Brilliant Gameologists Forum

Playtime! => Play by Post General => : Mister_Sinister July 24, 2008, 10:56:49 PM

: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 24, 2008, 10:56:49 PM
More additional stuff I forgot in red.

Introduction

All stories must begin somewhere. Even those that would shape an event as great as the Shadow War must likewise begin somewhere. Let me tell you their story – their lives, as they were, even before the Shadow War. For in their stories, you can find meaning in the struggle you are about to undertake. Truth is elusive and hidden, but powerful, and the truth about these people is no different.
I confess I do not remember much of this time - I was myself still young back then - but I have heard many tales of these people, known as the Hands. During the Shadow War, they were Dar'Tan's elite, his greatest soldiers, sent to perform tasks beyond any ordinary mortals. However, they did not always serve him, did not always work for his side. Their story, too, must be told.


Valentinius, to Gabriel

Welcome to the land of Jerrah! This is a game that will be played using modified 3.5 DnD rules, set in my game world. There will be a maximum of five players, on a first-come-first-served basis. Two of these slots are already taken (by ubernoob and Tshern), leaving 3 open spaces for you all to compete over.

The game will be one of exploration, but also one of world-development, which you can help take part in. It will lead you to one of the critical moments of Jerrah, and will let you make a mark on a whole world.

In terms of my style, I think Tshern and ubernoob are more qualified to say, but I generally believe in letting my PCs have a hand in development. If you have a cool idea for something, my most likely response will be 'go with it'. Little is known about Jerrah during this time, so anything you can add would be awesome.

As I don't believe in BS-joining the party together, this will start out as five solo games, but hopefully, you will all find each other before long. :D

Roolz

We all play by the rules - I just play by different ones.

Dar'Tan, to Marius, a newborn vampire

Starting level: 1st (we're going right to the beginning of your adventuring careers)
Stats: Roll 1d8+10 six times, and assign as you choose. However, if you roll an 18, your subsequent rolls are penalised by 1. Thus, if you rolled 12, 13, 14, 18, 17, 16, in that order, your actual stats would be 12, 13, 14, 18, 16, 15. This can lead to some rather crazy results, so bear with me if I ask you to reroll a three-17 statline. :P
Materials available: All WotC books, no Dragon Magazine material, and all the materials from the Frank and K Tome Compilation (http://turing.bard.edu/~mk561/frank_k_0.5.1.pdf), as well as this (http://www.tgdmb.com/viewtopic.php?p=50378#50378). In case of conflicts of sources, assume Frank and K to have precedent, followed by more recent WotC publications.
Extras: - During the course of your adventures, each of you will find a legacy item, to your specifications. However, unlike legacy items normally, these will not penalise you, nor will they cost you any wealth.
- Everyone gets the benefits of the 'advancement table' set down below
- If you take a level in your race's favoured class, you gain an additional skill point per level, 4 if you are 1st level. Humans already have this benefit factored into their racial traits, and thus gain no extra benefit.
- Gentlemen's agreement is in effect. Anything you use against me WILL be used against you.
- The various conclusions and fixes proposed by Frank and K are in effect (including the wish economy, weapon familiarity rules, etc). Do not worry if you are not fully familiar with them - I will be more than happy to correct you there.
- Exploding dice are in effect. A natural 20 on any d20 roll that is not an attack roll causes another d20 to be rolled, and its result added to the last d20. This can occur multiple times. Likewise, a natural 1 on any d20 roll that is not an attack roll causes another d20 to be rolled, and treats the result as -21+second d20 result. This can also occur multiple times (two nat 1s in a row mean the 'base' is -41+third d20 result, for example).
- By extension to the above, saves no longer auto-fail on 1 or auto-pass on 20s. Likewise, a natural 1 on an attack roll needs to be 'confirmed' as a critical miss, in the same way critical hits are (roll again, if that still misses, it's a critical miss, otherwise, it has no extra effect).
- Full magic-psionics transparency is in effect.
- Retraining is permitted.
Restrictions: - No stat boosting items
- No wishing for inherent statbumps
- No stat bumps every 4th character level (the advancement table subsumes all the above)
- No multiclassing penalties (as they are made of fael)
Skill modifications: - Climb, Jump and Swim are now one skill, named Athletics
- Balance and Tumble are now one skill, named Acrobatics
- UMD and UPD are now one skill, Command Supernatural Device (CSD - no, USD would have been a bit silly :P)
- Disable Device now includes the benefits of Open Lock; consequentially, Open Lock is no longer a skill.
- Spellcraft and Psycraft are now one skill, called Supernatural Lore
- Hide and Move Silently are now one skill, called Stealth
- Spot and Listen are now one skill, called Perception
- Track is now a skill trick based off Survival, rather than a feat (requires 4 ranks in Survival)

Advancement Table

They grow stronger, and weaker, and on the strength inherent in all weakness, and the weakness inherent in all strengths. They are everything, and nothing; everyone, and no-one.

