My campaign is a growing, organic
thing that are shaped not only by myself, the DM, but by the players as
well. I don't subscribe to forcing the round players into my square campaign
hole (no Freudian remarks please). My players will come to me with ideas
and aspirations, or some concepts or angles that I haven't thought of.
This usually happens in character creation stage, when backgrounds are
being built, but not always. If I can incorporate these into the campagin
world without throwing off my world view or campaign concept, I will consider
it with the goal of enhancing the gaming experience for all involved.
I want everyone in my game to have as much fun as possible, while maintaining
a consistent, believeable, yet living and breathing setting.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5786 by dragonlordjr
====
Message 5805 of 6788 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #5 vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/29/01 2:34 pm
Well said Umbratikus!
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5804 by Umbratikus
===
Message 5806 of 6788 Reply
Famliars lordneodig
(29/M/Hobart, Indiana) 5/29/01 2:40 pm
Hullo all,
Can anyone point me to a resource that gives the rules for familiars that
were not included in the Players Handbook. Psuedodragons, Imps, Quasits,
Faerie Dragons, Brownies, Pixies, and what have you.
Thanx
Joe
====
Message 5807 of 6788 Reply
MMFWI & I: vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/29/01 3:11 pm
Building on what Thrandorian brought up with Magic Devices, how about...
Medieval Magical Fantasy World Inventions & Innovations:
In a world that has had magic around for hundreds, if not thousands of
years, one would expect to find new ways of doing things, improving old
ways, and creating new devices. These inventions and innovations could,
in a way, resemble modern objects and functions but be based on a Medieval
Magical Fantasy World...
My ideas...
1) Street Lights:
With the ability of glass blowing, thereby giving the world large, hollow
glass spheres and the spell Continual Light (Continual Flame, 3rd ED)
street lights would be prevalent in the larger cities and/or wealthier
neighborhoods.
2) Weather Man:
Within the capitol city the Grand High Priest can use Control Weather
prayers so that the area never suffers from normal droughts, blizzards,
hurricanes, or sweltering heat. Protecting the capitol, and thereby the
majority of the kingdom's population and resources.
3) Water Company:
With a strategically placed Decanter of Endless Water (on higher ground
and well defended) the use of clean water tunnels or piping can supply
the whole city with an endless supply. Large storage wells can be used
so that the Decanter need not be active all the time, an appointed official
(Keeper of The Wells) would be able to open it up, to fill the wells and
then close it afterwards.
Just a few...what can you think of, or already have in use.
Von Romig
===
Message 5808 of 6788 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #5 lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 5/29/01 3:12 pm
>>The players change my game all the time. My campaign is a growing, organic
thing that are shaped not only by myself, the DM, but by the players as
well.
The vast majority of the time I agree with you wholeheartedly, Umbratikus.
The fact pattern given, however, is one where a player is intentionally
acting out in order to provoke the other players. At that point, I submit,
that player is not "enhancing the gaming experience for all involved".
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5804 by Umbratikus
===
Message 5809 of 6788 Reply
Re: MMFWI & I: thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/29/01 5:22 pm
Sure Von, I like these types of strings.
In my world we have a few such inventions/devices. To allow for their
creation (and because it takes years to achieve the necessary level to
even cast it) I only take a point of constitution from the MU who casts
Permanency temporarily, unless a permanent, person effecting spell is
made.
Ascender/descenders: If you have the money, your building can have one
of these accommodations. Never take the stairs again. Glide in effortless
luxury up and back down through the highest building just like they do
in the 30 story ‘New Thrandor Magic-Users Guild!’. It takes a levitate,
a permanency and a limited wish (thus the price tag of 50,000 Gps). Continual
light spells and other comfort issues are an easy add on.
Flame Thrower : Take a bag of holding and use it to line the inside of
a standard back pack. (a version using a Hewards Handy Haversack has been
successfully tested as well). Fill the bag/haversack to it’s maximum with
a liquid combustible. The bag should mysteriously fail to further fill
when it’s weight limit is reached. Do not be alarmed this is normal. A
hose leads to the bottom of the bag and a simple pumping mechanism is
operated by an attendant. This provides a robust stream , 20-40 ft long
(depending on the squire) of flammable liquid such as oil, alcohol etc.,
which is propelled from the end of a 3’ tube through a special aeration
nozzle. This is lit (fired) by a variety of means depending on the user.
Note: this device has been known to wreak havoc on the enemy but sometimes
also upon the operator.
Flashlights: Easy with old rules. Light on coin, coin at end of cylinder
with reflector, lens and lens cover (to turn off).
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5807 by vonromig
===
Message 5810 of 6788 Reply
Re: Lets share a magic device or two !!! thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/29/01 5:43 pm
One more you will either chuckle or shake your head at.
As with many things in my world. I just record them I don't always conceive
them. We wanted to make some independent decision about what druids were
all about and by a 20! on a d20 roll they came up as being into organic
drugs. As such the following device is one of a very select few druid
created magic items related to that pastime.
The Pipe of never-ending stash:
These magical artifacts appear as an old weathered pipe. There is nothing
exceptional about it and it actually seems quite worn and plain. However,
when a fire is lit to it and it is drawn upon a most aromatic and potent
cannabis smoke will come forth. This smoke will bear all the attributes
of a normally incinerated flower from a high quality female hemp plant
with the following difference: At the utterance of a command word, all
effects will immediately disappear and the recipient will feel as sober
as ever. The command word must be known or discovered as it is not apparent.
I think this could explain why druids are neutral. They just want to hang
out and eat nuts and berries when they get “the munchies”.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5797 by thrandorian
===
Message 5811 of 6788 Reply
Re: Familiars SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 5/29/01 6:37 pm
No, but I could make some up...
I'd be careful about giving a PC a sentient being as a familiar. Someone
(you, him/her, another PC) should be playing this little critter to make
sure it doesn't end up being just a way to soup the mage up. The familiar
has wants and needs, and probably a reason it agreed to bind itself to
a mage.
There probably *are* rules out there for Imps and Quasits. These critters
will always try to secretly manipulate their "masters." I think there's
a "Summon Dark Familiar" spell in the Wizards Spell Compendium that might
have more details.
Most familiars augment the wizard's natural senses in some way. Small
or Tiny magical creatures don't necessarily have a defining phyical trait.
You might consider substituting an appropriate magical spell-like ability
1/day instead:
Psuedodragon: Camoflague ability 1/day OR resistance to poison (pick one
when familiar summoned)
Faerie dragons: have a host of magical talents. Detect magic 1/day or
equivalent seems appropriate
Pixies: Levitate OR Invisibility 1/day (pick one when familiar summoned)
Are they more or less powerful than other familiar abilities which are
continuous? I'm not sure. And even though they can have up to Genius Intelligence
in some cases, I'm not sure a pixie on a sugar high with Attention Deficit
Disorder is going to be any less distractable than a cat or ferret.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5806 by lordneodig
====
Message 5812 of 6788 Reply
Re: Lets share a magic device or two !!! vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/29/01 7:23 pm
LOL!
I think the sobering command words are, "Chill man."
Reminds me of a magic item I found on a list, one of the guys who wanted
to play his old character in our group. He called it the 'Night Cap',
and it was a small, hollow wooden ball with a very tiny whole in it. A
'special' mushroom grew inside and to use you just sucked on the hole...
The player said it would give the user the following spell-like abilities;
"True Sight", seeings into the "Ethereal Plane", and "Alter Reality".
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5810 by thrandorian
====
Message 5813 of 6788 Reply
Re: Lets share a magic device or two !!! dragonlordjr
(26/M/UD Ohio) 5/29/01 7:39 pm
One of my players found a magical sword that had no bonuses but he could
point it at an object or monster and a magic missile would fly out of
it and before it hit the object or monster it would become a solid +2
sword. It would always hit and does 1d10+2 points of damage and would
stay solid for four hours. The magical sword could throw these solidifying
swords three times a day. He would cast it just before they were attacked
and that way three of the players would get to use +2 swords for the time
it lasted.
DRAGONLORD JR
(Sky Master)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5797 by thrandorian
====
Message 5814 of 6788 Reply
Re: MMFWI & I: dragonlordjr
(26/M/UD Ohio) 5/29/01 7:55 pm
What about flying carpets as common as cars are today maybe less. You
could have one that was a small carpet for compacts and hall runners for
the limos. A player could go down to smiling Joe's used carpet dealership
and pick one up real cheap :)
A red dragon chained up in the center cavern where all the sewer pipes
lead to. He would than burn up the sewage. I remember reading this one
in a book.
A M.U. amusement park where the M.U.s cast friendly spells on the people
visiting like feather fall, fly, darkness 15 feet, spider climb, invisibility,
water breathing, polymorph other, and passwall so that they can have fun
doing what the spell lets them do. A gruop of illusionists can perform
a wickedly cool light show each night like a fireworks display only much
better and bigger.
DRAGONLORD JR
(Sky Master)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5807 by vonromig
===
Message 5815 of 6788 Reply
Re: Familiars dragonlordjr
(26/M/UD Ohio) 5/29/01 8:26 pm
In the player's handbook first edition it lists the quasit, pseudo-dragon,
brownie, and imp on page 66 and under each it says to see AD&D monster
manual. I looked this up for you and this is what the monster manual says
about each.
Quasit: Once it becomes a familiar it passes along to its master the following:
telepathic communication which enables the character to use all senses
(including infravision) of the familiar, even up to a mile away. The quasit's
presence within 1" of it master allows the latter the quasit's magic resistance
(25%) and also enables regeneration at 1 hit point per melee round. When
the quasit is within a mile of its master the latter gains an additional
level of ability. If the quasit is farther away, the character loses 1
level, and if the quasit is killed , the loss to the charactern is 4 levels.
Finally, in addition to its normal advise the quasit can contact a lower
plane once a week in order to help its master decide some course of action.
This contact is like a commune spell, but 6 questions are allowed.
Pseudo-dragon: Gives master 35% magic resistance and can transmit what
it sees and hears to its companion up to a distance of 24".
Brownie: Does not say what it gives to master.
Imp: gives the master exactly the same thing the quasit does word for
word.
I hope this helps but I think that the M.U. should be a very high level
one to get one of these as a familiar and the imp and quasit goal is to
do as much evil as possible so when it returns to the lower planes it
can become a better demon so it will force the master to do as much as
possible which could mess him up.
DRAGONLORD JR
(Sky Master)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5811 by SCA_Bard
=====
Message 5816 of 6788 Reply
Club Announcements: vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/29/01 10:23 pm
Ok, Dragonlord Jr, I have added your article to the Gazette. And I wish
to thank you for being the first member to respond (myself, not included).
And as stated in your Email I can't wait for your 'pages' on magic-items
and world.
You may wish to look in the Magic Chest as I have added some items. Over
the next couple of days I will be going back through the past posts to
collect magic-items and such, to create a page for each member and list
those items under his or her name (whether active or not). If you do not
wish for me to use your past input, just let me know. I just think this
would be easier for newer members to have access to these great ideas,
instead of searching the roughly 6000 posts for them (why should they
be 'lost'?). And each item or whatever that is brought up in future posts
can simply be added to your page. Of course, any help on your part would
be fantastic...like making up your own page and keeping it updated and
adding to it as you think of new ones.
The articles for The Gazette could be done that way also, BUT the time
spent on my part would be to overwelming. I already have enough 'on my
plate' as it is, trying to make this the best club in Yahoo for AD&D RPG
DMs. (How am I doing? I love feedback and idea suggestions.) So the article's
URL still goes to cyrusredd@acsworld.net
I tried adding some of my artwork to the Club's Page but afterwards, when
I went to check it the download time was very, very long so I got rid
of it. Does anyone no how to add 8"x11" color pictures to geocities pages
that stop this.
Over the next week or so I will be showing different Club Pictures (In
the spot now occupied by the DM throwing dice) for you to vote your favorite...the
winner will remain. (I wish to use original artwork, yours even if you
have one your willing to share, but to use a picture from a calendar or
book seems tacky to me...no real effort)
Thanks for your time...
Von Romig
====
Message 5817 of 6788 Reply
DM Puzzler #6 vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/29/01 10:46 pm
You are the DM of a younger group of new players and one 'old-timer',
who has been playing for many years...
During the course of the game the 'old-timer', Bill, is constantly giving
clues and hints as to what the others should or should not be doing, mostly
when his own character is not with them. Bill is constantly reminding
the thief to check for traps, 'suggesting' to the mage what spell would
be best, and correcting the paladin on his questionable actions in relation
to his alignment. When Bill's character is with the rest of the party
he virturally takes over the whole group with sayings like these...
"I will watch the door, while Tobu the thief listens for any noises, and
the wizard perpares 'such-n-such' spell..."
"Elric the wizard casts his magic-missiles, right...(looking at Elric's
player) OK, and me and Barok the fighter will charge."
