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Posts
6001-6500
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Message 6001 of 6790 Reply
Cut copy & Paste krovar1972
(29/M/Peterborough) 6/6/01 9:48 am
Hey I'm working on creating a file containing every post of this club.
If anyone wants to help let me know. I'm up to post 400. SO I guess I
got 1to a 1000. Can you guys compile other portions. This will be a great
tool for finding lost gems. We could just do searches of the file. Let
me know. Well back to work for me. 400 to a thousand. Not a problem eh?
====
Message 6002 of 6790 Reply
Re: Proposed Structure DM Guild Website reverendzen
6/6/01 9:53 am
I thank you for this follow-up. I'm seriously considering stepping down
on the web design anyway. I have two of my own I don't have time to work
on, what with D&D, painting miniatures, trying to start a band with my
friend, work, and school (both the the latter full-time), as well as a
family (wife and daughter). My plate runeth over; no wonder I get migraines.
I'm sticking with the forum, and maybe I can go back through the 6000
posts and find all the useful stuff I missed. It makes more sense than
trying to add something else to my already-overstuffed schedule. (Ah,
if only there were twice as many hours in a day...)
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5991 by krovar1972
===
Message 6003 of 6790 Reply
Re: Website reverendzen
6/6/01 9:55 am
I started reading it when it was in Dragon Magazine, but they stopped
putting it in there. (I wonder why. Anyone know, or should I e-mail them?)
I bought the two Tales from the Vault, and I started buying the Bundles
of Trouble, but I haven't picked up any in a while. Perhaps a subscription
is my answer...
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5992 by krovar1972
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Message 6004 of 6790 Reply
How about a club site for the webpage? SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/6/01 10:05 am
I haven't been keeping up with all the website posts, but here's a thought...
Club site for the GM Guild Web Development Team?
It's just generating such a volume of posts, perhaps it deserves a club
of its own. But do as you see fit.
====
Message 6005 of 6790 Reply
Tick Tock Man madteuton
(32/M/Keyport, NJ) 6/6/01 10:08 am
Good morning, my fellow DMs.
Say, how can I better administer the time my PCs waste arguing and debating
on what they're going to do next?
I mean, last Friday, we started playing at 7:30pm, and I didn't have to
say a single word gamewise till 9:00pm. Lots of in-party bickering.
I am hoping a stronger leader will emerge from the group, but ...
Anyway, I am thinking of breaking out the egg timer for these times. You
know, the party has till the sands run out to decide or must face a penalty.
I am thinking of creating Belle, a metagame demon who appears whenever
the party argues about something for longer than the sands last.
Any other ideas? Should I levy xp penalties.
I'm glad the players are this into my campaign, but a lot of time is wasted
...
====
Message 6006 of 6790 Reply
Re: How about a club site for the webpag thelady_dm
6/6/01 10:09 am
I just got here today.. but isnt this club the club in question?
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6004 by SCA_Bard
===
Message 6007 of 6790 Reply
Re: Tick Tock Man reverendzen
6/6/01 10:19 am
I usually throw in wandering encounters, depending on where the PCs are
bickering. In the wilderness, a few goblins or such. In cities, a rogue
that gets caught cutting purse strings or something similar. Then I remind
the PCs that they are burning valuable time, and the longer they bicker,
the more attention they draw to themselves, the greater chance of wandering
encounters and/or being imprisoned for disturbing the peace.
If they argue that the bickering isn't done in game, I remind them that
we are there to play the game, and more things should be done in character.
My group usually gets along, though, and when one or more people don't
want to do something, the others leave them behind, making them an easier
target for my wandering encounters. They eventually catch up.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6005 by madteuton
====
Message 6008 of 6790 Reply
Re: Tick Tock Man thelady_dm
6/6/01 10:20 am
I have encountered your same problem many many MANY times. But one of
the things that I have found out is that PC's hate to feel like they are
being controlled.
I recall a humor skit where the DM gets angry and tells a player that
a blacksmith turns into a platinum dragon and eats him.
To time character discussions, or create a demon to prompt them into hurrying
along is just as ridiculous.
I would say that as long as your characters are enjoying the game... there
is no problem. It, rather, lies with you the DM, who is anxious to explore
the hard work you have created.
I've had characters indadvertantly refuse entire campaigns that I have
spent months planning. It is their right to do so.
Its hard to be the DM.
But I believe to be a truly great one, you need to be for the characters
and not against them. Guidance is fine, but constraints are not.
-The Lady DM
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6005 by madteuton
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Message 6009 of 6790 Reply
Re: Tick Tock Man madteuton
(32/M/Keyport, NJ) 6/6/01 10:27 am
Hmm, maybe you're right, Lady.
Good point.
Like I said, I am flattered that they are so deeply enmeshed in my campaign
... I love hearing them speculate.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6008 by thelady_dm
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Message 6010 of 6790 Reply
Re: Tick Tock Man thelady_dm
6/6/01 10:35 am
*smile*
Good to hear that you are having an enjoyable game. Care to tell me what
is going on in your story? I love to hear of other campaigns
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6009 by madteuton
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Message 6011 of 6790 Reply
Re: Tick Tock Man madteuton
(32/M/Keyport, NJ) 6/6/01 11:02 am
It's a pretty involved plotline and would take me several posts to spell
out (I'll spare you).
Presently, the 1/2 Elven mage is on an Elfcentric crusade. He has recently
been betrayed and everyone's trying to figure by whom.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6010 by thelady_dm
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Message 6012 of 6790 Reply
Re: Tick Tock Man Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/6/01 12:58 pm
I tend to agree with the lady. If the players don't have a problem with
it, I guess you just need to don the virtue of patience.
But of course, I have my suggestions...
One question, though: Is this discussion between the characters in gametime,
or between the players out of gametime.
If the former, I would remind them that time doesn't stop for them, and
sometimes, as others have mentioned, have events happen while they are
discussing things. Sometimes they might not even be aware of these events,
but might find out later..."Geez, if we would have only gotten here quicker..."
If it is out of gametime, I might suggest to the players to do some of
this planning pre-game, via email (copying the DM of course) or over the
phone. That way when they sit down to play, they are pretty much ready
to roll (no pun intended). I do something similar in my game right now.
A lot of pre-game stuff is taken care of via email beforehand.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6005 by madteuton
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Message 6013 of 6790 Reply
Re: Tick Tock Man sirgrapefellow
(37/M/Portland Oregon) 6/6/01 2:07 pm
First off welcome Lady!
Second, I agree with you, nice response.
Sir Grapefellow
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6008 by thelady_dm
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Message 6014 of 6790 Reply
Arabian-like Hierarchy madteuton
(32/M/Keyport, NJ) 6/6/01 2:15 pm
In my campaign, "Hazim sheikhs" rule part of the land (not unlike Lords).
They are loyal to the Caliph.
Each sheikh has a magical counsellor. An advisor. What do you think would
be an appropriate title for these?
===
Message 6015 of 6790 Reply
Re: Arabian-like Hierarchy thelady_dm
(22/F/The Deepest Realms of the) 6/6/01 2:37 pm
Perhaps a Vizier? Or maybe Kashaph, the hebrew word for one who uses magic.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6014 by madteuton
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Message 6016 of 6790 Reply
Re: Arabian-like Hierarchy madteuton
(32/M/Keyport, NJ) 6/6/01 3:19 pm
Of course! Vizier it is. Thanks, Lady.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6015 by thelady_dm
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Message 6017 of 6790 Reply
Re: Cut copy & Paste vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/6/01 3:55 pm
Actually I like the idea! Useable for all and prehaps even within the
Website or at least linked to the Club's Page.
I was thinking of using my two weeks off in July to go through all the
posts and pick out the 'gems' (strings that give ample ideas) and rewrite
them into a book form. The style of the writing would be as though the
members were sitting in someone's game room and just talking D&D...
...Umbratikus says "Blah, blah blah blahing blahs (a Post)." While rummaging
through the newest Dragon Mag.
Sitting in the big green bean bag, lfnotter, replies, "Blaher bla blah
blah, Blahvo blah! (a reply Post to Umbratikus')
And so on...
Magic-items, spells, new classes, my series (WB and CC), Thrandorbattle
Rules, and other heaps of infomation would be under Supplements in the
back of the book.
After it was finished I would offer it to all the members who posted,
and therefore represented in the book. Cost? I dunno yet, if any. It would
cover the first 6000 posts, if all goes well Part Two would come along
near #12000.
If any of you are interested, please send me an Email (so I know how many
copies to make) and if you wish give me the dicription of 'yourself' that
would appear in the book, along with any characteristics.
snookiebear@acsworld.net
No funny comments needed...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6001 by krovar1972
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Message 6018 of 6790 Reply
Re: Arabian-like Hierarchy vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/6/01 4:31 pm
After looking up the words 'magic' and 'counsellor' (advisor) in the English-Turkish
dictionary on-line what about...
'Akil Veren In Sihir'... Advisor of magic
'Sihirbazlik Danipman'...Magical Advisor
Turkish should do well for a Middle Eastern-like setting. Of course to
insure the proper use of them I would check with Felsefeci, who is turkish.
Visier works well also, but if you want something a little more off the
beaten path, see how these roll off the tongue.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6014 by madteuton
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Message 6019 of 6790 Reply
Corrections... reverendzen
6/6/01 4:31 pm
My apologies on a post a few days back. I had mentioned that Hasbro bought
the copyrights to WotC in the late '80s. This was incorrect. After receiving
an e-mail from Hasbro, I learned the copyrights were actually taken over
in 1997 by Hasbro. I have, since the last post, found the article I read
years ago stating the late '80s, and I have ousted the writer of the article,
only to receive many, many apologies for his misprint.
Reverend Zen
===
Message 6020 of 6790 Reply
Dwarven Wedding Ceremony thelady_dm
(22/F/The Deepest Realms of the) 6/6/01 4:38 pm
Well, tuesday has rolled around again... this and Saturday are my gaming
nights.
Tonight should prove very amusing indeed. One of my male players (playing
a female character) has somehow gotten himself engaged to a gruff male
dwarf and tonight is their wedding ceremony.
I recall reading in a dragonlance book something about hammering two strips
of metal together at a dwarven wedding ceremony... does anyone remember
the details... or have any other suggestions for the ceremony tonight?
====
Message 6021 of 6790 Reply
Re: Dwarven Wedding Ceremony thelady_dm
(22/F/The Deepest Realms of the) 6/6/01 4:49 pm
I mean...um... Wednesday...
A fine head I have on my shoulders! *chuckle*
Tuesday is my regular gaming night. One of the players had something to
do yesterday.
Ah well.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6020 by thelady_dm
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Message 6022 of 6790 Reply
Re: Dwarven Wedding Ceremony lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 6/6/01 4:59 pm
1) Lots of drums.
2) Have the members of each family cut locks from their hair or beards,
which the priest(ess) braids into a cord. The cord is then used to tie
the couple's hands together, symbolising the merger of the two families.
3) Exchange wedding daggers.
4) There's the old tradition of covering the new couple's bedspread with
gifts. Poorer families give plates, serving platters, etc, while wealthy
families give goblets & tableware. Each family tries to outdo the other
in showing off its wealth and prosperity.
5) Then of course there's the magical moment when the warhorns start droning
outside the feasthall, and the phalanx of battle veterans troop in carrying
an 8-foot serving platter filled with landshark haggis, venison-stuffed
mushrooms, and ale-roasted tubers.
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6020 by thelady_dm
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Message 6023 of 6790 Reply
Re: Dwarven Wedding Ceremony SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/6/01 5:21 pm
Vows of some sort... I see dwarves as being big on vows, maybe sworn with
blood.
"By this blood, I, Thalin, take to me as wife Gilda, to forge between
us a new life and family. I vow to do my utmost that she never fear hunger
or enemies, and that any children I should get on her shall not know want
either. By her shall I stand, in gold-years and steel-years, unless the
gods themselves tear our joining asunder."
"By this blood, I, Gilda, take to me as husband Thalin, to forge between
us a new life and family. I vow to do my utmost to protect home and hearth
from any who threaten it and us, and to raise any children I should bear
as tributes to our clans. By him shall I stand, in gold-years and steel-years,
unless the gods themselves tear our joining asunder."
This assumes a stereotypical dwarven culture, with the men going out to
slay orcs or work the mines, and the women defending the home and raising
the next generation. (And I think it's totally possible to create a fantasy
culture with a gender divide like this, but in which each gender respects
and honors the sacred duties of the other).
Now, I rather doubt your PC is going to want to retire his valkyrie for
a quiet life at home... will hubby be joining the adventuring party?
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6022 by lfnotter
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Message 6024 of 6790 Reply
Re: Dwarven Wedding Ceremony vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/6/01 5:28 pm
Love it!
You could also have the 'best man' retell the glorious achievements of
the groom in dramatic prose or epic poem. With the 'maid of honor' relating
the virtues of the bride.
Another take on the bonding issue could be that each family's patriarch
places in a small ceremonial furnace a piece of ore from the 'home' caverns,
which is forged into a Wedding Dagger. The Matriarchs then decorate this
dagger...
Games! Don't forget the reception games... Throw the Hammer, Beard Tug-a-War,
Pass-Out (using hefty mugs of beer or meade), and others.
Just my additions...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6022 by lfnotter
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Message 6025 of 6790 Reply
Re: Dwarven Wedding Ceremony lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 6/6/01 5:37 pm
Both clans could bring fire from their hearths to the ceremony. After
the wedding, the heads of each family carry the flame to the new couple's
home & light their hearth fire with the combined flames.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6024 by vonromig
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Message 6026 of 6790 Reply
Project message board DM Guild Website thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/6/01 5:42 pm
I have set-up a message board specifically for the website project. (By
the way thanks to lfnotter but this will be dedicated solely to the project
and not attached to and existing board.)
Anyone is welcome to check-up on the project but there will not be much
to see for a while.
The name of the board is "The Dungeon Masters Guild" and the message topic
is "Project"
Below is the URL to the project board
http://pub73.ezboard.com/bdungeonmastersguild
Thrandorian
====
Message 6027 of 6790 Reply
Re: Project message board DM Guild Websi lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 6/6/01 5:44 pm
Sounds good. I'll kill the sections on mine, then.
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6026 by thrandorian
====
Message 6028 of 6790 Reply
Re: Tick Tock Man Calitrojan
6/6/01 5:44 pm
I have had similar problems with my group. In our previous campaign one
of the players would be the de facto leader, whether his character's personality
waranted it or not. The others just always looked to this player for guidance
instead of thinking of him as his character.
So, I thought it would be good to have him stop making decisions. Let
him play his character as he wanted to, the responsibility shrugging kind
of guy he always wanted to be. So, from then on he just wouldn't answer
the what should we do questions, he would pass them off onto someone else.
Well, this created the stalemate of no one else having any clear authority
to say lets do it this way. So, the party often wandered about aimlessly
while I and this de facto leader groaned at the slow pace.
My final answer to the problem was to use NPCs to create a party leader.
Everytime the group came into a town or happened upon some problem or
other that they wanted to get invovled in, I used an NPC to pick a leader.
I chose one of the two original characters (all the others had joined
up later after PC deaths) and continued to hammer at them for direction
for the party. This worked out ok... but not perfectly, they still hedged
and often went against what the rest of the party advised.
So, we just recently started a new campaign and I once again am using
NPCs and backstory to help a party leader emerge. Which has happened already,
two of them in fact ... and they both usually agree on what to do.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6005 by madteuton
===
Message 6029 of 6790 Reply
Re: Tick Tock Man vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/6/01 7:31 pm
In game discussions are a sign to me that I'm doing my job very well.
Since my style is more mental, than combative campaigns, after several
months of gaming sessions I hope the PCs are so involved within the storyline
that they have plenty to talk about. Of course, hoping this is be a part
of my games I set them up to run from noon until midnight (more often
lasting until 2-3:00 am).
my advise is, if they are discussing viable options based on the info
they have at hand, then pat yourself on the back. If game time is limited
try suggesting to them that they could get together outside the game.
(I even set up non-gaming activities at times...Like a basketball game
at the Rec center, horseback riding at a local ranch ($15.00 for 3 hours),
or a Bar Tour (#1 option), so that during these activities they can open
gaming debates. With me being there, the in-game info can be verified)
If the bickering is caused by party strife, get them back on track with
a 'random encounter'. At a later date pull the responcible individual(s)
aside and get them to settle it...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6005 by madteuton
====
Message 6030 of 6790 Reply
Re: Dwarven Wedding Ceremony thelady_dm
(22/F/The Deepest Realms of the) 6/6/01 8:21 pm
These are all wonderful ideas! So many to choose from... maybe this ceremony
will last all night! *chuckle*
Thank you all!
-The Lady DM
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6025 by lfnotter
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Message 6031 of 6790 Reply
Role-Playing: Life's Details vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/7/01 12:10 am
We all maintain tight controls on the action that happens within our Gaming
World and the Players are sure to tell us everything that they wish for
their character to do. But only up to the facts that involve the adventure
on hand...
But do any of us take into account the multitude of life's little details,
that seem to slip by. And why do we let them, are they not also part of
the PCs every day concerns. Most handle the PC's need for eating (although
at times this can sneak past us when the action is hot) but what about
other things...
Taking a bath, 'restroom' visits, equipment repairs and maintenance, female
'problems' for the women warriors, and any others you can think of that
happens to living beings.
Why do they go unused as situational needs?
Having your Nemesis catch you in the tub or on the 'john' would make for
some interesting role-playing. What about while deep in the bowels of
some ancient dungeon, you have to take a leak? Perhaps the mighty Tamara
doesn't feel like taking on the brigands today as her 'friend' is visiting.
After six months of heavy activity in the wilderness is Hugo's packpack
still holding up? What about his rope, those pouches, his boots, pants,
and undergarmants (no clean briefs in months...yikes!) Let's face it most
of the creatures have a sense of smell and the wayward adventurer would
stink to high heaven, but do we remember that?
Trying to pop one of these situations in only when something is going
to happen is just asking the player to put his/her PC on guard...all of
a sudden you learn that Waraxe ALWAYS has his sword in hand and does a
complete search (trap checking included) when he squats for relief.
Do you include any of these on a regular basis? Which ones and why?
For those that you don't, why not? ('Slowing the game' and 'not neccessary'
could be a given, but any other reasons?)
Can you think of any other 'details' we might be missing in our role-playing?
And, lastly, what kind of interesting events could come from using these
'details'?
Von Romig
=====
Message 6032 of 6790 Reply
Re: New Races!!! Inches_72
(17/M/Ben Lomond, Australia) 6/7/01 6:13 am
So did it end up working for anyone? I just went there then and got this
as the URL
http://www.angelfire.com/geek/knownworld/Races.html
If that doesn't work just go to www.angelfire.com/geek/knownworld
The races can be found under The People, but feel free to look around.
Shadow Elves were in Forgotten Realms? I suppose it aint a unique name.
Did anyone like the Lexicans or Wannith? They're my faves.
Inches
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5960 by Inches_72
====
Message 6033 of 6790 Reply
Re: Role-Playing: Life's Details thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/7/01 7:05 am
I was headed to bed and decided to check the site. This is a funny topic
and this story relates to the bathroom, so I'll put aside my slumber for
a few minutes more....
How the bathroom killed 2 characters:
Three of the characters went off on a lark to the elemental plane of H2o
at the request of the groups cleric “Bartow” and got their asses captured
when they went into an underwater city and were lured into a chamber where
they were told to take off their stuff or die. Needless to say they were
miles underwater and couldn't cast spells to prolong their water breathing
beyond the elapsing duration.
They complied, were imprisoned, sent to an air filled room to wait and
then at the 1st chance one of them (the cleric... go figure) tried a foolish
attack on an amphibious guard, who pushed a button filling the room with
water and everyone was trapped in a room filling with water except the
cleric who started the problem. He remembered his "word of recall" and
was immediately transported to his sanctuary on the prime material plane
100 miles away from the non-captured party members. He quickly ran to
a place he kept a ring of "Teleport No Error", slipped it on and transported
to "Tar-Zarum (their base of operations and location of their "Transport
Pad" a magic pad capable of sending the traveler almost anywhere with
a thought). Feeling there was hope yet to save the comrades he had led
to disaster, he ran through the underground fortress yelling for help.
Less than a minute had passed and his companions were just now taking
their last gasp of air as the room on the plane of water filled to it's
top. Bartow (Mr. cleric) knowing his mentor Razatham the high-level NPC
magic-user who sometimes saves their butts, has an artifact capable of
reversing a few minutes of time, ran to his quarters.
I look at "Bartow" the cleric and say "well lets roll to see if he's here
or gone on an errand, 5 or greater on a D10 equals him gone the higher
the further. He rolls a 4. "Well he's here but not nearby, lets see where
he is. 1 he's outside, 2 or 3 he's on the 6th level, etc, etc.. until
I get to 10..."and 10” I say as a joke, “he's on the in the bathroom,
stuck on the john". Bartow rolls a 10.
I told Bartow not to blame himself. "The bathroom killed your friends
not you....." The other players saw it differently. Bartow doesn't play
with us anymore...But then again he tried to crash a space ship into the
planet at near-light speed with the intent of creating a "nuclear winter"
where his small but radical group of "Yaweh" worshippers would start the
evil world over again. The other characters didn'r see the value in that
either.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6031 by vonromig
====
Message 6034 of 6790 Reply
Re: Role-Playing: Life's Details Calitrojan
6/7/01 8:10 am
WE had a halfling fighter whose version of gathering information consisted
of hiring barmaids to give him a bath and then drinking with them into
the night. He usually got more than information. I have also had a player
who insists on playing elven rangers who hate society and only bath when
it rains... thats only because the rain acts as a shower of sorts... so,
I usually gave him and anyone near him a negative circumstance penalty
to some of his sneaking roles.
I have never thought about the who women's time issue, and frankly don't
wanna. It is tough enough keeping track of two moons and four gods, I
don't need to synchronize my two female character's cycles too.
As far as upkeep of gear, the players in my campaign take time off every
game month or so. They hang out in the local inn for a few days...sometimes
a few weeks and I charge them a lump sum ofr everything that they do during
that time. Usually this means food, lodging, entertainment, and such.
I also charge them 1/4 of their total gear for replacements and repairs
to their gear... this keeps things running smoothly but still charges
the party for their upkeep costs.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6031 by vonromig
===
Message 6035 of 6790 Reply
Re: Dwarven Wedding Ceremony Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/7/01 8:10 am
Lady,
How did the dwarven wedding go?
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6021 by thelady_dm
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Message 6036 of 6790 Reply
Taxes Calitrojan
6/7/01 8:11 am
How do you handle taxes in your game world? My game world has an adventurer's
tax, but by god is it hard to collect on. It is easier to tax the party
when they own land or such, as their is a permanent base (and usually
someone there) for the tax guy to visit.
I also have tithes for some of my priests and paladins, ow do you all
handle the collection of these kind of things?
====
Message 6037 of 6790 Reply
Re: Role-Playing: Life's Details thelady_dm
(22/F/The Deepest Realms of the) 6/7/01 8:13 am
You've apparantly never played in my gaming group... *chuckle* These boys
are horrible about rping every little detail out. Baths, taking leaks
(in dungeons), buying gifts for people they have met, asking for the name
and personal history of every person they meet, massaging kinks out of
their muscles, reading in their spare time, playing with NPC's and animals
that they have bought, polishing their weapons, repairing the dings in
their armour, and the gods forbid that any of the characters would happen
to fall in love... oy.
About the only thing I can think of that they haven't roleplayed out is...
well, femanine problems. But they are of the masculine persuesion, and
I'll be damned if I'm going to bring that into my campaign. I'm not THAT
much of a vengeful woman. *chuckle*
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6031 by vonromig
===
Message 6038 of 6790 Reply
Re: Taxes Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/7/01 9:00 am
Taxes, of course, vary from kingdom to kingdom and from feifdom to feifdom.
I have a sword tax in some cities that is charged at the gate for carried
weaponry. There are of course, hearth taxes and nobility taxes (taxes
for displaying a coat of arms on your dwelling), there is the annual Spring
tax, and a host of other taxes.
The 2e Castle Guide has a lot of great ideas for taxation.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6036 by Calitrojan
===
Message 6039 of 6790 Reply
Re: Taxes thelady_dm
(22/F/The Deepest Realms of the) 6/7/01 9:05 am
Our current group has won the rights to tax the land on which their base
is located. The land was gifted to them as a barony from the king. The
taxes arrive quarterly, and the characters set the tax rate. Of course,
the tax rate does have something to do with how loyal those in their barony
remain.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6038 by Umbratikus
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Message 6040 of 6790 Reply
Anyone Gaming? Chicagoland area BeStillMyBeatingHeart
(30/M/IL) 6/7/01 9:40 am
I need to do some gaming in the Chicagoland area, prefer a mature group
21+ low to medium magic level NO MONTY HALL!
I have been playing on and off for 20 years. I can also get another friend
to play.
====
Message 6041 of 6790 Reply
Re: Role-Playing: Life's Details lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 6/7/01 10:30 am
Hee hee!
You should see my group. We play through shopping, hot tubbing, getting
drunk, picking up guys, and a lot of other minutae, including (on one
occasion) a post-crisis peepee dance.
I have a lot of fun with things like that. In fact, shopping has become
(for the moment, anyway) my preferred means of dropping in adventure hooks.
The players never get approached by dark strangers while sitting in a
tavern, they just go shopping!
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6031 by vonromig
===
Message 6042 of 6790 Reply
Re: Taxes lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 6/7/01 10:52 am
The only area IMC where I've detailed out taxes, etc., is Las Vegas. The
Overlords tax or licence the snot out of everything they can.
When you arrive in Vegas, you have to go to the Mandalay Bay to change
currency (Vegas uses casino chips) and buy a license to buy things.
If you are a mage, you have to go to another casino to buy a license to
use magic. Clerics have to buy a license to perform miracles & preach.
You have to buy a license for your weapons (there is a bulk rate license
for those). If you plan on trading in medical supplies, that's another
license.
If you want to barter illicit drugs, well, that's a trip to the Luxor
for another permit. All of these run 5-10,000 chips each. If you decide
you want to settle down and become a Vegas citizen, that's a trip to the
Excalibur and 10,000 chips.
By way of comparison, an assault rifle might cost 500-1,000 chips, and
a continual light globe could run 2,500.
If you fail to pay the appropriate fees, penalties may include forfieture
of all your belongings and a guest appearence on The Thunderdome Show,
where you fight to the death against some other scofflaw on live TV.
Vegas may sound like a horrible place to visit, but it is one of the few
places in the new American wasteland where you can still get a prime rib
buffet.
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6036 by Calitrojan
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Message 6043 of 6790 Reply
Re: New Races!!! reverendzen
6/7/01 1:23 pm
Shadow Elves appeared originally in the old Gazetteer series (GAZ13, to
be exact) back in 1988. They are the opposite of the drow; still living
beneath the earth with white or silvery hair, but their skin is pale (almost
to the point of being blue). They were later redone for 2nd edition by
Monte Cook of TSR. These stats (for any interested) can be found at the
link below.
http://anime-adventurers.com/gene/elves/shadowe.txt
For other races, and some good netbooks (like Star Trek races in D&D and
such) check out the site:
http://anime-adventurers.com/gene
Hope this helps for any DMs looking for creative ideas.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6032 by Inches_72
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Message 6044 of 6790 Reply
Re: New Races!!! reverendzen
6/7/01 1:24 pm
Also, my apologies, again I was wrong about something. They weren't found
in FR, but rather Mystara.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6043 by reverendzen
====
Message 6045 of 6790 Reply
Re: Role-Playing: Life's Details thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/7/01 2:59 pm
My group will also role-play anything. We have had parties where the menu
was planned and served in character ( Lizard-Eye Larue is a favorite aperitif).
Shmoozing for political leverage, getting too drunk and waking up beside
a hung-over hobbit with morning breath. We have role played several love
stories, we have even brought the game of golf to my campaign with a system
for rolling drives, iron play, short game and putting. As in real life,
the two clerics in the group turned out to be the best golfers (doctor/priest)
that figures.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6041 by lfnotter
===
Message 6046 of 6790 Reply
Re: Taxes vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/7/01 3:15 pm
Ah taxes, the jingle-jangle that keeps all the kings and lords happy...
Merchants pay the majority of my world's leaders taxes, as they are more
readily available and easier to find. Aster has the lowest tax rate of
12% annually, of a merchant's income, while Zequixek has the highest,
26%. Collected each year just after the Harvestfest Holiday.
Those who own land or have a house within the cities and villages pay,
mostly across the board (kingdom-wise) 10% of their annual income. A large
group of Taxcollectors make their rounds all year long. But each person
or family assigned to each collector is hit-up for their taxes only once
a year.
Vagabonds, homeless, wanderers, and adventurers who have no residence
pay no taxes. Its not worth the time and money for the kings to try and
collect from these. Of course if a party of successful adventurers show
off a lot a loot within the earshot of a tax collector they can be called
upon to fork some of it out...
During a time of war the kingdoms don't just raise the tax rates, instead
they go to the merchants, nobles, and those of wealth who are told to
give a certain amount. This 'balloon' payment in taxes is determined by
the kindness of the Royal Treasurer and the need. Causing the suffering
of the peasant folks during a, already hollowing experience could lead
to civil strife or even rebellion...also since the commoners are levied
into the army, that is considered their payment. Note: Those with cash
can 'buy' themselves or loved ones out of active service.
Just a brief overview of my world's tax considerations...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6036 by Calitrojan
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Message 6047 of 6790 Reply
Re: Role-Playing: Life's Details fendicaf
(33/M/Fitchburg MA) 6/7/01 7:06 pm
Ahhh! Life's little details. Yes we've done that to varying degree. As
a rule my players are vary conscientious about hygiene and meticulous
about weapon/armor care. We have roleplayed a wedding...between two player/characters.
We have even done a pregenancy and birth (from aforementioned wedding).
During the pregnancy this player continued to adventure...up until the
last trimester. While out in the "field" she had to adjust her leather
armor and other clothes. Good thing she was a leather work and had minor
training as a seamstress. When in a battle I would roll a hot location
dice to see where the blow hit. She ALMOST lost the twins because of a
serious hit to the stomach. Soon after that she headed home to.....rest.
Oh......and for those promiscuous players I have come up with an herbal
birth control and aphrodisiac.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6045 by thrandorian
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Message 6048 of 6790 Reply
Re: New Races!!! Inches_72
(17/M/Ben Lomond, Australia) 6/7/01 7:51 pm
So did you check out the races? At least my Shadow Elves aren't identical
to those ones, phew...
LR
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6044 by reverendzen
====
Message 6049 of 6790 Reply
Re: Role-Playing: Life's Details mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/7/01 9:59 pm
I have been attempting to add some of this realism back into my Ravenloft
campaign.
Since I have not done much of these little life encounters in my games
with this group, I am proceeding slowly and cautiously.
Our PC's are going to find themselves invited to a summer solstice fest.
But the special feature here is that in the current location (The villiage
of Homlet from the Temple of Elemental Evil), I have randomly rolled up
the villiage, and come up with about 5 girls about the age of 16. So this
festival is going to double as a society comming out party for these girls.
One of these girls is going to fall for one of the PC's (have not determined
who yet.) Depending on how the group / individuals react, I will start
to introduce more of the non-critical story line items (to make the adventure
seem more REAL).
On another note:
I had contemplated sacking the PC's in the privy, but had not goten arround
to it.
It is funny that I read this after watching an old episode of M*A*S*H.
The one where Henry and the priest get bombed while in the latrine.
There are namy possibilities with some of these life necessities. There
is a Druid in this toen, I am going to make him more powergul than the
adventure states (the adventure is for 1st and 2nd levels, and I have
7th through 9th level characters running arround.)
I figure, if anyone crosses the druid, they will find a diretic in their
rations. (Eeeeew!).
I can see it now. "OK roll for initiative, what is the fighter doing?"
headding for the nearest tree / bush!"
I will see how my PC's react to the Solstice, first, and then ...
mattbc
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6031 by vonromig
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Message 6050 of 6790 Reply
Re: Role-Playing: Life's Details mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/7/01 10:06 pm
Another thought,
I had considered placeing items like this on a random encounter table.
Something to be a monro nucience.
Put in recient light, roleplaying these necesseties regularly can lead
to ... well may be I should explain.
If you throw an encounter like a bathroon break at the PC's aout of the
blue, they will be on their guard.
if these ecents are a regular part of the adventure, then the GM has more
maneuverability when it comes to roleplay the effects of lucky / unlucky
items.
A character with unlucky items might trip on his her way into or out of
the privy.
A lucky item may allow the PC to go running for the othouse and overhrar
an important conversation in the next stall, or by those waiting in line.
What do you think?
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6031 by vonromig
====
Message 6051 of 6790 Reply
Re: Role-Playing: Life's Details mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/7/01 10:39 pm
I think I would like to play in your group. it would be a welcome break
from the bleak amount of role-play that I have been use to.
I sometimes think my players would he better cracking out battle system
and having a battle royal. *sigh*
Matt
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6037 by thelady_dm
====
Message 6052 of 6790 Reply
Re: New Races!!! reverendzen
6/8/01 12:36 pm
Most of those races have been up there for a couple years. They're also
mostly 2nd edition. I've since moved on, and I'm starting over fresh without
any modifications to races or classes (with the exception of prestige
classes). The owner of the site is revamping it, so I don't know what
changes he will make. I stop by every now and again; he has the whole
site set up as a dungeon adventure, to the point of you (as the browser)
being able to die, find secret treasures, etc. Quite an interesting idea,
IMHO.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6048 by Inches_72
====
Message 6053 of 6790 Reply
Re: Tick Tock Man gedvondur
(30/M/Green Bay, WI) 6/8/01 3:11 pm
Hmm...
One of my past DM's actually disbanded his game over this particular issue.
I would, were I you, pick a player who has the right leadership qualities,
get him/her a character that can be the leader, (if they dont already
have one).
Ask him/her on the side to take over. In our game there is some rudimentary
party structure; ie there is a leader. When things get too long, this
person steps in and makes the decision. Makes for good role-playing too...
Sorry I have been away for so long....Job is keeping me busy.
Gedvondur
DM--Legion of the Red Paw
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6005 by madteuton
====
Message 6054 of 6790 Reply
Re: Tick Tock Man gedvondur
(30/M/Green Bay, WI) 6/8/01 3:15 pm
Lady,
You echo my sentiments exactly.
Gedvondur
DM--Legion of the Red Paw
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6008 by thelady_dm
====
Message 6055 of 6790 Reply
Re: Role-Playing: Life's Details vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/8/01 4:29 pm
By making the details of life, a regular part of the adventure, will and
can lead to some interesting role-playing like you mentioned.
Also, has anyone given any thoughts on things like the characters not
having 20-20 vision? Hard of hearing? Giving them a (permanent?) bad limp
after a very brutal battle? Or losing an eye or limb?...other things that
could add to the role-playing possiblities.
"Get your bow Bryan! There's a Hydra coming!"
Bryan looks in the direction and says, "You idiot that's a tree!"
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6050 by mattbcieri
====
Message 6056 of 6790 Reply
Re: Tick Tock Man vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/8/01 4:38 pm
My biggest problem is having too many leaders and not enough followers.
Most of the time it gets to the point where they split up, to follow different
paths, trying to solve my 'puzzles'. This is always an interesting development
too, as it causes more confusion. A lot of the time the info each group
finds conflicts, as one or more of the 'sources' are unreliable or lying.
This then starts the debates as to wish is the next correct path to move
on...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6053 by gedvondur
====
Message 6057 of 6790 Reply
Re: Role-Playing: Life's Details mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/8/01 9:12 pm
I have a character in another campaign that has been scarred.
Althought he DM has not made thistype of role-play evident as of yet,
there are soem possibilities.
my tried 3 times to climb up a wall of a building to get a better view
of a sniper on the other side of the street.
Poor dice rolls were with me that night. The first 2 attempts failed at
the first Climb surfaces roll, so falling from 10' basically.
The next time I made it almost to the top and fell off from 30' ft.
We use an improvised D30 hit location. I had sustained enough damage to
break something. So I rolled and the first location came up heads, Mine!
The nedt rol was to determine where on my head, I fell square on my nose
and borke it. My GM assigned a -1 Char penalty and said my nose points
to one side now.
He gave me the option of etting it fized wone we got back to town, but
I plain forgot (and in the lack of role playint it up), we wound up on
another afventure before I could do anything about it.
Which was quite odd, since the Dwarf in the party took an acid bath (due
to a lovely trap, and scurched his beard off. That was role played every
encounter.
Of wel, I guess an elf with a broke nose is not as fuynny looking as a
hairless dwarf!
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6055 by vonromig
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Message 6058 of 6790 Reply
Speed Demons! midgetoo2us
(F/Pompano Beach, Florida) 6/8/01 10:35 pm
Von has posted several times that no one else has sent anything for the
clup page. How fast can you say "a really good article takes some time
to get researched, typed, edited, spell checked, etc while doing all the
daily things (4,000 if you have a 'normal life', and all the unusual things
(creating adventures for your PC's and running the games, and all the
unexpected things (the water pipes spring a leak) PLUS reading umpteen
posts here so you keep up and don't duplicate efforts or miss important
subjects AND reply to one or two posts(lurking is all there is time for
with 40+ posts a day)?
How fast can you say that? I must be the original turtle. I took about
2 weeks off from the internet to cook a really good adventure for my PCs,
all the while keeping additional notes to be able to suplement Von Romig's
massive efforts in World and Campaing building. When I got back, there
were over 350 posts to catch up on.
I am very excieted that there is so much talent here and I just don't
know which way to turn. I will do what I set out to do in getting the
sources I've been using to create this new adventure together and will
get them to Snookiebear's address as soon as I can, but I still have over
100 posts as of this moment to catch up on.
Give us a little time, boys!
Ilsa/Julia/Midgetoo
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5934 by vonromig
====
Message 6059 of 6790 Reply
Re: Role-Playing: Life's Details gedvondur
(30/M/Green Bay, WI) 6/8/01 10:49 pm
I'm with you here. I have two female characters in the party (both played
by men). I told them that their "cycle" was their business, and if they
wanted to make that public, well that was up to them.
Another problem I had, was of another player trying to use his high charisma
and bluff abilities to get one of the female characters into bed. I told
the player of the female character (privately) that no matter what he
rolled the decision to sleep with the other character was hers (his--whatever).
It was kind of disturbing I had let that player use his charisma and bluff
to get into NPC pants before, but when he wanted to use in on the other
PCs, it seemed not right. Came real close to painting myself into a corner.
For the upkeep thing, there used to be BRUTAL rules in 1st ed about armor
maintenance....You would have to adventure just to keep your armor on.
I do it much like Cali does it. I do a flat rate and my players are smart
about having skills that have to do with maintenance.....Nothing like
a level or two of armorsmith or leatherworking to make those repairs go
easy.....
Gedvondur
DM--Legion of the Red Paw
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6034 by Calitrojan
===
Message 6060 of 6790 Reply
Re: Taxes gedvondur
(30/M/Green Bay, WI) 6/8/01 10:54 pm
Entry fees to most cities.....the maintenance you spoke of in an earlier
post....Tithing to the temples is a major thing. We play in Forgotten
Realms and while everyone has a major deity, its cricket to tithe to the
god or goddess who has major control over what you are about to do. IE..tithing
to Umberlee to placate her before a sea voyage is a good idea...
The players of their own violition tend to also tithe to the temples of
the party clerics. A couple of them have had to nurse wounds after making
an off-color remark about one or the other's diety. Little cash to the
temples seems to grease the skids for healing.....
My characters don't stay in any one kingdom or city-state very long and
I tend to not worry about the governmental taxes. If they ever plant roots,
that will change, however....