Nicodemus, from The Watching Shadows

1: Bonus feat, 1 stat point (limit +1)
2: Defence +1, 1 stat point
3: Enhanced weapons +1, endure elements, 1 stat point (limit +2)
4: Resistance +1, 1 stat point
5: Defence +1, 1 stat point (limit +3)
6: Enhanced weapons +2, 1 stat point
7: Deflection +1, 1 stat point (limit +4)
8: Resistance +2, mind shielding, defence +3, 1 stat point
9: Enhanced weapons +3, 1 stat point (limit +5)
10: Deflection +2, 1 stat point
11: Defence +4, 1 stat point (limit +6)
12: Resistance +3, enhanced weapons +4, 1 stat point
13: Deflection +3, 1 stat point (limit +7)
14: Defence +5, freedom of movement, 1 stat point
15: Enhanced weapons +5, 1 stat point (limit +8)
16: Resistance +4, deflection +4, 1 stat point
17: Defence +6, fast healing 1, 1 stat point (limit +9)
18: Enhanced weapons +6, true seeing, 1 stat point
19: Deflection +5, 1 stat point (limit +10)
20: Resistance +5, defence +7, 1 stat point

Bonus feat: At character level 1, you gain a bonus feat that you meet all prerequisites for.

Stat point: At every character level, you gain a 1 point increase to any stat of your choice. You cannot increase any one stat by more points than one-half your character level (rounding up) this way.

Defence: At 2nd level, and every 3 levels thereafter, you gain a +1 cumulative enhancement bonus to the AC bonus of any armour you wear or shield you carry. If you wear no armour or have no shield, this has no benefit.
Enhanced weapons: At 3rd level, and every 3 levels thereafter, you gain a +1 cumulative enhancement bonus to the attack and damage rolls of any weapon you wield or any natural weapon you have.

Endure elements: At 3rd level, you can exist comfortably in temperatures between -50 and 140 degrees F without making Fort saves.

Resistance: At 4th level, and every 4 levels thereafter you gain a +1 cumulative resistance bonus to your saves.

Deflection: At 7th level, and every 3 levels thereafter, you gain a cumulative +1 deflection bonus to your AC.

Mind shielding: At 8th level, you become immune to detect thoughts, discern lies, or any method of discerning your alignment.

Freedom of movement: At 14th level, you operate as if under a freedom of movement spell at all times.

Fast healing 1: At 17th level, you gain fast healing 1.

True seeing: At 18th level, you operate as if under a true seeing spell at all times.

The Fluff

The Jerrah I am about to speak to you of was different to the Jerrah that you know. This was before the Shadow War, before the Seropeanean Order, before even the rise of the Younger Gods. Forget what you know of the science of magic, the great cities of Allahbad, Steel and Tar'est, or even of things which you believe ancient. For the Jerrah of this time, more than ten thousand years ago, was truly different to anything you could imagine.
At that time, Jerrah was, by your standards, primitive. No great cities stood, no great magics were wrought. The world was young, and was kept in the vicelike grip of the Elder Gods. They ruled with an iron fist, knowing that none could oppose them. Their works could be found anywhere, and, unlike the Younger Gods, they cared not for worship, for their power was greater than any of the Younger Gods ever could be.
However, the stars showed that change was coming. All knew that, soon, something would happen... something enormous, beyond any of them, even the Elder Gods. A time of bloodshed, a time of war... and perhaps, a time of peace, but a peace that is no peace, for it is all a gigantic lie - what we live today, and what I gave up my body to try and destroy.
It would all be centred on Tal'Shar, the Jewel of the East, somewhere in the place you all call Lithenume, the Desert of Evil. However, back then, it was no desert - it was a jungle, thicker than the densest parts of Darkwood Forest. Tal'Shar, on the eastern coast of Jerrah, was known for its gems and diamonds, which are what built it to be the greatest city of its time - still a fraction of what Tar'Est grew to be, but at that time, it was truly glorious. It was in this city that this all began... just as it would all end there. It still pains me every day to remember what happened to the place where I, too, was born and led my mortal life.

Valentinius, to Gabriel

Firstly, I would like to direct you to my (sadly incomplete and somewhat derelict) wiki on the subject of Jerrah, particularly here (http://sinister-gods.wikidot.com/on-alignment-incomplete) and here (http://sinister-gods.wikidot.com/valentinian-chronicles-incomplete). These are both rather lengthy reads, and the former is rather dry, so be warned. In both cases, they should give you some idea of the kind of world this is. Feel free to browse the rest of the wiki, though bear in mind that this is about 'modern' Jerrah, which this is not. Nonetheless, a lot of the information (especially the junk pile) can prove useful.

The Jerrah you are in now is still young, having been created, and populated, only recently. The Elder Gods still reign, bringing terror to the population of this young world. The Elder Gods demand respect, even if this means bringing destruction and blight to this world, because, unlike normal gods, they actually don't require worship, and keep only a single cleric per world, mostly as an enforcer.

The world is very much Iron Age in its take on everything - unlike modern Jerrah, which is much closer to the Enlightenment and even verging on the Industrial Revolution. As a result, expect a similar take on everything - lots of small city-states and villages all being autonomous, long treks, and generally, a lack of powerful mortals (well, at the moment - this will ALL change by Shadow War's beginning!). While I do not require you all to be from Tal'Shar, something in the vicinity would be nice.

In terms of who gets worshipped, the Elder Gods demand respect rather than 'worship' as such, and thus, people typically pray to them only out of fear. Those who derive divine powers get them from Ideals (physical representations of an idea, thought or philosophy). In game terms, tell me your domains, and I'll give you a suitable ideal. Due to various superstitions, don't expect everyone to be understanding regarding magic (some may even be downright violent).