When confronted about this Bill states, 'I am just trying to help them
learn their character's abilities and teach them how to play, because
if you, the DM, was to do so it would not be fair to then or the game.
But I'm a player too so it puts me on equal terms.'
As the other players are to new they might see this as they way the game
is played...Bill IS the party's leader...
Is this helping them or hurting them at this very early stage?
If so, what additional help could you give Bill?
If not, how to stop Bill without shaking up the group? (the others are
new and 'punishments' could be distracting)
Von Romig
====
Message 5818 of 6788 Reply
Re: Famliars gerhen3
(29/M/conceptual) 5/29/01 11:02 pm
I wanted to mention that familiars have greatly changed from 2nd Edition
rules. They used to be creatures summoned from the surrounding lands,
mystically joined to the mage, and then used as servants and companions.
Now familiars are more simply a magical creation chosen and syphoned from
the mage's own magical abilities.
You used to be able to get a Pixie or a Psuedodragon familoiar by first
finding one or where one was very near. Then you cast the spell and hope
that the creature "chose" to accept your call. Now you just shape the
calling into the magical creature of your choice.
I think that only extremely powerful mages could summon sentient typ familiars
lik epixies and pseudodragons. Only extremely evil and powerful ones could
summon an imp-shaped familiar. Imps still may chose to serve evil mages
but I don't think it fits into the new "familiar" definitions.
Familiars are totally magical creatures now, and not just summoned local
creatures.
Gerhen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5806 by lordneodig
===
Message 5819 of 6788 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #6 ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 5/29/01 11:14 pm
another problem develops if the bill player is much more intelligent or
experienced than the dm, because in no time, the group can grow beyond
easy control, and alot of hard feelings can result. my suggestion is to
allow as much help as possible, and confer with the experienced player
to get some harmony going. the other players do need a certain amount
of trial and error learning, but someone warning them of obvious pitfalls
is a welcome addition.
the 'bill character' could also be an npc for a while as well...but either
way, if 'bill' becomes a problem, it will either get solved, or bill might
have to go...bill might even make a good off week gamemaster, to give
the regular fellow a bit of a break.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5817 by vonromig
===
Message 5820 of 6788 Reply
Re: Famliars ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 5/29/01 11:16 pm
i liked in 1st edition how the familiar added its hitpoints and abilities
to the owner/mage..as well, now this could be a real neat combo (house
rule)
mikey
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5818 by gerhen3
===
Message 5821 of 6788 Reply
Site suggestions was: Club Announcements lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 5/29/01 11:42 pm
Von,
Don't use a full-size piece of artwork - use Photoshop (or whatever you
prefer) to resample the image and adjust the size to something a bit more
manageable (300-400 px on a side or so) and link to the full-size version
with that thumbnail.
If you can afford it, consider popping for hosting somewhere instead of
suffering with GeoAtrocities. RPGHost (I think that's the correct title)
hosts gaming resource sites and would probably be fairly affordable. If
all else fails, get a PayPal account for the membership to make donations
for hosting costs, etc. Maybe even take up a collection to get you a site
admin copy of Dreamweaver.
I like the contest idea - maybe I'll give it a shot ;-)
Once the site is a bit more together, drop Eric Noah a line and have him
put a blurb into his 3E Community news about it - that ought to be good
for 2-3,000 hits in the first few days and really boost the guild's visibility.
Lastly, (donning ring of flame resistance) I'd suggest that everyone considering
sending in a link to an article make sure the article is,
a) Proofed, spellchecked, and grammatically correct. No one will take
the Guild seriously if half the articles read like they were written by
third graders.
b) Presented in a professional, readable style. Low-contrast font colors,
blinking text, uzzin L33t cuz Itz KEWL, and center aligning your body
text may be your personal style, and that's fine, but most people are
not going to read anything presented that way.
c) Free of copyrighted material. A small accent graphic here or there
might not seem like much, but it is still infringement. If you really
want to use a copyrighted graphic or whatnot, at least give the artist
credit.
Why all this anal-retentive BS? Because I'd really like to see the Guild
website become a respected resource for the RPG community. Something we
can all be proud of, not an amatuer, wannabe crapfest. One of the keys
to making it a quality site is insisting on a standard of quality for
submissions.
You may fire when ready ;-)
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5816 by vonromig
===
Message 5822 of 6788 Reply
Origins the_dark_elf_drizzt_do_urden
5/30/01 12:51 am
Is anybody in the club going to Origins this year? Its a pretty awesome
gaming convention held by Wizards of the Coast and is located in Columbus
Ohio. I think about 20 to 30 thousand attendies. I've attended the last
3 years and strongly recommend it.
For more info go to http://www.wizards.com/origins
Peace favor your sword,
-Drow Elf-
====
Message 5823 of 6788 Reply
Converting 5th Age to the 3rd Edition champions_guru_y2k
(34/M/Hudson City) 5/30/01 1:38 am
Awhile back I found a site with a write-up about converting the Dragonlance
5th Age Saga rules to the 3rd Edition. At the time I didn't think much
of it and didn't bother bookmarking it. Now I'm in a club about Marvel
Super-Heroes in the D20 System. Since the Marvel Adventure Game is identical
to the 5th age those conversion rules would help what they want to do
there.
Has anyone here seen this site and can they post the link?
Thanks,
Da Guru
===
Message 5824 of 6788 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #6 Kimball_G
(23/M/Charleston) 5/30/01 8:24 am
I would allow this to happen for the first 2 sessions or so. After this,
it would have to stop. The only way the new players will learn to play
is on their own. The easiest way to learn something is the hard way...you
only have to learn it once. If he keep telling them what to do, they will
always depend on being told what to do. If allowed to make their own descisions,
they may actually come up with a new and innovative way to complete some
task that he may never have thought of. To only look at something from
one perspective, creates stagnation. Besides, if he is really in character...would
he really know what each classes action would best suit each situation.
No!
Just my opinion...Kimball
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5817 by vonromig
===
Message 5825 of 6788 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #6 vahjra
(28/F/Missouri) 5/30/01 9:35 am
I have played with a PC JUST LIKE THIS!!!! he even "persuades" his own
PC's when he DM's. He is just a control freak. We solved this by strictly
enforcing the time rule. You dont have time to shout out elaborate battle
plans when goblins are charging toward you, so in the middle of his "you
do this and i will do that" i had the goblins get in the first strike
because he was taking so long to tell everyone else what to do.
he eventually got the hint and has since stopped gaming with us.
vah-
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5817 by vonromig
===
Message 5826 of 6788 Reply
Show me the Magic Items pirates_life_for_me
(37/M/Ann Arbor, MI) 5/30/01 10:18 am
I have one to add of my own. This one I created in the late '70s when
I was younger and much sillier.
The Ring of Kuhool-Ade
In the second age of Kith the Wizard Fahkir created many strange and wonderous
treasures. One day his son was captured by a band of Kobolds and imprisoned.
The Wizard paid the Kobolds a high ransom and decided to create magic
item that would allow his son to escape from further ransom attempts and
keep him healthy.
The ring of Kuhool-Ade is fashioned from white gold and bears the symbol
of the frosted pitcher with a happy grin.
The powers of the ring are many and great. When worn, the ring is invisible
except to the wearer.
When the wearer issues the command "Hai Kuhool-Ade" within 30 seconds
a 5 HD, 8 foot tall creature shaped like a frosted pitcher with smile
breaks through the nearest wall of the ring wearer. The creature is STR
30, cannot attack, immune to damage from breaking through walls, ac 20
with 2 HP. If the wearer of the ring is outside and there is no wall within
50 feet, the creature will appear just outside of sight and run to within
10 feet of the wearer and wait.
The creature is carrying a smaller non animated pitcher, a tray, and 1d4
glasses. The smaller pitcher holds 2d6 glasses of liquid that if one glass
full is quaffed will do a heal based on the table below.
The creature disappears within 5 minutes or after all the healing potion
has been consumed or it's powers used.
1D6
1-2 Yellow Kuhool Ade cure light wounds. 1d6+2
2-5 Red Kuhool Ade cure moderate wounds. 1d12+6
6 Purple Kuhool Ade cure serious wounds. 2d20+10
The ring can be used once per day, but no more than twice in any week.
Further powers,
If a comrade dies, then twice a year the ring can be used to resurrect
PCs and NPCs.
The ring wearer must lift the body and place it in the the pitcher creature
for 10 minutes. After said time pull the PC or NPC from the creature and
in moments they will revive. The only after effect is that you must roll
on the table above and the resurrected PC/NPC skin is now stained that
color permanently.
====
Message 5827 of 6788 Reply
Re: Famliars Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/30/01 10:37 am
I keep this as a house rule as well. I also like the randomness of not
knowing what your familiar will be.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5820 by ArmoredYak
===
Message 5828 of 6788 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #6 lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 5/30/01 10:45 am
I had a guy just like this in my current campaign. He would give directions
and try to take actions when his PC was off doing something else. His
wife tried to play with us for a while, but she's pretty much a newbie
and he wound up running both PCs. His wife dropped out pretty quickly
for other reasons, but it was still annoying. I finally had to ask him
to leave for disruptive conduct.
In the fact pattern given, I'd tell the experienced player that he needs
to let the others play their characters, mistakes and all, or he needs
to leave and join a group that is appropriate to his level of play. I'd
also say that I want him to help teach the new players good gaming skills,
but by example, not by dictation.
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5817 by vonromig
===
Message 5829 of 6788 Reply
Re: Site suggestions was: Club Announcem Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/30/01 10:47 am
Okay LFnotter, here it comes:
Actually I agree with your suggestions wholeheartedly. I think anything
posted to the website should be clean and professionally presented. Otherwise,
why bother? I therefore second your motion(s).
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5821 by lfnotter
===
Message 5830 of 6788 Reply
Re: Show me the Magic Items ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 5/30/01 10:54 am
i love it...still laughing!
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5826 by pirates_life_for_me
===
Message 5831 of 6788 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #6 SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 5/30/01 11:43 am
Once again, I think the Golden Mean is a Good Thing.
I've been in groups (large ones) where it took 20 minutes just to saddle
up and ride out of town, precisely because there was a lack of party leadership.
This is boring, both to players and GMs.
When Bill's PC is with the party, I'd let him play party leader if the
others are happy to accept him in that role. (Though that 'realtime' rule
is tempting to implement). But when he's not there, he's *not there.*
If he can't keep his mouth shut, I'll give him some Knights of the Dinner
Table back issues to occupy himself with until he's reunited with the
group. Then he can bawl them out for their mistakes in good drill sergeant
fashion.
Turnabout's fair play, too. It would be nice to take a break from the
regular campaign and switch the party leader around for a game or two.
Taking Bill confidentially aside, I'd explain that I'd be really grateful
if he'd play a shiny bright newbie adventurer for this game. It's *really*
important to the plot, see, and I'd love to have an experienced role-player
like him fill the slot. But he'll have to give up the party leader mantle
and become the enthusiastic follower of the group's leader. Then I'd make
sure that there was a good in-game reward for Bill for playing "outside
the box".
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5828 by lfnotter
===
Message 5832 of 6788 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #6 vahjra
(28/F/Missouri) 5/30/01 12:21 pm
One thing we suggested is that "bill" work on his leadership skill and
create battle plans. so that when the mob of angry goblins came screaming
down the hill he could simply say "attack pattern delta" and the party
would know how to react. of course this may work well for the fighters
and such, but the scatter-brained wizard or cowardly thief may not remember
the plan, or simply not follow along and throw the whole thing off.
but this gave "bill" something to do and a way to create complex manuvers
that could be diployed in a few seconds.
vah-
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5831 by SCA_Bard
====
Message 5833 of 6788 Reply
Re: Origins Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/30/01 12:49 pm
I work right across the street from the Convention Center where Origins
is held. I might try to sneak in and check it out on my lunch break on
Friday, but I don't have the time or money to spend any of either there.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5822 by the_dark_elf_drizzt_do_urden
===
Message 5834 of 6788 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #6 Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/30/01 1:03 pm
I would take Bill aside and diplomatically say, "Bill, I appreciate what
you are doing, helping these newbies learn the game, but I think it is
time they start making some of their own decisions, don't you? Let's see
how much they've learned."
Then at the next gaming session I will tell all the players, Bill included,
"okay, guys, so far Bill has been calling a lot of the shots since you
guys were so new to the game, but now he has agreed to step back a little
and let you guys decide for yourselves what your character is doing."
If Bill tries to start falling back into his old habits, I would stop
him then and there. "Bill, hold on, let him make his own decision here."
I would be strict and firm here, silencing any buts.
Of course, I would let Bill's PC holler out suggestions in character,
but only if the suggestions would be within his PC's area of knowledge.
But then any NPC in earshot would hear his suggestions as well.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5817 by vonromig
===
Message 5835 of 6788 Reply
Re: Origins the_dark_elf_drizzt_do_urden
5/30/01 2:15 pm
Cool, where do you work at? I know that immediate area pretty good. The
con is pretty cool, worth at least a look like you said.