Gedvondur
DM--Legion of the Red Paw
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6036 by Calitrojan
====
Message 6061 of 6790 Reply
Re: Role-Playing: Life's Details dragn_lady
(33/F/Fitchburg, MA) 6/9/01 12:16 am
One thing that comes to mind concerning the everyday sort of stuff, is
the time my fighter found out she was pregnant....... She had gone off
to relieve her self, and ended up with a miscarriage. Conciquently, she
had a HUGE enounter with jackals. Thankfully, her companions and her god
helped. Her god also reversed the miscarriage..... It was a basically
ordained by numerous gods one..... She was full elven, the father was
human...who was going on his quest (after the FUN time) to become a paladin.
We role played the pregnancy through a real tough time...they got lost,
no horses, no equipment except the weapons on person, and total morning
sickness. It was interesting to role play the changing body size, the
refit of armor (we had 2 armorers/weapon smiths) and so on. Not only was
THAT tough, but at the same time, 3 of the party came down with the 'flu!
Role playing bathroom runs is different. We put them in all over the place!
And we ALWAYS role play the no bathing thing. For us, it makes things
a bit more real, if you will. It adds a new vein on things, instead of
just the HACK n SLASH stuff. Have you ever had to REALLY go right in the
middle of a battle with a hell hound? It is an experience not soon forgotten.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6031 by vonromig
===
Message 6062 of 6790 Reply
Re: Speed Demons! vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/9/01 12:25 am
My most humblest apologies!!!
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6058 by midgetoo2us
====
Message 6063 of 6790 Reply
Huh? Inches_72
(17/M/Ben Lomond, Australia) 6/9/01 8:23 am
The www.angelfire.com/geek/knownworld site is mine, I was wondering if
you saw my race designs? Anyways, what is the URL for the site you were
mentioning anyway?
LR
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6048 by Inches_72
====
Message 6064 of 6790 Reply
Your dwarf does WHAT???! thelady_dm
(22/F/The Deepest Realms of the) 6/9/01 10:23 am
Have you ever experienced a particular person in your group who just HAS
to make the game difficult by doing completely odd things?
Those who play dwarves in my campaigns seem to do this frequantly, it
is almost like a curse... or an inside joke or something. Dwarves in my
campaigns have done everything from falling deeply in love with an elf,
to falling in love with a pony, proclaiming fae wine the superior liquor,
to shaving off his beard for no particular reason other than to impress
a human NPC in the party, to using a cloak of displacement to appear to
be urinating in the middle of a room. To this very day, every time I say
"morning comes", every single one of my players echoes automatically "and
so does Thaxil in a far off land" (Thaxil is a dwarven character that
I played four years ago... I don't know why they pick on him so much).
One of the mantras of my group in several of my gaming sessions has been
"Now is a great time to be a chaotic nuetral thief!"
Unfortunately it is like a domino effect. Once one starts, the rest follow
shortly thereafter. It make crazy sessions, to be sure.
I suppose it is good to laugh. But it drives me insane sometimes! Unfortunately
these random strangeties are usually well-spaced between excellent roleplaying.
It isn't constant. How would you deal with this?
-The Lady DM
====
Message 6065 of 6790 Reply
Hi California wee_hawk_the_elf
(118/M/Bonny Doon, CA) 6/9/01 12:43 pm
I know I’m going to get some heat for this, but, I’m looking for AD&D,
& D&D players in California. I have started a club where we can talk about
RPG, and maybe, find others close by to play with.
http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/westcoastdndclub
Although this club is directed towards California, everyone is more than
welcome.
Wee Hawk
====
Message 6066 of 6790 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/9/01 9:23 pm
First take away the beer, liquor, and those funny smelling cigarettes...just
kidding.
I could only assume you run a light hearted campaign style that brings
out one's sense of humor OR they're very dark and evil, so the players
keep themselves grounded by breaking the tension with jokes.
But either way it seems you have a group of very close friends, playing
a game that they like...enjoy! If it's fun for all, you included, then
go with it, if it is very distracting to the game...just ask them to setted
down once in a while, but only when they are real 'bad'. They may like
the game, and play it, as a way to have that type of fun. Take away the
joking and the fun leaves for them. As you know them, you know which is
the correct answer.
As for me, I have had groups made up of clowns and I soon learned that
to try and stop them was a waste of breathe. So following a ancient Drux-Malenonian
Highland proverb..."If you can't beat, maim, or kill them, then join them
until you can." I got in on the action until the campaign got too complex
for their jokes to waste THEIR time...they stopped on their own.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6064 by thelady_dm
====
Message 6067 of 6790 Reply
Re: Hi California vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/9/01 9:34 pm
No heat, from me, in this Club, Wee Hawk. We are here to help DMs anyway
we can...I am even thinking of adding a section in the Club's Page that
will list the other Clubs that PLAY the game (as we do not do so here).
This will be yet another reason for member's to visit this site (an easily
viewed collection of Gaming Clubs). But, of course, I have to get the
opinions of the other founders.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6065 by wee_hawk_the_elf
===
Message 6068 of 6790 Reply
Re: Role-Playing: Life's Details vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/9/01 9:57 pm
I can see that to give the choice of decided whether or not to get involved
with another's PC may keep the role-playing from getting to out of hand.
Would not want to 'force' a player to have to do something that he/she
would not feel uncomfortable doing (like making sweet-talk with another
player)...
But...
A character's charisma and bluff skills should be capable of working on
another PC. It's one of the ways a thief could run the party. By being
the real 'power' behind the group leader, as the thief has great influence
on him/her. And in my game where I had a female character, the first thing
I did was to get all of the other PC's reaction to her. But being no great
beauty, the player having put the lowest scores in Charisma and Comeliness
(1st Ed) they all had no bells ringing for her (nor she for them, it was
an ugly group). BUT, if one of them had fallen to her womanly charms I
would have put it like this...
"Your character is quite smitten with the young lady So-and-so, but you
know the journey you all will be going on, will be difficult and thus
you MAY keep these feelings hidden so as not to distract anyone during
this extended crisis. But whenever sides are being drawn up you will feel
a strong need to be on her side, and if she is in any danger you have
more of a desire to get her out of it."
This still leaves the door open for the player to role-play his character
as he seems fit, but ties him a little to the female, and thus show that
his heartstrings are being pulled. My best way to compromise, the rules
with the player's right to role-play.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6059 by gedvondur
====
Message 6069 of 6790 Reply
Re: Role-Playing: Life's Details vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/9/01 10:05 pm
Well Matt, you should send the hairless dwarf to my world and have him
settle in Barak's Plain. The home of the Barak Dwarves, whose ancestors
were exiled from the main clan in the Wintery Mountains. And as a rebellous
act they keep their beards and heads shaved...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6057 by mattbcieri
====
Message 6070 of 6790 Reply
A new guy... lordironfist70
(31/M/State College PSU) 6/10/01 3:16 am
Just finished playing a session with Ken (Von to you all I guess) and
he got me to join his club. Not bad Ken. I may add a letter time and again.
LIH
====
Message 6071 of 6790 Reply
Re: Role-Playing: Life's Details mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/10/01 1:22 pm
The town we are currently in has only a few dwarves. He was not rebellious,
just unfortunate.
Whenever the thief got an uncomfortable feeling about a likely trap the
thief would hesitate, and complaint about risking his own neck.
The dwarf would go charging in, to find the trap the old fashioned way.
this is how he took an acid bath. Lost or destroyed a few of his magic
items too.
This was part of an epic battle that the Dwarf had taken on.A litch and
a death knight had ben working together to take over the world, and had
captured a very powerful magic artifact to do this.
Needless to say, the party stopped their efforts. So our group is respected
as heroes throught the whole region.
The humans still tease the dwarf about his peach fuzz (starting to grow
back).
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6069 by vonromig
====
Message 6072 of 6790 Reply
The club web site lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 6/10/01 3:36 pm
This is to advise the membership that I have withdrawn from the website
project due to creative differences.
My best wishes for the success of the project.
Bryan
===
Message 6073 of 6790 Reply
Re: Role-Playing: Life's Details thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/10/01 4:14 pm
I have had players who either love to role play romance or hate it. Since
in all but one case they were guys playing, it has either been humorously
approached or dealt with as an acting assignment. I personally enjoy role
playing female NPC'c but do get squeamish at times over some of the role-playing
that goes with it.
We will deal with gift-giving, dates and even marriage sometimes. The
dates and such are usually just fun, good, food etc. My players seem to
enjoy spending big-bucks on dinner and tips, thinking of how to use magic
to subtly increase their sexual prowess and doing things only a rich-playboy-type
fellow could do. At the end of the date a die roll covers most of the
decision making about sleeping arrangements as well as the obligatory
"How much did you or the NPC/PC like it?". PC's get to decide for themselves
but often appreciate having the die roll decide for them.
When I play a female or any character type I have no direct experience
with, I use examples. Mine range from "Monte Python" to "Marilyn Monroe".
I am also quite straight but do a pretty good gay designer named Shaunte’
(with a slash as he says enthusiastically). He is a favorite of the players
who actually go out of their way to interact with him when in town or
at a Character party
Anything anyone is not comfortable with can be rolled Vs. the appropriate
numerical factors +/- modifiers you see fit. Oh one more thing. One of
my guys is practically a militant feminist. If you want him/her to pound
you into the ground, just make 1 or 2 chauvinistic remarks.
Thrandorian
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6068 by vonromig
===
Message 6074 of 6790 Reply
Off Topic thelady_dm
(22/F/The Deepest Realms of the) 6/10/01 8:01 pm
Anyone here MUD? I do, but thats not what this is really about. I've been
working on a webpage for a kingdom that exists on this mud, and I would
REALLY like your opinion, if you wouldn't mind giving it...
It's off topic, but not off flavour...
http://www.geocities.com/kingdom_arkane/
-The Lady DM
====
Message 6075 of 6790 Reply
Re: Off Topic lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 6/10/01 8:55 pm
Splash page: I don't care much for splash pages as a rule, but this was
a nice one. I didn't think the spinning sword added anything or had any
real pertinance. I'd suggest moving deleting it and moving the entry graphic
up so that everything is above the crease. D/l time about 5 seconds. BTW,
love the graphic - who did it?
Main page: Looks great! Very readable. Good color scheme.
Hate the navigation. Popup windows make me nuts. The pages themselves
look very nice - it's getting to them that's the problem. Also, the light
brown text is a little hard to read on a parchment background. You might
want to increase the contrast a little. Load times about 2-3 seconds each.
Other than those two issues, very nice overall.
Bryan
PIII/550, 256 Mb RAM, WinME
IE 5.5, 32 bit color @ 1024x768
Oxygen VX1 graphics card
Viewsonic A75f 19"
640k DSL
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6074 by thelady_dm
===
Message 6076 of 6790 Reply
Re: Off Topic vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/11/01 3:27 am
I loved the Artwork and the look, but with my computor (Pentium 133) it
took forever to load the first page and didn't feel like taking the time
tonight and going any further...But great job.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6074 by thelady_dm
===
Message 6077 of 6790 Reply
DMing Then and Now: vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/11/01 5:08 am
Since most of the DMs in here have been going at it for some time, lets
share some of the changes we have made to our style of play, our world,
our adventuring concepts, and our interaction with the players...comparing
that from when we first began to now.
Just a few of mine to get us started...
(First real good DMing took place when I was 19, before that it was AD&D
and Traveller mixed)
1) Then all my bartenders were called Bob. Now, of course, they have a
multitude of different names, as well as, extensive backgrounds of their
own.
2) Then my players only seemed to run across orcs and kobolds at low level
and ogres at higher ones. Now the monster manuals don't hold enough creatures
for me, and I have to make many other ones up...
3) Then the players moved around much like they were all joined at the
hip and combat was done by going around the table (no intiatives). Now
most of the players come and go from the party, even for extended periods
of time, and combat actions are a glorious mix of choas and imaginitive
role-playing...as well as using the intiative rules.
Von Romig
===
Message 6078 of 6790 Reply
Re: Off Topic thelady_dm
(22/F/The Deepest Realms of the) 6/11/01 9:27 am
Because the main page with the links takes forever to load on many computers
was the reason that the links opened new windows, and were much less graphically
intense.
I agree with the spinning sword. I don't like it, it was a request. I'll
probably take it down anyway.
I made the graphics. I think that was a question somewhere.
I've been working on the stupid thing for two years. (slow but steady
wins the race?) Thank you all for your comments, they are most useful!
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6076 by vonromig
===
Message 6079 of 6790 Reply
Re: DMing Then and Now: thelady_dm
(22/F/The Deepest Realms of the) 6/11/01 9:38 am
I've only been DMing for four years, but I thought that I would throw
in a few of my own since my dming style has changed drastically.
Then... I refused to let any of my characters start with money or gear.
They spent at least a good hour and a half trying to convince me to let
them do otherwise. It didn't work.
Now... Sometimes I still make them start without money or gear. But other
times I give them reasonable equipment and might even throw in a magical
item or two.
Then... I started off all my campaigns on level one.
Now... I start off all my campaigns on level one. Oh- I guess that hasn't
changed.
Then... We would run my campaigns for weeks on end with nothing but intrigue
and not seeing an ounce of combat. We played every night for several hours.
Now... We run my campaigns twice a week and have some form of combat at
least every other session. *chuckle* So, not much improvement there...
Then... I absolutely refused to do dungeon crawls.
Now... I absolutely detest dungeon crawls but throw them in on occasion
anyway by player preference.
Then... I spent months detailing worlds, towns, NPCs and a storyline for
my campaigns.
Now... I realize that my players will ignore the plot hook and do something
else, so I tend to fly more by the seat of my pants.
Then... I tried once to incorporate music into the game.
Now... We laugh at this fact.
Then... I wrote up scrolls in a "magical" alphabet, making up a rhyming
instruction list for spell componants and power words, and made my characters
decipher them.
Now... I still remember how to read and write in said "magical" language.
I do this on break at work sometimes so people can't see what I'm writing.
They think it is shorthand. But I haven't used it in game.
-The Lady DM
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6077 by vonromig
====
Message 6080 of 6790 Reply
Re: DMing Then and Now: zedhatch
(28/M/Kentucky) 6/11/01 11:48 am
Let's see.
Then: Was hung up on plot as I had wanted it to go and was really frustrated
when players tried to go other ways.
Now: Figured out that players have no idea what could be around the next
corner so what is to stop me from moving the castle or that hedge maze
from north to west (seriously let my layer have more control)
Then: Let a few Pwer Gamers run over me my first time out.
Now: Often am reminding them that I am Games Operational Director AKA
G.O.D.
Then: Kept tring to come up with badder and badder monsters.
Now: After killing a 15th level party with kobolds realizing that less
is often more.
Then: Trying to find a good balance of roleplay and action.
Now: Still trying to find a good balance of roleplay and action.
Then: Refused to start an adventure in a bar.
Now: Still have yet to start an adventure in a bar (Joke about an old
DM who started EVERY adventure in a bar).
Then: Wanted to expand the lists of classes, races, spells, majic items,
and anything else I could find.
Now: Can't keep up with my own crap.
Then: Rolled out every monster and NPC stat.
Now: make it up in my head whne the party eventually gets there.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6077 by vonromig
===
Message 6081 of 6790 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/11/01 12:02 pm
>>Have you ever experienced a particular person in your group who just
HAS to make the game difficult by doing completely odd things?<<
I've had the Good version of this and the Bad version.
Good: One player with a druid who really, really wanted to discover chocolate.
Every day, he rolled an Herbalism check to see if he could discover the
cocoa plant. Never managed it. It gave him an odd but nifty quirk, in
a weird metagame sort of way.
Bad: The Short Attentions Span Theatre player who, if I don't pay attention
to him constantly, declares he's going off on his own and doing something
hazardous. It's entirely a ploy to get me to stop interacting with the
rest of the group and to focus on him. Then he gets upset if the plot
moves along without him...
GM:
PC: I go buy some hops.
GM: What?!
PC: You know, to brew beer for the funeral.
GM:
OK, fine.
GM: OK, so the priest tells you
PC: I ask him...
GM: Hey, you're off buying hops.
PC: That only took like ten minutes or something.
GM:
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6064 by thelady_dm
====
Message 6082 of 6790 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! Kimball_G
(23/M/Charleston) 6/11/01 12:40 pm
I am currently having trouble with a player similar to that.
He plays a human monk, and has reached 8th level. He has descided (not
asked) that his character should have low-light vision, so he tried to
say that his character is really a half-elf that has been under a spell
this whole time, and nobody knew it, not even me!
When he reached 6th he realized that now that he has 2 unarmed attacks,
he no longer needs Ambidexterity and Two-Weapon Fighting Feats (which
he chose at 1st lvl). So he goes home, gets on his computer, and removed
those feats, and chose 2 new ones to replace them. He also moved around
some of his skill points, because he had not been getting good enough
rolls on some checks!
Once when he reached 6th, I gave him the chance to draw from the Deck
of Many Things as the last thing for the game session. He couldn't make
up his mind before I had to leave, so I told him we would finish when
I returned next session. While I was gone, he decided he wanted to draw
and did so. He said he drew the 50,000 XP, and then the Death card. He
said that after he upped his character 50,000 XP, he defeated death. ALL
of this inbetween gaming sessions, while I was not there.
Lastly, because Monks cannot multi-class and continue as a Monk, he said
that he can now cast spells as a Sorcerer because there is dragon blood
in his family line, but he does not have to multi class his character
to do this!
Each one of these things he did without my knowledge and I only found
out after the next game session gets going. This causes major problems,
because I have to force him to change is all back so he can continue with
the game.
I have descided that if he does this one more time, I am going to say...
A large shadow appears over you and when you look up, the last thing you
see is a very large ship (spelljammer) landing on, and crushing your entire
body. No save. No reflex. No return.
That way the game can continue while he thinks about why I did it. :)
(is this too vendictive?)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6081 by SCA_Bard
====
Message 6083 of 6790 Reply
Re: DMing Then and Now: reverendzen
6/11/01 2:56 pm
I had similar turns for combat (no initiative; PCs go first, around the
room/table, then the monsters, then the PCs, etc.)
The problem I always had with my group, one of the players insisted on
looking through the Monster Manual and studying and memorizing the pics.
During combat, I would show the picture, and he would say, "Oh, that's
such-n-such, its weaknesses are..." Recently (actually for quite some
time) if I find a good monster pic, I make up the stats, or I buy monster
manuals that no one has (Monsters of Faerun and the Sword and Sorcery
ones are my favorite). It throws everyone off when I show a picture I
pulled off the Internet and someone says, "That's just a skeleton" but
when it turns out it's a 5 HD Reaper (one of my latest creations, similar
to a Skeletal Warrior, but a bit toned down for lower levels) the PCs
get scared. No one relies on the normal Monster Manual anymore.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6077 by vonromig
===
Message 6084 of 6790 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! reverendzen
6/11/01 3:04 pm
I like the Spelljammer ship idea, but I wouldn't use it. Instead, since
he thinks he's a god, I'd have a horde of kobolds swarm over him and slaughter
him a few hit points at a time. That'd put him back in his place, and
if he quit, I'd be glad. I can't stand players like this.
Good line to use as a DM; "It's my way or the highway."
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6082 by Kimball_G
===
Message 6085 of 6790 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! lfnotter
(36/M/Thornton, CO) 6/11/01 3:57 pm
I like the spelljammer idea!
I would have given him a warning on the first offense, a public smackdown
on the second, and told him to leave on the third.
Bryan
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6082 by Kimball_G
====
Message 6086 of 6790 Reply
Re: Off Topic thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/11/01 4:52 pm
I liked how you used the pop-up windows (to keep the music going?). I
like the use of sound on a website. I also liked the inclusion of the
"MIDI" sound. It is quick loading. Also loved your "scroll" graphics.
All in all I thought a strong begginning.
thrandorian
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6074 by thelady_dm
===
Message 6087 of 6790 Reply
Re: attn. dms question on a ruling leeok31
(33/M/Catoosa, OK) 6/11/01 9:09 pm
not sure about the new stuff..
but back in the day, polymorph other worked on creatures, not statues..
This Is a Reply to: Msg 5941 by dungeonmaster1st
===
Message 6088 of 6790 Reply
Re: Speed Demons! midgetoo2us
(F/Pompano Beach, Florida) 6/11/01 9:16 pm
Just wanted you to know you're not alone. I WILL get this submission together
and get it to you as soon as I can. It's just taking a lot longer than
I had hoped. I hope it will be worth the wait.
I've been so inspired by your world building and campaign creation that
I would very much like to contribute.
The adventure is going very well, thanks to you all. I would never have
had the courage to tackle this without everyone's help. Thanks all.
Ilsa
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6062 by vonromig
====
Message 6089 of 6790 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! midgetoo2us
(F/Pompano Beach, Florida) 6/11/01 9:26 pm
My whole group does this. Like the time they decided a new spell 'Dispell
F--t' would be great. "Lets use the reverse 'Create F--t' as a distance
weapon. Major Damage!" they cried.
It went on for half an hour and they were totally cracked up the whole
time.
They also like Star Trek and are always referring to what {insert ST character
name) did in a situation that reminds them of what's going on in the game.
I just let them go. They have sooooooo much fun!!
Ilsa, the Frustrated DM
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6064 by thelady_dm
===
Message 6090 of 6790 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! midgetoo2us
(F/Pompano Beach, Florida) 6/11/01 9:33 pm
Well said, Von. I, too, just let them go. It can be frustrating when I've
gotten psyched for drama and I get comedy instead, but like you said,
they're just having fun. One of those Star Trek episodes said "The more
complex the mind, the greater the need for the simplicity of play". One
of my players is an art editor with an extreamly tight deadline schedule
so I'm sure she needs to break the tension of a serious week with a bit
of silliness.
Also, like you said, when the action really heats up, they kick in just
fine.
Ilsa
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6066 by vonromig
====
Message 6091 of 6790 Reply
Re: DMing Then and Now: midgetoo2us
(F/Pompano Beach, Florida) 6/11/01 9:53 pm
When I started (1980 or so), I had to DM from the beginning. I've hardly
ever been a PC.
The biggest difference is that, when I started, I tried to make everything
fit a pre-conceived plan (mine and the writer of the adventure) and that
worked while everyone didn't know squat and I was leading them by the
NPC's nose. As soon as the players started to get good, they did Everything
But What I Expected!
Now I know how to weave the game instead of mastering it. Much more challenging,
but what else to do?
Ilsa
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6077 by vonromig
====
Message 6092 of 6790 Reply
Re: Off Topic midgetoo2us
(F/Pompano Beach, Florida) 6/11/01 10:01 pm
Very, very nice. Great job and I add it to favorite places to show my
group.
Ilsa
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6078 by thelady_dm
===
Message 6093 of 6790 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! queen_faeryl
(30/F/Baltimore MD) 6/12/01 2:34 am
I recently quit playing in a group that had a player who was playing fast
and loose and taking advantage of the GM's divided attention. He made
what was previously a good game a severe pain in the buttocks. If this
is irritating you, think how it must be affecting the other players! Don't
let this DM-wannabe rewrite your game or drive off your other players.
Don't put up with his highjinks. There are no shortage of players and
very few GMs. If he can't play by the rules, tell him to walk.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6082 by Kimball_G
====
Message 6094 of 6790 Reply
In-game romance (?) Scott_Gigot
(25/M/De Pere, WI) 6/12/01 6:25 am
As long as we recently were on the subject of PC's hooking up, I thought
I'd share part of our last gaming session.
One of the PC's is a rather attractive (18 chr) elf who wanted to lay
on her feminine wiles extra-heavy to buy a particularly attractive bauble
(a large diamond a different PC had sold earlier that day). So she used
a dose of "Essence of Sune" (in the Forgotten Realms of course) and boosted
her charisma to *20*. Needless to say, she had the jeweler in the palm
of her hand and got a rather good deal on the stone.
So the elf maiden returns to the inn where she and her party are staying
(drawing a crowd of males wherever she goes and causing a few fights)
where the party's bard suggests that tonight may be an excellent night
to dance in the tavern (as she's done from time to time to supplement
her adventuring income). So up to her room and back down, when she leaps
onto the bar and starts to dance to the bard's music, wearing nothing
but an ever-decreasing collection of silk scarves. (Did I mention she
didn't bother to tell the innkeeper? Doesn't make much difference, though,
because he's both enraptured and happy to serve the ever-growing crowd).
Keep in mind that the half-elven bard had to borrow some of the paladin's
"little secret" (saltpeter) to maintain ANY kind of professional dignity
upon spying his companion.
Fast-forward to the end of the night when the constables have broken up
the riot that ensued and got most of the fires in the street put out.
After the bribes are administered to keep the party out of jail, the bard
decides to play one last tune--one to Fascinate the elf. And then he asks
her to accompany him upstairs...
Now this is where the DM butts in with, "Well, Chrystl (the elf), you
DID blow your save. But I won't make PC's hook up against their will..."
And she goes upstairs with Telengar...who in respect for her decency decides
to act the gentleman (that and the saltpeter took that time to kick in).
This was a rather enjoyable evening between adventures; the players drove
pretty much all the action. And they revealed why there is now a "no porn
during the game" rule.
Scott
====
Message 6095 of 6790 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! Myrkul999
(22/M/Ft. Lauderdale, FL) 6/12/01 11:28 am
'Tis the nature of the beast. Roleplayers are an odd bunch. Lfnotter's
players are constantly roleplaying going shoping. In my group, we have
a guy who plays a Malkavian very well, Even when we're playing D&D, and
he's a fighter.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6064 by thelady_dm
====
Message 6096 of 6790 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/12/01 3:42 pm
This wouldn't happen IMC because:
A) I update the PC's character sheets.
and
B) NOTHING happens in the game that does not happen in front of me.
C) The players all know and accept both A and B.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6082 by Kimball_G
====
Message 6097 of 6790 Reply
Re: DMing Then and Now: Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/12/01 3:47 pm
Oddly enough, my gaming style hasn't changed dramatically since I started
back in '79. I know I am a little more stingy with magic and money (but
I was stingy then). I suppose the biggest change is that I pay more attention
to the historical aspects of the game. Then it was pure fantasy, now I
run my world more like Medieval Europe plus magic (style-wise).
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6077 by vonromig
===
Message 6098 of 6790 Reply
Re: In-game romance (?) vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/12/01 4:55 pm
Giving the PCs the choice for any and all personal involvements keeps
them from thinking your trying to run their characters...
But how far off the rules you go can also make the game seem to be one-sided.
What if it wasn't the player's character that 'turned' on the charm, but
an NPC? Or what if just the numbers within the stats of another PC or
NPC, that her character just can't resist? Isn't there somewhere in the
rules that mention reactions to Charisma (or Comeliness)?
Even if the PLAYER doesn't want to have his character fall in love (or
lust) doesn't neccessarily mean that he shouldn't...
Take my true life's story;
Working in a strip club for two years, with all the benefits of my position
:) the last thing I wanted was to fall for someone who loathed the club
and the girls therein, but I did. So, this young lady was able to pull
my heartstrings even against my will, and made me quit the manager position
and never to be allowed to converse with any of the dancers again. :(
If rules are followed as I remember them to be, any PC meeting an NPC
with high CHR score should make a check. 'Failure'indicates a positive
reaction, and somehow that reaction could be love. 'Forcing' a loved one
on a PC could also spice up the game and role-playing...but you know your
player better than I.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6094 by Scott_Gigot
====
Message 6099 of 6790 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/12/01 5:08 pm
"Roleplayers are an odd bunch."
You can say that again...
From a group of mine who took it way to serious, even forcing out a newer
player because he liked to talk about football, to a group that three
of the five wore toy swords in their belts and were constantly whipping
them out to yell CHARGE! or some such pander.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6095 by Myrkul999
====
Message 6100 of 6790 Reply
Re: Dwarven Wedding Ceremony dragonlordjr
(26/M/UD Ohio) 6/12/01 5:21 pm
On top of the mountain or hill above there city.
With the minister saying the sevice the others should beat on there shield
with there weapons each time the bride and groom answers him.
The groom gives the bride a set of cookware that he has made to show that
she runs the household and to keep him fed while the bride gives the groom
a weapon to show that he is the master of the relationship and to protect
her.
my ideas that i can think up right now
DRAGONLORD JR
(Sky Master)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6020 by thelady_dm
===
Message 6101 of 6790 Reply
Re: Role-Playing: Life's Details dragonlordjr
(26/M/UD Ohio) 6/12/01 5:26 pm
I never thought of any of these boy will my players have a surprise when
we get together this weekend Bwaahahaaahhaaa!!!!
DRAGONLORD JR
(Sky Master)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6031 by vonromig
====
Message 6102 of 6790 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! leeok31
(33/M/Catoosa, OK) 6/12/01 7:26 pm
Is there a problem? You dislike how they play, i guess, but then you say
it's well spaced between excellent role-playing etc.. Sounds like you
have a good group to me, the only change you could possibly make at this
point is to find a new group, which I wouldn't really recommend.. sounds
like you're having fun to me, and that's kinda the point..
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6064 by thelady_dm
===
Message 6103 of 6790 Reply
Re: Role-Playing: Life's Details lordironfist70
(31/M/State College PSU) 6/12/01 8:49 pm
Having been a DM for only four years I never advanced to the level of
dealing with those details mentioned. Now as a female player I do believe
I will try to act as one as best I can. Lets see how well my DM handles
those products of 'my' monthly cycle. If I can remember I will add in
the other ideas as well.
LIH
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6073 by thrandorian
===
Message 6104 of 6790 Reply
Re: DMing Then and Now: lordironfist70
(31/M/State College PSU) 6/12/01 8:57 pm
Even in four years I have made quite a change. I use only modules until
about a year ago when I tried for the first time to create my own adventure.
It did not go well. I had left to many avenues empty. I had put monsters
in places that they would never had been. It took the players to point
this out. For instance I had a green slime creature hiding in a tree.
But now I think with Ken's help and the help from this club my next adventure
will blow my players away.
LIH
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6077 by vonromig
====
Message 6105 of 6790 Reply
Re: In-game romance (?) lordironfist70
(31/M/State College PSU) 6/12/01 9:03 pm
As a DM I would have the players roll their checks whenever they met a
beautiful girl. Over time they each would have themselves a girlfriend.
To me having someone to return home to after a hard adventure makes for
some good conversations as the women folk want to here all about it. And
for me to listen to what the players remember and how the say it sometimes
gives me a laugh.
LIH
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6094 by Scott_Gigot
====
Message 6106 of 6790 Reply
Re: DMing Then and Now: ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 6/12/01 9:04 pm
adding a little realism to the game, like dirty worn out equipment, biological
needs, filthy underwear, foul stenches, and so forth is fun, and can provide
some interesting considerations.
BUT
if it turns into something like unending descriptions and dealings with
minutia and the boring 4 months followed by 2 hours of action
situation tragedy scenario, your going to eventually make the 'non fun'
activity that no one wants to do. Lots of people always want to go 'overboard'
with something new they are puttering with adding, just dont let it ruin
your game.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6104 by lordironfist70
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Message 6107 of 6790 Reply
Re: DMing Then and Now: dragonlordjr
(26/M/UD Ohio) 6/12/01 9:12 pm
Interesting question. I just wish I could remember that far back :) but
i get a fuzzy image of me trying to make up the coolest names for the
Npcs and looking at the old papers now they sound very silly. I also have
a fleeting image of me trying to act out the actions but now just got
better at explaning them.
Overall i have improve dalot and thanks mostly to help from other Dms
and my players.
DRAGONLORD JR
(Sky Master)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6077 by vonromig
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Message 6108 of 6790 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! dragonlordjr
(26/M/UD Ohio) 6/12/01 9:32 pm
A public smackdown ouch! was that just in the livingroom with the players
or did you take him someplace more public like the mall.
Sorry for the mix up i was just visiting and didnt sign in correctly.
DRAGONLORD JR
(Sky Master)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6085 by lfnotter
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Message 6109 of 6790 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/12/01 10:17 pm
This is not vindictive or punitive enough. (Do remember I have been DMing
in Ravenloft, so If I seem too harsh, it is the mists speaking.)
There are a ton ov monsters in the monster manual that were desinged to
squash 'players' likt this, into a fine dust and scatter them to the 4
winds.
A hound of ill Omen might be a good start. A revenant maight also come
in handy.
I like the poetic justice apporace much better. I would perfer to beat
this character over the head with his own wild fantacy.
try some of these:
'So you are part dragon? Did I forget to metion that your dragon kin had
an arranged marriage, and your bethrothed dragon mate is hear to claim
you as his her love puppy?'
'So you are part Elf, and can see low light? Did I fail to mention that
this you are were cursed as a young elf, and that you willingly gave up
your sight, because you do not see by the moon light, you see by the pale
lumanescence of the ghostly underworld, so in fact everyt time you see
in low light conditions you age 10 years a turn. (In a week he will age
to dust!).'
'Oh so you drew death and 50 grand Exp from the deck and defeated death.
you know Death had a message from the gods for you, and since you killed
him without hearing him / her the gods have decided to send a real death
after you. In other words 'you are the weakest link, good bye!'
Just to add injury to injury, the death that would come back would be
a monk, perhapse an avatar of the death god. This avarar would have incredible
powers as a monk, and would only use 1 attack upon this bafoon of a player,
quivering palm. Only thing is since this is a god we are talking about
here, the duration is much longer than the 1 week of a normal monk.
depending on your mood, you can kill him out right, or you can send him
on a quest to right his wrongs!
'Ah, yes, that 50 G was stolen form a kingdom on the other side of the
world, be a good monk and give it back to the king of that land. And since
they are at war, be a good monk and give him 1 year and a day of service'
If he is part elf have an outbreak of an elf disease. (Maybe even Dutch
Elf disease?). part dragon? Scale rot works good. Low light sight? High
dose of low IR radiation could do the trick.
be creative, cross create an evil spell, of eye-bite, with infravision,
with Continual light.
Really mess up the low light effect, have mages cast a reverse lightning,
darkning. Sucks the light out of an area leaving total darkness, and also
causes damage as per a lightning bolt.
Send him to a frozen waste, use cold zombies and gouls (Sorry you cant
see them with elven ingravision, they do not give off any heat! And by
the way take an extra D6 of cold damage!
Every time he opens his mouth and says something stupaid (like claming
abilitie he does not have), go with it, force him into it, make him regret
every minute of it. Make him beg you to set hid character back to the
way it should be?
let the punishment fit the crime, or your mood, which ever is more sinister...
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6082 by Kimball_G
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Message 6110 of 6790 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/12/01 10:26 pm
You are right of course,
I could easilysee this player trying to pull this stuss and all you would
have th say is:
"yea, right, sure, and then you woke up!"
or
"that was jsut a dream"
or if you are a Conan fan,
"Byt that is another story"
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6096 by Umbratikus
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Message 6111 of 6812 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! gedvondur
(30/M/Green Bay, WI) 6/12/01 10:59 pm
I would step on him now. We have a standing rule, that if it does not
happen virtually under my nose, it didn't happen.
If the DM is not there, it didn't happen. I would TOTALLY audit his character
right now. Political circumstance can sometimes keep you from dropping
the hammer, so if you can't audit him, kill him off. And take a direct
hand in his character creation. I don't allow character creation outside
of my sight.
Gedvondur
DM--Legion of the Red Paw
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6082 by Kimball_G
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Message 6112 of 6812 Reply
Re: In-game romance (?) gedvondur
(30/M/Green Bay, WI) 6/12/01 11:05 pm
Just HAD to post that little choice bit of fun didn't ya?
Actually it was a pretty good evening, something away from the serious
stuff. Only had one player out of 9 pout....
Gedvondur
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6094 by Scott_Gigot
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Message 6113 of 6812 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/12/01 11:34 pm
Your evil runneth over, as well as your imagination...love it!
Of course, I would like to know how a PLAYER decides the outcome of a
battle (or anything else) without the DM being there???????
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6109 by mattbcieri
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Message 6114 of 6812 Reply
DM Challenge: #1 vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/12/01 11:46 pm
Your the replacement DM for a group of neutrals and good PCs. Their other
DM died but you have his Campaign notebook and the players are just about
to go into a building that the last DM has down as "Temple of Evil God,
one large room only."
Your job, if you choose to accept it, is to describe this large space
as you would to the players upon them entering...
(Don't mention traps and hidden things as you would not do so with the
players)
"As you enter the temple you see..."
Von Romig
===
Message 6115 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge: #1 Myrkul999
(22/M/Ft. Lauderdale, FL) 6/13/01 2:51 am
Rows of pews, running up to an Altar, spattered with the blood of recent
sacrifices, and stained with that of the less recent ones. The High priest
looks up as you enter, and asks,
"Be you Suplicants, or Foes?"
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6114 by vonromig
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Message 6116 of 6812 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/13/01 3:30 am
Kimbal you are way too tolerant. We have a name for that type of player
where I come from. Cheater. Plain and simple. In addition the fact that
this person thinks they can alter the rules to change skills or play without
the DM? I agree with my fellows. Summary execution, drawn and quartered,
Hacked to small pieces, burned and ashes scattered over all 7 continents
is the minimum sentence.
Thrandorian
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6082 by Kimball_G
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Message 6117 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge: #1 thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/13/01 3:38 am
Hang on you almost fooled me!
This is one of those trick questions right? OK now tell us...
How did the last DM die and where were the players when it happened? Until
I know that, I ain't pickin' up no one's book!
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6114 by vonromig
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Message 6118 of 6812 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! Kimball_G
(23/M/Charleston) 6/13/01 8:32 am
I never allowed any of the changes to stand. That was the biggest problem.
We had to pause the game, while he corrected the sheet. After this last
time, I told him, that I keep his sheet inbetween sessions whether he
likes it or not. His excuse was always...My last DM always let me do it.
Well, I had 3 words for him, I Don't Care!
Kimball
The inexperienced but learning fast DM
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6116 by thrandorian
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Message 6119 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge: #1 Kimball_G
(23/M/Charleston) 6/13/01 8:46 am
"As you enter the temple you see..."
that the room is larger than it appeared from outside. There are benches
in a circle facing the center of the room. They are filled with bodies
in black robes, all swaying and chanting in a low rumble. All along the
outer wall, there are statues of creatures that appear to be in great
pain. All of them appear to have blood running down them as if they were
actually bleeding. Standing the center of the room is large statue of
the most vile looking creature you have ever seen. In front of it on all
four sides, there are large sacrificial alters. On three of these alters
there appear to be bodies lying dead. The last and fourth alter is directly
in front of you. Standing over the squirming body is a high priest with
her dagger held high above her head. She is leading the chant about to
strike down on the last sacrifice.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6114 by vonromig
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Message 6120 of 6812 Reply
History buff SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/13/01 10:37 am
I love to try and incorporate bits of history
into my game. I can't say it's 'medieval Europe plus magic' since I keep
demihumans and whatnot around.
But I had a fun time a month or two ago... the PCs left a defeated enemy
behind at an ancient shrine. Not much was left in it except a pile of
small lead scales with symbols scratched into them. (And a priceless book,
but no one found *that* concealed - for aesthetics, of course - compartement
in the altar). The enemy, when she finally got free of her bonds, collected
the lead tablets and sold them in the nearest city to collectors interested
in the people who built the shrine, made a mint, and showed up later,
well-equipped, to annoy the PCs.
I'd seen the curse tablets to Sulis Minerva at Bath last summer, see...
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6097 by Umbratikus
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Message 6121 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge: #1 SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/13/01 11:15 am
First I pick the 'Evil God.' It seems pretty generic, so I won't throw
anything as exotic as my jungle gnome dieties at them; they're probably
in a standard 'trees and fields' temperate zone.