In your backgrounds, I will need to know why you became adventurers, and also a little something about your families. I don't expect novellas, but something would be nice. Once again, if you wanna do your own thing with the fluff, go for it - seriously, I only appreciate such work, and will happily incorporate even minor clashes if it works well.

The most spoken language is Common (called 'Ancient' by modern Jerrahns), but other languages of note (aside from the obvious ones) are Mechrunic (the language of the warforged) and Quor (the language of the kalashtar).

If you have any additional questions, feel free to chime in - either on this thread or by PM, whichever works.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 24, 2008, 10:57:14 PM
Reserved for questions, player listings etc.

Who's in

- ubernoob, playing a Fighter involving two approved Tome feats and a morphing ball of energy weapon
- Tshern, playing a druid, last I heard
- JanusJones, playing something hardcore and fiendish
- Skydragonknight, playing an Assassin with a thinaun dagger
- Aftercrescent, playing a Boneblade Reaper (eventually)

: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 24, 2008, 11:33:56 PM
Edit: I'll be using this as my notepad to work on my PC.

Leakirr of the flailing blows.  Human Swordwraith (Venerable)
[spoiler]
Str: 17 (18 w/ advancement)
Dex: 15
Con: 15
Int: 17 (20 w/ aging)
Wis: 11 (14 w/ aging)
Cha: 11 (14 w/ aging)

Frank & K Fighter 1.
Human.

Feats: Horde Breaker[Combat], Knock Down [Combat], Two Weapon Fighting [Combat]

Character Background: War Profiteer

Walks around with a pair of kasuri gamas (masterwork) that fluff wise is buckets tied to a rope.

Skills:
6 (fighter) +5 (int)+1 (human)
Athletics
Acrobatics
Appraise
Craft
Diplomacy
Intimidate
Knowledge(Nobility and Royalty)
Knowledge(History)
Perception
Search
Sense Motive
Stealth
[/spoiler]
Homebrew Feats
[spoiler]
Turnabout [Combat]
Turnabout is fair play.
Benefits: Enemies do not gain the standard flanking bonus to attack rolls. You can still be flanked for the purposes of SA and similar.
+1: If an enemy scores a critical hit against you, deals sneak attack damage, or uses a similar crit-tastic ability against you and you live, then on the next turn on your first attack against them if you successfully hit them it is an automatic critical hit.
+6: For hit you took in the last round you gain a +1 to hit and damage (capped at your bab) against enemies that hit you in the last round.  If you are currently below half of your maximum hit points the bonuses are doubled (to cap at twice your bab).
+11: Any time you are attacked in melee you may make an AoO against the enemy that attacks you. This AoO is resolved before the attack and may prevent the attack from happening if it causes the enemy to be unable to attack you in melee.
+16: Any time you make an AoO you may also headbutt the enemy as a free action. This is not considered an attack and simply adds damage equal to a gore attack of a creature of your size +2 times your strength modifier.

Knock Down [Combat]
You like to make people fall on their asses.
Benefits: You may be considered one size category larger for the purposes of any size dependant roll you make (such as a Bull Rush, Overrun, or Lift action). This stacks with all similar abilities such as powerful build.
+1: Any time you hit and deal at least 10 points of damage you may make a free trip attempt. If you succeed you do not gain the standard extra attack on them.
+6: If you score a hit while you are using the Power Attack feat, you can make a free bull rush attempt against the foe you hit, applying the number by which you reduced your attack roll as a bonus on the opposed Strength check (as well as on the damage you deal). If you hit with a two-handed weapon, you can apply double that number on the opposed Strength check. Unlike standard bull rush attempts, knockback attempts don't provoke attacks of opportunity, and you don't move with the enemy you knock backward. Bull rush rules can be found on page 154 of the Player's Handbook.
If you choose to use this option in conjunction with a trip attempt the target falls prone at the end of the movement.
+11: Every Time you hit an enemy in melee they must make a fort save (DC 10+str mod+ PA bonus damage) or take a cumulative -2 penalty to attack rolls, AC, and checks. This penalty lasts until the start of your next turn. In addition, by spending a swift action you gain a bonus equal to half your BAB on advanced combat technique checks (Trip, Bullrush, etc) for a number of rounds equal to your BAB.
+16: Flying creatures are now subject to your combat maneuvers. If you make a successful trip check against a flying creature (flying creatures get a +4 bonus to resist trips) then you may hurtle them to the ground (use the rules for the +6 bab ability for the check, but regardless of positioning they head straight down). If you hurtle them far enough to strike the ground they take a number of d6 equal to the number of squares they were prevented from moving plus three times your strength modifyer.

If you do not hurtle them into the ground they end thier movement still flying, but must make a move equivilant action to stop themselves from falling further.
[/spoiler]
RP
[spoiler]
In my time on this world I have witnessed many conflicts.  Man has warred upon man often enough, but always has the scale stayed small.  Nothing in my lifespan has been momentous enough to envolve the Gods themselves.  Something deep withing myself tells me that this will all change soon.  The rising sun draws me east.  My destiny is to be wrought.  Long ago when I took this immortality I knew there was a reason.  That reason is now.  I must abandon my post on this cragtop and find it.  A change is coming.