I just got back from Marcon that was held there last weekend. It was a
far cry from Origins though. The main reason I went to it was the meet
Robert Jordan.
-Renegade Drow-
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5833 by Umbratikus
===
Message 5836 of 6788 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #6 thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/30/01 4:59 pm
I say "Bill" is cool as long as this stops after a reasonable period of
orientation. You might give him a time frame in which to back off and
have him share this with the other players, emphasizing that his purpose
is only to coach not to run their characters indefinitely. If he is a
"control freak", then you have to deal with him differently.
I make my players pass a verbal test each time they gain a new level and
don't let them have spells or special abilities until they can individually
demonstrate an understanding of them. This would help to encourage each
player to be his/her own man/woman as the "Lead Player" cannot help them
here.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5817 by vonromig
===
Message 5837 of 6788 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #6 thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/30/01 5:20 pm
SCA I thought your answer was quite unique. Very creative!
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5831 by SCA_Bard
===
Message 5838 of 6788 Reply
Re: Lets share a magic device or two !!! thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/30/01 5:24 pm
Von when you wrote,
"A 'special' mushroom grew inside and to use you just sucked on the hole...
The player said it would give the user the following spell-like abilities;
"True Sight", seeings into the "Ethereal Plane", and "Alter Reality"."
Did you mean it really had those properties or the mushroom made them
think so?
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5797 by thrandorian
===
Message 5839 of 6788 Reply
Re: Lets share a magic device or two !!! thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/30/01 5:30 pm
Hey KImball
Chest of a Dinner Forenight is a great one! It also goes to show you how
players will take a refrigerator and turn it into a major magic device!
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5803 by Kimball_G
===
Message 5840 of 6788 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #6 leeok31
(33/M/Catoosa, OK) 5/30/01 5:30 pm
I think Bill is doing you a service - people new to the game really have
no idea what they are capable of, and a player like Bill would be good
to have around.
But, there comes a time when they 'should have learned by now.' In other
words, once you feel they are capable of speaking for themselves, require
it. In the example, 'I will watch the door, while Tobu the thief listens
for any noises, and the wizard perpares 'such-n-such' spell...' - once
the other players were comfortable with their roles (the DM will have
to be the judge of that), I'd tell Bill, 'they can speak for themselves,'
then I would look at them expectantly. If Bill is not around, but advising
as if he was, politely 'you're not there.'
Basically, you might be glad you have Bill around if you considered the
alternative, but the players do need to come into their own after a gaming
session or two, and you should wean them from Bill's teat..
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5817 by vonromig
====
Message 5841 of 6788 Reply
To the Membership thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/30/01 6:20 pm
To the founders and other members,
Here are my suggestions on how to utilize a club website:
I think establishing a few basic categories and assigning a subject leader
to each is one good way to move forward more rapidly and with greater
quality. Proof reading and spellchecking etc. would be their responsibility.
It seems that in the areas of world building, socio-political, religious
and alignment related concepts and basic game play, that we have simply
to collect and disseminate from the thousands of existing posts (although
I’m not minimizing the effort to compile).
If we were to split up the various categories and have a “Subject Leader”
for each topic, that individual could receive material from other club
members, search the past posts and submit freely from their personal archives
in that category. In this way we might be able to harness the truly formidable
resources at our disposal.
I have been looking for a way to contribute to the club in a more substantial
way than simply sharing my opinions and wisdom (as increadibly deep and
indisputably valuable as that is)[choke, choke..]
If enough people think this is a good idea and want to contribute, I am
willing to compile and present an on-going section comprised of my own
and other members material of a humorous nature. Spells and short stories,
fun magic devices ( like in the recent posts). Although I have seen something
like it elsewhere I've never seen it done well. We have the beginnings
within past posts and currently within the minds of our members.
If others are willing to lead a topic, we could begin to bring some order
to what I must submit IMHO is a rich yet truly chaotic wealth of talent
within this group. If I may take it upon myself to post this in a “Poll-Like”
manner, I request as many members as possible respond to the following:
1) Do you like this Idea?
2) Would you contribute material?
3) Would you like to head a category?
4) Would you contribute 1$ per year to secure a pay website for the group?
No reason Von should pay.
I know this may create a huge back-log of responses but I also can not,
(like an insane man staring at the fire he just lit) resist. If we had
a “Poll” feature as many clubs we could avoid this. It may tell us how
many members are actually there not just gone but never unsubscribed.
T AKA: Thrandorian@home.com
=====
Message 5842 of 6788 Reply
Re: To the Membership dragn_lady
(33/F/Fitchburg, MA) 5/30/01 7:50 pm
You asked these poignant questions....
1) Do you like this Idea? ((yup...seen it done well in other areas of
message boards))
2) Would you contribute material? ((yes, if my scatterbrained mind could
form a coherent thought long enough))
3) Would you like to head a category? ((sorry, with two kids, one a toddler,
can't do at this time))
4) Would you contribute 1$ per year to secure a pay website for the group?
No reason Von should pay. ((sure would...we can't expect a free ride ALL
our lives... :-) ))
And I am here, at times...just quiet. I don't need to open my big mouth
ALL the time... :-)
I have seen the forum you speak of utilized in other message boards, and
it seems to work well. They have seperate "administrators" for each area.
As well as differing individuals for the RP aspects. It works well.....BUT....
You have to have cooperation between all the admins or it won't work that
well.....
My $.02 worth......
DL
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5841 by thrandorian
====
Message 5843 of 6788 Reply
Re: Lets share a magic device or two !!! vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/30/01 8:24 pm
Well T, he claimed that the person actually obtain those abilities..."True
Sight" on the first puff, seeing into the "Ethereal Plane" on two puffs,
and "Alter Reality" after three, if done right after each other. As long
as there was two hours between times the holder could use "True Sight"
whenever, two consecutive puffs could only be done once a day, and trying
three puffs all at once could only be done once a week. If the holder
miscounted and took to many puffs to soon then he would lose 2 Int points
permenantly, and EACH time he took three puffs for "Alter Reality" he
would lose 1 Wis point.
It was a silly concept that his past group made into an actual magic-item.
It was 'deleted' from his character's backpack, along with the other two
pages of items, when he joined my group.
It would be funny as a 'cursed' item, when the use of it made the PC beleive
he had those abilities, but not really.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5838 by thrandorian
====
Message 5844 of 6788 Reply
Re: To the Membership lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 5/30/01 9:17 pm
1) Yes. Seperation of responasbilities is reasonable, given the group's
size
2) Very possibly. I have a few things floating around...
3) Perhaps. I am more willing to help on the site itself. Any chance we
have any professional web designers in the group?
4) Yes. I'd also suggest we look at registering a domain name with the
club moderators listed as admin & technical contacts. "DMGuild.org" leaps
to mind....
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5841 by thrandorian
====
Message 5845 of 6788 Reply
Re: To the Membership vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/30/01 9:50 pm
Well I'm here, and maybe a little too active...
1) Love the idea, big-time.
2) Mounds and mounds of contributing material.
3) Yes, perhaps Adventure/Campaign ideas and beginnings, among others.
4) :) for me, if someone else takes over then absolutely!
Just to warn you now, I have been one line only two months now and know
NOTHING about webhosting, web building, administrating, etc (actually
most of what you said went over my head) I only know about GeoCities Pages.
If this is to be done correctly, then perhaps someone more knowledgeable
should start the thing...anybody interested? (if given enough time I will
learn)
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5841 by thrandorian
===
Message 5846 of 6788 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #6 vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/30/01 10:09 pm
OK, this Puzzler is one that I had personal experience with, only I was
'Bill'...
My younger brother, Daniel, started up a game with a bunch of newbies
and asked me to join the game. Not use to newbies and forgetting when
I was just staring out, I made the mistake of trying to hard to help.
Not a control freak. Of course, I wish my brother was as congenial as
most of you. He just told me to 'Shut the f**k up!', I did and soon thereafter
most of the party died...but it was a positive learning experience for
the new players and one that they should have the chance to learn first
hand. I was being stupid and in the wrong.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5817 by vonromig
===
Message 5847 of 6788 Reply
Email change... vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/30/01 10:39 pm
Problem alert! I have just learned that my address, cyrusredd@acsworld,
hasn't been working. So if you have sent anything to me using this, that
is why I haven't responded...I didn't get it. Therefore, for all future
responces use my wife's (she doesn't check it anyways).
snookiebear@acsworld.net
I don't have time tonight but will change the Club's Pages with the cyrusredd
address to snookiebear.
And again sorry!
(Dragonlord Jr how did your Email get to me?)
Von Romig
===
Message 5848 of 6788 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #6 vahjra
(28/F/Missouri) 5/30/01 10:54 pm
i could be worng here leeok31, but apparently you have never played with
"Bill"
vah--
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5840 by leeok31
===
Message 5849 of 6788 Reply
Re: Email change... thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 5/30/01 11:42 pm
I am amazed that you can say "Snookiebear" with a straight face. (ie:
no comment).
Lol x 2.23,
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5847 by vonromig
===
Message 5850 of 6788 Reply
Re: To the Membership Kimball_G
(23/M/Charleston) 5/31/01 7:55 am
1) Love it!
2) Absolutely...athough it will take some time to make it digital.
3) I would definately like to, but whether I can or not....
3) Absolutely! I'd even give $5.
I have only been DMing for about 6 mo. now and would love a chance to
increase my knowledge by helping any way possible.
Kimball
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5841 by thrandorian
===
Message 5851 of 6788 Reply
Re: To the Membership skid5212000
(M/Charlotte, NC) 5/31/01 9:24 am
1. Very good idea!
2. As much as I can. I DM'd and played through 1e, skipped 2e entirely
(that making a living thing), and am trying to get into 3e.
3. Probably better left to someone with more time and creative juices.
4. Can do!
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5841 by thrandorian
===
Message 5852 of 6788 Reply
Re: Email change... Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 5/31/01 9:58 am
Does this mean we get to call you Snookiebear now?
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5847 by vonromig
===
Message 5853 of 6788 Reply
Re: Email change... madteuton
(32/M/Keyport, NJ) 5/31/01 11:34 am
*LOL* That's it! I'm changing my e-mail address to cupiedollbuns@yahoo.com!!
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5852 by Umbratikus
===
Message 5854 of 6788 Reply
Re: Question about wands... reverendzen
5/31/01 12:52 pm
"Like scrolls, they require the user to be a spellcaster with the appropriate
spell on his class list"
I have never seen this quote in any description for wands. What page is
it on?
Some wands can only be used by mages, but a lot can be used by anyone
(Wand of Magic Missiles, Wand of Detect Object, and similar wands). This
is listed in the DMG under Magic Items.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5728 by rubbercocktail
===
Message 5855 of 6788 Reply
Re: Question about wands... reverendzen
5/31/01 12:56 pm
I agree with this, with the exception of the mental command. As stated
in the DMG (from basic through 3E) wands use a verbal command word, known
to the wielder at the time of the wand's identification.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5729 by vonromig
===
Message 5856 of 6788 Reply
Re: To the Membership elroyj
(36/M/San Jose, CA) 5/31/01 12:59 pm
1) Yep, sounds like a cool idea. The comments that are brought out in
the club are not easily searched, so it's hard to go back and find something
that you read once.
2) I would contribute material if I felt I had anything to say. I haven't
been gaming for a while, but I hope to become more involved again.
3) I would be willing to head a category or help out with building the
site.
4) I could afford a buck :)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5841 by thrandorian
===
Message 5857 of 6788 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #5 reverendzen
5/31/01 1:04 pm
I would be praising the player of the cleric. This is good role-playing.
Not all character personalities are going to mesh. (I am reminded of my
1E Paladin, with two thieves, both evil, in the party.) As for the way
the player has changed his character's attitude after the DM told him
of the other players' thoughts, he is metagaming (where a player takes
player knowledge and makes it character knowledge). Likewise, the DM should
not have told the Cleric's player about the thoughts of the other characters.
As for how to handle the situation, I would just let the game go, spending
less time on the Cleric's "pilgrimages" and more time on the group (and
more specifically, the game) as a whole. If the other characters kill
the Cleric, so be it. That is their will, and the result of conflicting
personalities.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5731 by vonromig
====
Message 5858 of 6788 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #5 reverendzen
5/31/01 1:27 pm
I disagree with this. The DM should not have to alter the game to suit
a character. Most DMs have somewhat of a goal in mind when they create
an adventure/campaign. Few leave the game open-ended, but these (from
my experience) rely on many little side treks to keep the game going,
and still must end somewhere. Not many characters spend their lives wandering
about with no goal(s). All in all, the DM is in charge of the game, not
the players.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5739 by Umbratikus
====
Message 5859 of 6788 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? reverendzen
5/31/01 1:42 pm
Slaves are a part of my world, though they are rarely used for anything.