If I were in a rush, I'd make a temple to Shar. (I use FR dieties freely
in my world). "It's dark. Totally dark. No, your infravision doesn't help.
As you stand there, you're hear a series of 'twangs' then 'thunks' as
the arrows hit you.' (Sharrans can see in magical darkness).
If it was a secret temple to Karlonna, Mother of Blood Mages, it would
be distinctly different.
'Your first impression is that the entire room is somehow bloodied. No,
wait - it's just that the light, coming from small windows set high up
in the walls, is tinted red by the stained glass.
'The room is grimly austere. In the center lies a large slab of pure white
rock. You think it is decorated with something chiseled into its surface,
but you can't quite see what from here - the contrast of white on white
isn't so good. There are also two gleaming silver-colored fixtures that
you can see from the door, each about halfway down the corners of the
slab. The space around it is clear for about ten feet, then the chairs
start.
'The chairs - finely carved wooden ones, with red velvet seats - arc around
the marble slab in four quarter-circles with pathways between them. There
are only three rows of chairs, but you still estimate that there's seating
for about 50 or so people.
'On the wall opposite you, you notice two things. One is a fine cherry
cabinet. The other is a wall mural. It shows a terribly beautiful woman
with dark hair and flashing blue eyes. Her arms and bat-like wings are
outspread and raised, and streams of blood run from her wrists. As you
watch, you would swear that you can see the blood flowing down the walls
- must be a trick of that red light.'
---
Blood magery is a cult for wealthy dilettantes for the most part on my
world, hence the fine, elegant furniture. Worship rites often include
blood-magic 'how-to's, so the chairs are supposed to evoke an operating
theatre. (You know, where the med students watch the doctors?) The cherry
cabinet contains well-formed, highly polished instruments for bloodletting
and other dark rituals. The silver-colored fixtures are steel eye-bolts
for fastening shackles to, to keep the more energetic victim on the slab.
The 'decorative carvings' are channels for the blood to run in.
Of course the marble isn't stained. You'd think a bunch of clerics and
mages can manage a simple 'clean' cantrip, right? Dried blood has no energy
or magic and interferes with the flow of the good stuff.
The flowing blood can be an illusion, an actual effect, or just a trick
of the light, as long as it creeps the PCs out.
If they thought that they'd be getting combat immediately (it's not clear
from the notes, after all), I could add a mix of clerics and mages in
the seats, a victim on the altar, and a few officiating cleric/mages around
the victim. Otherwise, I'd let them discover the empty temple and use
it as a springboard for my own adventure - if they stay and watch it,
they can spy on Karlonna's cult and learn more about it.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6114 by vonromig
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Message 6122 of 6812 Reply
Re: DMing Then and Now: sirgrapefellow
(37/M/Portland Oregon) 6/13/01 11:28 am
Boy oh boy Then, started 23 years ago...
1) Then, read only enough information in the Players Guide and DM's Manual,
Eldritch Wizardy, et al. to get playing as fast as possible. I had no
one to show me how to play and none of my friends knew the better. They
were hooked and listened to my every word as ultimate truth(rightly so).
2)Now, so much stuff to read( including this club!) I can't get enough!
Always reading things for new ideas. My players,( ok a few...) keep me
on my toes when it comes to particular rules. But still for the most part
respect my rulings.
3) Then (because of #1) We had crazy things going on because I either
didn't understand a rule or never read it. Like Hit Points for example.
At 1st level you get 1HD (of appropriate sideds, I read that much.) At
2nd level you got 2HD, but added to the first 1, 3HD at 3rd added to the
other 3 and so on and so on. Needless to say my PC's got to fight a lot
of big brutes before they were really ready, attack wise.
4) Then characters were dying left and right (yes even with their high
hit points) But it didn't matter cause...
5) Then rolled 3 six sided 7 times, listing them in order for stats. This
determined what you would be. Character generation was fast and furious.
10 minutes tops!
5) Now Character generation can take hours and is never really complete.
There is always some history left to be written.
6) Then everyone was working together to fight the bad guys.
7) Now everyman for himself under the guise of working together. (Ok it's
not quite that bad...but sometimes I could ring my players necks!)
8) Then a portable hole ( in my don't bother with the rules game) worked
like ones on cartoons. Open a whole in the wall, walk through, close whole
when on the other side!( Oh boy this is powerfull!) I still have one hidden
in my game world. (lucky fool that finds it!)
9) Then (the best thing of all) Would play all day durring summer, then
the gang would move to another house and game all night! After school
game? Sure but I have to be home by nine.
10) Now (thanks to the internet it's a bit easier then a few years back)
Vote for game date once a month! Cool almost all of you can make it! One
game a month in person. A few online games durring the month, if I'm lucky,
and sometimes they turn into email games. But I'm still happy cause I
am still playing! Also it gives me time to read and plan... and prepare...so
much is going on in my world!
There is so much more...
Sir Grapefellow
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6077 by vonromig
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Message 6123 of 6812 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! sirgrapefellow
(37/M/Portland Oregon) 6/13/01 11:34 am
Bingo!
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6096 by Umbratikus
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Message 6124 of 6812 Reply
Re: History buff Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/13/01 1:54 pm
>> I love to try and incorporate bits of history
into my game. I can't say it's 'medieval Europe plus magic' since I keep
demihumans and whatnot around.<<
I have demihumans and such, as well, but I base my human society on Medieval
European society and extrapolate the demihuman/humanoid/monster societies
from that. I use historical bases for economics, technology, politics,
etc.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6120 by SCA_Bard
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Message 6125 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge: #1 zedhatch
(28/M/Kentucky) 6/13/01 3:53 pm
What's really funny is that I was in a similar situation to this. Literaly
we the PC's were about to enter a temple to an evil god to rescue an appentace
to a mage. We called off the gaming session and left (we were all very
tired). This was only my fourth or fifth session and we had all just started
with new characters. (A Paladian (me), and Elf Mage/Psion, A Dwarf fighter/Cleric,
and a half-elf Fighter/Thief).
Three days later the DM moved away. No warning or anything (We still do
not know why). The group converced, all of us new players, about wether
we should continue. After a while it was clear everyone was loooking at
me to be DM (Why i have no idea). I had no notes and no idea what was
on the other side of the double doors. Everone wanted to continue so I
decied to give it a shot.
I had only a Player's book and bought the DM's guide out of desperation
(which was useless mostly). While in the comics shop i looked over some
stats for monsters in the Monsters Mannual, Memorized them as best I could,
and went home to draw up the action.
The party entered a room where the Appentace was being tortured in the
middle on an alter by a skeleton, a 4th level necromantic Priest sat nearby
and a lich suppevised the prossess chanting some strange spells (By the
way i found out that there was the Inquisistor which was exactly what
i was looking for in the Skeleton much later but I did not know that at
the time).
The party came in, Fought the Priest with his bag of bones (With only
four skeletons in it) attepted to attack the Lich (who kicked thier buts
but left oddly enough) and eventually freed the girl.
of course this was not the end. The girl had been transformed into a banshee
type creature and later the party found out the lich kept them alive to
lead him (disgused under illusions) to a powerful majic item but that
is off the subject.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6114 by vonromig
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Message 6126 of 6812 Reply
Re: attn. dms question on a ruling dungeonmaster1st
(100/M/muiltiverse) 6/13/01 4:51 pm
well tecnically the pc is still a charter not a statue as of yet!!!
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6087 by leeok31
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Message 6127 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge: #1 vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/13/01 5:04 pm
Actually, I was kind of surprised no one noticed the wording of my post,
as it read, "As you enter the temple you see... Von Romig :)
And T, no the party did not kill the last DM...at least the charges didn't
hold up in court.
My entry...
As you enter the temple you see a large open room with some fifteen or
so men moving about. With the scaffolding, buckets of paint, and piles
of lumber you can easily see that they are close to finishing the interior
walls. Farther in the back of the room sits an enormous crate, through
the sides one can just make out that the ebony stone statue is in the
form of Nimias (God of Evil). Among the normal shatter of the carpenters
and painters, your attention is drawn to a heated arguement near a half-carved
alter...it seems the sculturer has made a mistake and a robed preist is
letting him know it, in a unfriendly way. Only after you have all taken
this in do you notice the diminutive figure approaching you from the right
side, and as your eyes meet he says, "Jorntu Nabo o Nimias, are you the
new Dark Watch?"
Von Romig
===
Message 6128 of 6812 Reply
Re: History buff vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/13/01 5:26 pm
My world is only historical in the sense that the techs, cultures and
social enviroments follow along the same lines as those of the Middle
Ages.
But has anyone had an historical achievement or event taking place during
the adventure?
Like the achievement of an NPC circling the globe (Magellan), discovering
a 'New World' (Colombus), opening trade with a far off empire (Marco Polo),
or lead a successful conquest of barbarians/natives (Cortes).
Like an event such as; the completion of a new Wonder of the World (Pyramids),
The fall/distruction of an Empire (Babylon), the start of a major war
(WW1).
If so, were the PCs involved?
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6120 by SCA_Bard
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Message 6129 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge: #1 lordironfist70
(31/M/State College PSU) 6/13/01 7:01 pm
As you enter through the heavy, iron reinforced-oak doors you can just
make out the form of a humanoid on his knees in a dark red robe. Your
light source cames from five candles placed at the tips of a pentagram
on the floor, which the robed individual is sitting in the middle of.
The flickering shadows upon the surrounding room give hints to hanging
figures, hung upside down with no heads attached. Beyond them, against
the wall you can just make out the forms of other robed humanoids, their
numbers can't be determined. A loud growling sound coming from above gives
little warning to the massive face of a demon-like beast now moving towards
you from the dark recesses of the high ceiling...
LIH
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6114 by vonromig
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Message 6130 of 6812 Reply
Re: In-game romance (?) lordironfist70
(31/M/State College PSU) 6/13/01 7:06 pm
What is the young lady's present location now? I wish to, uh help her
with the crowds, yeah, the crowds :)
LIH
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6094 by Scott_Gigot
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Message 6131 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge: #1 dragonlordjr
(26/M/UD Ohio) 6/13/01 7:23 pm
As the players enter the temple they see befoe them a large frog made
out of stone and painted green with yellow dots. the room is full of people
in green robes and wearing plaster of paris frog masks and they are bowing
down to the giant frog statue and going "reebit reebit reebit croak reebit
reebit reebit croak" oh my god you say without thinking its the evil god
of warts :)
DRAGONLORD JR
(Sky Master)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6114 by vonromig
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Message 6132 of 6812 Reply
Club Chat Room vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/13/01 8:45 pm
For the first time I will try to set up a chat room meeting, if all goes
well they can become a regular thing here. I have listed it in the Club's
Calendar...using the weekly section.
(For the lazy ones it will be Sunday night, 9:00 pm EST)
Just come to the club and join the chat room then.
Von Romig
===
Message 6133 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge: #1 messiah_of_metal
(18/M/FL) 6/13/01 10:38 pm
.... a whole bunch of humans wearing the same type of shirts, they say
"I survived the Temple of the Evil God". You also see a human with glasses
leading the other humans, he says such things like "To the left you can
see were Princess Gerlea was sacrifced to the Evil God". Suddenly you
see a flash of light followed by one of these outlandish humans saying
"Thats gonna be a great picture!". What do you do???
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6114 by vonromig
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Message 6134 of 6812 Reply
Re: Club Chat Room Danduin_
(31/M/Cinti OH) 6/14/01 12:01 am
Sunday is a rough day for me. If I am still concious at 2100 and not in
a totally wretched mood I will be there.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6132 by vonromig
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Message 6135 of 6812 Reply
Re: In-game romance (?) queen_faeryl
(30/F/Baltimore MD) 6/14/01 1:41 am
I inject a little romance into my games, both as a DM and as a player.
It provides plot hooks and versatile NPCs in both cases.
For example, in my last campaign the PCs were hired by the Queen to rescue
a Princess. Throughout the course of the campaign, one of the noble PCs
fell in love with her despite the King's objections and her standing betrothal
to ensure a treaty with a neutral nation which was needed to end a war.
Lots of fun there, does he pursue her (he did) what does her other betrothed
do (go after revenge) does the treaty hold (barely, but it isn't effective
w/o the betrothed's Naval forces), what happens next (Princess negotiates
for peace in secret and ends up captured by the enemy).
And that is a _very brief_ description.
In the same campaign, another PC was in love with the Princess's half
sister who worked as a spy (in disguise) for the Queen within the thieve's
guild. She ended up Guild Mistress. Meanwhile he was two-timing her with
one of her cat burglars. That story line ended when she was on the final
phase of her mission for the Queen (spying in the enemy emperor's royal
court. She had to kill a prisoner to prove her loyalty to him.... and
she had to choose between her lover and the cat burglar. Guess which one
died?
In another case one of my PCs ended up switching alignments and religions
for his romantic interest. He seduced her thinking she was evil and manipulating,
seeking to use her in turn. However when he learned that she was an innocent
pawn, he had a serious crisis of conscience.
In another situation, one of my PCs took pity on an unlucky would be thief/chambermaid
when he found out she was penniless and pregnant. He ended up with a wife
who made a comfortable home for him and faithfully awaited his return
from his adventures.
In game romance doesn't have to be boring, schlock, or stereotypical.
And it provides endless opportunities for the DM and enjoyment and rewards
for the players.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6112 by gedvondur
====
Message 6136 of 6812 Reply
Re: History buff SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/14/01 11:04 am
My main campaign centers in the crumbling Nargoth Empire, and the PCs
are doing their darndest to assist in pulling it down.
Far funnier was their unintentional 'Hernando Cortez" routine. They discovered
Aztec-like gnomes living in a jungle they had fled to. The gnomes first
encountered the party mage, who flew up and tried to fireball them; they
decided he was a 'fire demon'. Later, the aftermath of the mage's short
fuse caught up with him, and the ogre warrior killed him. Now, an ogre
might pass as a 7' tall gnome - which is rather what the Zalgatyl thought
their main protector diety looked like (although usually with a jaguar
head). And he'd just killed the fire demon, after all.
They arrive with offerings for their god (a bowl of very spicy peppers
and a gnomish heart). The only PC who can speak with them (via spell)
is the cleric, a portly elf dressed in the reds and yellows of his faith.
I swear I didn't consciously have the party in mind when I created the
sister of the protector god, the goddess of fire and ingenuity. This slender,
rounded being dressed in flame-colors must be her!
The PC provided the gnomes with several bottles of mead and a corkscrew
to open them. The mead was quickly drunk, to show respect for the goddess's
gift. But gnomes being gnomes, they noticed how easily the corkscrew burrowed
through the cork. What if they had a large corkscrew that could burrow
through land...?
The pacifistic priest and the party eventually left, not realizing that
this burrow of gnomes had decided that they, the chosen people of the
gods, had been given his corkscrew as a riddle. They had solved it, and
proceeded to build a great burrowing machine which revolutionized gnomic
warfare. The separate burrows are being slowly formed into an empire,
and the fire goddess (never widely worshipped before) is rapidly gaining
prestige.
All thanks to the drunken elven priest.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6128 by vonromig
====
Message 6137 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge: #1 thelady_dm
(22/F/The Deepest Realms of the) 6/14/01 11:39 am
You see that through this break in the forest spans a large, open garden.
Twisted weeds have overrun the untended vegetation, and as you walk your
footsteps catch on scraggling dry vines- your clothes are torn on thorns
and brambles. A large wrought iron gate dominates the clearing, swung
wide open as if the occupants of this garden welcome all who would enter.
You follow the steep narrow trail through the gates, winding through the
trees and vegetation high above the main track. It is warm here, growing
warmer as you continue on despite the chill of the fine drizzle. Cold
and uncomfortable, yet unbearably warm, your cheeks begin to glow with
red heat as you continue on. Finally, the path ends at a single large
pedestal, worn with time and weather, upon which sits a single large sphere.
(one of the characters undoubtably looks into the sphere)
A hundred places. Then a hundred more. Grass arises from wasted ground
and skeletal trees send out green buds only to be destroyed by flashes
of lightning and a neverending fire.
The sky flares in a garish display of crimson and orange. No celestial
body lights the sky, and you see before you a black shadowed figure amongst
a vast spanse of sand.... no, not sand but ash. Ash and cinder and the
dry stretch of a dead land. The figure turns to you, a flash of yellow
eyes beckoning.
Suddenly the sphere is a whirl of shadows and light, and the crack of
dry plants breaking underfoot is heard from all sides. Figures in hooded
black cowls advance around you in a circle, muttering 'Beannacht leat...
Beannacht deithi Fatale...', their whisperings as dry and dead as the
plants that catch at your feet. 'Fatale....'
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6114 by vonromig
====
Message 6138 of 6812 Reply
Re: attn. dms question on a ruling reverendzen
6/14/01 11:47 am
Actually, once the character is petrified, he/she is technically a statue;
not breathing, suspended in time until the effect is reversed.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6126 by dungeonmaster1st
===
Message 6139 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge: #1 knightmare6
(24/M/Brooklyn, NY) 6/14/01 2:29 pm
"As you enter the temple you see a large room, lit a dark-red by torches
hanging on scounces all about the room. Directly ahead of you is the large
skeleton of a dragon, in a sitting position. It's mouth open and near
the ground. Sitting in its mouth is a large golden brazier with wisps
of smoke billowing out gently."
"The floor appears to be made of green jade and black marble tiles spread
across the entire floor's surface. The sound of blowing wind can be heard
as it flows in from the ceiling through vents high in the darkness somewhere...
in the distance creaking metal can be heard....."
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6114 by vonromig
====
Message 6140 of 6812 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! knightmare6
(24/M/Brooklyn, NY) 6/14/01 2:32 pm
LOL!!! It's happen to the best of us.
I ended up sending the characters to a prison full of Kenders and Gully
Dwarves to combat this problem, lol!!!
-K6
http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/alltheplanescomecalling
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6064 by thelady_dm
====
Message 6141 of 6812 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! Jiriki13
(31/M/Chicago area) 6/14/01 3:49 pm
If my players do something that I don't deem to be appropriate I just
tell them straight up and it doesn't need to happen again. Usually they
stop what ever it was they were doing.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6064 by thelady_dm
====
Message 6142 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge: #1 vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/14/01 5:35 pm
Because once is never enough...
As you open the door, you are greeted by a strong stench of decaying matter
and sewage...but without your help the door swings fully open revealing
the Great Hall. Your eyes require a few seconds to get use to the glare
of white light that radiates from everywhere within. Once your eyes adjust,
you see long-flowing, white draperies covering the wall, a white tiled
floor, and three rows of white-painted pews. Sitting in random seats are
twelve white robed people, who upon seeing you at the door smile and then
return to their prayers...
In the center of the room, a huge banquet has been laid out on a white
linen covered table, some thirty feet long. Beyond the table , on the
back wall, you can make out through the bright light a small shrine of
gold and silver between two large statues of white marble. The statues
are carved to represent two great warriors...they seem familiar but you
can't quite place them.
A large man near the banquet table in white and gold colored robes approach
you, and with arms open says, "Come, we welcome you strangers. Feast upon
the bounty of our faithful protector..."
:) I bet you can guess what this is all about :)
Von Romig
====
Message 6143 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge: #1 thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/14/01 10:16 pm
Messiah,
You are hereby invited to send in humorous subission to the website. That
was good!
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6133 by messiah_of_metal
====
Message 6144 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge: #1 mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/14/01 11:08 pm
Do we go for laughs?
Do we go for gut wrenching descriptiveness of the decay and depravity
of the interrioir?
Do we make simple rerferences to that which is familiar to the real world?
It all depends on your style, the players, and the campaign.
For laughs you can meet Dr. Evil or Dark Helmet.
For the familiar you can descripe the Temple of Doom thuggy ritual.
For gut wrenching realism you must verbally assult the senses of the players.
Smells work good. Blood, death, rot, decay. But what about a tinge of
iron in anotherwise salty humid air about the place.
Sounds of course. chanting, metal on metal graiting. Heavy thumping from
far off. Dripping, sloshing.
Taste is kinda difficult, unless you link it to smell, like toy can taset
the salt in the air.
Touch, is also tough. it is hard to get your players to get the feeling
that makes their skin crawl. But they can feel sweaty, the humidity can
weigh heavy upon their cheast, almost feeling like the air is assultiung
them through their throats and nostrils.
And sight is the easiest, but also the contains a few ideas that may be
over looked. You can see what is on the walls. You can see what is on
the floor. But do not forget the dancing of the shadows cast by the light,
the creature darting just out of sight in front of or behind you.
Sometimes, it is better to allude to what is seen, and let the players
jump to many conclusions all at once.
Here goes...
you step inside as the huge door groans heavily as it swings otward. Almost
instantly you are blasted with the heat, humidity and stsnch from inside.
Your exposed flesh feels stick and dirty from the foul airs, as you almost
choak upon the reek of salt and ... tinge of iron smell to the air.
Though the light is dim, and tha shadows dance all about you with a zeal
that makes them seem almost alive. The floors are fins stonw work with
an intragate mosaic tile pattern to it, many shades of blue and green.
it takes a few moments to realize that the floor characture is that of
a giant serpant.
The arches and supporting pillars are also impressive. Massive stone columns
are dressed with relief and set in gold and gems. Many battles events
are depicted on these pilliars. You notice a wingged serpant is present
in every one.
Further in yuo realize that you are not alone as the rows of charis are
accupied by amny hooded figures. There are many sss or sh sounds echoing
back anf forth in the chamber.
Just ahead toysee the main alter, which has more hooded figures, but these
must be priests and accoytes by the rich couor of their cloaks.
You also spy the source of the heat, the alter is actually a large bet
of glowing embers and coals.
The red robed figure with it's back to you points to the roof. 2 figures
move over to an archway just out of site.
In a monent you hear a metal grating sound. A chained fugure is lowered
through a hole in the roof. it is a small figure compared to these hooded
ones. it is chaied at both elbows, and si slowly bing lowered. With each
foot of decent you can hear a Thump-thomp over the screaching of the metal.
It is only a few feet before you realize the figure is a small child.
Sweat is pouring from his timy frame, adding more hissing from the embers
which are below the hapless child...
(Since I DM Ravenloft, I would see if the PC's were horrified by this
spectcle.)
And these figures are not WEARING hooded cloaks, they are wearing colored
roabs, the same color as their Hooded heads. Perhapse Cobra men, whom
else would you expect to worship a serpent?
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6142 by vonromig
====
Message 6145 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge: #1 thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/15/01 12:32 am
It was a moment, but then I saw it. The telltale crimson dollop nearly
camouflaged by his full, over-red lips, the bulge in his robes that said,
“I‘m glad to see you“ but for all the wrong reasons.
Glancing sidelong at the others seated within the sanctum, I gauged the
distance between myself and the nearest of the others. Too far...not yet...
let ‘em surround you...
The large man-thing beside me smiled suddenly and turned as if to speak
to his fellows. That was my cue.
Whirling on him now, I drove my +2, steel-toed, size-12 into the demon
's groin, taking his mind off thoughts of backstabbing me with the Khopesh
concealed within his vestments. I wasn’t about to be as easily fooled
as those other unfortunate fools who now dwelt mainly within the bellies
of these shape-shifting hell spawn. What was left of their corporal existence
lay in bloody chunks all about the floor of the sanctuary.
Pulling my Great Sword, I summoned forth the names of the 12 and set about
them with such a fury that the very air began to glow about my blade.
I am pure death to such as these....
What was your name again honey? Mary? Well yes Mary that’s just how it
happened. You know, why don’t we go up to my room and I’ll show you the
scar one gave me...
Thrandorian
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6142 by vonromig
====
Message 6146 of 6812 Reply
Re: History buff Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/15/01 9:55 am
Call me biased, prejudiced, or stuck on an ideal, but I have never even
conceived of a "portly elf" and still have trouble visualizing one.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6136 by SCA_Bard
====
Message 6147 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge: #1 Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/15/01 10:26 am
The creaking of the large iron doors echoes in the chamber beyond. Your
nostrils flare at the musty interior as you notice a sharp drop in temperature.
Your ears are greeted with a low sound like three or four male barritone
voices intoning a single note, but the sound is perpetual with no intervening
breaths.
Looking around you, you see yourself standing in the darkness of a collumnade
that encircles the chamber, creating deep and angular shadows. It is unclear
whether the columns are carved with the effigies of twisted skeletons,
or whether real skeletons have been mortared in place, gaping at you as
if silently screaming a warning.
The combination of the cool metallic dampness and the low intonations
send chills up your spines. There is dim light in the chamber from two
long thin gray windows 30' or more above the floor on opposite sides of
the temple. Colorless, ragged silks obscure the ceiling, stirring randomly
as if touched by a breeze or draft undetectible where you stand. The center
of the room is dominated by a tall altar of black stone, with twisted
faces carved into its surfaces. The altar glistens as if wet. Standing
at the altar, with it's back to you, is an unmoving figure in a hooded
robe of deepest crimson.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6114 by vonromig
=====
Message 6148 of 6812 Reply
Re: History buff SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/15/01 11:08 am
Frankly, I do too. But the PC lived a fairly hedonistic life, involving
*lots* of alcohol, and the other players took to calling him 'Friar Dumpy.'
I protested; I pointed out the naturally slender nature of elves.
But no, the players insisted: this was a fat elf.
First time for everything, I guess.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6146 by Umbratikus
===
Message 6149 of 6812 Reply
Re: History buff vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/15/01 3:19 pm
I see no problems with pleasantly plump elven folk. Why would there not
be...are all the Elves in your world on the New Hollywood Diet? It brings
me to wonder...what about very short humans, presently the politicallty
correct term being 'little people'? In a world populated by Dwarves, what
would be the responce to little people? We have them in the real world...
What about the idea of having overly tall Dwarves, shorter elves, or 'pigmy'
Orcs as well as fat Elves? Its just that I can't picture a race of near-clones
with proportional properties.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6148 by SCA_Bard
====
Message 6150 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge: #1 kwan_darkwood
(21/M) 6/15/01 3:59 pm
As you enter the temple you see a sight that you know will haunt you for
the rest of your life. The scene is woven from the fabric of nightmares,
a darkness beyond thought. It has been carved out of a stalagmite, for
such is the way of the drow. You senses become acute, you can hear the
chittering of the spiders that inhabit this unholy place. Three slender
drow females stand in a tight triangle atop the central altar of the immense
chapel. Their spider-adorned robes swish about their feet as they move
in an ever quickening circle. Your horrid fascination with the dark scene
is dispelled as you are shoved aside by a passing group of drow females,
and you are glad that you are disguised to appear as one of their own.
"Out of the way, male worm!" The words are hissed at you in the foul drow
langauge as one passes. The Underdark is a very different place indeed.
_____________
There are few things more terrifying than a drow temple to Lloth.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6114 by vonromig
====
Message 6151 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge: #1 thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/16/01 3:22 pm
Looks like we have some imaginative writers in this group. I love reading
the different approaches. Maybe something could be done with that?.....A
round-robin story. Like at camp-outs and kid parties?
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6150 by kwan_darkwood
====
Message 6152 of 6812 Reply
Paladins and their Horses vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/16/01 3:25 pm
It is a well established concept within the game to role-play the Paladin
'searching' for his fated steed. What are some of the ways you have had
a Paladin find his warhorse, his adventure and what he had to do to get
the perfect equine?
Von Romig
====
Message 6153 of 6812 Reply
Re: Paladins and their Horses wannabesuperman
(23/M/Atlanta, GA) 6/16/01 4:16 pm
An interesting campaign theme for fifth level characters is helping a
paladin find his mount. It may sound like too much attention placed on
one character, but it usually works well.
Imagine a legendary mount being held by a ruthless and cunning villain,
blah, blah, blah. For most paladins it would be best to not to "call"
their mounts at fifth level, when it first becomes available. By waiting
until around tenth level, the paladin gains a much more powerful ally.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6152 by vonromig
====
Message 6154 of 6812 Reply
Re: Your dwarf does WHAT???! Shabooah
(20/M/Fayetteville, Arkansas) 6/16/01 5:59 pm
you should start turning the tables on him.
"oh hey, you're a basic fighter for this session." "okay, this time you're
the bartender at the tavern. in fact, you really were all along, i just
forgot to tell you. so i guess you won't be adventuring with the party
this time. so sorry." "alright, here is your revised character sheet for
this week. yes, those are all single digits, but smile, i only made half
of them 3s! come on, it's not like it hasn't been this way all along.
i just didn't mention it before"
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6109 by mattbcieri
====
Message 6155 of 6812 Reply
Re: Paladins and their Horses zedhatch
(28/M/Kentucky) 6/17/01 4:45 pm
I have had the tendancey to not exclusively give out horses as mounts.
Griffions, Triceritops, and once A Roc are some examples of mounts I have
given.
Genrally the mount comes about during gameplay, sometimes on a great quest
or sometimes simply as the Lion and the Thorn type story. Anyway we have
done it it has been very interesting.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6152 by vonromig
====
Message 6156 of 6812 Reply
AD&D Leads to Suicide and Satan..... messiah_of_metal
(18/M/FL) 6/17/01 7:52 pm
So I have been told. LOL! Hey, yall wanna get a real good laugh? I was
laughing SO hard that I rolled off my chair! This is a comic that one
Christain Church was passing out, promoting kids to not play ad&d. Hope
yall enjoy it as much as I did!!
http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0046/0046_01.asp
Oh yeah, Check this site out, this site lead me to the site with the propaganda
comic:
http://adndstories.tripod.com/index.html
=====
Message 6157 of 6812 Reply
Happy Fathers day to all you DADS! thelady_dm
(22/F/The Deepest Realms of the) 6/17/01 8:08 pm
Happy fathers day!
Not only you are a dad... but you rp.
Who could ask for a better father?
*hugs*
-The Lady DM
===
Message 6158 of 6812 Reply
Re: AD&D Leads to Suicide and Satan..... thelady_dm
(22/F/The Deepest Realms of the) 6/17/01 8:10 pm
Jack Chick strikes again... trust me... as a pagan I know ALL about the
man.
*chuckle*
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6156 by messiah_of_metal
====
Message 6159 of 6812 Reply
Re: Paladins and their Horses wannabesuperman
(23/M/Atlanta, GA) 6/17/01 9:06 pm
Yeah, the thing that most DMs and players forget is that the paladin's
mount is a magical creature. That means that any creature, beast, or whatever
that you say can be "ridden" can be a mount. It just has to answer the
paladin's call.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6155 by zedhatch
===
Message 6160 of 6812 Reply
Re: History buff Myrkul999
(22/M/Ft. Lauderdale, FL) 6/18/01 3:48 am
"For the last time, I'm not a F#*$^(g Dwarf, D!*&)t!, I'm Human! I'm just
short! WHAT? Oh, I'll 'Funny Halfing' you, my friend! There! HAH! How's
that ankle feeling now, eh?"
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6149 by vonromig
===
Message 6161 of 6812 Reply
Re: Happy Fathers day to all you DADS! sirgrapefellow
(37/M/Portland Oregon) 6/18/01 10:31 am
Thank you lady you are very sweet!
Had a great fathers day, kicked off the week end by taking a half day
of work on friday and spending the rest playing D&D!!! It was glorious!
on another note:
Sorry I missed the chat session! I was thinking of you guys but had no
access to a computer at the time. I'll be there for the next one.
How did it go?
Thanks again
Sir Grapefellow
(better known to my players as...TheDM)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6157 by thelady_dm
===-=
Message 6162 of 6812 Reply
Demihuman Paladins and their Horses SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/18/01 10:34 am
I haven't read over paladin rules in a while, but here's a question:
Does the paladin't mount get a magically extended lifespan like a wizard's
familiar?
If not, what do the new 3e demihuman paladins do when their mounts keep
dying every few decades?
Elf Paladin: "Like him? It's my new mount. I'd estimate he's about...
oh... my tenth or so. I've been serving the god's call for 200 years,
you know, since I was a strapping lad of 100."
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6155 by zedhatch
===
Message 6163 of 6812 Reply
Re: AD&D Leads to Suicide and Satan..... reverendzen
6/18/01 11:08 am
I love trash like this! I got a kick out of it as well. A large problem
that I find (but is common among such Christians) is that witches of Diana
are not evil, either! It's actually a sect of Wicca, using the whit magic
(though any magic is evil to Christians, from what I've seen).
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6156 by messiah_of_metal
====
Message 6164 of 6812 Reply
Re: Demihuman Paladins and their Horses shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 6/18/01 12:20 pm
I would have to rule that a Paladin's mount does have an extended lifespan,
even though the rules don't say so.
s/g
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6162 by SCA_Bard
===
Message 6165 of 6812 Reply
Deck o many things ? Demonic_Cultist
(27/M/Hopkins, MN) 6/18/01 12:22 pm
Saturday a fellow pulled the Ace o Spades- You are imprisoned. I've determined
that it's not the local brothel or anything in the area that's holding
him. Nor is he held by the lich or the drow, two other possibilities in
my campaign. Anyone have any suggestions or past experience with this
card? Did they ever make it back?
ps- One more campaign-day may end it all anyway for them. Then i could
finally use some of this 3rd ed material!
====
Message 6166 of 6812 Reply
Re: Deck o many things ? adaen
(28/M/New Jersey) 6/18/01 1:20 pm
You could have him trapped, out-of-time in a demiplane (eg, Ravenloft).
From your post, it sounds like you are planning on making the switch to
3E. If so, you could have one or more of the new characters be the protege/decendants
of the imprisoned character. One of their plot lines could be to free
him from his imprisonment.
Of course, it would all depend on the what, who's, and how's of your campaign
and PC's.
Good luck,
Adaen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6165 by Demonic_Cultist
====
Message 6167 of 6812 Reply
Re: Round Robin Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/18/01 1:25 pm
That would be cool. We should limit each segment to one post, so no one
can write too much. The only problem would be keeping it linear.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6151 by thrandorian
====
Message 6168 of 6812 Reply
Re: AD&D Leads to Suicide and Satan..... m0mmabear
(22/F/IL) 6/18/01 1:44 pm
Hey now...some of us feel that "magic" is just another gift from God.
Kinda like an athletic or artistic ability. Generalizations about Christians
are just as bad as generalizations about Gamers.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6163 by reverendzen
====
Message 6169 of 6812 Reply
Re: Round Robin thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/18/01 1:50 pm
Could we go alphabetically through the club membership having people contribute
1 or 2 paragraphs? It might be too much trouble but we could:
1) Post a request that anyone who wants to participate send a short affirmative
post.
2) After a week or so, the screen names be posted on a list alphabetically.
This becomes the order in which people would post.
3) Everyone keeps a copy of the "list". After aardvark writes his/her
paragraph or two (maybe limit to 200 words?), they leave a note on the
end after looking at the "list" saying "OK beholder101, your next!" Then
beholder101 posts next and so on.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6167 by Umbratikus
=====
Message 6170 of 6812 Reply
Re: AD&D Leads to Suicide and Satan..... reverendzen
6/18/01 3:25 pm
I meant no offense by it, and I understand about generalizations. Being
a Pagan (Shaman of Wicca, to be exact) as well as an ordained minister,
I understand a lot about stereotypes. If any offense was taken, I apologize.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6168 by m0mmabear
====
Message 6171 of 6812 Reply
Re: AD&D Leads to Suicide and Satan..... thelady_dm
(22/F/The Deepest Realms of the) 6/18/01 3:28 pm
It wasn't a generalization of christians as a whole. It was a generalization
of christians who leave chick tracts in subways.
*chuckle*
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6168 by m0mmabear
====
Message 6172 of 6812 Reply
Re: AD&D Leads to Suicide and Satan..... dungeonmaster1st
(100/M/muiltiverse) 6/18/01 3:35 pm
lolrotf christains and all the main stream beliefs ...if they had it their
way we have no pleasure in our lives after all everything that we enjoy
they say is the devil's tool ...lol
as for magic the reason theres no true magic left in the world is alot
like other things that have become extinct some fool who didn't understand
what they where seeing got scared and calls it the work of satin gess
what next tecnology is computers bad cause it's a type of magic loes of
people don't understand so it must be bad!!!
hey I'm a priest so what i say must be right cause I'm in touch with god!!!
Thats a bunch of bull shit!!!
relgion is just a way for those who fear what they don't understand to
control and influence the rest of the world!!!
heres a perfect example in a country that is based on freddom we have
not yet had a presednet of the usa that was not of the main stream beliefs
!! I say elect a gammer and watch how the world is changed for the better
cause after all gamers have been ruling worlds for decades now !!!
what do you all think?
sorry for the rant but i had to post my 2 cents on the topic !!!
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6156 by messiah_of_metal
====
Message 6173 of 6812 Reply
Re: AD&D Leads to Suicide and Satan..... fendicaf
(33/M/Fitchburg MA) 6/18/01 5:52 pm
Just for the record, this view is not the view of all Christians. This
is the kind of labeling that says all blacks are te same or all jews etc...
I am a christian and have been playing D&D for 15 years and DM'img for
at least 10. I do not practice magic, worship satan, or contemplate suicide
over a charcters death.
It is the stories of a few individuals that have labeled the whole genre
as evil, as the media only publizes the sensational stories of death and
moral decay. D&D is a game...that is all....if someone things it's real
then they should be seeing a therapist and kept in a padded room. A person
who can't seperate fiction from reality should not play this game...nor
read any fantasty book or they might end up searching for some yellow
bricked road heading for some enchanted emerald city... (BTW does this
mean that anyone who has watched the Wizard of Oz is evil and practices
devil worship?)
This rant was because I had a player once that took the game too seriously,
always talking about his character as if it was himself....(this is fine
for role playing during the game but not a way to run your whole life).
I ended up banning him from our player group.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6172 by dungeonmaster1st
====
Message 6174 of 6812 Reply
Re: Deck o many things ? sirgrapefellow
(37/M/Portland Oregon) 6/18/01 6:12 pm
Imprison him in his sword or favorite weapon! Members of his group may
take the sword so the character stays with the group. Have them notice
a change in the weapon maybe it can communicate with the person holding
it. May be the trapped character has no sense of where he is...in fact
may be you don't give him any real visual reference aside from it's dark
with muffled voices when he is sheathed and light with clearer almost
distiguishable voices when the weapons drawn. Maybe he can hear the thoughts
of his wielder clearly and must learn to communicate when he has the chance.
You could have great fun making this a puzzle in itself. Ultimately it
might be nice to have his extrication be as simple as remove curse to
get him back into the game quickly.Unless the group would rather have
fun with his sorry a-- oops my bad.
Sir Grapefellow
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6165 by Demonic_Cultist
====
Message 6175 of 6812 Reply
Re: Round Robin sirgrapefellow
(37/M/Portland Oregon) 6/18/01 6:16 pm
This would be interesting. We could make guidlines as loose or tight as
we cared if a linear story is important that would be a rule to follow.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6167 by Umbratikus
===
Message 6176 of 6812 Reply
Re: attn. dms question on a ruling leeok31
(33/M/Catoosa, OK) 6/18/01 6:29 pm
didn't it say he was turned to stone by something - becoming statue, and
they cast polymorph other trying to change it into a useful statue?
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6126 by dungeonmaster1st
====
Message 6177 of 6812 Reply
Re: AD&D Leads to Suicide and Satan..... rubbercocktail
(20/M) 6/18/01 8:03 pm
Here's another version of that great Chick Tract for Mystery Science Theater
3000 fans.
http://www.planetadnd.com/humor/DD-MST3K/index.php?file=dd-mst3k.php
enjoy
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6156 by messiah_of_metal
====
Message 6178 of 6812 Reply
Re: Deck o many things ? mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/18/01 11:43 pm
you may have heard me go on about the temple of Elemental Evil?!?
The player drew that card while in Lord Soth's domain. So I sent him to
the temple. After the remainder of the party has finished off the adventure,
they are in search of the temple. This caracter has been out of commission
for a long time. And will be for quite a few adventures.