Grim, Conniving, Leader.
[/spoiler]
Looks
[spoiler]
6'3" 215 lb.
Shoulder length black hair (straight, shiny).
Well trimmed black beard.  No mustashe.
Black piercing eyes.
Narrow face.  Hawklike.
Broad shouldered, well muscled.  Think Babe Ruth.  Stocky for all his height.
Favors browns and reds for clothing.
Heavy leather boots.
Red gloves with the family crest on them.  Family crest is just a circle with three horizontal lines running parrallel through the top half.
[/spoiler]
Stuff I'm considering for advancement
[spoiler]
Eldritch Knight

Fighter 1/ (Combat) Wizard 1/ Eldritch Knight
1) Two Weapon Fighting
Human) Horde Breaker
Bonus) Knock Down
Wizard Bonus) Still Spell
3)
EK Bonus 5)
6)
9)
EK Bonus 10)

Considering:
Elven Wizard Substitution level
hit and run tactics
[/spoiler]
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 24, 2008, 11:35:45 PM
If you read the post, you'd see you have a spot reserved. :P
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 24, 2008, 11:37:55 PM
If you read the post, you'd see you have a spot reserved. :P
Clearly my skimming skills rolled a nat 1.

Edit: I have 2 homebrew Tome feats.  Critique?
Turnabout [Combat]
Turnabout is fair play.
Benefits: Enemies do not gain the standard flanking bonus to attack rolls. You can still be flanked for the purposes of SA and similar.
+1: If an enemy scores a critical hit against you, deals sneak attack damage, or uses a similar crit-tastic ability against you and you live, then on the next turn on your first attack against them if you successfully hit them it is an automatic critical hit.
+6: For hit you took in the last round you gain a +1 to hit and damage (capped at your bab) against enemies that hit you in the last round.  If you are currently below half of your maximum hit points the bonuses are doubled (to cap at twice your bab).
+11: Any time you are attacked in melee you may make an AoO against the enemy that attacks you. This AoO is resolved before the attack and may prevent the attack from happening if it causes the enemy to be unable to attack you in melee.
+16: Any time you make an AoO you may also headbutt the enemy as a free action. This is not considered an attack and simply adds damage equal to a gore attack of a creature of your size +2 times your strength modifier.

Knock Down [Combat]
You like to make people fall on their asses.
Benefits: You may be considered one size category larger for the purposes of any size dependant roll you make (such as a Bull Rush, Overrun, or Lift action). This stacks with all similar abilities such as powerful build.
+1: Any time you hit and deal at least 10 points of damage you may make a free trip attempt. If you succeed you do not gain the standard extra attack on them.
+6: If you score a hit while you are using the Power Attack feat, you can make a free bull rush attempt against the foe you hit, applying the number by which you reduced your attack roll as a bonus on the opposed Strength check (as well as on the damage you deal). If you hit with a two-handed weapon, you can apply double that number on the opposed Strength check. Unlike standard bull rush attempts, knockback attempts don't provoke attacks of opportunity, and you don't move with the enemy you knock backward. Bull rush rules can be found on page 154 of the Player's Handbook.
If you choose to use this option in conjunction with a trip attempt the target falls prone at the end of the movement.
+11: Every Time you hit an enemy in melee they must make a fort save (DC 10+str mod+ PA bonus damage) or take a cumulative -2 penalty to attack rolls, AC, and checks. This penalty lasts until the start of your next turn. In addition, by spending a swift action you gain a bonus equal to half your BAB on advanced combat technique checks (Trip, Bullrush, etc) for a number of rounds equal to your BAB.
+16: Flying creatures are now subject to your combat maneuvers. If you make a successful trip check against a flying creature (flying creatures get a +4 bonus to resist trips) then you may hurtle them to the ground (use the rules for the +6 bab ability for the check, but regardless of positioning they head straight down). If you hurtle them far enough to strike the ground they take a number of d6 equal to the number of squares they were prevented from moving plus three times your strength modifyer.

If you do not hurtle them into the ground they end thier movement still flying, but must make a move equivilant action to stop themselves from falling further.

Brewed over at the den:
http://www.tgdmb.com/viewtopic.php?t=48737&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=

I'd be interested in making a Frank & K fighter.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: JanusJones July 24, 2008, 11:49:46 PM
In.  Hardcore.

IN.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 24, 2008, 11:57:58 PM
ubernoob and JJ: check post 2 of this thread. :P
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 25, 2008, 12:00:43 AM
ubernoob and JJ: check post 2 of this thread. :P
Awesome.  Mind if I roll stats now?
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 25, 2008, 12:02:41 AM
Go right ahead. Invisicastle should do fine.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: skydragonknight July 25, 2008, 12:02:57 AM
In if someone can vouch that I will enjoy this game.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 25, 2008, 12:06:37 AM
In if someone can vouch that I will enjoy this game.
Mister Sinister is pretty darn awesome.  Some DMs call themselves "storytellers," but sinister is a worldbuilder.  Very sandbox.  The last game I was in with him as DM had *awesome* flavor and characters.  It died to RL issues (MS moved to Japan).  I'm eager to game with MS.