I prefer peasant uprisings (they're more common). I did have a quest,
though, where people were disappearing randomly, and the PCs had to track
down the slavers and rescue the slaves.
A quest I will be incorporating into an upcoming game is the disappearance
of merchants. They are being captured and sold as slaves for refusing
to pay the Thieves' Guild for protection, and their disappearance is being
used to scare other merchants.
TSR actually came up with a whole group called the Iron Ring; a society
of slavers and such. This appeared in the Karameikos box set, which I
no longer possess, but I retained the knowledge and plan to use it to
the best of my ability.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5744 by vonromig
===
Message 5860 of 6788 Reply
Something to consider... reverendzen
5/31/01 1:58 pm
All of the copyrights for D&D are owned by Hasbro, not by WotC, and have
been since the late '80s. So why hasn't Hasbro been condemned as TSR or
WotC has been in the past for suicides, murders, and Satan worship?
Reverend Zen
===
Message 5861 of 6788 Reply
Re: Something to consider... madteuton
(32/M/Keyport, NJ) 5/31/01 2:01 pm
That's not entirely accurate, as far as I remember, zen.
D&D was published by TSR (a privately-held co.) until recently (relatively)
it was bought by WoTC ... which was only *recently* acquired by Hasbro.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5860 by reverendzen
---
Message 5862 of 6788 Reply
Re: Something to consider... lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 5/31/01 2:05 pm
Hasbro did not buy TSR or Wizards in "the late '80's". Wizards didn't
EXIST in the late '80s. Hasbro's aquisition of Wizards only happened very
recently - only a little over a year ago, maybe two, IIRC.
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5860 by reverendzen
===
Message 5863 of 6788 Reply
Re: Something to consider... madteuton
(32/M/Keyport, NJ) 5/31/01 2:07 pm
<>
You do, sir.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5862 by lfnotter
===
Message 5864 of 6788 Reply
Re: book review page reverendzen
5/31/01 2:19 pm
"piers anthony, is instrumental if you want a stupid or retarded world
"
Some people like Piers Anthony. There's no need to be so crude and blunt
as to call it stupid or retarded. After all, the man has made millions
on those books. Someone must like them.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5765 by ArmoredYak
===
Message 5865 of 6788 Reply
Re: book review page madteuton
(32/M/Keyport, NJ) 5/31/01 2:28 pm
**Millions???**
He's a writer, zen. You'd be amazed what writers get paid (or don't get
paid) for their books ... yes, even a Piers Anthony.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5864 by reverendzen
===
Message 5866 of 6788 Reply
Re: To the Membership lordneodig
(29/M/Hobart, Indiana) 5/31/01 2:53 pm
1) Do you like this Idea?
You betcha.
2) Would you contribute material?
Sure, I've been playing on and off for a while, and I'm sure I could contribute
plenty of stuff.
3) Would you like to head a category?
Yes. I hereby volunteer to head up the magic item section.
4) Would you contribute 1$ per year to secure a pay website for the group?
No reason Von should pay.
Sure, I'd even be willing to give $5
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5841 by thrandorian
===
Message 5867 of 6788 Reply
Another Question about wands.... lordneodig
(29/M/Hobart, Indiana) 5/31/01 3:18 pm
Ok, wands are basically repositories for spells between the 0 level and
the 4th level. They can also be crafted so that the spell is cast at the
level of the creator. (A wand of fireballs created by a 12th level mage
would shoot fireballs that do 10d6..)
My question:
Can you enchant a wand with a metamagically enhanced spell?
My asspumption is yes, as long as the added levels of the enhanced spell
do not raise the level of the spell over 4th level. So you could only
'maximize' 0 and 1st level spells, 'empower' 0 to 2nd level spells, etcetera...
I would also assume the metamagic feats associated with spell casting,
like quicken spell, still spell, and silent spell wouldn't apply.
The reason I ask, is that I am thinking of giving my party a wand of magic
missiles with 3 charges, created by a 12th level caster. If it was a maximized,
the wand would shoot five missiles , each that would do 5 points of damage,
and would unerringly hit any target within a 220 foot range.
At the same time our 12th level creator could make an empowered, enlarged
magic missile wand that would make 5 missiles that each did (1d4+1) x
1.5 points of damage to any target with 440 feet. (We have been using
three foot by two foot one-square-per-inch sheets of graph paper to play
on, and lemme tell you 440 feet is an incredible distance. It would take
a normal medium sized, unencumbered character 4 rounds to cross 440 feet
at a full run. That means the wand bearer could get off four unerring
shots with the wand, doing (20d4+20) x 1.5 to a single target.)
Does this seem a bit much, or is it just me?
====
Message 5868 of 6788 Reply
Re: To the Membership krovar1972
(29/M/Peterborough) 5/31/01 3:28 pm
1.I love the Idea. (In fact I am a man of action. I see what I feel needs
to be done and I do it. I have literally no Web design experience, and
yet I've managed to put together The Dungeon Master's Guild Book page.
If you want something done, then do it.)
2. I would, and I have.
3. Ditto.
4. Absolutely not. There are enough free ways to get web space. In fact
most everyone who signs up with a Independent Web Provider gets at least
5 megs of webspace. I say we use what we are given or at the very least
take advantage of the numerous free web space offers at out disposal.
---------------
I love this club. It is very active and contains many posts with great
ideas. It would be wonderful if just 10% of the membership started adding
some swet equity to the club. What we do does not have look perfect. Or
even like a professional web designer put it together. Just do what you
can and this awesome clube will be even better.
The Dungeon Master's Guild is a better resource than any magazine I have
ever picked up and perused. It is a real place, with real ideas. Shareing
actucal experience.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5841 by thrandorian
=====
Message 5869 of 6788 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? reverendzen
5/31/01 3:41 pm
You shouldn't take fantasy role-playing so personally. Especially in a
discussion club, where any topic is free discussion. If you don't like
the idea of slavery, don't use it and ignore the topic and responses.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5788 by dragonlordjr
====
Message 5870 of 6788 Reply
Re: Email change... vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 5/31/01 4:05 pm
It is the nick-name I call my wife, she's just a little snuggly cutey-pie
:)
And since it is the ONLY thing I call her, that is what all her friends
teasingly call her, so for them to easily remember her Email address she
uses it...
See my updated profile, for a picture if you're interested.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5849 by thrandorian
===
Message 5871 of 6788 Reply
Re: Famliars reverendzen
5/31/01 4:10 pm
There is a good bit of stuff in Dragon Magazine, as well as on the Wizards
web site.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5806 by lordneodig
===
Message 5872 of 6788 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 5/31/01 4:13 pm
i think far too many people have worlds that are pretty lame, sort of
like the smurfs meet my little pony.
action and adventure needs some 'gritty realism' or it is pretty lame.
slavery is one of a number of factors that can contribute to how real
it all seems.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5869 by reverendzen
===
Message 5873 of 6788 Reply
Re: Question about wands... rubbercocktail
(20/M) 5/31/01 4:14 pm
The quote was on page 12 of the survival kit section of the 3e PHB, which
is why I asked if it was changed by any info in the DMG.
Charlie Gordon
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5854 by reverendzen
===
Message 5874 of 6788 Reply
Re: MMFWI & I: reverendzen
5/31/01 4:18 pm
A variation of the flashlight; cast continual light in the bottom of a
scroll tube, use the tube's lid to turn the light on and off.
Laser pointers for crossbows; continual light cast in the bottom of a
reed, focused with a small lense.
Sights for crossbows; spyglass with small camel hairs placed in a cross
pattern on the end.
Heating for a castle, inn, or large building; Build the building around
a large cauldron. Inside the cauldron, keep lots of coal, and add more
when the fire goes down. Throughout the building, have vents leading to
this central room.
All these have been tested and work.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5807 by vonromig
===
Message 5875 of 6788 Reply
Re: MMFWI & I: ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 5/31/01 4:29 pm
as much as it might muddy up some peoples little fantasy worlds, the fact
is, where there is magic, ingenuity, and time...there will be inventions,
innovations, and solutions to lots of the problems unique to that world.
the flashlight idea is great...it goes back to a little article in the
dragon magazine along about issue 20 several years ago, about useful ideas.
hard to get a 'laser' effect with a lens though..more of a 'tac light'
effect...good enough for some help though!
great ideas!
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5874 by reverendzen
====
Message 5876 of 6788 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? krovar1972
(29/M/Peterborough) 5/31/01 4:36 pm
In my campaign slaves are generaly referred to as serfs. They farm the
land. Mine the minds. Tend the orchards. If you are free you must be able
to defend your freedom, especially if you lack the reputation and or political
clout to remain free. Often times the wandering adventurer are free in
this way only. At least until they develop the label of hero. Until then
they are brigands at the worst. Freedom fighters at their best.
Often times children are stolen, or even sold to slavors. Serfs are a
limited resource. Lords will barter for them and decide their fates as
if they were cattle.
Military service is a great way gain notoriety and freedom. If you do
great services for your lord then he will bestow upon you the tightle
of free man, and deed you and your family lands. The lands given are yours
to manage and defend. Some of the smaller least powerful land holders
are subjected to slaver raids. If you have considerable clout with your
lord then you and your holdings are relatively safe.
Craftsmen and merchants are the life blood of this fuedal environment.
They are freemen who generally live in the cities or excercise their trade
in towns or villages. Often the craftsmen belong to powerful well established
guilds of which fear of reprisal of unjust treatment keeps a lord honest
in his dealings with these people. Stir up the guild and you could find
your realm short in vital resources.
It is common for guildsmen to find talented serfs in their feild of expertise.
The talented will apprentice under his patron and learn the craft. Often
this serf is no more than a slave until he/she is accepted into guild
membership. The local lord has little to say in this. It is an excepted
practice-the norm.
In my world serfdom is the norm. People do not have rights unless they
are Guildsmen, Lords, Merchant lords, Brigands, Outlaws, Clergy or some
form of nobility. Otherwise you are a slave/serf.
It is a hard world. For the people this is the way things are, and always
have been. Most are greatful for their existence. They don't know that
they are misserable wrechtes, so lets not tell them.
That said. Lets not mistake this environment for Totalarianistic rule.
The people regaurdless of class have their perks. They attend their markets,
festivals, their churches. They work keep what is needed for survival,
maybe skim a little off the top, and give the rest to their lords. Even
surfs have society and hiearchy. Few lords can manage an estate by ruthlesness
alone.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5744 by vonromig
======
Message 5877 of 6788 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #6 reverendzen
5/31/01 4:38 pm
This is a good idea for Bill to be aiding the characters, but leading
them by the nose is not. It is actually the DM's job to teach new players,
but a little help is usually appreciated from veterans. As far as the
Paladin goes, Bill could let the player know that "a true Paladin wouldn't
do that" without telling the player what to do. (This helps to save his
alignment so he will continue to be a Paladin.) From my 15 years experience,
I found the best way to learn how to play is to make mistakes and learn
from them. After the game session, the DM (or Bill) could say "You did
this when you could have done that."
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5817 by vonromig
===
Message 5878 of 6788 Reply
Re: Show me the Magic Items reverendzen
5/31/01 4:54 pm
Quite funny. The only problem I found with this was re resurrection quality.
If the creature disappears within 5 minutes (as you stated), then how
could a deceased character be put into the creature for 10 minutes and
pulled out?
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5826 by pirates_life_for_me
===
Message 5879 of 6788 Reply
Power points lordneodig
(29/M/Hobart, Indiana) 5/31/01 5:52 pm
I don't know how many people are using the products put out by non-wizards
companies, but I have to say the book Relics and Rituals by SSS is pretty
darn spiffy. Two parts of this book have particularly caught my interest:
Ritual Magic and Power Points.
One form of ritual magic put forth in the book is that a spell caster
can pass the higher spell lever costs of a metamagically enhanced spell
by casting it ritually, thus increasing the cost and time of the casting.
The increased cost is 25 gold per added spell levels deferred, and the
added time to cast is AT LEAST the normal casting time of the spell times
5 times the number of spell levels deferred.
So instead of casting a maximized fireball at the 6th level, you could
pay 75 gold and spend 15 rounds casting the darn thing, but cast it as
a third level spell.
In the description of ritual magic they mention power points: Points where
when the world was being created, there developed clumps in the Weave,
instead of a nice smooth equal distribution of power. The side effect
of this is that any spells cast within these power points are enhanced.
However, the book says the enhancement is that all spells cast within
the power point are cast as if the caster were one level higher.
Now, I think thats pretty wimpy. I have the idea that power points should
mimic the first kind of ritual magic, except that instead of deferring
the additional levels in casting the additional levels are deferred in
the preparation. Basically if a spell caster prepares a metamagically
enhanced spell within the confines of a power point, the spell would still
be memorized at the level it normally would be cast at, and the added
spell levels would be absorbed by the power of the magical power point.
This would require a spell craft check at a DC of 15 + the total level
of the metamagically enhanced spell.