He was the highest level character in the party when he left, I do not
think he will be when they find him ...
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6165 by Demonic_Cultist
====
Message 6179 of 6812 Reply
Re: Deck o many things ? sirgrapefellow
(37/M/Portland Oregon) 6/19/01 9:41 am
One other thing...after consulting the 3e DMG I've learned the Ace of
Spades or Donjon card acts in the same way as the Imprisonment spell pg.
217 PH. This will give you a lot of info on what your PC's will need to
do to release their friend.
Make the switch to 3e I think you and your group will love it!
Grape
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6174 by sirgrapefellow
=====
Message 6180 of 6812 Reply
Deck of many things & switchin to 3e Demonic_Cultist
(27/M/Hopkins, MN) 6/19/01 11:01 am
Thanks for the input on imprisonment everyone!
Although truly neutral, ;) I'm sort of hoping 3e will come after next
time we play. As then Mr.Maedar and his 3 hottie medusae lifemates will
come waltzin' on up from that 'caved-in and uninteresting' part of the
crypt and give the PC's the hard bodies they've always wanted. heh.
DC
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6179 by sirgrapefellow
====
Message 6181 of 6812 Reply
A ruling for a Third Edition Campaign purplejade1999
(21/F/Fairbanks, AK) 6/19/01 11:12 am
I'm running a campaign, A holy war, and one of my PC's would like to have
his character have split personalities. One side being lawful good ( the
alignment that he is now) and Neutral Evil the other alignment. I don't
have a paladin in the campaign, (left in the middle of it) so no one would
be able to detect the alignment unless they find another paladin or a
spell is cast. The character is a halfling female who is our Sorceress.
Also, what would be a good mount for the halfling. She only stands about
2 feet 10 inches tall. Any information you guys could give would be wonderful!
Purplejade99
=====
Message 6182 of 6812 Reply
Re: A ruling for a Third Edition Campaig SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/19/01 11:49 am
For the mount, maybe a war boar. Wild boars are really, really ill-tempered
creatures, tough as nails in a fight, and about the right size (I think).
Or the 'riding dog' pictured in the 3e PHB. Maybe a Komodo dragon or other
large lizard.
A friend of my family's has multiple personality disorder. I've never
seen her change in front of me, but my father has. Apparently, you can
*tell*. Plus, the personalities often have different names and very different
behaviors (like your LG and NE halfling). Never mind that sometimes some
of the personalities hate some of the others and may try to harm the body
to "get back" at them. And at least in my friend's case, she doesn't always
remember what the other personalities do. She 'woke up' one day in Maine
with a suitcase and some bus tickets and no idea how she got there. The
party ought to figure it out pretty quickly.
That's if you want a "reality-based" split personality. Do a little research,
borrow someone's college psych textbook, or at least read "Sybil." (a
book about a woman fron the 1970s with many, many personalities; I think
it's also a movie). If you want to do something a little more like what
you'd see in kids' cartoons or soap operas, you don't really need to do
any more research. (I think there ought to be a little sound
when the personalities shift in this case, myself).
As an aside: would both personalities be sorceresses? And would they have
the same spells? And who will determine the personality shifts: the GM
or the player?
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6181 by purplejade1999
===
Message 6183 of 6812 Reply
Re: A ruling for a Third Edition Campaig Calitrojan
6/19/01 1:38 pm
Ah the wonderous halfling. As far as mounts go, our halfling paladin used
a war dog, but you could use any small creature with the right strength
to carry your halfling and even some of the smaller medium sized creatures.
As far as the split personality thing, I personally wouldn't allow it
from a new player. I would only allow a veteran of my game to attempt
this. I would need to have proof that the player could handle the role-playing
burden.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6181 by purplejade1999
====
Message 6184 of 6812 Reply
Re: A ruling for a Third Edition Campaig madteuton
(32/M/Keyport, NJ) 6/19/01 3:13 pm
Good point about the split alignment thing, calitrojan.
I've used dogs for halfling mounts so far. One has an Irish Setter-type,
etc.
I would remind the PC that I would be the one deciding when the other
personality kicked in, not her. Perhaps I'd decide what her true alignment
is, what the deviant alignment is, then what would be the % for when the
other would kick in and how often would I need to check ...
Like a Wandering Alignment chart, I guess.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6183 by Calitrojan
====
Message 6185 of 6812 Reply
fendecaf dungeonmaster1st
(100/M/muiltiverse) 6/19/01 3:13 pm
i agree with you whole heartedly I have a player like that now which i'd
love to ban from the group only problem he'd probally go kill himself
if i did that anyways
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6173 by fendicaf
====
Message 6186 of 6812 Reply
Re: AD&D Leads to Suicide and Satan..... zedhatch
(28/M/Kentucky) 6/19/01 4:34 pm
I was looking over the website that started this whole debate. One thing
I feel must be pointed out is that if you read the essays they write,
they quote the DMG WAAAAY out of context. With that in mind, could it
be that thier primary weapon (The Bible) is quoted WAAAY out of context.
I am an agnostic, so I can say that "everyone's wrong". But I did once
take a wonderfull college level course in the bible (Taught by a 67 yerar
old minister with a unique outlook) that gave me some appreacation of
the book. After looking through biblical quote after quote I can fairly
say these jokers are spinning thier own yarn.
If we are to believe what they say we should burn the bible as well. Biblical
sctipute and misinterpretations of it lead to the Crusades (howmany died
in that?), anti-semitism, and has had an uncanny knack of seperating old
women form thier Social Security checks. Since none of these acts are
very christain then perhapes we should distroy the book that manipulated
people into doing such hurendous acts.
Of course I am not being serious. The Bible, like the DMG, has had nutcases
who have taken it the wrong way. The best thing to do is let people live
as they see fit. As long as no one gets hurt then what is the harm. I
think Jesus said something like that once. It's one of those things that
even though I am agnostic i can respect about the bible.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6173 by fendicaf
====
Message 6187 of 6812 Reply
Operational Question thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/19/01 5:44 pm
1) If you had a technically adept player who wanted to run two characters
simultaneously, would you allow it?
2) Do you allow players to have multiple characters in your campaign but
only let them run one at a time?
OR
3) No way. One character to a player period?
T
====
Message 6188 of 6812 Reply
Bad news lordironfist70
(31/M/State College PSU) 6/19/01 6:08 pm
The person you all know as vonromig was in a bad car accident late saturday
night 2:15 am (Sun morning). He was hit by a drunken driver as he was
going to pick up friends of his who were to drunk to drive. I'm a good
friend and a player in his Sat group and was just able to see him today.
He asked me to pass on his apologies for his absence and will be getting
out of the hospital sometime this weekend. He recieved multiple broken
bones and had some enternal bleeding that had him in ICU for Sunday and
Monday morning. Since I don't have a computor he has let me have use of
his. So if you see vonromig on line that is me. I have bring him copys
of the posts to read to him because he doesnt want to get to far behind
and the humor helps. Laughter is the best medicine. I'm got to tell thradorain
that the mail for him was in the car that is totaled so when he gets his
wife to get it she will mail it and he says hes sorry for the delay.
LIH
=====
Message 6189 of 6812 Reply
Re: Bad news thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/19/01 7:36 pm
Please tell Ken I said Hi. Don't worry about delays, that's not important,
how he is doing is!
I'm sure everyone will send their support and good wishes so I won't make
a long note of but please tell him although I'm not generally a praying
man, I will for him.
I have appreciated his companionship and efforts throughout the website
project and consider him a friend.
Please keep us up to date on his condition.
Thrandorian
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6188 by lordironfist70
====
Message 6190 of 6812 Reply
Re: Operational Question fendicaf
(33/M/Fitchburg MA) 6/19/01 8:15 pm
Actually multi-character players have almost become the norm of my dwindling
group of players(2-4). We still have adventures with just one character
each but we also have a couple of storylines going in which at least 2
players have 2 charters in it.
Role-playing conversations can be quiet entertaining as the player goes
slightly schitzo talking to him/herself. The charcters each have a distinct
personality that the players bring out while "talking" so that it is (usually)
not necessary to specify who is talking.
It is chalnging for both the players and myself(DM) and I would never
consider letting an in-experienced player try it..... but then if I had
a copuple more players, experienced or otherwise, we wouldn't be running
multiple charters per player!
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6187 by thrandorian
=====
Message 6191 of 6812 Reply
Re: AD&D Leads to Suicide and Satan..... Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/20/01 8:42 am
<>
...so, do you dance naked around bonfires?
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6158 by thelady_dm
=====
Message 6192 of 6812 Reply
Re: Bad news adaen
(28/M/New Jersey) 6/20/01 8:44 am
Get well soon, vonromig. Your presence is definitely missed here.
-Adaen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6188 by lordironfist70
===
Message 6193 of 6812 Reply
Re: AD&D Leads to Suicide and Satan..... Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/20/01 8:48 am
Okay, so you are a Pagan AND an ordained minister? How does that work?
Since this is off topic, we can take it off line, but I am seriously curious.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6170 by reverendzen
====
Message 6194 of 6812 Reply
Re: AD&D Leads to Suicide and Satan..... Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/20/01 9:00 am
I apologize for perpetuating off topic discussions, being a founder and
all, but I had to respond to DM1st's rant:
<>
Catholics drink and gamble, Protestants believe in birth control...I've
played D&D with PKs...Who exactly are you refering to, Puritans?
<>
Religion is a way for those who fear what they don't understand to not
fear what they don't understand. It is a way to put certainty to the uncertainty.
What you are doing is exactly what you are preaching against. You are
taking the religious extremists and lumping all mainstream religions with
them, just as the religious extremists are taking the rp gamers who go
off the deep end and associating all gamers with those unforunate kooks.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6172 by dungeonmaster1st
====
Message 6195 of 6812 Reply
Re: Operational Question Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/20/01 9:12 am
As a general rule, I have always gone by one player - one character. I
think running two at a time creates some unwanted dynamics, and takes
away player focus. However I wouldn't be opposed to letting players have
more than one character if only one is used at a time, say, if one character
was imprisoned (to touch on a current thread), or somehow incapacitated.
I suppose if I had a small group, and I thought the players could handle
it, I might consider it, but only if I could allow all of the players
to do the same.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6187 by thrandorian
====
Message 6196 of 6812 Reply
Re: Bad news Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/20/01 9:15 am
Ken,
I know I speak for most when I say our thoughts are with you.
LIH,
Keep us posted on his condition.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6188 by lordironfist70
=====
Message 6197 of 6812 Reply
Re: Bad news sirgrapefellow
(37/M/Portland Oregon) 6/20/01 9:36 am
Boy,what can I say I feel like vonromig is a personal friend, this is
tragic and horrible.
I am so very thankful he is going to be alright. My thoughts are with
you sir and I wish you the best and quickest recovery.
I look forward to your posts, but don't over do it, you need to take care
of your self.
Take care.
Tom
aka Sir Garpefellow
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6188 by lordironfist70
====
Message 6198 of 6812 Reply
Re: Bad news madteuton
(32/M/Keyport, NJ) 6/20/01 9:51 am
Best wishes for a speedy recovery, von.
The club is diminished without your contributions.
--madteuton
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6197 by sirgrapefellow
====
Message 6199 of 6812 Reply
Re: Bad news teyindahl
(22/F/Underhill) 6/20/01 12:14 pm
Wow.
I'm sorry to hear about what happened to Von :(.
I hope he's doing all right, and I'll send my wishes over for a speedy
recovery.
-Jenny
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6198 by madteuton
====
Message 6200 of 6812 Reply
Re: Bad news Kimball_G
(23/M/Charleston) 6/20/01 12:21 pm
Best wishes and a speedy recovery...don't forget the potion of cure moderate
wounds, aka Lots of Advil and OJ. Good thing you had a Seatbelt of Strengh
+4.
IMHO...drunk drivers should have to draw from a "stacked" Deck o Many
Things.
Hope noone takes offense...all is meant in good humor.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6198 by madteuton
====
Message 6201 of 6812 Reply
Re: Operational Question teyindahl
(22/F/Underhill) 6/20/01 12:23 pm
1) If you had a technically adept player who wanted to run two characters
simultaneously, would you allow it?
Yes, for a variety of reasons. For one thing, we run a small campain,
with only four regular members. Because of this, the DM usually takes
a character, and so does two things at once, even if not technically playing
two characters. But whenever we pick up NPCs, one of the players inveribly
ends up playing him/her/it. The DM sometimes takes control between battles
if there's something the NPC knows but the player doesn't, but during
battle it's all up to the player. We had one gal who was keeping track
of three for a time: her character, the character's familiar, and an NPC
we'd picked up. She's also new to the game, but had no problem with more
than one character.
-Jenny
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6187 by thrandorian
===
Message 6202 of 6812 Reply
Re: Operational Question dungeonmaster1st
(100/M/muiltiverse) 6/20/01 1:45 pm
depends on the player but if thsey vcan handle it sure would !!
like right now I'm playing in a game alowing one of my regular players
to dm abit so i can take a break
and I'm runing my main pc his fami. compaino his wife 4 henchmen henchmen's
compaino .. 2 monsters mad a mutal benifical pack with all at same time!!!
dam charm person spell works great doesn't it !! along with friends forget
and suggestion and so forth :)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6201 by teyindahl
====
Message 6203 of 6812 Reply
Re: AD&D Leads to Suicide and Satan..... thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/20/01 2:54 pm
Umbratikus wrote: "...so, do you dance naked around bonfires?"
Who doesn't? Pagan or no, there is no better feeling than successfully
flicking off a flying ember that could have caused a personal brush fire.
Makes me feel alive!
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6191 by Umbratikus
===
Message 6204 of 6812 Reply
Re: Operational Question autodoc68638
(29/M/Grand Island, NE) 6/20/01 2:57 pm
I've been a D&D player for about eight years, and have been playing multiple
characters for the past four, and have had no problems with doing so.
It's not so much being technically adept, but being able to lay two different
personalities at the same time. Can get pretty hairy at times.
We've always playd two characters at the same time because sometimes our
gaming group consists of three people, with one of us being the DM, so
we usually play a party of four and the DM sends along at least one NPC
with our party.
To su up my answer, if the player wants to play two characters, let him/her!!!
Jut be sure you can handle it in-game as well!!
Happy Questing!!
Bob
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6187 by thrandorian
====
Message 6205 of 6812 Reply
Re: A ruling for a Third Edition Campaig reverendzen
6/20/01 3:50 pm
MPD is a strong possibility, and quite easier than believed. As far as
class goes, I have a character who has 4 personalities; one's a fighter,
one rogue, one sorcerer, and one cleric. With the rules of split-classing
(as I believe it is called in 3E) where a level 1 character actually only
has half a level in each of 2 classes, I actually made him all 4 classes
at level 2 (half in each), and as he goes up, I'm going to add half again
until at 4th level he will be level 1 in each. It is a bit confusing,
and I agree with only letting a veteran role player do it.
Another good book is "When Rabbit Howls", where the woman (I forget her
name) actually had 67 different personalities. It is a true story, and
quite good, if you like psych.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6181 by purplejade1999
====
Message 6206 of 6812 Reply
3rd Ed. Ruling and Ops Question shinto_gaijin
(28/M/Sasebo, Japan) 6/20/01 4:26 pm
Yahoo is acting up again, so I haven't read all the previous posts. Sorry
if I'm being repetitious.
As for the split personality halfling .. I would allow it if:
(1) the two personalities were two different characters .. possibly with
different ability scores, classes, etc.
- and -
(2) I (as DM) control when the personality shifts occur.
- and -
(3) The player can keep the information learned by one personality separate
from the other's knowledge.
As for the mount .. I think the "war dog" option is probably the most
likely, any Small-Medium sized creature with at least four legs and a
back that could be ridden on and can be or (preferably) has been trained
could be suitable.
In regards to the players with multiple characters, it depends on the
player and the group.
s/g
===
Message 6207 of 6812 Reply
Fix kwan_darkwood
(21/M) 6/20/01 4:38 pm
Hey everyone, I'm sure you all have had those times when you click on
a post and it won't let you read it. Well, when it does that, here is
how to get past it:
1. Right click on the link to the post and choose to copy link location,
or whichever option on your browser does this. For example, for this post
I would click and get this: http://messages.clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/dungeonmastersguild/bbs?action=m&tid=dunge
onmastersguild&sid=12183584&mid=6206
2. Now, the way to fix this is to take this url, and change messages to
post. The finished product would be this:
http://post.clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/dungeonmastersguild/bbs?action=m&tid=dungeonma
stersguild&sid=12183584&mid=6206
3. That will let you read the posts.
=====
Message 6208 of 6812 Reply
Re: Bad news lastlonecubsfan
(31/M/T-Town) 6/20/01 4:42 pm
Hey von get well soon. I need your tiny bits of wisdom to get me through
my day.
Jack
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6188 by lordironfist70
====
Message 6209 of 6812 Reply
Re: AD&D Leads to Suicide and Satan..... thelady_dm
(22/F/The Deepest Realms of the) 6/20/01 6:13 pm
I've never been brave enough to dance naked around a bonfire. *chuckle*
I've danced around a bonfire by myself, not having planned it out, it
was a spontanious thing and very revitalizing, you should all try it sometime.
I have danced, clothed, in a drumming circle in public. Does that count?
-The Lady DM
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6191 by Umbratikus
====
Message 6210 of 6812 Reply
Re: A ruling for a Third Edition Campaig thelady_dm
(22/F/The Deepest Realms of the) 6/20/01 6:20 pm
I would say that a character with multiple personalities should be Chaotic
Nuetral, that is- if they plan on having full reign over when the personalities
appear and dissapear.
Otherwise, I would say they pick one alignment, and the DM gets to make
occasional rolls to see if the personality changes.
-The Lady DM
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6205 by reverendzen
====
Message 6211 of 6812 Reply
Your opinion is wanted! thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/20/01 6:34 pm
I would appreciate it if anyone who has time would check out the web design
ideas we are working on and give your opinion about which direction you
think is better.
Here is the URL to the demo page where links to the various page ideas
can be found.
NO! NAKED ONLY!
Truely yours,
Levi
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6209 by thelady_dm
====
Message 6231 of 6812 Reply
3E Forgotten Realms Review messiah_of_metal
(18/M/FL) 6/21/01 9:14 pm
Hey I baught the book and I just want to say its VERY intersting to read,
very will written, it will keep you occuppied for hours, but its a little
pricey ($40)
====
Message 6232 of 6812 Reply
Re: Character Generation Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/22/01 8:47 am
Just about everything in your chart has been covered in my game by player
choice alone. I don't see any need to randomize these factors.
As far as the insanity thing goes, I leave this up to the players on how
they want to play their characters. I have had monomaniacal characters,
schitzophrenic characters, multiple personalities, irrational phobias,
all of this just out of the minds of the players. I would never force
something like this on a player that isn't ready for it. The type of players
that I have played with who choose these types of characters, are usually
very good at playing them. Forcing an insanity on a player who doesn't
want it or isn't capable of playing it properly can do more harm to a
game than good.
Deformities in my campaign have ranged from a club foot, to ugly growths,
to bad facial scarring, to having one eye, to being totally blind. These
also were player choices, although some of them were based on low ability
scores, charisma mostly or dexterity, but still the ideas came from the
players, not from a chart.
Childhood, friends, pet peeves, these all either come out in background
generation or role playing sessions. I always have a heavy hand in character
backgrounds, and putting those together is always a fun time.
And lastly, talents, are determined via non-weapon proficiencies (2e).
We have had characters select singing, cooking, artistic ability, and
musical instrument. Oh, and poetry, too.
If randomizing this works for your group and they like it, more power
to you, but I prefer player choice in these matters.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6225 by thrandorian
====
Message 6233 of 6812 Reply
Re: Character Generation Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/22/01 8:54 am
One thing I do sometimes randomize in character generation is Secondary
Skills. I give them full reign in everything else, but I do role to see
what their career was before they became adventurers. I then give them
a bonus proficiency based on their former trade, if they had one.
Of course this isn't graven in stone. Often the character will have another
idea for what his character was beforehand, and that is fine with me,
as long as he is doing it for the sake of story and not to gain any kind
of upper-hand in the game. Most of the players like this secondary skill
roll, though. It is kind of symbolic of the concept that you can't always
choose your past, but you can choose your future.
Umbratkius
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6225 by thrandorian
====
Message 6234 of 6812 Reply
Re: 3E Forgotten Realms Review sirgrapefellow
(37/M/Portland Oregon) 6/22/01 10:20 am
I second that! I run my own world not Forgotten Realms and I must say
this book will get you in a creative mood.
About the price? Silly me, had the book on hold I ran over to the shop
to pick it up handed 'em my plastic they said ok $40.00...I couldn't belive
my ears. Bought it anyway and Im glad I did!
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6231 by messiah_of_metal
====
Message 6235 of 6812 Reply
Re: 3E Forgotten Realms Review reverendzen
6/22/01 11:28 am
It is quite pricy, but if you consider it, the 2nd edition FR book was
$20, and only skimmed over the Realms. The stats given for NPCs in the
new book exceed those found in the Heroes of the FR book in 2E (which
was an additional $15.95). I'd say it's well worth the price, considering
it is the 2nd world created for D&D, and contains roughly 20 years of
cumulative info on the world.
I'm glad to be able to get the book for 20% off at a local used book store.
They discount everything, even if it's new.
My friends and I used to run our own world, but have recently decided
to add our world to the FR, since there is so much of the world not explored.
We say that the discoverer of "our world" was a Christopher Columbus type
from Suzail, who decided to sail and see what he can see. This way we
can use all of the FR info, and even run a game there if we're in a pinch
for a quick session.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6234 by sirgrapefellow
====
Message 6236 of 6812 Reply
Another one (or, two) bites the dust ... madteuton
(32/M/Keyport, NJ) 6/22/01 2:16 pm
(sigh) I had another two PCs die at my game this past session. The party
is reckless. They seem to think I am simply a tough DM, but I would say
I am Lawful Neutral. I, as DM, am certainly not going to be counted on
to swoop in and save the party if they're unthinking and careless (though
I do cut them breaks sometimes). If they make stupid decisions, chances
are they'll die. It's a hard world. Once they die, their new characters
must begin at 1L. I'm hoping this incentive will foster smarter and better
strategy and better role-playing.
====
Message 6237 of 6812 Reply
Re: Another one (or, two) bites the dust messiah_of_metal
(18/M/FL) 6/22/01 2:32 pm
Well, you gotta make em learn. I usualy dont kill them, I usualy give
them warning. What type of warnings? Well, the loss of limbs, fingers,
Ability Scores, money. If they are fingerless and still decide to be stupid,
then they deserve to die... a horrible death.
Levi
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6236 by madteuton
====
Message 6238 of 6812 Reply
Re: Another one (or, two) bites the dust zedhatch
(28/M/Kentucky) 6/22/01 2:38 pm
Sounds good, I had a similar problem once but after my pleyers hit heads
into a few walls and I explained about being reckless costs then they
got the message. It's Darwinism "Do DUmb stuff, you die"
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6236 by madteuton
====
Message 6239 of 6812 Reply
Re: Another one (or, two) bites the dust adaen
(28/M/New Jersey) 6/22/01 4:09 pm
Ouch. How do you balance it when they die and they're 6th level and then
start them out at 1st?
-Adaen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6236 by madteuton
====
Message 6240 of 6812 Reply
Re: Another one (or, two) bites the dust gedvondur
(30/M/Green Bay, WI) 6/22/01 4:31 pm
It's tough when you get that kind of recklessness in a party. Sometimes
all you can do is kill them. I try to not kill them all that much because
I want a continueing storyline. I also want the character development
that a player has put into his character to blossom.
I also have a deal with the players: If you die, though stupidity or bad
luck or whatever, you can come to me about it. There are some great story
points you can use to re-introduce a character. I also tell them, its
going to cost and big time. Ability points, all their magic, forced change
of religion or character class, something. I want them to WANT to keep
the character. It makes them a little more cautious. I know that when
I play if I am really enjoying the character and have some good development
into him/her, I am more careful. This usually works.
On the otherhand a graphic violent demonstration of the laws of physics
on their character's person in a fatal manner usually gives the rest the
idea.
Gedvondur
DM--Legion of the Red Paw
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6236 by madteuton
====
Message 6241 of 6812 Reply
Re: Another one (or, two) bites the dust gedvondur
(30/M/Green Bay, WI) 6/22/01 4:34 pm
;By: adaen
;Date: 6/22/01 4:09 pm
;Ouch. How do you balance it when they die and ;they're 6th level and
then start them out at 1st?
;-Adaen
Great question. How do you do that? I have never been able to puzzle it
out. A 1st level character is charcoal with one fireball. Surviving would
be a HUGE challange and you would never catch all the way up without special
help....
Gedvondur
DM--Legion of the Red Paw
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6239 by adaen
===
Message 6242 of 6812 Reply
Re: Another one (or, two) bites the dust Dustin_00
(30/M/Redmond) 6/22/01 4:45 pm
I prefer to just reward smart playing. Case in point:
Before going after the local evil baron, people were complaining "he tortured
me with fire" and "he burns people for fun".
Midway through the adventure, they come across some potions of fire resistance.
If they sell them, dump them, whatever, that final battle is going to
SUCK and somebody may very well die. If they realize "hey, didn't they
say the guy likes to use fire?" and they keep them handy for the final
battle, then they are rewarded.
For punishing stupidity, I prefer things like losing their favorite equipment,
getting captured, etc. Recovery of lost stuff/person can become an adventure
in itself.
It's also important to recognize good roleplaying. Occasionally when playing
a character I will make the comment: "OK, I *know* this is stupid, but
my character would do this..." I follow through and hope the GM recognizes
my verbal cue as "don't kill the character for doing what you knew zie
would do. Smack zir around, do something horrible, etc, I expect that.
But lets not end the story here."
Needless to say, the cold, calculating, smart characters never need the
above disclaimer before an action. It's always those that are dedicated
to a greater cause, or are just plain stupid that get in trouble (the
2 are not equal, but I do remember a Cleric with an INT of 5 in one game...).
Now, if a Paladin suddenly smacks around some other Lawful Good cleric
with the flimsy excuse of "He doesn't worship *my* god", now THAT deserves
punishment. He's obviously not in danger, but I'd find some heap of trouble
to put him through; say, a judicial review from his church "We're getting
complaints from our ally so-and-so that you're abusing their members."
There's lots of ways to "be stupid" as a GM you should recognize there
are lots of "options for punishment". Sit down and just scribble out a
list for later use:
get slipped a micky before the next big fight
become ill
stripped of title
stripped of divine spells
loss of item/equipment
magical curse (lycanthropy is NOT recomended -- the player might like
it)
"Wanted" posters with the character's picture
If the player is bad, don't kill them, play with them a bit! It's much
more fun! >;-)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6240 by gedvondur
=====
Message 6243 of 6812 Reply
Re: AD&D Leads to Suicide and Satan..... Dustin_00
(30/M/Redmond) 6/22/01 4:52 pm
I'm just glad WotC doesn't give a damn about these idiots any more.
When I saw the 3rd Edition Diablo expansion, I HAD to buy a copy. I knew
at that moment that they were going to publish whatever they felt gamers
wanted and would enjoy. SCREW THE WACKOS!
Now, I have made it all the way to level 10 druid and still haven't succeeded
in casting one spell or even communing with a demon. Can somebody tell
me what I'm doing wrong? More bacon, less pig blood maybe?
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6156 by messiah_of_metal
====
Message 6244 of 6812 Reply
Re: Character Generation thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/22/01 5:10 pm
My thinking is that I know I didn't get to choose my abilities at birth.
I didn't even get to choose my name, so characters have one up on real
people already.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6232 by Umbratikus
====
Message 6245 of 6812 Reply
Re: Another one (or, two) bites the dust Calitrojan
6/22/01 5:26 pm
I have a similar rule. You die, you start over. I like my players to fully
develop their characters and to really get to know them. You can't do
that if you start in the middle of your career. What did you do all those
years you were out earining experience?
At first this was not a problem. In our first adventure in 3rd edition
we had 5 characters, the druid drowned, the thief and the cleric died
of a disease that they contracted (this was the bruning plague adventure
from teh WotC web-site. If you are starting a new campaing I suggest this
to you). The two remaining characters stayed alive through the rest of
the campaign... the others tended to die... Anyway at the end of the campaign
we had the two orignal players at 7th level and then the 2nd longest-lived
at 5th (he lost a level to a wight) and the others were between 2nd and
4th.
The problem is mainly for the DM. How do you challenge the higher level
characters and still keep the 1st levelers from being overwhelmed? Well
one thing is that the higher level characters tend to act as good shields...They
see when the little ones are in trouble and step in to take the hits.
Another thing that I do is mix up the encounters. We may have some orcs
led by a troll or a group of ogres, one of which is a sorcerer or a barbarian
class. Usually my mixed level groups encounter mixed level encounters,
where their is one or two larger enemies and a grouping of minions to
occupy the weaker characters while the higher level character duke it
out.
Now, this seems like it is taking the lower level characters out of the
main lime-light. But in reality, the way 3rd edition is set up, a low
level character can easily jump in and deliver the saving blow. This often
happened and was one of the reasons that I had so much level diversity.
The low-level characters would rush in and save the dying high level guy
at the last moment, and end up sacrficing himself in the process.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6239 by adaen
====
Message 6246 of 6812 Reply
Re: AD&D Leads to Suicide and Satan..... Calitrojan
6/22/01 5:31 pm
I believe the proper mixture for a demon summoning elixir is as follows:
3 parts pigs blood
1 part cow tongue
2 parts raven feathers
1 part cat's eye (not the stone)
1 part bat guano
2 jalapenos
3 packages of green jell-o
1 stick of spearmint flavored gum (extra works well)
1 cup of toe-nail clippings from your neighbor's mother-in-law
3 sticks of margarine (real butter will ruin this)
2 yolkless eggs (what could be more evil?)
and a pinch of old Mrs. Crumpley's hair (you know, that third grade teacher
that used to hit you with the ruler...)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6243 by Dustin_00
====
Message 6247 of 6812 Reply
Re: AD&D Leads to Suicide and Satan..... Dustin_00
(30/M/Redmond) 6/22/01 5:39 pm
Aw man, I can hear them laughing at me now! The elixir list I was given
had "green jell-o SHOOTERS".
Now I know why they were all more than happy to come over the night I
attempted the summoning... and help "clean up" afterwords.
Lazy jerks.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6246 by Calitrojan
====
Message 6248 of 6812 Reply
Re: Character Generation teyindahl
(22/F/Underhill) 6/22/01 5:40 pm
"My thinking is that I know I didn't get to choose my abilities at birth"
True, but we're already playing god when we make characters, so I let
people come up with the history on their own. The player is more likely
to get into playing a character they enjoy (with the traits, etc. that
they want to play) than one they were stuck with. We usually come up with
some pretty interesting back grounds.
The only times I would step in with a random generation is if the player
always played a certain type of character, or if the player tended to
make their characters too privledged (or too something - too beautiful,
too clever, too skilled in X, etc.), or too powerful. So far this hasn't
happened.
Although I would like to have a random chart with mental illnesses, etc.
Did you say that was from first edition? Where could I find one now?
-Jenny
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6244 by thrandorian
====
Message 6249 of 6812 Reply
Re: Another one (or, two) bites the dust fendicaf
(33/M/Fitchburg MA) 6/22/01 5:48 pm
Better role-playing and better strategy to not necessarily go together.
As has been mentioned before. Role-playing is doing what your character
SHOULD do based on the CHARACTERS abilities not based on the PLAYERS abilities.
For example, Paladin X was trained to fight and to lead. He has a moderate
inteligence and can make good tacticle decions. While Barbarian Y has
brute strength and a tough hide, but is sorely lacking in the smarts field.
Put into the same situation they should and will act differently.
The Paladin will send his companions to where they will to the most good.
"Fighter come with me, Thief circle around and look for others trying
to flank us. Cleric come in but stay behind us and keep those healing
spells handy. Mage stay back and cover us. Fighter 2, protect the mage."
The Barbarian will see a fight and does what he knows best.... rushes
into the thick of it swinging, bashing, kicking and spitting. Meanwhile
the rest of his comapanions now have a choice, sacrifice the big strong...but
dumb...muscle man or go in and help him.
Both characters are doing what the SHOULD do and should be rewarded for
that. Remember the job of the GM is to make the game fun for the players....killing
them off because they don't know strategy (either as a player or charcter)
is no fun for anyone.
I'm not saying go soft on the players. Give them challenges, stretch their
abilities, teach the players through example. As their character survives
and grews in experience, so will the players.
My 2 coppers worth,
Blind Sage
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6236 by madteuton
====
Message 6250 of 6812 Reply
Re: Character Generation thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/22/01 9:22 pm
I see your point tey but it can be fun to work with pre-determined factors
too. I have had several people tell me the best part of the character
generation is this additional chart.
They enjoy taking cues from their past and say they feel that their character
is more real when they haven't planned out every detail themselves.
I know some people have every detail about the type of character they
want to play ingrained in their minds but for some others, the idea of
having some pre-set factors gives them an added interest in dealing with
attributes they haven't planned.
If you've never tried it I'm just suggesting that it can be fun and you
might want to consider trying it once.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6248 by teyindahl
=====
Message 6251 of 6812 Reply
Re: Operational Question vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/24/01 6:46 pm
When I started out I gamed with one or two players only. Most of the time
they ran two or three characters, of course that left them all having
the same personality and no thoughts of party interaction.
For the past 12 years I only let a player have more than one character
when he was running a PC whose player was absent. I don't see the need
for multi-character players...even if only 1 or 2 players, I can still
make it enjoyable without forcing them into positions where they need
more 'firepower'.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6187 by thrandorian
====
Message 6252 of 6812 Reply
Re: AD&D Leads to Suicide and Satan..... vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/24/01 6:54 pm
My thoughts on religion and D&D...
I started the game with another 12 year old who lived four houses from
our church. So after the church meeting was over I would go to his house
and play (we lived 40 minutes away), then when my mom came back for the
evening service I would catch my ride home. So in a way I got my start
in D&D because I went to church...religion has no bearing on playing or
not to play, unless others just wish to use that as an excuse to 'preach'
their beliefs. Besides, don't most of the players control good guys killing
the evil beings, whats so wrong in that?
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6194 by Umbratikus
====
Message 6253 of 6812 Reply
Re: Character Generation vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/24/01 7:19 pm
The way I have the players create their characters takes about the whole
first session, some 8+ hours...why? I find that most players enjoy the
act of designing their alter-egos and so give them an extended period
for them to pleasure themselves this way.
-After the initial stat generating we go into their equipment and why
they have the items they do. Where did they get them? What previous event(s)
lead them to think they needed this selection of supplies? It starts the
background building.
-Then we go into a detailed but paraphrased history of each of their lives.
I let them make-up what they want, and only entervene when the story won't
fit in my world (due to differences of society and/or culture concepts)
-Giving them their Player's Guild to the Campaign requires them to all
read quite a bit of info, and leads to debates between themselves and
with me...trying to get a feel to how their characters fits into the 'scene'.
-Then we have the setting where their characters join up or at least meet
each other...the beginning. Most of my beginnings will certainly lead
to an hour or more of conversation as to what they should first be doing
(they involve situations that have multiple starting paths).
-Once they decide, we can start the gaming.
As for defects, personality disorders, and other such 'negative' role-playing
options I don't give them to the PCs, and the players would have to be
real convincing for me to allow them to give it to themselves. As I find
such conventions distracting when dealing with a Campaign that could take
a year or more to finish.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6225 by thrandorian
=====
Message 6254 of 6812 Reply
Re: Another one (or, two) bites the dust vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/24/01 7:27 pm
In my games players die very rarely, as they are lacking in combat situations.
Most of the adventures are mental in nature and requires the players to
role-play their characters instead of rolling dice. But I would not hesitate
in 'killing' them off if their actions or stupidity dictates that the
should die.
When a character does get killed, then I feel bad for the player, as he
has put so much into his PC. But the real challenge comes in being in
his new character to the group, most times they are so mixed up in not
trusting anyone. Why would they open their arms for this new guy? I they
get to know me and can see that I may not pass up the chance to throw
in a 'mole', under the disguise of 'this is just his new PC, you can trust
him'.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6236 by madteuton
====
Message 6255 of 6812 Reply
Re: Round Robin vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/24/01 7:46 pm
I love the idea so much that I have created two other clubs just so we
can do it right!!!
In the first club is the story. Therefore, ALL the posts are nothing but
a continuous yarn, with no other interuptions or scattered among other
topics. This way members, lurkers, and those just passing through can
start at post #2 and read it from there no matter how many posts there
are total. This club is public, for all to enjoy. I even have set up the
Rules and the World in the THAT club's "Founder's Personal Home Page"
(not in this club, although there WILL be a link to it from here). The
URL is...
http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/thefenthrasherenigma
The second club is Unlisted and only usable by the 'Writers' of the Fenthrasher
Enigma Club. It is where the storytellers can go and discuss storylines,
plots, and ideas without taking up space in this club or the Story club...a
hidden meeting room so the story fall nicely into place.
So if you are interested, check it out and read the "Founder's Personal
Home Page" for more details, and the Photo section there for Maps...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6167 by Umbratikus
====
Message 6256 of 6812 Reply
DM Puzzler #8 vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/24/01 8:17 pm
Since I have been away for awhile you all may have gotten a little lax,
so I made you up one that is a little tougher...
You have just started up a new game with four players; two are old friends
and masters at the game. The other two are new players but after the first
session show themselves to be fanstastic at the game also. You see that
you are in for the best run of gaming ever!
Now, after the first session is over one of the new players (Henry) says
he has a brother who would have been here to start today, if you would
have let him, but he was playing the last night of his baseball league.
"So can he come next week?" You think about it for awhile and say YES
(after all it just started and with this group more players can only mean
more fun...right?)
Next week rolls around and Henry introduces you to his brother Thomas.
The only thing is Thomas suffers from Down Syndrome and has a bad stuttering
speech impediment...
Now your all super-nice DMs so you give him a chance, but he plays worst
then if you let your dog try, and the time it takes for him to get anything
out causes the others to moan and to run other errands (like laundry,
and to see a movie). But Thomas does try...
So what do you do?
Can you do anything without ruining the game, upsetting the brother, Henry,
or looking like a malicious jerk for treating him as unworthy?
Von Romig
=====
Message 6257 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #8 thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/24/01 8:58 pm
Just for this Von I am going to come up with one for you soon and it won’t
be easy...Maybe have handicapped people, a minister and racial overtones
all thrown in...
IMHO, the buddy was remiss to the max if he had a brother with Down-Syndrome
and failed to mention that little point. No excuse he would know better.
I would have had a conversation with all players involved that would go
something like this: "How long has your brother played? Never? well what
is he like? Oh Down Syndrome? I don't think that would meld well unless
you would like to take him under your wing so that he will not violate
rules or get us off track.
If you will do that I would be glad to give this a try even though I don't
have any experience with making a situation like this work out. He will
have to be informed up front, that this is a test and that if we cannot
make it work that we will not continue.
If you are a creative DM (in my case I have worked with DS employees and
have found them to be resourceful and competent within parameters) you
can have him play a fighter with more heart than intellect.
I would warn you away from any evil characters for this type of player
however as this is generally accepted by mental health professionals to
be a bad idea when dealing with either learning disabled or Down-Syndrome
people. A touchy situation requiring excellent handling for sure.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6256 by vonromig
====
Message 6258 of 6812 Reply
Von your a pip thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/24/01 9:03 pm
Jeese Von, just jump back in without so much as a "Hi, I'm doing ok",
etc., etc?
What did you break? In how many places? Was anyone else in the car? Did
you lose your Altoids or find them on the floor later???