I'm vouching.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 25, 2008, 12:09:24 AM
invisiblecastle.com/stats/view/17785/
That puts me at:
17, 15, 15, 11, 17, 11
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: skydragonknight July 25, 2008, 12:10:32 AM
Alrighty then, I'm in. I'll make an exception to my "won't ever play another game starting at level 1" rule. :)
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: AfterCrescent July 25, 2008, 12:12:37 AM
Am I in time? If so, I'm in.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 25, 2008, 12:13:52 AM
Go with those stats, ubernoob. And thanks for vouching for me - I still have no idea why people enjoy my games. :P

Skydragonknight, I hope you will enjoy this game, despite the low starting level. Adding you to post 2.

Aftercrescent: Sure, why not? You seem like a nice guy. :D

Edit: Whoa... I've never had a game fill up this fast. Thanks!
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: AfterCrescent July 25, 2008, 12:15:12 AM
Sweet :D
Thanks.

Rolled stats here -> Stats (1d8+10=15, 1d8+10=16, 1d8+10=17, 1d8+10=11, 1d8+10=15, 1d8+10=16) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1674988/)
Is that cool?

Also, is the Boneblade Reaper from Frank & K okay?  :D

And if it is, does the enhancement bones from the WoL work with the Deathscribed Flesh ability?
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 25, 2008, 12:41:45 AM
Aftercrescent, the stats are fine, as is the boneblade reaper. No, the bonus given in my advancement table does not work with Deathscribed Flesh.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: JanusJones July 25, 2008, 12:43:36 AM
My rollz . . . which are sweetz!

http://invisiblecastle.com/stats/view/17786/ (http://invisiblecastle.com/stats/view/17786/)
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 25, 2008, 12:45:51 AM
My rollz . . . which are sweetz!

http://invisiblecastle.com/stats/view/17786/ (http://invisiblecastle.com/stats/view/17786/)
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/search/255648/

Wow.  I did not expect that from a CO reg.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 25, 2008, 12:48:33 AM
Woooooah.... drop one of the 16s to a 13 and one of the 17s to an 11. Then keep 'em.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: JanusJones July 25, 2008, 12:50:48 AM
Meh.  The penalty for the 18 seemed unreasonable.  I'll point buy if'n you like - it's more control.

Thanks, MS - tres' cool of you.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: skydragonknight July 25, 2008, 01:08:16 AM
Was about to post THIS sucker, but noticed I used the wrong roll method.

Warning: contains high levels of suck.
[spoiler]STR 8, DEX 14, CON 12, INT 7, WIS 11, CHA 15 (http://invisiblecastle.com/stats/view/17787/)[/spoiler]

now to see what 1d8+10 gives me...

Come on, 7! Err...18! (1d8+10=18, 1d8+10=11, 1d8+10=12, 1d8+10=11, 1d8+10=12, 1d8+10=13) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1675010/)

So that's 18,10,11,10,11,12...
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 25, 2008, 01:09:36 AM
Was about to post THIS sucker, but noticed I used the wrong roll method.

Warning: contains high levels of suck.
[spoiler]STR 8, DEX 14, CON 12, INT 7, WIS 11, CHA 15 (http://invisiblecastle.com/stats/view/17787/)[/spoiler]

now to see what 1d8+10 gives me...

Come on, 7! Err...18! (1d8+10=18, 1d8+10=11, 1d8+10=12, 1d8+10=11, 1d8+10=12, 1d8+10=13) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1675010/)

So that's 18,10,11,10,11,12...
So, who wants to be the wizard to toss buffs my way?
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 25, 2008, 01:11:09 AM
JJ: Sure, no problem!

Skydragonknight: That is.... spectacular. I have never seen so much sucktitude come out of this method. Tell you what, reroll. Let the dice fix their own pile of crap.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: skydragonknight July 25, 2008, 01:15:29 AM
It's playable!

*crosses fingers* (1d8+10=17, 1d8+10=16, 1d8+10=16, 1d8+10=18, 1d8+10=14, 1d8+10=14) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1675018/)

17,16,16,18,13,13.

I get to play something besides a Druid! woot!

Edit: That first set of rolls I asked for an 18 and some Efreeti heard me. lol
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 25, 2008, 01:20:57 AM
Drop one 16 to an 11, and you're fine. Oh, and yeah, those efreeti are damn tricky... :P
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 25, 2008, 01:34:37 AM
Anyone remember where the masterwork potion belt is printed?  IIRC it makes drinking a potion a move action.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: skydragonknight July 25, 2008, 01:58:53 AM
Anyone remember where the masterwork potion belt is printed?  IIRC it makes drinking a potion a move action.

Either DMG2 or a Faerun book.

Oh, and I'm playing an Assassin.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Pan-Fried Hamster July 25, 2008, 01:59:27 AM
PGtF I think?  It's one of the Forgotten Realms books.  I usually combine it with a Belt of Healing from the MiC as my default starting belt (total cost 810 gp).
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 25, 2008, 02:01:16 AM
PGtF I think?  It's one of the Forgotten Realms books.  I usually combine it with a Belt of Healing from the MiC as my default starting belt (total cost 810 gp).
60 gp, holds up to 10 potions, makes drinking a potion into a move action.  Sound about right?  All I need is the stats.  I'm thinking enlarge person is going to be a winner at level one.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: AfterCrescent July 25, 2008, 05:16:27 AM
For the Legacy Weapon... Do we start with it, or will we be finding it in game sometime?  Also, is it something you choose or should I be looking toward what weapon I would want for that purpose?