Howerver, no caster would be able to enhance spells beyond what they normally
would cast. A ninth level mage couldn't maximize (+3 spell levels) a fireball,
since he couldn't cast 6th level spells. He could however maximize (+3)
and enlarge (+1) a magic missile spell, since it would be a 5th level
spell, which he could cast. He would have to make spellcraft check at
DC 20 (15 + 5). If he succeeded the maximized enlarged spell would be
prepared as a 1st level spell. If he failed, he would prepare the first
level spell completely unaltered or enhanced in any way.
Also, no spell caster could defer more additional spell levels than he
has character levels. So our 9th level mage could only prepare three maximized
(+3 levels) spells.
The other limiting factor is that the power points are rare, and most
existing ones are already claimed by archmages, dragons, clerical temples,
and druid orders, not to mention outsiders of various stripes. Most low
to medium level spell casters will have to get the owners permission to
gain access to the power point (can you say adventure hook?), and high
level casters will have to take the point away from it's owner. (Good
luck).
Example: Rafsanjani Kohobi is a 20th level mage who has gained a repution
for casting spells with no verbal or somatic components. Still Spell adds
one level to the casting, as does Silent spell. If Raf were to prepare
his spells within the confines of a power point, he could prepare 10 spells
as Silent Still spells. He could prepare only 7th level and lower spells
as silent still spells, and if he made his spellcraft roll (the max DC
would be 24) on each one, each spell would be silent and still and prepared
at their normal level.
So whaddya think?
====
Message 5880 of 6788 Reply
Re: Power points skid5212000
(M/Charlotte, NC) 6/1/01 7:45 am
I picked up the Relics and Rituals book on a whim. It has turned out to
be a great resource. However, I haven't found much use for the listed
prestiage classes.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5879 by lordneodig
===
Message 5881 of 6788 Reply
Re: MMFWI & I: Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/1/01 9:52 am
I have seen more than one idea for a "flashlight" item using a continual
light spell. I have one problem with this. What we are doing is taking
the components of the AD&D universe and using them to simulate items that
are familiar to us today in 21st century Western culture.
It seems more likely that the spellcaster would choose to cast his continual
light spell on the end of a torch and then "douse" the torch with a leather
drawstring bag. Or perhaps cast the spell on the wick of an oil lamp.
The unimaginative would simply cast it on a fist sized stone and carry
it around, tossing it in a belt pouch when not needed.
I just have a hard time accepting that the concept of the flashlight as
we know it would occur to the people in a Medieval European setting (which
is what most (although not all) of our campaigns are based on).
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5874 by reverendzen
===
Message 5882 of 6788 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/1/01 10:09 am
I think equating slaves with serfs is a little strong. Although being
a serf is not too far removed from slavery, since you are technically
"owned" by your lord, there are some fundamental differences (from a historical,
Feudal perspective).
The primary difference between a serf and a slave was that a serf could
not be bought, sold or traded as a slave could. A serf could earn his
freedom either with his own money or if a third party stepped in and bought
his freedom for him.
Again I am speaking from a historical perspective of Feudalism in Europe
in the middle ages (it was the dominant form of governent from the 5th
century) to the 13th. I am not meaning to imply that your campaign needs
to conform to this historical definition.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5876 by krovar1972
===
Message 5883 of 6788 Reply
New Club Picture madteuton
(32/M/Keyport, NJ) 6/1/01 10:35 am
The club picture I've put up is by DiTerlizzi -- a true master in the
realm of fantasy illustration (his work has been seen in the 3e MM, Planescape
...) definitely check out his work!!
====
Message 5884 of 6788 Reply
Low-Level Spell Gadgets shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 6/1/01 11:07 am
The "Continual Light at the bottom of the scroll tube flashlight" idea
is a classic meta-gaming example
(CL cast on gems, rocks, staves, lanterns, etc. would make more sense
at first)
The "crossbow laser-sight" idea would, IMHO, only provide a limited bonus
to hit .. and only at point-blank range in light brighter than torchlight
.. even if you could focus the CL well enough to be distinguishable max
crossbow range .. at anything more than point-blank, a crossbow is an
"archery" device, and would require elevation adjustments to be fired
accurately .. while this would be possible with precision tools and instruments,
that would be something of an anachronism in pre-artillery (cannons, mortars,
etc) tech times.
Any spell that can be cast on an item that can be made permanent becomes
a cool "gadget"
Permanent Levitate on a container (a back pack, for example) .. kind of
a poor man's bag of holding .. can also be used as a traveling book-stand,
stepping stool, chair, etc.
Permanent Animate Rope .. no need to carry that heavy grappling hook ever
again
Permanent Invisibility on a plate of metal or sheet of wood .. instant
armored window
The possibilities are endless.
s/g
====
Message 5885 of 6788 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 6/1/01 11:12 am
1, a serf is still human chattel, which whatever your going to paint it
as, still s*cks.
2, medieval ingenuity produced cathedrals, trebuchets, crossbows, bullseye
lanterns, water clocks, articulated armor, riveted chainmail (and so on,
ad nauseam) give people enough time, and even a speck of initiative, and
all sorts of experiements will happen. leather bag over a torch, sure,
that might be done in a pinch, but at some point someone figures out better
a better solution. Even if its the PC's in a group, if someone else sees
it, word can spread quickly.
even if your world doesnt have much literacy or printing, those are two
metagaming ideas that can just happen and change things in no time, all
by themselves. with 'midieval' technology.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5882 by Umbratikus
===
Message 5886 of 6788 Reply
Flashlight problem SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/1/01 12:13 pm
The thing most people don't realize (and hence their ever so inventive
PCs don't realize) is that flashlights need a parabolic mirror behind
the light source to be really effective. It focuses the light into a loose
beam. This is why your flashlight doesn't act like a lantern on a stick.
So the good ol' continual light tube is will radiate a smaller amount
of light, but it will radiate it fairly evenly in all directions from
the mouth of the tube, IIRC.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5885 by ArmoredYak
====
Message 5887 of 6788 Reply
Re: Flashlight problem ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 6/1/01 1:15 pm
not a big stretch to make a parabolic reflector, if not a mirror out of
even a silver or better a polished lead or pewter coin. pretty bright.
or even...a mirror..too
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5886 by SCA_Bard
===
Message 5888 of 6788 Reply
Re: New Club Picture Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/1/01 1:26 pm
DiTerlizzi is also did a lot for the 2e MM. I am a big fan, too.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5883 by madteuton
===
Message 5889 of 6788 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? Calitrojan
6/1/01 1:29 pm
Gotta jump back into the pool eventually... And thusly I will respond
to both your comments.
Yes, serfs were considered human chattel. They were not exatly slaves
though ... but without getting to drawn out I will leave it at that. My
world does have slaves, as many societies did. The Romans and Greeks often
enslaved the people they conquered. In Egypt there were many numbers of
slaves. Heck, even in Rovert Jordan's books there are slaves. When an
Aiel is captured they must serve as a slave for a year and a day... no
one seems to have a problem with that. In my world there is an eastern
society that has invaded the island that my campaign is set in. They have
mastered psionics and are wiping out the conventional armies of the island
(the island's nations agreed to avoid using arcane magic in their armies
a long time ago). The people that they conquer are of the lowest status
in their society, that of servant and serf. They must start at the bottom
of the ladder as it were and work their way up. The humanoid tribes in
my world also take more traditional slave and concubines from their raids
and wars on civilized races and each other.
Now, about this flashlight thing... it has already been pointed out that
there is a reflective mirror behind the light source to focus the light,
much in the way your car headlights work (take a look at them... behind
the bulb there is a multi-faceted mirror that concentrates the light).
Also it is true that with enough time and experimentation, anything can
be accomplished... but it is also true that knowledge is cumulative. Our
civilization did not make the jump from torchlight to flashlights in a
single step. (I am really not fluent on the engineering history of the
flashlight but...) we had steps... torches, oil lamps, lanterns with mirrors,
etc. I would allow my players to create this flashlight concept, but only
after they had researched and achieved the approptiate amount of technology
and skill to create it. Otherwise, it is metagame thinking. The guy who
invented the flashlight had to build on what had previously been discovered...
if these discoveries don't exist in your world, it would be impossible
for your players to concieve of the flashlight. As Isaac Newton said,
"If I can see far, it is only because I stand on the shoulders of giants."
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5885 by ArmoredYak
====
Message 5890 of 6788 Reply
Re: Flashlight problem lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 6/1/01 1:40 pm
Actually, I think you're selling the PCs short here, m'dear SCABard. The
principle of the parabolic reflector is fairly ancient - IIRC, the lighthouse
at Pharos (or was it Thebes? - flying Alzheimer's again. ;-)) was described
as using one to reflect the light of a large fire.
Hearths have probably been built that way since the discovery of fire.
Besides, there is an in-game example: the bull's-eye lantern.
I'd agree that a modern flashlight would probably not be the normal form
this item would take - throwing the spell on the wick of a shuttered lantern
is far more likely.
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5886 by SCA_Bard
===
Message 5891 of 6788 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/1/01 1:40 pm
<<1, a serf is still human chattel, which whatever your going to paint
it as, still s*cks.>>
Yes it did. The life of a serf was very hard, but I still maintain that
equating it with slavery is shortsighted.
The serf could own property, make money, go down to the pub for a pint,
celebrate in festivals, etc. The weren't chained up or lorded over by
slavers. They normally weren't beaten over trivialities and were generaly
treated decently (although I know there are many exceptions). They had
protection from enemies and even, in some areas, had a sort of public
welfare system where in times of struggle, lets say intense drought where
food was scarce, some foodstuffs would be provided by the lord and rationed
out accordingly.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5885 by ArmoredYak
===
Message 5892 of 6788 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 6/1/01 1:47 pm
if it was so wonderful, then one has to wonder why we all dont sign up
for it?
it is not even as good as slavery in some aspects.
some favored slaves got better treatment than serfs. i think your spending
a lot of effort on not being 'wrong' therefore i am going to be wrong
lets all be serfs, its wonderful!
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5891 by Umbratikus
===
Message 5893 of 6788 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 6/1/01 1:58 pm
Serfs up!! The peasants are revolting!
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5892 by ArmoredYak
===
Message 5894 of 6788 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/1/01 2:11 pm
<>
Who said it was wonderful? I said it was very hard (IIRC, I agreed with
you verbatim that it sucked to be a serf). My point is that it does not
equate to the common definitions of slavery.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5892 by ArmoredYak
===
Message 5895 of 6788 Reply
Re: Flashlight problem, lost tech SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/1/01 2:50 pm
I'd guess it all depends on your setting.
While the ancients might have used such a reflector, I'm fairly certain
the medievals didn't. Stuff got lost between then - "lost technology"
isn't just a gaming or fiction conceit, it's something that happens in
the real world. Hernando Cortez couldn't build a decent trebuchet in the
1500s (the first rock fired went straight up, came down, and wrecked the
catapult), and the things had been used regularly only 100-150 years or
so before.
You are right: the bull's eye lantern is an in-game example, if not of
a parabolic mirror, then at least of a first-order approximation of one
(As an interesting aside, I heard over the weekend that AD&D style lanterns
are an 18th century invention. Don't know if it's true, not sure I care,
but interesting to note). S'probably why my PCs put their continual light
rock inside of one. :-)
New thread: Does anyone use lost tech in their game worlds? How "tech"
is it? Water screws or ray guns?
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5890 by lfnotter
===
Message 5896 of 6788 Reply
New and better ways to fleece PCs SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/1/01 2:55 pm
No joke, I just read this in Yahoo! News...
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20010601/od/breasts_dc_1.html
This seems like a great Thieves' Guild racket to spring on a randy PC...
just substitute "drow sleep poison" for "powerful narcotic" and you're
golden.
===
Message 5897 of 6788 Reply
Re: MMFWI & I: thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/1/01 3:14 pm
Umbratikus, you wrote:
"I just have a hard time accepting that the concept of the flashlight
as we know it would occur to the people in a Medieval European setting".
I agree with you that most modern inventions should not be obvious to
an AD&D character but in your statement you seem to be assuming too much.
In my world like a few other DM's I have talked with, the setting is "Post-Apocalyptic".
Although it is several millennia hence, some buried technology exists.
Some of this could be seen, told of in stories, discovered and copied
or illustrated on a rock wall.
My players did not “think” of this until they saw one on the interstellar
space craft that transported them to "Middle-Earth". Flashlights were
a very small issue. In almost every case they have seen something similar
at least, then based their idea upon that. Just as I do with spells that
duplicate animal abilities. I wont let them take on the attributes of
any creature they have not already observed.
Over the past 14 years the player-characters have possessed incredible
technologies including lazar weapons, robot troops, radar and even shuttle
craft and star-ships. It never destroyed the campaign and through it all
we have found that your most devastating weapons are still your spells
and your mind.