Maybe it's just me but inquiring minds want to know.....
T
=====
Message 6259 of 6812 Reply
Re: Von your a pip vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/24/01 9:41 pm
I just wanted to forgo the mushy stuff, and releave the pressure from
everyone, thinking they needed to say something polite in welcoming me
back...
I'm home now, because of my insurance more than anything, and look and
feel like what the dogs leave in the yard. From my hand, down to the middle
of my forearm is one big bruise, and so is the left side of my torso.
Thirty stitches in my forehead from smacking it against the window and
a metal 'plate' wrapped to my left hand so as to keep it still (broken
bone in hand, below the ring finger. It had hit the side rear-view mirror
adjustment knob).
No penalties for typing as I have always been a two-fingered typist...pretty
good at it too, 34-36 words per minute. And I'm right-handed so I can
still write and draw.
Funny thing... last Sunday when this happened my Sunday group showed up
and no one was there (wife with me at hospital) but as we don't lock the
door, they entered, went back to my game/bar room, and started playing.
They said they discussed their characters next actions and tried to solve
a couple of the 'mysteries' for 6 hours before they gave up on me showing
up. (So today they were ready for me)
Thank you all very much for the kind words and such. I'm back...I know
it, you know it, so lets get back to business.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6258 by thrandorian
====
Message 6260 of 6812 Reply
Re: AD&D Leads to Suicide and Satan..... mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/24/01 11:30 pm
What if the players want to be the Evil people out to kill the good ones,
or just want to rule the universe?
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6252 by vonromig
=====
Message 6261 of 6812 Reply
Re: Character Generation mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/24/01 11:33 pm
One of these days, Vonromig, you will have to hive us some details on
how you create a begining adventure with multiple starting points.
This kind of adventure generating, I am most interested in, and would
apreciate any guide lines, formulas, strategies, etc, you might have.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6253 by vonromig
=====
Message 6262 of 6812 Reply
Custom magic items? Soviet2001
(18/M/Cincinnati, OH) 6/25/01 3:57 am
I was wondering if you guys (and gals) could give me some feedback on
my newest custom magic item... if you think it's too powerful, how to
alter it so it's more balanced, etc. etc...
The Scourge
Named after the Hextor, Lord of Battle himself, this heavy flail has somehow
fallen into the hands of many of the Scourge of Battle's greatest champions.
(Blah blah, more background info from my specific campaign)
Statistics:
Proficiency - Heavy Flail
Attack Bonus - +4
Damage - 1d12+4
Other- Double damage v. servants of Heironeous
Permanent protection from good (+2 to AC and resistances)
Grants wielder an extra Smite attack 1/day
Usable by: Any devoted to Hextor (clerics, etc.)
Otherwise used as a simple +1 heavy flail
====
Message 6263 of 6812 Reply
Re: Custom magic items? Soviet2001
(18/M/Cincinnati, OH) 6/25/01 7:50 am
I should probably mentioned that in creating this item I had hoped to
make something for the "bad guys" that was on par with a paladin's Holy
Avenger. Since Hextor seems to have it out for Heironeous and his paladins,
it seemed natural that this heavy flail should do the trick.
I'm not sure if it is quite as powerful as a Holy Avenger or not, as I
can't remember 3e Holy Avenger statistics... but I was just thinking that
I could make a Flail that would allow an Evil character to stand up to
those nasty paladins toe-to-toe. And if the good guys get such cool stuff...
shouldn't the bad guys get even cooler stuff? That's often the way it
is in the movies, isn't it? :)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6262 by Soviet2001
===
Message 6264 of 6812 Reply
Re: Another one (or, two) bites the dust Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/25/01 9:18 am
"Ouch. How do you balance it when they die and they're 6th level and then
start them out at 1st?"
Funny, this same scenario happened to me recently. It is a challenge to
provide an adventure that is challenging to the 6th without overwhelming
the 1st, or challenging to the 1st without being totally boring for the
6th. In these situations I tend to focus on intrigue, mystery, and other
mental and role playing intensive scenarios than I do combat and deadly
traps.
I also notice that when low level characters are playing with higher level
ones, they tend to raise levels faster than if the whole party was low
level, because the party tends to get xp in bigger chunks. Also, the gap
closes relatively quickly. Now my 6th is still 6th and the 1st is now
3rd.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6239 by adaen
===
Message 6265 of 6812 Reply
Welcome Back Ken Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/25/01 9:22 am
"I am so pleased you are not dead."
--Sallah, Raiders of the Lost Ark
Umbratikus
====
Message 6266 of 6812 Reply
Re: AD&D Leads to Suicide and Satan..... reverendzen
6/25/01 9:25 am
That's funny...add some marshmallows to this recipe and it sounds like
my mom's Jell-o desert she makes for Christmas!
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6246 by Calitrojan
====
Message 6267 of 6812 Reply
Re: Another one (or, two) bites the dust reverendzen
6/25/01 9:29 am
I do not fully agree with this. It doesn't matter what the character's
class is, it depends more on the skills (primarily Int). The last game
we played, we had a paladin who was a walking tank; he was the first into
battle, and he always took credit for the kills. Of course, he had an
18 in Str, Dex, and Con, and a 10 in Int and Wis. He wasn't a smart paladin,
but he was useful.
On the other hand, a friend of mine has a barbarian wood elf with an Int
of 14 and a Wis of 16, both above average stats. He wades into combat
with his greatsword swinging, but not before sizing up his competition
and considering whether or not it's a battle he can win, or even if it's
one he needs to fight.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6249 by fendicaf
====
Message 6268 of 6812 Reply
Re: Custom magic items? reverendzen
6/25/01 9:48 am
The thing about the 3E Holy Avenger is that it is now considered a demi-artifact.
Is the Scourge also going to be a demi-artifact?
Other than that, it seems to be a plausible magic item, possibly for a
higher-level game.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6263 by Soviet2001
====
Message 6269 of 6812 Reply
Random Backgrounds SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/25/01 12:06 pm
I got to say, usually I enjoy generating backgrounds for my PCs (not my
players' PCs, although sometimes I have to do 50% or more of that, too).
But at least once, a GM of mine insisted on using "Central Casting: Heroes
of Legend."
This is an entire book of random background tables. Race, legitimacy,
significant events. Military background tables, underworld and pirate
background tables. Curses, blessings, mental illnesses, weird birthmark
tabled! Even an exotic color table so your magic dog might end up being
a stop-sign-red animal. Inhertiance tables. It just goes on and on...
I had mostly played thieves up til that point, but the PC that emerged
from this was a bard, no question about it. I played her for over a year
in one of the best campaigns I've been in and had a blast. It was different
that anything I would have come up with at that time.
I got a copy of the book, but haven't used it much... hm... maybe I should
use it for the PCs the next time they need to make characters...
===
Message 6270 of 6812 Reply
Re: Random Backgrounds thelady_dm
(22/F/The Deepest Realms of the) 6/25/01 2:27 pm
I made an "extra stuff" generator in Qbasic once, when I was extremely
bored. It generated height, skin color, eye color, hair color, length
and texture, your background and your general outlook on life. It had
toggles that you could use to specify if you wanted to be tall, short,
etc. I've never used it, but it took away some random spare time that
would have otherwise been filled with something productive.
-The Lady DM
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6269 by SCA_Bard
====
Message 6271 of 6812 Reply
Re: Custom magic items? thelady_dm
(22/F/The Deepest Realms of the) 6/25/01 2:38 pm
The scourge's greatest power is being mistaken for a type of whip when
people hear of it.
-The Lady DM (who keeps a scourge under her bed... but not for that)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6262 by Soviet2001
===
Message 6272 of 6812 Reply
Re: Random Backgrounds Shabooah
(20/M/Fayetteville, Arkansas) 6/25/01 4:24 pm
that sounds like a really interesting book. would you be able to tell
me who published it, when, and if you've any idea whether it's still in
print?
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6269 by SCA_Bard
====
Message 6273 of 6812 Reply
Re: Custom magic items? vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/25/01 4:25 pm
In my gaming world the bad guys have all the coolest stuff and more of
it...Why? Because they're the ones that seek such things or create them
to do evil, whereas the goodie-two-shoes only find need for such powers
when evil comes calling. No evil, no need to create something to beat
it.
The good-guys are happy and aloof when their peace is undisturbed. So
that makes them 'lazy' in a way. The villians, on the other hand, do nothing
but plan and prepare to do evil deeds, most can be considered workoholics!
This constant buzzing bring out the best in any bad-guy, and allows him
to come up with some fancy gizmos (Do you notice how the good-guys never
seem really make anything themselves, they're always parading off to find
some, already created, device to help them).
Just my thoughts...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6263 by Soviet2001
===
Message 6274 of 6812 Reply
Re: Random Backgrounds vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/25/01 4:36 pm
It does sound very interesting. I could see it being used by myself if
in a pinch. But I feel that by letting the players have more say in whom
they wish to role-play can add more to the game.
For as they are imagining their character while creating it's background,
they are already working out how and why it does what it will do, and
coming up with ideas to bring out later in game play (an example would
be...If he gave his PC a father who was a blacksmith, when the time came
he could use that to give reasons for wishes a master blacksmith to design
him a special feature for his weapon. Perhaps it was something he saw
his father tinker with when he was younger)
Just 2 Cps worth...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6269 by SCA_Bard
====
Message 6275 of 6812 Reply
Re: Random Backgrounds reverendzen
6/25/01 4:37 pm
There is a current book that has random tables as such in it. It is a
3E book, but I forget the name. (Hero Builder's Guidebook, I believe.)
It generates entire backgrounds, including siblings, living/deceased relatives,
social backgrounds, etc. I have only used this book once, and surprisingly
enough, the background I generated went along with the character's storyline
that I had created, but I have not used the book since.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6269 by SCA_Bard
====
Message 6276 of 6812 Reply
Re: Random Backgrounds SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/25/01 5:33 pm
Shabooah:
I'll look for it tonight.
It *was* out of print (I think I got mine through Crazy Igor's in Rochester,
NY), but I think a second edition was published. Might try eBay, too.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6272 by Shabooah
====
Message 6277 of 6812 Reply
Never Mind SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/25/01 5:40 pm
Did a Barnes and Noble search instead - there's instant gratification
for you.
Central Casting One: Heroes of Legend
by Paul Jaquays
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 0922335001
Publisher: Task Force Games
Pub. Date: September 1988
Currently unavailable through B&N. No eBay listing, either.
http://www.crazyegors.com
is a mucking huge clearinghouse of old OOP gaming materials, plus new
stuff. I believe Egor also maintains waiting lists, so if you want something,
you can tell him and when it comes in he'll let you know. (I *think* -
he mentioned something about a list when I asked if he had the Moonshaes
supplement available). You might try there.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6276 by SCA_Bard
====
Message 6278 of 6812 Reply
Re: Never Mind ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 6/25/01 9:25 pm
steve jackson games has a click on link of most of the large retailers
on line for out of print material.
mike
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6277 by SCA_Bard
===
Message 6279 of 6812 Reply
Kensai kwan_darkwood
(21/M) 6/25/01 10:43 pm
Hey, does anyone here have the 2nd Edition statistics for the Kensai kit?
===
Message 6280 of 6812 Reply
Re: Kensai gerhen3
(29/M/conceptual) 6/25/01 11:46 pm
Check Baldur's Gate 2, if you have it.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6279 by kwan_darkwood
===
Message 6281 of 6812 Reply
discount gaming & more gaming stuff ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 6/26/01 5:44 am
Since my addiction to gaming stuff is kind of bad, I am going to ask that
if your looking for any discounted products..games, d&d stuff,& a few
miniatures, please please and please try
'www.bouldergames.com' and tell them 'armoredyak' referred you, so i can
get my whopping 4.00 merchandise credit. their prices are really quite
good, and their list of stuff is monsterous.
thanks,
mike
===
Message 6282 of 6812 Reply
New material reverendzen
6/26/01 8:57 am
While searching the Wizards web site, I've come across a list of all the
new books coming out, including Oriental Adventures, Manual of the Planes,
miniatures, 2E, 3E, books, and much, much more. The link is below.
http://www.wizards.com/catalog/index.asp?s=brand,dnd
Hope everyone can find everything they need!
Reverend Zen
===
Message 6283 of 6812 Reply
Re: Custom magic items? lordneodig
(29/M/Hobart, Indiana) 6/26/01 12:29 pm
I have a different take on the good/evil people creating magic items.
In my world, the original races that colonized Tyraxia, did so because
they were driven off their home world by highly intelligent goblinoids.
So everyone has a kind of cultural/genetic memory that evil can rise up
at any moment and gobble up the forces of good.
Add into that terrorist organizations, like Set's Brotherhood of Evil,
the Drow, or various evil dragons hunting the poor dwarves, and you have
plenty reasons to create really spiffy magic items. Also, because of this,
the profit margin for the creation of magic items is higher.
So in times of peace, the forces of good build and create new spells and
items, because they know they will need them eventually, and they can
garner wealth and fame by doing so.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6273 by vonromig
=-==
Message 6284 of 6812 Reply
Re: Character Generation vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/26/01 3:07 pm
Here is what I mean...After you have given the PCs their opening entrance
into your adventure or campaign then spice it up with more information
then normal. Some can even (or should be) misleading. Here's and example;
#1) The game opens with the PCs in a Tavern (I know it's 'old hat', but
will work for this). The locals are complaining about raids from a nearby
group of Ogres. They seem to be up in arms ever seen a new leader has
taken over their Clan. The bartender gives the PCs a general idea as to
where they have their base camp..."The Ogres have been seen coming from
the Black Ridge Hills just on the other side of Elkberry Forest."
Now that's their opening intro into your adventure, to spice it up add
other leading details to give them more options in how to handle things...
Bartender continues, "Another group of young lads tried to go out there,
a couple of weeks or so ago, but gave up and headed back towards Kyloville.
But if they had ever found where the Ogres were camped at, they never
told me."
Another bar patron adds, "Well, I here tell, they had decided that the
best way to get rid of the new leader was in finding some magical sceptre,
which they claimed was in the old abandon copper mine down south. Not
finding it they gave up."
This gives three avenues to the players. 1) Go directly to the Black Ridge
Hills. 2) Go talk to the other group for more info in Kyloville. 3) See
if they can find this sceptre at the copper mine. And to prevent them
from deciding they can do all three hit them with a time factor...
"Me thinks, they are gathering strength and its only a matter of time
before the stop raiding the farms and actually attack here (the village)."
says the Bartender.
Of course, this is a small example with only three avenues presented but
with a more complex storyline I have gotten it up to nine or ten. And
this is only the beginning (They may found out that the new leader is
a human mage from an evil guild who has bigger plans in motion...)
The first (#1) way is, IMHO, just as bad as the DM saying, " Ok, this
adventure is where your PCs to go kill the leader of the raiding Ogres
in these hills, so as your travelling there....."
It basically comes down to giving the players more information in the
beginning and each piece leads in a totally different direction.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6261 by mattbcieri
====
Message 6285 of 6812 Reply
Re: Another one (or, two) bites the dust vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/26/01 3:27 pm
"I also noticed that when low level characters are playing with higher
level ones, they tend to raise levels faster..."
Very much so. It can also give a more 'realistic' feel to the game. Not
eveyone doing the same job, whether it be working in a factory or adventuring
through the catacombs of Daevlar, all have the same experience and level
of abilities. You always seem to have those that aren't quite as talented.
The only thing left to deside is what options are open to the player whose
character has just bought the farm...What limitations does he have on
making up a new one? Because when the players started the game they may
have rolled up a group that did not contain a class, that now deep within
the campaign, they realise they are lacking. So do you let the new PC
become that missing link?
I try to let the remaining players chose. By having them role-play the
finding and joining to their group a worthy NPC. The other player then
rolls up the stats on this NPC and that becomes his new character (turning
him from an NPC to a PC). Sometimes it works well, sometimes the players
just don't get the concept, and sometimes the players overstep their bounds
in role-playing the addition ( by trying to have some already powerful
NPC, who is deeply involved in the mystery, to join them)
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6264 by Umbratikus
===
Message 6286 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #8 vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/26/01 3:30 pm
Well T, I guess you were the only one with the 'metal marbles' big enough
the tackle this one, but I can understand...it's a touchy subject.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6257 by thrandorian
====
Message 6287 of 6812 Reply
Re: Character Generation thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/26/01 3:54 pm
I sometimes start an adventure like this:
The party is either given:
A) A historical explanation why they joined forces together.
IE:, you were friends, all came from a small town, are related etc.)
Or
B) I have them meet in a situation where they will naturally join forces
(chance meeting with a common enemy thrown in to unite them or whatever).
In either case once they join forces I like to have them “go out” seeking
adventure. I don’t often give information directly as in my world everyone
is seeking such opportunities and this kind of info is worth money. Thus
such info is scarce and when accurate is of value. bartenders have to
be quite crafty to wheedle such info from their inebriated customers.
It is uncommon but happens occasionally. My bartenders are not always
friendly and helpful either. Try a devious chaotic neutral or CE bartender
if you want to mislead the group I think it balances out the “reality-factor”
so players can not automatically assume too much about any stereo type.
I have had a bartender who gave false leads and then another party (evil)
would ambush them to steal their gear.
Often I will have the party stumble upon a clue or fight a band of creatures
and have a prisoner barter for their life (and sometimes even a share
or fee depending on how persuasive I feel that day) and this starts the
party down the right road.
I don’t ever want my players to think they are being “Spoon-Fed”. The
idea that everyone wants a piece of their action also keeps them from
trying to “buy” help or lean too much on the many high and low level NPC’s
I enjoy populating my world with.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6284 by vonromig
=====
Message 6288 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #8 thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/26/01 3:59 pm
I think I just have more free time and am an opinionated SOB on just about
any given subject...
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6286 by vonromig
====
Message 6289 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #8 sirgrapefellow
(37/M/Portland Oregon) 6/26/01 4:09 pm
First I talk to Henry and tell him this is just not fair to anybody. Not
fair to Thomas or the others.I tell Henery I'd like to make a special
adventure just right for Thomas. I talk to the group sans Thomas and ask
if any of them would want to play a special series of adventure where
Thomas could participate more fully, maybe once every few months or what
ever works. I would suggest that if anyone was problems with being patient
not to bother playing in these games.
Then I invite Henry and Thomas over and find out more about Thomas, What
he likes, what he dosn't like, charcters in books ,movies, tv shows, who
his heros are, As much stuff as possible. With this info I put together
a more free form game where Thomas gets to have fun and play! I'd be extremely
flexible with the rules. These games would be events and it would have
to be understood that they wouldn't be every week. If Henery wasn't cool
with this I would say I'm sorry this is what I'm willing to do and if
it isn't enough that would be the end of Henry and Thomas's adventuer.
Sir Grapefellow
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6256 by vonromig
====
Message 6290 of 6812 Reply
Unseating Stereo-Types thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/26/01 4:34 pm
I love to upset stereo-typical roles. Do any of you ever do this and if
so may I ask how? Here are some of the ways I have:
Creatures:
An Adamant Golem. 2’ tall but possessing 120 hpts., AC -10 and doing 4
attacks for 2-12 + 10 points of damage per attack.
Plot-line example:
I ran a campaign based on Bob Halls “Children of Synzhen”. I rarely run
other peoples modules but found this on the net and thought up my own
twist. The story is rich and full, including just the right amount of
background data. I won’t spend the time to explain the original scenario
but it went along typical “Human are right” concept. I like to blur the
lines of right and wrong as I feel they are. Here is my modified plot-line:
This group of Doppelgangers have been under severe oppression and seeing
the chance to escape do so in a quest seeking a magical bottle that along
with a few other attributes can block ESP in a multi-mile radius. This
would allow them to conceal their true nature and live in peace. Humans
won’t leave them alone or let them live in their society due to fear.
Thus the bottle will allow social acceptance and a chance at a normal
life. The doppelgangers are kidnapping (but treating well) and impersonating,
towns people in an attempt to locate the bottle which was stolen from
them by a local, slightly-insane magic-user.
Long and short, there is a witch who turns out to be neutral with good
tendencies, appears old and ugly just to fit what people expect of her,
humans who are greedy, self-centered and prejudiced, an appealing beggar
woman who is actually a spy in disguise and an insane magic-user who knows
that doppelgangers are posing as citizens. The players are encouraged
to assume the worst in regard to the witch and doppelgangers. I was very
proud of them when they saw through the prejudices and created a solution
which brought the doppelgangers on to their team, retrieved the bottle
for them, satisfied the town folk and got clerical help for the insane
MU. Some of the best fun for us ever. The players were on the edge of
their chairs through-out and the DM had fun too.
T
====
Message 6291 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #8 thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/26/01 4:46 pm
Hey Sir Grape,
Since we are 2 of 3 members from Portland Ore. (theyodan1 is is a part-time
DM and member of my group also). Maybe we should get together sometime.
Possibly to sit in on the others run once or twice. I am always interested
in seeing how others run time-frames and basic structure. I was unsatisfied
with the Gygax method (or maybe I just need to see someone else do it).
If you have an interst feel free to email me directly at: thrandorian@home.com
and we can discuss it if you like.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6289 by sirgrapefellow
====
Message 6292 of 6812 Reply
Forks in the road SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/26/01 5:07 pm
I used to have the idea that I would present my players with a scenario
- the 'ogres are organizing for an attack' in Von's example. Then my players
would seek out information and create a novel plan of attack. I used to
have players who *would* do that, and I just stopped dropping obvious
rumors and plot hooks since they'd ignore most of them and come up with
there own.
Then I move - new group. If I *don't* feed them ideas, they seem to get
stuck easily. So I made sure to present several different plans of attack
for their first leg of the campaign.
And now I have a mole in the group - my boyfriend. I've asked him off-line
to try and nudge them into coming up with solutions on their own. Think
that the problem is too tough? Well... ask the bards about hidden weaknesses,
or hire some help, for goodness sake.
Is this asking too much?
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6284 by vonromig
====
Message 6293 of 6812 Reply
Re: Character Generation lordironfist70
(31/M/State College PSU) 6/26/01 5:13 pm
I'm just use to using modules and the players know that whatever you put
before them will be the adventure they will be on. This way is taking
the short cut but makes it easier for me and them. Hopefully with the
members in this club I can learn to 'spice' up my gaming.
LIH
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6284 by vonromig
====
Message 6294 of 6812 Reply
Re: Unseating Stereo-Types lordironfist70
(31/M/State College PSU) 6/26/01 5:25 pm
Another good example would be in the game I'm playing in now with Ken.
He has us meeting orces on there own land and as we are in disquise we
can talk freely with them. It would appear for now that the orcs are not
so evil as one would think. there hatred for humans is the same as human
hatred is for them. A product of there up bringing and that both sides
feel the other is evil as they always attack when first seeing them there
is no communication. But the orcs we talk to are conserned that the evil
human will launch another war against them and they just want to live
in peace. there are those bad apples in the orc citys that being evil
really is there nature. So they do make a bad impression for all orcs.
Just as humans who attack orcs without any reason other then they are
orcs give the orcs the opinion that all humans want nothing but to kill
them. I think Ken is having this lesson proved to our characters because
he has something very sneaky up his sleeve for later with dealing in orc
and human affairs.
LIH
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6290 by thrandorian
====
Message 6295 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #8 thelady_dm
(22/F/The Deepest Realms of the) 6/26/01 5:43 pm
Strangers by One Chromosome!
Having spent most of my early life doing volunteer work (20 hours+ per
week) with the developmentally disabled, I perhaps have a bit of a biased
view when asking this question.
Before we get started, I just want to say that this is all pretty unrealistic.
Most people with Down syndrome have IQs that fall in the mild to moderate
range of retardation. They are integrated into the regular education system,
and take part in sports, camping, music, art programs and all the other
activities including socialization without disabilities. Now, this brother
with downs syndrome was reportedly playing baseball. He can't be that
bad off, and playing a game with such a person may run a bit more slow,
but can be just as fulfilling. Unless the people who you are gaming with
are just real jerks with zero patience.
Ok, that out of the way... in my experience those with downs syndrom are
some of the most creative storytellers around after you get them out of
their shell. But apparantly Thomas plays worse than my dog... so not only
does he stutter, but he is completely uncreative.
You should never humor someone just because they have a disability. It
makes them viewed as less than a 'real person'. If you absolutely must
out of your 'good consciousness' allow him to play, I would suggest running
two campaigns. One with the brother and Thomas, and whoever wants to play,
and another with your A1 gaming group. People with Down syndrome have
feelings just like everyone else in the population. They respond to positive
expressions of friendship and they are hurt and upset by inconsiderate
behavior. Since the group was doing other things last time they were playing
with him, I would call that pretty darned inconsiderate.
-The Lady DM
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6256 by vonromig
===
Message 6296 of 6812 Reply
Re: Character Generation vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/26/01 5:58 pm
T, you got the wrong impression. That was just a quick example. My Campaign-starts
are very complex and the CAUSE of the players joining forces will give
them many avenues to choose.
For a little better example try this one...
In the Journeymen's End Campaign, the PCs were in the Aster, while their
families were celebrating the Havestfest Week holiday. The combined families
and their friends and employees were attacked, most being killed. When
the PCs received the news, and returned home, they were given the details
of the attack. This brought up several possible paths...
1) Catch up to the soldiers tracking down the Slavers who had taken the
young women (or trust the King's men to handle them)
2) Try to pick up the trail of the other group of raiders that the soldiers
had lost at the river (this contains the majority of raiders).
3) By looking through the 'statement reports' of the raid taken by the
local Sgt, they find discripencies that lead them to beleive this was
an inside job, and that man has already disappeared. So they can try to
hunt him down.
4) As they are now the 'Heads of Family' within the commune, they can
try to let others deal with the bad guys for now, so they can get their
affairs in order at home first (laying to rest their dead, transferring
their companies' ownership to themselves, etc)
5) From the 'statement reports' they learn that most of the raiders spoke
a foriegn tongue they are unfamiliar with, so they can go to find where
they came from by learn what language they spoke (a sage, scribe hall,
monastry, etc)
6) From the 'Family report' given by the surviving clerk who learned that
only two days ago one of the Family's ships (they own a shipping company)
is over due in port by a week. Could this be related?
7) Plus, there's talk as to who might be behind all this. Why their Estate?
(which is near the center of the kingdom...)
And all this must be decided quickly as the longer they wait and debate
the farther the guilty get. And this is their path choices just from learning
what happened to their families, it doesn't even scratch the surface of
the whole Campaign plot.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6287 by thrandorian
====
Message 6297 of 6812 Reply
Re: Unseating Stereo-Types vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/26/01 6:15 pm
Yes Iron Fist, as to the latter part of your post. "No comment." :)
I too love to switch the player's perception of what they think is real,
in the way they view others. Taking Iron Fist's example, why is it that
as soon as the DM says, "You see a party of Orcs coming around the bend
in the road..." the PCs immediately start making battle plans? Yes, in
most worlds, orcs ARE evil. But what makes a player to a new world continue
this assumption?
Also there's the question...does everyone in every world KNOWS what an
orc is? I just watched a program on the Discovery Channel, about when
a crocodile was first brought to europe in the middle ages, and got lose.
The locals thought it was a dragon from myth and thus caused a great panic.
And this was even long after the Romans had used them in their arenas.
Info gained and lost over time. But it shows me that just because some
in the world may view some things as normal, why would everyone know?
Perhaps there's a kingdom, region, or society that has never even heard
of an Orc, and therefore upon meeting one, would not attack...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6294 by lordironfist70
=====
Message 6298 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #8 vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/26/01 6:25 pm
A beautiful post!
You covered most of the bases I was trying to reach. When I lived in Dayton
I was near enough to my cousin who has Down Syndrome to play the game
with. I never tried to have him join my other groups, but with him and
his friends we had some interesting sessions. To most hard-core players
Scott would have been considered a worst player than one's pet. But then
again the playing wasn't so much for role-playing as to spend quality
time with friends and family.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6295 by thelady_dm
=====
Message 6299 of 6812 Reply
Re: Character Generation thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/26/01 7:59 pm
Von,
No intention of saying anything negative was intended. Actually in many
ways you seem to be more detail oriented than I. That's one reason I like
working with you.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6296 by vonromig
====
Message 6300 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #8 messiah_of_metal
(18/M/FL) 6/26/01 9:16 pm
Well, I always do what is best for the group. Thats my motto. I dont care
if he tries or not, bottom line hes making the group miserable. So therefore,
he must go. Bottom Line. That may seem cold, but I wouldnt care because
deep down inside everyone would be thanking me. I just had to do what
everyone else couldnt.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6256 by vonromig
====
Message 6301 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #8 ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 6/27/01 12:04 am
It seems heartless, but for one thing, in 100 years it wont matter anyway,
if the person doesnt get to participate. It is just a fact of life that
we dont get included in everything, whether we are developmentally delayed,
or not. Unless there is some kind of siamese twin factor.
Part deux.
The 'orcs are evil' premise, is kind of a valid one. But this is dependent
on some other obvious visual clues. A 'band' of orcs could be a group
of well armed warrior types, marauding and pillaging. This would be obvious
by weapons being brandished, captives on leashes, bloodied bandages, skulls
and shurunken heads...orcs may not be 'well known' everywhere, but visual
clues from a species who isnt known for a great deal of inscrutable behavior
should make it painfully obvious in most situations what the general tendencies
of an enemy are.
unless of course you live in some kind of totally warped bizarro world
where orcs moonlight as crossing guards and day care center helpers.
thats my spin on it.
spinning
mikey
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6300 by messiah_of_metal
====
Message 6302 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #8 mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/27/01 12:22 am
You may have more free time than I T, but I did not respond initially
because my thoughts were with you.
I would even consider placing the brother on a kind of probation. I think
it is grosly unfair to drob his brother into a situation where the group
may have some expectations as to what they want to accomplish.
Not knowing how the others would react, without being prepared, the seasoned
players may feel slighted by the borther.
The seasoned players may be able to check their anger, frustration and
outrage, or not. Then how do the borthers feel when one snaps at them?
A situation like this invites hurt feelings and courts diaster.
i would have a feeling that many of my players woudl feel frustrated,
and at the same time would feel like a heal for saying anything. this
is not good since most of them use the game as an outlet to vent their
frustrations at their jobs, kids, families, wives, dogs, etc.
What hapens when the outlet is blocked?
reminds me of a line of a song:
"We're sitting on a powder keg, and giving off sparks."
3 years ago when I was fed up to here working at the hepl desk, I wouilf
have been affraid i would be the one to blow up!
Now things have changed, and i am less aggrivated at work, but some of
my players get to that level of aggrivation. I can tell this because they
tell me several tiems doring the week, they cant wait to play so they
can kill something!
What happens when the outlet is blocked?
I do not want you to think that I am down on the disabled, but the situation
above would be a strain even with the forwarnings! How does the brother
feel when he realizes the sighs of frustration and anguish form other
players are directly (or indirectly aimed at him?)
How does his older bother feel? is he slighted because the others are
not giving his brother a fair shake. Does he realize he should not have
created this situation without getting a reaction from the others first?
Then what do you do as a DM (more like a referee at this point) to stop
any more hurt feelings, or having any number of players decide that they
are never comming back?
In my gaming group i might be more inclined to split the group and ruin
them at 2 separate times. let them be involved in the same adventures
always a step away from each other, so there is no need for direct interaction.
I would allow any of the seasoned players who felt up to it to join the
new second session. (This way when they are really out for blood i still
have the former session to fall back on.)
This is my 2 cp
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6288 by thrandorian
=====
Message 6303 of 6812 Reply
Re: Unseating Stereo-Types mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/27/01 12:28 am
I swear one of these days my group is going to go on the "save the Damsel
in Distress" mission to rescue her from a dragon. The catch is going to
be the damsal is in the dragon's body and vice versa. With perhapse some
form of mute on the dragon so that she can not reveal the set up to the
players.
Oh, how glorious are they going to feel when they slay the dragon, free
the lady. And she takes off the first chance she gets (or returns to court
then flees), and the dragon attacks start all over again.
(the real key here is for the dragon to have a calling cart. Something
it does or leaves at the scene of an attack that lets the PC's know it
was the same blasted dragon they thought they slew a slew of times ...
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6290 by thrandorian
====
Message 6304 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #8 mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/27/01 12:44 am
messiah_of_metal,
I too would do what is good for the group, but this kind of thing has
the potential to tear a group apart and generate hard feelings. mostly
between the brothers and the other players, but soem of those hard feelings
may be aimed at you the DM for putting your foot down.
I would prefer not to be in this awkward situation, but I also try to
minimize hurt feeling when I can help it.
I would attempt to run 2 sessions, to keep the peace. Would you do this
for the brothers? If not how would you deal with the hurt feelings? And
what if the brother decides not to come back because he felt you were
too harsh? Your actions could dampen the mood of the reamining players!
What if they get the idea that yuo would cut anybody for lesser reasons?
What if the players start to beleive your group is like the TV show "Weakest
link"? this may stiffle their creativity, they may not wish to try to
do things daring and adventurous, thingking that failure to pull it off
means not getting invited back.
How do you deal with this and not scare the heck out of the remining players?
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6300 by messiah_of_metal
=====
Message 6305 of 6812 Reply
Re: Unseating Stereo-Types thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/27/01 3:15 am
That would be an interesting plot twist Mat but you would give the players
some chance to figure things out wouldn't you? Some small hint or something?
T the Curious(to coin Illsa's totally cool and useful sign-off methodology)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6303 by mattbcieri
=====
Message 6306 of 6812 Reply
Re: Unseating Stereo-Types Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/27/01 9:05 am
After reading about the Children of Synzhen, I went and checked it out
on the net. Looks like a pretty cool adventure. It would take some work
to fit it into my campaign, but if it looks as good after a full read
as it does after a skim, I might run that one myself. Thanks T.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6290 by thrandorian
====
Message 6307 of 6812 Reply
Re: Character Generation Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/27/01 9:15 am
There is nothing wrong with using modules. Although I used to write all
of my adventures myself, now about 3 out of every 5 adventures I run I
either bought in a store, downloaded from the 'Net, or proffered from
Dungeon Magazine. Regardless of my source, I invariably always scan the
module text into my PC, where I can modify it easily (and often heavily).
When I run the adventre, my players have no idea whether the adventure
is one of my own creation, or one from another source (and I will never
tell them until the adventure is over). In addition, regardless of the
adventure source, all of the adventures I run flow seamlessly in my storyline,
although they sometimes have to be modified heavily in order to do so.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6293 by lordironfist70
====
Message 6308 of 6812 Reply
Light vs. Darkness Rules Question Demonic_Cultist
(27/M/Hopkins, MN) 6/27/01 9:31 am
Howdy all,
Can someone direct me to the rules on lighting, or give a breakdown of
what happens when people toss around cheap gems with continual light on
them, and then a fellah with the spell Darkness 15', comes into the area
of the gems? What wins out? How would that spell fare against the Light
spell? I've been shaky on this for about, oh , my whole (gaming) life...
Thanks in advance!
====
Message 6309 of 6812 Reply
Of dragons and damsels SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/27/01 11:35 am
Quinton Hoover and Phil Foglio teamed up for something a bit similiar
in an issue of XXXenophile. The hero shows up to rescue the damsel with
his hired sidekick, and hey! the dragon's not home. Hero sends of sidekick,
and damsel 'thanks' him in the way you might expect a damsel in a comic
book called XXXenophile would. But the sidekick circles around and decides
to help himself to some of the dragon's hoard, which the hero is entirely
uninterested in. The damsel spots him, goes berserk, and starts breathing
fire around.
Turns out she's a half-dragon (the daughter of the dragon who made her
a 'captive' here). Ends up the hero is, too. So they all live happily
ever after. (even the would-be thief, who they just send off with the
scare of his life).
I like this conceptualization of half-dragons and someday intend to work
it into a plot, somewhere. I could see a real career for them working
in the service of a god of honor, testing the chivalry of the diety's
knights and frying those that fail the tests...
=====
Message 6310 of 6812 Reply
Re: Light vs. Darkness Rules Question SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/27/01 11:44 am
A light spell will cancel a dark spell, and visa versa.
A dark spell will temporarily negate a continual light spell. When the
dark spell ends, the continual light will continue to shine.
Continual darkness is apparently an errata; cont. light isn't supposed
to be reversible. I know many groups that said, "Sh'ya, right!" about
that. Cont. dark and cont. light negate each other, leaving you with a
pair of spent spells or plain rocks.
After trying to deal with a scenario in which each side had a *bag* of
rocks each, I declined to estimate who had more rocks to determine the
prevailing light conditions. My house rule for this is:
And and all light/dark spells brought into the presence of a single other
dark/light spell results in the negation (permanently or temporarily,
depending on the spell types) of *all* spells.
Spells cast after this initial negation go off normally.
So my Sharran cultists all show up with three darkstones each. The PC
Selunite priest casts a continual light spell, negating all of the darkness,
and the groups fight in the prevailing light conditions. Then a Sharran
priestess manages to cast another darkness spell, plunging the area into
blackness again until the PCs can cast another light spell. The cont.
light spell, temporarily negated by all the other darkstones, does not
negate this new one.
Kind of arbitrary, I know, but it keeps PCs and NPCs from carrying around
bags of sand with spells cast on each grain...
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6308 by Demonic_Cultist
=====
Message 6311 of 6812 Reply
Re: Of dragons and damsels autodoc68638
(29/M/Grand Island, NE) 6/27/01 12:12 pm
Check out the 225th Anniversary issue of DRAGON magazine. They've got
some really interesting articles on dragonkin and the like.
BOB
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6309 by SCA_Bard
====
Message 6312 of 6812 Reply
The Color Animal Inn SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/27/01 2:26 pm
Ever notice how many Black Unicorn Taverns and Chartruse Griffon Inns
there are? Think they're getting silly? *Here's* silly, from an online
game I'm running.
A PC started his own tavern: The Raging Tiger Inn. Over the course of
the game, it morphed into the Rampaging Tiger.
The PC acquired another bar, and this became the Silver Wolf Tavern (named
by an NPC).
Most recently, another PC mistakenly referred to the larger, older inn
as the "Crouching Tiger."
Who thinks the bar should be the "Hidden Dragon"?
(Even funnier, an old PC-now NPC town councilman really *is* a hidden
dragon)
=====
Message 6313 of 6812 Reply
Re: Light vs. Darkness Rules Question thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/27/01 2:42 pm
I agree with SCA who said it well. I have only this to disagree with.
I think the number of light/darkness spells should be factored. I occasionally
have to adjudicate battles between 4 to 20 magic-users at one time. When
doing this I apply the same logic to the accidental, simultaneous casting
of Wall of Ice with Fireball or many others you can imagine.
I want to give the advantage to the side with the most "Rocks". The light/dark
thing in some campaigns can be a significant factor. Some creatures get
bonuses or can't function at all in one or the other.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6310 by SCA_Bard
====
Message 6314 of 6812 Reply
Re: Unseating Stereo-Types thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/27/01 2:45 pm
Kewl Umb,
If you decide to use it, I would enjoy hearing how it goes and how you
modify the campaign (if you do).
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6306 by Umbratikus
====
Message 6315 of 6812 Reply
Re: Never Mind Shabooah
(20/M/Fayetteville, Arkansas) 6/27/01 4:05 pm
thanks! maybe some day i'll run across it... strange things like that
tend to happen to me.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6277 by SCA_Bard
=====
Message 6316 of 6812 Reply
Re: Light vs. Darkness Rules Question thelady_dm
(22/F/The Deepest Realms of the) 6/27/01 4:07 pm
You underestimate the power of the dark side...