Also, I can't seem to find information on Boneblade weapons other than that they are equivalent to wood as a material. Have stats been released for it?
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 25, 2008, 08:59:46 AM
Aftercrescent: Boneblade is in the Necromantic Materials section of the Tomes.

Boneblades: Boneblades are alchemically and necromantically hardened blades made from the bones of intelligent creatures, and the material can only be created by craftsmen with the Boneblade Master feat. For an unknown reason, they only retain their special properties if they are made into light slashing or piercing weapons. Boneblades used in melee combat ignore the damage reduction of any undead creature and can hit incorporeal creatures as if they were magic weapons with the ghost touch property..
Boneblades made from dragon bones can be combined with the Dragoncrafter feat to produce items with both properties.
Cost: 1,000 gp per lb.

Also, the legacy weapon is what you specify, designed by me, to be found later.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: AfterCrescent July 25, 2008, 02:23:21 PM
Thanks. Not sure how I missed it...

Would a boneblade weapon (possibly dragonbone) be a viable option for the legacy weapon?
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 25, 2008, 02:25:15 PM
For my legacy weapon, I really want a morphing ball of energy that can transform as a swift action into any simple, martial, or exotic weapon.  Yeah, I don't want to be stuck with just one weapon.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: skydragonknight July 25, 2008, 06:33:25 PM
I'd opt for a Thinaum dagger. I mean you've got to be a very lame Assassin if you kill somebody important but then they get ressurected.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Tshern July 25, 2008, 06:35:59 PM
Who's in
- Tshern, playing a druid, last I heard
Everyone willing to enter a popularity contest against me: Some two pages of posts before I found this thread and I was already in the game.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Tshern July 25, 2008, 06:42:33 PM
My rolls. (http://invisiblecastle.com/stats/view/17798/) Forgot to put them in place, but I suppose I can rearrange them now?

Not too great an array, but I can do with that no problem:
Str:10 Dex:12 Con:15 Int:13 Wis:18 Cha:9

Needless to say, I am not surprised my crappy luck with dies.

Edit: Wtf? Seems I rolled 1d10+8, not 1d8+10. Reroll -->
Edit2: Suck at the new rolls! Here ya go! (http://invisiblecastle.com/stats/view/17799/)
Str:16 Dex:16 Con:16 Int:16 Wis:17 Cha:13

A tasty array much?
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 25, 2008, 07:50:13 PM
Damn.  Everybody so far has had better stats than me.  Eh, I can totally work with what I've got.

@Tshern: You weren't the only one.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 25, 2008, 08:35:13 PM
Tshern, you and ubernoob have had a spot reserved since before the game started! Yes, the array is rather tasty... rather too tasty. Drop the two 16s to a 13 and 12, then go with that.

Skydragonknight: Is there anything in particular you want this dagger to do?
ubernoob: Ok, sure. Anything else you want it to do?
Aftercrescent: Boneblade is all good, but where do I find dragonbone?

Oh yeah, check post 1 again. In my haste, I forgot a few minor rules things.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 25, 2008, 08:48:43 PM
ubernoob: Ok, sure. Anything else you want it to do?
I'd like some sort of "mega attack" that depends on what type of weapon it is currently shaped as.  Reactions to the "mega attack" follow the '-'
Big two hander-I'm the muther fucking hulk.
One handed-Oooh.  Energy.  Shiny.
Light weapon-Damn that was quick.
Bow-Did he just shoot lightning at us?

Mechanics:
Two hander-Either a knock around ability or destroy the scenery.  Maybe both.  Not "mega damage" but has tactical effect.
One handed-I'm imagining some sort of charge up ability.  Something like the energy blasts from dragon ball Z.  Maybe spend a full round charging it up then the next round drop a short range AoE that deals 2d6/character level damage reflex save for half (con based DC, untyped damage).
Light-Maybe get a move action and make two attacks as I leave.  An "oh shit I need to escape" ability.
Bow-Shoot lightning.  A line out to my max range (should be somewhere around a thousand feet) that I make an attack roll against.  Anything on the line who's AC I beat takes untyped damage equal to half my normal bow damage.

Sound interesting?  Just an X/day ability that I pick how to use.

Edit: Cool.  More skill points.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: skydragonknight July 25, 2008, 09:09:53 PM
Skydragonknight: Is there anything in particular you want this dagger to do?

Returning, Distance...ranged Death Attacks are great. At higher levels being able to make multiple ranged attacks in a round(like Bloodstorm Blade's Lightning Ricochet ability) would be awesome. Entirely not necesary until 7th level for Full Death Attack.

The ability to store their souls in gems(mechanic of the Thief of Souls PrC from Tome). Thinaum daggers typically can only hold one soul at a time and if another is stored the first is set free...and then the person can be rezzed, which really lowers my credibility as a professional assassin. The class features of Thief of Souls don't appeal to me, so I don't want to waste levels on it. All I really want is to be able to store the souls which I can either add to my fee to give to my employer or sell to necromancers.