I think the careful inclusion of technology into your campaign can add
an exiting dimension to the play.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5881 by Umbratikus
===
Message 5898 of 6788 Reply
Lost tech lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 6/1/01 3:18 pm
I'm doing something along those lines, only backwards - the world is losing
tech as it falls into chaos.
There is a little "lost tech" here & there - mostly places like Dugway
Proving Ground, Groom Lake, Los Alamos, etc. 'Experimental military prototypes'
keep showing up. Some people have learned to make magic items, so they
are becoming more common.
People are getting to be good at using magic to replace or augment technology,
which leads to things like an invisible, silenced Blackhawk helicopter
the party is fond of using.
The 'metamorphose liquids' spell has been discovered, and mages can earn
a good living turning water into gasoline. Casting 'keen edge' on a case
of ammo can have devistating effects in combat.
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5895 by SCA_Bard
===
Message 5899 of 6788 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/1/01 3:28 pm
Speaking of trebuchets, (AY was) I saw a program recently depicting the
construction and operation of two trebuchets in a fixed time-frame and
buy medieval construction/carpentry practices. I am convinced they would
(if protected) take down nearly any wall in time.
I especially enjoyed watching them throw a piano several hundred feet
as if it were a small pebble. I have heard they used to fling rotten animal
carcasses or dead human bodies over castle walls in order to infect the
defenders with disease. How fun were they!!?
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5885 by ArmoredYak
===
Message 5900 of 6788 Reply
MMFWI &I vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/1/01 3:29 pm
The flashlight concept is possible in any of our worlds...the fact that
you are looking back at Earth's history to base such findings on, indicates
that perhaps you are forgetting that in your world magic is predominate.
With the large numbers of magic-items imagined, created, and used what
meta-gaming counter excuse would you use to defend their presence. The
constant flow of these magical devices could easily bring about their
non-magical equavalence.
With an individual capable of 'inventing' all the neccessary requirements
to think of, perform, and cast a spell like Mirror Image, the making of
a parabolic mirror would be hobby-work (maybe even needed in the spell).
Combining the mirror with tube and CL source would be easier than finding
the right combination to create a magic-item, THAT WORKS. The mages don't
just throw a bunch of junk into a big pot and the item they wanted to
make is then formed. The materials and enchantments used all would have
some reasoning behind their need to be involved in that item's creation...an
understanding of that world's physics and such. A world where this advance
thinking was common (at least, if looked at over a thousand years or so)
then inventions and innovations could easily duplicate many modern devices.
Only the fact that Darmenarkus, the god of wisdom and knowledge, in my
world, prevents certain advances in Tech, keeps the imaginative humans
and dwarves from forming a modern world. If not for the deity what else
would stop them, and with the help of magic...Oh Boy!
Von Romig
====
Message 5901 of 6788 Reply
Re: New and better ways to fleece PCs thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/1/01 3:42 pm
SCA,
That article was a gem. You chicks will rule the world soon!!
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5896 by SCA_Bard
===
Message 5902 of 6788 Reply
Re: lost tech thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/1/01 4:00 pm
In regard to lost tech,
I have the lost world of Atlantis, where the rulers are isolationist and
have the ability to enforce this isolation with force if necessary. I
also have a dead, mysterious city called Kamar. It is patrolled by scores
of 500 hpt -12 ac titanium robots by day and is dominated by terrifically
powerful undead spirits call "The Grither" during the night. Both have
technology available yet the players have lost lives anytime they went
there and will only go at greatest need and for the briefest possible
time..
If you use a variety of the city of "Lankmar" in your campaign you might
enjoy that Ninguabul (I don't have time to check spelling) is an alien.
In my world he uses advanced technology to remain inscrutable, even in
a world of powerful magic-users etc.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5895 by SCA_Bard
===
Message 5903 of 6788 Reply
Magic levels SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/1/01 4:02 pm
Von Romig wrote:
" perhaps you are forgetting that in your world magic is predominate."
(Not taking this personally, btw: just making a point)
Beggin' yer pardon... magic doesn't predominate in all game worlds. Magic
items, perhaps with the exception of light rocks, are *rare* in mine.
I'm currently having to rewrite rules about "+1 or better to hit" because
there are so few magical weapons around. Mages are *rare.* I probably
let more PCs play them than I ought to, my world's demographics considered.
It's a weirdness I have that I want magic to be, well... magical. There
are lots of fun settings were magic is mundane and used like we use science.
I like a different flavor is all.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5900 by vonromig
===
Message 5904 of 6788 Reply
Re: Politically Correct- Slaves? vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/1/01 4:14 pm
Hey T, I saw that same show, actually that TV series has also built a
Roman bridge, a greek pump for 'greek fire' (no fire), a wall, an Egyptian
boat, among others...good series.
Serfs and slaves, and their 'freedom', moral, loyalty, work ethics, and
such are more to due with their overlords (masters or landlords) than
their title. A cruel baron can treat his serfs much more harshly then,
say a merchant his slaves.
And if the region's landlord has it so designed that 'his' serfs are in
such debt to him that none of them could ever pay it back, they are far
worst off then the loyal slave who might gain his freedom from his master's
death or kindness. And many times, in Roman society, not only were slaves
freed in the master's will but they also received money, and perhaps land
of their own.
The lines between the serf and slave are more than a title, it is in how
their overlord, the society, the laws, and history of that individuals
enviroment divide them...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5899 by thrandorian
===
Message 5905 of 6788 Reply
Re: Magic levels vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/1/01 4:24 pm
No personal finger pointing here, I was just making a general statement.
And because I feel most DMs here keep magic in their world very limited
that is why I mentioned it being 'common' if then looked at over the thousand
or so years most worlds have a history for.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5903 by SCA_Bard
====
Message 5906 of 6788 Reply
Re: lost tech vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/1/01 4:40 pm
Modern or furture tech is brought to my world only by the Major NPC, Johnathan
Traveller. A time/dimentional traveller whose primary defence in Brunmaldar
is that his forced entry into this reality unbalances the nature of magic...giving
him a radius of 10 miles around him that magic of any form does not work.
He still doesn't beleive that magic even exists in Brunmaldar, having
never been able to see it in action.
Jonathan will occasionally bring from his other realms items of small
and/or powerful abilities, depending on what he wants to be doing this
visit. As he has no self-inflicted 'Prime Directive' he cares not if these
devices find their way into Brunmaldar's hands, after he is done using
them.
Most people think he is an Elder God...as Clerics are affected also within
his non-magical sphere, none of the Gods even know of his existence, and
Jonathan's chaotic-neutral attitudes does not lead him to tell them otherwise.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5902 by thrandorian
====
Message 5907 of 6788 Reply
Technical references Calitrojan
6/1/01 5:24 pm
Speaking of lost technology and what technology was like in the middle
ages I thought I would suggest a reference. I picked up this book on a
whim at a used book store and read it durin gjury duty... it showed me
the progression of a lot of devices and how things were done before the
advent of internal combustion and its like. Check it out.
Engineering in the Ancient World by J.G. Landels.
Granted most of this info is based before the middle ages, but it is still
relevant. Do any of you remember the name of the series that built the
Trebuchet and what time it comes on? I saw the Trebuchet episode last
year and did not realize it was a series.
Does anyone else have references that we can use for determining the status
of technology i n our worlds?
===
Message 5908 of 6788 Reply
Re: lost tech gerhen3
(29/M/conceptual) 6/1/01 5:48 pm
Interesting.
There was an old adventure in Dungeon magazine that I both DM'ed and played
at different times. "Thiondar's Legacy" I believe it was. There was a
rod of travel or some such thing which allowed dimensional travel to other
planes. One of the settings on the rod opened up onto a sunny desert island
surrounded by clear blue water. There was a towel laid out on a reclining
chair, and maybe even a glass of some cool liquid.
The cool part was that a book was lying there too. It began "It was the
best of times. It was the worst of times".
The book ("A Tale of Two Cities") was from some modern world and when
I DM'ed it, the characters gave the rod over to their sponsor. The Sponor
explored that world, but I never actually went into any detail about it
at all. She saw it as something of a blight... a world with no knowledge
of magic and filled with killing machines and technologies that poisoned
the air, earth and water.
I think it would be cool to roleplay that archmage sending a party to
the modern times for exploration. Warriors would be sort of useless here.
Magic would be diminished, but still miraculous. A thief could have fun,
but he'd better watch his alignment.
Gerhen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5906 by vonromig
===
Message 5909 of 6788 Reply
Re: lost tech lastlonecubsfan
(31/M/T-Town) 6/1/01 10:34 pm
Von Romig said
"Jonathan will occasionally bring from his other realms items of small
and/or powerful abilities, depending on what he wants to be doing this
visit. As he has no self-inflicted 'Prime Directive' he cares not if these
devices find their way into Brunmaldar's hands, after he is done using
them."
Sounds like a very interesting character that does not let rules get in
the way. But does what he does in the past affect what he does in the
future (obviously)Doesn't that change his timeline? How do you tackle
that problem?
Jack
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5906 by vonromig
====
Message 5910 of 6788 Reply
To the founders and other members pt 2 thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/2/01 4:19 pm
I feel as though those who would do so have spoken in regard to my post
titled “To the membership”. My tabulation of the responses is 100% of
those posting back thought it was a good idea.
“On paper” anyway, I was impressed with the initial solidarity of opinion
voiced. I imagine I am not the 1st individual to have had this thought,
I just voiced the idea and suggested a general format. I do feel somewhat
responsible to follow up, rather than wait for someone else to do so.
It is unclear to me how best I might take a leadership role in moving
this from conversation to conception or if I even should. I have posted
this message in the hope of further guidance from the founders and membership
as I have no authority to begin anything. Maybe a founder or another is
interested in leading and more appropriate as I have been a member for
less than a year. If we are serious, several issues must be decided upon
just to get started. Someone must create a structure.
If there is sufficient support I am willing to be the project coordinator,
design a tier system of priorities and delegate responsibility. Some one
should if we are to proceed. Otherwise I am willing to head a category,
add my amateur web-design skills or make submissions under anothers’ guidance.
People who know how to get us hooked up with web-rings and such, those
of us with specific skills like an English degree, flash/html/java scripting
skills, illustration, legal, whatever, could put their primary skills
to work for us with a moderate time investment, with a result hopefully
greater than the sum of it’s parts.
Ok this post is already too long. I’ll await further illumination.
T
===
Message 5911 of 6788 Reply
Re: To the founders and other members pt lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 6/2/01 10:10 pm
I'd support you for project manager. As you say, someone must create a
structure.
I'm willing to work on doing the site itself. I'm also willing to take
on the role of editor for submissions. I've done proofreading before and
had enough of my stuff edited before publication to be familier with the
process.
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5910 by thrandorian
=====
Message 5912 of 6788 Reply
Re: To the founders and other members.. Danduin_
(31/M/Cinti OH) 6/3/01 2:08 am
It has been a while since I have posted anything in this group, I have
had very little time to do any role playing (althought I am re-thinking
a pbem game that I started about two years ago). Anyway it has been about
that long since any talk of a club site was discussed, it was rather rather
fractured, not very well planned and never got off the ground. With all
that said I would like to help with any html/java/coding that needs to
be done. I am not sure why we need the $$, I only glanced through the
posts at this point, with all the free services available. BeSeen has
a free message board service, there are many web hosting companies, etc.
If it is necessary to generate some cash, then I am willing. In closing
I would also like to contribute with a section on Raveloft/Masque and/or
2nd ed. since I have no plans to spend another fortune on D&D books at
this time (maybe I'll wait for 4th ed. probably will come out next year)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5911 by lfnotter
===
Message 5913 of 6788 Reply
Re: To the founders and other members pt thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/3/01 4:08 am
Thanks Bryan. I will take you up on your offer if I end up project coordinator,
however I must point out you wrote:
"I've done proofreading before and had enough of my stuff edited before
publication to be familier with the process.
Isn't it spelled familiar?
I get it, this is for your humor submission eh?
Just having fun,
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5911 by lfnotter
===
Message 5914 of 6788 Reply
Proposed Structure DM Guild Website thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/3/01 4:51 am
I propose that the general structure be as follows:
Project Coordinator-Webmaster: Receives submissions from all category
heads and uploads weekly or monthly pages and page updates to web-site.
Also responsible for assuring fair practices and cooperation between category
heads. Ultimately responsible for selecting or rejecting content, organizing
the web-site layout. This position could be split in 2 but I think should
not be.
Promotion Manager: This position works to promote the site with web-rings,
other sites, get the site listed with search engines etc. The promotion
coordinator should work with the project-coordinator to make the site
interactive, and encourage people to make frequent visits to the site
to see what’s new and always have something new to see on the entry page.
This person would ideally set-up the website initially on a pay server
as the members have resoundingly been willing to fund such an effort.
The site could be paid a year or more in advance. The possible advantages
include: 1) No banners. 2) Storage space would allow archiving and possible
use of rich and multi-media formats. 3) Allows us to obtain a straight
.com address.