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6308 by Demonic_Cultist
====
Message 6317 of 6812 Reply
Re: The Color Animal Inn thelady_dm
(22/F/The Deepest Realms of the) 6/27/01 4:08 pm
My old dwarf opened up the "Drunken Pony" tavern. Ah the lovely rp reasons
that went with that name.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6312 by SCA_Bard
====
Message 6318 of 6812 Reply
On the subject of continual light: thelady_dm
(22/F/The Deepest Realms of the) 6/27/01 4:11 pm
We've all cast continual light. We've all cast it on rocks and coins...
but what is the strangest thing you've ever cast it on? My lovely brother
once cast it on a hunk of cheese.
====
Message 6319 of 6812 Reply
Re: On the subject of continual light: Ima_Doppleganger
6/27/01 4:49 pm
I once cast it on an idol in a small Orc stronghold. The Orcs were not
amused at the fact that there object of worship now became hard to look
at for sunlight hateing critters.
Ima
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6318 by thelady_dm
====
Message 6320 of 6812 Reply
Re: On the subject of continual light: thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/27/01 5:03 pm
I cast it on an Unseen Servant once, put a gnomes cloak and magic users
cap on it and had the thing lead the group by 40 feet to draw out enemies
in an especially populated cavern. The parties bowmen and magic user enjoyed
the advantage of firing from darkness into the light and the monsters
infra-vision was spoiled by the light.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6318 by thelady_dm
====
Message 6321 of 6812 Reply
Re: The Color Animal Inn thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/27/01 5:06 pm
I like tavern names that include verbs and adjectives such as:
1) The Frolicking Owlbear.
2) The Lonely Troglodyte.
3) The Dancing Dragon
4) The Hungry Treant.
I also name my NPC's after real and fictional persons. I.E.: a NG Cleric/Monk
named Gahndi, a Druid leader named Johnny Appleseed etc. This helps me
to remember not only who they are but what they do.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6312 by SCA_Bard
=====
Message 6322 of 6812 Reply
Re: Unseating Stereo-Types vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/27/01 6:54 pm
It would have been even worst to have the 'dragon-damsel' start toasting
the court, when she was presented to the royal mucky-muck. They would
have picked up real quick as to what has happened.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6303 by mattbcieri
====
Message 6323 of 6812 Reply
Re: Light vs. Darkness Rules Question vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/27/01 7:04 pm
Never had this happen in my gaming, but I think I would just drop the
radius of the Continual Lighted object down to two or three feet inside
the Darkness '15 spell. Much like the forces of their power fighting each
other...
I wouldn't have the 'cancel' each other out. That to me would imply that
they have that ability...a negation factor built in. One simply radiates
light, the other prevents light from entering a specific area. Put them
together and they 'fight'. Now the more of one you have then the other,
would make that one's effects stronger.
Just my thoughts...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6308 by Demonic_Cultist
====
Message 6324 of 6812 Reply
Re: The Color Animal Inn vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/27/01 7:27 pm
Cute.
Most of my taverns, now, have a story behind their name. Most often it
has something to do with the owner's past experiences or a major event
in his life ( The Ship Wreck, The Headless Orc Pub, The Lost Patrol Repose).
Some are named for the people who are in the area (The Captain's Mug,
Wheatweavers Tavern, The Axe and Saw).
But the largest and most often used (by the PCs) is The Magic Penny, named
after the owner's daughter who was a Mage. It's three stories tall with
six bars and an enclosed garden area. Its located in Aster, in the Center
City district ( Its the location of the wealthest citizens, the Ashan
Archives, the Grand University, the monuments, and the Barracks of the
Red Lancers, as well as the Mage's guild, White Owl).
Its a wonder with the attention given to taverns by almost every DM, that
the game wasn't called...The Dungeons and Dragons Tavern. Which, now that
I think of it, would be a great name for an Adventurers hang-out.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6312 by SCA_Bard
===
Message 6325 of 6812 Reply
Re: Unseating Stereo-Types mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/27/01 7:42 pm
Yes, in all fairness there would.
I would wait to figure out what this hint would be based on the character's
reactions to the situation. To see what they are paying attention to.
The most obvious clue would be the dragon looking fearful and the maidin
looking calm or boared, or egging the PC's on to kill the dragon.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6305 by thrandorian
====
Message 6326 of 6812 Reply
Re: Light vs. Darkness Rules Question mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/27/01 7:54 pm
What about level vs level of the spell caster? the better mage with the
higher spell overshadows the other.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6323 by vonromig
====
Message 6327 of 6812 Reply
Re: On the subject of continual light: vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/27/01 8:44 pm
A player had his character cast it on the hair of a theif they were chasing,
so that he could not hide (and made it is to chase him). For the shear
genius of the idea, I didn't even think if it would work at the time,
I just let him do it. Thinking of it afterwards I see no reason why it
couldn't have...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6318 by thelady_dm
====
Message 6328 of 6812 Reply
Re: Inns and NPC names vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/27/01 9:11 pm
I like to reverse items and objects to give my NPCs a unique name (some
do need a little rework)...
1) Bear Grave... Evarg Raeb (Alorian)
2) Talisman... Nom Silat (ASterian)
3) Rod an reel...Lee Nador (ASterian)
4) Fart in the wind...DinWehtni Traf (Zequixek)
5) Pancakes...Sek Acnap (Zequixek)
6) Can of Coka Cola...Alocak Ocfonac (Malenon)
7) Tears of pain...Nia Pfosiraet (Malenon)
8) Hot pot roast...Staor Toptoh (Beljarek)
9) Axe an axel...Lexna Axa (Beljarek)
10) Greed for coin...Nio Crof DeErd (Jhonree)
Of course, if you did not know they were words or phases spelled backwards,
they would seem to be interesting names.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6321 by thrandorian
====
Message 6329 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #8 messiah_of_metal
(18/M/FL) 6/27/01 9:42 pm
My group is a living example of Darwins Theory, survival of the fittest!
If people had hard feelings about it, I would go about another way of
making sure he diddnt play. I would put his brother in a complex trap
that he was doomed to die in. There, problem solved. He died, cant be
let back in the campaign because they would be too far to drop a character
in! BWAHAHAHAHA! I would give him the Maypole Trap.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6304 by mattbcieri
====
Message 6330 of 6812 Reply
Re: On the subject of continual light: thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/27/01 9:54 pm
An example of the light spell being used in an offensive manner can be
found in the 1st edition (I think the DM's Guide)and goes something like
this: a MU wishes to blind a red dragon, casts the light spell. The dragon
gets a saving throw Vs. spells. Failure = light in eyes, save made = light
occurs behind the creature.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6327 by vonromig
====
Message 6331 of 6812 Reply
Orcs a_nasty_mouse
(38/M/Portland Or) 6/27/01 9:55 pm
Of course you could have Orcs and then Orcs. Sort of along the lines of
a population that would rather not fight, but are goaded to it by their
more aggresive leaders. Or two differant classes of Orcs along the lines
of fudeal Japan where you have a Warrior and Peasant class.
Thanks
DJ
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6301 by ArmoredYak
====
Message 6332 of 6812 Reply
Re: Unseating Stereo-Types a_nasty_mouse
(38/M/Portland Or) 6/27/01 9:59 pm
My favorite on that was an adventure where the Princess wanted you to
rescue her pet fluffy, turns out fluffy was a demon and you couldn't hurt
it since that would upset the Princess and foul the reward, another twist
on that was where Jubelex kidnapped the Princess and the party was sent
to rescue her and it turned out that the only reason that Jubelex had
kidnapped the Princess was becuase he was upset about not getting an invitation
to the costume party.
Thanks
Dj
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6303 by mattbcieri
====
Message 6333 of 6812 Reply
Re: On the subject of continual light: a_nasty_mouse
(38/M/Portland Or) 6/27/01 10:05 pm
A Thief's ring.
Thanks
DJ
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6318 by thelady_dm
===
Message 6334 of 6812 Reply
Re: Light vs. Darkness Rules Question a_nasty_mouse
(38/M/Portland Or) 6/27/01 10:07 pm
If you can find a copy of Chivalry and Sorcery (the first edition I haven't
looked at the second), they had a very long and complex formula for that
sort of thing.
Thanks
Dj
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6326 by mattbcieri
====
Message 6335 of 6812 Reply
I hate Orcs. messiah_of_metal
(18/M/FL) 6/28/01 12:26 am
I hate Orcs. Thank you.
Levi.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6331 by a_nasty_mouse
====
Message 6336 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #8 midgetoo2us
(F/Pompano Beach, Florida) 6/28/01 8:14 am
I'll take a stab at it:
I've found that a player with specific limitations can be 'my assistant'
by playing specific NPCs. I had a situation where one player could never
quite 'get' the game itself but he was the roommate and transport for
another guy who was an asset. I made sure there was an NPC cobbler, trader,
wierd holy man, etc. who had something important to say or do to advance
the PCs knowledge or resources for that night.
I would take the roommate aside for a quick strategy each night - about
5 - 10 minutes and give him a bit of info or a missing spell component
to sell/give to the PCs, well the list just goes on and on.
I would also ask him to 'play it this way' and try to incorporate any
input from him such as 'I'd like to do it with a lisp' or whatever.
Some really great things happened and also some not-so-great but, because
he was an NPC under my control, I could tweak his part as we went along.
Ilsa
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6286 by vonromig
=====
Message 6337 of 6812 Reply
Re: Light vs. Darkness Rules Question Kimball_G
(23/M/Charleston) 6/28/01 8:21 am
I don't rememeber the level of the spells off hand, but I would think
that if you took the DC level of the Caster's and compared, the one with
the higher DC should win. This would only really work if Light and Darkness
were the same level spell.
Ex. A 6th lvl Wizard casting light should beat a 5th lvl Wizard casting
Dark. And vic-versa...
On the subject of Dark spell. One of my players decided to cast Darkness
on a stone that he had mounted inside a hand sized box. The box had straps
so that he could carry in the palm of his hand and open it when needed
to create a dark area for confusion and possible excape. He would close
it when they needed to see where they were going, then reopen it to keep
them hidden. Although I would have to admit that a large sphere of darkness
traveling along the ground in the middle of the day is not very inconspicious.
Especially if you are in a large field.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6323 by vonromig
====
Message 6338 of 6812 Reply
Re: The Color Animal Inn reverendzen
6/28/01 9:49 am
Some taverns I have in my game are interesting ones.
1.) The Bloody Axe Inn, named for the bartender's old, blood-stained axe
from his days of adventuring, now hung over the liquor on the back wall.
2.) The Serene Garden Inn, named for the enclosed garden, complete with
a fountain in the middle, which seems to always be peaceful and quiet,
despite its open roof, no matter what commotion is going on around the
inn.
3.) The Dungeon Delve Tavern. This is my favorite, and one of the main
plots in my upcoming game. The idea came from the book, Escape from Undermountain.
I do not recall the name of the inn in the book, but there was a large
well in the common room that led directly into Undermountain. In my game,
nobles use it for "adventure" and sport (since they rarely leave the city).
The latest rumor is that the princess went down adventuring and hasn't
returned...
To make this worse, the man-made tunnels (made by the owners of the tavern,
a mage and a warrior) are connected with the natural catacombs beneath
the city's graveyard, and undead have been reported wandering the tunnels...
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6324 by vonromig
=====
Message 6339 of 6812 Reply
Re: Unseating Stereo-Types reverendzen
6/28/01 9:58 am
I'm toying with a twist on the "damsel-dragon" in my game. The local duke/emperor/king
hires the PCs to rescue his daughter/princess from the "evil dragon".
When they finally arrive at the dragon's cave, they enter during an interesting
conversation. The daughter/princess is actually plotting with the dragon
to overthrow her evil tyrant-father. When the PCs are noticed, the dragon
and daughter attempt to hire them for their cause.
The PCs must decide which side is truly good, and which side is truly
evil. Of course, they could just walk away from the whole situation, but
as I have found with many members of my group, their characters have consciences,
and guilt is a wondrous thing...
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6303 by mattbcieri
====
Message 6340 of 6812 Reply
Re: On the subject of continual light: SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/28/01 10:48 am
Strangest item to cast light on: a cloak. Then we unravelled it, cut up
the threads, and tied them to arrows. It seemed that the approaching undead
army had a deadly allergy to light.
The GM just looked at me and said, "You get your next level."
Would you rule that that would work? We had some debate over what would
happen if you cast cont light on a rock and then cut the rock in half.
Would each half glow as brightly or not? Our strategem depended on each
piece of a continually lit object remaining continually lit.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6318 by thelady_dm
====
Message 6341 of 6812 Reply
Re: On the subject of continual light: ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 6/28/01 12:03 pm
the premise we always used is that the actual light emitting area was
about the size of a candle flame/thumb. if the object was smaller, the
whole object emitted light, if the item was cut up, how ever small it
was cut up into, each piece would progressively get dimmer, until it was
just faintly glowing but a crushed rock, does make cool fairy dust to
sell to the ignorant.
mikey
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6340 by SCA_Bard
=====
Message 6342 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. a_nasty_mouse
(38/M/Portland Or) 6/28/01 12:58 pm
Yes, and.
Thanks
DJ
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6335 by messiah_of_metal
====
Message 6343 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #8 thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/28/01 2:17 pm
Good solution Ilsa the wise...I hope you don't mind if I occasionally
use your sign-off. It is like giving an over-view of your intentions with
just a few words. If you do mind just tell me in a post signed "Ilsa the
plagiarized"
Thx,
Thrandorian (the questioning one)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6336 by midgetoo2us
====
Message 6344 of 6812 Reply
Re: Orcs vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/28/01 3:02 pm
So glad you joined in Mouse.
Yes, that is what I have had in my world for a very long time. It even
goes for different tribes of Orcs as well as members in a clan. There
are tribes of Orcs, in my world, that have never seen a human.
In my world's history there was once a tribe of Orcs who had come to the
aid of a band of elves. Having never seen elves before, and as they were
being attacked by the Orcs present enemy, the Durvass Gnolls. From this
incident, there is now a society of Orcs and elves working together in
the Rethcovor Region.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6331 by a_nasty_mouse
====
Message 6345 of 6812 Reply
Re: On the subject of continual light: vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/28/01 3:20 pm
I would have to agree with Armored Yak.
One of my players, a theif, had the party's mage cast it on a head of
lettuce. Then dried and grounded it, thus making a 'healing' herb to sell
to villagers who had never seen magic before.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6341 by ArmoredYak
====
Message 6346 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #8 vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/28/01 3:21 pm
Ilsa, I would have to give you the prise on this one. Good job.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6336 by midgetoo2us
====
Message 6347 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. dragonlordjr
(26/M/UD Ohio) 6/28/01 3:54 pm
Orcs arent so bad some of my best friends are orcs. or are they ogres
I keep mixing those up lol.
DRAGONLORD JR
(Sky Master)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6342 by a_nasty_mouse
====
Message 6348 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/28/01 4:05 pm
Can't we all just be friends? Some of my best friends in collage were
Orcs.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6347 by dragonlordjr
====
Message 6349 of 6812 Reply
Re: On the subject of continual light: thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/28/01 4:10 pm
Too freakin' funny Von. I hope you gave the guy some good EXP's for that.
(Providing he wasn't of good alignment!)
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6345 by vonromig
====
Message 6350 of 6812 Reply
Re: Unseating Stereo-Types lordironfist70
(31/M/State College PSU) 6/28/01 4:18 pm
This seems very close to the plot of the movie, Shrek. The dragon is friendly,
the maiden is not what she appears to be, and the 'king' is a bad guy.
R. Zen I would take out the dragon and have the princess dealing with
a creature whose alignment is unknown. Even one that you make up. Because
the type of dragon would give away the actual intent of the princess.
If the dragon is a color he's evil, if the dragon is a metal he's good.
LIH
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6339 by reverendzen
=====
Message 6351 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. lordironfist70
(31/M/State College PSU) 6/28/01 4:20 pm
When I DM I try to stay away from orcs they are so cliche.
LIH
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6342 by a_nasty_mouse
===
Message 6352 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/28/01 4:26 pm
I think I'm of Orcish blood, on my father's side, you would understand
if you ever meet my dad (grumpy and sour looking even when he smiles)
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6348 by thrandorian
====
Message 6353 of 6812 Reply
Re: On the subject of continual light: Calitrojan
6/28/01 4:27 pm
One of my PCs cast a regular light spell on a summoned badger. They were
pinned down by some kobolds and he summoned a badger to try and distract
the kobolds. They were well disciplined and didn't take the bait, so he
cast light on it and I decided a glowing badger was enough to scare anyone.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6318 by thelady_dm
====
Message 6354 of 6812 Reply
Re: On the subject of continual light: vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/28/01 4:29 pm
Yes I did give him plenty the first time.
It also led to the party being hunted down by a posse and bounty hunters
for several months when he was exposed by another travelling mage. (Had
to stick that in there otherwise the thief would have soon been able to
retire)
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6349 by thrandorian
====
Message 6355 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. Calitrojan
6/28/01 4:33 pm
Then add interest to your orcs. I use orcs a lot in 3rd edition. we recently
started a new campaign and I tend to choose a monster as my special all-purpose
monster... this campaign it is orcs... in my last 2nd edition campaign
it was goblins. If you plan out some good encounters, then things can
get really interesting.
Orcs in third edition are more than a match for low level characters.
If you beef up their armor or add on a character class then they can compete
and be quite irritating well into the adventurer's careers.
As far as the goblins in the 2nd edition campagin, I based their tactics
on the Viet Cong... you haven't lived until you see a group of 8th level
characters cringe at the sight of a goblin.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6351 by lordironfist70
====
Message 6356 of 6812 Reply
Re: On the subject of continual light: lordironfist70
(31/M/State College PSU) 6/28/01 4:36 pm
LOL, did it work then. While hunting I have come across a badger and it
scared me. I'm 6'1" so I can't see kobolds not feeling a little antsy.
LIH
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6353 by Calitrojan
====
Message 6357 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. lordironfist70
(31/M/State College PSU) 6/28/01 4:41 pm
Thanks for the advice. I have resently been using a race that I made up
so the players don't know whet to expect. There called, Saths, and loosly
based on the Ferengi of star trek. Shorter then humans and most active
in capitalism, but with a nasty prowess for magic.
LIH
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6355 by Calitrojan
====
Message 6358 of 6812 Reply
Re: On the subject of continual light: dragonlordjr
(26/M/UD Ohio) 6/28/01 4:47 pm
Would you give the theif exp.pts based on the money he made from this
and because he came up with a good idea. if you gave him the exp.pts for
money do you do it every time?
DRAGONLORD JR
(Sky Master)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6349 by thrandorian
====
Message 6359 of 6812 Reply
Re: On the subject of continual light: dragonlordjr
(26/M/UD Ohio) 6/28/01 4:49 pm
Not to be rude but if the kobolds saw the guy cast both spells why would
they even bother with it? They would know it was just there because the
magic-user brought it by magic.
DRAGONLORD JR
(Sky Master)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6353 by Calitrojan
====
Message 6360 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/28/01 7:48 pm
Are you folks related to Piers Anthony? he called one of his autobiographies,
"Bio of an ogre"!
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6352 by vonromig
====
Message 6361 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/28/01 7:51 pm
No. But he is a favorite of mine.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6360 by mattbcieri
====
Message 6362 of 6812 Reply
Adding to the Club's Page vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/28/01 7:58 pm
If you wish to add an article, magic item or spell, and/or an adventure
idea to the appropiate section of the Club's Page, but don't wish to take
the time to create a page from GeoCities (or others), then simply Email
me...writing your idea or article in the body of the Email and I will
copy, edit* and place into a Geocities page for you. This should make
it easy enough that everyone should have something of theirs in the Club's
Page.
*If you don't wish me to edit, just say so and I will not mess with your
creation :)
Special offer don't delay...
Von Romig
====
Message 6363 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Puzzler #8 mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/28/01 8:00 pm
Sounds like you have a tough group! I admire your craftiness! :)
It is a chatch 22. I am attempting to hem in my PC's into a situation
like this. One where they are forced to betray one of their values! the
truely evil thing about it is, the PC's have the choice of which one they
betray ...
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6329 by messiah_of_metal
=====
Message 6364 of 6812 Reply
Re: Unseating Stereo-Types mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/28/01 8:05 pm
Sounds great! I love to take the familiar and mix it with the unfamiliar.
Perhapse one day my bunch will run across a team of Teenaged Ninja Orcs!
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6350 by lordironfist70
====
Message 6365 of 6812 Reply
DM Challenge #2 vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/28/01 11:27 pm
Let's take the most used building in the game and see what this Club's
members can come up with...
The Tavern.
It can be the fanciest, dirtiest, roughest, laid-back, or wildest examples
you can come up with. I would also be interested in your version of the
'common' or average, drinking hole. As we have used this place at least
once in every adventure it would be informitive to see how we each have
this place pictured in our minds.
(This would go well with the present running thread on tavern names)
Von Romig
=====
Message 6366 of 6812 Reply
Re: Orcs a_nasty_mouse
(38/M/Portland Or) 6/28/01 11:49 pm
Glad to see you back amognst the living, you know me, I have an opinon
about almost anything.
Thanks
DJ
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6344 by vonromig
====
Message 6367 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. a_nasty_mouse
(38/M/Portland Or) 6/28/01 11:51 pm
They are especially tasty with a little tabasco and they aren't nearly
as crunchy as knights.
Thanks
dj
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6347 by dragonlordjr
===
Message 6368 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. a_nasty_mouse
(38/M/Portland Or) 6/28/01 11:52 pm
I think I ran into a few of them at the last Enfilade convention I was
at. You weren't in Seattle the first weekend of...nevermind.
Thanks
DJ
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6348 by thrandorian
====
Message 6369 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. a_nasty_mouse
(38/M/Portland Or) 6/28/01 11:56 pm
Hey that is what is fun about it, they are so cliche that if you throw
in some twists they can really knock a party back on their heels. Try
using some ancient tactics for battle on them. The party runs into a group
of Orcs, after the first round of combat the Orcs flee in panic, over
a hill or through some woods, something to provide cover. Most Parties
can't resist the exps, just running for the hills so they usually give
chase, that's when you hit them with an ambush, archers and what not,
or throw in an Orc Shaman, or do like ICE and give the Orcs experinance
levels as well. Drives players batty, great fun.
Thanks
Dj
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6351 by lordironfist70
=====
Message 6370 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. a_nasty_mouse
(38/M/Portland Or) 6/28/01 11:57 pm
You know if he is built like a beer keg, there is the possiblity we are
related.
Thanks
DJ
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6352 by vonromig
====
Message 6371 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. a_nasty_mouse
(38/M/Portland Or) 6/29/01 12:00 am
Not me, I find him repetitive, on the other hand I will miss Douglas Adams.
Thanks
DJ
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6361 by vonromig
====
Message 6372 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge #2 a_nasty_mouse
(38/M/Portland Or) 6/29/01 12:03 am
For grins I had one with a Balrog Bartender, the specialty of the house
was Hot Toddies, of course he doubled at the bouncer, but he would only
react if something got thrown his way, so any time things started to fly
in the brawls I rolled a die to see if it went towards the bar, it was
great fun.
Thanks
Dj
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6365 by vonromig
====
Message 6373 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. messiah_of_metal
(18/M/FL) 6/29/01 12:17 am
No, I hate orcs. I will never ever use them again! I use Formains (the
gaint ants). They are more... I dunno, unique. Orcs are so over used.
I HATE THEM! I HATE EM ALL! God, the name makes my blood boil! ORC!! I
scribbled all over them in my MM. Acualy, its because of past experiances...
but I dunno if I can share them. I HATE ORCS!
Levi
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6371 by a_nasty_mouse
====
Message 6374 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. a_nasty_mouse
(38/M/Portland Or) 6/29/01 5:19 am
You sound like a player I once had, when I was running at a game store.
Everyone who wanted to play was someone that got to play. Of course it
was great that all of these 14 and 15 year old kids had 12th level Paladins
and what not, so I ran the Slave Lord Modules and in the second one the
0 level Orc Black Smith killed the 12th level Paladin. Now that was classic.
Thanks
DJ
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6373 by messiah_of_metal
====
Message 6375 of 6812 Reply
Re: Unseating Stereo-Types reverendzen
6/29/01 8:53 am
The only thing about Shrek is, I had this idea long before the movie came
out (some year and a half ago). Sick coinsidence. Now if I try to write
it as a book (as I do with many of my games), I could be hit with plagerism.
The dragon was actually going to be a dirty and tarnished silver that
gets mistaken for a color (though I am still playing with the idea of
what metals and colors look similar, so the mistake can be genuine).
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6350 by lordironfist70
====
Message 6376 of 6812 Reply
Douglas Adams reverendzen
6/29/01 9:03 am
"So long, and thanks for all the fish..."
Here's a site for the missing chapters of this book (for those of you
interested).
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Station/9527
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6371 by a_nasty_mouse
====
Message 6377 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. reverendzen
6/29/01 9:06 am
Sounds like there's a lot of pent up agression here. Let's see what everyone's
reactions are...
ORC ORC ORC ORC ORC ORC ORC
ORC ORC ORC ORC ORC ORC ORC
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6373 by messiah_of_metal
====
Message 6378 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 6/29/01 9:15 am
Well, I can't say I am as vehement as you are about orcs, but I avoided
orcs for a long time in my campaign. They are just so...so...Tolkien.
Nothing against JRRT. Love the man's work. I just didn't want my world
to be one of the myriad Tolkienesque worlds out there. That is why there
are no halflings in my campaign world. However, many of my players loved
orc bashing, and no matter how many goblinoid races I threw at them, they
remained unsatisfied. So I broke down and introduced them into my campaign,
calling them Gargun instead of orc (plural: garguni). Players took to
calling them goons, and finally the old name orc filtered its way back
in. Now, although they refer to themselves as garguni (orc being derrogatory),
most of the players (and admittedly, so do I) call them orcs now.
An orc, by any other name, stinks as bad.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6373 by messiah_of_metal
====
Message 6379 of 6812 Reply
Re: Kensai kwan_darkwood
(21/M) 6/29/01 9:16 am
Sorry it took me so long to reply to this post.
I do have Baldur's Gate 2, but I have been told that there was an original
DnD Kensai which that was based on and that it was somewhat different
than the one there. Thanks for your suggestion though. So, would anyone
happen to know where I can find out information on the 2nd Edition Kensai?
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6280 by gerhen3
=====
Message 6380 of 6812 Reply
Re: On the subject of continual light: Calitrojan
6/29/01 1:53 pm
In this particular situation neither group could clearly see the other.
They could see the other's position but not what they were doing. THe
Kobolds were hidden on a ledge behind some trash they had piled up as
a wall and the spell caster was taking cover from their crossbow fire
behind a large stalagmite. So, in this case it is easy to cast a spell
and have the kobold not see it being done. They could tell the guy was
moving around but not what he was doind.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6359 by dragonlordjr
===
Message 6381 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. messiah_of_metal
(18/M/FL) 6/29/01 1:53 pm
*sighs* Well, I dont like them because of one DM I had, he loved those
orcs like he loved no other creature. Didnt matter where we were, there
was orcs. We were in a Mage Tower of High Sorcery, guess what ambushed
me out of a closet and knocked me out? An orc!!! All Im saying is, you
can use Orcs, but let us not forget the hundreds of other evil creatures
out there. I find Gnolls much more intimidating than Orcs any day of the
week!
I would know like to promote my new favored bad guy. Everyone, this is
Mr.Picklesnatcher. He is the spokes person for the Formian race. I will
turn the Mic over to him now.
*shuffles papers* "Uhm, ahem. Hello. As you know, Levi has allowed me
to speak on behalf of the Formian race, and im going to tell you why you
should pick us as your number one evil race. First off, we just look like
you gotta kill us. We are a cross between an ant and a centaur. Second,
we are, and I repeat ARE after world domination. Our whole race is! Cant
say that about orcs can ya? We hail from planes devoted to law. We seek
to colonize ALL we see and incorporate ALL living things into OUR hive
as workers, that include you too Grandma! We are Expansionist in the extreme,
even moer so thatn humans (can ya belive that!?!). Our goal is to spread
colonies until we have taken over everything and our order is unquestioned.
To further our end, we attack all other creatures, usually to put them
to work building our expanding cities. Dontcha hate us already? And, we
are a pain in the ass to kill, thats right. Our worker class alone has
the ability of Immnuity to poisons, petrifications, and cold. They can
Heal and Make whole. They hacve rististance to Fire, electricity, and
sonic. And, i mind you, this is ONLY the worker class! Well, thats all
for now. And remeber, next time your deciding what evil encounter of bad
guys your AD&D group is going to run into next, vote Picklesnatcher and
go with the Formians. Thank you."
Levi
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6378 by Umbratikus
=====
Message 6382 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge #2 Calitrojan
6/29/01 1:56 pm
Our group is currently involved in a town that is dominated by the local
cattle and horse industry. The local boys are rowdy and rough and they
like to spend their hard earned coppers at the local establishment, The
Mule.
Rickety tables, sawdust on the floor, chairs that hav ebeen broken and
hastily reassembled... Barmaids with ample to grab and a big stick to
keep their meaty hands away. And of course a gnomish tavernkeeper who
won't take no bull from some rowdy boy...
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6365 by vonromig
====
Message 6383 of 6812 Reply
Re: Kensai reverendzen
6/29/01 2:12 pm
The Internet is a good place to start. Do a Yahoo search on Kensai and
see what comes up. There are many sites out there, just look. I didn't
think there was an actual 2nd edition write-up for it, but I know it will
be in the 3rd edition Oriental Adventures (due out in a few months or
so).
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6379 by kwan_darkwood
====
Message 6384 of 6812 Reply
Re: Kensai SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/29/01 6:10 pm
I've got the 2e OA at home (wow, lookit the acronyms... I see a future
at NASA for me). I'll see what I can dig up. If I recall, they're more
than a bit cheesy, though.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6383 by reverendzen
====
Message 6385 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge #2 SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 6/29/01 6:20 pm
Most Unusual Bartender: Zak of the Silver Wolf in Two Forks, a cambion
deserter from the Blood War
Most Friendly: Stan's Beer and Worship, a Lli'iran temple/bar in the town
of Hope. Home of the only fat and lazy cooshee in existence. Good music
and dancing usually erupt spontaneously in the evenings.
Best Selection: The Rabid Wombat Tavern in Midway, run by that most infamous
of NPCs, the GM's First PC. All forms of alcohol are assembled and stored
with loving care, even via magical means when necessary. Food is mediocre
at best, the owner/barkeeper is old and surly, and there are no rooms
to rent. But if you fancy Nargoth Imperial Purple icewine, Jade sake,
elven mead, Zalgatyl Warrior's Heart (Poison or beverage? You decide!)
or even the Goodberry Wine made by Stan's Beer and Worship, you'll find
it here.
Most Posh: The Sign of the Golden Bear Inn and Conference Center. Permanent
faerie fire lims the wrought iron staircase that ascends to the sleeping
quarters as well as the shining golden bear on the sign. The selection
of beverage is very good, the food is most tasty, and the rooms are clean
and well-appointed. The odd mushroom dishes and silver-haired elves coming
and going are nothing to worry about, nothing at all.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6382 by Calitrojan
====
Message 6386 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/29/01 8:45 pm
I will miss him too. Perhapse he is in search of the ultimate answer to
life the universe and everything!
I once thought of making an adventure like one of his books, but it never
got off the ground. :(
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6371 by a_nasty_mouse
====
Message 6387 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 6/29/01 8:57 pm
Now just a minute!
You can have orcs and not be a Tolkien rip off. There were a lot of things
that made the story what it is: orcs, hobbits, wizard's sreuggle, elder
race interfearance, and a mega artifact that everyone wanted.
I have a player that likes to think of the guards at Jabba the Huts palace
as orcs. I have played in Runequest, which makes orcs seem more like troll
cousins.
Ever have 5 powerful PC's get thumped by 3 orcs? Not that difficult in
Runequest (Especially when 1 is a rune lord.) had to kill that bugger
3 times before he stayed dead!!!
Orcs are what you make them. Want a new fodder race instead? Use Gnolls.
One of my PC's has a Flame Tounge, and loves setting them on fire. The
other PC's do not, however, enjoy the smell of burning dog hair that follows
him...
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6378 by Umbratikus
====
Message 6388 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge #2 vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 6/29/01 10:20 pm
The Magic Penny;
Named for the owner,s daughter name, whose a mage.
From the outside you can see that it is contructed from large slabs of
red marble, framed and trimed in mahoganny. The massive ivory-tiled, oaken
doors reach the height of ten feet tall. In the center of each door is
placed a single dragon scale, which displays a copper-like coin with a
bearded man stamped on it (given to the owner by Johnathan the Traveller...he
claims it's called a 'penny').
Through the doors, you enter the front bar area. From here you can see
the other two upper floors as they open into this one via balconies. In
the center is the first bar. It's hexagonal shaped and is 'manned' by
two highly attractive female bartenders. Around the bar there are twenty-six
hexagonal tables each seating six. The floor is patrolled by seven young
barmaids.
On the walls rest the shields of thirty-four fallen Knights of the Red
Lancers, stuffed bears, wolves, and a young green dragon, and weapons
of every sort (each with a heroic story behind it). Light comes from glowing
glass spheres scattered throughout the place (continual light) and the
decor is of heavy wood and copper trim.
Through the back wrought-iron gate one can find the garden. An assortment
of shrubs, trees and flowerbeds, with benches and tables placed for privacy
and mood. In the center of this garden lays a fountain depicting the ancient
story of Princess Ilondrea battling the water elemental of Vagaar.
The second floor bars and tables are situated for privacy and many a business
deals were created there. The third floor has large windows to allow a
magnificent view of the city and Palace, of Aster. And on the third floor
is also the stage, for bardic and magical performances.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6365 by vonromig
=====
Message 6389 of 6812 Reply
Just for interest sake thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 6/30/01 2:02 am
One of my players is touring Europe on a 77 day vacation. He emails me
about twice a week to tell me what the castles, towns and people are like.
I thought this except was interesting so I cut & pasted it for you:
"Well I have to go but if you happen to remember on the 6th of July say
a little prayer for me because on the 7th we will be in Pamplona for San
Fermemes and it will be John versus a crowd of two ton bulls running through
the streets trying to kill me and so many others like me."
He gets my vote for true adventurer of the month.
T
=====
Message 6390 of 6812 Reply
Re: On the subject of continual light: sassallan
(41/M/Telford UK) 6/30/01 7:00 am
Surely the cloak is considered a magic item when the continual light is
cast on it, therefore if it is damaged the spell fails as a broken magic
item fails.
All the best,
Dave J.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6340 by SCA_Bard
===
Message 6391 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. a_nasty_mouse
(38/M/Portland Or) 6/30/01 3:54 pm
When my daughter was five, she called the critters in Disney's Sleeping
Beauty Orcs, of course it just goes to show what kind of father I am,
she had seen the Hobbit first.
Thanks
DJ
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6387 by mattbcieri
====
Message 6392 of 6812 Reply
Re: Kensai kwan_darkwood
(21/M) 6/30/01 9:18 pm
Okay, thank you very much.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6384 by SCA_Bard
====
Message 6393 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge #2 vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 7/1/01 3:56 am
The Rat's Hole; Located in the slum region of Gunthmueller City.
A single room, 20'x 20'. The walls and bar are made from the discarded
lumber of the Dulvo Shipping Yards, turned a motted gray from age and
years of spilt beer. Two tables and six chairs are on the right side,
while the bar takes up the left wall. Most times the place is to crowded
to notice that the floor is of granite slabs, covered in an inch of road
dirt and mud.
There's no barmaids, only the half-orc tender, Gash-eye, whose size prevents
most fights from even starting on the night shift. During the day his
brother, Hawldregg maintains order and serves the amber liquid. It is
unknown to all if Gash-eye and/or Hawldregg owns the place or not, as
they will not answer such inquiries. But it is because of these two, that
with keeping the peace, allows the patron to feel safe. Thus within the
narrow and dangerous alleys of Gunthmueller 'The Rat's Hole' is the busiest
and most profitable place.
Another one...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6388 by vonromig
====
Message 6394 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge #2 lordironfist70
(31/M/State College PSU) 7/1/01 12:52 pm
The bartender of the Dragon's Tail Tavern wears a vest made from the scales
of a dragon he killed when he was a young adventurer. The dragon's treasure
is what let him buy and decorate the tavern. A large building that has
sixteen tables in the center and a bar on the right and left sides of
the main room. It also has a stage for dancing girls and steps that lead
up to rooms. There are ten rooms each with two beds and nightstand and
tub. Hot water can be brought up for bathing and the dancing girls bought
for pleasure but only after there dance routines are done for the night's
entertainment. A door behind the right side bar leads to the supple room
and it is said that there is a secret passage from there to the bar owner's
house that is next door. The tavern is in the marketplace of the city
of Waterlord and so has many theives customers having a quenching drink
after a long day of stealing.
LIH
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6393 by vonromig
=====
Message 6395 of 6812 Reply
Re: On the subject of continual light: lordironfist70
(31/M/State College PSU) 7/1/01 1:03 pm
That is a unique situation as the spell continual light is cast on the
cloak may make the cloak look like a magical item but since it is not
a true part of the cloak its not a magic item. The powers of a magic item
is what is inherant in the very making of the item and in most cases would
need a magic word to activate it. So if someone was to make a magical
cloak with continual light being one of its powers it would mean that
it was applied to it when it was first made and the other spells needed
would give it the power to turn off the light. It comes down to how you
give a difinition to magic items versus magically charmed items. It is
like when you use magic writing on a wall the wall does not become a magic
item but just magically enhanced with a spell.
LIH
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6390 by sassallan
=====
Message 6396 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. lordironfist70
(31/M/State College PSU) 7/1/01 1:09 pm
Well the dwarves of Sleeping Beauty are nothing like they are described
by the Player's Handbook just as the elves helping Santa are not the elves
of D&D. It all comes down to the perception of the creator of the fiction.
There are many more examples of elves and dwarves in stories and myth
that does not follow the discription in D&D and can be seen as another
example of false information. Which is one of the things the others have
been talking about that word of mouth can get information screwed up and
the facts are not what is really there.
LIH
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6391 by a_nasty_mouse
====
Message 6397 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge #2 thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 7/1/01 5:49 pm
The Lankmar Hilton. (I have a loosely interpreted version of this famous
town in my campaign).
It has never been taken by war or economics and never drastically changes,
due to the influence of Lankmars’ own pantheon of gods, who walk the streets
once per year to see to that by punishing the citizenry if it (or the
rest of the city) changes too much for their tastes.
The Lankmar Hilton features the softest feather beds in the west. The
building (like many in Lankmar) is so ancient that no one knows for sure
how old it is. However it's superstructure is made from a type of steel
stronger than currently produced and the interior is appointed with the
finest materials and coverings. Their selection of imported beer, wine
and strong spirits is second to none and an obscenely expensive delicacy
(100Gp. each) made from the eyes of giant lizards called "Lizard Eye Larue"
is served only here as anyone who tries to copy it dies under mysteriously
strange circumstances being found suffocated by a mouth full of the tasty
ocular delights.
The "Hilton" is as non-traditional an inn as you might find. Bar fights,
thievery and assassination are almost non-existent within their walls
as a polite but powerful group of security personnel see to that. ( Some
say the Teamsters and Assassins Guilds own a piece). The wealthiest and
most noble persons from near and far will travel hundreds of miles to
spend a few blissful nights here and those seeking sanctuary from even
the most powerful enemies can find safety here.