LE if you can't already tell. :)
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 25, 2008, 09:26:34 PM
I'll get to work on both after (or, if you guys are lucky, DURING) work today. :P
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 25, 2008, 10:03:07 PM
LE if you can't already tell. :)
Crap.  Did I miss where we were evil?  I was assuming neutral.  Eh, I can just RP an ass with humor.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: skydragonknight July 25, 2008, 10:21:49 PM
LE if you can't already tell. :)
Crap.  Did I miss where we were evil?  I was assuming neutral.  Eh, I can just RP an ass with humor.

LE aligned assassins actually get along well with other characters. Just contract him and give the money you owe him in the contract and there will be no problems.

LE people are much less dangerous than CN people to be around unless you have powerful enemies that want you dead for some reason. Luckily, you're level 1 and probably non-nobility so you have nothing to worry about...yet.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 25, 2008, 10:36:45 PM
If you read my work on alignment that I linked, there is no part where being evil involves being an uncooperative asshole. Those exist in ANY alignment. Lawful evil individuals, as stated there, put the group first anyway.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 25, 2008, 10:48:12 PM
If you read my work on alignment that I linked, there is no part where being evil involves being an uncooperative asshole. Those exist in ANY alignment. Lawful evil individuals, as stated there, put the group first anyway.
Oh yeah.  LE is by far one of the best alignments to have on allies.  I know SDK wouldn't do anything disruptive.  I was just surprised.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 25, 2008, 11:02:31 PM
Ah, ok. Gotcha. :D

Who do I talk to in order to get a fancy subforum like all the other cool PbP kids?
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: skydragonknight July 25, 2008, 11:09:46 PM
Post in the "Current Games" thread which is stickied. Then Aftercrescent will poke Meg until she makes the forum.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 25, 2008, 11:52:54 PM
Does swordwraith paragon have any prereqs?  That class looks fun.  Strength damage, maybe the other two levels (need to decide whether the DR is worthless or not, Iron will is nice and might be worth a level, stealthy even with the tome fix is not really worth a level by itself).

Edit: Done reading pretty much the entire Tome and your essay on alignment.  Leakirr is tending towards TN or LN by those principles.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 26, 2008, 12:44:34 AM
Thanks SDK, I'll do it ASAP.

Swordwraith paragon requires you to be a swordwraith, but no, nothing else. You got through 'On Alignment'? Awesome! If in doubt, go N - that usually helps.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 26, 2008, 12:49:12 AM
Swordwraith paragon requires you to be a swordwraith, but no, nothing else. You got through 'On Alignment'? Awesome! If in doubt, go N - that usually helps.
Could we weave in a reason to become a swordwraith for Leakirr?  I don't want to start as one, but it would be awesome to become one.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 26, 2008, 12:59:40 AM
Fluffwise, it can be arranged. As anything. :D

Also, I was just struck with an idea - instead of giving you premade legacy items, why not let you craft your own? Essentially, each time you gain levels, you guys decide what abilities your weapon grabs, and write those weapons' own histories? Far cooler, I think.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 26, 2008, 01:01:42 AM
Fluffwise, it can be arranged. As anything. :D

Also, I was just struck with an idea - instead of giving you premade legacy items, why not let you craft your own? Essentially, each time you gain levels, you guys decide what abilities your weapon grabs, and write those weapons' own histories? Far cooler, I think.
I'd be up for this.

Edit: Done with the Ideals too.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: AfterCrescent July 26, 2008, 02:42:26 AM
Aftercrescent: Boneblade is all good, but where do I find dragonbone?
Absolutely no idea. :D It said in the quote you gave me that it can be combined with the Dragoncrafter feat.  I'm going to be busy this weekend, so my posting will dwindle, but come Sunday/Monday night, I'll catch up and figure out mroe specifically what I'm going to be doing and put in a solid request for the legacy weapon and come up with some background...
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 26, 2008, 02:50:13 AM
IIRC, Frank & K were working on a dragon based Tome, but never finished it.  They decided to not finish it after all the dragon wanking supplements.  The Tomes aren't exactly finished (skill feats, spell level feats, dragons, etc).
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 26, 2008, 02:58:17 AM
Wow, nice. How does it all read?

Also, you're right, swordwraith paragon kinda sucks. Make the DR /-, and get the Skill Feat version of Stealthy. That should make it more decent. The Skill Feat version of Stealthy is much better, and you can find it in the community material section of the PDF.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 26, 2008, 03:05:05 AM
Wow, nice. How does it all read?

Also, you're right, swordwraith paragon kinda sucks. Make the DR /-, and get the Skill Feat version of Stealthy. That should make it more decent. The Skill Feat version of Stealthy is much better, and you can find it in the community material section of the PDF.
What about the skill version of alertness?  Not a big deal, but it would be cool.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 26, 2008, 03:23:46 AM
Yeah, sure, why not?
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 26, 2008, 03:42:33 AM
Yeah, sure, why not?
Now I'm considering starting as a swordwraith...

I need to work on narrowing down the RP I'm going for.