Hopefully this can be done in the club or multiple founders names, thus
insuring it’s continuation even if key participants cease to function
in the future. I thought the suggestion Bryan made to keep the name “Dungeon
Masters Guild” as the web site name and address was a good one as it sounds
very credible. I would like www.dungeonmastersguild.com best myself if
it is available an if the members do want to pay for a URL.
Grammatical Editor: Hopefully a qualified individual among us to do a
final proof-reading prior to publishing each week/month.
Category Heads: These people will be the caretakers of the categories
initially chosen and to be added later. They will be responsible for submitting
material and accepting submissions via their personal email, from the
club members in their category. They will decide what submissions are
on-topic or of interest within their subject and are responsible for spell
checking, general grammar and quality of content. They will submit all
material to the project coordinator for final approval and insertion into
the web-site.
Suggested Initial Categories: (The concept of providing interactive content,
interesting articles and reference/resource materials to all visitors
is my initial thought as to the mission here. A formal “Mission Statement”
might be featured on the “Entry Page”.
ALL MATERIALS SHOULD BE FREE OF COPY WRITE INFRINGEMENT ISSUES
Magic Devices: Member created or other interesting items of magic.
Spells: Member created or other interesting spells.
Forum for Rulings and Spell Adjudication: Select, possibly edited entries
from the clubs more interesting posts, articles from members or category
heads etc.
Humor: Submissions from members or other sources free of copy write infringement
issues. An illustrator alone or in league with a writer could do a comic
strip. Articles or funny stories about real DM’s, gamers and their characters
would be entertaining.
Members corner: Comments on any subject from one or more members each
week or month. Eventually even notables from outside the club might be
persuaded to contribute.
This is just a rough initial outline. I leave it to the rest of the club
to suggest otherwise or reject/add/augment to the above categories, concepts
or suggestions. I am very interested in feedback especially from Umbratikis,
Von, Felsefeci, Madteuton, and Pictii.
Thrandorian
===
Message 5915 of 6788 Reply
Re: To the founders and other members pt lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 6/3/01 9:28 am
Quite correct - which is why I use a spellchecker when one is available.
:-)
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5913 by thrandorian
===
Message 5916 of 6789 Reply
Editor Volunteer and Idea for Old Posts Cayzle
(37/M/Kingdoms and Honor) 6/3/01 9:49 am
Hi! I mostly lurk, but I enjoy the club and would be happy to help out.
> Grammatical Editor: Hopefully a
> qualified individual among us to
> do a final proof-reading prior
> to publishing each week/month.
There's no reason we can't have more than one editor, if we have enough
hands. I volunteer for this position. In real life I am the Managing Editor
of National Home Center News (www.homecenternews.com), and I edit for
a living.
I have to mention that one of the best reasons for having a site, IMO,
is to conserve the best of what we talk about here in the club. We have
over 5,000 messages, and who knows what gems are buried in there? I think
we should go back and look for those gems. I (and hopefully others) would
be glad to go back and sift through for ideas, advice, new content, etc.
Maybe we could get 5 sifters, each of whom would be responsible for sifting
through 1,000 messages and selecting gems. The gems we pick could be crafted
into essays or descriptions that others would enjoy. -- with the major
contributors identified.
Cayzle
cayzle@yahoo.com
Cayzle's Wemic Site -- the Best Darn Wemic Site On The Web!
http://www.geocities.com/cayzle/
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5914 by thrandorian
===
Message 5917 of 6789 Reply
Re: Proposed Structure DM Guild Website lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 6/3/01 9:56 am
>Promotion Manager: This person would ideally set-up the website initially
on a pay server as the members have resoundingly been willing to fund
such an effort. The site could be paid a year or more in advance. The
possible advantages include: 1) No banners. 2) Storage space would allow
archiving and possible use of rich and multi-media formats. 3) Allows
us to obtain a straight .com address.
To be really anal about it, we should be looking at a .org instead of
a .com. :-)
RPGPlanet has free hosting on high-bandwidth servers and unlimited space
- very nice, but there are a few caveats. The site has to be set up and
running before it will be accepted. It has to have a good design and be
professionally presented or they won't even look at it.
RPGPlanet requires all hosted sites to run banner ads (small ones, though).
If we want to try to stick with free hosting, I think RPGPlanet is an
ideal goal. We will have to make do with GeoatroCities until they pick
us up, if and when they do.
All that said, that's why I'd prefer to pay for hosting and domain registration.
I use Dreamhost and have had a very good experience with them. Registration
through Dreamhost is $30.00 annually, and hosting is $120.00 for their
basic plan per annum. Month-to-month is slightly more expensive.
So, if that's what the membership wants to do, we will need a fundraising
coordinator - or at least a treasurer. Obviously, only the core active
members of the group are going to be willing to chip in to buy hosting.
It is also going to be a regular, ongoing cost. TANSTAAFL.
I'm in for $15.00.
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5914 by thrandorian
===
Message 5918 of 6789 Reply
Re: Proposed Structure DM Guild Website krovar1972
(29/M/Peterborough) 6/3/01 10:39 am
I don't understand what all the talk is about. You know if we all put
as much energy into the actual creation of our projects and less into
who will be responsible for what. Then the project will get started.
As far as editor goes. Do we have to submit our posts to an editor before
we click send? I don't think so. Here save for the founder we are all
equal. Don't be starting with powertrips here. "Well I don't know Krovar
it sounds like a pretty good idea. Lets talk it over in committee then
see what happens." That would take the momentum out of some peoples ambition.
I re-iterate! All that are passoinate about a certain subject should participate
in their area of interest. First come first serve.
The only guidlines we should set is that we talk about our projects. If
we have more than one person working on the same thing then maybe they
will cooperate and create something wonderful for their labors.
Take the responsiblities unto yourselves. Don't give up your power to
choose by asigning leaders, editors, and reveiwers of santioned material.
Yes I agree. There are over 5000 posts. They should be easily accessable
by category.
I am interested weather or not the founder can download them onto his
computer and then email the file to those of us who are interested. This
would make our lives easier in going through all the posts....Well Von?
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5914 by thrandorian
===
Message 5919 of 6789 Reply
Fundraising lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 6/3/01 10:42 am
Just to kick off a potential fundraising drive, I've uploaded two sample
character portraits to the club photo section. They're in the 'Samples'
album.
Normally, I charge $25.00 for a character portrait suitable for printing
at 4x6, larger ones for $50.00. If we do opt to buy hosting, I'll put
a custom portrait up for raffle - no nudity unless you're over 18, though!
So, if we do this, everyone donating $5.00 or more gets an entry, one
entry per each $5.00 donated, payment must be recieved by the treasurer
before work starts on the winner's portrait.
What do you think?
Bryan
===
Message 5920 of 6789 Reply
Re: Proposed Structure DM Guild Website Journeyman72
(22/M/Borderlands) 6/3/01 11:09 am
I'm sort of confused here. Is this Dm's guild web site the yahoo club
we are all involved in or is it a side project related to the club. If
is a side project then it makes sense to have the submission oversite
on ideas, but if it is this club you are talking about I would have to
agree with krovar in that submitting a post for reveiw it stifling and
sort of goes against the idea of a free forum.
Just my 2 bits.
Journeyman
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5918 by krovar1972
===
Message 5921 of 6789 Reply
Re: Proposed Structure DM Guild Website Sir_Bluetooth
(21/M/Kearney, NE) 6/3/01 1:11 pm
Im just a long term lurker who likes to rear his head occasionally...when
I feel that I acctually have something to contribute.
If I understand it correctly this would be a side project related to,
but not part of, this club. I definatly agree that if we are going to
hope to fund this and run it as a useful web site we need to have editors
and planners. As useful as this club is, it is near impossible for a newcomer
to find our early gems, because they are burried so deeply.
I see the editors and administration not as keeping anyone from writing
what they truely want, but rather as encouraging people to write what
is needed and placing everything written in it proper place. As well as
the unfortinate job of telling some writers that they need to revise/rewrite
pieces where neccisary. (I have very poor writing skills when it comes
to writing articles so if any future editors are reading this, beware
any submissions from me.)
As far as I can tell, posting here is not going to be affected acept that
if a post is good it may be turned into an article.
Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong on any points, that is how
we learn.
Sir_Bluetooth
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5920 by Journeyman72
===
Message 5922 of 6789 Reply
Re: Proposed Structure DM Guild Website thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/3/01 2:51 pm
Hi folks,
Personally I am jazzed and surprised at the positive responses’ and the
way lurking members have come out to speak! However Kovar you don‘t seem
to understand the concept. For you and anyone else who thinks we are trying
to put together another open forum, let me explain. Unbridled intellect
can already be found at this club. This is the forum where everyone can
post anything and that is how a message board works.
Anyone who has worked on a professional project knows that planning and
structure are the things that actually make big tasks more manageable
and creative. The website would be for a much more organized and professional
collaboration, similar to an Ezine (or any magazine). The concept is separate
from the club message board itself. The only reason people will put in
the necessary care taking effort to make a professional category will
be if they do have some control over their little corner. I do recommend
that they have final decision making in their category. If they abuse
it, they should be removed and someone who has the best interest of the
web site should replace them. A good submission that for some reason is
refused by a category head can be inserted as a special article if necessary.
Then it gets published and the category head maintains their authority.
As to power trips I can only say a dog smells his own butt first. I don't
think most responders want more than a reasonable amount of power and
what is wrong with that?
IMHO, if there is no authority, there will be no professionalism, no accountability
nor continuity. If you like the idea of everybody posting anything, then
that's what this type of club is all about. I suggest you concentrate
your efforts here Kovar. You have done good work with the postings.
The website (in my thinking) is a chance for us to make an impact on the
AD&D community at large over time. To do less is to be just one of the
crowd of so-so AD&D related web sites. I will await other dissenting viewpoints
and the response of the founders. Once again I will follow another's lead
if a better project coordinator is found. I have laid out the basics of
what my initial approach to this would be. It will be quite a bit of work
(ask Von) and I don’t believe for an instant that this can happen organically
or without structure and have the quality to stand next to the “big kids”
of AD&D.
If there is insufficient enthusiasm from the club perspective this can
be done by a separate group and does not have to be affiliated with the
club. I just feel we have the various skills here to make this happen.
If this appears un-do-able due to a lack of agreement here, I may organize
this independently. Feel free to email me personally if you wish at thrandorian@home.com
This is an opportunity. Who wants to make use of it??
Thanks for your time.
Thrandorian
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5918 by krovar1972
====
Message 5923 of 6789 Reply
Re: Proposed Structure DM Guild Website thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/3/01 2:54 pm
Sir Bluetooth, I would say you get it just fine. You have exactly the
right attitude IMHO.
Thrandorian
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5921 by Sir_Bluetooth
===
Message 5924 of 6789 Reply
Re: To the founders and other members pt Calitrojan
6/3/01 3:38 pm
I am willing to throw in my hat to proof submissions. I have some experience
in this matter (regardless of what my postings on this message area would
seem to indicate). I was a copy editor for the Columbia Daily Tribune
for a bit. (And for those of you who live in Columbia ... yes I was responsible
for the Iraninas beating the US soccer team during the last World Cup
... all I can say is don't date strippers, they screw up your mind.)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5910 by thrandorian
====
Message 5925 of 6789 Reply
Re: Fundraising thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/3/01 4:12 pm
Cool idea Bryan. Nice of you to be willing to do that.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5919 by lfnotter
===
Message 5926 of 6789 Reply
Re: Proposed Structure DM Guild Website krovar1972
(29/M/Peterborough) 6/3/01 4:24 pm
Thankyou for the kind words. I appreciate the comparison of me and a but
sniffing dog. You are so suave.
Personally I strongly feel that if you want to be a bunch of lemmings
then go for it. If this opinion means that I will be taken off of the
founders page then so be it.
I do not care for people who talk of doing great things, and then do nothing.
Ideas are grand, but they are nothing without action. Sorry if this opinion
affends others.
I live by a simple phylosophy. I shall not give the power that is within
me to others.
What is power, power is choice. When you deligate choice to others you
are aleviating yourself of responsibility for your actions. Those who
except power are those willing to take on the responsibility of others
decisions.
I am responsible for my actions. I am only asking the people of this club
to take control and do what they feel needs to be done. Not to do things
because others want them to. If you are passionate about something then
share your passoin. Do you really need an assignment to start something?
A dead-line?
I rant. I am harry, and just maybe I am sniffing my but. To quote my 8
year old daughter Virginia, "So There! Ha, Hah, Hahh!
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5922 by thrandorian
===
Message 5927 of 6789 Reply
Re: Proposed Structure DM Guild Website thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/3/01 4:57 pm
Sorry if offense was taken Kovar. Not intended, although I don't feel
your comments were without an underlying sarcasm. It's too bad if you
don't participate as you seem organized, talented and confrontational.
Several useful attributes. By the way you are not listed as a founder.
if you were I would have listed you with the others.