But if you want to dine on the finest food, drink the best in wines and
experience a level of luxury that draws even the highest kings from their
own opulent palaces, don’t forget your Visa card. The cost of a nights
lodging and meals runs between 500 -2500 Gp per night... And they DON’T
take American Express.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6394 by lordironfist70
=====
Message 6398 of 6812 Reply
Re: On the subject of continual light: thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 7/1/01 5:53 pm
I agree with your interpretation here lord I.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6395 by lordironfist70
=====
Message 6399 of 6812 Reply
Sorcerers and spell Coponents messiah_of_metal
(18/M/FL) 7/1/01 10:45 pm
Do you guys think that Sorcers should have to use spell coponents. I think
they should because I belive a spell is like a locked door, and the coponents
are like the key, in order to open the door you need the key. This other
DM on the other hand thought that sense it ran in the blood then they
shouldnt need coponents, and, if they do, how would they know what coponents
to use? She also thought it was pointless to give a sorcer bonus spells
and abilities for high CHR. What are your opinions?
=====
Message 6400 of 6812 Reply
Re: Sorcerers and spell Coponents wannabesuperman
(23/M/Atlanta, GA) 7/1/01 11:59 pm
The spell component argument is a neverending one. But that's okay, because
it is a reasonable one.
I don't make sorcerors buy a spell component pouch. All material cost
that are above 1gp must still be paid, though. The sorcerors just don't
have to worry about running out of bat guano. Ha!
If your DM says that wizards can't cast spells at night, it is law. That
wouldn't be much fun and I think that I lobby for a change or a new DM.
Just my opinion.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6399 by messiah_of_metal
=====
Message 6401 of 6812 Reply
Re: Sorcerers and spell Coponents tsrworshipper
7/2/01 12:23 am
Sorcerors get their powers not from study and research as the wizards
do. They manipulate the forces of magic by a psychic like ability, so
there is no need for spell components.
The wizards use them as a way to focus their minds on the spell, just
a non-sorceror's way to activate the psychic ability.
TSR Worshipper, the Cleric
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6399 by messiah_of_metal
===
Message 6402 of 6812 Reply
Re: Sorcerers and spell Coponents ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 7/2/01 12:50 am
Find another game where the DM isn't a butthead how utterly ridiculous.
The game is hard enough without house ruling it to death with this kind
of idiocy. 'law' or not.
mikey
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6400 by wannabesuperman
===
Message 6403 of 6812 Reply
Hello eldrond_gertar
(20/M) 7/2/01 1:31 am
I'm fairly new to DM'ing but I've long been playing the game. Are there
any basic bits of advice you could give me to ensure that the game is
enjoyable for all involved.
====
Message 6404 of 6812 Reply
Re: Sorcerers and spell Coponents a_nasty_mouse
(38/M/Portland Or) 7/2/01 1:41 am
I use something of both, when a mage starts out learning a spell he needs
spell components, and for some spells he will always need some, but the
longer he uses the spell, the more often he succeds in throwing it, the
better he gets at it. It is sort of the training wheels on a bike way
to learn magic.
Thanks
Dj
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6399 by messiah_of_metal
====
Message 6405 of 6812 Reply
Advice to Eldrond vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 7/2/01 3:36 am
First and foremost be prepared. Nothing worst then a DM who doesn't even
know what is happening in his own Campaign. Other tidbits...
1) Place in your gaming those things you enjoyed when role-playing a character.
2) Use the players as a guide. If they show more activity and involvement
within a certain aspect of the game (solving puzzles, killing the bad-guys,
exploring, etc) then emphasize these, but maintain your overall storyline.
3) Ensure each player is handled and has a purpose within your campaign.
Don't 'leave' any of them on the back burner.
Just a few...
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6403 by eldrond_gertar
====
Message 6406 of 6812 Reply
Re: Hello thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 7/2/01 4:21 am
This is a good question for the club. I hope a lot of members will share
their thoughts. Here's my 2 cp:
A. Listen to your players. They will give you clues about:
1) How to keep them entertained
2) Where their strengths and weaknesses lie.
3) Where your plot-line can go. “I want to free slaves” or “I want to
build my own realm.” If you add components from your players personal
vision, they will feel more attached to the campaign and as such add depth
and life to your run.
B. Always make your players feel that they have a voice and are an important
part of the process. You will do what you feel is right but after hearing-out
your players. You can be a total dictator and the oracle of all knowledge
(we DM’s often come off as such with our “I am God” comments) but it usually
doesn't work out long-term. If your rulings and refereeing is consistent
your players will generally respect you.
C. When it comes to style of play, mix it up. Add in elements of “hack
& slash“, straight role play, mystery and mental challenges. This is one
reason I feel the game is popular. It can be a war game, a dramatic (or
comic) experience, a sci-fi fantasy, a chance to date queens, run a corporation
or save a friend from a bloody death.
D. Be consistent. To do otherwise is to lose your secondary status as
“Referee”.
E. Know the rules better than your players. This is important because
you will undoubtedly be challenged from time to time and you had better
be prepared.
F. Despite the advise given in “E” be willing to admit you are wrong if
so. No one is perfect. I have had to choose between “BS’ing” and admitting
fallibility. I choose the later as honesty is a component for credibility.
I could go on all night but I know that others can pick up from here.
I hope they do. It would make great material for an article on the website.
As always we just assume that comments are IMHO. So take what you like
and discard the rest!
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6403 by eldrond_gertar
====
Message 6407 of 6812 Reply
Re: Sorcerers and spell Coponents thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 7/2/01 4:46 am
I see magic as being the summoning, manipulation and/or collection of
energies existing all around or on other planes of existence that are
accessible. Traditional magic-users employ tonal, material or somatic
actions to evoke and controls these energies. Sorcerers (esses) have less
spells available but have innate skills (like monsters who use no components).
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6401 by tsrworshipper
=====
Message 6408 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 7/2/01 9:04 am
Levi--
Your sales pitch is working. My mind is already formulating Formian campaigns.
I always thought they looked cool, but I have *never* used them.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6381 by messiah_of_metal
====
Message 6409 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 7/2/01 9:26 am
Calm down there Matt. I didn't mean to offend. There is nothing wrong
with Tolkienesqe campaigns. After all, the Middle Earth books were a driving
creative influence for the D&D game's creation. And I love Tolkien. I
just don't want my world to be that Tolkienesque.
And granted, just because a world has orcs, doesn't mean that it is a
Middle Earth mirror, but lets face it orcs (and halflings) originated
with Tolkien, regardless of subsequent incarnations.
Umbratikus
P.S. I don't believe in fodder races.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6387 by mattbcieri
=====
Message 6410 of 6812 Reply
Re: Just for interest sake Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 7/2/01 9:32 am
"One of my players is touring Europe on a 77 day vacation..."
Umbratikus [turning green]
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6389 by thrandorian
====
Message 6411 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. a_nasty_mouse
(38/M/Portland Or) 7/2/01 12:55 pm
Just as a point of interest have you ever seen any of the ICE Middle Earth
supplements. They don't really have any fodder races.
Although I have to admit that when I was running my campaign I avoided
the Tolkienesqe feel as well, but that was becuase I wanted something
a little more recognizable, and went with more of a mediveal Europe feel.
Thanks
DJ
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6409 by Umbratikus
====
Message 6412 of 6812 Reply
Re: Hello lordneodig
(29/M/Hobart, Indiana) 7/2/01 2:42 pm
Hi,
One thing that I have found very useful are solo adventures. After every
'big' adventure the party decides how long they are going take off before
seeking adventure anew. During this time I meet individually with each
player, and let each pursue an interest that they haven't been able to
during an adventure.
The advantage of this is that in the adventure the player is often thinking
of his or her character as a member of a team, in relation to the others,
whether it is hack and slash or role play. By letting the player have
time where it is only his or her character, it gives the player a much
stronger conception of who his character is, which makes the 'big' adventures
all that much better.
It also sometimes creates adventure hooks, when one character gets into
something over his or her head, and the rest of the party has to bail
them out. This often happens at earlier levels.
Here is an example of higher level solos, but earlier levels solos can
be just as or even more important, as the players can make contacts that
can yield magic, information, organizational membership, and political
power at later levels. When the average party level was 16, all four players
agreed to take two years off from adventuring. During this time....
The 16th level mage used disintegrate and stone shape spells to burrow
his way into the side of a mountain, and then expand it into a new lair.
He built a laboratory and summoning room, and the player even got to map
out his new home down to the most excruciating detail.
The 14th/14th cleric/psionicist of Dugmaren Brightmantle went back to
his temple in Wol's Lok and used his share of the adventure booty to add
a wing to the temple, as well as funded the campaign to successful place
one of his assistant’s onto the city's council, giving the temple a modicum
of control of the surrounding parts of the city.
The elven mage/thief went back to Silk Gate and bought three galleons,
and opened casino's on each. He thought that by putting the casinos out
in the water of Flavius Bay, the Teamsters (Mafia) Guild wouldn't claim
a cut of the winnings. Two months, one burnt galley, and ten dead guild
members later they came to an understanding.
Finally, the 14th/14th cleric/mage of Isis took the 40,000 gp ruby they
got from the first plane of the abyss, and went to Mount Penultimate,
the largest volcano on the planet. There she summoned an Azer from the
Plane of Fire and hired him to carve the Ruby into a pommel for an axe.
She then enchanted the ruby to give the axe it was attached to various
powers. She gave the axe to the high priest of Dugmaren in River's Bend,
cementing the relationship between the Great Library and the Faith of
Dugmaren, which pleased her superiors at the Great Library, who then gave
her greater access the spells and formulae, and well as greater political
power in the Empire.
When they players got togther for the next 'big' adventure they all had
things to talk about and their increased power, both personal and political,
helped the party during the adventure.
Joe the Wordy
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6403 by eldrond_gertar
====
Message 6413 of 6812 Reply
Re: Sorcerers and spell Coponents Calitrojan
7/2/01 3:13 pm
In general I don't require spell components. There are of course exceptions,
and I sometimes use the search for a spell component as an adventure idea,
but that is beside the point.
I do require that sorcerers use verbal and somatic components, the same
as wizards. Often they are hindered by silence spells and grappling. A
few months ago, my players were engaged in a fight with their arch-nemisis...
a wizard, over an artifact they were both trying to get. The PCs should
have been easily handled by this NPC and his band of orcs... but one clever
PC neutralized the wizard while the others dispatched the orcs and turned
their attention solely onto the wizard. The PC did this by sacrificing
his fighting prowess and grappling with the wizard. Though he took himself
out of the martial fight, he eliminated the wizard's ability to support
his minions and wreak havoc on the party. The wizard eventually escaped
the grapple due to some unlucky rolls ofr the PC and made a last ditch
effort to secure the artifact and flee.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6399 by messiah_of_metal
=====
Message 6414 of 6812 Reply
not roleplaying well MARK0FFCHANEY
(25/M/Franklin NJ (we need a lo) 7/2/01 4:17 pm
how do i convince a first level sorceror to use his damn spells? he keeps
using his crossbow and his shortspear, he's managed to stay alive so far.
ocasionaly he uses detect magic or magic missile, but all in all he's
playing like a fighter. i considered giving him a ring of wizardry so
he can have double the fiorst level spells, but i don't know.
===
Message 6415 of 6812 Reply
Re: not roleplaying well dungeonmaster1st
(100/M/muiltiverse) 7/2/01 4:57 pm
take his weapons away so he has to use his spells
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6414 by MARK0FFCHANEY
===
Message 6416 of 6812 Reply
Re: not roleplaying well Calitrojan
7/2/01 5:08 pm
How is he using his crossbow and spear? I have a sorcere in my group who
rarely uses spells, but he role-plays the situation effectively. He is
playing a mand who is realizing his spell-casting ability. The only experience
he has had with spells are wizards and clerics, having never encountered
someone with inborn arcane skills. He plays his character as someone who
is fearful of the power within himself and he plays it like he cannot
control his spell casting. I enjoy this a lot. He remains in the rear
of the group, using his crossbow and mainly acting very afraid (he is
with the group because of his best friend and protector, a fighter who
is also int he group). When his life becomes threatened or at a primely
suspenseful time he will let out a magic missile or a shield spell. We
have discussed his character nad he plans on sticking ot mainly defensive
and offensive spells, avoiding spells that have focuses in other areas,
like clairvoyance, invisibility, etc. He also wants to stick with instantaneous
spells. He feels like these are what someone who is using his uncontrollable
inborn ability woul dhave access to, instant and in the moment sorts of
mechanisms. As he progresses in level he will gradually begin to learn
to control his powers and may eventually begin to pick up spells that
are not solely to save his hide.
Now if your player is just a guy who wanted to play a fighter with spell-casting
abilities, maybe you should talk to him about multi-classing. This is
a very viable solution in 3rd edition. I have an organization in my campaign
that mostly consists of fighters with a few levels of sorcerer thrown
in. THis minor magical ability makes them a real surprise ina fight...
also they are willing to trade a 30% fail rate for decent armor, as they
use their spells to enhance their martial ability.
Or just take away his weapons, make him rely on his spells.
Or make a puzzle, or something where he has to use his spells to get beyond
it. Sometimes brute force is not hte answer.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6414 by MARK0FFCHANEY
====
Message 6417 of 6812 Reply
Re: not roleplaying well thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 7/2/01 5:22 pm
Cal wrote:
"Now if your player is just a guy who wanted to play a fighter with spell-casting
abilities, maybe you should talk to him about multi-classing."
This is about what I was going to say but Cal got there first. "Talk to
your player" is, I think the key here. Don't force him to do anything
he doesn't want but coach him instead to determine if a sorcerer is what
he really wants to play.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6414 by MARK0FFCHANEY
====
Message 6418 of 6812 Reply
Re: not roleplaying well vahjra
(28/F/Missouri) 7/2/01 5:40 pm
you could also have him sold into a sorcery type gladitorial pit where
they are given no weapons, just use of their spells. if you wanted to
boost his confidence, you could tone the NPC's down and let him kick some
arse. maybe that way he would better understand his powers and learn how
to effectively use his spells.
otherwise, i agree that you should just talk to him and see if he is unhappy
with the character he chose and let him make another.
vahjra
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6417 by thrandorian
====
Message 6419 of 6812 Reply
Re: not roleplaying well MARK0FFCHANEY
(25/M/Franklin NJ (we need a lo) 7/2/01 5:48 pm
thanks all for the advice. i'm new at dm'ing, especially in d20. i think
i'm gonna ask him if he wants to change class.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6418 by vahjra
====
Message 6420 of 6812 Reply
scaling and fudging MARK0FFCHANEY
(25/M/Franklin NJ (we need a lo) 7/2/01 5:56 pm
i'm having trouble with scaling the adventure. all 1st level characters,
there are: 1 ranger, 1 paladin, 1 cleric, 1 rogue, 1 sorceror, and 1 monk.
nice mix. CR is based on 4 characters, CR1 encounters get eaten alive,
but when i scale it up, the party gets eaten. i've been giving them harder
encounters, butfudging on some of the rules to keep them alive. lowering
DC for poisons, lowering damage on attacks that would otherwise kill.
how do you guys feel about fudging the rules?
====
Message 6421 of 6812 Reply
Re: scaling and fudging thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 7/2/01 6:21 pm
Well Mark, proceed with caution and at your own risk. Remember, you are
also the referee. If you get caught "fudging", how much credibility do
you lose and what example will that set? I feel your dilemma but you are
better off killing them and having them start over in my opinion.
Keep the fudge in your brownies,
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6420 by MARK0FFCHANEY
====
Message 6422 of 6812 Reply
Re: I hate Orcs. mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 7/2/01 7:45 pm
Umbritakus,
I am calm. You did not offend, I was just trying to make my point about
orc = Tolkein, does not always hold true. Sorry if I confused you.
The only think I thought that was the real trade mark of Tolkein was the
Hobbits. In my mind Hobbits are only 1 type of halfling (Rolemaster has
hairfoots, ans stoutfellows for example), mix this with the hill, dark
and or deep, variety then you have a lot of non-Tolkein varieties of the
halflings.
Same for the orcs.
Same for a lot of other races. I have seen and heard of trolls described
anywhere from green dwarves, to orcs, to giant kin, to nasty little brownies!
In my Ravenloft campaign, there is an Orc running arround (which is more
like an ogre). he is one of the Party's most formidable fighters!
Matt
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6409 by Umbratikus
====
Message 6423 of 6812 Reply
Re: scaling and fudging mattbcieri
(28/M/Upper Darby PA) 7/2/01 7:52 pm
Some of the more deadly campaigns I have beenin have a house rule for
a "Break".
You get 1 break, it is like a get out of death free card, but you only
get 1 per adventure. When the PC's start loosing their breaks, they usually
become more cautious.
The rule for break has been that you come back from what ever death shot
mostly intact, but with 1 hit point.
I have been tinkering with the idea of multiple breaks for players (at
the cost of XP's after the 1st one).
this seems like a good idea since my group has not hit the temple yet,
and we have had 3 deaths and 3 near misses in the last session.)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6421 by thrandorian
====
Message 6424 of 6812 Reply
Re: not roleplaying well deltadave_fx
(31/M/Sherman Oaks, CA) 7/2/01 9:33 pm
Don't be too harsh on him, try to remember how difficult it is to be a
low level spellcaster.
Try giving him some hints that his spellcasting ability isn't advancing
as fast as his weapons skills. Then if it is still a problem, retard his
advance in casting ability (ie. hold him back a level on the spell aquisition
chart), just because it is in the tables doesn't make things a hard and
fast rule. I think the cool thing about the d20 system is it's flexibility.
Please don't, for your player's sake, force his character to be something
he doesn't want it to be.
Just $.02 from a long time DM.
--
Deltadave_fx
Flying isn't what's dangerous.
Crashing is the dangerous part.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6419 by MARK0FFCHANEY
====
Message 6425 of 6812 Reply
Re: scaling and fudging orgruff
(33/M/The lucky country) 7/3/01 12:09 am
> Keep the fudge in your brownies, <
Thats good advice in moderation. If one guy keeps getting caned just because
the opponants roll a couple of critical hits then thats bad luck especially
if none of the rest of the party gets a scratch. If thats the case then
I'd fudge it. But if the party is up against monsters that are way out
of their league then they need to learn when to run and when to fight.
However from your original post that does not seem to be the problem.
You stated that CR1 monsters get a pounding but CR2 monsters pound them.
If thats the case I'd look long and hard at the numbers. Try several 1/2
CR monsters or a pair of CR1 monsters. Try a CR1 monster using some brains,
say an evil Orc ranger that tracks them and takes the occasional shot
with a bow before dissapearing into the undergrowth. Then he comes back
20 min or two hours later to take another shot like a sniper, Or he sets
a snare or something. That can be fun and interesting without killing
anybody. As long as the party eventually tries to outsmart the ranger,
and they should, then he dies.
Orgruff
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6421 by thrandorian
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Message 6426 of 6812 Reply
Re: scaling and fudging a_nasty_mouse
(38/M/Portland Or) 7/3/01 12:26 am
You could increase the size of the enocounter at CR1, if it calls for
one beastie you could have two.
Thanks
DJ
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6420 by MARK0FFCHANEY
====
Message 6427 of 6812 Reply
Re: scaling and fudging Scott_Gigot
(25/M/De Pere, WI) 7/3/01 2:59 am
Our group has (when everyone shows) *nine* characters. The last couple
of adventures they went through were heavy on the CR 1/2 and 1 critters
(for 2nd and 3rd level characters).
Typically the encounters featured extra monsters with nearly max (or over
max) HP, and often "chieftain" monsters (with an extra HD, a PC class,
better armor and weapons, etc). The increased numbers didn't usually help
THAT much (unless we DOUBLED the number of enemies), but the tougher monsters
made a difference. At low levels, even a couple-point boost in AC will
make a big difference.
In general, small numbers of much tougher critters made more of a difference
than adding more to a horde of weaker enemies.
We did have fun with the PC's by using some clever monsters a few times.
They had mowed down several small bands of hobgoblins, but when the next
group of hobs turned a loaded ballista towards the group things got a
little hectic. And nothing beats a 70-HP monster with 3 attacks/round
tunneling out of the rock next to the middle of the party (just out of
range of all the fighters...aw! :-)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6420 by MARK0FFCHANEY
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Message 6428 of 6812 Reply
Re: not roleplaying well reverendzen
7/3/01 8:26 am
Maybe have the short spear get broken (if used in melee) or lost (if thrown).
Keep track of crossbow bolts, and be sure to let the player know when
he runs out. (Keep them out of town for a while so he can't replenish
his stock.) Not all sorcerers are dependant on spells, especially in 3E,
so don't force him to use them. If he wants to play as a fighter, let
him. He'll have less than half the hit points, and might die all the sooner.
Then you can use the usual "I told you so" routine.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6414 by MARK0FFCHANEY
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Message 6429 of 6812 Reply
Re: scaling and fudging reverendzen
7/3/01 8:33 am
When in doubt, don't use a more powerful monster, just use more weaker
ones. In the last game I played in, we started out 1st level, and the
DM's main monster was kobolds. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Kobolds
are pretty easy, even in numbers, because they use hit-and-run tactics;
they're cowards!" Well, not when they have a 3rd level kobold sorcerer
on their side. He had so many defensive spells on him, my ranger needed
a 19 or 20 to hit him! My advice is to use more weaker monsters, and throw
in a leader or maybe one with a class (sorcerer, fighter, rogue, etc).
This way you don't have to fudge the rules, the characters get more experience,
but they have to work for it.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6420 by MARK0FFCHANEY
====
Message 6430 of 6812 Reply
Re: not roleplaying well dungeonmaster1st
(100/M/muiltiverse) 7/3/01 9:16 am
give him spells that will aid him in combat also
enchated weapon shocking grasp detectinot stuff and identify is always
useful burning hands ray of cold etc.. stuff to off set is current weapons
can always be useful !! like sleep let him read what the spell does and
at early levels sleeps is the most powerful spell he can have!!!
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6428 by reverendzen
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Message 6431 of 6812 Reply
Re: scaling and fudging dungeonmaster1st
(100/M/muiltiverse) 7/3/01 9:21 am
when you have more player levels then the advetur calls for do this...
is the encouter has 4 skeletons make it 6 since you have a pladin and
a cleric
12 goblins make them 16 and so forth buy adding a few more weaker monsters
like he was saying it balances out or 1 leader something to offset your
grooup's power gammer or magic items designed specificly for the monsters
using them can help balance the encounters more
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6420 by MARK0FFCHANEY
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Message 6432 of 6812 Reply
Kensai (finally) SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 7/3/01 9:28 am
Sorry, I started this over the weekend, and the power went out mid-post.
It turns out I have the 1e OA rules, so you may have to tweak them to
fit 2e (particularly regarding proficiencies).
Blow by blow summary:
XP table. It's 3K for 2nd lvl - I'd use paladin/ranger XP at least
Prime Req: Wis, Dex
Stat Mins: Str 12, Wis 12, Dex 14
Align: any lawful
Races: human, hengeyanokai, spirit folk
HD: 10-siders
Thac0 and saves: as fighter
Weapons: any (honor loss for ninja weapons unless it is kensai's weapon
of choice)
Armor: None. Yeah, NONE.
Pick one weapon or unarmed fighting style: this is kensai's chosen weapon.
Gets free proficiency but not specialization. Gets 3 add'l prof slots,
two of which must be used for peaceful profs (ie, he gets a weapon prof
and 2 NWP)
Kensai do not receive Dex bonuses: not React. Adj, Attack Adj, or Def
Adj. Instead:
Kensai base AC = 23 - kensai's Dex
Improves by 1 for every 3 levels (at 3rd, 6th, etc)
+1 init bonus at 1st level. Increases to +2 at 5th and to +3 at 9th.
+1 to all saving throws
Abilities
1st: (Ki power) Cause max damage with chosen weapon level times/day (ie,
5th level kensai can do this 5x/day). Must declare before attack roll
is made.
+2 bonus to psychic duels with non-kensai (it's an OA thing)
Immune to fear
2nd: +1 damage with weapon of choice. Increases again at 5th, 8th, 10th,
and 12th for a total +5 bonus.
3rd: +1 to hit. Allows kensai to hit monsters that can only be hit w/+1
weapons. Increases as damage bonus
4th: Can mediatate like shukenja (med. 4 hrs instead of sleeping 8 and
awareness of surroundings is maintained)
6th: Suprised only on a 1 on 1d6
7th: May attack w/ 2 weapons with no penalty. Cause fear as samurai.
9th: Draws 1d6 pupils.
11th: (Ki power) The Big Cheese: the whirlwind attack. Must not have used
other ki power during the day. Uses all ki. Can only be used with weapon
of choice. Kensai attacks all opponents within 10' on his init. Init,
attack, and damage bonuses apply, but kensai may not cause auto max damage.
Restrictions
Will follow in another post, before Yahoo cuts this one off.
====
Message 6433 of 6812 Reply
Kensai (finally) (part 2) SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 7/3/01 9:36 am
Restrictions
May never use magical weapon of chosen weapon type.
If kensai fights with weapon other than his chosen weapon, he gets only
1/2 XP for defeating the opponent. Applies even if only part of the fight
was done with other weapon (unless kensai was fighting w/ 2 weapons and
one of them was the chosen weapon and one was not; that's OK)
If kensai defeats another kensai in duel, he gets double XP. Can only
duel a person once/level.
Must practice 2 hrs/day. If PC skips, lost training must be made up before
PC can advance to next level. (Example text implies adventuring causes
lost training)
When kensai ready to advance to next level, there is a chance (= (10*level
to be attained)%) that he will be challenged to a duel by another kensai.
Kensai will be of the new level. Must be one-on-one, no help, no magic
weapons or armor. If PC refuses or loses, he is dropped to the start of
his previous level and loses honor. Duel need not be to death. (surrender,
1st blood, 1st strike are common).
Other duels may be refuses w/o loss of XP, but will result in loss of
honor.
PC must roll on Character Birth. If PC honor drops below family honor,
kensai is dishonored and becomes a bushi (OA regular fighter with a few
thief abilities) of the same level. Old kensai abiities are not lost,
but no new ones may be gained.
Hope this helps!
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6432 by SCA_Bard
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Message 6434 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge #2 karrakain
(38/M/London, UK) 7/3/01 10:26 am
The Gristle Inn
The first thing you notice is that the room is large, and dark, the ceiling
is at least 12 feet high although it is hard to see as the little candlelight
from the tables disappears into the gloomy dark beams of the roof.
The Second thing you notice as you walk in the door are the two massive
Half ogres standing on either side of the front door glaring at the rough
looking crown. They are armed with huge studded cudgels,
The centre of the room is a wide expanse of sanded floor which looks as
though it has mopped up much liquor . . .and other less savoury liquids.
The patrons of the bar are a hard looking crew, not one of them unarmed,
many of them bar scars and signs of old wounds. They all look suspiciously
toward the door when it opens, before resuming their quiet conversations
in the darkened booths around the walls.
At the back of the room, near the long bar are stairs which lead up to
a mezzanine floor – the pay by the hour privet meeting rooms are up there.
There is another Half Ogre watching over the crowd from the top of the
stairs.
The bar itself is a solid affair, much scarred and hacked, above the bar
what looks to be a large multi hinged metal grating, upon closer inspection
you can see the latch release behind the bar. Any of the four hard looking
bartenders could pull the latch which would release the grating. It looks
as if the heavy iron would slam down creating a Cage around the bar.
You also notice the eight loaded crossbows on the wall behind the bar.
The bartenders could easily fire through their cage and into an unruly
crowd with little danger to themselves. If the crowd got too close they
could make their escape through the heavy oaken door behind the bar. You
have heard that even the city guard will not enter this Inn except in
full company strength . . .you begin to see why . . .
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6365 by vonromig
=====
Message 6435 of 6812 Reply
Re: DM Challenge #2 karrakain
(38/M/London, UK) 7/3/01 10:49 am
The Lucky Traveller
You have heard of the Lucky traveller and what you heard has made you
curious enough to warrant a visit to this misnamed place.
Apparently it was transformed from a tavern indistinguishable from many
others into a local tourist attraction as the result of a battle between
some local toughs, a band of itinerant adventurers and a very powerful
mage.
You see it was the old man in the corner stall that the toughs decided
to pick on, Yes, the corner over there which is still at normal ground
level. One of the adventurers, a noble paladin according to the story,
tried to defend the old man, despite his protests that he was alright.
The ensuing fight between the Paladin and the toughs encompassed a Halfling
and the priest as well. Just as it was getting out of hand the Old man
in the corner turned the entire floor of the Inn to a sea of waist high
mud at a gesture. (except for where he was standing of course).
Well that caused a right old uproar, the Halflings and Gnomes scrambled
up onto tables to avoid drowning and all the other patrons, standing,
sitting, walking – just sort of sank.
It was then that the Adventurer Druid yelled “ I displel thy foul magic
Old Man !!”, and he did. (much to everyones surprise, including himself!)
This was of course unfortunate for the many patrons up to their waist
in mud – which turned back to stone around them. The old man just shook
his head in disgust, cast an itch curse on the feet of the young toughs
and walked off through the wall.
So that is why this entire bar looks like it has been carved from the
rocky surface beneath, tables, chairs and walkways around the floor, it
took days to free some of the patrons – the bar, tables and chairs were
just sculpted around gradually . . . .but for all that it’s a nice wee
atmosphere eh ?
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6365 by vonromig
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Message 6436 of 6812 Reply
Re: scaling and fudging pvandyck_99
7/3/01 12:00 pm
The other thing you should have mentioned is that our group requires *TWO*
DM's (main and assist) just to work with the *nine* players and the new
DM-intensive 3rd edition rules.
-p
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6427 by Scott_Gigot
====
Message 6437 of 6812 Reply
NPC Questions... vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 7/3/01 3:56 pm
The most obvious thing in our world that makes it more than the sum of
its parts are the NPCs and how we handle them. So here are some questions
to give us an idea as to how we each use these NPCs and the effect they
play in our world...
1) The clothing aspect...Not much emphasis seems to be put on what the
NPCs are wearing when you have the PCs meet them, from my experience.
So do you have a standard dress code in your world or are the people dressed
based on society, class, and/or culture? (If you look in the 3rd Ed PHB
and saw the outfits the adventurers are wearing in there, one could only
imagine the envy of modern designers to produce such elaborate costumes.
Just an example; Hennet on page 50, PBH 3rd ED. What is with all the belts?)
The languages...It has been my experience that in most worlds the humans
all have the same language, the elves their language, and the dwarves
their language, and so on. The concept of different kingdoms or regions
having different tongues seems to excape most people. And what of this
idea of 'Common', is that D&D's version of the 'galactic communicator'
from Star Trek? So everyone can still talk to each other regardless of
what language they wrote on the Character Sheet. How do you handle the
language barrier?
3) Personalities...Each NPC has its own thoughts, dreams, goals, desires,
fears, etc, so how do you relate this difference to the Players? Do you
use different voices, make faces, act out the NPCs actions? Or are all
the NPCs just your same ol'voice and their words and the actions you discribe
suppose to relay their personality? How do you imagine certain aligned
NPCs would say things that would indicate their personality? We should
give the players the correct first impression, as that they say, is the
most important. How?
Answer if you have an opinion and bring up your own questions on NPCs...
Von Romig
=====
Message 6438 of 6812 Reply
Re: NPC Questions... SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 7/3/01 4:20 pm
1) I describe clothing only if it's important or unusual - Sarah Red's
trademarked red scarf or the Darkling's billowing grey cloak. I rationalize
this like so: I don't remark upon the clothing of most people I meet unless
it's striking in some way. If you asked me what my coworker Dave was wearing
right now, I'd say jeans (maybe shorts?) and a T-shirt, but I couldn't
say what color, and I'd be guessing that based on the fact that I'd notice
if Dave *weren't* wearing jeans and a T-shirt.
2) I have different languages in my world. The Ramadi (sand halflings)
will speak a different tongue than their cousins across the sea. Elves
might share a common tongue over a region or continent, since their long
lifespans implies to me less language drift. Elves on different continents
are another story. Humans of the Nargoth and Jade Empires speak entirely
different languages, and neither would understand someone from the city
of Two Forks.
I handle this by trying to get all the PCs to learn the local most common
tongue (usually human, as my world is so far humanocentric with regional
enclaves of demihuman cultures and no one wants to play the all-halfling
campaign). Then I make it easy for them to teach each other their respective
languages. (Then again, I hand out NWP like candy, sooo...)
3) The effort I put into an NPC is directly proportional to the NPC's
importance, with random outliers indicating easy stereotypes. Fer instance:
major NPCs have different speech patterns and occassionally accents. I'm
trying to introduce behavioral tics as well. (hair twirling, tooth tapping,
slouching, etc). Some make it easy: the priestess of dreams has big staring
eyes and talks slowly and methodically, in a slightly high-pitched little-girl
voice. Some are vetoed by the players. The Darkling was supposed to speak
in a raspy whisper. The PCs quickly let me know this was annoying and
insisted I return to normal speech.
But Joe Barkeep in Joe's Bar in Some Town We're Staying In is much like
Ed in Ed's Bar. When the PCs suddenly want to meet NPCs in little random
byway towns I thought we'd narrate through, I'll skimp on the personalization
unless random inspiration strikes.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6437 by vonromig
====
Message 6439 of 6812 Reply
Re: NPC Questions... dragonlordjr
(26/M/UD Ohio) 7/3/01 4:46 pm
I never gave much thought to how the npcs are dressed or how they looked.
only if it was real noticeable and part of that npcs special quality like
all the evil preists wear red cloaks. if I got in to trying to figure
out the laugauges of each kingdom or region then it would only confuse
the players. Why have them go to a bar and not be able to talk even to
the bartender. and for personalitys it would be just as easy to let the
players know the alignment of the npc then try to act like a actor. that
would just mack me look silly. and I'm playing the game to be serious
I'm not a kid anymore. So I just use my own voice and tell the players
how he talks like if he stutters or looks a them with hatred in his eyes
that sort of thing.
DRAGONLORD JR
(Sky Master)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6437 by vonromig
===
Message 6440 of 6812 Reply
Re: NPC Questions... dragonlordjr
(26/M/UD Ohio) 7/3/01 4:50 pm
See the problem here SCA bard is that if you use you expressions and acting
to the big npcs and not the commoner then on the chance that the mood
strikes you you have a nobody with a special personality then the players
will think he is someone special and act accordingly. It is better just
to leave the acting to actors and just play the game. but that is in my
opinion nothing bad towards your way.
DRAGONLORD JR
(Sky Master)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6438 by SCA_Bard
====
Message 6441 of 6812 Reply
Re: NPC Questions... robsonleao
(26/M/Brasília - DF) 7/3/01 4:51 pm
Hmmm.... Let me step up and make my first reply to the list... :)
1) I don´t describe every single NPC my players cross, only the most interesting.
Obviously, interesting is not the same as important. Maybe, the stableboy
who might oneday became the paladin´s squire should be distinguished from
normal stableboys who will just tend the horses for the night. As a rule
of thumb, I depict the general look of the city(as dressing and maneirisms
goes) when they enter the town. After that, I only make them pay more
attention to the kind of NPC mentioned above.
2)Off course, languages.... I apply a very simple rule to languages, customs,
speech patterns, maneirisms. They really change from region to region.
Sometimes it is a gradual change, sometimes it is really abrupt. As for
´creativity´, I generally compare them to real world examples. Like the
arabs, indians, medieval europe, etc.... As for the PCs, translators are
generally available for those who can afford... and for the main languages,
the always have their skills/NWP.
3) Character personification... Again, I use the same method used for
question 1. Is the NPC noteworthy? Ok, I roleplay him. Is he just the
guy running from the dragon? Nope, he speaks and acts just like myself.
Doing this for my NPCs, I got some interesting consequences. Some of the
"interesting" NPCs actually became so interlaced with the party that their
paths crossed more than once, with them sometime later on the campaign
becoming major allies/foes for the party. "Remember the stable boy who
sttutered while speaking? You see him outfitted on a plate mail applying
for the local warrior´s guild. ´Yep, m-m-m-mister. Once, on the st-t-table,
I met a right-t-t-teous knight...´"
Robson
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6437 by vonromig
====
Message 6442 of 6812 Reply
Re: NPC Questions... Calitrojan
7/3/01 6:03 pm
1. I describe the general appearance of the more substantial NPCs in the
campaign. This usually remarks on the style of dress they wear as oppossed
to what they are wearing that day. I will remark on a particular item
if the party runs into the PC a few times, "You notice that Thomas is
wearing the same blue hat he has worn every time you have met, though
nothing else about his dress seems the same." Or something along those
lines. If it is an NPC that the party will be handling on any sort of
regular basis I give them more attention than the local shopkeeper.
2. I have tried the whole language problem. My players tend to enjoy being
difficult, making their characters unable to communicate except through
one individual who knows all the regional dialects. So, I tend to just
keep common as common, but I throw in differnet accents and change words
around to mean different things. Kind of like the language of Clockwork
Orange... their speaking English... sort of...
3. I don't believe the PCs need the correct first impression. You don't
immediately know anyone on the first meeting. I play my NPc's like real
people, they have secrets and knowledge that they don't always want to
share. They have goals and attitudes that can change or that they can
lie about... if necessary. I like to make the players rely on their ability
to talk to an NPC to discover exactly what they are all about.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6437 by vonromig
=====
Message 6443 of 6812 Reply
Halflings Calitrojan
7/3/01 6:10 pm
Someone said their party didn't want to take on the all-halfling campaign...
well you should guest DM my party before you start an all-little-people
campaign.
In my previous campaign the most powerful warriors of the party were a
halfling fighter who was monstrous with his shortbow and a halfling barbarian
who could wade through anything with his trident... he was especially
acrobatic too... constantly leaping from crates and walls and statues
onto his enemies. He also had a net... I hate nets! He incapacitated one
of my main NPC baddies bodyguards with a net... made the whole encounter
entirely too difficult on me... but I also enjoy watching the party come
up with clever ways of doing the difficult things.
We have also had a gnome wizard who was feared by many, a dwarven rogue
whose fingers were always in the wrong place, and now in our current campaign
we have a halfing rogue who does some fun role-playing. She is a rogue
from the wrong side of the tracks trying to turn good. She is training
to be a Thief Catcher (a halfling only Prestige Class/Profession). She
uses her rogue abilities well, bluffing in combat, leaping about, tumbling
everywhere and just being a plain nuisance.
Did I mention the halfling paladin and his wardog? He fought with shield
and sickle from the back of his vicious beast... It was wonderful.
In short, our party has a thing for halfling (and a lesser thing for gnomish
and dwarven) characters. They have a lot of fun with the nuances that
I have installed in my campaign world for these races. They have also
inadvenrtantly made halflings one of the greatest race of warriors in
the realm.
====
Message 6444 of 6812 Reply
Beaver, PA eldrond_gertar
(20/M) 7/3/01 10:50 pm
I have a friend in Beaver, PA who doesn't think there are any gamers nearby.
Is anyone here from around there? He's never played a pen and paper rpg
so a patient DM would be helpful.
====
Message 6445 of 6812 Reply
Re: NPC Questions... thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 7/4/01 12:16 am
1) I describe most NPC's to at least some extent. It only takes a moment.
Often I describe in detail some one who has no importance to the story,
to prevent "telegraphing", my plot-line every time I need to give a detailed
description. That way the player must always listen and may not assume
that something described must be a clue.
2) I use 100 accents and 1,000 personalities. Some work some don't (Saturday
Night Live flops too!) but I don't go out of my way to deal with language
barriers except with regard to intelligent creatures of varying species.
However I'll bet the right person could develop rich plots woven around
language, interpretation etc., Especially a language major with the desire
to create his/her own.
3) Like Cal says, you don't have to give an accurate perception. If people
wore their personalities "On their sleeves", It would be a pretty straight
forward world. Like the way all bad guys get evil looks in the comics.
