Mister_Sinister and I have decided to Co-DM a game. We're going for a
Mystery/Suspense/Horror theme. We want to bring back the flavor of some of the 'better' monsters. Ever laughed at a minotaur? Not anymore. The game will bring the dark elements of books like the
Book of Vile Darkness,
Libris Mortis,
Champions of Ruin, and, especially,
Heroes of Horror.
The game will start at 6th level and run to approximately 16th level or above. Expect competent combat and heavy role playing in this game.
Story: The game will start with the final meeting between a group of five well-traveled, seasoned, adventurers and their soon-to-be sponsor, Emilio. The team that has worked together to establish their credentials has been sought after and recruited for a most promising mission. Emilio has learned of a lost civilization, buried deep in the jungle. A civilization that disappeared over a millenia ago, and he is most interested in what this civilization has to offer. Anything in the lines of wealth, in addition to the hefty fee he is offering, will be fair game for the adventurers, but anything of possible historical or archaelogical relevance will pass through his hands first. That is the only rule he has established. The jungle is largely unexplored due to its density, dangerous creatures, and the heavy mists that can cause one to quickly become lost. The entire thing reaks of adventure and wealth, and the party is almost biting at the chomp to head out...
Houserules:~ Any 3.5 source is open to use. We're not one for limiting resources. However, since this game has a fair portion dedicated to flavor and role playing, we prefer that choices for race and class be made primarily on flavor. We reserve the right to empower or nerf something, as appropriate, to keep balance with the rest of the party.
~ Posting Limit: We want a game that moves forward, and steadily. To that end, we've settled on a one post/day minimum. If you don't think you can make that, the game may not be for you. Of course real life creeps up on us, but please let us know. Going MIA is not going to fly.
Also, since many people go out to enjoy the weekends, if you can keep the post rate Mon-Fri, but slow down during the weekends, that won't hurt, just let us know in advance.
~ Lycanthropy specifically, but templates in general for the most part, change humanoids to non-humanoids. In the case of Lycanthropy, humanoids become Monstrous Humanoids. Giants stay giants.
~ Race requirements for Prestige Classes will be waved.
~ Multi-class penalties will be waved.
~ Fractional BAB & Saves.
~ Death occurs at -10HP or -Con HP, whichever is more beneficial at the time.
~ Disjunction does not destroy items, but renders them non-magical for 1 hour.
~ Any non-Int based class that has 2+Int skill points, is upped to 4+Int skill points (cleric, sorcerer, and warlock off the top of our heads).
~ Level Adjustment does not exist. If you want to play a race that is not basic race, PM/Message Mister_Sinister or myself. Tell us the race and why and we'll make something ad hoc. It'll be very houseruled, but we'll work it out.
~ The Dread Witch's Greater Master of Terror ability allows the Dread Witch's fear effects to pierce any immunity, save mindless creature's immunity.
~ New Feat: Sublime Outlaw - This feat allows a character to stack ONE martial class with rogue for Sneak attack damage. So Rogue 5/IL 3 has the Sneak Attack of a Rogue 8. Also, the rogue levels stack with IL, as if it was a full IL class for the purpose of qualifying for martial STANCES.
~ Swashbucklers are going to change: d10 HD for starters. Add in Fighter bonus feats, and Swashbucklers qualify for them as if they were a fighter of their level. Also, the Arcane Stunt variant from Complete Mage is now a Swashbuckler class feature.
~ Feat Change: Einhander (PHB2) is being drastically changed. Narrow Profile becomes - You can add your int as a shield bonus to AC when using a one-handed weapon in your main hand and nothing in your off hand. Off-hand Balance becomes - As long as you successfully damage a creature, you do not provoke Attacks of Opportunity from that creature for maneuvering in/out of combat that round. Off-Hand swap dies. Instead, add Lunging Strike - As long as you are in the Einhander stance (activating or deactivating is a swift action) you gain 5' reach.
~ Fear Change: Weapon Focus - You gain a +1 on attack and damage rolls with your chosen weapon. This increases by an additional +1 for every 4 points of BAB. (BAB of 4 = +2, 8 = +3, etc). The max bonus is +5 at BAB 16 from this feat. Weapon Specialization, etc all the way up to Weapon Supremacy are trashed.
~
Item Change: The Everfull Mug produces only wine, beer or ale. It takes one minute to slowly fill the mug with the liquid of choice, but has no limit to the number of uses.~ Natural Bond CAN offset the penalty for a higher level druid's animal companion.
~ Skills will be rolled together, as per MS's general houserule:
- 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
- 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
I think that covers the houserules. Yeah. Suspense/Horror houseruled game with fair amounts of RP and Combat. Levels 6-16ish. We'll be taking 5 players, so post your interest and any inspiration you have. Right now, we're temporarily reserving 3 spots for people who we'd like in on it. If they don't bite, of course, the spots are open to all.