You may wish to think of it this way. Yours was one of the few dissenting
voices among several positive responses, yet I took some time to address
your comments, rather than simply ignore them. This I believe suggests
some level of respect on my part for the importance of your opinion. Actually
I do feel that way. You have proved to be an asset to this club and although
I completely disagree with most of what you said. I respect your opinion.
Also I was in a hurry so honestly, sorry if I was rude. Like yourself
though I speak my mind.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5926 by krovar1972
====
Message 5928 of 6789 Reply
Re: Proposed Structure DM Guild Website thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/3/01 5:38 pm
Krovar not Kovar. I just caught my mistake. Most humble apologies for
my error sir.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5926 by krovar1972
====
Message 5929 of 6789 Reply
Re: Editor Volunteer and Idea for Old Po thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/3/01 5:51 pm
Cayzel,
I just visited your web site. You have done a fine job there. Nothing
too splashy but very user-friendly, clean and well conceived. I think
your participation would be terrific. You also seem to have a good feel
for promotion. I see several web-ring affiliations on your index page.
If this goes further under anyone's leadership I highly recommend you
on the basis of your current web-site. In any case well done!
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5916 by Cayzle
===
Message 5930 of 6789 Reply
Re: Editor Volunteer and Idea for Old Po lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 6/3/01 6:23 pm
Yeah, nice job, Cayzel. Easy to use navigation, everything is readable,
and (not surprisingly) good spelling and grammer.
Since I'm also volunteering for the webmaster slot, it's only fair that
the membership get to evaluate my skills also - our portfolios are definitly
pertinant to the discussion.
My campaign website is at www.beasthold.org. Anyone else have a site they
would like to submit for consideration?
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5929 by thrandorian
====
Message 5931 of 6789 Reply
Re: Proposed Structure DM Guild Website krovar1972
(29/M/Peterborough) 6/3/01 7:04 pm
Hey, no problem. I like you thrandorian. I loved the religion posts. They
were awesome. You are an inteligent debator. Glad my ranting opinions
were heard by all. I've said my peace. So hey, I wish you luck with the
project. I will maintain my page for all our enjoyment.
signed hairy but sniffing dog... TeeHee
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5928 by thrandorian
===
Message 5932 of 6789 Reply
Website vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/3/01 9:15 pm
Just got back from camping with my group of players and have been doing
a lot of thinking about this Website idea (also taking in the debate that
has been going on over the weekend)...
First off, let me state that I have NO experience at all with websites
(only Yahoo!GeoCities pages) Therefore, I will be of no help in its creation,
design, or maintenance for quite some time. But would do my share for
funding such a project by others.
Secondly, I have had in the club a place, for those willing, to submit
the very things everyone is claiming the website would offer...a forum
for other member's articles, ideas on magic-items, spells, etc. AND YET
NO responces other than Dragonlord Jr's to use this forum! How are we
to assume that the website would be any different? Sure those people who
claim Administrative positions would, but what of the others?
Thirdly, lets assume the Website is a major success, and with proper advertising,
becomes a hit on the internet! Now you have the most active members of
this club involved with a Website and to maintain its greatness needs
to spend more and more time on it; reading through all of their 'assigned'
entries for editing and placement in the Website, doing their own work
within the Website, and assuring its overall quality. The Dungeon Master's
Guild Club becomes a ghost town. (And if your thinking that it will be
the message board for the Website I believe you're kidding yourself, sooner
or later the idea to have a message board within the Website so the multitude
of visitors won't need to enter here will seem best) If the Website takes
off what need is their for the Club? You can do so much more with a full
blown Website then this Club...and I enjoy this Club.
Lastly, the cost of this will be, eventually, left to only several individuals...the
Administrators. Because I can tell you from life's experience that once
it is up and running only those who have the 'power' will be willing to
fork over the money. The others may send cash at first but they will slowly
stop as the project becomes such a success that it has taken own a life
of its own.
Continued...
Von Romig
===
Message 5933 of 6789 Reply
Website Continued vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/3/01 10:01 pm
For the amount of work the Administrators are going to need to put into
this project they will most certainly want it to become public (not left
within the Club's boundries). Thus, once it has established itself it
will become its own entity, and the Administrators will view it as such...a
thing of their own. Who's going to continue to pay for someone elses Website?
And to give an easy example of this draw to power and show what ramifications
a Website has...just look at the number of members who came out of the
woodwork for their chance to put their foot in the 'door'. Was our debates
before so boring or lacking intelligence that they did not wish to respond
then? I don't mind if members never feel the need to respond or give up
their ideas on any subject, that is their right. It just shows me what
a force a good Website can have and the power of being on the ground floor
when one is about to start. It also gives me an idea of how the Website
will affect this Club...
So, I will be more then happy to help with the Website as far as; donations,
ideas for selecting topic sections, and writing articles for as long as
the Website is a part of this Club. But I will remain with this Club once
the Website has passed us by. (if the Website ever gets off the ground
in the first place)
I will continue to offer to any member the ability to have their D&D subject
page(s) attached to the Club's Page, without editing or editorial comments.
I am more concerned with getting the massive amounts of fanastic ideas
out there made available to everyone, rather than have it all look professional.
I am more concerned with maintaining a strong and growing bond WITHIN
THIS CLUB, than having my name splashed all over the internet. And I am
more concerned with what one has to say (an article or post) then with
how one says it (editing).
So I support your efforts but will remain here.
This may seem like a change of heart about the Website, and in a way it
is, but as a founder to this Club I have to look to it's needs first.
Thrandorian, lfnotter, Calitrojan, Krovar1972, Cayzle, Danduin, Journeyman72,
Sir Bluetooth, and all...good luck!
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5932 by vonromig
===
Message 5934 of 6789 Reply
An Open Option... vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/3/01 10:27 pm
If, for whatever reason, the Website doesn't take off (and I hope it does)
I have another option that I will leave open to anyone interested...
If you wish to 'administrate' a subject title within the Club's Page,
like magic-items, articles, humor, etc. Just do what Krovar did with 'Resource
Books'. Set up your own page under your selected title and thereafter
all material addressing that topic will be sent to you. From the Club's
Page a link will be created to your opening page. How you maintain and
format the info is then up to you...
If we have but ten members each with a subject stemming from the Club's
Page and each under that member's control how different would that be
from a Website, with different administrators? AND ITS FREE!!!
And it stays within the Club. For we can stipulate that only members can
add to any of the topics.
And with another small change; the articles, ideas, and such could be
sent to the different 'administrators' by Email as well as giving an created
page's URL. Because by splitting up the sections it would give the individual
administrators time to rework the Email information into a page. (the
one thing I wanted to avoid, being the only one working the Club's Page,
because if it had taken off I wouldn't have had the time to do each one
as well as it deserved) This would then give those that wish editorial
controls their chance...
Just a suggestion...but with the past responce to the Club's Page I don't
see any real change coming. No responces now, why later? (Dragonlord Jr
you're my hero!)
I would still offer my subject of choice to be Adventure/Campaign Ideas.
Von Romig
=====
Message 5935 of 6789 Reply
Afterlife Adventures vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/3/01 10:56 pm
For a new topic to discuss...afterlife adventures.
I have just finished reading the first book in the 'Heroes in Hell' series.
An older collection starting in '86, about the 'lives' of historical figures
fighting a neverending war in Hell. People like Caesar, Alexander the
Great, Judah Macabee, Newton, Hemmingway, Machiavelli, Che Guevara, Andropov,
and many others are involved in a continual war under the 'rules' of Hell.
Anyways it got me thinking about afterlife adventuring and ideas as to
how...
1) The book's way; PCs are dead and involved in adventuring in Hell under
its weird rules; like if you are 'killed' there you return later less
yourself and more zombie-like each time (losing stat points) and meeting
past evils from your world's history.
2) The PCs are dead, but due to an 'otherworld' mix-up return to the prime
material plane. Not as undead but as immortal souls who inadvertently
takes over another living beings body (possessing them). The PCs decide
what they wish to do about it, but their are forces after them to return
their souls back to their proper place.
3) The PCs are alive and somehow enter Hell or the Abyss, but it is not
at all what they thought it would be like...
4) A gateway has opened, near a large city, and undead walks free in great
numbers and a pervailing evil slowly starts to transform the landscape
into a hellish nightmare.
Do any of you have other ideas on afterlife adventures or can add/expand
on these?
Von Romig
====
Message 5936 of 6789 Reply
Re: Website Continued thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/4/01 1:10 am
von,
Your apprehensions are a testimony to your thoughtfulness and genuine
concern for the club. I have little doubt that you truly care about it's
welfare and continuance. I do think that the people of this club including
you, would certainly be the life-blood of a successful web site venture.
The same thoughtfulness you show is often displayed by the other members.
This is the true power of the group. The past posts and on-going demonstrated
depth of intellect/conceptualization within this group constitutes the
single primary reason I brought this idea up to begin with. I rarely feel
among peers-in-intellect, here I do.
The sharing of these responsibilities in an organized format and the ability
to fill in from the clubs past posts when submissions are scarce or someone
does “drop the ball”, is a great asset and management tool for lowered
stress. I wish to limit time required of each category head to 2-3 hours
per week (after initial start-up) by sharing tasks and departmentalizing.
Some of the content would come directly from the member posts which keeps
the category heads involved with the club and encourages them to post
as well. Of course we will still want to get our 2 cents in !!
The fact that members have “come out of the woodwork” is only an indication
(I think) that something more is desired by some. This may actually revitalize
some bored members. I have no intention of separating this project from
the club unless directed by the club to do so. If it does ever become
highly successful (what a great problem to have) we will have to have
an equitable arrangement. The club should surely be the sponsor and it
is my belief that this could take the club over 1000 members eventually
as the site would promote the club prominently. The members as much as
the web-site administrators will be the backbone of the website. Multiple
people including at least one founder could be the listed site owners.
This protects the site from domination by any one individual.
I realize that there will be many issues requiring mediation, decision
making and creative management in order for this to be a smooth-running/viable
project. I will work to address the issues as they arise, providing that
is I am to be the project leader. I have had some direct support but still
not enough to suggest I am chosen.
Thanks for bringing up these valid concerns,
Thrandorian
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5933 by vonromig
====
Message 5937 of 6789 Reply
Re: Editor Volunteer and Idea for Old Po Cayzle
(37/M/Kingdoms and Honor) 6/4/01 7:23 am
>I just visited your web site. You have
>done a fine job there. Nothing too splashy
>but very user-friendly, clean and well
>conceived. I think your participation
>would be terrific.
Thanks for your very kind words!
>You also seem to have a good feel for
>promotion. I see several web-ring
>affiliations on your index page.
Here are a few tips:
-- Use Meta Tags to index your html. It's easy, and search engines will
love you.
-- Joining Web rings is easy. This not only brings new people to your
site, but it creates links to your site elsewhere on the Web. This is
really important because Google ranks you by how many people link to you.
-- And there are other things you can do to boost traffic. Submit your
site to the directories and search engines. Sign lots of guestbooks and
message boards, giving your URL in your sig and when it is appropriate.
In short, be a member of several communities.
-- Finally, I have a particular design bias, as you can see on my site.
I say, keep it clean and easy to read. Use very few graphics -- and only
when they actually illustrate something (no decorations). Keep your text
big enough to read comfortably, with no light text on black pages (it
may look "cool," but IMNO it hurts readability). And keep your content
valuable -- meaty, not fluffy. That won't be a problem with the DM Guild
Site.
Cayzle
Cayzle's Wemic Site
http://www.geocities.com/cayzle/
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5929 by thrandorian
=====
Message 5938 of 6789 Reply
Re: An Open Option... krovar1972
(29/M/Peterborough) 6/4/01 7:31 am
Vonromig you are the man! I agree with T, you are very thoughtful and
wise. If I could have only voiced my opinions in such a way. Your ideas
are a mirror image of mine owne. Or vise versa.
Now if you all will excuse me, I'm due for a flea bath :)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5934 by vonromig
===
Message 5939 of 6789 Reply
Re: Website Cayzle
(37/M/Kingdoms and Honor) 6/4/01 7:39 am
Von Romig has some great questions.
What if all the energy goes into the site and the board here wanes? What
if the proposed site becomes the pet of just a few people?
The way I see it, the site's purpose is primarily to archive the good
content we post here. Pretty much nothing would go to the site unless
it started life as a series of posts. We would tighten up a given thread,
correct grammar, maybe even rewrite a little if improvements are was and
obvious, but the point is, the board is vital as the source of new content.
Since all content derives from the board here, all the site folk do is
manipulate, edit, and upload.
In my personal opinion, it is really important to keep any site fresh
with regular updates. That doesn't mean every day -- a few times per month
is fine. We have good conversations here, but if we produced the equivalent
of 4 to 8 really good "articles" per month, I would be surprised. And
if we only get a "best of" rate of two articles per month, well, that's
still better than we've done over the past years.
|