I would notice and pick them out pretty quick. I try to add a clue or
two to give the players a chance but as in life it's not always easy to
tell.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6442 by Calitrojan
====
Message 6446 of 6812 Reply
Re: NPC Questions... a_nasty_mouse
(38/M/Portland Or) 7/4/01 12:51 am
I have an NPC Necormancer(Mage) she is a 300lb, 7ft tall female human,
she wears a red brocade dress and is armed with a sword made of bone.
She speaks very softly and seems almost board (Well except the one time
she got summoned from the shower). Even though she is very evil, she has
had some traumatic experiances that cause her to feel very protetive about
trees, so evey year she goes out and plants some more. Her sobruequet
is the Grey Mage, but since she never wears grey more then one party has
accendentially revealed they were hunting her unintenttionally. The Catholic
Church considers her one of the most evil creatures (after elves as a
group) so they are constently sending Paladins out to find her.
Thanks
DJ
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6437 by vonromig
====
Message 6447 of 6812 Reply
Re: NPC Questions... teyindahl
(22/F/Underhill) 7/4/01 12:53 am
1) I usually just say something general like "middle-class clothing" or
"dressed for travel" or "highborn" unless there is something remarkable.
For example, mixed-blooded women usually wear their hair about shoulder
length (relativly short to keep it out of the way), but this one halfelven
woman the party met had her hair in a ponytail that went halfway down
her back. Nobody really picked up on it, but they did know there was something
strange about her.
2)"Common" has always bothered me. In my games, the local human languages
are Hailian, Trinelian, Fressuin, etc. The elves and the other races have
their own names for their languages, but the languages get called "Elven"
and "Dwarven" by the ignorant humans. Elves even have separate names for
different dialects. If the PCs venture into another area or are *from*
another area, then they're likely to have language problems.
3) Unfortunetly we haven't had any really prominent NPCs, so this hasn't
come up, but we did have some rather sadistic bar maids that I had fun
playing (they were on the side of the PCs). I try and give the NPCs separate
personalities/quirks.
-Jenny
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6437 by vonromig
====
Message 6448 of 6812 Reply
Re: NPC Questions... vonromig
(35/M/Pennsylvania) 7/4/01 1:14 am
I must have said it wrong...
In #3 I didn't mean for you to give the correct personality first impression,
but a first impression of some sort. Every time you meet someone for the
first time you instictively have an opinion about that person. It could
be wrong, and not be at all what he really is like, but you still get
one. But if every time the PCs meet a new NPC and he goes, "Hi." in a
bland non-emotional voice you are cheating the player out of what he expects
in real life...an identificational tag to put on him.
Your players go up to the bar and order a drink from the bartender and
the DM says (acts)...
a) "He glares in your direction, but returns to his present conversation
with another patron, ignoring you." (The bartender could be a hard-ass
and not like the looks of the PCs, OR he is being told that his wife is
being held hostage and the PCs caught him at a bad time)
b) "He sees you, smiles, and comes right over with the warmest greetings..."
(The bartender could be a truely friendly person, OR he is in leagues
with a thief in the bar and sees the PCs as their next target, OR he's
a fruit.)
c) "The bartender meanders over to you, with eyes that jump from one party
member to the next and says,'Can I help you?', in a voice riddled with
suspicion." (The bartender doesn't like adventurers because bad things
seem to follow them, OR a murder happened in the village recently and
these could be the killers)
d) "The bartender looks at you and walks over slowly. He starts to tremble
ever so slightly and in a meek and frightened voice says, 'Yes?'" (He
could be unaccustomed to seeing weapons in this small farming area, OR
knows an assassin is out to get him, OR just heard of a plague being carried
into the region by outsiders)
These are the types of first impressions I was talking about, not alignment,
personalities, nor character traits.
Von Romig
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6445 by thrandorian
====
Message 6449 of 6812 Reply
Re: NPC Questions... SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 7/4/01 11:56 am
Dragonlord Jr wrote:
"you you have a nobody with a special personality then the players will
think he is someone special and act accordingly."
Heh. That's part of the point, actually. I try to keep a list of names
handy so when PCs ask random NPCs for their names, they've got one. It
throws off their metagame responses. They used to 'know' that if an NPC
had a name, the NPC was important. Now they're not sure.
I also get some cooler NPCs out of my whims. I had a stereotypical 'bandit
raid' for my new campaign's first encounter. One of the PCs was a trader,
and his caravans were being hit. Well, they capture the bandit leader.
I decide to randomly roll for sex: hey, a female bandit leader. Interesting.
One PC asks if she's hot (he *always* asks if the female NPCs are hot)
so I roll Comliness and Charisma of the spot. Geez, she's paladin material!
I decide she's got a few enchantment spells up her sleeve and charms men
into doing the risk banditry for her. But I don't wanna wizard... bards
are rogues, that'll work.
I'd decided the bandits were using an ancient abandoned shrine as a base.
Hm, bards are often interested in lore. What if she's an archaeologist
sort? The caravans were carrying elven goods, after all. She probably
resells interesting antiquities to the local senators and whatnot.
Then a PC shaved her head (he decided it was a jungle gnome ritual of
shame). After that, they let her go, minus her charm spell.
So now I've got Irini the Bald, a selfish, "What was once briefly yours,
Dr. Jones, is now mine" bard-archaeologist, who decided the shaved look
made her more notorious, poking around various ruined sites in my campaign.
She's got NWPs in everything from Jade Tea Ceremony to Ramadi Nomad Ettiquette.
And when the PCs ran into her again, she was (for a share of the loot)
willing to let bygones be bygones and go with them to an abandoned elven
city in the Twilight Lands (she'd been in and out before, which few others
can claim, and the PCs wanted her for a guide).
Pretty cool for "Bandit Leader, leather armor, short sword, 12 hp"
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6440 by dragonlordjr
====
Message 6450 of 6812 Reply
Adventures. eldrond_gertar
(20/M) 7/4/01 12:48 pm
Does anyone have any good idea's for a few simple mini-adventures I can
send my RP'ers on during their first few levels. (I realize how ridiculous
this question is in a club full o' DM's, of course most people know.)
I just want a few basic idea's. I had a lot of them before I started but
it seems like as soon as I started putting anything on paper I blanked
out entirely.
====
Message 6451 of 6812 Reply
Large Scalled Battles messiah_of_metal
(18/M/FL) 7/4/01 11:02 pm
I was wondering, how do you guys handle large scalled battles that involve
your PC's? Say that your PC's are in a rather large Mercenary Group, and
they are having a large scalled gang war with a cult for territory of
this city. Now, both sides have about 1,000 people in it, how would you
go about handling a battle with this magnintude?
=====
Message 6452 of 6812 Reply
Re: Adventures. Calitrojan
7/5/01 12:14 am
I have to go spend time with my wife, so I am not going ot get into adventure
idea right now (a later posting maybe.) But as far as early adventures
go, try the free adventure series form the WOTC web site. Burning Plague
is challeninging up through 2nd-3rd level (mainly because of the disease)
and the ettin's Riddle could be a good adventure if run properly. I also
recently ran their 1st level Cliffhanger adventure and it has worked out
well. So try using those resources.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6450 by eldrond_gertar
====
Message 6453 of 6812 Reply
Re: Large Scalled Battles Calitrojan
7/5/01 12:16 am
In the 2nd Edition Pirates of the Fallen Stars sourcebook. They had an
adventure dealing with a large scale battle in a city. The PCs were assigned
to a specific task and thus they were an integral but small part of the
larger whole. I would go this route if I did do a large scale battle.
Give the party something to accomplish and plan out some encounters to
make it seem they are interacting with a larger whole. And of course describe
the action around them too.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6451 by messiah_of_metal
===
Message 6454 of 6812 Reply
Re: Large Scalled Battles a_nasty_mouse
(38/M/Portland Or) 7/5/01 1:34 am
I have used Chainmail in the past, but I think if I was to do it now I
would take Chainmail and adjust it to fit a differant set of ancients
rules, there are a couple of really good ones out there. Of course you
don't need to use actual minutres for the game, you could use almost anything
to represent units as long as they are to scale with the rules.
Thanks
DJ
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6451 by messiah_of_metal
====
Message 6455 of 6812 Reply
Re: Large Scalled Battles robsonleao
(26/M/Brasília - DF) 7/5/01 8:07 am
I for one use the rules supplied in the Mass Combat section of the AD&D
Player´s Option : Combat & Tatics. I used them before on whole scale battle
and it was an excellent choice, since it is based on general levels of
the armies/battallions. I don´t know the Chainmail rules, then you may
have 2 options.
Robson Leão
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6451 by messiah_of_metal
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Message 6456 of 6812 Reply
Re: NPC Questions... reverendzen
7/5/01 9:27 am
In my game, I have some quite interesting twists as far as my NPCs go.
Things aren't always as they appear.
For instance, my last game (which is actually being continued in my new
game starting this weekend) I had an "evil dragon cult", according to
the locals. This "cult" was comprised of priests, with a few warrior-types
(from rumors). Their distinguishing mark was the black dragon tattoo on
their forearm, and their black robes. The rumors told the PCs that this
cult was trying to run cities and form a unity with the king. The quick-thinking
PCs immediately began slaying anyone wearing black robes who also had
the tattoo. Come to find out at the end of the last game, the tattoo represented
the ancient silver dragon they worshipped (silver ink was not available,
so they used black for the outline and left the center colorless), and
the black robes were nothing more than coinsidence. As for running cities
and a treaty with the king, they had good leadership skills and ended
up on city councils, and they wanted to be on good terms with the king,
nothing more. So needless to say, many innocent lives were lost before
this discovery. (The thief in the party ended up accidentally stealing
the king's signed treaty on its way back to the "cult" when it was found
on the body of a black-robed priest, and is now an NPC and the main antagonist
of my new game.)
This is just one example, and there are far too many to list. However,
to note, the group always sees a beggar as someone wearing ragged clothes
with a tin or wooden cup, a noble always has his nose up in the air wearing
silks and such, bartenders are usually big and fat (unless otherwise noted,
like the occasional dwarf). My group uses the typical stereotypes for
NPCs. I have come to use miniatures, painting them to fit the description
of the NPC, to give a true visual appearance.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6437 by vonromig
====
Message 6457 of 6812 Reply
Re: NPC Questions... reverendzen
7/5/01 9:32 am
But isn't role-playing the same as acting? You are acting out a role,
as an actor would. It puts flavor in the game, gains the players' interests,
and makes them enjoy the game all the more. It is good to describe the
way an NPC does something, but it gets more interesting when you actually
"become" the NPC. I've often scared some of my players with my actions,
such as glaring at someone for a comment they made, then running across
the room and getting in their face with a witty retort. More wide-eyed
stares, dropped jaws, and people jumping out of seats than in a horror
flick, but they understand that this is my style, and they like it. Keeps
them on their toes. Often, I say that their surprised reaction is also
that of their character. Such is the way of role-playing.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6440 by dragonlordjr
====
Message 6458 of 6812 Reply
Re: Large Scalled Battles reverendzen
7/5/01 9:54 am
WotC website has many, many good adventures. You could even look at the
"classics" and their archives and use old ones, and modify for whatever
edition you're using (1, 2, or 3).
You could even do a Yahoo search for "adventures" or some similar name;
quite a bit of interesting stuff comes up, some good, some bad.
Rule of thumb: Remember if you get it off the 'net or from a major source
(WotC, for example) your players may have access, too. I often take something
I find (be it module, movie, book, etc.) and just use the concepts, modified
to my own DM style. Then, when Joe the Fighter says "Hey, I saw this on
the 'net last week!" and starts spouting out what he thinks is right,
you can smile and even laugh when he finds out he was wrong. (Gets 'em
every time!)
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6451 by messiah_of_metal
====
Message 6459 of 6812 Reply
Re: NPC Questions... Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 7/5/01 11:33 am
1) When the PCs enter an area, I give them a general impression of the
locals, "the people around you are basically peasant farmers..." or some
such description. I would then only mention the clothing if it differed
from the norm, or if the PCs asked. Also, I often use clothing as an indicator
as to what the NPC does: "He is dressed in the style of a peasant farmer,"
or "his clothing seems to indicate he is a petty noble or wealthy merchant."
2) My common tounge, called the Wathe, is pretty much universal among
the human societies on the continent where my campaign is located. There
are regional dialects, but one can usually understand any dialect if they
know one. I also have a faerie language which is like a "forest folk common"
in this one area with a large expanse of forest. I typically differentiate
dialects by using accents (southern England, Scotland, Baltic, etc...)
3) I try to play each NPC uniquely and realistically. Like the Bard, I
also keep a list of names to use for NPCs on the fly. I often take the
time to generate a half a dozen generic NPCs in relative detail, with
motivations, goals, ideas, quirks, whatever, and then use them if a random
NPC is needed. Those I don't use, I reuse at a later time. For those I
do use, I mark when and where I used them, so that I can bring them into
play later if necessary, leading a sense of familiarity in the campaign.
"Hey, I remember that guy with the blonde mustache..."
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6437 by vonromig
=====
Message 6460 of 6812 Reply
Re: Large Scalled Battles Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 7/5/01 11:34 am
Battlesystem and Battlesystem Skirmishes (2e)
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6451 by messiah_of_metal
====
Message 6461 of 6812 Reply
Re: Large Scalled Battles shinto_gaijin
(29/M/Sasebo, Japan) 7/5/01 11:47 am
We've touched on this before ..
(1) Try to avoid having the PC's being directly involved in mass combat.
Keeping track of the peripheral fighting separately (and summarizing the
course of the battle later through NPC interaction) is generally much
easier than having the PC's in the midst of a full-pitched battle. These
can generally be resolved in a few opposed die rolls (d20 vs. d20, modified
by troop type, equipment quality, training, troop ratio, mobility, etc.
with results varying by the difference of the dice works well for me).
(2) When the PC's have a leadership role in a large battle (in charge
of numerous troops) it's necessary to have a moderately-well fleshed out
mass-combat system .. that way you're not making up rules on the fly and
fudging results to meet your expectations .. the system has to have enough
flexibility to allow the PC's to directly intervene, otherwise you may
as well be playing WarHammer.
(3) When the PC's are simply part of the masses, try to break the battle
into three parts - what the PC's can interact in - what they can see,
but not affect - what they can't see. Resolve those the PC's can interact
in with as much detail as possible (while keeping the game moving). Resolve
the ones they can see, but not participate in, with general details. The
rest, similar to (1) above.
In a nutshell, the closer the PC's are to the conflict, the more detail
is required .. in the urban scenario, without some magical means of communication,
it will be very difficult for the leadership to even be aware of the progression
of the battle. It's probably sufficient to limit the detailed battles
to those the PC's are directly involved in, and it may be possible (depending
on the amount of space available to fight in) to resolve those battles
using the standard combat system. The rest should be resolved round-by-round
(or turn by turn) as simply as possible.
s/g
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6455 by robsonleao
====
Message 6462 of 6812 Reply
Re: Adventures. SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 7/5/01 12:00 pm
There are a few oldie-but-goodie plots that work well for mini-adventures.
1) Search and acquire. This is the lost heirloom, the kidnapped noble,
the wizard's spellbook that a pixie absconded with. The PCs might have
chase after the item through a fay-infested forest, discreetly remove
it from the lord's castle, or hack their way past orcish (or whatever!)
guards to retrieve it.
2) Search and destroy. The evil magic item, the mad sorcerer, the embarrassing
sketches that someone's threatening to circulate about the PCs. Much like
seach and acquire, except that destroying the item might be a problem.
Incriminating papers can be burned; the One Ring is a bit trickier.
3) Eradicate, a subspecie of seach and destroy. An old favorite of the
hack-and-slash school, this is the "Oh no! Humanoids are organizing near
the town!" plot. Traditionally, PCs go in and carve up the humanoids.
Alternatively, they might negotiate with them or search for the reason
behind their sudden organization.
4) Whodunnit. The murder mystery, the unsolved theft, the disappearing
people. This can be hard to plan if you're not a mystery-minded person.
'Matlock' or another legal-esque show might inspire a murder mystery;
Sherlock Holmes is a great source. On the lighter side is Scooby Doo.
"And I'd have gotten away with it, if it wasn't for those darn adventurers
and their familiar!"
Actually, I like the Scooby Doo idea more and more. Ghosts and monsters
are *real* in most fantasy worlds, and a good charlatan could make effective
use of that. Plus, your PCs will start out terrified, thinking you're
trying to kill them with 8 HD monsters.
5) Role-play only scenarios. Maybe they have to negotiate a trade deal,
or cause a prince and princess to fall in love. Or maybe a cross wizard
casts a spell on the town and *everyone* falls in love with someone -
including the PCs! (This is most fun if A is chasing B who is chasing
C who is after A...)
6) Guard this. The PCs have to keep watch over a caravan, a little boy,
or a mysterious package (maybe with a stamp collection in it) while the
GM throws various things at them. This can actually be a rich adventure
scenario, depending on what they're guarding, if they know what they're
guarding (is he a beggar boy or the next High King?), who else is trying
to get it, and what they *say* or do as they try to get it. If great noble
knights keep trying to kill the boy, they're going to start to wonder
if he's the Bad Seed or something.
Hope this was helpful.. did you want more general or more specific?
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6450 by eldrond_gertar
=====
Message 6463 of 6812 Reply
I am such a geek SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 7/5/01 12:16 pm
A few weeks ago, my PCs realized the city they are in is at a 'power point'
where two Prime Material Planes bump up against each other. The party
mage immediately hits the library, wanting books on planar magic and ley
lines.
"But," I say, "this city was a center of art and culture. There are few
books on magic here."
But he wants them. So I compromise. There is a book of poetry, written
by a mage, reflecting his experiences on the planes and some of the questions
it has raised for him.
Here's the geeky part. I write the poetry. In three different styles,
each with its own formal purpose in elven poetry. I make up a haiku-like
style and invent a variation on it. The use of haiku in the mage-apprentice
relationship is explained.
And it gets more geeky. I write the poems out by hand, using ink and brush.
I bind the pages together with thread and attatch a hand-made tassle.
There's even a dedication on the first page, with an accompanying haiku.
The cover is a piece of fancy stationary.
This is possibly the most geeky thing I think I've done for a RPG. Geekier
even than the Vaticine Cross necklace I made for the 7th Sea game I play
in.
Yet I am confident I can ask, "Can you top this?" and someone will. Come,
embrace your inner gaming geek. Admitting you have a problem is the first
step to getting help. ;-)
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6462 by SCA_Bard
=====
Message 6464 of 6812 Reply
Re: Large Scalled Battles deltadave_fx
(32/M/Sherman Oaks, CA) 7/5/01 12:21 pm
I use a set of miniature battles rules called De Bellis Multitudinus (DBM
for short), modified for a fantasy setting. It's a good framework and
is easy to give the armies relative levels and add magical effects.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6451 by messiah_of_metal
=====
Message 6465 of 6812 Reply
Re: I am such a geek Calitrojan
7/5/01 12:27 pm
I don't really have the time to go that far... or the poetic skill to
try. Id o however like to use props. I use a fancy font and large point
type and print out letters, inscriptions and ancient riddles... then I
age them... crinkle them up, make holes in them,e tc and spray them with
my aging solution (a combination of watered down tea, lemon juice and
some Guiness) and roast them in the oven to give them a crinkly tough
feel. The party loves to handle them and play with them... lotta fun.
I also have an old dice bag I fill with bottle caps and stuff and will
use it as a "bag of coin" to toss at a player when the need arrises.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6463 by SCA_Bard
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Message 6466 of 6812 Reply
Re: Adventures. Calitrojan
7/5/01 12:33 pm
These are all good basic ideas. I want ot encourage going further with
them. This always seems to make the next adventure easier to create. For
instance, in a kidnapping kind of role. You could have the party get a
whiff of some grand scheme to kidnap and/or blackmail all the local nobility
into doing something... like not having their tropps in a particular area
or interfering with some evil plot or other.
One of my favorites is to have the party show up in a new village and
frame them for a murder or a theft. They have to seek out the true culprit
or forever be branded as criminals in that particular area. And considering
that they are low-level PCs they won't want to pack it up and cross-country
to the next county to escape prosecution.
Right now I am running a set of adventures that started off with a modification
of one of the WOTC's Cliffhangers. The party is involved in a hunt for
individuals who have been hampering the delivery of supplies to this village.
Easy and straight forward... They had to do some role-playing ot gather
clues as to where a group of bandits might hide-out, why the supplies
are so important, etc. Now they are dungeon delving and are about to encounter
their first Cult of the Wyvern member. They should get some vague clues
as to the Cult's existence and in the next few adventures learn more about
their scheme. This will go well through some mid-level adventures when
the party has to face off with the Cult's leader and their half-red dragon/half-wyvern
patron.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6462 by SCA_Bard
====
Message 6467 of 6812 Reply
Re: Adventures. eldrond_gertar
(20/M) 7/5/01 12:55 pm
I don't need incredible specifics. I'm finding these very helpful.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6466 by Calitrojan
====
Message 6468 of 6812 Reply
Re: I am such a geek reverendzen
7/5/01 2:58 pm
I went so far as to make individual binders for each character. All major
maps are in these binders that I give to the players. There is also character-specific
information in each one, and if they choose to share that info with the
others, that's on them.
I bought and painted miniatures for the characters, based on descriptions
I was given, so there could be a good visual for encounters and such.
Along the same lines, I bought a big dry erase board and (with the aid
of a ruler) drew a grid on it equivelant to 5' in mini scale, so I can
draw out the ground for the minis and the visual.
I use old-style fonts, parchment-like paper, and sometimes write the hand-written
stuff (if I don't have a usable font, which I usually do; over 300 and
counting). All of my maps are hand-drawn, usually on graph paper, scanned,
cleaned up, and printed on parchment paper, for an authentic look.
My latest is downloading different theme music from my CDs and online,
and burning them onto CD so I can play the right songs at the right times
to set the mood.
It's pretty time consuming and can be expensive, but for a good game,
it's worth it.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6463 by SCA_Bard
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Message 6469 of 6812 Reply
Re: I am such a geek madteuton
(32/M/Keyport, NJ) 7/5/01 5:27 pm
I had to laugh when I read this, SCA! I just did something similar (though
not to the same depth)all just to insert a new 1L PC into the game.
I like to give each of my PCs (there are 9 or 10 now!) special information
about the campaign world particular to their PC's background that only
thy have. They may do with this information as they wish.
Anyway, a new ranger from across the seas just started last week. We were
puzzling over how to get him to the campaign world and into party and
I came up with something like "you read about this far away, mysterious
country in books as a child."
He liked it (somewhat) and I told him I'd flesh it out.
Last night, a burst of energy! I wrote passages from "his favorite childhood
book", The Theft of the Thirty Nine Girdles, being the travels of Tortha
the bard, as recorded by Ompallios, a renowned biographer.
I "borrowed" lush text from Clark Ashton Smith that fit the bill and tweaked
it to reflect campaign-specific backdrop.
Then, I fashioned excerpts from another apocryphal text to cross-reference
certain hooks. This second text was The Death of the Grey Gods, a historical
text by Yethlyreom. For this, I borrowed the prose from R.E. Howard. Again,
I tweaked some of the particulars to fit my campaign world.
Lastly, I borrowed Coleridge's poem Kubla Kahn. It became a poem written
by the above-mentioned Tortha about his journey through that mysterious
country with some further tweaking.
Before I knew it, I had a three page document, complete with DM narrative
and guidance in brackets. Somehow, it all fit together and the ranger
is very happy. And, highly motivated.
All this just to get a player into the game!
The things we do for D&D!! It would have been much easier to simply say
something like, "okay, there's new ranger in the party," but that would
not have been as interesting. Yeah, I'm a geek.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6463 by SCA_Bard
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Message 6470 of 6812 Reply
Re: I am such a geek richard_pinilla
(29/M/Miami, Fl) 7/5/01 7:07 pm
I like the idea I have hundreds of minitures that I bought over the years
to help the player see the game.
as for the fonts I would like to use them also where did you find them
or could yousend me a copy of them.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6468 by reverendzen
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Message 6471 of 6812 Reply
Re: Large Scalled Battles thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 7/5/01 7:46 pm
I felt the need to put together an easy-to-learn system myself Messiah,
with some basic rules using simple 3 aspect troops (Attack, Defense and
Unit Strength). It uses high-level AD&D characters as troop-augmenting
leaders. I posted a preliminary offering here and called it "Thrandorbattle".
I am currently running the system with my group (well minus the crazy
player who is running with the bulls in Pamplona).
It has lots of bugs to work out but is playing pretty well (we amend/augment
the rules as we are going) It is in the posts or I am glad to send it
to anyone who wants to help firm up the rules. (I have only played a few
war/strategic games and could use the input).
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6451 by
=====
Message 6472 of 6812 Reply
SCA your not a geek! thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 7/5/01 8:19 pm
Hey SCA that's not too geeky, it's cool! I would like to have a poetry
corner in my "The Writers Nook" section of the website. Let me know if
you have any offerings you (or anyone)would like to share.
Here’s one I wrote. It is actually a song and has been semi-professionally
recorded for fun. It’s called
“D&D Rock & Roll.”
I was looking for a little action, in a bar in a town called Bree.
With my sword by my side, (several demons had died)
and a prince or two set free.
My palms were getting itchy, when a girl came through the door.
She was a half-elf maid, decked out in suede,
with the gleam of a wizards eye.
She had a pout on her lip, a dagger on her hip,
Well the girl was meant to be mine.
She caught my eye, then she stole my heart
I’ll bet she never gives it back again...
So we rode together trails unknown, from the mountains to the sea,
and the Orcs and the Trolls in their dungeons and holes,
learned to fear the girl and me.
In the Plains of Garth we met a witch who heal me for a fee,
In the Swamps of Maug we met a man
who’d been dead a century.
We sailed a ship with pirate mates out on the glistening sea.
We’ve probed the depths of pyramids and seen our destiny.
Now we’re the greatest pair the world has known,
turned a page in history.
And you can tell where we ride, by the demons who’ve died,
and the princes all set-free.
Anybody else got one?
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6463 by SCA_Bard
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Message 6473 of 6812 Reply
Re: SCA your not a geek! eldrond_gertar
(20/M) 7/6/01 1:36 am
Yes he is, we all are. But to hell with the rest of the world. He shouldn't
feel bad about it. In fact he should be proud and hold his head high.
He may be a geek, but he's better at it than the rest of us. It is a very
good thing to be at the top of your profession. I'm a geek and I'm proud
of it.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6472 by thrandorian
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Message 6474 of 6812 Reply
Re: SCA your not a geek! thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 7/6/01 1:57 am
SCA is a she Elrond old bro. Not a he... and...well... I'm not smart enough
to be a geek.
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6473 by eldrond_gertar
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Message 6475 of 6812 Reply
Re: SCA your not a geek! thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 7/6/01 1:59 am
Eldrond I mean (Most humble apologies for slip of keystroke...)
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6474 by thrandorian
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Message 6476 of 6812 Reply
Re: SCA your not a geek! eldrond_gertar
(20/M) 7/6/01 3:05 am
And I am sorry for my gender mistake. I didn't take time to go back to
the messages and I made an assumption. And as the axiom goes, I made an
ass of me. I apologize most humbly SCA. I am from an area in Ohio where
the female roleplayers population is non-existant. *Bows deeply in apology*
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6475 by thrandorian
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Message 6477 of 6812 Reply
Another Question for 3rd Edition purplejade1999
(21/F/Fairbanks, AK) 7/6/01 5:20 am
I have a question, that was brought up by my boyfriend. He will be playing
the main bad guy in my campaign, a level 20 fallen paladin, under the
right hand of Erynuthl, god of slaughter in my holy war campaign. I have
3 PC's in my campaign-a mage, a preist, and a fighter/theif.
My boyfriend suggested that I have the fallen Paladin be a dragon who
shape-shifts. Is that possible for a dragon to be a paladin by chance?
Or is it something special that DM can put through? From what I have read
in the DMG, MM, and PHB, it seems to be able to be done, I just would
like the other opinions of the DM's of the world.
Also, why don't we ever schedule chats that way we can all get inot the
chat room and discuss things in there and throw Ideas out? Just another
question because I would like to get to know all you fellow DM's out there!
Purplestar99
===
Message 6478 of 6812 Reply
Re: Another Question for 3rd Edition ArmoredYak
(37/M/Nashville Tn area) 7/6/01 5:26 am
i figure it possible, but i think its pretty ludicrous.
captain, ludicrous speed!
geez.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6477 by purplejade1999
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Message 6479 of 6812 Reply
Re: Another Question for 3rd Edition purplejade1999
(21/F/Fairbanks, AK) 7/6/01 5:39 am
Yeah I know but it's something to entertain for my players. My fighter/theif
doesn't seem to mind either, so I was just wanting opinions. He wants
the challenge but we haven't sat down and discussed it. I mean, I thought
that only people who were elf, human, dwarven, ect.. could be a paladin,
not dragons.
But wouldnt' that also mean that he would have had to be a silver or gold
dragon though?
Purplejade99
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6478 by ArmoredYak
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Message 6480 of 6812 Reply
Re: A ruling for a Third Edition Campaig purplejade1999
(21/F/Fairbanks, AK) 7/6/01 5:41 am
Thanks for everyones input on this matter. I have ruled that it would
not be possible, at least not in this campaign, for my halfing mage (soon
to be theif) to be able to have multiple personalities. would be too complicated
for a starting DM and my DM Familar agrees with me on that point.
Purplejade99
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6214 by thrandorian
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Message 6481 of 6812 Reply
Re: NPC Questions... reverendzen
7/6/01 8:29 am
Von Romig wrote:
Out of curiosity, I e-mailed Wizards about this, and here is a direct
(and interesting) quote from Alex in Game Support:
"Hennet enjoys an alternative lifestyle. He is funky like that."
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6437 by vonromig
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Message 6482 of 6812 Reply
Re: I am such a geek reverendzen
7/6/01 8:34 am
I can send them to you, if you like. I've acquired many fonts from games
and programs I have bought, as well as downloaded many more off the Internet.
All my fonts fit on a floppy disk (roughly 1 meg of them). I'll e-mail
them to you, if you like, when I get home tonight.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6470 by richard_pinilla
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Message 6483 of 6812 Reply
Re: Another Question for 3rd Edition reverendzen
7/6/01 8:54 am
In 3E, anything is possible. Dragons can, after all, shapeshift to any
humanoid form.
However, a 20th level paladin, even a fallen one, is very powerful and
would not need to be a dragon as well (though if the players want a "challenge",
this would be it). Did you ever consider the Blackguard as a prestige
class instead? (Found in the DMG; 3E's answer to an anti-paladin. Very
powerful, but no breath weapon!)
A paladin would not necessarily have to be a chromatic dragon. Every race
has its paladins, whether they are good, evil, or in between. A black
or red dragon could be a paladin as easily as an ogre or orc (there's
that word again!).
Half dragon is another option, which would give the paladin more power,
but not as much as a full-blooded dragon. Just another option to consider.
As for the chats, I agree; I'd love to get to know people better But with
working full-time, going to school full-time, and trying to have a social
life with friends and family, it's not often possible for me to get online
at a scheduled time. Maybe something can be worked out, though. There
are many good ideas in these postings, and I'd rather get them in one
night rather than waiting for each post. And getting to know everyone
is a big plus!
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6477 by purplejade1999
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Message 6484 of 6812 Reply
Re: SCA your not a geek! Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 7/6/01 9:33 am
<>
You wouldn't have been a member of the Lambda Lambda Lambda fraternity,
would you?
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6473 by eldrond_gertar
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Message 6485 of 6812 Reply
3e art SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 7/6/01 10:59 am
Von Romig wrote:
LOL! I said the same thing, more or less. How long must it take him to
get dressed in the morning?
Once friend of mine suggested that there's Velcro up the back and the
buckles just never get undone...
What do folks think of the new
art look in 3e? I have to admit the artist is keen and a lot of the sketches
are great - I love the comparison of human, half-elf and elf in particular.
But the modern punk-y piercings, tattoos and leathers just don't seem...
right. I guess I'm just a high fantasy kind of girl. Anyone else get this
mental disconnect?
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6481 by reverendzen
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Message 6486 of 6812 Reply
Re: SCA your not a geek! eldrond_gertar
(20/M) 7/6/01 11:36 am
One can only wish.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6484 by Umbratikus
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Message 6487 of 6812 Reply
Re: 3e art reverendzen
7/6/01 12:15 pm
Velcro? In D&D? I guess in fantasy, anything is possible. Or snaps? Velcro
can get scratchy if you don't position it right. Another thought...he
is a sorcerer, maybe he has an imp familiar that helps him dress in the
morning! Ha!
It's good art, but the lines get a bit annoying. (Not many true artists
do their final sketches on lined paper, after all.) Piercings and tattoos
and leather (oh, my!) can go well, depending on where your game takes
place, especially if it is a celt-style game, but I agree; there's just
too much of it. It may be good for a few characters, but not all of them.
At least now the art is the same, instead of earlier editions, where every
book had a different artist, some good, some bad.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6485 by SCA_Bard
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Message 6488 of 6812 Reply
Origins Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 7/6/01 12:50 pm
I just walked over on my lunch break and nosed around Origins, or at least
those areas that I could get into without a pass. Man, what a freak show.
You guys are right. Our hobby is proliferated with geeks.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6486 by eldrond_gertar
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Message 6489 of 6812 Reply
Re: 3e art teyindahl
(22/F/Underhill) 7/6/01 1:09 pm
"What do folks think of the new art look in 3e?"
I think the person is a good artist, and the characters *themselves* look
great, but most of the outfits bug me. I'm a big stickler for practicality,
and, well, most of the outfits are just plain not practical. Too many
straps and buckles, or the clothing is cropped in odd places, or (this
mainly applies to the female characters) it's something that was designed
for sex appeal only. There's one picture of an elfin wizard (I think)
where if she lowered her arms I swear her outfit would fall off.
-Jenny
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6485 by SCA_Bard
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Message 6490 of 6812 Reply
Re: 3e art SCA_Bard
(24/F/Barony of Storvick) 7/6/01 1:48 pm
I wasn't even going to *go* there. The monk is my personal (non)-favorite.
I could see binding one's breasts, especially if they're that... um...
size. But what is to be gained by tying little knots above and below them,
except a really weird sunburn?
I know, I know. Some constants in fantasy art will never change,
and the chain mail bikini (and all its variants) is one of them.
Another is spiky armor. I could see it as ceremonial dress. But having
to actually strap the stuff on for a few months now, personally, I'm all
for weight reduction. No matter how strong you are, if your armor is lighter,
you can move faster and thus hit harder. Never mind the embarrassment
of getting your flail caught in your own spikes, or providing your opponent's
weapon a easy rode to where your neck meets your torso.
But it looks cool, and will therefore live on. I guess it *is* a *fantasy*,
after all, so coolness and sex appeal will always picture prominently.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6489 by teyindahl
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Message 6491 of 6812 Reply
Re: 3e art messiah_of_metal
(18/M/FL) 7/6/01 2:22 pm
"There's one picture of an elfin wizard (I think) where if she lowered
her arms I swear her outfit would fall off."
You said it yourself, she is an elven wizard, im sure theres SOME spell
that keeps it up when her arms are down... hehehe.
I like all the tatooes and weird armor, I think its appealing to the eye.
I have always been a fan of Conan comics. The woman in those comics had
leather straps as armor, and though it may not be practical for protecting
yourself, its hard to kill a hot warrior chick with her breasts hanging
out! I mean come on! Where do you think that lvl 13 Warrior will be looking???
---Levi
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6489 by teyindahl
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Message 6492 of 6812 Reply
Re: Origins messiah_of_metal
(18/M/FL) 7/6/01 2:24 pm
I myself am not one of those geeks, but I must admit it, geeks do over-rule
our hobby. In our town its weird though, the kids at school who are popular
for being funny usualy are the ones who play AD&D. But then again, there
are also some kids at our school that fit the AD&D sterotype.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6488 by Umbratikus
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Message 6493 of 6812 Reply
Re: 3e art reverendzen
7/6/01 2:49 pm
Well I, for one, believe skimpy outfits have a place: the brothel. I'm
all for baggy, comfortable clothing, especially when you're walking or
riding a horse for days at a time. The loose-fitting garb adds a bit of
air conditioning when you don't get a bath for weeks, and provides extra
cloth to tear up and bind wounds with.
There just aren't that many real adventurers wearing low-cut dresses or
bikinis. How many female characters are wearing a breast plate that covers
just that; the breasts? Not feasible.
I'd give up a fighter in a chain mail bikini for a comfortable-looking
rogue any day (depending on race, of course! No half-orcs or bearded dwarven
women for me!)
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6490 by SCA_Bard
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Message 6494 of 6812 Reply
Re: SCA your not a geek! a_nasty_mouse
(38/M/Portland Or) 7/6/01 2:53 pm
Speak for yourself I have a Neck. LOL
Thanks
DJ
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6473 by eldrond_gertar
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Message 6495 of 6812 Reply
Re: Another Question for 3rd Edition a_nasty_mouse
(38/M/Portland Or) 7/6/01 2:58 pm
Being a Paladin would be a question of faith so it would matter on wether
or not Dragons worship. In my world Elves are based on the Tolkien mythos
presented in the Simarillion, so they do not have faith they have knowledge
and therefore can't be Paladins, since Dragons were created by someone
else, and they know it they don't worship either, so in my world their
would be no Dragon Paladins, but then again what would be the point, it
isn't as if they aren't powerful enough already.
Thanks
DJ
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6479 by purplejade1999
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Message 6496 of 6812 Reply
Re: Origins eldrond_gertar
(20/M) 7/6/01 2:59 pm
I have group of friends visiting Origins this weekend. 3/4 of them are
geeks. The other one is the only femal gamer I know of in Ashtabula county.
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6488 by Umbratikus
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Message 6497 of 6812 Reply
Re: 3e art thrandorian
(39/M/Portland Oregon) 7/6/01 3:22 pm
SCA wrote: "Another is spiky armor..."
One advantage I have thought about is that if you were in one of those
massive battles where you might be surrounded by the enemy, the spikes
might just skewer an enemy who was pressing you or got shoved into you.
So it might be just what the doctor ordered for the high level fighter
among masses of lower level creatures or human soldiers without armor?
And:
"...having to actually strap the stuff on for a few months now, personally,
I'm all for weight reduction."
Thus the barbarian and possibly the real reason why they forgo the advantages
of armor. (In addition to thier PR mans claims that they are just so tough
they scorn it's use.)
And:
"I know, I know. Some constants in fantasy art will never change, and
the chain mail bikini (and all its variants) is one of them."
Thats all I ask! I suppose you gals deserve to see guys in "speedo" chain
mail but I'll bet even for you that just doesn't sound too appetizing!
Thanks for the stimulating post!
T
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6490 by SCA_Bard
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Message 6498 of 6812 Reply
Re: 3e art Umbratikus
(36/M/Central Ohio) 7/6/01 3:31 pm
I think the 3e art is decent and VERY commercial. It was obviously influenced
heavily by the popular Planescape art, the whold "Fantasy taken to the
edge" thing. I think that look worked for Planescape, but I agree that
it doesn't quite fit MY perception of standard D&D. I like to be more
practical and reflective of history. I want the images of my campaign
to look more like they came from a timeless fairy-tale age of knights
and dragons and not like they came from a comic book.
Umbratikus
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6485 by SCA_Bard
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Message 6499 of 6812 Reply
Re: SCA your not a geek! reverendzen
7/6/01 3:45 pm
Is it a pencil-neck?
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6494 by a_nasty_mouse
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Message 6500 of 6812 Reply
Re: 3e art reverendzen
7/6/01 3:49 pm
I think the new 3E artist actually used to do some of the Planescape art.
Don't quote me on that, though; it's just a rumor I heard.
Reverend Zen
This Is a Reply to: Msg 6498 by Umbratikus
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