Edit: Really leaning toward starting as a venerable swordwraith.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 26, 2008, 03:47:38 AM
Well, have fun with that, what can I say?
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Tshern July 26, 2008, 04:53:19 PM
If you read my work on alignment that I linked, there is no part where being evil involves being an uncooperative asshole. Those exist in ANY alignment. Lawful evil individuals, as stated there, put the group first anyway.
Oh yeah.  LE is by far one of the best alignments to have on allies.  I know SDK wouldn't do anything disruptive.  I was just surprised.
Depends on how intelligence that LE guy is. I mean, you don't want to be having an intelligence score 48 (wonder where I got that number?) ally, because that means you are going to get fucked.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 26, 2008, 05:31:08 PM
Point.  I'll just assume no one is much smarter than my fighter in the party.  We don't have any wizards yet.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: skydragonknight July 26, 2008, 10:24:13 PM
Probably Dispater's Intelligence.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 27, 2008, 09:22:28 AM
Anyone with Dispi Int of any alignment has a right to fuck anyone in the ass, and then charge them money for it being so good.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: JanusJones July 27, 2008, 02:34:56 PM
Dude - smart evil means you know how important being nice to your friends are.  Evil people aren't scary alone - they're scary when they've got lots of good, loyal peeps to back them.  I've played a ton of evil characters in good parties, and everybody always loved me. And I was usually NE, too - remember, a SMART sociopath is nice to everybody - because getting people to like you and help you brings you WAY more fun and profit than being a dick!

I'm thinking of some Tome of Fiends stuff.  More soon!
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 27, 2008, 05:50:16 PM
http://www.tgdmb.com/viewtopic.php?p=50378#50378

Thoughts on dragon disciple and eldritch knight?
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: AfterCrescent July 27, 2008, 06:36:23 PM
Okay, I'm back in town, and going to catch up with everything. :D

Quick questions: Would the dungeonomicon monk's AC bonus stack with the AC bonus from Boneblade reaper? Would you allow Carmendine Monk (Champions of Valor feat) to make the dungeonomicon monk's Willow Step ability Int based?
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 27, 2008, 09:43:58 PM
I just saw an interesting thread in the den about 3.X saves.  Interesting idea:
Class/RHD based saves are gone.  Everyone has base saves of 2+1/2 HD(rounded down) for all 3 saves.  All effects with a DC have DC = 10+1/2 HD (rounded up)+ability mod.

This way lower level spells that offer saves stay more useful and higher level spells are more likely to fail.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 27, 2008, 10:26:59 PM
ubernoob: Consider both approved for use. Everyone else: mine this thread, it is made of lotsa awesome.

Also ubernoob: If everyone else doesn't mind, I don't mind using this save variant. I've been following it with great interest, and maybe trying it out may help.

Tshern: Read the druid in the thread ubernoob linked and tell me if you would be happy playing it.

Aftercrescent:
: Monk
A Monk has a special Armor bonus whenever they are not using armor or shields that
he is not proficient in. This Armor Bonus applies against Touch Attacks and Incorporeal Touch Attacks, and
has a value of +4.
: Boneblade Reaper
The Boneblade Reaper has scribed necromantic runes into the own flesh of his
arms and chest, never healing and faintly shimmering with dark energy. As long as these runes are not covered
by clothing or armor, these runes provide protection from the blades and claws of the Boneblade Reaper’s
enemies. In game terms, this counts a +8 armor bonus that counts against touch attacks and incorporeal
touch attacks. For each additional level of this class, this bonus increases by +1.

No stacking of identical bonuses, thus, no stacking. As for Carmedine Monk, I am not familiar with the exact wording, so if you can post it, I can make a ruling, which I suspect will be a positive one.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 28, 2008, 01:43:05 AM
Yeah... So, eldritch knight looks really tasty.  Since Tome of Gears never could decide on what to do about consumables how would scribe scroll work?  Also, is retraining in effect so I could pick up still spell once I pick up a wizard level?
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 28, 2008, 01:59:16 AM
Scribe Scroll would cost cash, but not XP, since, as Frank and K said, it was silly to charge people XP for making stuff. Also, you can take metamagic feats without having any caster levels by RAW, there is no problem with that. However, I will add a note on retraining.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 28, 2008, 02:21:29 AM
Scribe Scroll would cost cash, but not XP, since, as Frank and K said, it was silly to charge people XP for making stuff. Also, you can take metamagic feats without having any caster levels by RAW, there is no problem with that. However, I will add a note on retraining.
Hmm.  Without the xp river scribe scroll blows.  Can I use the combat wizard ACF from UA?
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 28, 2008, 02:23:31 AM
Ubernoob, XP river = dumb side-effect which should not be there. Also, combat wizard is fine. :D
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 28, 2008, 02:27:44 AM
Ubernoob, XP river = dumb side-effect which should not be there. Also, combat wizard is fine. :D
Awesome.  Since we are playing with RoW are [Combat] feats valid?

Metagame analysis: with retraining I'd effectively be trading scribe scroll for still spell.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 28, 2008, 02:30:55 AM
Combat feats? Yeah, sure, go nuts.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: AfterCrescent July 28, 2008, 03:43:51 AM
Here's the feat...
I'm still not entirely sure what I want for the base, but I'm pretty set on Boneblade Reaper :D
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 28, 2008, 04:09:07 AM
Sure, ruling is positive. :D
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Ubernoob July 28, 2008, 12:20:50 PM
Are domain wizards (UA) in?  It's either transmutation, conjuration or focused specialist in transmutation.
: Re: The Hand of the Shadow War - Recruitment and Information
: Mister_Sinister July 28, 2008, 09:00:27 PM
Domain wizards are a little crazy, so no.

Edit: We can has our own forum! Please post any future stuff there.